The spring games present the chance for college football coaching staffs to determine what they have on their roster and what they need if they are going to be ready once September rolls around. These events are also important for recruiting efforts because they allow prospects to visit and watch from the bleachers to get a glimpse at what the talent around them could look like should they decide to sign with one team or another. Several top high school players will be on the move during the upcoming weeks with their on-campus visits playing a major role in where they decide to play their college football. Here is a look at the four most important visits planned for this spring.
Najee Harris’s Visit To The Ohio State Buckeyes
Running Back
The No. 1 running back and No. 1 overall prospect according to the 247Sports composite rankings will spend some time at Ohio State the weekend of April 16th and it will be an important visit for both sides. Harris pledged to Alabama last spring, but he continues to explore alternative options and it will be interesting to see where he decides is his best fit. Could the Buckeyes really find a way to pry him away from Nick Saban and company?
The Buckeyes find themselves with tougher competition in the Big Ten and they would love to land another star playmaker in Harris. Ezekiel Elliott has emerged as the top running back available heading in to the 2016 NFL Draft and it will be interesting to see if that has an impact on Harris’ decision as Ohio State looks to steal him away from the Crimson Tide. Running backs tend to look pretty good in Urban Meyer’s systems, so that could lead to Harris changing his mind.
Donovan Peoples-Jones’ Visit To The Ohio State Buckeyes
Wide Receiver
The Buckeyes will also host the No. 1 wide receiver and No. 5 overall prospect according to 247Sports in Peoples- Jones, who has already visited Alabama, Auburn, Florida and Florida State. Urban Meyer has done a tremendous job locking up top young talent but with Michigan and Michigan State on the rise in the Big Ten he will have to continue to stay ahead of his competition not just on the national stage but within his own conference. Peoples-Jones caught 68 passes for 1,161 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior and the fact that he is a native of Detroit, Michigan makes his recruitment that much more intriguing. A lot of experts have him pegged to stay in his home state but it would be a major couple if the Buckeyes were able to lure Peoples-Jones away to Ohio State with a strong enough impression.
Drew Singleton’s Visit To The Clemson Tigers
Linebacker
The No. 4 outside linebacker and No. 72 overall prospect according to 247Sports composite rankings is set to visit the defending national championship runner-up and it could be a strong fit for both sides. The Tigers have some talented young pieces at the linebacker position in Tre Lamar and Shaq Smith and Singleton would complete a trio that would have the potential to shine for years to come in the ACC. Singleton and fellow four-star Paramus Catholic product and defensive tackle Corey Bolds both attended Michigan’s spring game and have been highly recruited so it will be interesting to see if Clemson can convince one or both to sign with them.
Avery Roberts’ Visit To The Penn State Nittany Lions
Linebacker
The No. 6 inside linebacker and No. 185 overall prospect according to 247Sports will visit a school that has established its reputation as “Linebacker U” over the course of the last few decades. Roberts is considered one of the Mid-Atlantic regions most impressive defenders and he has been highly sought after around the country including by fellow Big Ten conference member Nebraska. The Nittany Lions would love to lock up Roberts as part of an improving defense and he is expected to announce his decision shortly after visiting their campus on April 21st.
Want to give your comments about this article? You can either leave them here or you can join us on the Get More Sports Forum and talk about this article and many more! Brag about your favorite team, argue about an athlete’s performance or tell us about a game you saw. Join a new community of sports fans who live and breathe sports and sports entertainment. It’s free! Join now!
