Special Feature - Recruiting Blitz by Pete Ariz

Throughout my short time as a blogger, I've gotten to work with and meet some really great people. You've read work from some in the past, and will read some more now.

Here is a look at the top college recruits in the Miramar-South Plantation game by ace recruiting insider Pete Ariz:

South Plantation

Alex Collins looks for room against Coral Springs

RB Alex Collins: The longtime Miami pledge de-committed from the ‘Canes last week, as most had expected him to do for a while. Collins has a special combination of size/speed that would have led to a nice pairing with Duke Johnson at Miami. While Collins is still saying that he is considering Miami, I would be stunned not to see him choose Florida State in the coming weeks (look for a decision after South Plantation’s season wraps up.) Wisconsin is still alive as a dark horse as well. Miami must continue to sell him on the fact that he could get a lot of touches early on, which is something that FSU probably can’t offer. Collins had been considering other schools for a while, then the ‘Noles offered his best friend John Franklin, which threw a huge twist into the equation. I’m interested to see how Collins performs against the fast Miramar defense.

John Franklin poses before a 7-on-7 tournament this summer

QB John Franklin: Franklin committed to FSU about two weeks ago, one day after the ‘Noles offered. He will be heading to Florida State with the “Athlete” tag and will most likely end up at WR, but according to Franklin he will have an opportunity to play quarterback. Florida State was the first big program to offer Franklin, which has led some to believe it was in an attempt just to help the attempt to land Collins. It will be interesting to see if Franklin winds up at FSU if Collins does not choose the ‘Noles. It should be another good matchup for Franklin tomorrow, as his athletic ability might be neutralized against the speed of the Patriots defense. He will have to rely more on his arm to make the plays.

CB Natavious Odoms: Odoms is a lesser-known player on the defensive side of the ball, but has been very productive for the Paladins this season with 5 interceptions. While Odoms does not hold any Division-1 offers at the moment, word is that Purdue has been keeping in contact with him as of late.

Miramar

Jermaine Grace communicates to a teammate during 7-on-7 this summer

LB Jermaine Grace: The athletic linebacker has long been considered a heavy Miami lean and all indications are still pointing in that direction. While Tennessee has been talked about as a possible contender for Grace’s services, here are a lot of rumors about the future of Vols Head Coach Derek Dooley’s future. At this point, I would be absolutely shocked to see Grace anywhere other than Miami. The plan is still for him to wait until signing day to make his announcement. Grace will have a pivotal role in Miramar’s efforts against Alex Collins.

Sean Avant drags St. Thomas defenders (from 2011 game)

WR Sean Avant: The senior receiver has two schools out in front, Marshall and Wake Forest. He is planning on taking visits after the season concludes. I think he would be a good fit in the Marshall offense, which has former SoFla standout Rakeem Cato at QB. The Thundering Herd like to spread it out offensively.

RB Alex Lee: The versatile and explosive running back has had a stellar season, including the game-winning touchdown against St. Thomas Aquinas earlier this season. Lee holds an offer from FAU at the moment and that could be where he winds up.

WR Khalil Webster: The 6’4” Webster currently holds offers from South Alabama and Southern, but he is still hoping to receive the coveted South Florida offer, where his brother, Kayvon, plays. 

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Pete Ariz is a freshman at FIU, and is a regular contributor to South Florida High School Sports and CanesInSight as a recruiting analyst. You can find his work at sfhighschoolsports.com, CanesInSight.co, or by following him on twitter @P_Ariz3