Best College Football Program Fits for Every Uncommitted 2017 5-Star

Still nearly nine months shy of national signing day, two-thirds of 5-star prospects in 247Sports' composite rankings remain undecided about their collegiate futures. These heralded athletes have the skill sets and potentials to impact programs for years to come, and they could ultimately help lure other elite talents to the same schools.

From dynamic pass-rushers and dominant offensive linemen to scintillating receivers and a coveted quarterback who earned his first scholarship offer before eighth grade, there's plenty to sort through while analyzing a compelling collection of uncommitted players.

Rather than simply projecting their most likely landing spots, here's a glimpse at these recruits and which universities could provide an ideal fit from a perspective of program fit and early opportunity.

QB Tate Martell

Credit: Student Sports

High School: Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nevada)

Size: 5'10 ½", 203 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1 dual-threat quarterback; No. 33 overall

It's been a long and winding journey for Tate Martell, who initially pledged to the Washington Huskies and former head coach Steve Sarkisian in middle school. That verbal pact ended during his first year at Bishop Gorman High School, where he is 28-0 as a starter with 5,145 passing yards, 1,037 rushing yards, 86 total touchdowns and just eight interceptions.

He hopped into the Texas A&M class shortly before his junior season and stayed on board for nine months, but he backed off that decision in early May. The Southern California native has commanded attention from both USC and UCLA during the course of his recruitment, while former Aggies offensive coordinator Jake Spavital—a favorite of Martell—is now calling plays at Cal.

Still, it's difficult to discount Ohio State in this race, and the Buckeyes have become a solid leader in his "crystal ball" with 12 of the past 17 experts' commitment predictions. Head coach Urban Meyer is a three-time national champion who's enjoyed immense success with dual-threat quarterbacks, but his program is stocked with young talent behind starter J.T. Barrett, with redshirt freshman Joe Burrow and incoming Elite 11 finalist Dwayne Haskins providing an impressive foundation for the future.

Martell stressed the opportunity to start immediately as a key draw to Texas A&M. The other was Spavital, who could mentor the promising passer in Berkeley and possibly send him out behind center for season-opening snaps in 2017.

Best Fit: Cal Golden Bears

RB D'Andre Swift

Credit: 247Sports

High School: St. Joseph's (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Size: 5'10", 204 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1 all-purpose back; No. 31 overall

This recruitment remains one of the most widespread you'll find among 5-star prospects in the 2017 class, as D'Andre Swift told B/R in May at least 10 universities are in the mix. He plans to trim that list to five schools before the start of his senior season.

Penn State, Clemson and Georgia are among programs that have hosted him on campus, while Ohio State and Florida State could be due for upcoming visits. The Seminoles staff has been ardent in its pursuit of Swift, playing perhaps a bigger role in this recruitment lately than any program but Georgia, where he visited twice this spring.

Florida State star Dalvin Cook is one healthy season away from being considered a top-tier NFL draft pick after his junior season, so there should be immediate reps for the taking in Tallahassee. Surrounded by a star-studded supporting cast, Swift could step in as a reliable pass-catcher and speedy ball-carrier out of the backfield by joining close friend and fellow Philadelphia product  Naseir Upshur—a 2016 Seminoles tight end signee—on campus.

Best Fit: Florida State Seminoles

OL Tedarrell Slaton

Credit: 247Sports

High School: American Heritage (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)

Size: 6'4 ½", 340 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1 offensive guard; No. 30 overall

Mammoth offensive lineman Tedarrell Slaton named Clemson his No. 1 option during a late April interview with Corey Bender of Scout.com, but there really doesn't seem to be significant separation throughout a group of contenders that includes Tennessee, Duke, Florida State and Michigan.

The Wolverines secured six Sunshine State athletes during head coach Jim Harbaugh's first full recruiting cycle in Ann Arbor, and the staff now set sights on this road-grader. Slaton, who dominates interior rushing efforts with sheer brute force and a mean streak, could further enhance a Michigan front line that will be asked to power ahead for the rushing attack in brutal weather as the season gets late.

The Wolverines staff faces a challenge competing with other suitors, particularly Clemson and Florida State, but expect Michigan to make him a major point of emphasis with an eye on immediate playing time. Harbaugh has shown serious closing ability on the recruiting trail, and another visit or two to campus could help seal the deal with this bullying blocker.

