Alabama-Mississippi: Monday team reports

The annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game is set for this Saturday at the Crampton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala. but before the players take the field for the actual game, they spend the better part of the week competing against each other in practice. On Monday, the players from both squads arrived for check in and also met with the media. Here are the biggest news items as they relate to teams in the SEC.

ALA-MISS VIDEO INTERVIEWS: Ryan Johnson | Henry Ruggs

Henry Ruggs says he has no clear leader but Alabama is thought to lead the way for the four-star wide receiver. He intends to visit both Florida and Florida State prior to Signing Day … Despite interest from several other programs, Tide offensive line commitment Hunter Brannon said he has no interest in visiting any other schools and is 100 percent committed to the Tide.

Three-star linebacker Thomas Johnston already took an official visit to Arkansas earlier this fall, but is now hoping to make a return trip to Fayetteville before making his final decision. He recently visited Iowa and programs like LSU, Ole Miss and Arizona State are also working to get him on campus before he makes an announcement.

Auburn fans got good news on Monday when versatile athlete C.J. Avery revealed that his decision is down to the Tigers and Louisville. With a decision expected to come on Dec. 14, Avery said he will spend the next week or so breaking down the final details with his family before making a final decision … North Carolina commit Brian Anderson is planning to visit Auburn on Jan. 13. Anderson will also take trips to Florida and Ole Miss. He says Auburn is currently No. 2 in his pecking order behind the Tar Heels … Four-star defensive end Ryan Johnson is one of Auburn’s top remaining targets in the class and said he will officially visit the Tigers on Jan. 20.

Rivals250 wide receiver Henry Ruggs said the Gators will receive an official visit before he makes his final decision on a school. The explosive playmaker has seemed like a lock for Alabama for quite some time, but Jim McElwain hasn’t given up and a trip to campus will surely boost Florida’s chances.

Rivals100 wide receiver Nico Collins said the Bulldogs remain a factor in his recruitment and he’s planning on giving Georgia his final official visit in late January. Collins said he has plans to visit Jan. 29, something that may be difficult with National Signing Day on Feb. 1. Obviously things could change and the Dawgs will be pulling out all the stops to get Collins on campus before he makes his decision.

LSU DT commit Neil Farrell plans to take visits to Florida State, Michigan and USC but said he’s still very much committed to the Tigers and is happy with the hiring of Ed Orgeron … Rivals100 wide receiver Nico Collins, who recently toured LSU, says he’s aware that the people assume Michigan leads for his commitment but he disputes the notion. Collins says he hopes to announce a decision just prior to signing day and hopes to visit Florida State and Georgia before announcing his decision … LSU defensive end commit Justin Thomas said the hire of Orgeron couldn’t have thrilled him more, especially since he was Thomas’ primary recruiter when he committed over the summer.

Four-star Kam White remains committed to Iowa State but says he will take an official visit to Ole Miss in January. He will also visit Minnesota. ... In-state prospect C.J. Avery told reporters on Monday that Louisville and Auburn are the schools to beat in his recruitment, but he didn’t close the door on Ole Miss or Mississippi State, saying he has been in contact with both coaching staffs. He’s planning on announcing his commitment on Dec. 14.

Offensive lineman Connor Estes, a Louisiana Tech commit, says that Mississippi State may offer following the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game “if they like what they see.” … Another under-the-radar prospect the Bulldogs could move on is two-star Alabama running back Jaxton Carson, who said the Bulldogs coaches stopped by to see him this week. As of now, he’s focused on other options but said he would jump at the chance if offered.

Four-star Vols linebacker commit Will Ignont remains committed to Tennessee but said it hasn’t stopped other programs from recruiting him, with LSU being the most notable. He said he will visit Knoxville and Baton Rouge in January but right now is very happy with his spot in Tennessee’s class.