It’s going to be a fight to the finish line between a handful of programs for 5-star linebacker Lyndell "Mack" Wilson.
While in-state powers Alabama and Auburn are believed to be his front-runners, the 6’2”, 220-pounder insists that he has no favorites and will take his recruitment all the way to national signing day in February.
The Tide are the perceived leaders for Wilson, but the Tigers may have struck a blow with the recent commitment of 5-star defensive end Marlon Davidson—who played with Wilson at Carver (Alabama) High School last year before transferring in the offseason.
“I feel like it was a great move for him,” Wilson told Bleacher Report in response to Davidson’s pledge. “It’s somewhere where he’s been recruited to since he was in the ninth grade. He’s built a great relationship with the coaching staff. He likes it there, and I feel like it was a good move for him.”
Wilson, who was on hand for Auburn’s nail-biting overtime win over Jacksonville State, has forged a close bond with Davidson and fellow 5-star in-state linebacker Ben Davis.
Earlier in the spring, Davis told Bleacher Report’s Tyler Donohue that the three 5-star Yellowhammer State products have discussed playing at the same college.
"We call ourselves 'The Trio.' Me, Mack and Marlon have really become close," Davis told Donohue. "They're my dudes. We do talk about going to the same college together sometimes, but all three of us are probably going to wait until signing day. I don't know where I'm going, and I don't think they know yet, either. We'll see what the future holds."
Wilson admits the bond is strong with Davis and Davidson, but he’s now turned his attention toward finding the best fit for himself at the next level.
“I’m still going through the process, and I am open to all of the schools who are recruiting me,” Wilson said. “I’m just weighing my options right now. I don’t have any favorites. I’m open and free. I want to take my visits and just get to know the coaches and the different campuses. I also want to study the schemes football-wise and learn little details like that.”
Still, he also noted that he plans to take some, or potentially all, of his official visits with Davis—who told Donohue that Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia and LSU are programs emerging as strong contenders in his process.
When asked which teams were recruiting him the hardest, Wilson mentioned three of those schools and another SEC power.
“Alabama, Florida State, LSU and Florida,” Wilson said.
The nation’s No. 1 outside linebacker and the No. 10 player overall in the 2016 class is battling a shoulder injury that has him less than 100 percent. Getting healthy and staying on top of his school work are also on his list of priorities moving forward.
He has tentative plans on majoring in either photography or sports management at the next level.
While his focus is on finishing his senior season, he has already mapped out a few key factors he will be looking for when making his final decision.
“The main things will be academics and the bond between the coaching staff and their players. Most of all, playing time, because I want to get on the field as a freshman. I feel like I’m good enough of an athlete to get on the field. When I make my decision, I will study my playbook and work hard to impress my coaches. The academic part is also a key because I want to get my degree.”
Sanjay Kirpalani is a national recruiting analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand and all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.
via http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2566949-5-star-lyndell-wilson-dishes-on-recruiting-visit-plans
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