Name a school, and Dredrick Snelson probably holds an offer from them. The 4-star standout, ranked by Rivals.com as the nation’s third-best wideout, says he’s lost track of the number of offers- but has narrowed it down to a Final Ten, which includes Miami.
The Canes are joined on the list by Florida State, Florida, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Ohio State, Louisville, Auburn, West Virginia, and Notre Dame. For those scoring at home, that’s 5 ACC teams, 2 SEC Teams, 1 Big 10 team, 1 Big 12 team, and 1 independent (though it should be noted that Notre Dame plays half their games against ACC competition). He explained how he came up with his list.
“It was offensive schemes, the coaches who I see myself having the most success with academically and athletically. And I can see myself at one of those schools.”
Snelson plans to eventually narrow the list down to a Top 3 before naming his selection, saying he’s waiting for his invitation to The Opening. He originally committed to Miami in July, before de-committing a few months later. Still, the Canes made his Final 10.
“I love Miami, honestly. I de-committed before (Wide Receiver Coach) Kevin Beard signed. That’s what it was. He’s recruiting me now the hardest. Me and him have such a bond. He actually trains me, he’s coached me, as my South Florida Express coach, and I have just such a special bond playing for him.”
Many have speculated that Miami’s ultimate success in the 2016 class will simply come down to wins and losses in 2015, but Snelson stressed it’s not that simple.
“I can’t really call out a team’s success. I mean it’s great in terms of the program, but at the same time, I believe a player makes a program, the program doesn’t make the player. So me going into any kind of program, I have to do what I do best- which is play football.”
The 2016 class already features two 4-star wideouts- Gulliver Prep’s Dionte Mullins and St. Thomas Aquinas’ Sam Bruce. But the depth at wideout won’t rule out the Canes; in fact, the Canes stacked 2016 recruiting class is viewed as a positive.
“Coming in with 4 and 5 star guys means there’s a bunch of talent… that’s going to help build a program, going to make it better. And playing with a bunch of top guys brings out the best in you. So me going to college, it would be great for me, to compete and all, but at the end of the day it’s going to make me a better player and person overall.”
Like most high-profile recruits, Snelson hears from fans of all schools.
“You know how fans are, fans are fans. Some say I’m overrated, some say I’m underrated. I don’t listen to it. I rarely talk to the media now, because you know how the media is. And I just like to keep everything to myself. I only talk to certain people in the media who I feel comfortable with. And I try to stay off of social media. If I get on social media, I’m just playing around on it.”
So what makes the 6’0, 190-pound wideout so dangerous?
“It’s very hard to tackle me. It’ll take at least 3 or 4 guys- my strength separates me. I have a kick speed, I can get to a top notch, break a tackle and just keep on going.”
A workout warrior, Snelson squats 435 pounds, and bench presses nearly 300 pounds.
That kick-speed: a sub-4.50 40 time and a 4.44 shuttle.
“I’m just a hard worker, period. It reflects onto the field. On and off the field, I’m not a troubled kid at all, I just love football.”
For now, Snelson has another team to pick before making his choice in 2016. He says he’s in the process of transferring from American Heritage High School, but has not decided where he’ll suit up for his senior season.
He plans to make his official college announcement either at the All-American Game or on National Signing Day.
To check out his highlights, click here.