by Bryan KellyAs most of you have probably noticed, Bleacher Report writer Michael Pinto has joined me in covering the 2011 college football recruiting circuit.
Based on buzz, backchannels and that old, reliable gut feeling, Michael and I would like to offer our side-by-side predictions for where the 25 best (still uncommitted) recruits will be signing for come February.
As you'll see, he and I agree on some, and wildly disagree on others. But that's the nature of predicting recruiting. It's like the weather—sometimes, nobody's right.
James Wilder, ATHBio: James Wilder (Tampa, FL) was Scout's No. 1 outside linebacker after notching 136 tackles as a junior, but he's since declared he will play offense in college. Tabbed by MaxPreps as 2011's top recruit, a top tenner to most everyone. An absurdly talented running back with blue-chip balance, speed and durability.
Where Bryan thinks he'll go: Wilder's recruitment got interesting when the Florida Gators hesitated to offer him at RB. But he's since revisited Gainesville and gotten the lowdown on where he fits into an offense that, surprisingly, will also find room for a fullback. It sounds like the Gators are open to remolding their offense practically in his image; I think a commitment is the least he can do to return the favor.
Prediction: Florida
Where Michael thinks he'll go: Wilder is the top prospect in the state of Florida and while most experts believe he'll stay in-state, it isn't a certainty. Alabama, Florida, USC, Miami, and Georgia are recruiting him the hardest, but don't discount FSU from the mix either.
Prediction: FSU
For the rest of the Top 25, click
here
