Each Friday during college football season the experts at Recruiting Nation will weigh in on the probable destinations of a selection of the nation's top uncommitted prospects. This week's selections are defensive tackle Antuwan Jackson (No. 23 in the ESPN 300), athlete Mecole Hardman (No. 30), and defensive tackle Jordan Elliott (No. 49).
Antwuan Jackson Jr., DT, 6-3, 305, Cedar Grove/Ellenwood, GA, ESPN 300 No. 23
Prediction: Auburn
Confidence level: 40 percent
Toughest competition: Ohio State
Others in the mix: Georgia, Alabama
Jackson has said that Auburn and Ohio State are his top schools for quite some time, but still maintains that others are in contention. He narrowed his list to a top 10 over the summer and should narrow that to a top five soon. Auburn and Ohio State have remained the constant, though. Jackson has been out to visit Auburn and will now check out Ohio State for its game against Hawaii. That visit could sway things in the Buckeyes' favor, but for now the prediction is Auburn. -- Tom VanHaaren
Mecole Hardman, Athlete, 5-11, 176, Elbert County Comprehensive/Elberton, GA, ESPN 300 No. 30
Prediction: Georgia
Confidence level: 60-percent
Toughest competition: Tennessee
Others in the mix: Ole Miss, Miami (FL) and Michigan
Though the 30th-ranked player in the ESPN 300 doesn't officially have a top two, it's pretty clear to see that Georgia and Tennessee are Hardman's top schools. During the summer camp circuit, Hardman would routinely wear Tennessee and Georgia bracelets at most events he attended.
In addition to the apparel he wore, the 5-foot-11, 176 pound athlete has unofficially visited the two schools on several occasions including a trip to Athens last weekend to watch Georgia beat Louisiana-Monroe 51-14. A game in which Georgia led the country in the number of true freshman (19) that saw game action.
Hardman is set to visit Tennessee this weekend for the Volunteers big show-down with Oklahoma. A big win for Tennessee in front of a exuberant crowd would certainly help the Volunteer's chances of landing the No. 1-ranked athlete in the ESPN300.
With Hardman's elite skill set both schools could use Hardman on either side of the ball at either wide receiver or defensive back. Either way, the talented prospect is a true playmaker with the ball in his hands.
In addition to Tennessee and Georgia, Hardman has set up official visits to Miami (Florida) on Sept. 26., Ole Miss on Nov. 21 and Michigan on Nov. 28. While the Canes, Rebels and Wolverines will have an uphill battle to climb, past recruiting battles have shown that if a prospect officially visits a school, anything is possible. For now though, it's a neck-and-neck battle between Tennessee and Georgia and we believe the home-state Bulldogs have a slight advantage at the moment. -- Derek Tyson
Jordan Elliott, DT, 6-4, 301, Westside/Houston, TX, ESPN 300 No. 49
Prediction: Texas
Confidence level: 40-percent
Toughest competition: Texas A&M
Others in the mix: Michigan and USC
Making a hot board prediction for the No. 49-ranked Elliott could be considered futile. Due to his previous decommitments from Baylor and Houston, the list of possibilities has seemingly has dwindled. While the 6-foot-4, 305-pound defensive tackle committed to the hometown Cougars in an emotional moment following the verbal of five-star Edward Oliver to Houston, Elliott was always going to continue making unofficial visits, with plans to make officials.
This weekend, an unofficial visit to Austin for the Longhorns' home opener with Rice is a possibility. While a win is certainly expected, Texas' chances go up with a bounce-back performance by Charlie Strong's Longhorns.
While Texas has the best chance at this point, arch rival Texas A&M could quickly become the main competition thanks to what could be an ascending season, defensive improvement and a rolling out of the red carpet for Elliott, along with Texas' continued struggles.
In addition to the in-state Longhorns and Aggies, the Trojans are scheduled to receive an official visit in September, with Michigan also a lock to get an official. A fifth official is possible as well. Predicting a final commitment will likely prove difficult with post season all-star games possible for Elliott -- who could also commit and change his mind again before signing day. Commitment or not in early January, the ink will have to be completely dry before this recruitment becomes finalized. -- Gerry Hamilton