Ideal Recruiting Christmas List for Top 25 Recruiting Classes of 2014

Happy holidays to all you recruiting fans out there. 

Many programs are preparing for bowl games, but they'll take time out to celebrate Christmas. They'll receive good gifts, but their Christmas lists will have several recruits on them. Programs ranked in the top 25 recruiting rankings will be hoping they were nice all year so Santa Claus can bring them an elite prospect or two.

LSU has a list that features several 5-star prospects, while Auburn wants a present in the form of a versatile defensive player. Plus, Florida hopes one of its gifts doesn't get stolen.

Note: Rankings are based on the 247Sports recruiting rankings. 

Player evaluations are based on review of tape at Scout.com, Rivals and 247Sports.

25. South Carolina

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South Carolina has a class of 16 commitments, as head coach Steve Spurrier has done another solid job of recruiting this year in Columbia. Receiver Shaq Davidson, defensive end Dante Sawyer, linebacker/defensive end Bryson Allen-Williams and guard Donell Stanley are 4-star recruits who lead the class.

Ideal Christmas list:

• Derrell Scott, 4-star running back
• D.J. Smith, 4-star cornerback
• Bo Baldwin, 3-star quarterback
• Ra'Shaun Croney, 3-star athlete

24. Arizona

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With commitments from talented 4-star prospects such as cornerback/athlete Cameron Denson, running back Nick Wilson, cornerback Naijiel Hale and linebackers Marquis Ware and Jamardre Cobb, Arizona has a good class in the works.

However, room is now limited due to the Wildcats having 27 commitments. Yet, they'll gladly make some room for the recruits on their Christmas list.

Ideal Christmas list:

• Jalen Tabor, 5-star cornerback
• Andrew Mike, 3-star offensive tackle
• Marcus Griffin, 3-star defensive tackle
• Dominique Robertson, 3-star JUCO offensive tackle

23. Stanford

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Head coach David Shaw is likely not leaving Stanford anytime soon. He's an alum of the university, so it's safe to say he's already living out his dream.

Shaw has 16 commitments, and his class is led by 5-star quarterback Keller Chryst. Defensive end Nifae Lealao, running back Christian McCaffrey and safety Brandon Simmons are notable 4-star prospects. The Cardinal wants to finish strong in 2014 recruiting.

Ideal Christmas list:

• Solomon Thomas, 5-star defensive lineman
• Dalton Schultz, 4-star tight end

22. North Carolina

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North Carolina has a 21-man class that is headlined by 4-star running back Elijah Hood. Caleb Henderson is a 4-star quarterback with good physical tools, while 4-star offensive tackle Bentley Spain will help protect him one day.

The Tar Heels do not have their hands in many current pots right now, but they still want some gifts.

Ideal Christmas list:

• Trevion Thompson, 4-star receiver
• Lorenzo Featherston, 4-star defensive end
• Devin Perry, 3-star receiver
• Donquell Green, 3-star athlete

21. Virginia Tech

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Virginia Tech isn't known as a recruiting juggernaut, but the Hokies have done well on the trail this year. Head coach Frank Beamer has four 4-star recruits in his class of 26 commitments.

Holland Fisher, a 4-star safety, leads the way. Also, keep an eye on 4-star prospects such as running back Shai McKenzie, receiver/safety Javon Harrison and quarterback Travon McMillian.

Ideal Christmas list:

• Derrick Nnadi, 4-star defensive tackle
• Raymon Minor, 4-star athlete/linebacker
• Melvin Keihn, 3-star defensive end 

20. Baylor

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Not only has Baylor scored a ton of points on the field this year, the Bears have also scored a lot of recruits. They have 28 commitments, with 5-star receiver KD Cannon being the headliner. 

Notable 4-star recruits for the Bears include athlete Davion Hall, linebacker T'Kevian Rockwell and athlete Terence Williams. 

Ideal Christmas list:

• Cedric Johnson, 3-star defensive tackle
• Payton Hendrix, 3-star safety
• Zach Cripps, 3-star quarterback
• Somari Wright, 3-star linebacker

19. Arizona State

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Arizona State head coach Todd Graham has done a fantastic job so far in Tempe. The Sun Devils usually fight for recruits in California, but Graham has them now looking more toward Texas.

The 24-man class features 4-star recruits such as receivers Tyler Whiley and Jalen Harvey, plus linebacker Derik Calhoun, defensive tackle Tashon Smallwood, quarterback Manny Wilkins and defensive end Connor Humphreys.

