IMG Academy receiver Osani Gayles is narrowing his focus before a summertime commitment, with a pair of SEC teams battling with his hometown school at the front of the pack.
Gayles, like many of the top players in the class of 2027, has felt increased pressure in recent months.
“This January and February have been some crazy months just because a lot of colleges are still trying to get their board settled and this is when things really pick up for 2027s,” Gayles said.
USC, Tennessee, Alabama, Washington and Miami are among the schools Gayles said are doing a good job, but he confirmed three official visits with USA TODAY on Feb. 17.
Gayles said he’s locked in official visits with Tennessee, Alabama and USC. The California-native says the Trojans sit in a good spot, and the west coast connection plays a factor.
“Their definitely up there,” Gayles said of USC. “I love (inside receivers coach Dennis) Savage, I love (head coach Lincoln) Reilly. I’ve been up there a few times now. And obviously the education aspect is important to my family. It’s definitely one of those top schools.”
After Alabama’s co-offensive coordinator and receivers coach, JaMarcus Shephard, was hired as the head coach at Oklahoma State, the Tide managed to bridge Gayles strong relationship with Shephard to incoming receivers coach Derrick Nix.
“I feel like they were so good about keeping that relationship going (after Shephard left),” Gayles said. “Coach Nix made me a priority. He emphasized that I’m one of the high school guys that he really wants. So that’s definitely a reason, and I went on a visit up there and really liked it.”
Tennessee is sending the house at Gayles, and he said he’s hearing from at least four different staffers regularly.
“I definitely like Tennessee, too,” he said. “Just the relationships that they’re building and what they’re trying to change about the program and build it better.”
Gayles, who had 492 yards receiving and five scores on 20 catches last year, said his plan is to take all of his official visits and then commit by the end of June. He mentions two important factors matter when he’s mulling his options; relationships and the quality of receivers that coach has produced in the past.
“I want to get coached by someone I actually like,” Gayles said. “And definitely development, just like their past. Seeing who they were able to develop and what they were able to do with them.”
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: IMG Academy WR Osani Gayles closing in on recruiting college decision
Reporting by Nick Wilson, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
