Hey Judes: Recruiting Spring Visits, Scholarship Offers

    This week's version of Hey Judes analyzes some important spring visits on the recruiting trail, notable scholarship offers and a little more scouting for under-the-radar prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft.


    This week’s version of Hey Judes analyzes some important spring visits on the recruiting trail, notable scholarship offers and a little more scouting for under-the-radar prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft.  


    March Madness is underway, and the excitement of college sports fans has officially shifted from the gridiron to the hardwood.

    But that doesn’t stop college football coaches from doing their jobs on the recruiting trail. We’re smack-dab in the middle of a flurry of scholarship offers being dished out.

    Many of them have already been extended, but now is the time for recruiting coordinators and assistants to shape their boards for the 2018 recruiting cycle. And if the head coach signs off on a kid, boom — the offer’s on the table.

    So, let’s take a look at some recent offers that we shouldn’t sweep under the rug.

    Offers They Can’t Refuse

    Right now, it looks as though Kevin Sumlin’s Aggies are the clear-cut favorite to land 4-star safety Leon O’Neal, but a new team has entered the race. LSU offered the Cypress, Texas native on Wednesday, and you should expect the Tigers to remain competitive for him.

    Also in the SEC, Florida has been eyeing 4-star quarterback Joe Milton for awhile and finally offered him on Tuesday. It’s looking as though Milton will end up committing to the Gators at some point or another. And he may not be the only quarterback they sign. Jim McElwain’s staff is still pursuing 5-star quarterback Emory Jones despite his commitment to Ohio State. Expect them to keep tabs on Miami commit Artur Sitkowski as well.

    Meanwhile, 4-star defensive tackle and Dallas, Texas native Calvin Avery added two new offers from Notre Dame and USC, but both the Fighting Irish and the Trojans will have their work cut out. Nebraska and Oklahoma have been in on Avery’s recruitment and look to be the frontrunners.

    Unofficial Visits To Watch

    Speaking of the Gators, they’ll have Milton on campus this weekend, and they could secure a commitment — or at least push for one — by Monday morning. However, they’re also hosting 4-star running back Asa Martin, who has been interested in Florida for a long time.

    One prospect from the Sunshine State, 4-star recruit Nick Petit-Frere, has his eyes set on South Bend. After recently landing an offer from the Irish, the nation’s No. 5 offensive tackle and No. 47 overall player is set to visit Notre Dame for two days beginning on March 24.

    And after signing Shane Buechele and Sam Ehlinger in back-to-back classes, Texas is looking to add at least one quarterback in the 2018 recruiting class. Four-star prospect Tanner McKee is planning on visiting Austin this spring, but the Longhorns are also planning on hosting 4-star quarterback Cameron Rising sometime soon as well. If Tom Herman’s staff can flip Rising from rival Oklahoma, it could set the tone for a wild ride during the rest of the cycle.

    Under The Radar

    As I mentioned last week, I’ve started a new series called Check The Film, which takes an Xs and Os approach with scouting reports for the 2017 NFL Draft prospects. So far, I’ve analyzed Jabrill Peppers, Haason Reddick and T.J. Watt.

    But there are always names that fly under the radar, and I wouldn’t be a true football purist if I didn’t shine a little light on them every now and then. Previously, I’ve scouted cornerback Jordan Ford and nose tackle Roderick Henderson. This week, I’m taking a look at Keyso Moss, a defensive tackle and fullback from Missouri S&T.

    At 6-foot-1, 290 lbs Moss can move for a guy that size. He has a quick first step off the ball and moves well laterally. As a 1-technique (lined up on the guard’s inside shoulder), he can be extremely disruptive. He needs to work on disengaging and hand fighting, but I love his ability to get in the backfield and stop the run.

    MORE: How Early Signing Period Will Change College Football Recruiting

    DOWNLOAD THE APP

    Have the full Stadium experience

    Watch with friends

    Get rewards

    Join the discussion