National Signing Day 2015: Ranking Top 25 Recruiting Classes
Another national signing day has come and gone, and once again it lived up to all expectations. Targets became commits, and commits became signees, as some of the nation's best athletes finalized their college plans with a signature, turned the hardest coaching staffs into cheerleaders and set social media on fire.
Recruiting has been a grind, but it is now time to evaluate the best of the best. Here's how we ranked the nation's top 25 classes based on the 247Sports Composite rating of the prospects the program landed and how well those prospects fit the needs of the program.
25. Michigan State Spartans
1 of 25
Total signees: 21
5-star players: 0
Michigan State is the team few outside the Big Ten talk about but always is in the mix for a big bowl-game appearance. The 2015 signing class hopes to keep that tradition going. This class will provide depth and give Mark Dantonio options at multiple positions.
Top dog
4-star RB Larry Scott
In Michigan State's offense, a good running back is imperative. Scott is the kind of back who, at 6'2" and 228 pounds, is built like a linebacker and runs with a purpose. He is a power back who loves going north to south. In many ways, he fits the stereotype of the Big Ten running back—which isn't a bad thing.
Impact players to watch
4-star DT Raequan Williams: A burly run-stopper, Williams also has great lateral movement.
4-star DB David Dowell: Dowell is a solid safety who also can line up at cornerback if necessary.
4-star OG Kyonta Stallworth: Good-sized interior lineman who will add weight and be even more of a stud.
Potential sleeper
3-star WR Felton Davis III
Davis is one of those athletes who will have a silent great game. At 6'3" and 175 pounds, he uses his height well in one-on-one situations, and he is good at separating himself from defenders. Davis' skills and athleticism can be used well in play-action situations.
24. Miami Hurricanes
2 of 25
Total signees: 21
5-star players: 0
Ask Al Golden about his signing class, and he'll give you positive comments. The Hurricanes were able to bring in players who will provide depth to a group that already is talented. Don't be surprised if we see a few of these 2015s in action very soon.
Top dog
4-star RB Mark Walton
"The U" has had its share of big-name running backs, and Walton can be that athlete to follow in the footsteps of the great ones. He can be a north-south back on one play and an elusive scatback the next. Walton brings the overall package of shiftiness, power and determination all together.
Impact players to watch
4-star DB Jaquan Johnson: A do-it-all playmaker who may also see time shining on special teams.
4-star TE Jerome Washington: Naturally talented athlete who is the No. 1 JUCO tight end prospect for a reason.
4-star OT Bar Milo: Physical, blue-collar lineman who plays with tenacity and a high motor.
Potential sleeper
3-star WR Lawrence Cager
The world had a chance to see Cager perform at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, and he produced. Cager is a tall, quick receiver who can create instant matchups against smaller defenders. Cager also plays with a high level of confidence—a perfect asset to have as a Miami receiver.
23. Missouri Tigers
3 of 25
Total signees: 23
5-star players: 1
People keep forgetting how effective Missouri has been since joining the SEC. In three seasons, the Tigers have won back-to-back SEC East championships. Gary Pinkel is hoping this class can duplicate—and even trump—the efforts of the immediate past.
Top dog
5-star DT Terry Beckner Jr.
The Tigers were ecstatic when Beckner gave his commitment to them on national signing day. At 6'4" and 293 pounds, he is the nation's No. 3 defensive tackle and the top-ranked player in the state of Illinois. A beast at the position, Beckner is the kind of athlete who will disrupt offenses early and often.
Impact players to watch
4-star QB Drew Lock: As sharp as he is as a game manager, Lock's best asset may be his athleticism.
4star RB Chase Abbington: Big, strong back who brings experience from junior college play.
3-star OG A.J. Harris: Ranked the No. 1 player out of Kansas, Harris is a disciplined lineman.
Potential sleeper
3-star RB Ryan Williams
Missouri has its share of skill-position players, but Williams is someone who will challenge for a starting spot either as a running back or as a return specialist. Williams was an all-state standout for Lee's Summit West, one of the top programs in the state of Missouri. He's been a player to watch on that team since his sophomore year.
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22. Arkansas Razorbacks
4 of 25
Total signees: 23
5-star players: 0
Arkansas may have missed on a couple of 11th-hour commits, but Bret Bielema and his staff still have a top-25 signing class. The Razorbacks have a few big-name players who could be game-changers in an always competitive SEC. These guys aren't afraid to compete.
Top dog
4-star DT Hjalte Froholdt
Froholdt was once known in the recruiting world as "the exchange student from Denmark." He's known now as the athlete who could boost Arkansas' defense immediately. Froholdt has a great build at 6'4" and 285 pounds, and he has a true nose for the football. He will be a good one.
Impact players to watch
4-star TE C.J. O'Grady: A solid pass-catching and blocking option who plays mistake-free football.
4-star DE Jamario Bell: Tall defender who plays a lot larger than his slim frame indicates.
4-star TE Will Gragg: Versatile athlete who can line up like an outside receiver and be effective.
Potential sleeper
3-star OL Zach Rogers
Rogers has battled health issues the past two years with knee injuries, but when he's healthy, he's a fierce competitor on the field. Rogers can play either guard or center at the next level, and his future may be at center. Look for him to surprise a few people in Fayetteville.
21. Arizona State Sun Devils
5 of 25
Total signees: 22
5-star players: 0
Arizona State finished with 22 signees. Of the 22, eight are 4-star athletes. That's got to put a smile on the faces of Todd Graham and his staff. The Sun Devils did a good job signing players from various positions, but they made sure to get their share of offensive and defensive linemen.
Top dog
4-star QB Brady White
White is the future for Arizona State's offense, and his assets make him someone who can be college-ready sooner rather than later. White has good accuracy and can throw in tight spots. He is a lot more mobile and athletic than anticipated, and he can be a true leader for the Sun Devils.
Impact players to watch
4-star DE Joseph Wicker: Wicker was a primary target for the Sun Devils, and they got him.
4-star ATH Stanley Norman: Norman's skill set makes him potentially effective on offense, defense and special teams.
4-star LB Davon Durant: Durant is the No. 1 inside linebacker among junior college prospects.
Potential sleeper
3-star RB Nick Ralston
A player like Ralston could be used as a fullback or an H-back. Or, if Graham chooses, Ralston could be used how he was in high school, as a bruising running back who carried the ball 30, 40 and sometimes 50 times a game. Durability is Ralston's middle name, and his frame is built for it.
20. Florida Gators
6 of 25
Total signees: 21
5-star players: 2
Wednesday didn't start out the way Jim McElwain wanted, as top targets kept finding their way to Auburn. But the Gators—even without Will Muschamp—managed to win over two 5-star players to go with a class ready to show the rest of the SEC that the Gators are better than advertised.
Top dog
5-star Martez Ivey
Ivey is the cream of the crop of this year's offensive tackles, and he's the No. 2 overall player in the land. Ivey is a special athlete who is built more like a slim defensive tackle at 6'6" and 275 pounds. He will add weight, become a more polished blocker and see plenty of game time during his career.
Impact players to watch
5-star DE CeCe Jefferson: One of the nation's best defensive ends chose to stay close to home.
4-star RB Jordan Scarlett: Big, strong running back with great vision and sprinter's speed.
4-star ATH Jordan Cronkrite: Athleticism, durability and versatility will get him far in Gainesville.
Potential sleeper
3-star DB Kylan Johnson
There isn't a lot of film on Johnson playing safety. That's because he was a quarterback on his high school team in Dallas—one who threw for more than 2,400 yards, 36 touchdowns and no interceptions. Johnson's versatility alone makes him a threat to be a rising star for the Gators.
