re: Class of 2018 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: So Long Old Friend Edition

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Miller committed to Auburn over Alabama this fall. Pruitt was very high on Miller, but since he left, other targets like Christian Barmore, Tyler Friday and Malik Langham have passed him on the board. Alabama hasn’t really recruited Miller lately.

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That's interesting.

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Saivion Smith

SIGNED WITH: Alabama

High school rank: Four-stars, No. 80 overall prospect

JUCO rank: Four-stars, No. 1 overall prospect

Smith signed with LSU as a high school senior but left the program after just one season as the outlook for playing time appeared bleak. Smith cemented his reputation as a versatile defensive back capable of playing both cornerback and safety. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound prospect recorded 32 tackles and a pair of interceptions. Smith also functioned as return man, racking up 718 yards in the kicking game. Smith, who has three years to play two seasons, has signed to play for Alabama.

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DT Noah Jefferson

SIGNED WITH: Uncommitted

High school rank: Four stars, No. 19 overall prospect

JUCO rank: Four stars, No. 9 overall prospect

As a high schooler, Jefferson, burst on to the scene with an MVP performance at a Rivals camp and ended up signing with USC over a slew of other offers. He played in 14 games as a freshman before departing the program during his sophomore season. Jefferson intended to transfer to Arizona at the season’s onset but abruptly reversed course and landed at Arizona Western Community College. Jefferson is considering Ole Miss, Louisville, Florida and Arkansas.

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Tom Loy (Notre Dame mod) posted 3 days ago that he thought Malik Langham was going to end up at Tennessee.

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Each recruiting cycle 247Sports tabs only 32 prospects as five-star recruits to mirror the number of picks in the first round of the NFL Draft. Heading into the Under Armour All-America game, 247Sports has been prudent with the fifth star as only 18 recruits have joined the exclusive group to date.

There are a handful of prospects that will compete in Orlando the next week during Under Armour All-America practices and game that have a shot to land that final star. 247Sports outlines the names to watch.

If the 2018 class rankings were to end today, a pair of Texas safety signees would be in five-star range with DeMarvion Overshown at No. 26 and BJ Foster at No. 28. Overshown, an Arp, Texas native, is a hard-hitter that stands 6-foot-4, 200-pound. Given his size and closing speed, it’s easy to see why a good Under Armour All-America week by Overshown could result in another star.

Foster is a dynamic piece to have on the back end of the defense. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Angleton, Texas playmaker looks to be one of the best free safeties in the 2018 cycle. The ballhawk will be looking to nab a fifth star next to his name in the Sunshine State next week.

Sitting at No. 41 in the nation for 247Sports is cornerback Olaijah Griffin of Mission Viejo, Calif. The 6-foot, 170-pound UCLA commit had a stellar senior season and has the look of a potential five-star recruit. Griffin is an explosive athlete that also made plays on offense and in the return game. If he can lock down receivers next week during practices and the game, there is a chance Griffin vaults up the rankings.

Checking in at No. 54 for 247Sports is an intriguing defensive lineman that might have some position versatility in Tyreke Smith of Cleveland, Ohio. Smith measured in at 6-foot-3.5, 252-pounds back in April and has the quickness and athleticism to play defensive end at a high level. However, if that weight continues to creep higher with physical maturity, Smith could develop into a very disruptive three-technique defensive tackle. It’s that versatility that has Ohio State is fighting Penn State, USC, Oregon and others to keep Smith home, and a fifth star within reach for the Ohio native.

Georgia defensive end signee Brenton Cox sits at No. 56 in the nation for 247Sports. However, that might be too low for the 6-foot-4.5, 247-pound edge rusher. Cox burst onto the scene a year ago at the Under Armour Future 50 camp, where he vaulted up the rankings after a stellar performance. If Cox shows that same quickness and power this week, another jump and another star is possible for the Stockbridge, Ga. product.

Alabama commit Quay Walker plays the most valuable position of the names listed so far, as the 6-foot-4, 220-pounder excels as a hybrid outside linebacker/defensive end for Cordele (Ga.) Crisp County. Walker has some freakish traits being that big, athletic enough to cover receivers, and powerful enough to collapse the pocket. This an an excellent opportunity for Walker to become a five-star recruit.

Wide receiver Terrace Marshall is within five-star range at No. 23 currently, while teammate and quarterback Justin Rogers is on the cusp at No. 37. However, neither are expected to compete next week after suffering season ending injuries during the fall. Marshall signed with LSU, while Rogers inked with TCU. It’s still possible for both to land a fifth star, but it will have to be based on their body of work to date.

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With the recruiting dead period now in effect, SEC Country is counting down the top-5 recruiting targets for Florida in the Class of 2018.

No. 1 is Nicholas Petit-Frere, a 5-star offensive tackle from Berkeley Prep in Tampa, Fla.

Recruiting importance of Nicholas Petit-Frere

Despite the mid-year enrollment of Noah Banks and Chris Bleich, the Gators need to load up on linemen in the Class of 2018. Florida currently has a pledge from top-100 offensive tackle Richard Gouraige, but he chose not to sign early on Dec. 20. The departure of former offensive line coach Brad Davis — his primary recruiter — could lead to Gouraige’s de-commitment. That possibility makes Petit-Frere a bigger priority to UF coach Dan Mullen and his staff.

Biggest competition for Nicholas Petit-Frere

Alabama is the program to keep an eye on. Petit-Frere keeps his recruitment close to the vest and doesn’t give away any hints, such as where he’s leaning or which coaches he has the best relationships with. That being said, Alabama, Florida, Michigan, Notre Dame and Ohio State are the considered the top schools for Petit-Frere. He has officially visited Michigan and Notre Dame. In addition to Alabama, Florida and Ohio State, Petit-Frere also has Auburn, LSU and Miami vying for one of his last trips.

Signing day projection for Nicholas Petit-Frere

Petit-Frere has a lot to figure out between now and National Signing Day. If the Under Armour All-American had to make a commitment right now, I don’t think he could. That’s the good news for the Gators. Petit-Frere is undecided, so Florida has a chance to win him over with an official visit. However, Mullen & Co. don’t have much of a relationship with Petit-Frere and that could put them at a disadvantage against schools such as Alabama, which has been recruiting him since his sophomore year. At this time, the Crimson Tide would be my projection for Petit-Frere.

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