Jawon Pass Sets Decision Date: Odds on Where 4-Star QB Commits

Jawon Pass, the top-ranked uncommitted quarterback in the 2016 class, is nearly ready to declare his collegiate intentions.

The 4-star Georgia standout will announce a decision between four finalists at 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 16, per Ryan Bartow of 247Sports. A commitment ceremony is scheduled at Carver High School, where Pass rose to prominence on the national recruiting radar.

Alabama, Auburn, Louisville and North Carolina are each viewed as teams still in the equation. A long list of programs including Clemson, Texas A&M, Notre Dame and Mississippi State must search elsewhere for further options at the position.

The 6'5" 220-pound playmaker burst onto the scene with a scintillating sophomore season. Pass, rated fourth nationally among dual-threat quarterbacks in 247Sports' composite rankings, erupted for 2,600 total yards, 34 touchdowns and just two interceptions in 2013.

His passing mechanics remain a work in progress, but his raw ability is evident as throws approach targets with more consistency downfield. He is also a powerful runner who operates well in traffic and figures to play a prominent role in any college goal-line rushing attack.

There's a sentiment Pass may be the most athletically gifted high school quarterback to emerge from Georgia since eventual Heisman Trophy candidate Cam Newton.

Just weeks shy of his decision, here's a look at how we view each contender's chances of landing Pass. Odds are given based on program familiarity, fit and current momentum.

Alabama: 2-to-1

The Crimson Tide are clearly trending toward mobile talents behind center since the arrival of offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin. Blake Barnett provided proof in the 2015 class while 2016 commit Jalen Hurts enhances that ideal.

Like Alabama, every team among Pass' finalists features a quarterback pledge in this cycle. Clearly, this development doesn't deter Pass and won't result in a coaching staff slamming the door on him if they're his selection.

"Coach Kiffin's a good coach and can do a lot of great things with me," Pass told Wesley Sinor of AL.com. "He's doing good with that offense up there."

Pass has a personal connection to the program. He previously played at Carver with newly-arrived Alabama freshman edge rusher Mekhi Brown. 

The Crimson Tide are surging on the recruiting trail right now, jumping to fourth overall in composite national rankings. Pass is precisely the kind of piece who could keep a five-year streak of No. 1 classes intact next national signing day.

Perhaps the most positive sign for Alabama is that Pass intends to visit Tuscaloosa July 14-15 after he competes at the Elite 11 finals in Oregon. Nick Saban should have the last in-person conversation with Pass prior to his announcement.

Auburn: 3-to-1

Earlier this year, Pass said Auburn and Alabama are on a level playing field with his recruitment.

"Right now, they're neck and neck," he told Justin Hokanson of 247Soorts in April after a trip to Auburn's spring game.

Our sense is Alabama has gained a slight edge since.

He certainly possesses the skill set Gus Malzahn has implemented at quarterback to great success with the Tigers. While some draw comparisons to Newton, Pass sees flashes of himself in current Auburn starter Jeremy Johnson.

"I could visualize myself, our game is a lot alike," he said when asked about Johnson. "(Malzahn and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee) told me I'm the guy and when I'm ready, I can let them know. It says a lot about how much they really want me."

Those comments came before fellow 4-star quarterback Woody Barrett committed to the Tigers in early June. The Florida product is Pass' top-rated contemporary at any school he's seriously considering, so it's worth wondering if his presence could ultimately influence this decision.

Credit: 247Sports

Louisville: 5-to-1

Family is a major factor here. Pass' older brother, Khane, is approaching his freshman year with the Cardinals.

Louisville landed 3-star Tennessee quarterback Tylin Oden in May, but their staff has never shied away from Pass. There remains a legitimate chance he'll become the biggest acquisition at this stage of head coach Bobby Petrino's second tenure on campus.

Though Petrino has seen his reputation rattled by off-field issues, his effectiveness as a play caller is rarely in question.

"(Louisville's) offense would get me ready for the NFL," Pass told Bartow. "Their head coach is an offensive genius. Plus my brother is going there."

It's also important to note 2015 running back signee Traveon Samuel is friendly with the Pass brothers. Common sense says Pass lands in the SEC, but Louisville may have a solid grasp on his heartstrings. 

North Carolina: 8-to-1

Alabama, Auburn and Louisville each took turns as leader or "co-leader" during this recruitment, while North Carolina always seemed to be just a step behind in the hierarchy. This appears to remain the case as Pass closes toward a decision.

The Tar Heels now carry two quarterback commits in this cycle. Former Duke pledge Chazz Surratt flipped to North Carolina on June 26, joining fellow 3-star passer Logan Byrd.

Despite the presence of a pair of players at his position, Pass has long maintained he won't shy away from a crowded depth chart.

"I'm not afraid. Anywhere I go, there will be competition," Pass told Bleacher Report's Damon Sayles in June. "I want to be the guy wherever I go. Most of the schools I'm interested in said they'll take two [quarterbacks] if I want to go there."

Despite his willingness to embrace competition, the belief here is North Carolina is a clear underdog in this group regardless of its current commitments.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.