Two teams battling for 5-star defensive lineman Peter Woods

A little more than 48 hours remain until one of the biggest prizes in the 2023 recruiting cycle comes off the board. On Friday evening, five-star Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson defensive lineman Peter Woods will make his commitment announcement.

His current list of top schools includes Alabama, Clemson, Florida, and Jackson State. But according to On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons, it’s down to just Clemson and the Crimson Tide.

Alabama has long been considered the favorite for the in-state prospect, who ranks as the No. 24 overall player in the On3 Consensus. But the Tigers have made a move in recent weeks and put themselves squarely in the conversation.

“Six weeks, two months ago, you probably get 99% Alabama,” Simmons said. “But that official visit to Clemson early in June went extremely well. For Peter and his family, the Tigers are very much in this race. I think the biggest surprise right now leading up to this decision is just how tight it is and then that there is some confidence in both Tuscaloosa and Clemson. This will be one to watch the keeping track of this in the coming days as the decision nears later this week.”

Alabama currently leads in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) with a 66.9 percent chance to land him, while Clemson trails behind at 31.1 percent.

Peter Woods Scouting Summary

“Compact defensive lineman creates disruption with first-step quickness and speed in pursuit. Smaller than most of his fellow top defensive line prospects at around 6-foot-2, 280 pounds. Highly productive and disruptive while starring for one of the more talented high school teams in the Southeast. Lines up inside and at end for Thompson High. Has some of the best play speed we’ve seen from a defensive lineman nationally. Runs like a linebacker in pursuit. Makes plays behind the line of scrimmage at a high clip. Elevated his play as a junior. Likely projects as a three-technique long-term. Lacks prototypical length for top prospects at the position.” — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings