Predicting Where Every Uncommitted 2016 5-Star Recruit Will Sign

More than half of the 5-star prospects in 247Sports' 2016 composite rankings remain uncommitted as we creep toward 10 weeks until national signing day. Many of these elite talents have spent at least two years under the microscope as coveted collegiate recruits, creating intrigue as their decision-making processes approach a conclusion. 

Some top talents have played things close to the vest throughout, while others actually spent time committed to programs before reopening recruitments. Each one of these players will be expected to contribute early in some capacity, arriving at campuses across America with immense expectations in place.

Key university visits and inevitable high-profile coaching changes could dramatically alter the landscape moving forward. Based on where things stand now, here are our predictions for where each uncommitted 5-star prospect will land next season.

ATH Demetris Robertson

High School: Savannah Christian Prep (Savannah, Georgia)

Size: 6'1", 175 pounds

Composite Ranking: No. 2 athlete; No. 27 overall

247Sports Crystal Ball Leader: Georgia (50 percent)

Bleacher Report Breakdown

"I saw him at The Opening in Orlando, Florida, in March. After a slow start, he was simply unstoppable in one-on-ones. He impressed me with his ability to get off the line of scrimmage and separate from speedy corners on deep routes."—B/R recruiting analyst Sanjay Kirpalani

Demetris Robertson is an electric playmaker who could shine on either side of the football. He's tallied 136 tackles and three interceptions since 2013, per MaxPreps, and compiled 962 all-purpose yards through the first nine games of his senior season.

Prediction: Alabama

Robertson ranked Alabama and Georgia as his No. 2 and No. 3 options, respectively, during an early November conversation with Kipp Adams and Keith Niebuhr of 247Sports (h/t Hank South). The former Crimson Tide commit had Stanford on top, with Ohio State and Notre Dame also in the mix.

Robertson, who could play cornerback, safety or receiver in college, backed off his verbal pledge to Alabama this spring. In a highly contentious recruitment, don't be surprised if he settles on a future in Tuscaloosa after all.

“We still have a great bond with each other. It was something I really had to do, just open my recruitment, and see everything, all the colleges and stuff like that. Everything they’ve been doing is great. I hit (Alabama) up a lot," he told Adams and Niebuhr.

DT Rashard Lawrence

Credit: 247Sports

High School: Neville (Monroe, Louisiana)

Size: 6'3", 305 pounds

Composite Ranking: No. 6 defensive tackle; No. 24 overall

247Sports Crystal Ball Leader: LSU (100 percent)

Bleacher Report Breakdown

"His quickness off the ball is a strong point, but the way he uses his hands may be what's best about him when he lines up for a play. Lawrence is fun to watch because he plays with a mean streak. He has the no-nonsense attitude that every coach wants in his defensive lineman."—B/R recruiting analyst Damon Sayles

Rashard Lawrence is among the most fierce defenders in a star-studded Southeast region. He stood tall on a grand stage last December, recording three sacks in a one-point state championship victory, according to Adam Hunsucker of the News Star.

Prediction: LSU

Ohio State may be the strongest candidate to steal Lawrence away from Louisiana. Buckeyes defensive line coach Larry Johnson is one of the best in the business and has built a solid rapport with Lawrence, who visited Columbus in October.

UCLA also hosted him this season, while Alabama should never be counted out when it comes to recruiting this territory. Ultimately, we expect the Tigers and well-liked defensive line coach Ed Orgeron to come out on top.

LB Caleb Kelly

Credit: 247Sports

High School: Clovis West (Fresno, California)

Size: 6'3", 215 pounds

Composite Ranking: No. 3 outside linebacker; No. 23 overall

247Sports Crystal Ball Leader: Oklahoma (100 percent)

Bleacher Report Breakdown

"Kelly is a player who can line up at defensive back, linebacker or even at defensive end in certain looks. He's athletic enough to be effective in pass coverage. His wingspan and quickness are tools that help him cause havoc in the backfield."—B/R recruiting analyst Sanjay Kirpalani

Caleb Kelly clearly takes pride in his craft, and that diligence contributes to create an extremely well-rounded defensive prospect. His skills were on full display Oct. 2 when he recorded 15 tackles and four sacks in a win over Edison High School, according to Paul Meaders of the Clovis Roundup.

Prediction: Oklahoma

The Sooners have spent months as the perceived favorites to land Kelly, who will head to Norman for an official visit before November ends. It's a great opportunity for Oklahoma, rising in College Football Playoff standings, to take another step toward sealing the deal here.

