Signing Day 2013: Besides Robert Nkemdiche, Keep an Eye on These Nine Players
By harvitronix
10 guys to watch on National Signing Day
With all the star-studded decisions and stunners coming tomorrow, here are the 10 best uncommitted blue-chips to watch:
1. Robert Nkemdiche, DE, 6-4, 285 pounds
Teams: Ole Miss, LSU and Florida
Prediction: Ole Miss
The Skinny: Robert Nkemdiche is a Reggie White-type throwback at defensive end. He is the complete package and will be a star in college. Nkemdiche will try to become the modern day Minister of Defense, but where will he end up? Could he spurn the long-time favorite Ole Miss for LSU, where he visited last weekend? The draw of playing with his brother at Ole Miss could be too much for any other top program to overcome. Merry Christmas, Hugh Freeze.
2. Laremy Tunsil, OT, 6-6, 295 pounds
Teams: Alabama, Georgia and Ole Miss
Prediction: Ole Miss
The Skinny: The top-rated offensive tackle in the 2013 class in Laremy Tunsil was thought to be a Georgia lock over the last few months. However, a late trip to Ole Miss changed everyone’s plans, including Tunsil’s. The top road grader is said to be favoring Ole Miss, with Georgia desperately trying to make up ground heading into National Signing Day.
3. Eddie Vanderdoes, DT, 6-2, 310 pounds
Teams: Alabama, Notre Dame, UCLA, USC and Washington
Prediction: UCLA
The Skinny: The California native is a massive defensive tackle at 6-2, 310 pounds and ready to clog up any opponent’s running game at the next level. The former USC Trojan commit is a difference maker at tackle, and it will most likely come down to a tough decision between Notre Dame and UCLA. UCLA is the in-state favorite at this point.
4. Matthew Thomas, OLB, 6-3, 210 pounds
Teams: Alabama, FSU and Miami
Prediction: FSU
The Skinny: The top-ranked outside linebacker in the country runs like a wide receiver and will remind you of Georgia’s Alec Ogletree. At one time, the South Florida native Matthew Thomas was thought to be a lock for the Miami Hurricanes. However, Miami seems to have lost momentum with Thomas. Most think it comes down to FSU and Alabama, with the in-state Seminoles as the likely favorite.
5. Montravius Adams, DT, 6-4, 310 pounds
Teams: Alabama, Auburn, Clemson and Georgia
Prediction: Clemson
The Skinny: Montravius Adams has been a tough cat to crack heading into signing day. The three teams that seem to be trending are Auburn, Clemson and Georgia, with UGA on the outside looking in. This should come down to Auburn and Clemson, with the ACC’s Tigers having the best shot to get his ink.
6. Vonn Bell, DB, 6-0, 180 pounds
Teams: Alabama, Ohio State and Tennessee
Prediction: Tennessee
The Skinny: New head coach Butch Jones has worked his magic on Vonn Bell since he took over on The Hill in Knoxville, and he’s thrown everything at Bell but bags of money and the kitchen sink. Ironically, Bell was thought to be a Bama lock from Rossville, Georgia, but it looks like Jones and company could creep in and land him in the last minute.
7. MacKensie Alexander, CB, 5-10, 180 pounds
Teams: Auburn, Clemson, Miss State, Rutgers and Texas A&M
Prediction: Auburn
The Skinny: The top-ranked uncommitted corner MacKensie Alexander is thought to be lockdown material at the next level. Alexander has played it very close to the vest throughout his recruitment. The top three contenders are thought to be Auburn, Clemson and Mississippi State. While all three appear to be dead even heading into decision day, something keeps saying Auburn for Alexander.
8. A’Shawn Robinson, DT, 6-5, 302 pounds
Teams: Alabama, Texas and USC
Prediction: Alabama
The Skinny: It appears that Nick Saban flashed his hardware and swooped in and will land the massive defensive tackle. Saban has worked overtime on Robinson and has potentially cherry picked Robinson to be a staple at nose tackle for the Tide in the future.
9. Tony Conner, DB, 6-1, 203 pounds
Teams: Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss and Miss State
Prediction: Ole Miss
The Skinny: The Mississippi native is one of the top-ranked safeties in the country, and much like Nkemdiche and Tunsil, Tony Conner looks like he could be one of the big three in Ole Miss’ stellar recruiting class. Conner is an athlete, and whoever lands him will be getting a future star.
10. Dee Liner, DT, 6-3, 277 pounds
Teams: Alabama and Miami
Prediction: Alabama
The Skinny: Dee Liner should be one of the many former Auburn commits who will end up rolling with the Tide. Liner had been committed to Auburn but decommited after Gene Chizik was canned. He named Alabama his leader shortly thereafter. Saban will likely land another top defensive tackle to his already star-studded class.