National Recruiting Director Rivals Adam Gorney and National Recruitment Analyst Adam Friedman – with Jason Suchomel of OrangeBloods.com And Jed May Since UGASports.com – address three topics and determine if they think each statement is REAL or FICTION.
MORE REALITY OR FICTION: Oklahoma is the team to beat for DL Williams Nwaneri
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After seeing Winston Watkins again at Rivals Camp in Miami, he is expected to be the No. 1 receiver for the Class of 2025.
Gorney’s point of view: DONE. This is going to be a heated debate throughout the 2025 ranking cycle because Alabama commit Ryan Williams is spectacular and did absolutely nothing to leave the top spot. Watkins certainly shouldn’t just be in the conversation, but an easy argument could be made for him to take the top spot. THE Colorado commit had more touchdown catches than five stars ohio state signatory Carnell Tate did at Bradenton (Florida) IMG Academy last season. He was excellent at OT7 Phoenix. He dominated at Miami Camp of rivals. I have nothing against Williams as he also has surefire five-star potential, but Watkins is definitely pushing for No.1.
Friedman’s point of view: FICTION. I’m a big fan of what Watkins can do on the pitch and he looks set to be on track for a very impressive career at the top level. He’s not as small as he used to be and he plays a lot louder than he looks, so size isn’t as much of a concern as he used to be. Watkins has exceptional hands and makes acrobatic holds routine. Seeing him up close last weekend in Florida gave me even more confidence in him for the future. Luckily, we don’t have to make a final decision yet on who should be the best receiver. Watkins is building a strong case for the high ranking, but I’m not ready to say he should be No. 1 in this position.
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The visit to Nebraska went well. USC is a real threat. But Georgia should be considered five-star QB Dylan Raiola’s favorite.
Gorney’s point of view: DONE. This one is close and an argument could be made for each of the three schools, but I feel like Georgia has the slight advantage. I get all the reasons why Raiola would go to USC and play under the coach lincoln riley since he had so much success developing quarterbacks. I understand the reasons why Nebraska logical, although I think it is the riskiest choice. But when it comes to decision time, the Bulldogs have so many advantages that can’t be ignored. The Coach’s Path Kirby Clever runs his system, the offense, the Raiola playmakers would be surrounded, the biggest stage in the SEC, the national title race. There’s too much to ignore out there.
The May Hold: DONE. Georgia, Nebraska and USC appear to be favorites since Raiola opted out of ohio state. At this point, Georgia have momentum based on Raiola’s last visit to Athens. The Bulldogs coaching staff did a fantastic job of selling Raiola on Georgia and his adjustment on offense, especially given the offensive coordinator transition from Todd Monken For mike bobo. I would pick Georgia if I had to bet the house today, but all three schools are still fighting and will be until Raiola signs.
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Colin Simmons had another great visit to Texas this weekend and the Longhorns should be considered the team to beat now.
Gorney’s point of view: FICTION. If there’s one team skyrocketing in the roster for five-star rusher, it’s Texas after another great visit to Austin, but let’s not confuse a post-visit high with an absolute leader. The Longhorns are much more in this race than just a few months ago, but Simmons has always had something for USL and the Tigers also make it a top priority. I would also watch Georgia and other SEC powers since he was intrigued by playing in this conference. The good news for him and Texas is that the Longhorns will be moving to the SEC once Simmons is in college, so it should only benefit them if it plays into his decision-making process.
Suchomel’s opinion: FICTION. I certainly believe Texas helped their position with last weekend’s visit and the Longhorns are squarely in the mix for Simmons, but I’m not ready to put Texas in the driver’s seat just yet. This one will take a while to unfold and Simmons will be making several more visits this spring (not to mention official visits), so there will be plenty of movement opportunities while Simmons works on his recruiting. LSU and Georgia will provide tough competition, but Texas has done a pretty good job of impressing both Simmons and his mother. The Longhorns are in a strong position, but I’m not sure I would call them the absolute leader.