CFB Recruiting 2017: Ranking the Top 25 Classes Post HS All-American Games
A pair of annual high school football showcase events—the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and Under Armour All-America Game—occurred during the first week of January.
These contests included many memorable moments, as premier prospects concluded their respective prep careers with strong performances on national television. More importantly, as it relates to the impending national signing day, several coveted recruits also announced collegiate commitments during these games.
The list of available 5-star athletes continues to dwindle, and plenty of players are expected to enroll early on campuses this upcoming week. For those who remain undecided, official visits and possible late scholarship offers are important to monitor during these few weeks before Feb. 1 seals the fate of recruiting classes across college football.
Following the long-awaited pledge announcements of top-tier prospects such as No. 1 offensive tackle Foster Sarell and No. 1 cornerback Darnay Holmes, here is how we rank recruiting classes as currently assembled. As usual, our emphasis is on overall quality rather than simple quantity.
25. Colorado Buffaloes
1 of 25
Class Size: 25 (three 4-stars)
Analysis
Colorado will count on new roster additions to continue its ascension in Pac-12 title contention, and things start in the trenches for this group. Offensive tackle Jake Moretti and center Xavier Newman previously spent time pledged to Ohio State and Texas, respectively, and are each regarded as top-15 recruits at their position.
The defensive line receives a boost from junior college products Chris Mulumba and Javier Edwards, while in-state defender Jon Van Diest can disrupt opponents off the edge. DeSoto High School (Texas) receivers Laviska Shenault Jr. and KD Nixon will continue to run routes together in Boulder, bolstering the passing attack's depth chart along with Southern California quarterback Tyler Lytle.
24. Mississippi State Bulldogs
2 of 25
Class Size: 21 (five 4-stars)
Analysis
Bucking the trend of recent years, Mississippi State presently sits higher than in-state rival Ole Miss on this list. The Bulldogs' rise is fueled by future offensive backfield teammates Kylin Hill (4-star running back) and Keytaon Thompson (dual-threat quarterback and Louisiana's Gatorade Player of the Year).
Florida linebacker Tyler Dunning and Tennessee safety Kaleb Oliver are notable defensive additions, though the Mississippi State staff may have done its best work on the junior college recruiting trail. Defensive lineman Chauncey Rivers and defensive back Jonathan Abram will aim to make an immediate impact via the JUCO route.
23. Nebraska Cornhuskers
3 of 25
Class Size: 15 (six 4-stars)
Analysis
The Cornhuskers came up empty during U.S. Army All-American Bowl commitments despite being in the mix for multiple players. That stings but shouldn't deter Nebraska fans from being excited about a class led by Calabasas High School (California) teammates Tristan Gebbia (quarterback) and Keyshawn Johnson Jr. (receiver)—son of former No. 1 overall NFL draft selection Keyshawn Johnson.
The offensive outlook in Lincoln includes another 4-star receiver in Jaevon McQuitty and in-state tight end Austin Allen, who is considered a top-25 recruit at the position. Delaware linebacker Avery Roberts and Texas defensive tackle Deiontae Watts are significant 4-star pulls from far beyond campus.
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22. South Carolina Gamecocks
4 of 25
Class Size: 23 (five 4-stars)
Analysis
It's easy to love what tenacious cornerback Jamyest Williams brings to the field. The Georgia product has drawn comparisons to Arizona Cardinals star Tyrann Mathieu, can impact special teams and has "captain" written all over him.
South Carolina also made splashes with 4-star defensive backs Hamsah Nasirildeen and Keisean Nixon, along with blue-chip linebacker Sherrod Greene. Expect receiver OrTre Smith to make an instant impact on the Gamecocks' aerial assault, as he was a paramount in-state pickup.
21. Texas Longhorns
5 of 25
Class Size: 13 (six 4-stars)
Analysis
Longhorns head coach Tom Herman did excellent work addressing the offensive backfield upon his arrival, landing former Houston pledge Daniel Young and former Georgia commit Toneil Carter Jr., who is among this cycle's most violent runners. This duo joins longtime Texas pledge Sam Ehlinger, an Elite 11 finalist quarterback, as important pieces for offensive development.
