USA TODAY high school sportsFriday Night Notes is a weekly roundup of high school recruiting that looks at the latest news from around the country – from the class of 2023 to ’24 and beyond.
Belleville (Mich.) five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood is #1 QB prospect in the class of 2025 and ranked third nationally.
It looks like Underwood’s recruitment could turn into a battle between two of college football’s most bitter rivals: Ohio State and Michigan. Naturally, that rivalry has carried over into the recruiting race, where the Wolverines and Buckeyes are ranked first and second, respectively, heading into the 2024 cycle. Obviously, landing a rare talent like Underwood at the game’s most important position would be a huge win for one Big Ten power over the other.
last weekend, Underwood visited Ohio State’s campus after participating in Under Armor All-American Camp Series in Columbus. Underwood shared a photo of herself wearing Buckeyes gear and a WWE Championship belt.
— Bryce Jay Underwood (@BryceUnderwoo16) May 8, 2023
Underwood said Steve Wiltfong at 247Sports that he and his family enjoyed their visit.
However, his home state is Michigan, where he ranks as the top player overall, and the Wolverines are the favorite to land Underwood’s commitment. He has reportedly visited their campus three times in the past few months. On3’s predictive model puts their chances at 35.5%. Next is Michigan State (22.3%), then Ohio State (11.6%).
Of course, these are far from the only programs showing interest. According to 247 Sports, Underwood has received offers from 35 schools.
Oregon is the favorite to reach a massive top-3 OT
Andrew Ivins, 247 Sports
Size isn’t everything when it comes to winning at the line of scrimmage. But, then again, try telling that to anyone who’s tried to maneuver around an athlete the size of Trent Brown (6-foot-8, 359 pounds) of the New England Patriots. Now imagine Brown blocking kids in high school.
Opponents of Clay-Chalkville (Ala.) four-star offensive lineman JacQawn McRoy needn’t imagine — they’ve gotten to see his 6-foot-8, 365-pound frame up close.
According to 247Sports, McRoy ranks 3rd among offensive tackles in the class of 2024, No. 6 in the state of Alabama and No. 62 nationally.
Odds are his opponents won’t fare much better against McRoy at the next level, either. Speaking of which, right now it looks like Oregon has the commanding lead in their recruitsT. On3’s model has the Ducks as overwhelming favorites at 92.7%. However, McRoy has offers from 16 other schools, incl chestnut and Kentucky.
5-star WR Cam Coleman locks down visits to LSU, Clemson
Brandon Huffman, 247 Sports
One of the top playmakers in the 2024 class is five-star wide receiver Cameron Coleman of Central (Ala.). According to Maxpreps, Coleman posted 542 yards and six touchdowns as a junior, helping lead his team to a 10-3 record and No. 5 overall ranking in the state.
Central Phenix City 4 ⭐️ WR Cameron Coleman @CamColeman12 The offer list continues to grow and he showed why Sunday.
The 6-foot-3 prospect was Atlanta’s best player. pic.twitter.com/8ARa5VRuHG
— Touchdown Alabama Recruiting (@TDARecruiting) February 28, 2023
Where he’ll go next is still up for debate, but Coleman (6-foot-3, 180 pounds) recently wrapped up his first two official visits. One is set to Clemson on June 2-4, and then another at LSU from June 23-25, of Chad Simmons at On3.
Coleman has too offers from 24 other schools, including other top contenders in Alabama, Auburn and Florida State. Currently On3 has chestnut as the favorite (82.3%) for its commitment.