Days Before His Decision, 4-Star TE Naseir Upshur Updates Recruitment Status

Philadelphia 4-star tight end Naseir Upshur announced last week that he would make his verbal commitment on Tuesday.

As of Thursday evening, his two finalists, Michigan and Florida State, were still neck-and-neck. But the nation's No. 5 tight end said he's ready to end a process he described as "stressful" at times.

One thing's for certain: He knows what he wants in a winning program.

"Everything," he said. "From the coaches to the academics to the classrooms."

Fair enough. And you can bet that Upshur, Imhotep Institute's standout tight end, will continue researching until it's time to formally announce.

The good news for fans of both schools is that Upshur had positive things to say about both programs. He's being recruited by his potential position coaches, Florida State's Tim Brewster and Michigan's Jay Harbaugh.

Credit: 247Sports

The winning school will get a 6'2", 233-pound athlete who can be a reliable flex tight end at the next level. Michigan and Florida State are the finalists out of 41 reported offers for Upshur.

If he chooses Michigan, Upshur will add to a talented class that already includes quarterback Brandon Peters, offensive linemen Ben Bredeson and Michael Onwenu and newest Wolverines commit Ahmir Mitchell, who made his announcement via a Bleacher Report video.

Upshur said he's been in contact with Jay Harbaugh, head coach Jim Harbaugh and other members of the coaching staff. In fact, that's been one of the things he appreciates most about the Wolverines.

"Communication,' Upshur said. "We've been talking for forever."

Florida State is a heavy favorite to land Upshur, according to his 247Sports Crystal Ball. Florida State has an advantage over Michigan in that the Seminoles are without a tight end commitment. Sean McKeon, a 3-star tight end, has been a Michigan pledge since June.

Florida State had committed the nation's No. 1 tight end in Isaac Nauta, but he decommitted last month to explore other options. Nauta's decision gives Upshur a chance to step in uncontested in the class if he so chooses.

"Florida state is just a great program, from the coaches to sending (players) to the next level," said Upshur, who added that he has a comfort level with the staff.

Tuesday will be a big day for one school, and when Upshur makes his decision, expect him to be ready for next-level competition. Upshur wants fans of both schools to know the kind of player they would get.

"A player who's going to dominate from day one," he said. "Physical and athletic."

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles