Though many of the top high school football prospects in the country have already committed to which college they will play for in 2017, there are quite a few uncommitted recruits who are trying to make the most of the process. National Signing Day is less than a month away, and fans are really starting to wonder where these potential superstars will end up. Here are the early favorites to sign the top 10 uncommitted prospects in the 2017 class:
10) WR Devonta Smith (Amite, LA) - Alabama Crimson Tide
The 6-foot-1, 160-pound speedster is down to Alabama, LSU and Miami, but the Tide appear to have a clear advantage for him. He will make official visits to each school, starting with LSU and ending with Miami each of the next three weekends, but it's unlikely anyone will be able to sway him from Tuscaloosa.
9) DT Jay Tufele (South Jordan, UT) - Utah Utes
At 6-foot-3 and 300 lbs, Tufele is the top-ranked player in the state of Utah. Ohio State and Michigan are pushing hard to get the massive defensive tackle to leave the state, but in the end, the Jan. 27 official visit to Utah will likely seal the deal for the favorites.
8) DE Jarez Parks (Sebastian, FL) - Florida Gators
Parks is being chased by the two usual in-state schools, Florida and Florida State, and North Carolina and Alabama are doing their best to get him out of state. Alabama and Florida are considered the two favorites, but Gators head coach Jim McElwain has done a good job of keeping talent like Parks in-state. I expect him to end up in Gainesville.
7) WR Jeff Thomas (East Saint Louis, IL) - Illinois Fighting Illini
Thomas is looking like he'll be the first big-time recruit Lovie Smith will be able to bring to Illinois. Alabama, Louisville, Miami and Michigan are trying to make up ground late, but it will be a total stunner if Thomas isn't playing for Illinois next season.
6) S Devon Hunter (Chesapeake, VA) - Virginia Tech Hokies
Just like Thomas, go ahead and pencil in Hunter with the Hokies right now. Chesapeake has been a pipeline of talent to Blacksburg, and Hunter is no different. The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder is going to be a factor for Justin Fuente's squad next season.
5) DE LaBryan Ray (Madison, AL) - Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama has been the leader for Ray throughout the entire process. The 6-foot-4, 260-pounder is also making official visits to Tennessee and Florida this month, but he is a virtual lock to Alabama.
4) OT Austin Jackson (Phoenix, AZ) - USC Trojans
At 6-foot-6 and 280 lbs, Jackson looks like he'll be able to anchor an offensive line for the next three or four years. Every major Pac-12 team is going after him because of it, but appears to be down to either USC or Arizona State - and the Trojans don't lose these kinds of battles.
3) DT Aubrey Solomon (Leesburg, GA) - Georgia Bulldogs
The 6-foot-3, 305-pounder has been leaning towards staying in-state at UGA since decommitting from Michigan in August. He is still exploring his other options and has scheduled official visits to USC and Florida in January. However, at this point, it will be a shock if Kirby Smart doesn't land him.
2) WR Joseph Lewis (Los Angeles, CA) - USC Trojans
Nebraska's strong push in California includes Lewis, who is heavily considering the Huskers. However, he is also leaning towards USC, who always seems to get these kind of local kids. He could give them the kind of explosive offensive weapon they're losing in JuJu Smith-Schuster.
1) DT Marvin Wilson (Bellaire, TX) - Texas Longhorns
LSU and Texas are locked in a tight race for Wilson, but he's expected to stay in-state and sign with the Longhorns (especially with Herman now in the fold). Though he makes his mark as a run-stopper at 6'4" and 330 lbs, he's surprisingly quick for his size, allowing him to also be effective rushing the passer.