19. South Carolina Gamecocks
7 of 25
Total signees: 30
5-star players: 0
The Old Ball Coach wanted to focus on improving his defense for next year, and Steve Spurrier and his staff did a solid job of going after top-tier athletes on that side of the ball. Five of the seven early enrollees are defensive players.
Top dog
4-star DE Marquavius Lewis
He isn't quite Jadeveon Clowney, but Lewis is a defensive end with unique skills and a high motor, and he will be beneficial on the Gamecocks defensive line. At 6'4" and 271 pounds, Lewis has prototypical defensive end size, and he will be one to watch as he faces SEC competition.
Impact players to watch
4-star DE Shameik Blackshear: The No. 2 player out of the state of South Carolina is ready to make an impression.
4-star DE Dexter Wideman: Wideman has good size and likes to impose himself on weaker offensive linemen.
4-star ATH Jalen Christian: Not the biggest athlete, but his ability to separate from defenders is a plus.
Potential sleeper
3-star DB Toure Boyd
Junior college athletes have an advantage over most high school athletes, as they have played at the next level already. A guy like Boyd can bring his experience and his ability to hit to South Carolina and find himself in a position to see valuable playing time.
18. Ole Miss Rebels
8 of 25
Total signees: 22
5-star players: 0
Hugh Freeze is happy with the class he and his staff were able to build. The majority of the Rebels' top-rated players all will line up on the offensive side of the ball—which could be a good thing, as many of the Landsharks on defense are talented but youthful. Keep an eye on this group's offensive talent in 2015.
Top dog
4-star WR Damarkus Lodge
Lodge signed with Ole Miss on national signing day, giving the Rebels a physical wide receiver who knows how to make the tough catch in traffic. Lodge is a winner, as he's won back-to-back Texas state championships in high school. Another fact: Lodge returns to his home state. He originally is from Jackson, Mississippi.
Impact players to watch
4-star OG Javon Patterson: He's the top-ranked player out of Mississippi and the No. 3 overall guard.
4-star WR Van Jefferson: A talented receiver who signed with Ole Miss despite rumors he might flip to Michigan, as Barton Simmons of 247Sports noted.
4-star RB Eric Swinney: An elusive back who can be the classic change-of-pace option in any system.
Potential sleeper
3-star DE Rasool Clemons
When you first see Clemons, you notice his height: He's a tall defensive end at 6'6". The second thing you may notice is the fact that he will need to put on weight to play the position, as he is listed at 212 pounds. If Clemons is able to bulk up and improve his skill set, look for him to challenge for playing time in an active defense.
17. Mississippi State Bulldogs
9 of 25
Total signees: 28
5-star players: 0
Mississippi State didn't sign a 5-star player, but it did have a strong group of talented players to ink Wednesday. Six of the 28 signees are early enrollees, and Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen is excited about the future. Some of these incoming freshmen will have immediate opportunities to play.
Top dog
4-star DB Jamal Peters
At 6'2" and 206 pounds, Peters is a big, strong safety who loves to hit. He's built almost like an outside linebacker, but he has speed and instincts like a cornerback. Peters' specialty, however, may be putting his shoulder pads on a receiver or running back. The tenacity will be welcomed in Starkville.
Impact players to watch
4-star LB Leo Lewis: Considered the nation's top-ranked inside linebacker for a reason.
4-star WR Donald Gray: Speedy athlete who is the nation's top-ranked junior college receiver.
4-star OT Martinas Rankin: The top-ranked JUCO offensive tackle brings experience and aggressiveness.
Potential sleeper
4-star ATH Malik Dear
When you look at Dear, you think "power back." After all, he is 5'10" and 226 pounds. But watch him show off his incredible speed and be amazed. Dear is a player who can be used as a running back, receiver or even as a Wildcat quarterback if necessary. His versatility will be his strongest asset.