He previously spent time at Michigan, Notre Dame and Oregon this season. Kelly mentioned Ohio State, LSU, TCU and Florida State as potential destinations for his fifth and final official visit, according to Greg Biggins of Scout.com.

ATH Mecole Hardman Jr.

High School: Elbert County (Elberton, Georgia)

Size: 5'10", 175 pounds

Composite Ranking: No. 1 athlete; No. 21 overall

247Sports Crystal Ball Leader: Georgia (79 percent)

Bleacher Report Breakdown

"His speed jumps out immediately, but what makes him special is his competitiveness. He fought for reps [at a regional Nike camp in Atlanta] and made them count when he got them. As good as he is on defense, he's simply too electric to not have the ball in his hands at the next level."—B/R recruiting analyst Sanjay Kirpalani

Mecole Hardman Jr. is about as thrilling a playmaker as you'll find at any position, further evidenced by a five-touchdown effort in September that featured the game-winning score as time expired. He's also an incredibly smooth operator at cornerback, displaying rare hip fluidity that could convince some coaches to put him in the defensive secondary.

Prediction: Georgia

There's a ton of SEC interest swirling around Hardman, who attended Alabama's victory over LSU earlier this month. He also saw the Crimson Tide clobber Georgia in Athens—a place that still seems most likely to serve as Hardman's home in coming years. 

Ole Miss has emerged as another contender and is set to host Hardman, while Michigan may be the most intriguing possibility beyond SEC country. He's expected to attend the Wolverines' game against Ohio State, while he mentioned Florida and Tennessee as other options during a recent conversation with Bleacher Report's Sanjay Kirpalani.

WR Kyle Davis

Credit: 247Sports

High School: Archer (Lawrenceville, Georgia)

Size: 6'1½", 218 pounds

Composite Ranking: No. 1 wide receiver; No. 20 overall

247Sports Crystal Ball Leader: Georgia (76 percent)

Bleacher Report Breakdown

"It was difficult to hold a conversation with analysts in attendance [at The Opening] without Davis' name coming up, often accompanied by the words 'wow' or 'freak.' He's more than just a workout warrior, displaying tremendously tight route running and reliable hands."—B/R recruiting analyst Tyler Donohue

A collegiate-ready physical frame and productive high school career establish immediate expectations for Kyle Davis, who looks capable of contributing mightily as a true freshman. He's recorded a career-best 39 receptions in 2015, per MaxPreps, resulting in 676 yards and six scores.

Prediction: Georgia

It's a three-team SEC chase at this stage, with the Bulldogs battling Tennessee and Auburn. The Tigers hosted Davis for an unofficial visit earlier this month and are expected to welcome him back for an official visit soon, according to Chad Simmons of Scout.com.

The Bulldogs would be a home-run choice for the in-state standout, but you have to wonder how things will turn out with coaching staff shuffles after an underwhelming season. That's ultimately the wild card here, though neither Auburn nor Tennessee have been overly impressive this fall. Davis, who postponed a late October decision, plans to enroll early.

DB Brandon Jones

Credit: 247Sports

High School: Nacogdoches (Nacogdoches, Texas)

Size: 5'11½", 193 pounds

Composite Ranking: No. 1 safety; No. 18 overall

247Sports Crystal Ball Leader: Texas A&M (95 percent)

Bleacher Report Breakdown

"Jones is the quintessential hybrid defensive back wanted by multiple college coaches. He is being recruited as a safety and tackles well, but he also covers as well as many star cornerbacks."—B/R recruiting analyst Damon Sayles

Lone Star State standout Brandon Jones brings balance to the defensive backfield and looks assertive enough to compete for reps right away. He burst onto the national scene as a sophomore, securing 95 tackles and five interceptions.

Prediction: Texas A&M

This shapes up as an interesting final stretch for Jones, who is back-loading his travel itinerary with schools. He will officially visit Auburn during the last weekend of January, according to Keith Niebuhr of 247Sports.

The trip is set for just a few days before national signing day, and according to Taylor Hamm of 247Sports, journeys to Ole Miss and Oregon are also on the docket. We project Jones to end up in College Station, but this recruitment obviously has a lot of development ahead.

