Derrick Green is expected to choose Michigan, but Auburn and Tennessee lurk.
Photo by Dan Trevino
is nothing if not patient.
While dozens of top recruits in the Class of 2013 committed to colleges during their junior seasons, Green handled the recruiting process slowly and deliberately, making visits and familiarizing himself with programs and coaching staffs.
"I think he's done a good job spreading everything out over the course
of the last year," said Eric Kolenich of the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
As a senior, Green rushed for 1,285 yards and 20 touchdowns, as
Hermitage (Richmond, Va.) went 10-0 before losing 24-20 to Bird in the playoffs. He is the nation's No. 84 recruit overall and the No. 8 running back according to
247Sports.com.
He took home Colonial District Offensive Player of the Year honors in the process as his reputation among recruiting fans and college coaches alike continued to swell.
Hermitage is no stranger to highly sought-after talent, as the central Virginia school produced blue chip linebacker Curtis Grant in 2011, Green's freshman season. Kolenich said that Green took a number of unofficial visits throughout the summer after really emerging on the scene in the winter and spring following his junior season.
At the start of the fall, Green began to whittle down his list. Then during the season, he made official visits to Michigan, Tennessee and Auburn.
Under Brady Hoke, Michigan has recruited extremely well this cycle and has long been considered the leader for Green. The Wolverines could benefit from the coaching turnover at Green's two other finalists.
"Tennessee and Auburn fired their coaches after his official visits, and Michigan did not. That's when he said Michigan had the edge," Kolenich said.
Grant played his recruitment close to the vest until deciding on Ohio State on National Signing Day. It doesn't appear that Green will need to wait that long.
On Saturday, Green is expected to choose between Michigan, Tennessee and Auburn in a ceremony held at a local cultural arts center. The announcement will be streamed live on TimesDispatch.com.
MaxPreps takes a crack at handicapping the favorite with only three days remaining.
Favorite: MichiganMonths ago, it appeared that Michigan might finish with Ty Isaac and Laquon Treadwell. Now, the team's need for an offensive weapon is real. Luckily, Brady Hoke and staff have done a terrific job recruiting Green, whose 6-foot, 200-pound frame allows him to be the type of downhill runner that should flourish in the Big 10. Kolenich said he would be surprised if Green signed anywhere but Michigan, and we're apt to agree.
Sleeper: AuburnDespite a coaching change and having to recruit against Alabama, Auburn is in the mix for a surprising number of elite recruits, a testament to the job Gus Malzahn has done in his short time as head coach. The lure of playing in the SEC could help sway Green.
Long shot: TennesseeGreen took an official visit to Tennessee in September. After Derek Dooley was fired, Butch Jones quickly picked up the recruiting efforts and made a point to visit Green. The Volunteers remain a long shot, however.
