McDonough School (Maryland) elite linebacker Nick Abrams II has racked up 30 scholarship offers from the nation's top programs during his recruiting process.
But the 6-foot-2, 215-pound linebacker is set to announce his college commitment July 16 after taking official visits to see the Alabama Crimson Tide, Georgia Bulldogs, Michigan Wolverines and Oregon Ducks.
The most recent trip was a visit to Eugene with his parents to check out Oregon.
“It was really good," Abrams said. "The coaches made it feel like home from the moment I got there. From the baggage claim… coach Tosh (Lupoi) played a song I liked in the airport.”
“They went in-depth with everything - my plan, how I’ll be used.”
One key factor of he visit was ensuring Abrams' parents were comfortable with the leadership of the program, because their son is considering schools that are far away from home.
“They’re pretty much good with the possibility that I’ll be going across the country," Abrams said. "They made sure to tell me that they are okay with it because of how mature and independent I am.”
The Maryland product is taking his decision in stride and said none of his four official visits left his eager to jump at a quick verbal commitment.
He's taking his time and giving everyone a "25 percent chance" until he's able to go through the entire process with his family.
“For me, I like to say all of my trips were business trips," Abrams said. "There’s been no point when I felt close to committing on any of my visits, because it’s about putting together my spreadsheets, grading them, ranking them, talking to my family and coming up with a decision.”
That said, Oregon did leave an impression.
“The strengths are too hard to ignore," he said.
As for his other finalists, Abrams provided a quick look at what stands out about each program in a recruitment that is as tight as they come with less than a month until his commitment.
Alabama: “I love coach (Chuck) Morrell. He’s been outstanding. Talking to him, he’s all about ball and what he can do to get me to the next level and make you a first-round pick. He’s been able to show me examples of what he’s done with past players and showing how it’s the bluechip to get me where I want to be.”
“The sports science and the training room, they are probably the best in the country.”
Georgia: "Coach (Glenn) Schumann has put so many guys in the league. He’s had three Butkus Award winners, which is crazy because he’s under the age of 40. He’s like a robot - he knows every single detail, every single statistic. It would be an honor to be coached by him and be developed. They have a Dawg mentality and I would fit right in.”
Michigan: "Michigan has been great. They are the best of both worlds. They’ve had a lot of recent success winning. Coach Wink (Martindale) and coach B.J. [Brian Jean-Mary] have a vision for me to be the type of linebacker they want me to be. An inside linebacker on the early downs and an edge-rusher on third down. Everyone school has had a plan for me, but they’ve showed me in the most detail what I could do in their system.”
"Then, Michigan Man. They’ve shown what I can be after college and have a vision in place for me.”
In other words, every finalist has something big to offer - and Abrams doesn't seem to be leaning one way or another.
It's going to be a tight race to the end.