National recruiting director Mike Farrell and national recruiting analyst Adam Gorney tackle three topics daily and determine whether they believe the statements or not.
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MORE FACT OR FICTION: Florida fizzled the most down the stretch with 2021 class | LB Chance Campbell will be an SEC star
THREE-POINT STANCE: Recent transfer portal entrants | Slow 2021 recruiting finishes and more
CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
COVERAGE: Rivals Transfer Tracker | Rivals Camp Series
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1. QB Maalik Murphy is set to commit to Texas.
Farrell’s take: FICTION. There have been rumors that the talented West Coast quarterback is leaning toward Texas and there could be some truth to that. However, Murphy has also been linked to other schools such as Oregon, UCLA, Michigan and others at this point in the process. A lot will come down to how long he wants to wait and if he can get out for some visits. I expect the big-name quarterbacks to be off the board by June at the latest, so Texas is in good shape here it seems, but I don’t see a commitment immediately.
Gorney’s take: FACT. Murphy has watched many other quarterbacks come off the board recently and the four-star quarterback is a smart kid who could be getting closer to a decision. He has had an excellent relationship with new Texas coach Steve Sarkisian for a long time and the offense would be perfect for what Murphy can do. The Longhorns have an edge in his recruitment. UCLA, Oregon and others are also high on the list.
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2. OL Rashawn Slater will be taken ahead of Penei Sewell.
Farrell’s take: FICTION. In some mock drafts the Northwestern offensive lineman has been ranked ahead of Sewell, who is supposed to be a generational talent at the tackle position. I just don’t see Slater being taken ahead of Sewell. Slater can play all across the offensive line and neither played in the 2020 season but I still see Sewell as a top-five pick and then Slater coming in later in the first round. If Sewell gets out of the top five, I’d be stunned.
Gorney’s take: FICTION. The safe pick here is Sewell, and that’s what will happen when the NFL Draft comes around, although Slater is also very talented and could go in the top 10. But Sewell is so massive, athletic and powerful. If Slater played this past season and looked great maybe there could be an argument, but I’m sticking with Sewell.
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3. Florida has the most to prove in the SEC next season.
Farrell’s take: FACT. Why the Gators and why not UGA? Because of the way the season ended. Yes, Florida gave Alabama a lot to handle in the SEC title game, but the loss to LSU, the return of Todd Grantham to run the defense and the losses at quarterback and wide receiver have some wondering if a step back is due. UGA has an established quarterback and a very fast defense, and Texas A&M is still loaded on defense as well, but the defense at Florida worries me a bit and the offense won’t be as explosive.
Gorney’s take: FICTION. Two teams have more to prove – Georgia and Texas A&M. The Bulldogs have won three of the last four team recruiting titles and a lot of those elite players are now becoming veterans in Athens. Big-time expectations come with that. Another SEC East championship should be in store and a shot at winning the entire conference should be the expectation, especially as Alabama reloads. And then there is the case of Texas A&M, one of the best teams nationally but saddled with the issue of playing in the same division as the Crimson Tide. Florida has a lot to prove as well, but I’m watching Georgia and Texas A&M first.
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