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

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National Signing Day is approaching quickly. Some college football prospects have already enrolled at their new schools for the spring semester, and the 2017 players who haven’t, can put pen to paper for next fall on Feb. 1.

We’ve reached the point where the vast majority of the country’s top 2017 prospects are already verbally committed to some school or another. Most of those commitments will stick, though not all will. This post is a rundown of the 11 highest-rated prospects who don’t have a current verbal commitment to any school.

The players featured here are ordered by their ratings on the 247Sports Composite, which aggregates industry player evaluations. SB Nation Recruiting’s Bud Elliott (@SBNRecruiting) weighs in, as well.

Aubrey Solomon, 5-star DT, Lee (Ga.) County

Solomon is a former Michigan commitment, but he decommitted in August, leading to this headline: “A four-star tackle says he decommitted from Michigan because they sent a thank-you card for an event he didn't attend and also spelled his name wrong.” He’s been a late riser in recruiting rankings, going from highly rated to really highly rated. Alabama, Georgia, and former home Michigan are highly involved.

Bud’s take: I have no idea where he will go. Solomon told me during the Army All-American Bowl week that Alabama leads, but he has changed his visit plans around several times. Michigan and Georgia do not think they are out of this race, despite his unflattering comments about the Wolverines. The official visits will be extremely important to follow here, because as of a week ago, he did not know if he would use his final two (he has already officialed to Michigan and Alabama, and visits USC this weekend).

LaBryan Ray, 4-star DE, James Clemens (Ala.)

Ray is a listed 6’4 and 260 pounds, and his mix of oomph and quickness makes him a moldable and attractive prospect for everybody. He could project as a three- or five-technique. Ray’s been dealing with a torn labrum but expects to have that fixed up soon enough. He’s taken or expects to take visits to Florida, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Alabama.

Bud’s intel: Ray has two teammates committed to the Tide in corner Kyriq McDonald and tackle Kendall Randolph. Alabama has far more stability than any of his other contenders, and pumps out top picks at his position. I don’t believe he will say no to Alabama.

Devon Hunter, 4-star S, Indian River (Va.)

Hunter is a great athlete and a hard hitter, and he’s starred as both a defensive back and running back in high school. It seems like his collegiate future is at safety. Hunter announced he’ll name his destination on Jan. 20, choosing from a group of Alabama, Florida, Virginia Tech, Auburn, North Carolina, and Ole Miss. He’ll thrive wherever he goes, but he seems like a good fit in a defense that often deploys its safeties near the line of scrimmage. Hokies defensive coordinator Bud Foster loves doing that.

Bud’s intel: While he did not say he was committing to Virginia Tech, Hunter was saying positive things about the Hokies to other recruits during Army All-American Week.. And he loves Bud Foster’s defense.

Devonta Smith, 4-star WR, Amite (La.)

Smith is another speedster, but he’s more than that. Watch him work at The Opening, where we thought he performed excellently.

He’s got great leaping ability, great hands, and great speed. There’s no reason he can’t be a star at the next level. Alabama, Miami, and LSU seem well-positioned.

Bud’s take: It is hard to discount his camp’s connection to Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt. The feeling from Alabama people is similar to the one they had with Shyheim Carter’s camp last year, who lived just 20 minutes away from Smith. (Alabama signed Carter).

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