Kynon's Korner: The Latest on the Under Armour All-America Game Commitments
It's officially all-star season on the recruiting circuit as many of the nation's top prospects will turn their attention to the Under Armour All-America Game, U.S. Army All-American Bowl and Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl. These games will feature plenty of star power for the class of 2015 while also providing a glimpse into the future stars of Saturday and beyond.
However, most recruitniks want to know: Where will the top uncommitted prospects announce their college verbal declarations?
We've decided to take a closer look at the six players who have agreed to decide during the Under Armour All-America Game ESPN2 telecast on Friday, January 2, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Headlining the list is 5-star defensive back Kendall Sheffield.
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I had the chance to catch up with Sheffield earlier this fall about his recruitment, and LSU and Texas A&M were the teams that were trending. Now, it appears that Alabama and Florida State have made a late push for the sticky cover corner out of Missouri City, Texas.
I spoke to a source with knowledge of his recruitment who told me 'Bama is in good position with decision day less than a week away. Texas A&M still hasn't hired a defensive coordinator after firing Mark Snyder, and that could prove costly with the in-state star. It didn't help the Aggies (subscription required) when Mesquite (Texas) Poteet star linebacker Malik Jefferson chose the Longhorns over A&M and UCLA on December 19.
The Crimson Tide have been here before with regard to a top-notch defensive back out of the Lone Star State. Last year, 'Bama snagged Tony Brown over LSU and Texas. You can't count out Nick Saban in this scenario.
You would like to see Texas A&M make a hire before the New Year, so players like Sheffield can do their research before announcing. If the Aggies don't figure out who they are going to hire in a hurry, it will be devastating on the defensive side of the ball in the 2015 class for head coach Kevin Sumlin. Last week, they lost 5-star defensive tackle commitment Daylon Mack. Sumlin's reputation as an offensive guru and quarterback whisperer may not matter if he can't get the defense corrected in 2015.
Can LSU Keep Odell Beckham-esque Wide Receiver Tyron Johnson Home?
Dynamic pass-catcher Tyron Johnson likes to keep things close to the vest when it comes to naming a leader in his recruitment. If you go to his Twitter page, you will see enjoys his official visits and fan interaction. Auburn, LSU, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech are the teams in serious consideration to land his services.
LSU has done a great job of producing NFL-caliber receivers over the last few years including one of the biggest Pro Bowl snubs, Odell Beckham Jr. Johnson is the No. 2-rated wideout in the 247Sports composite rankings. The Tigers should be in the driver's seat with Johnson based on tradition and location. However, head coach Les Miles and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron have to show Johnson the team can rebound from the dismal passing attack in 2014 that ranked last in the SEC.
Johnson has taken official visits to Auburn and Texas Tech. He has been to LSU unofficially, so he is already familiar with the campus, which should bode well for the Tigers. The 6'1", 190-pounder is expected to take his official visit to Oklahoma State after the season, so it will be interesting to see if he honors that visit should he pledge for Auburn, LSU or Texas Tech on January 2.
I think LSU is the team to beat. However, when you look on paper, Auburn may have the best quarterback situation of the teams on his list of favorites. Next fall on The Plains, head coach Gus Malzahn will likely trot out Jeremy Johnson, a Cam Newton-sized clone, or talented passer Sean White. LSU will have a quarterback battle with Brandon Harris looking to unseat incumbent Anthony Jennings.
I like LSU's chances, but it will be interesting to see if Johnson spurns Geaux Tigers for a chance to play for a program with a stable quarterback situation and proven passing attack.
Virginia Native Tim Settle Keeping Everyone Guessing
Manassas (Va.) Stonewall Jackson defensive lineman Tim Settle recently announced his top five on December 14 via Twitter:
Settle took an official visit to Louisville on December 13. The Cardinals have to feel good about getting the last chance to impress before his announcement.