16. Oregon Ducks
10 of 25
Total signees: 22
5-star players: 1
Despite falling short of winning a national championship, Oregon had a great 2014 season and is looking to keep the momentum going. The Ducks grabbed skill-position players who will help the program and some linemen who will fit in well with Oregon's speed-centric philosophy.
Top dog
5-star DE Canton Kaumatule
Kaumatule is a specimen at 6'7" and 290 pounds. Coming off the end, he will be difficult to guard one-on-one because of his length. He will also give running backs problems in the running lanes. Much is expected of Kaumatule, as he is already on the Oregon campus as an early enrollee.
Impact players to watch
4-star RB Taj Griffin: Speed is Griffin's major asset, but his versatility comes a close second.
4-star WR Alex Ofodile: A talented receiver who loves racking up yards after the catch.
4-star QB Travis Waller: Oregon will need to replace Marcus Mariota. Waller has the skills to be that guy.
Potential sleeper
3-star OT Drayton Carlberg
As the No. 2 player in the state of Minnesota, Carlberg excelled on both sides of the ball. Some feel he would be a defensive tackle at the next level, but at 6'5" and 290 pounds, Carlberg's services could be best suited on the offensive line. Oregon's fast-paced attack demands strong, streamlined linemen like Carlberg.
15. Oklahoma Sooners
11 of 25
Total signees: 24
5-star players: 0
Oklahoma has six players already on campus, and five of the six will play on the offensive side of the ball. When you look at the 18 Sooners who signed Wednesday, it's easy to notice that Bob Stoops and his staff focused on landing some of the better defensive prospects available.
Top dog
4-star DT Neville Gallimore
Canada's next big thing is a Sooner, and Stoops is no doubt excited for what the future holds. Gallimore is a big defensive lineman who loves to be disruptive in the running lanes. He has a good motor, a lot of range and a chip on his shoulder. Big 12 teams have been warned.
Impact players to watch
4-star LB Ricky DeBerry: The No. 2 inside linebacker and the No. 2 player out of Virginia, DeBerry is a player.
4-star CB PJ Mbanasor: A physical, headstrong cornerback who plays with a chip on his shoulder.
4-star RB Rodney Anderson: Another stud running back to go with that stable of playmakers in the Sooners backfield.
Potential sleeper
3-star WR Dahu Green
If you don't know Green, do a YouTube search for him. Chances are, his ridiculous catch that was No. 1 in SportsCenter's Top 10 will pop up. Green has the tools to make amazing plays every time he touches the ball. He switched his pledge late after being committed to Washington State.
14. Penn State Nittany Lions
12 of 25
Total signees: 25
5-star players: 0
James Franklin has high expectations for the future of Penn State football, and the future starts with this 2015 class. Although the Nittany Lions didn't have a 5-star get this year, more than half of their group is 4-star athletes. Franklin has players in this group, and they're ready to show their skills.
Top dog
4-star RB Saquon Barkley
When you look at Barkley, he looks like the prototypical running back. At 5'11" and 190 pounds, he can be a north-south guy. He also can find that second gear outside the tackles. More importantly, Barkley is versatile enough to line up as a slot receiver or even as a Wildcat quarterback if necessary.
Impact players to watch
4-star CB Garrett Taylor: A cornerback with good size, Taylor produces matchup problems with his physical nature.
4-star CB John Reid: Uses quickness, awareness and a high level of instinctive play to frustrate receivers.
4-star WR Juwan Johnson: At 6'4" and 216 pounds, Johnson is a solid go-to target in one-on-one situations.
Potential sleeper
4-star OT Sterling Jenkins
The advantages of being on campus as an early enrollee can be huge if a player uses the resources around him. Jenkins is the kind of player who should get better and better as the spring progresses. He'll put on weight with time—which will go quite well with his 6'8" frame.
13. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
13 of 25
Total signees: 24
5-star players: 0
Not much drama for the Irish on national signing day as Brian Kelly only added two new players to their ranks. The theme of Notre Dame's 2015 class was definitely depth, as the Irish shored up their thinnest positions on both sides of the ball.
