Justin Robinson
School: Hazelwood West
Interested Schools: Arizona State, Baylor and USC
Why Their Commitment Matters: As the second fastest high school 400m runner of all-time, Robinson's commitment could yield an immediate return in Year 1 for whichever school he chooses. In September, the senior announced his top three schools, which include two with undeniable 400m history and one where he could kickstart a new era.
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PRs: 10.32 - 100m, 20.98 - 200m, 44.84 - 400m
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Baylor University has earned the reputation of "Quarter-Mile U" under the leadership of Clyde Hart for a reason--well known products of Hart's are Olympic gold medalists Michael Johnson and Jeremy Wariner.
But after 50 years at Baylor, the 2019-2020 season will be the first year without Hart guiding the quarter-milers. Still, the Bears should continue in that tradition: They've found continued success in four-time Big 12 champion Will London. London left the World Championships this past October with a world record and gold medal in the mixed 4x400m relay.
The University of Southern California has produced several All-American standouts in the 400m, 400mH and 4x400m relays, including names like Michael Norman, Rai Benjamin, Kendall Ellis and collegiate record holders in the men's 4x400m relay. Head coach Caryl Smith and assistant coach Quincy Watts are one of the best 400m coaching duos in the country. The two are capable of bringing Robinson to an elite level and could put the men's program back on the map. The Trojans' 2019 freshman class includes 400m high school standouts Brian Herron and Nicholas Ramey.
And then there's Arizona State. The Sun Devils don't have a strong sprint tradition; the last 400m national champion for the Sun Devils was in 1977. But Robinson has the kind of talent that could change that. He could put ASU on the map and disrupt the natural flow of the Pac-12.