re: Class of 2019 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: That's a Wrap Edition

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Jaquaze Sorrells

Barring a late change of a heart or an unforeseen twist, Sorrells should choose South Carolina. That said, the four-star defensive lineman visited Alabama over the weekend, so that adds a bit of uncertainty. It will also ensure that Gamecocks head coach Will Muschamp not get too comfortable until the letter is signed. That said, South Carolina is the smart pick here. Penn State currently sits on the outside looking in when it comes to Sorrells, but stranger things have certainly happened in recruiting.

Rob Cassidy's prediction: South Carolina

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1. State of Alabama powers looking to close strong

The major powers in the state of Alabama are headed for an exciting National Signing Day. There are a lot of players involved with the Crimson Tide but first they need to focus on keeping Keilan Robinson, Khris Bogle, Christian Williams and Byron Young in the fold.

On the defensive side of the ball, Alabama is looking at Rivals100 defensive tackle Ishmael Sopsher, Rivals100 linebacker Henry To’oto’o, four-star defensive tackle Jaquaze Sorrells and four-star Florida State defensive end commit Quashon Fuller.

Offensively, Alabama fans need to keep an eye on Rivals100 running back Jerrion Ealy, four-star offensive lineman Javonne Shepherd and three-star tight end Brett Seither. Ealy, Sorrells and Fuller took official visits to Alabama this past weekend but all of the others players listed have already taken official visits to Tuscaloosa.

On the other side of the state, Auburn is looking to expand its recruiting class by as many as nine. The Tigers signed 16 players in December but highly-ranked prospects such as Rivals100 running back Mark-Antony Richards, Rivals100 defensive lineman Charles Moore and three-stars Ira Henry, Kamaar Bell, Octavius Brothers and Ledarrius Cox could be picking Auburn on Wednesday.

Don’t forget that Auburn also holds verbal commitments from five-star wide receiver George Pickens, Rivals250 defensive back Jay Jay Wilson and two-star linebacker Kameron Brown.

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4. Plenty of activity left in Florida

Florida, Florida State and Miami all have a lot to hope for on Wednesday but the 'Noles have the most to watch for this week. Their biggest priorities are making sure they hold onto Rivals100 safety Nick Cross (see below) and four-star defensive lineman Quashon Fuller. After them, Florida State is in on a lot of prospects that will make their decisions in the next two days. Four-star quarterback Lance Legendre is a huge target and a major need given the latest news about Deondre Francois. Keep an eye on offensive linemen Kamaar Bell and Darius Washington as well as athlete Asante Brown.

Signing day figures to be quieter for Florida and Miami. The Gators are pushing for a few players but the main two are Rivals100 defensive back Kaiir Elam and Rivals100 Mark-Antony Richards. Miami’s biggest target is Rivals100 Alabama defensive line commit Khris Bogle. He just took his second official visit to Coral Gables this past weekend and the Canes feel good about their chances.

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THE STORYLINE

Khris Bogle is one of the top defensive ends in the 2019 class and he committed to Alabama at the All-American Bowl last month.

That has made the last few weeks leading up to the second signing day even more interesting for the Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Cardinal Gibbons standout because Miami has surged in his recruitment, especially with Manny Diaz getting the head job, although Alabama is still hanging on to his pledge. Tennessee and others are trying to stay in the mix as well. Florida has been making in-roads over the last few weeks as well.

At the All-American Bowl, Bogle talked highly of Diaz recruiting him to the Hurricanes, but he still picked Alabama during the game. He has many connections he likes in Tuscaloosa and he talked about playing with the best of the best there as a huge advantage for the Crimson Tide.

Rated as the second-best weak-side defensive end in the class, Bogle is the only player at his position among the top 13 who has not signed.

Can Alabama keep the high four-star prospect on signing day or will Miami, Florida or another program be able to flip him on Wednesday?

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TAKE TWO: Mike Farrell, Rivals.com

“Miami really needs a couple of victories. Mark-Antony Richards would be huge, Bogle would be huge. After the way the first signing period finished, it needs a lot of momentum.

“The Canes are outside the top 40 right now which is horrible after finishing in the top-five last year. It’s tough to beat Alabama head-to-head for a kid. It’s just the way it is. But with Diaz back, that’s huge, because that’s a reason why a lot of kids fell off Miami’s radar or de-committed. Diaz will do a good job recruiting defensive players and Bogle could be a guy they steal away this week.”

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Some of the luster of tradtional National Signing Day has worn off over the past few years thanks to the addition of the Early Signing Period, which leading to the majority of prospects already signing in December. But just because only about 25 percent of prospects are still unsigned doesn't mean there won't still be plenty of drama come Wednesday. Expect hat ceremonies, commitment videos and plenty of televised announcements.

Here’s our guide on when and how to watch announcements from the nation’s top players (all times Eastern) on Wednesday.

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Byron Young

Time/Channel: 9 AM/No TV

Finalists: Alabama (commit), Ole Miss, Mississippi State and LSU

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Jerrion Ealy

Time/Channel: Noon/ESPN2

Finalists: Alabama, Clemson, Miss. State, Ole Miss

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Jaquaze Sorrells

Time/Channel: 1:30 PM/No TV

Finalists: Alabama, Penn State, South Carolina

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Ishmael Sopsher

Time/Channel: 2 PM/ESPN2

Finalists: Oregon, LSU, Alabama, Ole Miss, Texas A&M

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