Nick Eubanks Names Top 3: Which SEC Program Holds Edge for Stud TE Recruit?

One of the more intriguing tight ends in the 2016 class is 3-star Florida native Nick Eubanks.

The 6’6”, 205-pounder from prep powerhouse American Heritage High School in Fort Lauderdale has a trio of SEC powers in Alabama, LSU and South Carolina at the top of his board, according to Ryan Bartow of 247Sports. 

Eubanks, who doubles as a standout in basketball, per Bartow, is a potential matchup nightmare because of his size and athleticism.

But which school has the inside track on one of Florida’s premier athletes in the 2016 cycle? 

Let’s take a look at each of his top three schools and break down his fit at each program.

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#Alabama out in front for four-star elite tight end Nick Eubanks. http://t.co/ip3iYL1wTc @TimWatts_BOL @Yung2Tall @Geaux247 @jcshurburtt

— Ryan Bartow (@RyanBartow) February 13, 2015"

Alabama

The Tide enter 2015 with junior O.J. Howard set to be the man at the tight end spot.

The crop of tight ends on the roster includes mostly upperclassmen, including two players who came to Alabama playing other positions before being converted into tight ends.

Alabama did sign 4-star tight end Hale Hentges in the 2015 cycle. However, Eubanks is a versatile player who can be flexed out as a receiver.

In his four years as the head coach at USC, Lane Kiffin had at least one tight end record 20 catches or more in each season. 

Given Eubanks' basketball background and the fact that he has been timed at 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash, he would be a great fit in Kiffin’s pro-style attack.

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LSU 

Last October, LSU became the first school to offer Eubanks a scholarship, and according to Bartow, Eubanks has high praise for the Tigers program.

“Their program is really nice,” Eubanks told Bartow, following his offer from the Tigers. “I searched LesMiles.net (online) and watched what they do for pregame. That showed me a lot really.”

However, in Cam Cameron’s two seasons as the offensive coordinator in Baton Rouge, LSU’s leading receiver at the tight end spot has caught six and four passes respectively, per CFBstats.com.

Maybe Eubanks could be the answer for the Tigers and give them a legit pass-catching option at that spot. On a positive note, per Ourlads, the Tigers’ depth chart will be filled with upperclassmen—which could net Eubanks playing time early in his career, should he choose the Tigers.

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South Carolina

Of Eubanks' three teams, South Carolina has been the most friendly in terms of using the tight end in the passing game.

Last year, both Jerell Adams and Rory Anderson had more than 20 receptions playing in Steve Spurrier’s offense, per CFBstats.com.

Anderson exhausted his eligibility and Adams will be a senior this fall. The Gamecocks signed a pair of 3-star tight ends in Kyle Markway and Connor Redmond in their 2015 class.

Additionally, Spurrier has had a strong history with developing and using tight ends—which could be appealing to a prospect such as Eubanks.

RICHARD SHIRO/Associated Press

The Pick

Alabama and South Carolina appear to provide the best fits in terms of scheme and opportunity.

Both teams present the opportunity to find the field early, provided Eubanks can seamlessly adjust to the next level, but the Gamecocks have the stronger recent history with using tight ends.

However, if Kiffin can get Howard more involved in the offense this season—something that may very well happen, given that the Tide have to replace all three starting wideouts in 2015—Alabama stands a great chance to land one of the top rising playmakers from Florida.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a national recruiting analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.