Top dog
4-star QB Brandon Wimbush
The level of expectations is high for Wimbush, a dual-threat quarterback who is a strong, mobile playmaker with the football in his hands. Wimbush plays with a ton of confidence, and he's a player who could be a good game manager for the Irish. The ceiling is high for him.
Impact players to watch
4-star TE Aliz'e Jones: The nation's top-ranked tight end will be a definite option in Notre Dame's passing game.
4-star RB Dexter Williams: Quick, fast and strong, Williams is a running back who can put points on the board.
4-star OC Tristen Hoge: Every team needs a dependable interior lineman; Hoge is ranked the No. 1 center.
Potential sleeper
3-star WR Jalen Guyton
Every good quarterback needs a reliable receiver. Texas A&M signee Kyler Murray, a 5-star talent, called on Guyton as his go-to receiver in high school—and Allen High School won three consecutive state titles. Guyton has great hands and can be just as effective a slot receiver as he is an outside receiver.
12. Texas A&M Aggies
14 of 25
Total signees: 25
5-star players: 3
The Aggies are continuing to get some of the best players in the state of Texas. Give credit to Kevin Sumlin and his staff for putting together another solid effort on the recruiting trail. There's been a ton of buzz about this class for quite some time; now it's time to get on the field and put in work.
Top dog
5-star QB Kyler Murray
Few players can cause a stir like Murray when the possibility of him wavering on his commitment came up earlier this month. But the Texas high school football legend stayed loyal to his pledge, and he is expected to challenge for the starting spot the minute he steps foot in College Station full-time. Fun fact: Murray's father also played football at A&M.
Impact players to watch
5-star DT Daylon Mack: Wind him up and watch him go. Mack gives offensive linemen fits with his speed.
5-star WR Christian Kirk: A dynamic pass-catching option who can be lightning in a bottle for the Aggies.
4-star DB Justin Dunning: Tall, linebacker-hybrid safety who loves to hit but also enjoys playing the pass.
Potential sleeper
3-star LB Richard Moore
When it comes to players who did more with less, Moore wrote the book. He's not the biggest linebacker, but when he steps on the field, he makes it a habit to play like he's a giant among men. Moore won two state championships in high school, and he was the heart and soul of the defense.
11. Texas Longhorns
15 of 25
Total signees: 29
5-star players: 1
For a team that finished 6-7, Texas was able to put together a pretty solid class. Part of it is the Longhorn tradition, and part of it is the new energy and philosophy Charlie Strong brought to Austin. Whatever the case, the Longhorns have a class that can make some noise in the Big 12.
Top dog
5-star LB Malik Jefferson
Jefferson was a huge in-state recruiting win for Strong. He won't be a disappointment on or off the football field. Jefferson has the goods to be an all-conference linebacker sooner rather than later.
Impact players to watch
4-star LB Anthony Wheeler: Versatile linebacker with quickness, tenacity and a desire to hit. Hard.
4-star OL Patrick Vahe: Can play guard or center, which could be right up his alley with Texas' offensive line issues last season.
4-star CB Holton Hill: Big, physical cornerback who will give receivers fits with his aggressive play.
Potential sleeper
3-star LB Cecil Cherry
You've got to love the players who know others aren't expecting much from them. Cherry is a bulldog at inside linebacker, and he's going to play with a lot to prove. With Jefferson and Wheeler on the outsides, Cherry could be the surprise foundation of the linebacker group.
10. Georgia Bulldogs
16 of 25
Total signees: 28
5-star players: 2
The Bulldogs signed a nice group that Mark Richt speaks very highly of. Richt had seven players enroll early, and four of the seven are 4-star athletes. Add in the players who will join after the spring, and the Bulldogs are sitting pretty.
