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Mid-Atlantic Four-cast: Predictions on where top recruits are headed

Lamont Wade

Official visit season is well under way and teams are setting themselves up for the final stretch of the 2017 recruiting process. Check out which teams are in good shape with four of the most coveted prospects in the Mid-Atlantic.

RELATED: Midwest Four-cast | Southeast Four-cast

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The situation: Wade has seemingly taken dozens of visits and has many more scheduled. He has plans to return to Penn State, Tennessee, and Pittsburgh before the end of October. Wade will also visit Virginia Tech and UCLA before announcing his commitment on Dec. 17.

The frontrunner: Tennessee

Wade was in Knoxville over the weekend for the big comeback win over Florida. He seems to have really enjoyed himself and liked that the crowd on the College Gameday set was chanting his name. Tennessee seems to have the momentum now and Wade's official visit for the Alabama game could really help Tennessee solidify their leading position.

Other option: Penn State

Penn State avoided falling too far back in Wade's recruitment by winning soundly against Temple after a loss at Pittsburgh. James Franklin and his staff used Wade's visit during the Temple game to do some damage control after losing to Pittsburgh, but it remains to be seen how much Wade is buying that explanation.

But don't count out: Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, and UCLA

Pat Narduzzi and the Panthers have dramatically closed the gap between them and in-state rival Penn State. Wade raved about his visit to his hometown school after the win over Penn State. Virginia Tech and UCLA will get their chance to impress Wade, but they have a lot of ground to make up.

The situation: Not much has changed in Wilson's recruitment lately as he is laser focused on his season. He has official visits set up to Alabama for the Iron Bowl the weekend of Nov. 25. Wilson will take his official visit to Florida State on Nov. 11 for the Boston College game. Michigan will host Wilson for his official visit on Nov. 18 for the Indiana game. He is scheduled to announce his commitment at the Under Armour All-America Game in early January.

The frontrunner: Michigan

Michigan gained some momentum when he was in Ann Arbor right before the season started. That being his last unofficial visit, Michigan seems to hold a slight edge here. There is a long way to go before Wilson figures out which school he will choose, but right now the Wolverines are in good position.

Other option: Alabama

The Crimson Tide have been big-time contenders for Wilson ever since they offered him. He's taken multiple visits to Tuscaloosa and continues to maintain strong relationships with the coaches, players, and recruits. That visit for the Iron Bowl could end up sealing the deal for Alabama.

But don't count out: FSU, Georgia, and USC

With that official visit set up to Florida State and potential official visits to Georgia and USC in December, Wilson has plenty of good options to choose from. All three will likely have a chance to jump up Wilson's leaderboard, but they will have to blow Wilson away when given the opportunity.

The situation: Hunter's recruitment, like Wilson's, hasn't changed much since the season started either. He was supposed to visit Auburn last weekend for the LSU game but had to cancel those plans. Hunter wants to take official visits to Notre Dame, Tennessee, and Michigan (possibly for the Wisconsin game on Oct. 1) but those aren't locked in just yet. He still plans on announcing his commitment right before Christmas.

The frontrunner: Virginia Tech

Even though Virginia Tech lost to Tennessee in the Battle at Bristol, the Hokies are still the likely landing spot for Hunter. The coaches, alumni, current players, and recruits have made him fell like a major priority. Hunter's relative silence in the media after his last visit to Blacksburg should be viewed as a good sign for the Hokies.

Other option: Florida

Florida has overcome worse odds to land recruits in the past. Torrian Gray's relationship with Hunter, his family, and his trainers carries a lot of weight, but the Gators need to take their recruiting efforts with Hunter to the next level. It's important for Florida to get Hunter back on campus before his commitment date.

But don't count out: North Carolina, Auburn, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Tennessee

North Carolina built a lot of momentum in Hunter's recruitment this offseason, but it seems to have slowed again. Just like Florida, North Carolina needs to get Hunter back on campus. Auburn, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Tennessee remain in the mix but will need visits to get them the boosts they need if they hope to get Hunter's commitment.

The situation: Paschal has pretty much narrowed his recruitment down to Oklahoma, Maryland and Notre Dame. Paschal took an official visit to Norman in early September and is planning visits to Maryland, Notre Dame, Tennessee and USC. He will commit before National Signing Day but does not have a date set.

The frontrunner: Oklahoma

The Sooners really impressed Paschal and his family during his official visit. They spent a lot of time with the coaches and developed strong relationships. Oklahoma defensive line coach Calvin Thibodeaux was at Paschal's game last weekend and that meant a lot to him. The Sooners may not lead by much right now and they will need to stay on Paschal to make sure they hold off other contenders.

Other option: Maryland

Paschal is one of the top targets left on Maryland board right now and they are making sure he knows it. Members of the Terps coaching staff stopped by Good Counsel last week and continue to heavily recruit Paschal on every front. They are trying to get him to visit again and even the current players and recruits are working to bring Paschal into the fold.

But don't count out: Notre Dame, Ohio State, Tennessee and USC

Notre Dame was seen as the early leader for Paschal but they have been fading for a little while and have lost all its momentum now that defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder has been fired. Ohio State was also an early favorite at one point for Paschal and defensive line coach Larry Johnson was at his game last weekend. We'll soon find out if the Buckeyes are going to push for Paschal. Tennessee and USC are two schools Paschal wants to take official visits to, but they are not planned yet. If those visits go well, they could quickly move up this list.

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