Dylan Moses Sets Commitment Date: Odds on Where 5-Star Lands
The recruitment of 5-star linebacker Dylan Moses has been filled with twists and turns.
While there may be a few more to go, the nation’s No. 1 outside linebacker and No. 4 player overall in the 2017 cycle has announced that he will make his commitment on Dec. 15.
"PSA: My commitment date is set for December 15th, mark your calendars people .
— King Ⓜ️oses (@Dylan1Moses_) September 11, 2016"
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, LSU is one of the favorites to land one of the premier defenders in the 2017 class.
Additionally, Moses has official visits lined up to Alabama, Miami, Ohio State, Texas and UCLA over the next two months, with the Crimson Tide getting him on campus first on Oct. 1.
According to Amos Morale III of NOLA.com, one of his officials may change with American Athletic Conference power Houston being a school that has caught his attention enough that an official visit to see the Cougars is now a possibility.
Moses is an early enrollee, which means he will be on campus at the school of his choice in January.
With his recruitment winding down, which program stands the best chance to land him?
Let’s take a look at the odds for each school in the running.
Houston, Miami and UCLA: 15-1
During his short tenure as head coach of the Cougars program, Tom Herman has wasted little time in making an impression.
After a 13-1 season last year and a quick 2-0 start that includes a win over Big 12 power Oklahoma to begin this season, recruits are taking notice of what Herman is building at Houston—Moses included.
He briefly visited the Cougars in the summer after participating in the Nike Opening Houston regional camp.
"I met the rest of the staff and I visited, looked all over the campus and I really liked it," Moses told Morale. "And being able to see everything that's going on over there, it's really a great tradition."
Moses is currently scheduled to visit Miami for its rivalry game against Florida State on Oct. 8 and UCLA for its showdown against cross-city rival USC on Nov. 19.
Getting him on campus for a rivalry game will provide a great atmosphere that could make a lasting impression on him. However, he seems to have a stronger connection with a few of the other schools on his list.
Ohio State and Texas: 10-1
Ohio State currently has a class rated as the nation’s top overall group that features a staggering six 5-star pledges already committed to the Buckeyes. Moses is one of a select few targets they would love to add to their class before national signing day.
Also included on head coach Urban Meyer’s commit list are two of Moses’s teammates at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida—4-star defensive backs Isaiah Pryor and Marcus Williamson.
When recently asked about which player he was recruiting the hardest to join the Buckeyes’ top-rated class, Pryor didn’t hesitate.
"Mostly Dylan," Pryor told Bleacher Report. "He said he would love to come up there and that he’s looking forward to his official visit. He’s going to the Michigan game for his official. Hopefully, he likes it up in Columbus and he commits after it. I’m working on him for sure and always telling him to come up and play with us."
"落 hook'em pic.twitter.com/PdZ6eXLfp1
— King Ⓜ️oses (@Dylan1Moses_) September 7, 2016"
Moses also noted that of the head coaches recruiting him, he’s developed a strong bond with Texas boss Charlie Strong.
He’s scheduled to see the Longhorns on Oct. 15 for their home date against Iowa State.
Given Strong’s reputation as a closer and his history in landing and developing elite defensive prospects, the ‘Horns could be a serious sleeper in the Moses sweepstakes.
Alabama: 6-1
While the Tigers have long been considered the favorite to land Moses, based on experts from 247Sports' Crystal Ball predictions, the one school thought to have the best chance of stealing him away from them is Alabama.
As BamaOnline’s Hank South detailed, the Tide were his leader at one point earlier in the process.
Another reason the Tide are a serious threat is the work head coach Nick Saban and his staff have done in pulling elite talents from the state of Louisiana over the years.
"The LongHorns and the Tide really put on this past weekend , LOVED IT! #RollTide #LetsRide
— King Ⓜ️oses (@Dylan1Moses_) September 5, 2016"
Perhaps the biggest obstacle for the Tide will be overcoming a depth chart littered with former stud recruits. Plus, the Tide already have three 4-star linebackers pledged in their 2017 class.
Still, the Tide remain a strong threat to land Moses simply because of their history and tradition with pulling elite talents from around the nation during Saban’s tenure in Tuscaloosa.
LSU: 5-1
It may seem like ages ago, but Moses was actually committed to LSU for nearly two years.
Even in the aftermath of his decommitment, Moses acknowledged that they have never been far from his thoughts since he reopened his process last summer.
“That’s my home state,” he told Bleacher Report last month. “I think [LSU] should be really good this year. I have a really good relationship with the coaching staff, and I hope they have a really great season this year.”
While LSU won’t get an official visit, he said that isn’t a factor since he's from Baton Rouge and is very familiar with the Tigers campus.
Another thing that could help LSU win out for Moses is a depth chart that features three seniors starting at linebacker this season, according to Ourlads.
In addition to playing time, Moses had one other factor that will play a critical role in his decision-making process.
“It will come down to how comfortable I feel,” Moses said. “I want to make the right decision for me and my family and everyone involved that has supported me and helped me get to this point.”
Even though he’s established great relationships with coaches and players at a handful of other programs, it’s hard to imagine him finding a better level of comfort than returning to his hometown to play in front his friends and family at LSU.
Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand and all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