LB Ben Davis

Credit: 247Sports

High School: Gordo (Gordo, Alabama)

Size: 6'3", 240 pounds

Composite Ranking: No. 1 inside linebacker; No. 17 overall

247Sports Crystal Ball Leader: Alabama (100 percent)

Bleacher Report Breakdown

"From a physical standpoint, Davis is a freakish athlete who even plays receiver for his prep squad. As a linebacker, he is a disruptive force who is comfortable in the scrum at the line of scrimmage or on the edges versus speedy backs and receivers."—B/R recruiting analyst Sanjay Kirpalani

Ben Davis, the son of all-time Alabama tackles leader Wayne Davis, looks a lot like a defensive end at this period of his progression, though that size is augmented by excellent explosiveness at the second level. He collected 85 tackles, five forced fumbles and four sacks as a junior, according to Wesley Sinor of AL.com.

Prediction: Alabama

This may not be the lock many folks expect, as Davis has been adamant about exploring alternative options before following his father's footsteps to Tuscaloosa. Official visits to Georgia and LSU are in the books, while Auburn will receive at least two more visits before February, including the Iron Bowl, and Notre Dame and Michigan are now in the mix.

Davis is extremely comfortable with the Crimson Tide coaching staff, though LSU defensive coordinator Kevin Steele and Auburn linebackers coach Lance Thompson previously pursued him on behalf of Alabama. This recruitment likely lasts until national signing day, with Tide fans holding their breath until the legacy commitment is secured.

LB Mique Juarez

Credit: 247Sports

High School: North Torrance (Torrance, California)

Size: 6'2", 222 pounds

Composite Ranking: No. 2 outside linebacker; No. 16 overall

247Sports Crystal Ball Leader: UCLA (86 percent)

Bleacher Report Breakdown

"The comparison for Juarez to [USC star] Su'a Cravens is a fitting one. He's very similar in that he has the skill set of a safety playing in the box as a linebacker. His versatility to line up in different spots and create havoc as a pass-rusher or as a run-stuffer is impressive."—B/R recruiting analyst Sanjay Kirpalani

Mique Juarez, who also excels on offense, has experience at linebacker and defensive back. He's a three-down defender and earned Pioneer League’s Defensive Player of the Year honors as a junior, according to Dave Thorpe of the Daily Breeze, after tallying 107 tackles, 8.5 sacks, six forced fumbles and three interceptions in 10 games.

Prediction: UCLA

Juarez was one of two top linebackers, along with 4-star Michigan product Daelin Hayes, to decommit in the wake of USC's Steve Sarkisian situation. His decision ended a nine-month pledge to the Trojans, opening the door for teams like Ole Miss, Oklahoma and Ohio State to give chase. 

While we expect him to explore options across the country before an anticipated Jan. 9 commitment announcement at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, this recruitment could require more campus visits afterward. A recent report from Ryan Bartow of 247Sports (h/t Barton Simmons) indicated UCLA holds an edge right now, and the Bruins certainly have a proximal advantage.

DT Shavar Manuel

Credit: 247Sports

High School: IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)

Size: 6'4", 290 pounds

Composite Ranking: No. 5 defensive tackle; No. 13 overall

247Sports Crystal Ball Leader: Florida State (51 percent)

Bleacher Report Breakdown

"He's a big-bodied defender who possesses athleticism and explosiveness off the ball. He has a great first step, and when the play is active, he plays with a high motor. At 290 pounds, Manuel is extremely quick and is expected to pose problems for offensive linemen at the next level."—B/R recruiting analyst Damon Sayles

Shavar Manuel transferred to national powerhouse IMG Academy following a junior season at Blake High School (Tampa) that featured 61 tackles—16 for loss—and 20 sacks, according to MaxPreps. He displays the versatility to line up across the defensive line, perhaps best suited for a 5-technique role.

Prediction: Florida

Florida State was viewed as a definitive front-runner earlier in this recruitment, and there were even reports, including Warchant.com (h/t Brendan Sonnone of the Orlando Sentinel), he committed to the Seminoles during a junior day visit, though those rumors were quickly shot down. As things have progressed, the outcome no longer looks clear-cut for Manuel.

LSU and Florida both seized substantial momentum in recent months. The Gators, recipients of the past eight experts' Crystal Ball predictions, appear to enter the final stretch a stride above the rest.

LB Lyndell Wilson

High School: Carver (Montgomery, Alabama)

Size: 6'2", 220 pounds

Composite Ranking: No. 1 outside linebacker; No. 12 overall

247Sports Crystal Ball Leader: Alabama (88 percent)

Bleacher Report Breakdown

"When I spoke to Wilson at the Atlanta Nike Opening Regional camp, he told me he patterns his game after former Alabama All-American C.J. Mosley. He's physical enough to be stout against the run and he has the agility to cover running backs in the flats or receivers in the middle of the field."—B/R recruiting analyst Sanjay Kirpalani

Lyndell "Mack" Wilson leads a loaded collection of uncommitted linebackers, commanding attention from throughout the SEC and beyond as underclassmen. He's posted career-high production this season, per MaxPreps, recording 115 tackles—18 for loss—five sacks and four forced fumbles in 10 games.

