In-person visits are on hold, but that hasn’t stopped the recruiting world. There are still plenty of news and whispers to go around during the coronavirus pandemic. And while there are much bigger news stories to cover and worries to be had during these trying times, Rivals.com’s Southeast recruiting analyst Rob Cassidy is here to scratch your college football itch with news and rumors from around his region.
MORE: Class of 2022 standout linebacker high on Tide, Canes, Huskers
OKLAHOMA SET TO SEIZE CONTROL OF WILLIAMS' RECRUITMENT
Oklahoma once seemed like a long shot in the race to land Rivals100 wide receiver Mario Williams, but those days are long over. According to a source close to the touted prospect, the Sooners are now running at or near the front of his recruitment. A two-sport standout, Williams feels OU is most serious about letting him play baseball in addition to football and sees the school’s recent history with Kyler Murray doing the same as alluring. The catch will be getting Williams on campus, as he’s yet to see Norman, Okla., with his own eyes. There's a prevailing feeling that if OU is able to get him on campus this fall, Lincoln Riley will beat out Florida, Alabama and others for his letter of intent.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR FORMER FLORIDA STATE COMMIT CHAD MASCOE?
Class of 2022 quarterback Chad Mascoe’s recent decommitment from Florida State surprised a bit. Then again, early commitments such as this rarely come without drama. With more than a full year before Mascoe will sign a National Letter of Intent, it’s a bit unclear where the Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy star will look now, as the coronavirus pandemic will slow his recruitment. That said, it would be unwise to count the Seminoles out completely, as people close to Mascoe expect them to be in play until the end.
“I really think Florida State was his dream school,” a prospect close to the quarterback said on Sunday. “He didn’t really talk about other schools that much.”
LSU STILL CHASING FLORIDA FOR BRYCE LANGSTON
Rivals250 defensive end Bryce Langston released a top two of Florida and LSU on Sunday. And while the Florida-based prospect insists the programs are on equal footing, the Gators have to be seen as the heavy favorite. Things can change at a moment's notice -- this is recruiting after all -- but UF has felt good about landing Langston for months. LSU will have work left to do when the sport emerges from the current national crisis. It’s safe to view UF, to which Langston once nearly committed, as the solid leader.
OHIO STATE EMERGING FOR HUDSON WOLFE
Ohio State seems to be the school to watch for four-star tight end Hudson Wolfe. The Tennessee-based star remains high on Alabama, Tennessee, Ole Miss and Georgia and others, but those close to the 6-foot-6 prospect say the Buckeyes sit in the driver's seat for now. Wolfe's last visit came to Knoxville, however, so the Vols have positioned themselves well to push Ohio State in the coming weeks while recruiting is stopped.