Ideal Christmas list:

• Casey Tucker, 4-star offensive tackle
• Kalen Ballage, 4-star athlete (soft commitment)
• Kennedy Emesibe, 3-star defensive end

18. Penn State

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Penn State has 18 commitments and is on pace to finish with one of the better classes in the country. However, it all could depend on if head coach Bill O'Brien bolts for an NFL job.

The Nittany Lions' best recruit is 4-star defensive tackle Thomas Holley. However, 4-star quarterback Michael O'Connor will love throwing to the 4-star pass-catchers such as Chris Godwin, DeAndre Thompkins and Mike Gesicki.

Ideal Christmas list:

• Derrick Nnadi, 4-star defensive tackle
• Jared Cohen, 3-star guard
• Lamont Simmons, 3-star cornerback
• Shawn Boone, 3-star safety

17. Kentucky

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This year has been a recruiting renaissance for Kentucky. The Wildcats have 25 commitments with five 4-star prospects. Quarterback Drew Barker, safety Darius West and defensive end Denzel Ware are the top 4-star recruits for the group.

Ideal Christmas list:

• Matt Elam, 4-star defensive tackle
• Kendall Randolph, 3-star cornerback
• T.J. Harrell, 3-star safety

16. Oregon

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After a slow start, Oregon is starting to get going on the recruiting trail. The Ducks have seven 4-star recruits in their class of 16 commitments. 

Royce Freeman, a 4-star running back, leads a group that also features 4-star recruits such as cornerback Arrion Springs, JUCO offensive lineman Haniteli Lousi, athlete Budda Baker, quarterback Morgan Mahalak, receiver Jalen Brown and running back Tony James. 

Ideal Christmas list:

• Adoree' Jackson, 5-star athlete
• John Smith, 5-star athlete
• Frank Iheanacho, 4-star receiver
• Jimmie Swain, 4-star linebacker
• Mattrell McGraw, 3-star safety

15. Clemson

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Clemson has an 18-man class that is headlined by 4-star quarterback Deshaun Watson. The Georgia native is one of nine 4-star recruits for the Tigers.

Head coach Dabo Swinney also has 4-star prospects such as linebacker Korie Rogers, running back Adam Choice, tight end Milan Richard and receivers Demarre Kitt and Artavis Scott in his class. Swinney still has a few more gifts he's wishing to be under his recruiting Christmas tree.

Ideal Christmas list:

• Trevion Thompson, 4-star receiver
• Lorenzo Featherston, 4-star defensive end
• D.J. Smith, 4-star cornerback
• Andrew Williams, 4-star defensive end
• Naquez Pringle, 3-star defensive tackle

14. Michigan

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With 16 commitments, Michigan doesn't have the biggest class in the country. Yet it is still one of the most impressive assemblies in the nation.

It begins with 5-star athlete Jabrill Peppers, a stud from New Jersey. Then, add 4-star players such as defensive tackle Bryan Mone, receiver Drake Harris, guard Mason Cole, defensive end Lawrence Marshall, offensive tackle Juwann Bushell-Beatty and tight end Ian Bunting.

This is a group that will make a difference in Ann Arbor.

Ideal Christmas list:

• Malik McDowell, 4-star defensive tackle
• Dwight Williams, 4-star linebacker

13. Ole Miss

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Last year was not a fluke for Ole Miss, as the Rebels have shown they are here to stay. Head coach Hugh Freeze has constructed a 25-man class that has excellent talent.

With commitments from 4-star recruits such as guard Roderick Taylor, safety C.J. Hampton, defensive end Garrald McDowell, receiver Markell Pack and running back D.K. Buford, this class will certainly help in Oxford.

Also, keep an eye on 3-star linebacker Demarquis Gates.

Ideal Christmas list:

• Elisha Shaw, 4-star defensive tackle
• Nyles Morgan, 4-star linebacker
• Sammie Epps, 3-star tight end
• Terrence Alexander, 3-star cornerback 

12. Texas

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Texas is at a crossroads due to Mack Brown's resignation. The Longhorns likely will not have a new head coach until mid-January, so their 22-man recruiting class is in purgatory.

However, it's still an impressive assembly. A class that features 4-star studs such as running back Donald Catalon, defensive end Derick Roberson, linebacker Otaro Alaka, quarterback Jerrod Heard and defensive tackle Zaycoven Henderson can rival any in the country.

