At some point in nearly every recruitment, a prospective student-athlete comes up with a working top list of schools. It might be kept to himself, or his family and friends.

Buford (Ga.) three-star offensive lineman Riley Simonds is at the point where he has a top four. The list isn’t concrete though, and his next visit could alter it.

However, with 26 offers, Simonds is nearing the final phase of his recruitment. He’s seen three of his top four in recent weeks and at each stop, Simonds said he’s gotten a better feel for what he likes best.

“I don’t really look at the facilities or that anymore,” Simonds said. “Everyone, from the ACC, SEC, Big Ten, they’re all going to have great facilities. I try to look at the coaches, to see if they’ll be there. I don’t try to commit to a staff, but I want to see if they’re recruiting for the long run, or just willy nilly. Obviously, Coach (Nick) Saban and that staff, they’re not going anywhere. Coach (Justin) Fuente signed a 10-year deal, so he’s not going anywhere. The same with Jimbo Fisher. I want to see if the coaches will be there and if they can develop them to the next level, make me a better person, a better man than I am.”

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