Albert Huggins Sets Decision Date: Which Program Is Best Fit for 4-Star?

Elite defensive lineman Albert Huggins is nearly ready to determine his collegiate future. Georgia and Clemson are expected to vie for a commitment from the Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School standout when he announces those intentions Dec. 12, per Ryan Bartow of 247Sports.

The 6'3", 279-pound South Carolina prospect holds more than 20 scholarship offers, creating a list that includes Alabama, Miami, Auburn, LSU and Notre Dame. Despite an array of potential suitors, this pursuit appears to come down to two teams within nearby proximity to his hometown.

Huggins, who landed on the national radar with 135 total tackles and 18 sacks as a sophomore and junior, is rated 12th among defensive tackles in 247Sports' composite rankings. His efforts earned him an invitation to compete in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Orangeburg-Wilkinson head coach Tommy Brown believes the best is yet to come due to Huggins' drive, he explained to Michael Burns of The Greenville News.

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Along with his athleticism, he has an intense work ethic. Most kids that size don't work as he does. I've been around a lot of big kids. This kid is so intent on getting better every time he steps in the weight room, and you can't teach that. Most big kids don't have that; they're naturally strong. But this kid loves to work out, and he loves to get better. That's something that I've never seen in my years of coaching with a guy his size. With that type of attitude, your upside is unlimited.

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College coaches took notice of his upside early, and now it seems just two are still in play to land a pledge from the persistent big man.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney and Georgia coach Mark Richt will each spend personal time with Huggins during in-home visits before his decision, per Bartow. Both programs currently hold top-10 2015 recruiting classes and could vault further up national rankings with Huggins on board.

Georgia

No team has greater potential to put together a "dream" defensive front during this cycle than the Bulldogs. Richt already holds a coveted commitment from top-rated tackle Trent Thompson and four 4-star defensive ends, including former Alabama pledge Jonathan Ledbetter.

Ledbetter and South Carolina product Michael Barnett are both capable of sliding inside to play defensive tackle given their physical stature. Meanwhile, Georgia remains among the favorites for Virginia defensive end Josh Sweat, who is considered the consensus No. 1 overall 2015 prospect.

A commitment from Huggins would certainly be a case of the rich getting richer, though it would be difficult for the Bulldogs to promise him early playing time. Despite depth at the position, Huggins has remained a key priority for Richt and his staff throughout the process.

The team welcomed him to campus in November for an official visit and created a positive impression.

"I like it there," Huggins told Bartow (subscription required). "Just know that. I can see myself there in the next couple of months. They treated us like family."

Clemson

The Tigers' recent rise to prominence is predominately credited to an explosive offensive attack that has featured current NFL standouts like Sammy Watkins, DeAndre Hopkins and Andre Ellington. These days, with young, developing talent taking the reins on offense, it's become more of a balanced effort.

Clemson is among national leaders in yards allowed this season and features three first-team All-ACC defenders. With standouts like Grady Jarrett and Vic Beasley leading the charge, the Tigers' identity has advanced beyond just an offensive juggernaut.

Huggins used an official visit at Clemson during Thanksgiving weekend. It provided another glimpse at game day on campus.

"I've already seen the coaches, the fans and how they act like a family," he told Phil Kornblut of PalmettoSports.com prior to the trip. "I want to see more of it. That's why I'm going up there. I know how (Clemson co-defensive coordinator Marion) Hobby is and how the defensive lineman are, I just want to go there and see them ball out."

Huggins witnessed Clemson snap a five-game losing streak against South Carolina and outgain the Gamecocks by nearly 160 yards.

The Tigers hold commitments from 4-star defensive ends Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant, along with quality North Carolina tackle Sterling Johnson. However, none of these players appear to present the immediate impact capabilities of Huggins.

Clemson remains in need of beef along the interior, and he could become a mainstay up front for the Tigers as a freshman. The potential to play early for a program putting together the pieces of a well-balanced title contender makes the Tigers his preferred fit at the conclusion of a frenzied recruiting race.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.