Prediction: Alabama

Florida and LSU are likely the only programs still capable of plucking Wilson away from his home state. The Gators, in particular, appear to be in a good place due in part to a commitment from fellow Montgomery defender Jeawon Taylor. 

However, this has been Alabama's race to lose throughout, and the Crimson Tide coaching staff has put itself in excellent position to land Wilson. Head coach Nick Saban seems more likely to reel in a 5-star linebacker duo with Wilson and Ben Davis, who are friends, than miss on either elite target.

DE Oluwole Betiku

Credit: 247Sports

High School: Junipero Serra (Gardena, California)

Size: 6'3½", 240 pounds

Composite Ranking: No. 1 weak-side defensive end; No. 10 overall

247Sports Crystal Ball Leader: Texas A&M (53 percent)

Bleacher Report Breakdown

"He is chiseled from head to toe, and he has the athleticism to go along with the build. Betiku is a problem for offensive linemen because of his quickness and brute strength. Add in the fact that he plays the game on a mission to do better for his family and it's easy to see his determination in every snap."—B/R recruiting analyst Damon Sayles

Oluwole Betiku arrived from Nigeria just two years ago, quickly ascending up national prospect rankings since playing his first varsity snap in 2014. He's been a dominant force during these past two seasons, picking up 48 tackles for loss and 26.5 sacks, according to MaxPreps.

Prediction: USC

UCLA lost its top-rated pledge when Betiku backed off his verbal commitment to the Bruins in October. He explored alternative options even before that announcement, spending time at Texas A&M and Florida State.

His recent visit to Notre Dame brings another contender into the fold, but it's nearby USC that seems to stealthily surging here. The Trojans staff will likely undergo some substantial changes before signing day, but Betiku should remain a top priority regardless, and we expect USC to continue its pipeline with Junipero Serra High School by securing this compelling playmaker at the final horn.

TE Isaac Nauta

High School: IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)

Size: 6'4", 237 pounds

Composite Ranking: No. 1 tight end; No. 9 overall

247Sports Crystal Ball Leader: Georgia (80 percent)

Bleacher Report Breakdown

"I thought he was the best route-runner at The Opening, which included a loaded receiver group. What separates him as an elite prospect is his competitiveness and his aggressive mentality. His junior tight end film is among the best I've ever scouted at the position."—B/R recruiting analyst Sanjay Kirpalani

Isaac Nauta is easily a cut above most tight end prospects to emerge this decade, warranting the highest national composite rating of any non-quarterback among 2016 offensive skill players. He's a devastating blocker, sure-handed receiver and boasts the physical attributes to make a big difference right away in college.

Prediction: Georgia

Like each Bulldogs pick on this list—and there are quite a few of them—Nauta's decision could be dramatically altered if Georgia elects to implement sweeping coaching staff changes at season's end. As things stand now, the Peach State native projects as another key offensive piece for a class that features longtime commit Jacob Eason—a 5-star quarterback.

Multiple trips to Athens this season are mixed in with official visits to Michigan, Ole Miss and Alabama. He'll wrap up a national tour by traveling to Oklahoma State on Thanksgiving weekend, when he was initially supposed to visit TCU.

DT Derrick Brown

Credit: 247Sports

High School: Lanier (Buford, Georgia)

Size: 6'4", 318 pounds

Composite Ranking: No. 3 defensive tackle; No. 8 overall

247Sports Crystal Ball Leader: Georgia (100 percent)

Bleacher Report Breakdown

"Brown, in short, is a load to defend. He's a big-bodied athlete who plays with a low center of gravity, making himself tougher to defend against offensive linemen. Combine that with his quickness and Brown has the tools to be an outstanding college lineman."—B/R recruiting analyst Damon Sayles

Derrick Brown has been a largely unstoppable force in the trenches for most of his high school career, including a breakout sophomore campaign that included 63 tackles and four sacks, according to MaxPreps. He took his game to another level as an upperclassman, collecting 197 tackles—65 for loss—and 19.5 sacks during the past two seasons.

