Recruiting Notebook: Florida makes 5-star statement; elite EDGE trending to UGA

Only two short weeks remain until the beginning of the Early Signing Period — also known as the new National Signing Day. And between the official opening of the NCAA transfer portal and the final stretch of the recruiting calendar, college football recruiting news is on one right now.

Each day until we hit the signing period, On3 will be breaking down the top storylines from both the recruiting world and the transfer portal. Let’s get into it.

Gators make a move with Desmond Ricks

Five-star IMG Academy (Fla.) cornerback Desmond Ricks made the first of three official visits to finalists over the weekend, heading to Florida to check out the Gators. On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons provided the latest on today’s Simmons Scoop:

“Everything is positive about the Gators coming off the official visit to Florida over the weekend, and one source said Florida’s confidence is higher than it has been,” Simmons wrote. “Corey Raymond had a big part in the visit, and Desmond Ricks sees an opportunity at the Swamp on and off the field. NIL is a major factor for Ricks, and that is something that could keep this race interesting until the end. Alabama has their shot this weekend, then LSU gets the final visit before Ricks decides on Dec. 22.”

The Tigers are still trending according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM), but this is going to be as tightly contested of a recruitment as there is over the next few weeks.

USC gets final visit with DJ Lagway

2024 No. 2 quarterback DJ Lagway is set to make his decision tomorrow, with Florida considered the favorite by the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine. But USC, Clemson, Baylor and others aren’t giving up, and the Trojans look to be the biggest threat to the Gators a little less than 24 hours out from his commitment.

USC head coach Lincoln Riley was at Lagway’s school in Willis (Texas) today, according to On3’s Sam Spiegelman, and he had the last say before the decision tomorrow. Lagway is heavily weighing the opportunity to play for Riley after watching his development of Caleb Williams at USC and Jalen Hurts at Oklahoma. But the Gators have connected in a big way with the nation’s No. 2 passer and have maybe the strongest relationship of any program with him.

5-star Damon Wilson trending to Georgia

Ohio State and Georgia have been the unofficial top two schools for five-star Venice (Fla.) EDGE Damon Wilson since October. Each got him on campus for an unofficial visit within the past few weeks, but Wilson told Simmons that he knows which one he is ultimately going to commit to. Simmons said Monday that he gives the edge to Kirby Smart and Co. ahead of in-home visits this week, and the On3 RPM reflects that.

After an expert pick from Lettermen Row’s Matt Parker in favor of the Bulldogs, Georgia holds the lead with a decision that could come down as soon as next week, Simmons says.

Jordan Hall locks in commitment date

Sticking with the Georgia and Florida theme, four-star Jacksonville (Fla.) Westside defensive lineman Jordan Hall is down to four schools and has locked in a commitment date for December 22.

Hall told Simmons that he already knows where he is going, but he won’t tell any of the coaching staffs until he announced his decision on the second day of the Signing Period. Florida has made a strong run at him, with Hall noting that “it would be hard not to commit there.” But Georgia remains the On3 RPM favorite for the No. 29 overall prospect in the On300.

“I know the coaching staff loves me, and I have a real good connection with the players,” Hall said of the school he will eventually choose. “It wasn’t an easy process at all, probably one of the most draining and stressful things I’ve ever been through. Now that I’m locked in, it’s go time and I’m ready to work.”

Coach Prime continues to pursue elite targets

Just a few days into his tenure at Colorado, Deion Sanders has been offering prospects across the country as he looks to rebuild the Buffaloes’ roster. At the same time, CU parted ways with seven of its commits yesterday, including some who weren’t pleased with how Sanders’ staff handled them.

But as he looks to upgrade the roster, Sanders is scouring the country for guys who he sees fit his vision. He has already landed one 2023 commitment with Columbus (Ohio) offensive tackle Jordan Hall — not related to the above Jordan Hall. He has extended an offer to five-star offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, among others, and has reportedly been in contact with Clemson five-star defensive line commit Peter Woods, who included Jackson State in his final schools list.

Four-star wide receiver Taeshaun Lyons is another to keep eyes on, with a commitment coming on December 16. His top four didn’t include the Buffaloes, but Sanders and Co. recently offered and are looking to get him on campus before a decision is made.