The Trojans are searching for a franchise defensive tackle with the likely departure of Leonard Williams to the NFL draft. Settle provides the size and power from the interior to be a major force in college. USC already has Jacob Daniel committed, so if the Trojans miss on the Settle sweepstakes, they would still be in a good spot.
Oklahoma State, Virginia Tech and Washington State remain in the hunt. 247Sports recruiting analyst Barton Simmons has predicted him to land with the Hokies.
Keep an eye on Louisville. In my opinion, the Cards' depth chart favors early playing time and a chance for Settle to develop into a solid contributor. They have a chance to sneak in and steal him from Virginia Tech's backyard. If I had a 247Sports Crystal Ball pick, I would peg 'Ville to win this one.
4-Star Defensive Tackle Daron Payne Set to Make an SEC Team Happy
Birmingham, Alabama, product Daron Payne is one of the top defensive tackles in the class of 2015. He has a low center of gravity combined with excellent lower-body power that allows him to drive his opponent backward and disrupt the offensive backfield on a consistent basis.
On the recruiting front, he will decide between Alabama, Auburn and Mississippi State. Earlier this fall he told me assistant coach Mario Cristobal treats him like a son, and that type of effort could pay off for the Tide.
Mississippi State has given maximum effort with Payne, and that should be noted. His high school teammate Keith Mixon is committed to the Bulldogs, and they continue to put the full-court press on. Payne told me he had the "best time" at Hail State summer camp. Auburn is in the picture, but it looks like the Tigers are on the outside looking in.
Typically, Alabama doesn't lose head-to-head recruiting battles with Mississippi State. In my opinion, he is the Tide's to lose especially with ace recruiter Mario Cristobal leading the charge combined with the fact defensive coordinator and Payne's primary recruiter Geoff Collins left State for Florida.
Could Texas Running Back Ronald Jones II Head West?
Will it be Notre Dame or USC for Ronald Jones II out of McKinney, Texas? The one-time Oklahoma State pledge backed off his commitment to the Cowboys following official visits to South Bend and Los Angeles.
The Irish have 3-star running back commitment Josh Adams already in the fold, but they would like to get a feature back like Jones II in this class. Notre Dame could have a dangerous offensive backfield if Jones II decides to team up with big-time signal-caller Brandon Wimbush, who is the top recruit in the class for the Irish.
USC shouldn't be discounted from the race for Jones II. The Trojans have done a good job of recruiting the 4-star back to Troy.
Currently, his 247Sports Crystal Ball has a slight prediction trend leaning toward Notre Dame or USC. The Trojans may surprise come January 2 when he makes his decision public. It would be a big win on the recruiting trail if he picks the Trojans over Notre Dame. The Irish have done a great job of recruiting the state of Texas in recent years with players like Cam McDaniel and Corey Robinson making strong impacts on offense, along with future stars Torii Hunter and Durham Smythe waiting to step up.
Two-Team Race for Dallas Linebacker Anthony Wheeler
Dallas (Texas) Skyline outside linebacker Anthony Wheeler hails from a powerhouse program that has sent players to Arizona, Baylor, California, LSU, Kansas State, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and USC, to name a few, according to the Rivals.com database.
It's no surprise that Wheeler has offers from Alabama, Arkansas, Baylor, Michigan, Oklahoma and Texas, among several others. The 6'2", 225-pound 'backer is a hard hitter with pass-rush ability, so he has good scheme versatility.
Wheeler has visited Oklahoma unofficially, but he has yet to take an official visit. It makes his decision to commit without taking an official visit a curious one, although it favors the Sooners' chances, since they had him on campus and recently visited him at Skyline before the dead period.
Texas is in the mix, but after landing the aforementioned Jefferson, the Longhorns could be done at linebacker. Wheeler's 247Sports Crystal Ball has him leaning 67 percent to Oklahoma at this time. I don't see that changing before next Friday. I also confirmed with a source that shared he would be surprised if Wheeler doesn't end up singing Boomer Sooner.
Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained firsthand. Recruiting information and ratings courtesy of 247Sports unless otherwise noted.
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