Kynon's Korner: 5-Star Names Surprising Top 5, Track Star Talks SEC Schools

5-star Iman Marshall Announces Top 5

Long Beach (California) Poly defensive back Iman Marshall announced his top five over the weekend. Marshall tweeted out his list consisting of Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame and Oklahoma: 

All five programs recruit out of state well, so it's no surprise to see each in the mix for Marshall. However, only Michigan, Notre Dame, and Oklahoma have players on their roster from the Golden State. 

As far as when he will take his official visits, that is still up in the air, according to Marshall's father. Mr. Marshall told me via text message, "He hasn't set any dates. He will not be able to take any of his officials until November because of the NCAA requirement that he must take the SAT and/or ACT first." 

Despite the fact that Marshall didn't list any West Coast schools in his top five, the buzz is USC is still in play. The 247Sports Crystal Ball has him as a 100 percent lock to the Trojans.  

I spoke to Scout.com West Coast recruiting analyst Greg Biggins about Marshall's recruitment. 

Biggins told me, "Marshall grew up a fan of USC. He has been to campus unofficially multiple times. He has a good relationship with the coaching staff. Stanford and UCLA want him. At the next level he is looking for a school that can showcase his ability early as a freshman.

"Scheme-wise he wants a school that allows him to be aggressive and play press man. Academics are important, so a school on his list like Notre Dame could use that. He has referred to LSU as DBU. All the schools have a chance, so it will be interesting to see."

It sounds like Marshall is going to take his out-of-state visits but keep USC, UCLA and Stanford in the fold before making a pledge. Despite Marshall announcing his five official visits, expect the Golden State schools to be there come decision day. 

Sooners Make a Huge Jump With 4-Star LB from Ohio

Outside linebacker Anthony McKee from Columbus, Ohio, returned home from his official visit to Oklahoma and raved about his time in Norman. Heading into the trip, Michigan State was McKee's standout school. However, the 4-star defender said the Sooners are now even with the Spartans.

"Oklahoma is now tied with Michigan State. They are my top two for sure," McKee told me directly. "I almost committed. If my family was there I probably would have. They showed a great time. My host was the linebacker, Curtis Bolton. The defense was impressive. That stood out. I also liked being with the team during warm-ups."

Next up for McKee is a visit to East Lansing for the Michigan State-Ohio State game on November 8. He said it will likely come down to that visit when breaking down the Spartans and Sooners. 

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"I have a good relationship with Coach (Mike) Tressel at Michigan State. Same for Coach (Tim) Kish at Oklahoma," added McKee. "I like how both defenses get after it. That's what makes it so hard because both are great places with great people." 

McKee said he doesn't have a timetable on when he will commit, stating, "It could happen after my next visit or later on." 

When asked for a prediction for the Spartans-Buckeyes contest? The Columbus native said, "Michigan State should win by two touchdowns. I'd say 28-14."

'Dawgs in Good Shape with 4-Star Athlete

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The Georgia Bulldogs are looking to make some headway in Louisiana for the Class of 2015. Head coach Mark Richt and defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt have made Donte Jackson a major priority for the 'Dawgs. Jackson attended the UGA-Clemson game in Athens two weeks ago for an unofficial visit. 

Jackson told me, "That visit was real nice. All the fans up there were happy to see me. I got a chance to talk to the players and Coach Richt, and they happy to see me back there after visiting for their summer camp. It was a productive visit. Coach Pruitt stresses to me a lot that I'm his No. 1 guy. It was a lot of love."

The 4-star speedster said his relationship with the coaching staff is one of the reasons he is considering Georgia.

"I really like Coach Richt. He is a laid-back guy, but he really focuses on building better men and not just football players," added Jackson.

"I grew up a fan of college football, and Georgia was one of the schools I really liked," he said "I was fan of players like A.J. Green and Knowshon Moreno. It helped when they got Coach Pruitt over from Florida State. That made me start liking them a lot. They want me at cornerback and as a returner. They want me to come in compete for playing time early."

Jackson is a well-rounded athlete. As a junior he won state championships in the 100 and 200 meters, and he plans to continue participating in both sports at the next level. 

"All of the schools that I'm considering have offered me for football and track," noted Jackson. "It helps me stay healthy and helps me keep my speed up when I play that corner position so no one is running past me."

LSU is still working hard to keep the New Orleans native home. Ace recruiter Frank Wilson has led the charge for Jackson along with defensive backs coach Corey Raymond.

"Me being a New Orleans guy, I've always had love for LSU. They had a place in my football heaven," stated Jackson. "My lead recruiter is Coach Frank (Wilson). He is pretty much like an uncle. I call him Uncle Frank. I talk with Coach (Les) Miles a lot. He is a cool guy. Coach Raymond is always telling me how much he needs me and how I can come in early to play the nickel position." 

