Two interviews to come from today.
- Mecole Hardman reassured that Alabama was atop his list, thanks to both the acquisition of Jeremy Pruitt and the surrounding talent in Tuscaloosa. He mentioned that he had given Georgia an indication when Pruitt was still with the Bulldogs that he had given them an indication that he was 60-70% ready to commit. We spoke about his relationship with Kirby Smart, which is something that's really just beginning to bloom. It appears that since Smart has taken over the reins at Georgia, he has become Hardman's lead recruiter. The contact between the two was limited during Smart's Alabama tenure as the Crimson Tide sought him for the offensive side of the ball, leading to Hardman developing a strong relationship with wide receivers coach Billy Napier. Hardman maintains that there has been no silent commitment given to any school, and he's working to figure out his final visit, mentioning that he'd like to see Florida before the end of his trip. He named Michigan and Alabama as the two best visits he'd ever taken.
- Derrick Brown is also working on building his relationship with Kirby Smart, as Bo Davis has been his lead recruiter with the Tide. Much like we heard from Michail Carter last week, it sounds as if Georgia may have been playing from behind if Tracy Rocker were no longer with the staff. Brown remains firm that his top five are tied with no leader in mind, and he also asserts he's made nothing in the way of a silent commitment. "They'll find out when everyone else does." Brown pointed out a visit to Tennessee and Mississippi State as the best he's been on during his recruitment, crediting Miss State's president with meeting with him as one of the coolest experiences he's had. Still a very tough guy to get a read on.
- Isaac Nauta confirmed that he knows where he's headed. He seemed pretty assured about it. Looking forward to Saturday now.
- Nigel Warrior on Mel Tucker: "We talk almost everyday." Says he's long expected Tucker to end up at Georgia.
- A few notable performances
- Nauta did it all today. One handed touchdown grabs, bone crushing hits, excellent blocking. He's a true do-it-all and has reaffirmed him five-star status this week in a major way.
- Jacob Eason started very well, but his day was bit up and down overall. We're still seeing some of the characteristic timing and overthrow issues that happen in these settings.
- Props to Ben Cleveland. Day 1 had many concerned, but his was a name that was mentioned frequently among analysts today as much improved. He worked at left tackle and really held it down.
- Derrick Brown's swim move is still undefeated. He's been far and above my top performer not only of this week but of the last two weeks of all-star games I've seen. Given, I didn't have much time to see Rashan Gary in Orlando, was as dominant as advertised, but, of those I have seen, Brown takes the cake.
- Julian Rochester struggled to get off of his blocks but seemed to fall into tackles a couple of times. He's got work to do, IMO.
- Demetris Robertson and Mecole Hardman are going to race to the finish for the nation's top athlete. Both have had tremendous showings this week.
- Nigel Warrior has come on in the last two practices and provided tight coverage throughout today. Not many guys can hang step for step with Hardman, but Warrior has a stride and awareness that keeps him right there.
