RecruitingNation has summoned its writers from around the country to compile a list of the top 10 battles for elite football recruits leading up to February's signing day. We'll update our rankings periodically to reflect a change in a player's status (i.e., new offers, trimmed-down list or a positive/negative official visit). Our writers have debated the list for weeks, but we value your input as well. Voice your opinion on Twitter (@RecruitingESPN) using #BlueChipBattles.
Here is this week's panel of writers: Kipp Adams (@KippLAdams), Jared Shanker (@JShankerESPN), Dave Hooker (@DaveHookerESPN), Greg Ostendorf (@GregO_ESPN), Blair Angulo (@bangulo), Derek Tyson (@DerekTysonESPN), Brad Bournival (@bbournival), Radi Nabulsi (@RadiNabulsi) and Chantel Jennings (@chanteljennings).
Last week's #BlueChipBattles rank: Unranked.
Commitment status: Bell has consistently said for months that he's down to Ohio State, Alabama and Tennessee.
Who's in the driver's seat: Alabama.
Other candidates: Ohio State and Tennessee.
Dark horse: Tennessee. All coaching changes produce optimism. That might be the case at Tennessee after the Vols fired Derek Dooley and replaced him with Butch Jones last week. Moreover, Bell has often said he's a longtime Tennessee fan after having followed the career of former Vols All-American and Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry.
@DaveHookerESPN's take: Alabama makes sense for many reasons. Bell has shown strong interest by visiting the school several times. Also, playing for Bama coach Nick Saban could help any defensive back improve. Saban is considered one of the top defensive back coaches in the nation. Still, Ohio State and Tennessee won't go away. Ohio State is the only school where Bell has taken an official visit. Is that a sign that he likes the Buckeyes that much or could it become a hindrance that coaches in Columbus can't get him on campus for another visit and possibly the last word in his recruitment? As for the Vols, they just won't go away despite their struggles. Still, the Crimson Tide look tough to beat.
RecruitingNation ranks Bell's recruitment as the No. 10 battle in the country. Tweet us your opinion using the hashtag #BlueChipBattles @RecruitingESPN.
To check out which school is now in the driver's seat for No. 1 recruit Robert Nkemdiche or to see which way No. 1 WR Laquon Treadwell is leaning, you must have an Insider account.
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