Biggest Takeaways from 247Sports' Initial Top 247 for Class of 2017 Recruiting

It’s not exactly a surprise to see rising junior phenom and 5-star linebacker Dylan Moses take the top overall spot in the newly released 247Sports Top 247 for the class of 2017.

The LSU commitment kept his grip on the No. 1 spot from the initial release of the Top 100 for 2017 last summer, according to Barton Simmons of 247Sports.

A handful of juniors have emerged at their respective spring camps, while others have been busy compiling impressive offer lists.

What are the biggest takeaways from the initial Top 247 rankings for the 2017 class? 

Let’s take a look at a few storylines that jump out at first glance.

3 Power States Loaded Once Again

It’s no secret that the three most fertile areas for coaches on the recruiting trail are California, Florida and Texas.

Those three states are well-represented in the class of 2017, as they have combined to produce 92 of the Top 247 overall players. 

Overall, 21 prospects from those three states are rated among the nation’s Top 50 prospects.

Florida, led by 5-star offensive tackle Calvin Ashley, has 32 prospects in the initial rankings. Texas also has 32 prospects, with 5-star defensive tackle Marvin Wilson representing the nation's best prospect at his position. 

California has 28 prospects included, with 5-star running back Najee Harris emerging as the top 2017 prospect from the Golden State.

Georgia Deep Again

Aside from the big three talent-producing states, Georgia—which has 23 prospects who made the rankings—is the only other state to have more than 20 prospects in the list. 

The 2016 class in Georgia is special, but the rising group of juniors in the Peach State could be equally as talented. 

5-star corner DeAngelo Gibbs is a freakish talent who could play safety or wide receiver at the next level with equal effectiveness.

Additionally, Georgia has three of the top six pro-style quarterbacks in the country, led by 4-star Bailey Hockman—who put on a strong display at the Nike Atlanta Opening Regional camp last month.

WR Heaven

College coaches looking for help at the receiver position may want to invest some time in scouting the junior class.

Eight players are rated as 5-star prospects, headlined by Florida standout Trevon Grimes.

Also, 40 receivers found their way into the rankings, which makes it the deepest position represented in the list.

A pair of 4-star pass-catchers rated outside of the Top 100 overall who have compiled double-digit offer lists are North Carolina product J.T. Cauthen and Florida playmaker Jerry Jeudy. With talented prospects such as Cauthen and Jeudy rated outside the Top 100, it’s a signal of the strength and depth of talent at that position in the 2017 cycle.

OT Group Strong

Another position that is well-represented in the 2017 Top 247 rankings is offensive tackle.  In fact, three of the nation’s top five prospects overall come from that position.

Three more offensive tackles join Josh Meyers, Ashley and Foster Sarell as 5-star prospects who could transition into dominant players at the next level sooner rather than later.

In all, 26 offensive tackles made the cut.

Considering the dominant D-line classes in recent cycles, the emergence of a star-studded group at offensive tackle is a welcome development for college coaches looking for help in the trenches in the 2017 cycle.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.