Demetris Robertson Sets Final Official Visit: Odds on Where No. 1 WR Lands
More than one month after his contemporaries in the class of 2016 finalized collegiate plans on national signing day, coveted prospect Demetris Robertson will take his last official visit.
The Georgia Bulldogs are set to host him on campus beginning Friday, March 18, according to Kipp Adams of 247Sports. Robertson, rated No. 1 nationally among wide receivers in 247Sports' composite rankings, will move one step closer toward wrapping up a recruitment process that may extend deep into spring.
The 5'11 ¾", 175-pound playmaker was a two-way standout at Savannah Christian Prep and emerged as a top in-state target for Georgia early in his high school career. A new Bulldogs staff, led by head coach Kirby Smart, is attempting to gain an edge over other programs under Robertson's consideration.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
He previously used official visits at Alabama, Cal, Georgia Tech and Notre Dame, while Stanford is a major contender. Robertson is still seeking an SAT score that would secure admission into Stanford and will retake the test this weekend, per Adams.
Those test results reportedly won't be available until May, further indicating that a final decision likely won't arrive anytime soon. Though an upcoming trip to Athens will meet his official visit allowance, Stanford is a compelling destination for the Peach State product.
Robertson, the No. 14 overall recruit in 247Sports' composite rankings, continues to extend the 2016 recruiting cycle for several coaching staffs. His choice could prove immediately impactful for a program next season, as he possesses the athleticism and skill to contend for early playing time.
Here's a look at the odds for three of Robertson's top options to land him, excluding Stanford at this stage because of the current admission uncertainty. If he qualifies for enrollment, this is the Cardinal's battle to lose.
Notre Dame: 3-1
Robertson is intent on finding an ideal academic fit that can complement his college football career. Like Stanford, Notre Dame is regarded as a rigorous environment for student-athletes and also competes at a title-contending level on the field.
“I want to sit down and see everything a long way out because my academics are the most important thing to me. A lot of people might not believe it, but that’s what I’m basing my decision off of," he said, per Jeff Sentell of Dawg Nation.
Robertson used an official visit in South Bend early last season, and the Fighting Irish have maintained momentum in the eyes of many recruiting analysts. Notre Dame became the outright leader in his 247Sports crystal ball in January and now claims 48 percent of 21 experts' predictions for where he'll sign.
Alabama: 4-1
Long before this recruitment carried beyond national signing day, Robertson was expected to spend his college career in Tuscaloosa. He verbally committed to the Crimson Tide shortly after his sophomore year, pledging to Alabama in July 2014.
That pact lasted throughout Robertson's junior season, but he ultimately reopened his recruitment last spring. Despite the decommitment, head coach Nick Saban kept his team in this equation and secured an official visit with Robertson last weekend.
The receiver's reaction to his most recent on-campus experience indicated positive momentum for the Crimson Tide.
“Alabama showed me a lot about life after football,” Robertson told Adams (via Hank South of 247Sports). “I learned a lot about my degree, and they definitely moved up the ladder for me.”
Despite substantial staff changes since his initial commitment, Alabama did enough to warrant his pledge at an earlier point. It wouldn't be a major shock to see Robertson return to his original plan.
"Speechless..., but Roll Tide Boy!! pic.twitter.com/1tw0o5066A
— RealRobertson5 (@d_rob4) November 8, 2015"
Georgia: 5-1
On the heels of Robertson's trip to Tuscaloosa, the Bulldogs may have work to do in order to even be considered an SEC front-runner in this pursuit. Georgia was supposed to host him for an official visit earlier in the process, but things fell through, setting the stage for a pivotal campus stay later this month.
He will arrive for a three-day tour alongside family members and is expected to meet with university administration. Georgia president Jere Morehead and members of the school's engineering department could also play a role in the visit, according to Jake Reuse of Rivals.
"He wants us to speak with those guys," older brother and legal guardian Carlos Robertson told Reuse. "We also just want to see (Smart's) vision. He'll have things whupped in shape from the football standpoint, but we want to see things from the academic side to see how Demetris would get set up after this football thing ends."
Smart, who previously encountered Robertson as a member of Alabama's staff, closed well with in-state prospects on signing day. His focus is now on adding another prized playmaker to a class that includes homegrown standouts such as 5-star athlete Mecole Hardman Jr., dominant defensive tackle Julian Rochester and No. 1 overall tight end Isaac Nauta.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
