re: Neither Shea or Billy have Desmond Ricks in their class predictions

Ricks would not go to Florida over LSU or Alabama. It’s a mess, albeit I can see Napier making them respectable in the future. I also don’t see Alabama with the possible coordinator exodus after the lacking performances this season. You cannot fail with Anderson, Turner, Ricks, for all that talent, Golding needs to go. LSU has the most concrete situation for him going forward and he’d be a fool not to follow suit of likely commit, Toviano. Immediate playing time is looking like a solid thing as well with many departures this off-season.

I expect the opposite, Harbor to Michigan, Ricks follows Toviano to LSU, but you never know. Harbor has said Cain is his closest connection in the process. However, I’d just be SHOCKED to lose Ricks to either situation, which at best are unstable currently. If Florida was in the position of an LSU, they’d likely still keep McClain, despite Miami offering what they did, similar to Perkins choosing LSU. I’d understand say Mickens situation, not only family wise, but how Ohio State develops for next level, but to spurn LSU for Florida, would be a major career risk. Alabama, see Ricks regression, even after recovering and learning the playbook more.

Basically, they’re telling you almost nothing in a way with these articles. Toviano NOT in one prediction? Being conservative is one thing but LSU lands elite talent, and this is a demonstration that they’re being beyond conservative and lacking trust they’ll get it done, IMO, but hell what do I know? Not an insider..

These are going to be bidding wars

Is Mickens in this class according to them?

That they will be, as A&M has shown, some of these kids just see the green right in their face, rather than the long term investment, but some face lifelong hardship so I can certainly see why money would be the key sway at times. Glad Perkins saw through that and it’s paying off well for him. Ricks will likely be the bidding war, at least, as Harbor is emphasizing education, track, and comes from an upper middle class background. LSU will finish out strong regardless, but imagine they can land Harbor, Ricks, Toviano, Bo, while keeping Mickens from Ohio State? I don’t see how that can’t rival Alabama’s top rated class.

1000% agree Joe. After seeing Toviano storm that field, the social media banter, and the LSU hat at the A&M visit, I’d imagine he’s 100% locked. Ricks also seems like it’s LSU’s to lose but if you want to take it to a bidding war, have at it. See what LSU is doing with a super freshman in Perkins, whom allegedly took less to come. Sometimes the right fit isn’t where the green is, rather the situation. As mentioned, Alabama and Florida aren’t providing a better one compared to LSU.

Ricks just reclassified so he’s going to take his time. It’s hard to predict with kids like him and Shea and Billy have been very cautious about adding those guys in prediction pieces. Out of state kids are especially hard and they tend to err on the side of not counting them until they have concrete info that there’s a very good shot.

quote:

---

I thought I heard Shea saying on Power Hour last week that he felt good about landing Ricks. I could be confusing it with Toviano though.

---

I believe you did. IIRC neither felt they could push their good feelings on the situation to a prediction because he still has other high profile visits to make. I think we get the last one before ESD. I believe they are also concerned that he is a NIL risk... i.e. get out bid.

Definitely will land Toviano!!!!! Definitely