Marlon Character Names Top 5: Breaking Down 4-Star DB's Favorites

Atlanta defensive back Marlon Character isn't quite ready to announce his collegiate commitment, but the 4-star prospect is focused on five favorites.

Character named Ole Miss, Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia and Virginia Tech his "top five" during a conversation with Jake Rowe of 247Sports. He also shared his intentions to use official visits at each university.

Despite identifying each member of the group as a desirable destination, he admitted that it's an even playing field at this point.

"I haven't put them in order yet," Character told Rowe. "They switch every day."

The 6'0", 170-pound Grady High School junior is rated ninth nationally among safeties in 247Sports' composite rankings, though several scouts see him projecting at cornerback in college. His skills quickly caught attention from marquee college programs, resulting in a scholarship list that also includes Auburn, Arkansas and Ohio State.

Character recently provided a glimpse of what it's like to be on the receiving end of so much FBS interest, spotlighting piles of recruiting mail on Twitter:

Here's a closer look at the five programs that stand out to Character.

Georgia

Considering Character's status as a top-tier Georgia recruit, it's no surprise to see the Bulldogs firmly in contention for his services. Coach Mark Richt secured 11 in-state defenders in his 2015 class, including safeties Kirby Choates and Rashad Roundtree. 

Character's proximity to the program and rapport with Richt's staff could ultimately give Georgia an edge. The Bulldogs currently lead in his 247Sports Crystal Ball with 71 percent of expert commitment predictions.

"I have a great relationship with all the coaches," he told Rowe. "It's just that every time I talk to Georgia it is always good news and that they want to get me up there."

Richt has assembled a top-10 class early in the 2016 cycle, headlined by No. 1 quarterback prospect Jacob Eason, but just two of the team's seven commitments have come from defensive recruits.

Alabama

Head coach Nick Saban perennially proves that he can pluck premier talent from anywhere in America, evidenced by 2015 signatures from 5-star New Jersey cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick and 5-star California dual-threat quarterback Blake Barnett. That haul also included elite safety talent from Florida (Ronnie Harrison) and Texas (Deionte Thompson), with a 4-star at the position enrolling early from each state.

Character would encounter an incredible level of competition for playing time in the Crimson Tide secondary, where top newcomers played sparingly throughout last season. After landing four 5-star defensive backs over the past two cycles, Saban also holds a longtime commitment from 5-star Louisiana cornerback Shyheim Carter in his 2016 class.

Alabama extended an offer to Character early in his junior season. However, it appears the Tide may be falling behind in this pursuit due to a lack of personal contact.

"I haven't been talking to Alabama much lately because my recruiting coach for them, coach (Lance) Thompson left for Auburn," he told Rowe.

Ole Miss

The Rebels are off to a tremendous start on the 2016 recruiting trail, carrying 10 commitments in a class that rates third nationally in 247Sports' composite rankings. The team's "Landshark" mentality on defense attracts plenty of attention from key prospects, and you can count Character in the mix.

Ole Miss enjoyed a breakout campaign last season, which was often spearheaded by its defensive stinginess. Coach Hugh Freeze is attempting to fine-tune his team's offensive attack, so commitments from 5-star quarterback/wide receiver tandem Shea Patterson and DeKaylin Metcalf should make a significant impact.

The Rebels are in need of some retooling on defense too and remain in search of pledges on that side of the ball, though former Alabama defensive tackle commit Benito Jones brings clout to the trenches. Ole Miss still hasn't secured a defensive-back pledge in its 2016 class.

South Carolina

Yet another SEC squad in the picture, South Carolina seems to be among the strongest contenders on this list. The Gamecocks hosted Character in late January, and he's seen the program play in person multiple times.

South Carolina currently sits second in Character's 247Sports Crystal Ball outlook, carrying 29 percent of expert commitment predictions.

Coach Steve Spurrier already claimed a pledge from 4-star Peach State athlete Kyle Davis and landed 10 Georgia products last national signing day.

Consider the Gamecocks as Georgia's primary threat at this stage of the pursuit. A personal visit from Spurrier played a key role in securing South Carolina's spot on this list.

"It really did something for me and my opinion of the school," Character told Rowe.

Co-defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward has also spent significant time with Character, serving as a primary recruiter.

Virginia Tech

The Hokies are an outlier on this list as the lone non-SEC team. Frank Beamer and his staff have done quite well with 2016 defensive backs, earning pledges from four prospects who figure to play roles in the secondary.

Assistant coach Torrian Gray has been the catalyst in Virginia Tech's recruitment of Character. His effectiveness should keep the Hokies involved throughout this process and could eventually push the team atop this list.

"(Gray) always makes me want to commit right then and there," Character told Rowe.

Look for Virginia Tech to work toward a campus visit in the near future with hopes of locking in a return trip during next season.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.