Ideal Christmas list:

• Tony Brown, 5-star cornerback
• Jamal Adams, 5-star safety
• Solomon Thomas, 5-star defensive lineman
• Edwin Freeman, 4-star linebacker

11. LSU

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LSU is in this slot, but it could be as high as No. 1 by the end of National Signing Day. The Tigers have their hands in several 5-star pots, plus their current class of 16 pledges is nothing to sneeze at.

The crew of incoming Tigers is headlined by 5-star linebacker Clifton Garrett. Other notable 4-star prospects are defensive back Edward Paris, receiver Trey Quinn, defensive lineman Davon Godchaux and quarterback Brandon Harris.

Ideal Christmas list:

• Leonard Fournette, 5-star running back
• Speedy Noil, 5-star athlete
• Tony Brown, 5-star cornerback
• Malachi Dupre, 5-star receiver
• Adoree' Jackson, 5-star athlete
• Lorenzo Carter, 5-star defensive end
• Jamal Adams, 5-star safety
• Gerald Willis, 5-star defensive tackle
• Laurence Jones, 5-star safety
• Frank Iheanacho, 4-star receiver
• Kenny Young, 4-star linebacker

10. Florida

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Florida has 19 commitments—three from 5-star recruits. There's a chance 5-star running back Dalvin Cook could sign elsewhere, but he remains pledged to the Gators.

Quarterback Will Grier and Ermon Lane are the other 5-star studs, but 4-star prospects such as offensive tackle David Sharpe, defensive tackle Khairi Clark and safety Quincy Wilson are not far behind.

Ideal Christmas list:

• Adoree' Jackson, 5-star athlete
• Speedy Noil, 5-star athlete
• Lorenzo Carter, 5-star defensive end
• Jamal Adams, 5-star safety
• Damian Prince, 5-star offensive tackle
• Gerald Willis 5-star defensive tackle
• Jalen Tabor, 5-star cornerback
• Travis Rudolph, 4-star receiver
• Lorenzo Featherston, 4-star defensive end
• Eric Lauderdale, 4-star JUCO receiver

9. Georgia

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Georgia has only 16 commitments, but head coach Mark Richt has acquired outstanding value on the recruiting trail. The group is led by 5-star running back Sony Michel.

However, it also has 4-star prospects such as defensive tackle Lamont Gaillard, quarterback Jacob Park, guard Isaiah Wynn, defensive end Keyon Brown and cornerback Malkom Parrish.

Ideal Christmas list:

• Lorenzo Carter, 5-star defensive end
• Myles Autry, 4-star athlete
• Dontavius Russell, 4-star defensive tackle
• Elisha Shaw, 4-star defensive tackle
• Wesley Green, 4-star cornerback

8. Notre Dame

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Notre Dame has not been flashy in recruiting this year, but the Irish have quietly assembled one of the best classes in the country. They have 15 4-star commitments in their 22-man class, which is an example of getting tremendous value.

Watch out for 4-star cornerback Nick Watkins and 4-star receiver Corey Holmes. This group also features more than 12 players who play at or near the line of scrimmage.

Ideal Christmas list:

• John Smith, 5-star athlete
• Nyles Morgan, 4-star linebacker
• Solomon Thomas, 5-star defensive lineman
• Michiah Quick, 4-star athlete
• Nathan Starks, 4-star athlete

7. Auburn

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Auburn has a national title on its mind, but it's also doing well in recruiting. Head coach Gus Malzahn has 20 commitments, with eight being 4-star recruits. Running back Racean Thomas is the lone 5-star prospect.

JUCO recruits such as 4-star receiver D'haquille Williams and 4-star safety Derrick Moncrief will help right away.

Ideal Christmas list:

• Rashaan Evans, 4-star linebacker/defensive end/athlete
• Travis Rudolph, 4-star receiver
• Jordan Prestwood , 4-star JUCO offensive tackle
• Dontavius Russell, 4-star defensive tackle
• Andrew Williams, 4-star defensive end
• Elisha Shaw, 4-star defensive tackle
• Lamont Simmons, 3-star cornerback

6. Florida State

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Florida State has 12 4-star recruits in its 26-man class. The Seminoles are putting together a large group of prospects to bring to Tallahassee next year, but the current class is good as it is now.

Kain Daub, Jacob Pugh and Delvin Purifoy are good 4-star linebackers, while 4-star athlete Treon Harris could be the best player in the entire class. Head coach Jimbo Fisher is hoping Santa Claus brings a few more gifts for the 'Noles.

