4-Star WR D.J. Matthews Reveals Top 8: Which Teams Could Flip FSU Commit?
Despite a commitment to Florida State that spans nearly two years, wide receiver D.J. Matthews continues to maintain a diligent search for his ideal collegiate fit.
The 4-star prospect, a junior at Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville, Florida, unveiled a list of eight potential landing spots Thursday morning. This collection of schools, released on Twitter, is ordered by preference with a familiar favorite sitting atop the pack:
Florida State figures to play a prominent role in this recruitment regardless of any twists and turns that may lie ahead. The Seminoles secured Matthews' verbal commitment in July 2014, more than a month before his first sophomore game.
The 5'10", 150-pound playmaker, rated No. 9 overall among players at the position in 247Sports' 2017 composite rankings, remains the longest-pledged member of an impressive 2017 Seminoles recruiting class. Upon the commitment, Matthews called Florida State his "dream school" during a conversation with Warchant.com.
He attended camp in Tallahassee last July and turned heads throughout as members of the Seminoles staff enjoyed a close look:
Just last month, Matthews expressed excitement about doing his part to improve Florida State's 2017 talent haul.
"I honestly want everyone to be proud of their decision, but I also let them know that they are wanted at Florida State. Not just wanted, needed here," he told Curt Weiler of Tomahawk Nation.
During that conversation, Matthews also expressed plans to enroll early in Tallahassee next January.
However, it's clear his arrival isn't exactly impending at this point.
Matthews is a key peer recruiter for Florida State and certainly a top-tier talent who could make an instant impact on the Seminoles' offensive attack. He also assuredly is investing some focus elsewhere while approaching the end of his junior year.
The Florida Gators land on his list of options just beneath rival Florida State. Head coach Jim McElwain has focused on enhancing an aerial assault that struggled mightily before his hiring, and he continues to stockpile talent that could quickly turn things around.
Florida signed an Elite 11 finalist last cycle in Feleipe Franks and currently carries a commitment from 4-star 2017 passer Jake Allen, who is considered a top-10 pro-style prospect. Gators wide receiver Antonio Callaway led the team in receiving last season as a true freshman, serving notice this staff isn't afraid to trust newcomers with expansive roles at the position.
Sitting at No. 2 on his list, Florida is an obvious threat to flip Matthews from Florida State. His proximity to the university makes it easy for the Gators to lure him to campus multiple times moving forward.
He wore a Florida-themed cap while attending a game in The Swamp last season, according to Chris Hays of the Orlando Sentinel, so he hasn't shied away from showing love for an eventual adversary. Expect McElwain and company to land Matthews in the bleachers again this fall.
The pecking order in this pursuit follows, in order, with Virginia Tech, Miami, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas A&M and LSU. There could be a considerable gap between Matthews' pair of primary in-state contenders and other programs on his list.
It's also important to note he remains nearly 10 months away from the earliest point at which he would enroll. Just four months ago, Matthews mentioned a top four that featured Florida State, North Carolina, Notre Dame and UCLA, according to Tom Loy of 247Sports.
Aside from the Seminoles, none of those schools made the cut this time around.
Contenders may come and go in this lengthy recruiting process, but if Matthews ultimately bolts on Florida State, the rival Gators are in great shape to give chase.
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