Georgia Bulldogs

Is five-star recruit Mecole Hardman a silent 'Bama commit?

Published Jan. 25, 2016 5:21 p.m. ET

foxsports

There was one notable absence from the huge recruiting weekend put on by Alabama over the weekend, as five-star athlete Mecole Hardman failed to make the trip due to the inclement weather that hit the South last week. Instead of visiting Tuscaloosa, Hardman spent the weekend in Athens taking in an unofficial visit with the Bulldogs during a big recruiting weekend:

Mecole Hardman seemed to be having a lot of fun at the UGA game pic.twitter.com/UtuOfJWIpv
— Radi Nabulsi (@RadiNabulsi) January 23, 2016

So where does the change of plans over the weekend leave both schools in terms of their recruitment of Hardman? When the Georgia native tweeted the news, was he secretly revealing his decision?

Due to weather I could not make it to Bama this weekend! ? but you already know it's #RollTide ??
— Mecole Hardman Jr. (@iiAm_Mesho) January 23, 2016

Hardman recently spoke to 247Sports and appears to have made his choice, however he would not reveal which school he has most on his mind:

"I think I have," Hardman said. "I have definitely seen enough to make my decision, and I think I would be comfortable making a decision. I just need to try and make the right one for me."

"The feeling I have for a school. What feels right. That is what it is going to come down."

The nation's No. 1 athlete is waiting until National Signing Day to announce his final decision and is expected to pick between Alabama and Georgia. Will Hardman leave the state and follow his longtime recruiter and defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt to Alabama or will he stay in-state and help Kirby Smart build a championship contender at Georgia? Or could he surprise and pick Ohio State, Michigan or Tennessee?

The waiting game ends Feb. 3.