Josh Bynes (6-2, 228, 4.7), from Boyd Anderson High in Lauderdale Lakes (Fla.), has narrowed his choices to four schools, led by Auburn and South Carolina.
"I'm probably gonna have a press conference," said the four-star linebacker, ranked No. 16 by Scout.com. "I'll narrow it down to two schools by next week and I may have a press conference next Friday (Feb. 2) instead. If I don't commit on Friday, then I'll just wait until Signing Day."
Bynes favors Iowa, Auburn, South Carolina and Louisville and has taken official visits to all four. His latest trip was to South Carolina on Jan. 19. "I loved the players," Bynes said. "They really stood out. They seem real honest and told me that it's hard work. They have a great chemistry and I like that so many of them are from out-of-state.
"Also, the city is real nice and not as country as I thought it would be. There's a lot to do there and it's fun," Bynes said. "They are still and up-and-coming program and I think they've got a lot going for them."
His first official visit was to Iowa on Sept. 29. "I love my opportunity to play early there," Bynes said. "They need some linebackers and the coaches said I'd have a good shot to get on the field early."
Bynes visited Auburn on Oct. 13. "I love the atmosphere there," he said. "It's really homey and has a good feel. I feel comfortable there and they really made me feel at home."
On Dec. 15, he visited Louisville and says the Cardinals really impressed him this season. "They had an amazing year," Bynes said. "I also like their new coach (Steve Kragthorpe). He's straightforward and said he isn't planning to change the program around. He says they've been very successful and he plans to continue that."
Although Bynes denies a favorite, he admits he does have a top two. "If I had to narrow it down, I'd say it's between Auburn and South Carolina," Bynes said. "I want to feel comfortable and not get homesick. It's also really important for me to feel at home and being around players that I feel good around and that I can learn from."
He reports a 3.0 core GPA and a 740 SAT, which he is retaking on Jan. 27. He is also taking the ACT on Feb. 10.