Prediction: Georgia

Signs have pointed toward Brown signing with the Bulldogs for quite some time, though he's certainly giving other SEC squads a fair shot to woo him. His upcoming official visit itinerary includes stops at Mississippi State, Alabama, Auburn and Tennessee, according to Kipp Adams of 247Sports.

He'll also make another visit to Athens, which is situated less than 60 miles from his hometown. This may not be the slam dunk his Crystal Ball projects, but the Bulldogs are in solid shape here.

DT Dexter Lawrence

Credit: 247Sports

High School: Wake Forest (Wake Forest, North Carolina)

Size: 6'5", 330 pounds

Composite Ranking: No. 2 defensive tackle; No. 3 overall

247Sports Crystal Ball Leader: Florida (44 percent)

Bleacher Report Breakdown

"Lawrence makes playing defensive tackle look easy. He's a big, strong, elusive athlete who can either bully the offensive lineman or make moves around him. Lawrence is quick off the snap and deceptively fast."—B/R recruiting analyst Damon Sayles

Dexter Lawrence landed on the national recruiting radar as one of the East Coast's premier young playmakers, compiling 44 total tackles for loss and 15 sacks as a sophomore and junior, per MaxPreps. He solidified his place among America's elite this summer with a strong performance at The Opening.

Prediction: Clemson

Lawrence plans to announce his choice Dec. 14, according to Luke Stampini of 247Sports, and if that remains the case, he is currently closing in on a decision. He's spent time at Clemson, Florida, Alabama and NC State this season while researching options, and a trip to Ohio State is next.

The Buckeyes aim to send him home with a favorable impression of Columbus, but this feels like a battle between Florida and Clemson. We're inclined to lean toward the Tigers.

OT Greg Little

Credit: 247Sports

High School: Allen (Allen, Texas)

Size: 6'5½", 305 pounds

Composite Ranking: No. 1 offensive tackle; No. 2 overall

247Sports Crystal Ball Leader: Ole Miss (42 percent)

Bleacher Report Breakdown

"In terms of pass protection, he's already versed in techniques such as hand placement and kick steps. He's physical enough in the run game, but that's one area where he can grow in his transition to the next level. Little is the most complete prospect in the 2016 class among offensive linemen."—B/R recruiting analyst Sanjay Kirpalani

Greg Little started his high school career at tight end but quickly shifted to offensive tackle, where he served as a starter during back-to-back state title runs in 2013 and 2014. His athleticism and evolving strength presents an opportunity for him to make an immediate impact at either tackle position.

Prediction: Ole Miss

Little initially expected to follow former Allen High School teammate Kyler Murray to Texas A&M, pledging to the Aggies before his junior season. Instead, he reopened a widespread recruitment this summer. 

It's been a busy fall for the blue-chip bookend, with trips to Auburn, Georgia, LSU and Alabama. He postponed a late October announcement and will visit Ole Miss in January, according to Bleacher Report's Damon Sayles, putting the Rebels in prime position to add a potential elite protector for Elite 11 MVP quarterback Shea Patterson.

DT Rashan Gary

High School: Paramus Catholic (Paramus, New Jersey)

Size: 6'5", 293 pounds

Composite Ranking: No. 1 defensive tackle; No. 1 overall

247Sports Crystal Ball Leader: Michigan (59 percent)

Bleacher Report Breakdown

"Gary is a football phenomenon. Few 300-pounders can run the 40-yard dash in five seconds; he's run the 40 in 4.74 seconds. When you bring all of his characteristics to the table, it's easy to see why he's the top-ranked overall player."—B/R recruiting analyst Damon Sayles

Rashan Gary received his first scholarship offer, from nearby Rutgers, before reaching high school and hasn't slowed down since. He's as versatile as they come for a lineman of his stature, registering 24 quarterback hurries and 14 sacks last season, according to MaxPreps.

Prediction: Michigan

Landing the nation's top overall prospect would be an extremely impressive way for Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh to cap off his first full recruiting cycle in Ann Arbor. Michigan recruiting coordinator Chris Partridge previously served as Gary's head coach at Paramus Catholic, and he's been instrumental in the program's ability to land three 4-star pledges from the Garden State.

Gary, who made Michigan his first official visit, will ramp up the process soon with scheduled official visits to Ole Miss, Auburn and USC. His mother, Jennifer Coney, is a pivotal part of this journey, and she recently told Ari Wasserman of Cleveland.com several programs—Notre Dame, Ohio State, Georgia, Kentucky and Clemson among them—are vying for his final official visit. 

Tyler Donohue is a national recruiting analyst for Bleacher Report. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.