Most Important College Football Recruiting Visits of Week 5
The 2015 college football season reaches October with contenders attempting to separate themselves. Things are also growing contentious on the recruiting trail, as national signing day is getting closer for 2016 prospects.
This latest Saturday of game action is expected to attract several top-tier athletes to universities across America. Here's a glimpse at players who are on the move, ready to spend time exploring campus environments.
Texas A&M: 4-Star ATH Jack Jones
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Class: 2016
High School: Long Beach Poly (Long Beach, California)
Size: 5'10", 170 lbs.
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 3 athlete; No. 48 overall
The jury is out on which position Jack Jones ultimately plays in college, but he's electric and athletic enough to exploit opponents in various roles. The Southern California standout is sharp in pass coverage as a cornerback, but his highest ceiling may be found at wide receiver.
Jones has 85 receptions since the start of his junior season, per MaxPreps, resulting in 1,182 yards and 11 scores. He is averaging a career-best 22 yards per catch as a senior, while his defensive efforts produced 56 tackles and an interception in the past 17 contests.
“The consistency at which the coaches at A&M are on me has been great,” Jones told Taylor Hamm of 247Sports. “I also love how they use Christian Kirk. I can’t wait to see what they’re all about because I’ve heard a lot about the atmosphere down there.”
Nearby USC and UCLA are also strong contenders for his commitment.
Oklahoma: 4-Star DB Brandon Burton
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Class: 2016
High School: Junipero Serra (Gardena, California)
Size: 6'2", 195 lbs.
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 6 safety; No. 140 overall
Junipero Serra High School is typically viewed as a USC pipeline these days, but versatile defensive back Brandon Burton is doing his best to explore alternative options. An expansive recruiting process leads him to Oklahoma this weekend for the Sooners' game against West Virginia.
He's also expected to visit Notre Dame, Florida State, Ohio State and Alabama this season, so this is a vital opportunity for Oklahoma to make a move. The Sooners assembled a solid defensive recruiting class last signing day, and Burton is exactly the kind of prospect who can make an immediate impact in Norman.
Though he is capable of competing on either side of the football, Burton projects most favorably at safety. His senior season through five games features 13 receptions, 235 receiving yards and 24 tackles, per MaxPreps.
Georgia: 3-Star TE Thaddeus Moss
3 of 5Class: 2016
High School: Mallard Creek (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Size: 6'3", 240 lbs.
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 19 tight end; No. 497 overall
Few programs utilize tight ends like Georgia, so it's no surprise to see this team in the mix for several premier prospects at the position. Peach State native and 5-star playmaker Isaac Nauta is top priority, but he plans to spend official visits at four other schools this season, so alternative options are necessary.
Thaddeus Moss, the son of Marshall University legend and eventual NFL Hall of Famer Randy Moss, fits the bill as an athletic hybrid weapon. He is capable of contributing lined up along the line or split out wide to create desired defensive matchups.
Moss flashes soft hands and looks like a potential reliable red-zone asset. Fellow North Carolina tight end Garrett Walston is already on board with the Bulldogs' 2016 class.
Moss holds 30 scholarship offers. His list of collegiate options includes Oklahoma, Michigan, West Virginia and UCLA.
TCU: 4-Star DB Cameron Lewis
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Class: 2016
High School: Wossman (Monroe, Louisiana)
Size: 6'1", 192 lbs.
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 13 safety; No. 274 overall
Defensive back Cameron Lewis committed to LSU five months ago, providing the Tigers with another promising ball hawk. While he remains a member of that class, the fluidity of his recruitment is confirmed by an upcoming visit to TCU.
Lewis will be in attendance Saturday when the Horned Frogs host Texas. TCU is threatening to claim the Big 12 Conference's top-ranked 2016 recruiting class, and a commitment flip from the Louisiana talent would further enhance an exciting collection of prospects.
Lewis cemented his status as a coveted recruit last season, starring on defense and at quarterback. He totaled 2,895 offensive yards and 31 touchdowns, exhibiting a well-rounded skill set in pass and run support.
UCLA: 4-Star WR Theo Howard
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Class: 2016
High School: Westlake (Thousand Oaks, California)
Size: 6'0", 170 lbs.
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 18 wide receiver; No. 110 overall
Theo Howard initially expected to compete against UCLA in college, committing to Oregon in March. Instead, he backed off that verbal pledge shortly before his senior campaign.
UCLA and USC quickly emerged as viable alternative landing spots in the Pac-12, setting the stage for Howard's upcoming visit to Pasadena for a showdown between the Bruins and Arizona State. The Trojans already carry tremendous wide receiver depth in the 2016 cycle, while UCLA is undoubtedly selling an opportunity to catch passes from freshman sensation Josh Rosen for at least the next two years.
Howard caught 32 passes for 522 yards and five scores during the first five games this season, per MaxPreps. He's tallied 84 receptions for 1,391 yards and 12 touchdowns since 2014.
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