Best Fit: Michigan Wolverines

DE Chase Young

Credit: Student Sports

High School: DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Maryland)

Size: 6'5", 225 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 2 weak-side defensive end; No. 29 overall

Chase Young is perhaps the best pure pass-rusher in this cycle; he's able to shed blockers with a lethal mix of agility and punch. Naturally, attention has arrived from universities near (Maryland) and far (USC) alike. 

First-year Terrapins head coach D.J. Durkin understands the importance of taking care of business on home turf, making Young and DeMatha Catholic teammate Anthony McFarland Jr. (4-star running back) primary concerns this cycle. Young told B/R he is definitely feeling the love from Maryland, which already scored a major recruiting victory by landing 5-star IMG Academy lineman and Baltimore native Joshua Kaindoh.

Alabama and Ohio State are powerhouse programs capable of reaching into any region for elite talent, and both are squarely on the radar for Young, who secured 19 sacks and 27 tackles for loss last season, according to Brandon Parker of the Washington Post.

We like the fit here with highly respected Buckeyes defensive line coach Larry Johnson, along with his projected edge-rushing role in an aggressive Greg Schiano-led scheme. He would complement blue-chip 2016 signees Nick Bosa and Jonathon Cooper extremely well in a young, dynamic front rotation.

Best Fit: Ohio State Buckeyes

WR Tyjon Lindsey

Credit: 247Sports

High School: Centennial (Corona, California)

Size: 5'8 ½", 180 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 5 wide receiver; No. 28 overall

This recruitment could go hand-in-hand with the outcome of Tate Martell's process. The quarterback and Tyjon Lindsey are former teammates and often refer to each other as brothers while expressing serious intent to team up in college.

Expert predictions in 247Sports' crystal ball point toward this duo extending their relationship at Ohio State. As we mentioned earlier, immediate reps are paramount to Martell, and this is ultimately what separates the quarterback position from receiver, where several players can supplement each other. 

We gave Cal the edge in "best fit" for Martell based on his history with the Golden Bears' offensive coordinator and a seemingly clearer path toward freshman starts. Meanwhile, Cal didn't make the cut for Lindsey in a top-10 list he released in April, though his present outlook may be in transition with Martell officially back on the open market.

Despite his proximal ties to West Coast contenders such as USC and Oregon, this may ultimately come down to a battle between Big Ten foes Ohio State and Nebraska. Expect both programs to receive official visits this fall, but we'll give the Buckeyes a sight edge based on offensive track record and the fact he has family in Ohio. 

Best Fit: Ohio State Buckeyes

ATH JaCoby Stevens

Credit: 247Sports

High School: Oakland (Murfreesboro, Tennessee)

Size: 6'2", 200 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1 athlete; No. 25 overall

We anticipate this recruitment will last deep into the recruiting cycle and perhaps all the way until national signing day, but that doesn't necessarily mean a major shake-up is coming. JaCoby Stevens named the Georgia Bulldogs his team to beat earlier this month during a conversation with Tom Kreager of the Tennessean.

Stevens, who is also looking closely at schools such as LSU, Florida State and Tennessee, demands attention on both sides of the ball. He tallied 11 touchdown catches, 84 tackles and six interceptions last season, according to Kreager.

Smart is in the process of assembling a versatile and potentially dominant defensive secondary, where Stevens could vie for reps in multiple roles. If his landing spot is at wide receiver, he'll benefit from a Bulldogs passing attack that boasts heralded 2016 signee Jacob Eason and welcomes elite 2017 quarterback Jake Fromm next year.

Best Fit: Georgia Bulldogs

WR Trevon Grimes

Credit: 247Sports

High School: St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)

Size: 6'3", 202 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 4 wide receiver; No. 24 overall

Ohio State emerged as the front-runner in this race early, and there's been little evidence to suggest the Buckeyes have surrendered much ground in that regard. Still, our purpose here isn't to pick out the probable destination, which leads us to the Florida Gators.

Head coach Jim McElwain is attempting to construct an explosive aerial attack at a university that hasn't enjoyed sustained success through the air in what seems like a generation. Jake Allen, a top-10 pro-style quarterback and high school teammate of Trevon Grimes, is a passionate peer recruiter, and you can bet the prized pass-catcher routinely encounters Gators sales pitches.

Ohio State is in excellent shape with several top-tier receivers and appears likely to land at least one 5-star at the position if things shake out as expected. At this stage, it's easier to place trust in the Buckeyes offense, but Florida's staff has an opportunity to prove its effectiveness this season with freshman receiver Tyrie Cleveland potentially stepping into the spotlight from day one.

