Each recruiting season, there are the battles that can make the difference between becoming a championship contender or an also-ran. These aren't necessarily the 10 best remaining uncommitted recruits. Instead, it's the 10 battles we project as being the fiercest between now and signing day.
Be sure to check back regularly, as these will be updated throughout the recruiting cycle.
Kendall Sheffield | Marshall (Missouri City, Texas)
Cornerback | 5-foot-11/180 pounds | ESPN 300 Rank: 9
Who wants him? Alabama, Baylor, Florida State, LSU, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas A&M, USC and many others.
Front-runners: Texas A&M, LSU, Alabama and Florida State
Dark horse: Oklahoma
Final breakdown: On Friday, the five-star Under Armour All-American released his official and unofficial visit dates. The official visits begin Sept. 27 with a trip to Ohio State followed by officials to USC on Oct. 4, Florida State on Oct. 17, Oregon on Nov. 1 and Alabama in December. Sheffield was at Oklahoma over the weekend, and also has unofficial visits scheduled to LSU on Nov. 8 and Texas A&M on Nov. 27. While the Aggies and Tigers don't have official visits, the two power programs close to home are the teams to beat, with Alabama and Florida State also having legitimate chances. This is a recruitment that could go a number of different directions, but the Aggies, because of proximity and momentum, are the team to beat. Not to be discounted is the success of the Aggies' track program. Sheffield will participate in both sports in college. -- Gerry Hamilton