Top dog
5-star DT Trent Thompson
When you have the nation's top-ranked player, you're expected to have a top-10 class. Thompson is one of those players who could be all-conference in no time, but he knows nothing will be given to him. Thompson also knows he'll be a target, but he'll be ready for the challenge.
Impact players to watch
5-star ATH Terry Godwin: Godwin can play multiple positions. He also can be a catalyst on special teams.
4-star DE Jonathan Ledbetter: Talent aside, Ledbetter has prototypical size for a defensive end.
4-star DE Natrez Patrick: As a weak-side defensive end, Patrick can team up well with Ledbetter.
Potential sleeper
3-star OT Sam Madden
Madden's size, first off, catches a coach's attention: He is 6'7" and 345 pounds. Some would assume that makes him better off as a guard, but Madden has good feet and solid balance, making him a candidate for one of those key tackle spots. Look for him to fight for a starting position early.
9. Auburn Tigers
17 of 25
Total signees: 27
5-star players: 1
Auburn's national signing day alone proved to be a success. Throw in the eight athletes who are already on campus as early enrollees, and there's no surprise as to why Gus Malzahn is excited about this class. With Will Muschamp as defensive coordinator, Auburn scored a few pledges on signing day over Florida.
Top dog
5-star DE Byron Cowart
Cowart provided national signing day drama by slightly delaying the delivery time of his letter of intent to Malzahn. Once it happened, it gave Auburn one of the nation's best overall players. Ranked No. 3 overall in the 2015 class, Cowart is a menace as a rushing bookend.
Impact players to watch
4-star RB Jovon Robinson: Size, speed and level of play make Robinson the nation's top-ranked junior college player.
4-star ATH Kerryon Johnson: Coaches love Johnson's explosiveness and ability to attack the ball.
4-star DE Prince Tega Wanogho Jr.: At 6'8" and 250 pounds, Wanogho is an intimidating presence who will only get better with elite coaching.
Potential sleeper
4-star WR Ryan Davis
Auburn and Florida were in a few national signing day recruiting battles, and Davis was one of the players who made the Tigers happy and the Gators frown. The desire for Davis is legitimate, as he possesses great agility and change-of-direction skills. Give him the ball in space, and he could make the run a highlight.
8. UCLA Bruins
18 of 25
Total signees: 20
5-star players: 3
National signing day belonged to UCLA and Auburn. The Bruins saw five prospects commit Wednesday; now, it's time for Jim Mora to prepare his talented group of players. From top to bottom, UCLA has a group that can be one to watch sooner than later.
Top dog
5-star QB Josh Rosen
Rosen is the nation's top-ranked pro-style quarterback, and he seems to prove his case every time he touches the football. At 6'4" and 205 pounds, Rosen has prototypical quarterback size, and he throws an accurate mid-range and long ball. He's an early enrollee for UCLA, and he's not looking to sit on the bench long.
Impact players to watch
5-star DE Keisean Lucier-South: Super-explosive defender who's a menace when the ball is snapped.
5-star RB Soso Jamabo: UCLA likes the big running back, and Jamabo has a second gear the Bruins will appreciate.
4-star CB DeChaun Holiday: Big, tall cornerback who is very aggressive and instinctive on the field.
Potential sleeper
4-star OG Josh Wariboko
The one thing UCLA would love to have more of is reliable blocking linemen to protect the quarterback. Wariboko is one of those players who takes pride in being a quality run-blocking and pass-blocking option. He has a great frame for an interior lineman, and he's got plans to play early.
7. LSU Tigers
19 of 25
Total signees: 25
5-star players: 2
An eight-win season isn't going to cut it at LSU. But fear not—help is on the way. After a disappointing 2014 season, the Tigers are excited about the level of talent coming to Death Valley. Les Miles and his coaching staff did a great job recruiting, and the Tigers are ready to get back to SEC supremacy.
