Cory Thomas

One of the top defensive ends in the Southeast this year is McCalla (Ala.) McAdory jumbo pass-rusher Cory Thomas. The 6-foot-6, 270-pound prospect is intriguing, in that his frame allows for multiple possible outcomes in terms of the position he could play at the next level. 3-4 end, 4-3 tackle ... perhaps a move to offensive tackle?

 Florida defensive line coach Brad Lawing is known, in particular, for his fondness of length on the edge (think Clowney, Clifton Geathers, Devin Taylor, etc.) Thomas will be one of the top targets at end for the Gators from here on out.

On Tuesday, Thomas announced his top three schools. Sort of.

Top 3
— *~#34 From Mcadory~* (@bigcory34) August 27, 2013

#HailState
— *~#34 From Mcadory~* (@bigcory34) August 27, 2013

#VolNation
— *~#34 From Mcadory~* (@bigcory34) August 27, 2013

#Gators #gatorbait
— *~#34 From Mcadory~* (@bigcory34) August 27, 2013

However, the big defensive lineman went on to add this ...

The other 2 will be comin soon
— *~#34 From Mcadory~* (@bigcory34) August 27, 2013

Long thought to be a lean to Mississippi State, at one point Thomas intended to make an announcement at the beginning of August that would have resulted in his commitment to the Bulldogs. However, Thomas ultimately decided to hold off on making a pledge. The longer this recruitment goes on, the more it favors the other finalists. However, expect Mississippi State to have some staying power. They did, after all, sign linebacker Dezmond Harris out of McAdory High School in February.

Auburn recently jumped in with an offer, and I have to think the Tigers can slide their way into the top group as well.

What's interesting about this list, is the fact that Thomas has visited Starkville several times since the beginning of the year. He's been to the Plains and Knoxville as well. Thomas has yet to visit the Sunshine State, and yet here the Gators sit, still apparently a major player.

Getting Thomas on campus will be a priority for all four schools (and others) over the course of the fall. As always, it's smart to "follow the visits." Mississippi State still clearly looks to be in a prime position here. But we'll see if that position continues to hold strong on the road to National Signing Day.



Thomas recorded over 70 tackles and eight sacks as a junior for McAdory.

Auburn in the drivers seat for Marcus Roberson...

I'm not sure if any high school football prospect in the state of Florida has had as much of a rise in recruiting circles over the past six months as Marcus Roberson (6-1, 175, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./St. Thomas Aquinas). At the Gridiron Kings 7-on-7 tournament (put on by the fine folks at ESPN Rise) which was held this weekend, Roberson was integral part of the dominant Team Southeast defense, a group which gave up only six points in their final three contests -- not an easy feat in the world of 7-on-7 play. Roberson earned all-tournament honors as the Southeast team walked away with an easy 36-0 victory in championship game over Team Southwest at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Lake Buena Vista.

In regards to his recruitment, Roberson has been all over the map. Early on he favored Texas A&M. Following a June visit to Gainesville, the Gators moved squarely into the driver's seat for his commitment, and figured to reel him in before the season starts in August. Now, it appears Roberson is leaning in a different direction once again.

"It's Auburn," Roberson said when prompted for a leader on Sunday evening. "Everything about it is great, the team, the people, and the coaches."

Why did the Tigers make such a move for one of the top cornerback prospects in the entire country? At Auburn, Roberson knows he will have a shot at starting out at the position he prefers, while Florida has mentioned two possibilities for where he could play over the course of his recruitment.

"Auburn wants me at cornerback," Roberson explained. "Florida told me safety at first. Then they said I could play cornerback. I'm not real sure about all of that."

While the Gators are still working hard to land Roberson's services, it appears they are fighting an uphill battle at this point. Although Roberson attended Friday Night Lights in Gainesville last weekend, it was not enough to move Auburn off the top slot. Furthermore, Roberson is planning just one more trip before he makes a decision -- and it's not to Gainesville.

"I'm not sure if there will be enough time (for a visit to Florida)," he said. "We might be flying back to Alabama to take another visit (to Auburn)."

And so, while Roberson remains uncommitted for the time being, it appears the Tigers have moved very close to securing the services of one of the top defensive back prospects in the entire Southeast.