In today’s recruiting headlines, we certainly have a few notable names that made their verbal commitment from the Class of 2021.
LSU steals Corey Kiner from Cincy, Louisville
Kiner is a four-star running back from Cincinnati, Ohio. Despite visiting the Bearcats twice, Cincinnati never seemed to be a huge favorite for the backfield star. Kiner was looking for Power-5 programs, and for a while, most people predicted him to commit to Louisville, remaining close to home while taking the chance to play for team on the rise in the Cardinals. However, LSU was a late comer, and despite his three visits and intense recruitment with Louisville, Kiner was convinced by the reigning national champions, who saw their workhorse back, Clyde Edwards-Hillaire, get picked in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Kiner had also visited Ohio State and Michigan twice each, but he said a virtual tour of LSU sealed the deal for him. Having averaged a touch under 2300 all-purpose yards in three years of high school, Kiner is the 7th-ranked back in his class. He joins recent LSU commit, four-star Garrett Nussmeir, in creating a formidable looking offense in the bayou.
Georgia Tech gets a pleasant surprise
Four-star wide receiver James Blackstrain had previously announced his top-ten, with offers coming from Florida, LSU, among other big-name schools. Georgia Tech was not on his list, but the Yellow Jackets kept recruiting Blackstrain. Blackstrain then announced he would visit Georgia Tech before making a decision, and he then completely turned the tables by verbally committing to the Yellow Jackets after a virtual tour. Paired with fellow receiver recruit Malik Rutherford, Georgia Tech has clearly moved on from the triple option, and they look to be gaining momentum in the ACC from a recruiting standpoint.
Florida State comes in late, grabs 4-star cornerback
Long thought to be headed to LSU, the forecast on four-star cornerback Hunter Washington flipped last week, and the Tigers ceded their spot as favorites to the Florida State Seminoles. Washington confirmed that forecast yesterday by announcing his commitment to FSU. According to Washington, a borderline top-10 corner in his class, FSU was always on his list, even if the coronavirus pandemic prevented him from taking a spring visit. The Seminoles, who also beat out Oklahoma and Texas for Washington’s commitment, needed this, as they had not added a player to their Class of 2021 recruiting class since April 13.
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