Top dog
5-star CB Kevin Toliver II
It's no secret that big, physical cornerbacks are needed in a very competitive SEC. Toliver gives the Tigers all they want in a cover corner, as he has lived up to all expectations. Toliver is the nation's No. 8 overall player, and he's someone who could be a highlight-reel player in Baton Rouge.
Impact players to watch
5-star WR Tyron Johnson: A do-it-all receiver who could be the next big thing catching passes at LSU.
4-star OG Maea Teuhema: A massive lineman with a ton of upside, Teuhema is a load to line up against.
4-star RB Derrius Guice: Guice fits that LSU mold of running back—a power runner with a good frame, speed and acceleration.
Potential sleeper
4-star OT Toby Weathersby
For whatever reason, when the subject of upper-tier offensive linemen is discussed, Weathersby's name doesn't come up much. Don't be surprised if this changes in a hurry.
6. Ohio State Buckeyes
20 of 25
Total signees: 27
5-star players: 1
The defending national champions are building on a great season with a very respectable 2015 class. Urban Meyer and his staff have a group of players who share the objective of working hard to repeat as champion. This class will provide depth at multiple positions and is expected to shine in a couple of years.
Top dog
5-star LB Justin Hilliard
Ohio State's defense was young in 2014—but very talented. Hilliard is the kind of linebacker who can fit in well with that group of young, hungry athletes. He is the top-ranked player in the state of Ohio and the nation's No. 2 outside linebacker, and he can be an impact guy very soon.
Impact players to watch
4-star ATH Jerome Baker: An in-state athlete with the build of a safety and the speed of a receiver.
4-star ATH Torrance Gibson: Loaded with athleticism, Gibson can beat teams lined up in multiple positions.
4-star DE Jashon Cornell: Minnesota's top-ranked player already is getting better on campus as an early enrollee.
Potential sleeper
4-star WR K.J. Hill
After Hill decommitted from Arkansas, Meyer made sure to consider him a priority. Hill can be that slot receiver the Buckeyes need in a couple of years. He has good speed, great hands and, perhaps most importantly, a chip on his shoulder.
5. Clemson Tigers
21 of 25
Total signees: 25
5-star players: 3
First off, Dabo Swinney's 2015 class deserves credit because half of them are already on campus as early enrollees. The Tigers are loaded with talented athletes, from linemen to skill-position players—and they're all looking for a shot to showcase their skills at the next level.
Top dog
5-star WR Deon Cain
Cain is a top-five receiver for a reason. He's a tall, fast athlete with good bulk and an ability to separate from defenders in one-on-one coverage. Seeing time at quarterback in high school is only going to make him a smarter athlete on the field—an offensive weapon, even.
Impact players to watch
5-star OT Mitch Hyatt: A polished blocker and one of the best lineman commits for Clemson in years.
5-star DT Christian Wilkins: Strong, explosive prospect with prototypical college defensive lineman size.
4-star ATH Ray-Ray McCloud III: Versatile athlete who can beat you in the backfield or out in the flat.
Potential sleeper
3-star DT Sterling Johnson
Being on campus as an early enrollee is only going to help a player like Johnson, a big-bodied defender with a nice first step and explosiveness off the snap. Johnson has a lot to prove, but he has the ability to make an impact for Swinney.
4. Tennessee Volunteers
22 of 25
Total signees: 29
5-star players: 1
The Volunteers are excited about their class and have talent across the board. While there is only one 5-star player signed, the Volunteers are loaded with 4-star athletes who can provide depth to an improving program.
Top dog
5-star DT Kahlil McKenzie
McKenzie can be defined with one word—girth. The nation's No. 2 defensive tackle is a wall for opposing running backs. At 6'3" and 354 pounds, McKenzie is a powerful lineman who is very good at driving linemen back to collapse pockets.
Impact players to watch
4-star DE Kyle Phillips: Phillips is a good-sized bookend who shows his talent via the pass rush.
4-star WR Preston Williams: A tall receiving target with good size, great hands and a knack to make plays.
