Southeast Spotlight: Players who are delaying commitments
There has been a rush of commitments since the beginning of April, many from prospects who have accelerated their decisions in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic that has paused the sports world. Without the ability to take college visits, though, other prospects have pushed planned commitment dates back. Below, Rivals has a look at four players with recruitments that suffered some form of setback.
MORE: Midwest players who have altered plans this spring
BARRETT CARTER
Two months ago, Carter was looking to make a decision as early as the spring, and that looked to be very likely at that time, but now, he is thinking his recruitment could go into the season, or maybe even after it ends. He wants to take more visits, so with the ban on visits at least until the end of May, and most expect it to go into the summer, then Carter is planning to take more time.
If this indeed happens, then it is good for Alabama, Ohio State, and maybe even Georgia. Clemson has been trending some, with Auburn right there as well. He still has a top 11, but some of those schools have faded over the past month.
COREY COLLIER
A few months back it looked as though Collier was gearing up for a spring commitment. That was tossed aside, however, when the five-star defensive back recently announced he won’t make a choice until the early signing period. The Miami-based star is considering schools such as Florida, Georgia, LSU, Ohio State, Auburn, Florida State and Penn State. As things stand now, UF seems to be the leader, but the earlier he’s allowed to take visits the more programs will be permitted to insert themselves in the mix.
SMAEL MONDON
Mondon was aiming to commit before his senior year, and he has not completely ruled that out, but for that to happen, the opportunity to take visits over the summer would have to be there. A big visit to Oklahoma was scheduled for mid-March, and the Sooners are a contender in this race. He took visits early in 2020 to Auburn, Georgia, and Tennessee, but there are others he wants to see.
He has been taking the process slowly, and Mondon will not rush things, but he feels he needs visits to move forward in his recruitment. He felt he would have his list down to five or six schools by now, but he is not able to make that cut due to not being able to take visits. Mondon’s recruitment is likely to go well into the season.
MARIO WILLIAMS
Williams slow-played his recruitment a bit, not taking many in-season visits. Instead, the Rivals100 wide receiver planned to take trips this spring and summer. When COVID-19 spoiled that plan, he was forced to reset. Williams had not set a commitment date, but a healthy number of people expected him to commit (most likely to Oklahoma) on a spring visit. Where his recruitment goes from here is anyone’s guess, as his decision will rely heavily on fall campus tours. OU is still considered the leader but Alabama, Florida and Georgia are in striking distance.