Receiver Damion Miller is another blue-chip piece, while former Oklahoma State offensive tackle commit Derek Kerstetter plays well beyond his 3-star rating and could be an overlooked gem. Defensive building blocks include cornerback Josh Thompson and edge-rusher Taquon Graham.
20. Florida Gators
6 of 25
Class Size: 15 (eight 4-stars)
Analysis
Florida is the first of three Sunshine State programs to appear on this list, leaving room for the Gators to rise in upcoming weeks. Early commitments from Elite 11 finalist quarterback Jake Allen, 4-star receiver Daquon Green and 4-star tight end Kemore Gamble helped set the tone early on the offensive side of things, while linemen T.J. Moore and Kadeem Telfort further enhance that haul.
Tampa defensive end Zachary Carter is a special talent, headlining this unit alongside 4-star cornerback Marco Wilson. Kadarius Toney, another blue-chip pledge who is labeled an athlete, inspires intrigue at receiver, defensive back and even quarterback.
19. UCLA Bruins
7 of 25
Class Size: 13 (two 5-stars; five 4-stars)
Analysis
Despite struggles this season, UCLA is heating up at the right time when it comes to recruiting efforts. The Bruins secured top-ranked cornerback Darnay Holmes during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, besting Ohio State and USC in an extremely contentious chase.
Holmes is already the team's third blue-chip pledge of January, joining defensive tackle Martin Andrus
and linebacker Rahyme Johnson. Defense is undoubtedly the strong suit of this class, as these new commits join forces with 5-star defensive end Jaelan Phillips—a U.S. Army All-American Player of the Year finalist—a top-10 tackle in Greg Rogers and 4-star cornerback Jaylan Shaw.
18. Miami Hurricanes
8 of 25
Class Size: 19 (seven 4-stars)
Analysis
Fresh off its first bowl win since 2006, Miami is in solid position for a strong finish this cycle. Head coach Mark Richt is assembling assets across the defensive unit, adding 4-star talents in linebacker DeAndre Wilder, cornerback Trajan Bandy, tackle Jonathan Ford and edge-rusher D.J. Johnson.
The Hurricanes kept tabs on 4-star quarterback N'Kosi Perry as he explored other options following Richt's arrival and registered a key victory by bringing him fully back on board. Fellow offensive commits include 4-star lineman Navaughn Donaldson, receiver DeeJay Dallas (also a candidate to play defensive back) and running back Robert Burns.
17. Maryland Terrapins
9 of 25
Class Size: 29 (eight 4-stars)
Analysis
Maryland added former Tennessee Volunteers commits Breyon and Brandon Gaddy (Virginia defensive linemen) in December and kept things rolling in the right direction on New Year's Day. That's when the Terrapins won a contentious battle for 4-star New Jersey athlete Markquese Bell, who can make a difference at safety or outside linebacker.
Head coach D.J. Durkin clearly understands the importance of recruiting well on home turf. Local blue-chip pledges include quarterback Kasim Hill, defensive tackle Cam Spence and cornerback Deon Jones, and keeping them in the fold through national signing day would be a notable improvement compared to past cycles in College Park.
16. Stanford Cardinal
10 of 25
Class Size: Nine (three 5-stars; three 4-stars)
Analysis
This Stanford class is the definition of quality over quantity, as nearly half (four) of its commitments are considered top-100 overall talents. Washington offensive tackle Foster Sarell, who warrants consideration for a No. 1 overall recruit ranking, announced intentions to play in Palo Alto while attending the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
The Cardinal pull off a dream pairing of bookends with his pledge, as Sarell joins fellow 5-star offensive tackle Walker Little, and these two will be tasked to keep Elite 11 MVP contender Davis Mills upright throughout his career. Top-ranked tight end Colby Parkinson and 4-star receiver Osiris St. Brown also contribute to the sense that major offensive fireworks await for Stanford even after the departure of 2015 Heisman Trophy finalist and team catalyst Christian McCaffrey.
15. Tennessee Volunteers
11 of 25
Class Size: 26 (one 5-star; five 4-stars)
Analysis
It's not exactly a gaudy haul in Knoxville, but the Volunteers do carry four pledges considered top-100 overall talents. The group is headlined by in-state 5-star offensive tackle Trey Smith, who projects as a plug-and-play talent who will warrant widespread NFL attention.
