B/R Recruiting Notebook: 5-Star Gives Update; What's Next for Red-Hot Tennessee?

It's that time of year when we see recruits make verbal pledges and teams land commitments in bunches.

Over the weekend, Tennessee highlighted the recruiting headlines by scoring eight pledges—seven in the 2017 class and one 2018 target—with the assistance of Saturday's Orange Carpet Day recruiting event in Knoxville.

Arizona State didn't have a one-day effort like Tennessee on Saturday, but Friday was considered a big day. The Sun Devils landed three players from in-state power Saguaro High School, all 3-star prospects: tight end Jared Poplawski, linebacker/tight end Kyle Soelle and interior offensive lineman Corey Stephens. Poplawski and Stephens helped Saguaro win its third consecutive Arizona state championship and eighth in 10 years.

And then there was Central Florida, which had a productive week overall. The Knights saw five players commit in a four-day span, as 2-star linebacker T.J. Pitts and 3-star wide receiver Anthony Roberson kicked things off on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. UCF landed its highest-ranked recruit Friday in 3-star receiver Emmanuel Greene, and on Saturday, the 3-star duo of defensive lineman Antwan Owens and offensive tackle Viktor Beach joined the Knights' recruiting class.

Here's the latest recruiting news on some of the studs from the 2017 class.

5-star WR Lindsey details recruiting process

Tyjon Lindsey isn't afraid to admit that the recruiting process can become hectic and, at times, overbearing. Fortunately for the Corona, California, 5-star wide receiver, there is something to keep his mind off the drama recruiting can bring.

"I like going to the movies," Lindsey said. "I'll hang out with friends and see a movie to get away."

Credit: Student Sports

Lindsey said The Conjuring 2 was the most recent movie used as a diversion to what has been a draining but productive recruiting process. He has 23 reported offers and said he's in no rush to make a decision. Lindsey, however, did say he's looking at two summer trips.

"Alabama and Auburn," Lindsey said. "I want to see what they're all about."

One school that keeps coming up when Lindsey's name is mentioned is Ohio State. The Buckeyes lead Lindsey's 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions, and many are wondering how much of an impact the close friendship between Lindsey and Ohio State quarterback commit Tate Martell will play in a final decision.

"He really hasn't been in my ear much, but we've talked about it," Lindsey said of Martell, "I like [Ohio State] a lot. Urban Meyer is a cool dude. When I went on my visit, you could see that Ohio State was more than just a school. The whole city was great."

As for choosing a winning program, Lindsey said he's looking for a place where he can be comfortable and learn a lot from his coaching staff. For now, however, he's content with taking his time and letting the process play itself out.

"I'm not trying to think about any of that right now," he said. "I just know wherever I go, I want to feel at home."

Dave Martin/Associated Press

After huge weekend, who's next for Tennessee?

You won't see too many schools—at any time of the year—have the single-day success that Tennessee had on Saturday. 

Orange Carpet Day featured eight players committing to the Volunteers. Defensive end Tre Lawson reportedly jumpstarted the barrage with his pledge, and from there, Tennessee scored additional 2017 commitments from wide receiver Princeton Fant, defensive end LaTrell Bumphus, safety Theo Jackson, athlete Trey Coleman, offensive tackle Jordan Tucker and safety Jaquan Henderson. Athlete Alontae Taylor was the solo 2018 commit for the day.

"It felt good seeing all that young, new talent committing to the same school I'm going to be playing for," said Lawson, who chose Tennessee over offers from Florida State, South Carolina and several other programs.

Now with 17 commits in the 2017 class, the Volunteers are ranked No. 7 in the latest 247Sports composite team rankings. The good news for Tennessee fans is that there's still room to add elite talent. Among the targeted 2017 players are 5-star receiver Tee Higgins, 5-star athlete JaCoby Stevens and 4-star tackle Trey Smith.

All three targets would be quality in-state commitments if the Volunteers can land them.

4-star OT Thomas visits Notre Dame, talks top 3

Atlanta 4-star offensive tackle Andrew Thomas has had a top three of Georgia, Clemson and Notre Dame for a while. He said of the three schools, Georgia has shown the most interest, and according to his 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions, Georgia is the team to beat.

Credit: 247Sports

Notre Dame fans are hoping this past weekend helps to add intrigue to the competition. Thomas, who is now 6'5" and 315 pounds, took an unofficial visit to Notre Dame and gave the school high marks.

"It was a great visit," said Thomas, the nation's No. 10 offensive tackle and No. 49 overall player in the 2017 class. "It is a great mix of academics and athletics. It is just a good culture up there."

Of Thomas' top three, Notre Dame was the only school he hadn't visited prior to the weekend. He said he's looking for a school with a solid business program.

That, and other things.

"I want to have a good fit and relationship with the staff, especially the O-line coach," Thomas said. "I want to go someplace where my parents feel comfortable. I also want a place where I can play early."

Thomas has 29 reported offers, the latest coming from Kansas State.

4-star OT Little kicking recruiting into high gear

The good news for all 33 colleges to offer greater Houston 4-star offensive tackle Walker Little: He doesn't have a legitimate favorite yet.

The bad news for some of those schools: He's ready to start narrowing his choices.

Little, who said he's made it a priority to take things slow with his recruiting process, said he's looking into a couple of summer visits in an effort to focus on a few schools for a top list. Florida State, Alabama, Ole Miss and LSU are four schools that could get unofficial visits. Texas A&M is also a potential visit, as it is close to home.

Credit: Student Sports

"I'm trying to get out to some schools, but I still want to take it slow," Little said. "I want to try to come to a decision sometime during the football season. I don't think I'm taking it all the way through signing day."

At 6'8" and 305 pounds, Little is ranked the No. 12 offensive tackle and the No. 57 overall player in the 2017 class. He said UCLA was his most recent offer.

Little has kept a poker face with his recruiting to the point where only a few know the schools that truly peak his interest. Look for him to remain disciplined in keeping his emotions under wraps as the summer progresses.

"There definitely were points in time after I took a visit where I wanted to pull the trigger," he said, "but it's always good to go back home and take it all in and talk to my family about it. I don't want to rush anything and commit to the wrong school."

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles