Rivals National Recruiting Director Adam Gorney and national recruitment analyst John Garcia Jr. together with Daniela Jung from USCSports.com and Tim Verghese from InsideNebraska.com cover three topics and determine whether they believe each statement is FACT or FICTION.
MORE FACT OR FICTION: Texas still needs to find another running back
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1. Texas is the clear frontrunner for five-star WR Jaime Ffrench.
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Garcia’s opinion: FACT. The enthusiasm for the Longhorns has remained constant for most of the year and there have also been plenty of opportunities for fellow finalists Miami, LSU and Tennessee to take the top spot. Texas and its offensive style and track record under Steve Sarkisian on offense and at the wide receiver position have really made the race a win for Texas ahead of the August 30 decision date.
There are other caveats to this recruitment, however, as Jaime Ffrench has talked about factoring the college football season into the final decision. It could also involve visits to other places to experience the game day atmosphere, so the commitment date here may just be the beginning. Miami and LSU have family ties to Ffrench, and Tennessee hasn’t lost many priority targets recently either, so this could still be one of the key battles to follow until the Early Signing Period opens on Dec. 4.
Gorney’s opinion: FACT. I can definitely accept some arguments that Ffrench could end up elsewhere, as LSU, Miami and Tennessee all have legitimate reasons why he could end up there, but I’m still a firm believer that Ffrench ends up at Texas. That goes for some recent additions too, as there are rumors that the five-star is heavily headed to the Longhorns and the confidence could only grow. From the accomplishments of offensive line coach Steve Sarkisian, to the success last season, to reaching the College Football Playoff, to the quarterback’s play and culture, Texas seems like a wonderful choice.
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2. The longer Julian Lewis waits to announce his graduation, the better it is for USC.
Young’s opinion: FICTION. USC would be better off if this process had been fully completed a year ago when Julian Lewis committed. While I still believe he ends up with the Trojans, at this point only one thing can go wrong – if USC’s offensive line looks vulnerable against Big Ten competition and Miller Moss struggles as a result, or if Moss shines and it becomes likely he will return for his final year of eligibility, or if some NIL factors come into play from any direction.
It’s interesting that Lewis didn’t complete his official visits over the summer and make things final, even though he’s often stressed that he’s stuck with the Trojans. Having that door ajar is why USC now has to consider a backup plan like Husan Longstreet.
Gorney’s opinion: FACT. I’m going to take the other side of this argument, although I understand what Ryan is saying here. That there is no finality is an ongoing issue, but what are his realistic options right now? Will a five-star quarterback with Lewis’ skills really turn down the opportunity to Lincoln Rileywho has helped develop numerous quarterbacks (and some with very similar skills) into No. 1 picks and Heisman Trophy winners for a very unknown and potentially very challenging situation in Indiana or to play for Colorado coaches Deion Sanders after Shedeur Sanders, Shilo Sanders, and especially Travis Hunter head to the NFL? That seems like a huge risk, and with no other schools to consider, USC is by far the most sensible choice if he’s ready to shut the team down.
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3. Christian Jones is intrigued by Oklahoma but will ultimately choose Nebraska.
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Verghese’s opinion: FACT. Oklahoma has become a serious threat to Christian Jones this summer, but Nebraska is well-positioned to keep the athletic linebacker at home as long as they take care of their assignments early in the season. His relationships at Nebraska have evolved beyond the on-field personnel, the head strength and conditioning coach. Corey Campbell has done a good job, and in this recruitment, that relationship is key. Jones has visited Nebraska at least a dozen times at this point, is one of the few critical uncommitted targets on the board, and the only box Matt RhuleDefensive Coordinator Tony White and linebacker coach Rob Dvoracek haven’t verified that their vision for the program translates to the actual playing field. Jones has been recruited by Nebraska for nearly four years at this point. He’s tired of talking about future wins, he needs to see results.
Oklahoma has experienced a steep rise this summer, and that’s by no means a foregone conclusion, but Nebraska has simply invested too much time in recruiting Jones to come up short against a program that has only recently re-emerged.
Gorney’s opinion: FACT. In recent weeks, Miami, Oklahoma and Nebraska have been the three programs that have emerged for Jones, but ultimately it has come down to a battle between the Sooners and the Huskers.
It’s hard to bet against Oklahoma in a recruiting effort, especially when the Sooners are cleaning up early in the season, but there are so many things going in Nebraska’s favor here. He’s such a big target in his own state. The four-star linebacker from Omaha (Neb.) Westside has been to Lincoln so many times. He’s built such strong relationships with players and coaches on the team. The comfort level is just so much higher. Plus, Nebraska could be off to a great start this season and that could show Jones that things are going in the right direction.
Sure, Oklahoma can win here as a top team, but Nebraska seems to be the team to beat.
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