Rivals.com nationwide recruiting analyst Cole Patterson takes a have a look at among the most intriguing storylines within the Mid-South area because the calendar flips to October. That features contested recruiting battles, potential five-star prospects and the way Texas and Oklahoma are prepping for all times within the SEC.
WHICH PROGRAM WILL WIN OUT FOR KOBE BLACK?
Maybe the largest storyline within the Mid-South for the rest of the cycle is which program will win out for Rivals100 defensive again Kobe Black. The No. 3 cornerback within the Rivals250 stays undecided and is the highest-ranked obtainable prospect within the area.
Black has household ties to Oklahoma State, whereas Oklahoma, Ohio State and LSU are all contenders for his pledge. However this actually looks like a battle between Lone Star State rivals Texas and Texas A&M.
There was thought that Black would already be dedicated by now. However he not too long ago instructed Rivals that he might take his resolution all the best way to December. No matter when he in the end publicizes, the battle for the borderline five-star tops the checklist of storylines.
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CAN SOUTH CAROLINA BEAT OUT ALABAMA FOR DANIEL HILL?
One other extremely recruited prospect within the area that continues to be undecided is Meridian (Miss.) all-purpose again Daniel Hill. Hill performs everywhere in the area within the Magnolia State however seems to be primed to hold the rock on the subsequent degree as SEC packages battle for his signature.
It’s been Alabama and South Carolina sitting on the high of the Mississippi State legacy’s recruitment. Alabama was the early favourite, whereas the Gamecocks made a severe push throughout the summer time.
Hill deliberate to commit in August however opted to carry off on that. Rivals intel means that Alabama has the higher hand, however South Carolina is in severe rivalry. Can Shane Beamer win out for the coveted prospect over Nick Saban?
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TEXAS AND OKLAHOMA PREPARING FOR LIFE IN THE SEC
This time subsequent 12 months, Texas and Oklahoma can be within the midst of SEC play throughout their first season within the convention. Each teaching staffs are aggressively recruiting to arrange for all times within the sport’s best league.
Texas has landed commitments from five-star Colin Simmons and excessive four-star Brandon Baker within the trenches. The Longhorns stay within the hunt for five-star Ryan Wingo, Black and others.
Oklahoma’s class is headlined by five-star David Stone, who is about to return dwelling to his dwelling state after starring at IMG Academy. The Sooners made a severe push for Terry Bussey and the teaching workers has not let up in pursuing five-star Williams Nwaneri.
How the 2 new SEC packages end the cycle is definitely a key storyline to trace.
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WILL MICAH HUDSON STICK WITH TEXAS TECH?
Micah Hudson dedicated to Texas Tech in September after months of hypothesis about whether or not or not he’d make Lubbock his collegiate dwelling. Hudson made his pledge shortly after the Crimson Raiders dropped a house thriller to Oregon, leaving Texas Tech winless on the time.
Quick ahead a few weeks, and the Crimson Raiders sit at 2-3. Hudson is totally different from many recruits within the side of him not placing an excessive amount of inventory in present wins or losses.
Quite, his focus is being the rationale why issues flip round. He has full confidence in Joey McGure and workers, and is a giant believer in QB commit Will Hammond.
Nonetheless, Hudson was supposed to go to Texas A&M and Alabama this fall with Texas and Oregon additionally pushing. Whereas I anticipate Hudson to stay with the Crimson Raiders, his recruitment remains to be price following till pen hits the paper given how highly-coveted of a prospect that he’s.
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NEW FIVE-STARS EMERGING
The Mid-South area is dwelling to 4 five-star prospects within the 2024 class because it stands proper now: Colin Simmons, Micah Hudson, Justin Williams and Kamarion Franklin. However Rivals will elevate different prospects to that standing by the point that the cycle closes.
There are a handful of names within the area to keep watch over in that regard. Texas A&M commit Terry Bussey arguably tops the checklist. The current Aggies pledge has been as marketed this season, taking part in everywhere in the area in electrical style and backing up his No. 2 athlete rating.
Elsewhere, defensive backs Kobe Black and Xavier Filsaime are in hanging vary. Clemson vast receiver commit Bryant Wesco is on the cusp. Florida QB pledge DJ Lagway has been placing up online game numbers as a senior as he stakes his declare.
Exterior of Texas, Dominick McKinnley is a dominant pressure up entrance and go rusher Jamonta Waller has among the finest tape at his place within the cycle.
The subsequent month or so will go a great distance in separating the five-star prospects from the remainder of the group.