Odds are in favor of Grimes heading north to Columbus, but the Gators present a compelling opportunity for instant starter's reps in an offense that's capable of making major strides under McElwain and coordinator Doug Nussmeier. 

Best Fit: Florida Gators

DB Stanford Samuels

Credit: 247Sports

High School: Flanagan (Hollywood, Florida)

Size: 6'2", 175 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 4 cornerback; No. 23 overall

This Florida State legacy is still weighing several collegiate options, but it's difficult to envision Stanford Samuels spurning the Seminoles on signing day. For one, the comfort level on campus should be high considering his father, who carries the same name, started at cornerback during the Bobby Bowden era.

The elder Samuels now serves as head coach at Flanagan High School, where fellow former Florida State player Devin Bush previously coached. Bush joined the Michigan Wolverines staff and reunited with his son (2016 Michigan signee Devin Bush Jr.) in Ann Arbor.

The Bushes provide a prime example that sons don't always follow in their fathers' athletic footsteps on the recruiting trail, and Alabama and Georgia are among programs that would love to prevent a legacy pledge here. Seminoles assistants Charles Kelly and Bill Miller have already laid a ton of ground work here and don't appear to be taking anything for granted with Samuels, who would further enhance an impressive collection of talent in the Florida State defensive backfield.

Best Fit: Florida State Seminoles

OL Austin Jackson

Credit: 247Sports

High School: North Canyon (Phoenix, Arizona)

Size: 6'5", 260 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 6 offensive tackle; No. 21 overall

Austin Jackson is naturally a hot commodity in Pac-12 recruiting country with UCLA, USC and Oregon joining nearby institutions Arizona and Arizona State in this pursuit. Beyond the conference, Alabama, Michigan and Texas A&M are jockeying for a position of power with the athletic bookend. 

The Aggies have enjoyed success targeting Arizona standouts, with 5-stars Kyle Allen and Christian Kirk serving as headline examples. Meanwhile, it's easy to appreciate what the Sun Devils have pieced together on offense, led by the acquisitions of Elite 11 finalists Brady White and Dillon Sterling-Cole, along with a recent verbal pledge from former Oregon commit Ryan Kelley.

Arizona State finished rather strong on the in-state recruiting trail last cycle, and a rangy offensive tackle like Jackson can be a plug-and-play prospect for head coach Todd Graham. Jackson has remained predominately tight-lipped about any recruiting leans, but we view him as a key piece of the puzzle for a Sun Devils attack that could surge among the nation's best in coming years.

Best Fit: Arizona State Sun Devils

OL Isaiah Wilson

Credit: 247Sports

High School: Poly Prep (Brooklyn, New York)

Size: 6'6 ½", 354 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 5 offensive tackle; No. 20 overall

Arguably the Northeast region's top overall recruit, Isaiah Wilson carries a physical frame similar to star Alabama offensive lineman Cam Robinson. While we wouldn't put him on the same level as the Crimson Tide left tackle coming out of high school, he is a mountain of a man, and there are stretches when defenders don't stand a chance in one-on-one settings.

There's a major Big Ten presence in this pursuit, with Michigan, Penn State, Ohio State and nearby Rutgers doing their diligence. He may also be drawn to revered trenches of the SEC, where Alabama, Georgia and LSU are among suitors. 

Crimson Tide offensive line coach Mario Cristobal has been an excellent recruiter throughout his tenure, especially when it comes to targeting athletes from this area, and Wilson visited Tuscaloosa in April for spring game festivities. Robinson will likely be gone when Wilson would arrive on campus, which would open the door for him and stud 2016 signee Jonah Williams to eventually emerge as new bookends at Alabama.

Best Fit: Alabama Crimson Tide 

WR Tee Higgins

Credit: 247Sports

High School: Oak Ridge (Oak Ridge, Tennessee)

Size: 6'4 ½", 188 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 3 wide receiver; No. 16 overall

Tee Higgins committed to in-state Tennessee prior to his junior campaign but backed off that verbal pledge in February. The Volunteers aren't going anywhere, maintaining consistent communication with a local athlete coaches covet.

There's plenty of company here, though, and it's a group that may only continue to expand as Higgins explores alternative campuses. He tweeted a top-10 list this week, which features Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Ole Miss and Tennessee.

Among that group, Ryan Callahan of 247Sports reported Florida State and Michigan may be next in line for visits. Clemson has gained perceived momentum during recent months, collecting 70 percent of experts' predictions in Higgins' 247Sports crystal ball.

