With Early Signing Day just a month away, flip season is upon us. The recruitment of the nations top prospects is about to get heated. That’s the case for the remaining uncommitted recruits, but it’s also the reality for some of the top prospects already committed.
Below we will highlight the top 2023 Commits on Flip Watch based on recent visits and intel.
5-star DL David Hicks – Texas A&M
The Paetow high product was originally thought to be an Oklahoma lean, but he shocked the world when he chose the Aggies over the Sooners. So far, Hicks remains firm on his pledge, but after a disappointing 5-7 season by the Aggies, along with the recent de-commitment from 5-star Anthony Hill, there is reason to believe Hicks could sign else where come National Signing Day.
Oregon and Oklahoma have been the two teams to watch here, as both have gotten him on campus this past month. Hicks took an unofficial visit to Oregon on November 12th, in Oregon’s loss to Washington. In an interview with 247 Director Steve Wiltfong, Hick’s dad said Oregon has “continued to move the needle in his recruitment.” Oklahoma was able to get him on-campus for an official visit during the game against Oklahoma State. Prior to his commitment, Hicks was linked heavily to the Sooners, and was crystal-balled to go there.
5-star QB Dante Moore- Oregon
247 Composite: 10th Nationally
Dante Moore pledged his commitment to the Ducks during the summer, and has remained firm to Oregon. However, a 247 insider placed a crystal ball for Moore to flip from Oregon to Michigan State. The Spartans have yet to sign a quarterback in the 2023 cycle, and keeping Dante in state would be huge get for Mel Tucker and staff.
What’s makes the situation interesting is Moore’s lead recruiter at Oregon was Offensive Coordinator Kenny Dillingham, who took a job to be ASU’s next head coach. Does this mean Moore could potentially follow Dillingham to ASU? Highly unlikely, as Moore has doubled down on his commitment to the Ducks, but nothing is guaranteed until pen is put to paper.
5-star S Peyton Bowen
247 Composite: 24th Nationally
Arguably the best safety in the class of 2023, Peyton Bowen is the gem of Marcus Freeman’s No. 3 ranked class. Bowen committed to the Fighting Irish in early January. Since then he has remained solid on his pledge, however there is reason to believe he will flip to Oklahoma.
The Sooners have made it known they want Bowen in their class. They hosted him multiple times throughout the summer, and most recently hosted him on campus to witness the Sooner’s win over Oklahoma State. 2023 QB commit Jackson Arnold has played a pivotal role in Oklahoma’s push for Bowen, as Arnold is really close to Bowen and has been a driving force in his recruitment.
So far Bowen is still locked in with the Fighting Irish, but don’t be shocked when he flips in December and becomes a Sooner.
5-star RB Justice Haynes- Alabama
247 Composite: 26th Nationally
A key piece to Alabama’s No. 1 recruiting class, Justice Haynes has been committed to the Crimson Tide ever since late July. Haynes has been instrumental in helping the Tide’s efforts to recruit other top prospects, including 5-star Safety Caleb Downs and 5-star running-back Richard Young. But even then, there is still a chance he flips to Georgia
Justice is a Georgia legacy, with his dad, Verron Haynes, being a former running-back for the Bulldogs. The young Haynes recently took a visit to Georgia on November 5th when they beat Tennessee. Haynes loved the win and the way Georgia utilized their running-backs. Haynes remains firm on his pledge, but don’t be shocked if that soon changes.
4-star LB Stanquan Clark- Louisville
247 Composite: 326th Nationally
The Miami Central product committed to the Louisville Cardinals on August 14th. Stanquan has remained solid on his pledge, but there is reason to believe he will end up elsewhere.
The two biggest schools looking to flip the 4-star linebacker are Miami and Auburn. Both schools have a legitimate shot of landing Clark, however Auburn seems to be the school on top. The Tigers landed a pledge from Clark’s teammate, 3-star QB Keyone Jenkins earlier this month, and seem to be trending towards landing another one of his teammates in 4-star EDGE Rueben Bain. Clark recently took his official visit to Auburn on November 11th, as he watched the Tigers defeat Texas A&M. With Auburn’s NIL collective, and their history with producing linebackers, Auburn has a chance to flip Clark.
However, Miami still remains in the fold. Even after a disastrous 5-7 season, the Canes are still in a position to land Clark. Miami is in much need of linebacker help, and adding Stanquan would not only bring in much needed help, but also assist them in their push to keep Rueben Bain home. Clark took an unofficial visit to Miami on October 8th in the Canes close loss to UNC. Choosing Miami brings a lot of benefits, including playing for his hometown team, getting early playing time, and the chance to make big NIL deals.
Stanquan intends to sign early, so it’ll be interesting to see how his recruitment plays out these next few weeks.