So is this an SEC showdown for sticky cover man? He replied, "I can't necessarily say it's a SEC battle, but my lead two schools are LSU and Georgia."

Jackson is planning to make his decision at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on January 3. He said Ole Miss, Texas Tech, UCLA and USC are schools he is still considering. 

Miami Loses a 4-Star RB Commit

On Saturday morning, 4-star running back Jordan Cronkrite decommitted from the Hurricanes and took a road trip to Gainesville to check out the Gators.

Cronkrite was one of Miami's four 4-star commitments at tailback. Running back is a position of need for the 'Canes, as standout Duke Johnson is eligible for the NFL draft. However, some recruiting insiders feel Miami will be just fine with its trio of verbal pledges.

I caught up with recruiting veteran David Lake of 247Sports site InsideTheU.com.

"In the big picture it's not a huge loss because of the guys committed like Jordan Scarlett, Dexter Williams and Mark Walton. They are ranked higher than Cronkrite," stated Lake. "Jordan is a good back, but his best position at the next level could be safety. It's not a slight to him. I watched him on Friday, and he made more plays in the secondary."

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The loss still stings a little because Miami head coach Al Golden has made recruiting the tri-county area of Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach a key factor for his staff. UM is still in great shape for the future. Lake said Miami could be close to returning to the days of Clinton Portis, Willis McGahee and Frank Gore with this class.

"I think this is as close it has been if all three stick. What I like most about Scarlett, Williams and Walton is they have embraced the competition," remarked Lake. "They have said the right things publicly that they want to share carries like Portis, McGahee and Gore. It would be easy to say they want to be the featured guy."

Williams was the first of the backs to commit. Lake said keep an eye on him down the stretch.

"When he committed it came as a surprise. Florida has been involved with him, and his family likes the Gators," added Lake. "Yet he is still firm. In fact he has already signed his financial aid agreement papers. It's hard to say this is a situation to watch, but I think it is."

Miami is currently ranked No. 12 in 247Sports' team rankings. 

Magnolia State 4-star Checks Out Ole Miss

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Offensive guard Javon Patterson took his second unofficial visit of the fall. Patterson was in Oxford, Mississippi, for the Rebels' 56-15 thrashing of Louisiana-Lafayette. The rugged lineman liked what he saw from Ole Miss. 

"My favorite part was the Grove. Ole Miss is a great school with lots of tradition," Patterson told me directly. "I'm going to try to take an official visit. I feel comfortable with Ole Miss and Auburn."

Mississippi State is heavily involved with the road grader from Petal. The 6'2", 290-pounder was in Starkville on August 30 for the Bulldogs' home opener. He currently has a top five of Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Mississippi State and Ole Miss. When asked who is recruiting him the hardest? He quickly replied, "All of them."

Last week the Rebs added a commitment from 4-star offensive lineman Drew Richmond. I asked Patterson if that would affect his decision. 

"I did see Drew committed. I would not really have an impact, but it would be great to play with him," answered Patterson.

As of now, the 247Sports Crystal Ball gives him an 83 percent chance to commit to the Rebels. It would be an impressive haul for head coach Hugh Freeze to get Patterson and Richmond in the same class. 

4-Star Micah Abernathy Talks Oregon Visit

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Last weekend, Norcross (Georgia) Greater Atlanta Christian cornerback Micah Abernathy took his first official visit to Oregon and returned with rave reviews. 

"It was my first time out there. My favorite part about it was getting to know the coaches better," Abernathy told Bleacher Report. "I didn't know them too well, but I feel better about them after this visit. My recruiter is Coach (John) Neal and he is a real cool guy. I'm getting to know Coach (Mark) Helfrich more, and he is a genuine guy."

When asked if his family wants him to stay closer to home, he responded: "No it doesn't matter where I go. They will support me."

The in-state Bulldogs hosted Abernathy for an unofficial visit in their season opener. He said it was good to get up there again after participating in their summer camp. 

Abernathy stated: "It was a cool environment. The fans were loud, and that was one of the things you notice when you get there. I got a chance to talk to Coach Pruitt again. He is a cool guy." 

He said he is going to talk to his parents about setting up his next official visit. They didn't accompany him to Oregon. 

"All of the schools are even right now, but Georgia, Oregon and Tennessee recruiting me the hardest right now." 

Ohio State and Penn State sit firmly in his top five. The 247Sports' Crystal Ball has him leaning toward Georgia with a 75 percent chance he picks the Bulldogs. 

Unless otherwise noted all quotes were obtained firsthand. Recruiting information and ratings courtesy of 247Sports unless otherwise noted.