CFB
HomeScoresRecruitingHighlights
Featured Video
Mitchell Headed to 1st Conference Finals 🔥
Credit: 247Sports

Josh Imatorbhebhe Tweets Top 7: Each Team's Best Sales Pitch to Land 4-Star WR

Tyler DonohueMay 14, 2015

Georgia wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe is down to seven collegiate options as he approaches a highly anticipated announcement. 

The 4-star prospect tweeted a top-seven list in alphabetical order Wednesday evening, noting a decision is set for "sometime next week":

TOP NEWS

Ohio State Team Doctor
2026 Florida Spring Football Game
College Football Playoff National Championship: Head Coaches News Conference

Imatorbhebhe, a junior at North Gwinnett High School, is rated 33rd nationally among 2016 receivers in 247Sports' composite rankings. He caught 59 passes for 1,072 yards and 15 touchdowns last fall, per MaxPreps.

His seven finalists put a nationwide focus on the upcoming commitment. The collection of programs ranges from Florida to Northern California and features members of three different conferences.

“My mom and I were talking about priorities for finding the right college program," Imatorbhebhe told Bleacher Report in March. "First is academics, second is a need—not just a want—at my position and third is quarterback.”

With the clock ticking toward this key pledge in the 2016 recruiting cycle, let's take a look at what each of Imatorbhebhe's top options bring to the table for a final sales pitch.

Alabama: Lane Kiffin spreads the wealth

The Crimson Tide offensive coordinator could elect to explore a third FBS head coaching opportunity after this season, but receivers can expect plenty of targets in Tuscaloosa as long as he's dialing up the plays.

Dating back to his days as passing game coordinator at USC—when the Trojans became the first NCAA team to feature a 3,000-yard passer, two 1,000-yard rushers and a 1,000-yard receiver—Kiffin has largely validated his reputation as a bright offensive mind.

During his past five full seasons on a college sideline—at Tennessee, USC and Alabama—Kiffin's offensive attacks produced 10 500-yard receivers. Among that group, seven players caught at least 60 passes, and five were selected in the NFL draft (three among the 50 picks).

Although many positions at Alabama are log-jammed with elite talent, especially in the trenches, there's actually room for Imatorbhebhe to make an early impact at receiver.

Auburn: The SEC's most dynamic offense with a need for receivers

Head coach Gus Malzahn has orchestrated the most consistently explosive attack in a conference known for fearsome defense. Serving as an offensive coordinator first and eventually returning to campus as a head coach, Malzahn's offenses have rated among the SEC's top three in terms of points four times. 

Programs like Georgia, Alabama and Texas A&M have taken turns leading the SEC in points during certain seasons, but none have been as reliable in that department. Auburn averaged at least 33 points per game in four of Malzahn's first five seasons on campus.

Perhaps most importantly for Imatorbhebhe, the program will presumably enter the 2016 season without its four leading receivers from last fall. Sammie Coates and Quan Bray are now on NFL rosters, while D'haquille Williams and Ricardo Lewis are entering their final college campaigns.

That leaves several key spots up for grabs when Imatorbhebhe would enter the equation. He expressed gratefulness for the attention Auburn has shown throughout this process.

“I’m not going to a school where I don’t feel wanted, so it’s important for me to hear from the coaches on a regular basis," Imatorbhebhe told Bleacher Report this spring. "Gus Malzahn called my coaches earlier today to talk to me and we spoke for 15 minutes, so that sends a message right there."

Florida: A chance to team up with his big brother

Gators freshman tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe was the first prospect to commit to a new Florida regime led by head coach Jim McElwain. Now his little brother is considering following in those footsteps.

Josh and Daniel share a strong bond and could reunite in Gainesville. Josh told Bleacher Report in April:

"

The reason why I feel I'm mature in this recruiting process is because Daniel has been there to provide an example. Daniel told me it's important to go to a place where someone doesn't have to convince you to go. Go somewhere you innately want to go. If you don't need to force yourself to be happy at a school, everything else—like football—will work itself out.

"

The Gators offense sputtered in past seasons, so there is certainly room for playmakers as McElwain aims to revitalize the attack. Imatorbhebhe attended the team's spring game and felt plenty of love from Florida.

"Coach Mac and his assistants came up to me before the game and made me feel at home," he told Bleacher Report. "They really went out of their way to establish communication and make me feel as comfortable as possible.

Josh left, with brothers Daniel, center, and David at Florida.

