re: Class of 2017 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Say Your Goodbyes Edition

quote:

---

The countdown clock on five-star Isaiah Wilson’s commitment is running out. The Brooklyn (N.Y.) Poly Prep offensive lineman has taken official visits to Florida State, Michigan, and most recently Alabama. Georgia will get their shot at Wilson next weekend.


IN HIS OWN WORDS

On his official visit to Alabama: “What I got to see when I first got there was how big football was at Alabama,” Wilson said. “The whole town basically shut themselves down for the game. On game day there was a lot of people out there. Everybody was enthusiastic, having fun, and yelling ‘Roll Tide!’ It was basically what I saw the last couple times I visited Alabama.

“When the coaches first saw me, it was like seeing your friend that went away for a vacation or something and then came back in,” he said. “It didn’t feel any different than the first couple times I’ve been there. I came back and knew all the coaches, knew my way around the whole complex.

“I was really focused on the atmosphere, how the game went, and how they played,” said Wilson. “I wasn’t too caught up in everything else. It definitely exceeded expectations. I came in knowing it was a big thing but just the little things like the ‘Roll Tide’ after every first down and the way they light up the stadium towards the end of the game. That type of stuff made it feel really special.

“My relationships are still very strong there,” he said. “I still like all the coaches there and we have a good relationship.

“I’ve definitely gotten close with a few recruits that were there on a visit and some players from the 2016 class,” Wilson said. “I was talking to them and seeing how they liked it. It was a great experience. I was around Scott Lashley and Mack Wilson. I’ve known them from before and we were strengthening our relationships.”

On how the Alabama official visit compared to the Michigan official visit: “The Michigan and Alabama official visits were very evenly matched,” he said. “That’s the best way I could put it. All rivalry games have a bit of a heightened atmosphere but the Michigan game was kind of the same thing because it was the weekend before the Ohio State game. The whole stadium was packed and everybody was chanting to dominate Indiana so they could get to Ohio State. Everybody knows Michigan fans get crazier as Ohio State gets closer.”

On his talks with Michigan coach Drevno this week: “We just reiterated everything from my past couple of visits and reiterated to my parents from the official visit,” said Wilson. “It was about academics and how it resembles my high school very much so compatibility would be there. We talked about playing in their system and having an opportunity to play early. That was pretty much it.”

On how things are going with Florida State: “My contact level with Florida State has been very high,” he said. “I’ve started talking to coach Brewster all the time. I talk to coach Graham a lot. Ever since my official visit we started picking up communication. I’ve called coach Trickett a couple times and we just sat down and had conversations about regular things in life. He’s a straightforward guy. He’s fiery on the field but off the field he’s short and to the point. That’s very compatible with me because my dad is the same way.”

On finishing out the recruiting process: “I don’t think I’m taking that fifth official visit,” Wilson said. “I wanted to but everything started getting really fuzzy and I think want to commit sooner than later. I don’t think I’ll be taking any official visits in January. I don’t think that’s fair to do after I’ll have already committed. In order, academics, can I see myself living there for four years, and playing time are the most important factors. I have a commitment date in my mind but I still need to talk it over with my parents. If my parents are on board with it, I’ll announce my commitment date some time soon.”

When asked if he already knows which school he will commit to if he already has a commitment date in mind: “Kind of,” he said. “The school I’m thinking of just seems perfect. That’s the best way I can put it. I’ll leave it at that. People can go on an do their guessing. I think I pretty much know where I’m going. Depending on how I feel, it might even get bumped up. The day I have in mind is a couple of weeks away.”

RIVALS' REACTION

There is certainly a lot to digest from Wilson here. First, it sounds like the Alabama official visit went very well so Tide fans should still feel good about their chances. Wilson was very carefully about tipping his hand and made sure to be very complimentary of Alabama, Michigan, Florida State and Georgia. This is still a Michigan-Alabama battle but Georgia has a better chance here than most people think. If his official visit goes well and his parents sign off, things could get very interesting down the stretch.

The week of media silence seems to have helped Wilson make sense of everything that has been going on in his recruitment. After visiting Michigan and Alabama in back-to-back weekends, he has a good idea of where he wants to play next year.

Wilson, an exceptionally thoughtful, deliberate, and calculated high schooler, will take another couple of weeks before announcing a commitment. I think there is a very good chance of Wilson arriving in Orlando for the Under Armour All-American Game on Dec. 27 having already announced his commitment or knowing for sure which school he will pick.

Not taking his fifth official visit eliminates LSU from contention. Wilson’s top five was Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, LSU and Michigan.

---

quote:

---

Christopher Allen, 4-star LB, Alabama commit -

"I think that Bama is going to play a great game and show Washington why they are number 1 and they are number 4. I was impressed the way Bama defense played."

---