4-star RB Alvin Kamara: The nation's No. 2 junior college prospect, Kamara has potential to be all-conference early.
Potential sleeper
4-star CB Justin Martin
Martin's play really hasn't gone quiet, but with all the talent in this Tennessee signing class, his name could fall by the wayside. Be assured that Martin's game will speak volumes once given the opportunity to play. He is a solid cornerback who will frustrate receivers.
3. Florida State Seminoles
23 of 25
Total signees: 20
5-star players: 4
Florida State fell short of a national championship repeat, but Jimbo Fisher likes this class and feels the Seminoles can do some damage with their new athletes. It won't be with Jameis Winston in the lineup, but it could happen with the help of a nice mesh of talent all around.
Top dog
5-star DB Derwin James
Need a safety with cornerback speed and linebacker pop? James has the tools to be an impact player for the Seminoles. He's a physically gifted athlete with a ton of upside.
Impact players to watch
5-star DE Josh Sweat: Ridiculously strong. Freakishly fast. Sweat can be a problem for offensive linemen.
5-star WR George Campbell: An athletic target who will win more than his share of one-on-one plays.
5-star CB Tarvarus McFadden: Built more like a safety, McFadden makes it tough for receivers to separate.
4-star QB Deondre Francois: Still early, but he could be the one who takes over where Winston left off.
Potential sleeper
3-star OG Cole Minshew
With all of the skill-position players, Florida State will need reliable offensive linemen to make sure plays are properly executed. Minshew is one of two guards committed and one of three offensive linemen total, and he's got a mean streak. You like that in a lineman.
2. USC Trojans
24 of 25
Total signees: 26
5-star players: 4
The big question involved whether or not USC could close strong. The Trojans seemed to answer that on national signing day, landing key players in several important positions. Kudos to Steve Sarkisian and his staff for signing upper-tier talent.
Top dog
5-star OL Chuma Edoga
247Sports rates Edoga as the nation's top-ranked offensive guard. As much of an honor as that is, he is also good enough to be considered one of the nation's top-ranked offensive tackles. He's a versatile lineman who will see plenty of game time in his career.
Impact players to watch
5-star DT Rasheem Green: Committed on national signing day and is expected to be a major defensive threat.
5-star LB Osa Masina: Instinctive, downhill outside linebacker who is built more like a defensive end
4-star QB Ricky Town: There's been hype around Town for quite a while. It's now time for him to show it.
Potential sleeper
3-star RB Aca'Cedric Ware
The running back position will be highly competitive at USC, but you can't count out the fact that Ware has won two state championships in high school—and he rushed for 3,710 yards and 45 touchdowns in those two years combined. The kid is a winner.
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
25 of 25
Total signees: 24
5-star players: 6
What did you expect? Nothing has changed from previous years. Nick Saban once again put together an outstanding class—one that can compete for a national title very soon. Somewhere in Tuscaloosa, Saban smiles every time he lands a 5-star commit. And he has quite a few of them this year.
Top dog
5-star WR Calvin Ridley
With the departure of Amari Cooper to the NFL, a spot for a playmaker is available. Ridley can be that special kind of receiver for Saban and Lane Kiffin. He has great hands and makes everything look very easy.
Impact players to watch
5-star QB Blake Barnett: The nation's No. 2 pro-style quarterback, Barnett has the goods to be special.
5-star CB Kendall Sheffield: There are few true shutdown cornerbacks; Sheffield is one of the few.
5-star DT Daron Payne: At 6'2" and 325 pounds, Payne is a load inside. He makes it very tough to run effectively.
Potential sleeper
4-star WR Daylon Charlot
It's hard to call anyone in this class a "sleeper," but when you look at what Charlot can bring to the table, he's got to be one to keep an eye on. He's not as highlight-prone as Ridley, but as a wide receiver, Charlot can be every bit the playmaker. He also can be a guy to watch as a special teams returner.
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