Georgia: Join forces with top-ranked quarterback Jacob Eason

The new Bulldogs offensive staff, led by longtime NFL coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, has shown more love to Imatorbhebhe than the past group. Despite his status as an in-state standout, 20 teams extended him an offer before Georgia joined the pursuit in late March.

“The coaches could tell how I felt and basically said, 'Look, please don’t hold it against us. We have a new offensive staff and we’re really high on you,'" Imatorbhebhe told Bleacher Reoort. "They were really apologetic about that and tried to make me understand that I’ve become a priority now.”

Georgia is building quite an offensive haul in the 2016 cycle, highlighted by the state's top two offensive linemen and a 4-star wide receiver. Quarterback Jacob Eason is the headliner. 

The Washington product grades out among the top quarterbacks we've scouted this decade. Eason, a prized 6'5", 205-pound passer, is the kind of playmaker who commands interest from other recruits.

“Just to see his accuracy, stature and strong arm makes him somebody I’d really love to play with," Imatorbhebhe said. "He looks like a good quarterback, but also a good leader. If the chips fall that way and I end up at Georgia, I’ll definitely be happy that he’s the guy throwing me the football.”

5-star Georgia QB commit Jacob Eason is an alluring piece of the recruiting process.

Ohio State: The reigning champs are pretty stacked at quarterback

Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer, fresh off his third national championship victory, can flaunt his history of producing immensely successful college quarterbacks. His past proteges include first-round NFL draft selections Tim Tebow and Alex Smith.

The current Ohio State roster features three quarterbacks—Braxton Miller, J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones—capable of embarking on a Heisman Trophy crusade. At least two of these three are likely to depart before Imatorbhebhe arrives on campus, but there could be as many as four scholarship quarterbacks ready to step up and compete.

Sophomore Stephen Collier and incoming freshmen Torrance Gibson and Joe Burrow each bring a special skill set to the field. Ohio State also recently secured a commitment from 4-star 2016 Texas quarterback Tristen Wallace, who may be the most impressive athletic specimen at the position.

The Buckeyes are off to a fast start in the 2017 cycle, claiming a commitment from 4-star passer Danny Clark. Imatorbhebhe is on record about how important quality quarterback play is for his decision, and few teams can challenge Ohio State in that regard, presently or in years to come.

Stanford: An opportunity to enjoy the "best of both worlds"

Imatorbhebhe spent time in Palo Alto during spring break and gained a deeper understanding of the academic/athletic balance many find so alluring about the university.

"Everything they do at Stanford is top-notch," he said. "That visit showed me you can get the best of both worlds in athletics and academics there. They want to create well-rounded people, not just athletes. A 'Stanford Man' is diligent, works hard in the classroom and has balanced attributes."

Throughout his recruiting process, Imatorbhebhe has made education a focal point. He's an A-student in high school who received honors for achievements far beyond the football field.

Still, there's a lot to like about the outlook of a Cardinal program averaging 11 wins per season since 2010.

The team picked up a pledge from top-ranked California quarterback KJ Costello this spring. He and Imatorbhebhe developed a rapport years earlier while attending a camp together at USC. 

USC: Head "home" and learn from Tee Martin

Imatorbhebhe spent the early stages of his childhood living in Orange County, California, just a short drive away from Los Angeles. He grew up rooting for the Trojans and never quite shook off that affinity despite a move to the East Coast.

"Southern California will always have a special place in my heart after growing up there," Imatorbhebhe said. "USC was actually the first college campus I visited, so that's always stuck with me during my recruitment."

His latest trip to the school took place in April and resulted in a scholarship offer. Despite being a bit late to the party, USC still managed to surge into Imatorbhebhe's group of finalists.

He told Bleacher Report that USC wide receivers coach Tee Martin made a strong impression on him during the visit. The former Tennessee quarterback could help give the Trojans an edge.

"He broke everything down in detail for me, from what they do in practice to how things happen in games and where I would fit in," Imatorbhebhe said. "Coach Martin trained Sammy Watkins and Calvin Johnson when they were preparing for the NFL combine, so obviously that's pretty big time."

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

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports. 

Mitchell Headed to 1st Conference Finals 🔥

TOP NEWS

Ohio State Team Doctor
2026 Florida Spring Football Game
College Football Playoff National Championship: Head Coaches News Conference
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: JAN 01 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl Ole Miss vs Georgia

TRENDING ON B/R