A lot of times there will be an athlete to come out of the high school ranks highly praised.
Some analysts will claim that this athlete will one day be a key starter, other will say that athlete has NFL potential.
But this is a different player. A one of a kind player.
Enter Justin Fields. A football player from Kennesaw, Georgia, playing for Harrison High. In his first year as starting QB, the junior managed to put up 2770 yards throwing on 23 TD's, as well as 1176 yards on the ground with 15 TD's. He put up these amazing stats in a tough 6A alignment of the GHSA A two sport athlete (also is a talented baseball player) that has loads of athleticism and great intangibles, as well as speed you can't teach. His climb from being unranked to the top of every single recruiting website is remarkable. But his claim to fame was definitely, without any doubt, in The Opening. Fields was remarkable in the 7 v 7 circuit, winning the tournament and throwing for 16 TD's and no INT's with a 71% completion percentage in the process. The performance was arguably the best showing from a camp setting in recent history, and created an excruciating amount of hype for the player for the time being. His performance in the opening alone is the main reason why ESPN now sees him as the #1 recruit in the nation.
When you are the best recruit in the NATION, it leads to the best schools in the nation recruiting you for your services.
This is the interesting part about Fields. With his amazing show at the opening, it has lead to more aggressive pursuits from many schools. Justin Fields is a one time Penn State commit, but recently decommited to view other options. Since then, Georgia, Florida, and Florida State have turned up the pressure and are at the forefront of his recruitment. All schools really want this man, and it has lead to many of the schools to wonder where this man is going to college. As of now, there are five schools that are at the forefront of his recruitment.
OUTSIDE LOOKING IN:
PENN STATE
Before looking at other schools, one thing that is definitely on the minds of many recruiters is that Fields was a former Penn State commit. He has decommited and announced new leaders, but the opportunity to go back to Penn State is still there. He has good connections with the staff and their commits, and it was quite evident through 4 star Justin Shorter's display at The Opening, as the two were on the same page the entire tourney. In his decommitment note on Twitter, he stated that Penn State is a great school academically and athletically, and will still be considering that school in the future. Looking at the Quarterback situation for Penn State, they currently have a potential All-Big 10 and Heisman Candidate Tracy McSorely taking snaps under center. He will be a senior, so he will be out of Penn State at seasons end. Penn State currently has a pledge from rising 3-star Will Levis, a Pro Style QB from Connecticut. Do they need another QB in the class? No. Every program will look to take one for every class, and be content if they do. But they will definitely look to bring in Fields if he wants in; you can't pass up on talent like that. They will be keeping tabs on him, but it looks bleak. It is rare for a recruit to re-commit to the same school you backed off from, but don't count them out. It will surely be an uphill battle, and will take a yeoman effort, but it isn't impossible.
Chance He Commits to Penn State: One in a million
AUBURN
Auburn is one team that is need of a new QB. It seems for years they have been trotting out Jeremy Johnson and Sean White, and for years they have flat out failed all expectation. Adding Last Chance U's JUCO prospect John Franklin didn't help much, as he would struggle with the offense. Now we see what Jarrett Stidham can do for the Tigers in 2017. If suffers the same fate as the other QB's (and he can), then Auburn will HEAVILY pursue Fields. As for interest in Auburn, Fields loves the school. He idolizes Cam Newton, and states that he models his game after him. Auburn will definitely be a good fit for him, as he gets to work on a stout offensive line and a solid defense, but it doesn't seem that will be the case.
Chances He Goes to Auburn: Very Slim
CONTENDERS
FLORIDA
At first, things turned out rocky in terms of Floridas chances for Fields. In an interview when asked about Florida, he didn't seem that interested. That has changed. A lot of sources "claim" that there is a real chance for the 5 star QB prospect out of Georgia to commit. The man has visited multiple times, and he recently went to Florida's "Friday Night Lights" a camp to showcase his skills. That was before Florida received a QB commitment last night. The Gators invited two 2018 5 star QB's for their event, and since Fields has not committed yet, we can tell that Matt Corral gave his verbal pledge. He is a solid, strong arm Quarterback that is considered by many of the recruiting experts a bit of a loose cannon. He had somewhat of a testosterone issue, he got into a physical altercation with Wayne Gretzky's son, and has transferred schools. If he can stay focused, this man will be one really good athlete. Florida will likely keep their eyes out on Fields, and view his status on the Gators, and closely monitor Corral's senior season in general to see if he is the right candidate to be in the class. It most likely seems that Corral is solid with his choice, and Florida will also try to keep him on board if he does stay out of trouble and perform. Therefore, Fields will most likely not go to Florida.
Chances he will join the Gators class: Not likely
GEORGIA
Georgia is sitting in a really good spot to land this man, and they could sure use his pledge. Although they have the #1 RB in Zamir White, they are 58th in the recruiting rankings. There is clear interest in Georgia as well, but instead of coming in and likely winning the QB job (sorry Florida, you guys haven't had a good QB since Tebow), he would have to sit on the bench for a year or two behind Class of 2016 5 star QB Jacob Eason and then fight for the job against Class of 2017 5 star QB Jake Fromm. Fromm, who by then would have most likely been mad at the fact he has been benched for 2 or 3 years, will be hungry to win the job. But Fields loves this school, it remains one of his top schools despite the fact the QB competition is intense. It is a special feeling when you can ball out in your hometown, which is why White saw that vision and committed despite the depth at Running Back (which is more intense). His parents seem to be on board with the idea as well. Look out for Georgia here, they are a real player and giving a go at it.
Chances he signs with Georgia: Likely
This school has made significant strides in terms of Fields recruitment. After all, landing him would be huge on their part, and would give FSU a boatload of confidence. Some confidence that is needed after missing out on QB recruit (Joe Milton) after QB recruit (Jarren Williams) after QB recruit (Trevor Lawrence) AFTER QB RECRUIT (Will Levis). All these hits and misses have even prompted Gator twitter to call Jimbo Fisher washed. But to me, this is a blessing. FSU will be a great place for him, as he will have a great opportunity to go pro with the pipeline FSU has, and he will have a chance to win titles there. Yes, titles. Plural. His dad is on board with Tomahawk nation for these reasons alone. Fields has said that FSU is the best fit there, and I couldn't agree more. The QB situation is favorable as well, as Deandre Francois will be a Junior by the time Fields enrolls to college, which means Fields could be on the bench for only one year depending on how Francois does (and if FSU doesn't get any line protection, then he wont be playing football when Fields enrolls). They haven't gotten any significant QB recruits since. Which means when Fields gets his opportunity to play, he will be working with the likes of Cam Akers, DJ Matthews, and Keith Gavin. In the end, if he goes to FSU, I won't be shocked.
Chance he signs with FSU: Most likely
SCHOOL HE SIGNS WITH: FLORIDA STATE
At the end of the day, I do believe that he has the potential to be a superstar wherever he goes, and be a Top 10 pick when the NFL Draft rolls around. He has the tools to be an ace, but whether he can use it correctly is up to him. Watch out for this kid, FSU. You are getting a GOOD one.
Credit to @cometotheswamp , @campbellklayton , and @bassindawg for their edits.
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