USC, Florida: Roller-coaster ride
Emotions will run wild, we’re just not ready to say which emotions. But USC and Florida coaches will be on the edge of their swivel office chairs. The Trojans have the clearer route to a happy day. Five-star prospects Iman Marshall and Rasheem Green are expected to come aboard, as is 4-star John Houston. Florida’s situation is a more up in the air. Auburn — with its new star assistant coach Will Muschamp — have the ear of five-star prospects Martez Ivey and Byron Cowart. And Ole Miss would love to once again (see Laremy Tunsil) swoop in and snag a Florida talent like CeCe Jefferson. Along with those 5-star prospects, the Gators have their eye on additional 4-star targets and have the room to add a boatload of last-second talent.
The Big Ten splash
We all know something good is ahead for Michigan after hiring Jim Harbaugh. Look for some action in Ann Arbor — possibly a surprise steal or two on Signing Day. Since winning the national championship, Ohio State has been the talk of recruiting. Urban Meyer is chasing down talent, even if it’s committed elsewhere. Meyer and Harbaugh are going to spice up this league and quickly erase that silly notion that the Big Ten can’t keep pace. The Big Ten will have plenty to brag about at the end of Wednesday.
It’s not over — yet
Remember, this isn’t really a “signing day” — it’s simply the first day of a national signing period that goes on for months. Kids rarely wait it out though because college coaches want their classes wrapped up Wednesday. Coaches will put the pressure on recruits to sign the first day available. Still, a few kids will extend the signing period and even take a few more official visits — that’s permitted by the NCAA. So sit tight, there still could be more to come after Wednesday.
Something weird
A recruit will pull a rabbit out of a hat. Or a puppy. Or a baby gator. Who knows? There’s always somebody who announces his decision in a non-traditional way. Who will it be on Wednesday?
Alabama … again
The Crimson Tide will be pushed to the limit Wednesday, but look for Alabama to win its fifth straight mythical national recruiting title (according to the 247Sports composite ranking). It’ll be the Tide’s seventh title in eight years, with only 2010 (Florida) standing in the way of eight consecutive. Alabama’s day might be quiet compared to USC, Florida, UCLA or Auburn, but at the end of the day, Bama fans will be smiling.
