Cavin Ridley Reveals New Top 3: Which Team Is Best Fit for 4-Star WR?

A trio of SEC powers will battle it out in the race to land dynamic 4-star wide receiver Cavin Ridley.

According to 247Sports' Luke Stampini, Ridley has a new top three that includes Alabama, Auburn and Tennessee.

“I have a top three and it just will be my top three that get official visits,” Ridley told Stampini. “It will be Tennessee, Alabama and Auburn. It will be after the college season is over, so I can talk to coaches and see how things are at the campus. Just to get a better feel of everything before I go.”

Alabama, where his brother Calvin is currently starring as a freshman wide receiver, has long been considered the favorite for the younger Ridley.

However, Ridley insists that all three schools are even heading into his visits.

Which school represents the best fit for Ridley at the next level? As he told Stampini, early playing time will be one of the biggest factors in his decision.

All three schools certainly have their strong points.

With the Tide, his brother’s early success is proof that the Tide will put their best playmakers on the field early without hesitation.

Alabama has only one receiver—3-star in-state standout T.J. Simmons—committed in its 2016 class. The Tide’s staff has made it clear that he’s one of its top priorities remaining in the 2016 cycle.

The Tigers are newcomers to the race for the nation’s No. 30-ranked wide receiver and No. 172-ranked player overall in the 2016 cycle.

His bond with ace recruiter and current Tigers secondary coach Travaris Robinson—himself a Miami native—and Auburn’s need at the receiver position are factors likely to give the Tigers a chance to win Ridley over in the end.

He’s already scheduled a trip to the Plains for the Iron Bowl clash on Nov. 28.

However, given Auburn’s struggles on offense this year—particularly in the passing game—the Tigers may have to convince him that they will return to being a potent attack in the near future.

Like Auburn, Tennessee has had similar struggles finding success through the air this season.

Still, the Vols and head coach Butch Jones have recruited well enough in recent years to give prospects such as Ridley the belief that the program is close to turning the corner on offense and as a whole.

While all three schools present Ridley with a great opportunity, Alabama appears to be the program that gives Ridley the best chance to make plays in a productive offense early in his career.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand and all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.

Follow @SanjayKirpalani