Defensive tackle Xzavier McLeod was a star at the Charlotte rival camp last month and has since made multiple tours across the southeast. Now Camden, SC star Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma, Oregon and South Carolina have announced the top ten. Many of these schools have been able to get McLeod on campus in the past few weeks, and inspections are underway for others.
“I wanted to make it easy for the upcoming season so I could focus on the game,” McLeod said. “I’m trying to get into the top five so I can make official visits. I don’t want to make official visits during games during the season because I can spend more time with the coaches so maybe I’ll take them in the summer or something like that. I’m not sure about the decision date but I will be ready to sign for the December signing period.
“They’re mostly at the same level,” he said. “Georgia and LSU are on a slightly different level because of Georgia coach Scott and coach Kane at LSU. They’re great defensive guys. Florida State coach Haggins is obviously a good defensive guy. History has proved itself.
“I didn’t go to Michigan, Oregon or Oklahoma,” McLeod said. “I don’t have any visits yet but I’m planning to do them.
“Georgia coach Scott and I are really close but I haven’t talked to many other coaches there,” he said. “I’m really close to South Carolina coach Lindsay. She and I have had some good conversations. Another good relationship I have is Coach Kane at LSU.
McLeod said, “There’s little thing in this visit.” I go to each school, we sit in the coach’s office and we talk for 15-30 minutes about how I look at the defensive line, the key aspects of the game and when I can play. Most schools are already saying I will play, stay in the starting lineup and there are no signs that I need to wear a red shirt. “
McLeod’s top ten is full of big-time programs, but it’ll be interesting to see how the rest of spring plays out for him. Georgia, LSU, and South Carolina have to choose where they currently stand but there is still a lot of work to be done. Domino’s will begin to decline within the next four weeks, and McLeod’s appointment will become clearer thereafter.