Woody Barrett Reveals Top 5: Odds on Where 4-Star QB Lands

The recruitment of 4-star Florida quarterback Ervin "Woody" Barrett continues to evolve, expanding to include several favorites.

The West Orange High School standout shared a top-five list comprising Auburn, Oregon, Oklahoma, Louisville and Clemson while speaking with James Hale of 247Sports.

“I really don’t have a favorite, but I have a top five," he told Hale. "But I am giving a lot of people the benefit of the doubt because I am not making the decision any time soon."

At the start of March, Barrett identified Alabama and Auburn as co-favorites. It appears dynamics have changed with the Crimson Tide, but Auburn remains a top contender. 

He holds nearly 20 scholarship offers; the latest arriving earlier this week from Virginia Tech.

Barrett, rated seventh nationally among dual-threat quarterbacks in 247Sports' composite rankings, delivers the ball with velocity and presents a dangerous rushing threat. He tallied 40 total offensive touchdowns in 2014, leading West Orange to an 11-win season.

Now that we have a better understanding of his current collegiate outlook, let's examine each of his top-five options at this point and place odds on him actually landing at that campus.

Auburn

The Tigers have been as active as any suitor so far, further evidenced by Barrett's recent university visit. He received an offer from Auburn as a sophomore and appears to fit the mold for success in Gus Malzahn's offensive attack.

"I feel like I’m a dual threat, which is just like Nick Marshall,” Barrett told Keith Niebuhr of 247Sports. “The things Nick Marshall can do, I could probably do better. That’s how I feel."

Auburn made a late push to land 2015 dual-threat Florida talent Torrance Gibson, but he ultimately stuck with a commitment to Ohio State on national signing day. Malzahn aims to take care of business with Barrett much earlier in the process.

Odds he ends up at Auburn: 3 to 1

Clemson

Dabo Swinney also joined this pursuit early, extending a scholarship to Barrett last spring. Clemson reached into the same region during the 2015 recruiting cycle for prolific passer Tucker Israel and now looks set to go to the well once more. 

Clemson has arguably amassed the country's most compelling collection of young wide receivers and holds a commitment from 5-star 2016 running back Tavien Feaster. There's a lot to like as a quarterback prospect when you survey the potential supporting cast. 

The Tigers haven't made a ton of noise in this recruitment until now, so Clemson remains an unknown commodity here. A campus visit could be crucial for the development of a relationship between Barrett and the coaching staff.

Odds he ends up at Clemson: 12 to 1

Louisville

Louisville has done well plucking passers from the Sunshine State in recent years, from eventual first-round NFL pick Teddy Bridgewater to incoming freshman Lamar Jackson. Louisville is also in the thick of a hotly contested chase for No. 2 overall dual-threat 2016 quarterback Jawon Pass, so Bobby Petrino seems to be in a solid position early in this cycle.

Barrett attended camp at Louisville last summer, so there should be a solid familiarity in place. The Cardinals may feel more confident with the pursuit of Pass, considering the team signed his older brother in February, but Barrett should remain a priority.

Odds he ends up at Louisville: 8 to 1

Credit: 247Sports

Oklahoma

Sooners offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley quickly made Barrett feel like a coveted target.

“I was delighted because usually Oklahoma does not send out offers to quarterbacks this early," he told Hale. "Just having Coach Riley there is going to make it top notch, and I am looking forward to taking a trip there this summer to see what is happening up there.”

His playing style would seem to suit the Oklahoma offense well, and he is reminiscent of the kind of playmakers we've seen the Sooners target recently. Proximity clearly doesn't favor Oklahoma, but there seems to be an established comfort level between both parties.

Odds he ends up at Oklahoma: 6 to 1

Oregon

The Ducks are an outlier here, as the only one of Barrett's top choices that hasn't yet handed him an offer. Still, it's no surprise to see Oregon among the teams he's most interested in, given its explosive offensive reputation, which has vaulted similar athletes to national stardom.

Barrett could claim an Oregon offer at any time, though the team already holds a pledge from fellow 4-star prospect Seth Green. Things here may depend on how the situation evolves with Green, who transferred from Minnesota to Texas powerhouse Allen High School for his senior season.

Odds he ends up at Oregon: 14 to 1

Other Possibilities

Barrett expressed an interest in a variety of programs during his conversation with Hale. He plans to visit Florida this weekend, providing the Gators another opportunity to assess him.

Ohio State could welcome him to campus this summer, while Alabama and Kentucky are alternative SEC options worth keeping a close eye on as Barrett works his way toward signing day.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.