4-Star Naseir Upshur Says Michigan, FSU, USC Among Others Showing Him Most Love

Naseir Upshur is on a mission to prove he's the premier tight end prospect in America and refused to allow a sore back to slow things down on Sunday.

The 4-star Philadelphia playmaker picked up an invitation to The Opening, an annual showcase held at Nike's world headquarters, by outshining a star-studded collection of recruits at a regional Nike camp in New Jersey. By the end of competition, he needed help picking up his cleats off of the ground.

Upshur, a 6'3", 233-pound tight end, was one of five 2016 prospects invited to the early July event held in Beaverton, Oregon. He feels the honor is validated by a versatile skill set.

"I think I bring a lot to the table at tight end," Upshur told Bleacher Report. "I dominate my opponent as a blocker. If it's one-on-one with a defender, I'm going to win that matchup at least eight out of 10 times. I've worked on my speed, and I believe I'm faster than any other tight end in the country. If the ball comes in my direction, I believe I'm going to come down with that pass every time."

He averaged nearly 30 yards per reception (29.1) last season at Imhotep Institute. Upshur tallied 640 receiving yards and 11 touchdown catches as a junior, adding six sacks on defense.

His blend of physicality and quickness has commanded more than 40 scholarship offers. He revealed a top-13 list earlier this month, per Adam Friedman of Rivals:

Upshur identified Florida State, Michigan, Miami, South Carolina, Arizona State and USC as programs that are currently "showing the most love." He pointed to the Wolverines as a team particularly gaining steam in this widespread recruitment.

"I talk to Michigan just about every day, so I'm very comfortable with them," Upshur said. "I talk to [tight ends coach] Jay Harbaugh on the phone at least twice a week for like an hour. We have a great relationship."

Michigan is among a collection of universities he is attempting to visit in the near future, along with USC, Miami and Florida State. He identified a trip to Tallahassee as a top priority.

"I really need to get to FSU," Upshur said. "They're recruiting me really hard, and that's a place I need to see."

Upshur lives just five minutes away from Temple University and calls the school his "second home," but he's also spent time visiting a variety of programs that carry more clout in the college football landscape. Past campus trips include South Carolina, Rutgers, Arizona State and Penn State.

"I'm looking for a school that offers a great education, an opportunity to play early and an environment that makes me feel comfortable," Upshur said. 

He mentioned family as a main motivating factor for his rise as a nationally regarded recruit.

"My family has been through a lot, and I don't want to see them go through any more difficult times," Upshur said. "My uncle motivated me to play football, but he died before he had an opportunity to see me on the field. I have something on my wrist that says 'RIP Uncle David' during games, and that's what I look at before every kickoff. It reminds me to give everything I have."

Rated fourth among 2016 tight ends in 247Sports' composite rankings, he isn't prepared to settle for anything less than the top spot.

"Naseir Upshur is the best tight end in the country, without a doubt," he said. "If I'm going up against a big defensive end, I would love to pancake him. If I'm going up against a linebacker, it's all about dominating him in the passing game."

Upshur said he isn't concerned about other coveted tight ends who've committed elsewhere. Florida State, for example, holds a pledge from 5-star prospect Isaac Nauta. 

"Anywhere a tight end is committed, I could go there and take their spot," he said. "A tight end being committed to a certain school doesn't really mess with me."

This recruitment still appears to be in its early stages. Upshur plans to bring his mother to multiple campuses and take all five official visits, anticipating a decision will come down to the wire.

"I'm feeling some pressure because a lot of coaches are hitting me up, but my goal is to take things slow and not rush into anything," he said. "I don't mind waiting until national signing day."

All quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.