The Tigers have become one of college football's true NFL wide receiver factories, with stars such as Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins wreaking havoc in the league. Rising sophomore Deon Cain made a major splash during his first season, and returning starter Mike Williams is viewed as another potential first-round draft pick.

Given this recent history and a stockpile of young premier passers prepared to replace Heisman Trophy contender Deshaun Watson when he departs, a clear path to collegiate stardom is in place for Higgins, who caught 16 touchdowns in 2015.

Best Fit: Clemson Tigers

RB Cam Akers

Credit: 247Sports

High School: Clinton (Clinton, Mississippi)

Size: 5' 11 ½", 212 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 2 running back; No. 15 overall

Cam Akers spent seven months committed to Alabama, where head coach Nick Saban has assembled a backfield of former blue-chip recruits. However, he halted those plans in March and immediately went to work identifying other potential destinations. 

His recent visits include Ohio State, Georgia and Tennessee, each of which looks the part of a contender here. Alabama remains adamant about intentions to bring Akers back into the fold, and you can be sure offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin will attempt to achieve that goal until he hears a definitive "no."

Ole Miss is the SEC squad that particularly stands out here, considering the level of offensive talent head coach Hugh Freeze assembled in the 2016 class. This year's freshman haul includes top-five prospects at quarterback, tackle and receiver.

The addition of an elite backfield weapon like Akers, who accounted for more than 8,000 total yards and 84 touchdowns during his first three high school seasons, could equip the Rebels with a balanced attack that challenges for the SEC's most explosive during a multiyear run.

Best Fit: Ole Miss Rebels

LB Baron Browning

Credit: 247Sports

High School: Kennedale (Kennedale, Texas)

Size: 6'3", 230 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 2 outside linebacker; No. 14 overall

Baron Browning is another example of an athlete who pledged early in the process but re-evaluated things down the line. Baylor bagged his commitment last summer but didn't sustain it through his junior year.

He took another step toward reaching a revised decision in April by releasing a top-10 list that included Alabama, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, TCU, Texas, UCLA and USC. Browning has left his options wide open with summer nearing, so upcoming visits are likely to further alter the outlook of this expansive recruitment. 

Notre Dame and Ohio State are strong fits beyond his home region, but there are abundant opportunities to make an immediate impact in head coach Charlie Strong's defensive unit at Texas, evidenced by former 5-star linebacker prospect Malik Jefferson. It's clear the Longhorns' return to national title contention will be built on defense first, and Browning is exactly the kind of difference-maker who can give this program another nudge in the right direction while making a name for himself early and often.

Best Fit: Texas Longhorns

OL Wyatt Davis

Credit: 247Sports

High School: St. John Bosco (Bellflower, California)

Size: 6'5", 310 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 4 offensive tackle; No. 12 overall

Wyatt Davis holds dozens of scholarship offers and intends to whittle things down to five schools this summer, as he told Ruth Robbins of 247Sports. It's probably safe to assume the Washington Huskies will make the cut after a recent trip to Seattle and another one in the works for June. 

Along with Washington, Robbins reported Davis also intends to accompany his parents to Notre Dame and Michigan in upcoming months. Alabama, seemingly always in the mix for elite offensive line talent, is viewed as Davis' leader in 247Sports' crystal ball (78 percent). 

This process is still so wide open it's difficult to narrow in on a definitive favorite until Davis declares one himself. Ultimately, it may come down to whether or not he prefers to remain on the West Coast through his collegiate career.

If he does indeed stick near the Pacific, Washington head coach Chris Petersen could reap the benefits of a diligent recruiting strategy. Teammate and close friend Terrell Bynum committed to the Huskies in April, following the path of fellow St. John Bosco product and 2016 Washington signee Sean McGrew. 

Best Fit: Washington Huskies

CB DeAngelo Gibbs

Credit: 247Sports

High School: Grayson (Loganville, Georgia)

Size: 6'2", 204 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 2 cornerback; No. 11 overall

Even with a travel itinerary that has taken him in several directions, many analysts project this decision to end with enrollment in Athens or Knoxville. The Georgia Bulldogs and Tennessee Volunteers are primary contenders, and both staffs are well into their respective recruitment of DeAngelo Gibbs.

His cousin, 4-star Georgia safety Nigel Warrior, committed to Tennessee over the Bulldogs this past national signing day and will enroll on campus this summer. Warrior's father (Gibbs' uncle) is Dale Carter, who earned All-American honors with the Volunteers. 