Ideal Christmas list:

• Marlon Humphrey, 5-star cornerback
• Adoree' Jackson , 5-star athlete
• Damian Prince, 5-star offensive tackle
• Travis Rudolph, 4-star receiver 
• Donte Thomas-Williams , 4-star running back
• Roderick Johnson, 4-star offensive tackle
• Derrick Nnadi, 4-star defensive tackle
• Frank Ragnow, 4-star offensive tackle
• Myles Autry, 4-star athlete

5. Miami

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With 29 commitments, Miami knows it is not going to get many more recruiting gifts. However, a few more wouldn't hurt. Don't be shocked if head coach Al Golden gets a surprise or two.

The Hurricanes already have 4-star recruits such as offensive tackle Kc McDermott, defensive end Chad Thomas and running back Joseph Yearby under their tree. 

Ideal Christmas list:

• Dalvin Cook, 5-star running back
• Kenny Young, 4-star linebacker
• Raymon Minor, 4-star athlete/linebacker
• Dwight Williams, 4-star linebacker
  
• Calvin Heurtelou, 3-star JUCO defensive tackle
• DaeJuan Funderburk, 3-star safety

4. Texas A&M

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Texas A&M has two 5-star recruits in its class of 20 commitments, as quarterback Kyle Allen and defensive end Myles Garrett are the Aggies' top prospects.

However, 4-star recruits such as linebacker Hoza Scott, defensive back Nick Harvey, running back Varshaun Nixon and safety Dylan Sumner-Gardner are also top-tier talents. Plus, head coach Kevin Sumlin has two 4-star JUCO offensive tackles committed in Jermaine Eluemunor and Avery Gennesy.

Ideal Christmas list:

• Speedy Noil, 5-star athlete
• Tony Brown, 5-star cornerback
• Edwin Freeman, 4-star safety/linebacker
• Jimmie Swain, 4-star linebacker
• Braden Smith, 4-star offensive tackle
• Frank Iheanacho, 4-star receiver
• Steven Parker, 4-star safety 

3. Tennessee

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Tennessee has a class of 33 commitments, so it's safe to say that Christmas has come early in Knoxville. The Volunteers have an astonishing 16 4-star recruits in their class, with athlete Jalen Hurd, receiver Josh Malone, safety Todd Kelly and linebacker Dillon Bates leading the way.

Santa Claus has given all he can give to head coach Butch Jones, but maybe an extra present or two could be in store.

Ideal Christmas list:

• Adoree' Jackson, 5-star athlete
• Derrell Scott, 4-star running back
• D.J. Smith, 4-star cornerback

2. Ohio State

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Head coach Urban Meyer is one of the best recruiters in the business, so it shouldn't be shocking that Ohio State is ranked this high.

The Buckeyes have 19 pledges, with one being a 5-star recruit (linebacker Raekwon McMillan) and 13 being 4-star prospects. Meyer is making sure he's on his best behavior so he can get a couple more gifts from Santa.

Ideal Christmas list:

• Solomon Thomas, 5-star defensive lineman
• John Smith, 5-star athlete
• Tony Brown, 5-star cornerback
• Roderick Johnson, 4-star offensive tackle
• Marshon Lattimore, 4-star athlete
• Derrick Nnadi, 4-star defensive tackle
• Erick Smith, 4-star safety
• Trevion Thompson, 4-star receiver
• Terrence Alexander, 3-star cornerback

1. Alabama

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The No. 1 spot belongs to Alabama, as its 23-man class features three 5-star recruits and 14 4-star prospects. 

Offensive tackle Cameron Robinson, defensive end Da'Shawn Hand and running back/athlete Bo Scarbrough are the 5-star studs, while quarterback David Cornwell and defensive end/linebacker Christian Miller are also elite players.

Ideal Christmas list:

• Leonard Fournette, 5-star running back
• Lorenzo Carter, 5-star defensive end
• Marlon Humphrey, 5-star cornerback
• John Smith, 5-star athlete
• Solomon Thomas, 5-star defensive lineman
• Tony Brown, 5-star cornerback
• Jalen Tabor, 5-star cornerback
• Laurence Jones, 5-star safety
• Brian Wallace, 4-star offensive tackle
• Matt Elam, 4-star defensive tackle
• Travis Rudolph, 4-star receiver

2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map

Santa should use the 2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map to decide where to deliver his recruiting gifts to schools!

Edwin Weathersby is the College Football Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. He has worked in scouting/player personnel departments for three professional football teams, including the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns.