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We’re fast approaching National Signing Day on Feb. 3.
Here’s an update on the top targets each SEC East team is chasing:
FLORIDA: The Gators will get the final crack at five-star linebacker Lyndell “Mack” Wilson and four-star cornerback Kristian Fulton when they take official visits Jan. 29. Also keep an eye on four-star wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland, a Houston commit. He might also take an official in the final weekend. Florida is still looking for wide receivers with Nate Craig-Myers at the top of the list followed by Miami commit Sam Bruce and Auburn commit Eli Stove. Both are scheduled to take official visits Jan. 22.
GEORGIA: The Bulldogs just hosted Wilson and will continue to battle Florida and Alabama for him. Georgia coach Kirby Smart understands that quality depth on the lines is a necessity for a championship program, so five-star defensive tackle Derrick Brown, four-star defensive end Brian Burns and four-star offensive tackle E.J. Price are among the top targets. Four-star offensive lineman Patrick Hudson, a Baylor commit, will be taking an official visit this weekend. As for non-linemen five-star athlete Mecole Hardman is the top priority and that will likely come down to a decision between Georgia and Alabama.
Man what a time. ? Athens, GA pic.twitter.com/IWRPxZ6wFK
— MWS (@MackWilSr) January 17, 2016
KENTUCKY: The Wildcats’ class is mostly set with 24 commitments, but there are a couple of late targets Mark Stoops and his staff are trying to flip. Kentucky offered three-star safety Javontay Smith a day after he decommitted from North Carolina and are trying to get him on an official in the next two weeks. Three-star athlete TaDarryl Marshall, a former Tennessee commit, is also on Kentucky’s radar and is scheduled for a Jan. 22 visit.
MISSOURI: With a handful of slots still remaining in the Tigers’ class there are new targets coming on the board every day. Missouri offered three-star tight end Darel Middleton last week and will be visiting him at his school (Oak Ridge, Tenn.) Tuesday or Wednesday. Four-star safety Isaiah Simmons was the only official visit Missouri hosted this past weekend. He has scheduled officials to Nebraska and Clemson remaining but also recently got an offer from Michigan.
SOUTH CAROLINA: The Gamecocks have targeted Auburn defensive back commit Marlon Character and hosted him on an official visit this past weekend. South Carolina secured an official visit from four-star defensive linemen Stephon Taylor for Jan. 29. One of the top in-state targets for the Gamecocks is four-star offensive lineman John Simpson, but he hasn’t scheduled an official. He will visit Clemson this weekend and the Tigers are thought to be the favorite.
TENNESSEE: The Volunteers will get the final official visit from Brown on Jan. 29 before he makes a signing day decision. Four-star safety Nigel Warrior and four-star wide receiver Ahmmon Richards, a former Miami commit, will also be in Knoxville on that final weekend. The Volunteers staff is still trying to land an official visit from four-star linemen Landon Dickerson for that final weekend as well.
VANDERBILT: The Commodores upgraded their receiving corps with commitments from three-star prospects Kalija Lipscomb and Jackson Winrow. Vanderbilt, with 18 commits in house, is also looking for some upgrades on defense. Three-star linebacker Cameron Goode, a Cal commit, visited Nashville over the weekend and will make a final decision between Vandy, Nebraska and Cal. Vanderbilt had an in-home visit with three-star defensive end Andre Mintze and made an offer. An official visit is expected this weekend.
Corey Long is a freelance writer for SaturdayDownSouth.com. Follow Corey on Twitter @CoreyLong.