Gibbs projects as an elite cornerback in college but also possesses the size and toughness to contend at safety. Tennessee will count on family ties with Warrior to help create separation when the time comes for a decision.

Best Fit: Tennessee Volunteers

WR Joseph Lewis

Credit: 247Sports

High School: Hawkins (Los Angeles, California)

Size: 6'1 ½", 207 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 2 wide receiver; No. 9 overall

Joseph Lewis established himself as a star among stars in Southern California during the first three seasons of his high school career, racking up at least 775 receiving yards each fall, per MaxPreps. His efforts at Hawkins and on the camp circuit have attracted offers from schools such as Notre Dame, Oregon, Georgia, Michigan and Oklahoma.

There will undoubtedly be heavy flirtation and continued visits with programs beyond state borders, but this could evolve into a hometown showdown. UCLA and USC often grapple for premier local talent, and Lewis certainly fits the bill, though the Bruins are likely battling uphill against the Trojans (his unanimous 247Sports crystal ball favorite). 

When searching for separating factors on the football field, it's important to note the Trojans just signed perhaps America's most impressive collection of 2016 receivers. That's a testament to receivers coach-turned-coordinator Tee Martin and also creates a crowded depth chart.

Lewis isn't the kind of talent who should shy away from position battles, but there may be an excellent opportunity for instant stardom across town. UCLA should be attacking opponents through the air at full throttle in 2017, when former 5-star quarterback recruit Josh Rosen will be a third-year starter and auditioning to become the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, and Lewis would immediately slide into an enviable slot as a key beneficiary of Rosen's targets.

Best Fit: UCLA Bruins

DB Darnay Holmes

Credit: 247Sports

High School: Calabasas (Calabasas, California)

Size: 5'10", 190 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1 cornerback; No. 8 overall

Is Calabasas' rising senior class ready to go all-in with the Nebraska Cornhuskers? That's the question that looms large with an impending June 23 commitment date for top-ranked cornerback Darnay Holmes.

The Cornhuskers already secured verbal pledges from a pair of his 4-star teammates in quarterback Tristan Gebbia and receiver Keyshawn Johnson Jr. Regardless of an early summer announcement, Holmes appears intent on attending Nebraska's Sept. 17 game against Oregon, according to Omaha.com.

Stanford, Ohio State and UCLA are among schools that could also be in line for official visits here. As things stand now, Nebraska seems set up nicely for a clean sweep of Calabasas' star trio and could count on Holmes to contribute against the Big Ten's top receivers as a true freshman.

Best Fit: Nebraska Cornhuskers

DB Jeffrey Okudah

Credit: 247Sports

High School: South Grand Prairie (Grand Prairie, Texas)

Size: 6'1 ½", 190 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1 safety; No. 7 overall

Ohio State still sits atop the pecking order for premier Lone Star State defensive back Jeffrey Okudah, who in late April told Ari Wasserman of Cleveland.com the Buckeyes remain No. 1 in his eyes. The addition of former Rutgers University and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano should continue to prove instrumental, as the new Ohio State defensive coordinator is off to a strong start in his latest stop.

Ohio State is in the pole position and offers Okudah an opportunity to develop into the back-end linchpin of a star-studded defensive unit. Still, a commitment won't come without a fight from other programs.

Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame and Stanford are other intriguing out-of-state options, while the Texas Longhorns would love to land another defensive standout head coach Charlie Strong could implement as a pivotal building block.

Best Fit: Ohio State Buckeyes

WR Donovan Peoples-Jones

Credit: Student Sports

High School: Cass Technical (Detroit, Michigan)

Size: 6'2", 192 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1 wide receiver; No. 6 overall

This is a deep receiver class up top, and yet Donovan Peoples-Jones has managed to distinguish himself from the group. This explosive playmaker collected 1,161 receiving yards and 18 scores last season after earning the 2015 Nike Football Ratings national championship in July.

Peoples-Jones has been particularly guarded about revealing his thought process regarding top choices and told B/R earlier this month as many as 10 universities are still in contention for a commitment. He also reeled off several quarterbacks, both commits and incoming freshmen, who maintain contact with him in hopes of forming a collegiate duo.

Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State are each major players in the Big Ten, while Alabama, Florida and Notre Dame are among notable alternatives elsewhere. Multiple trips to Ann Arbor put the Wolverines in a great place for Peoples-Jones, who is exactly the kind of weapon head coach Jim Harbaugh hopes to pair with a promising corps of young quarterbacks that includes Brandon Peters, a 2015 U.S. Army All-American Player of the Year finalist, and Dylan McCaffrey, the No. 1 overall passer in the 2017 cycle.

