With the 2024 recruiting cycle more than halfway over, a lot of attention will be paid to 2025 and 2026 standouts this fall as programs begin to shift their focus to what's next.
Rivals national recruiting analyst Adam Friedman examines five underclassmen in the East that will be under the microscope this season.
THIS SERIES: Five Mid-South underclassmen under the microscope this fall | Southeast | Midwest
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Alabama, LSU, Virginia Tech, Maryland, Ohio State and USC are all pushing for the elite safety out of powerhouse Good Counsel in Maryland. He’s been recruited for a very long time and is familiar with the process after watching his brother, current Virginia Tech defensive back Mansoor Delane, get recruited.
Delane has played with the idea of committing during the upcoming season, but it's unclear how seriously he's considered that option.
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After committing to Penn State earlier in the recruiting process, Matthews continued to add offers and was at one point expected to take visits to Georgia, Alabama and Auburn. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him take visits before things are said and done.
Georgia will be the team to watch out for here because of the strong ties assistant coach Fran Brown has to the New Jersey.
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Long’s recruitment could be closer to its end than people think. The safety out of Connecticut seems very high on the Fighting Irish after a visit to South Bend during the spring, along with a camp performance where he worked with the coaching staff and left a strong impression.
His offer sheet includes Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan and many others, but Notre Dame could be in position to land his early decision.
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Washington (D.C.) St. John's College High plays in one of the toughest high school leagues in the country in addition to a number of high profile out of state matchups. Don't be surprised when Satterwhite starts gaining attention during the upcoming season.
At 6-foot and 190 pounds, this 2026 defensive back has the makings of a national recruit and possibly one of the top defensive backs in his class.
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Speaking of standout 2026 defensive backs, Matthews has made a really strong impression every time he stepped on the field this offseason. He has a number of major offers from nearby schools but his recruitment should expand to the national level in the early part of the upcoming season if everything continues to trend in the same direction.
Matthews will likely be one of the higher-rated defensive backs in this class when the 2026 rankings are put together so don’t be surprised when national championship contenders come calling.