Peoples-Jones' blend of length and acceleration would vault him to the top of Michigan's wide receiver rotation early, and we could witness him blossom into a national superstar in Ann Arbor before the end of his first fall on campus. Ohio State has several opportunities to score big at receiver in this cycle, but Peoples-Jones is clearly the priority at Michigan.

Best Fit: Michigan Wolverines

OL Foster Sarell

Credit: 247Sports

High School: Graham Kapowsin (Graham, Washington)

Size: 6'6", 320 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 2 offensive tackle; No. 5 overall

Foster Sarell likely landed atop the 2017 wish list of Washington Huskies head coach Chris Petersen soon after his arrival from Boise State. The massive lineman received an offer from the in-state school as a freshman, maintaining and strengthening a relationship with the Huskies as scholarships came in bunches.

Notre Dame, Stanford, Oregon and Michigan are just a few of the programs that aim to pry Sarell away from Washington, and this is creating a major challenge for the Huskies staff. While it may come as a surprise for many, Petersen has put his team in a solid situation for two 5-star offensive tackles on this list (Sarell and Wyatt Davis).

The Fighting Irish have enjoyed immense success with top-tier offensive linemen during recent cycles, so South Bend is a destination to watch despite serious depth at tackle. If this comes down to Stanford versus Washington, as his crystal ball indicates, look for Petersen and company to complete a lengthy pursuit by providing Sarell with an immediate chance to dominate along the Huskies front.

Best Fit: Washington Huskies

DT Marvin Wilson

Credit: 247Sports

High School: Episcopal (Bellaire, Texas)

Size: 6'4", 329 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1 defensive tackle; No. 3 overall

Marvin Wilson has attracted a revolving rotation of college recruiters to eastern Texas throughout a dominant high school career. Now approaching his final summer break, coaches across the country are fervently attempting to separate their institutions from others, with a few standing out in particular.

Despite an abrupt change at defensive line coach, Alabama remains in the mix, according to Chris Kirschner of SEC Country. This development still may turn out to favor rival LSU, where defensive line coach Ed Orgeron has made a major impact with Wilson.

With Bo Davis gone in Tuscaloosa, the Crimson Tide staff must help longtime NFL assistant Karl Dunbar ease into the driver's seat of this race. Texas is exactly where it needs to be with Wilson and could put itself atop his list with a rebound start to the season after back-to-back sub-.500 campaigns.

The Tigers are well-equipped to go the distance with a savvy and respected veteran like Orgeron leading the way. If head coach Les Miles can avoid the incessant speculation about job security that swirled around him last fall, LSU looks like an outstanding landing spot for Wilson, who could quickly anchor things inside and create opportunities for an athletic front-seven supporting cast.

Best Fit: LSU Tigers

LB Dylan Moses

Credit: 247Sports

High School: IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)

Size: 6'2", 220 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1 outside linebacker; No. 2 overall

Much like the aforementioned Martell, Dylan Moses made major waves on the national recruiting scene well before his first varsity snap. The two-way standout gathered scholarship offers from premier programs in advance of high school and even appeared on a cover of ESPN The Magazine at 15 years old.

Moses, who attended the University Lab School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, before transferring to Sunshine State powerhouse IMG Academy, pledged to nearby LSU midway through his freshman season. He opted to reopen the process last summer, and that's where things remain at the conclusion of a whirlwind junior year.

This is largely viewed as a three-team race right now, though as with everything in recruiting, that's subject to change. Alabama, LSU and Texas are fighting for America's No. 1 defensive prospect, with the Longhorns earning a "leader" label after an April visit to Austin, according to EJ Holland of 247Sports.

For a prospect long viewed as a three-and-done college player, this may ultimately hinge on program stability. Alabama is rock-solid from a leadership standpoint, but LSU has longtime roots in this recruitment, as Moses developed just down the block from campus. 

Will LSU stabilize things in 2016 after a tumultuous 2015 campaign that nearly resulted in a coaching change? Can Texas right the ship after its Charlie Strong era started 11-14 with multiple lopsided losses?

We're betting on the Tigers in this scenario. They'll bring Moses back into town after a lengthy and spotlighted recruitment.

Best Fit: LSU Tigers

Tyler Donohue is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite rankings.

Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.