Virginia defensive lineman Eric Crosby, Nashville running back Ty Chandler and in-state safety Maleik Gray also rank among the cycle's top-rated recruits. Tennessee stepped things up in December with the key defensive pickups of linemen Matthew Butler and Deandre Johnson and linebacker Shanon Reid.
14. Washington Huskies
12 of 25
Class Size: 14 (10 4-stars)
Analysis
Washington whiffed on top-ranked offensive tackle Foster Sarell, an in-state priority, at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, but this remains one of the Pac-12's premier classes. Offensively, the Huskies should remain excited about difference-making receivers Alex Cook, Ty Jones and Terrell Bynum, 4-star tight end Hunter Bryant and Elite 11 finalist quarterback Jake Haener.
Athlete Salvon Ahmed, who clocked the joint-fastest 40-yard dash (4.32 seconds) at The Opening, could contribute in all three phases of the game. He may ultimately join 4-star talents Keith Taylor, Elijah Molden and Brandon McKinney in the defensive secondary.
13. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
13 of 25
Class Size: 17 (13 4-stars)
Analysis
The Fighting Irish have found future anchors for offensive line play, landing 4-star blockers Josh Lugg, Dillan Gibbons, Robert Hainsey and Aaron Banks. That's good news for Elite 11 finalist quarterback Avery Davis, who also gets to work with top-five tight end prospects Brock Wright and Cole Kmet.
Connecticut playmaker C.J. Holmes is capable of contributing at running back or receiver. Illinois stud Isaiah Robertson also presents significant versatility and is a candidate to contribute at receiver or safety, while 4-star Pennsylvania linebacker David Adams excels at the heart of a defensive unit.
12. USC Trojans
14 of 25
Class Size: 17 (one 5-star; eight 4-stars)
Analysis
Bolstered by the U.S. Army All-American addition of elite Las Vegas safety Bubba Bolden, you get the sense USC is destined for a big finish toward February. He adds to a defensive class that also includes former UCLA edge-rusher pledge Hunter Echols, versatile Florida defensive back Juwan Burgess and Utah product Tayler Katoa, who presents promise in several spots across the front seven.
Quarterback Jack Sears—an Elite 11 finalist—will be groomed to eventually replace Sam Darnold, which is exactly what he did at San Clemente High School (California). Offensive coordinator Tee Martin can also look ahead to acquiring 5-star running back Stephen Carr and a pair of 4-star linemen (Alijah Vera-Tucker and Brett Neilon).
11. Penn State Nittany Lions
15 of 25
Class Size: 18 (one 5-star; nine 4-stars)
Analysis
The Nittany Lions landed one of the shiftiest speed receivers in this cycle by beating out rival Michigan State for K.J. Hamler, a former Detroit area standout who finished his prep career at IMG Academy (Florida). Penn State also plucked 4-star cornerback Donovan Johnson from the Motor City.
Johnson strengthens a dynamic defensive secondary group that also features 5-star Pittsburgh cornerback Lamont Wade and 4-star Canadian-born safety Jonathan Sutherland. Head coach James Franklin has delivered throughout Big Ten Conference territory, luring 4-star defensive tackle Fred Hansard from New Jersey and Elite 11 finalist quarterback Sean Clifford from Ohio.
10. Clemson Tigers
16 of 25
Class Size: 13 (11 4-stars)
Analysis
ACC opponents anticipating the downfall of Clemson's offense after quarterback Deshaun Watson departs are in for a rude awakening if head coach Dabo Swinney's latest class lives up to expectations. The offensive haul includes compelling tandems at quarterback (Elite 11 finalists Chase Brice and Hunter Johnson) and receiver (Tennessee standouts Amari Rodgers and Tee Higgins).
An offensive line group featuring 4-star talents Blake Vinson and Matt Bockhorst should help give these skill players time to shine. Defensively, the Tigers bring aboard 4-star recruits at each level with cornerback A.J. Terrell, linebacker Justin Foster and lineman Jordan Williams.
9. Texas A&M Aggies
17 of 25
Class Size: 27 (one 5-star; 10 4-stars)
Analysis
The Aggies reload on defense with commitments from top-ranked inside linebacker Anthony Hines and 4-star outside linebackers Devodrick Johnson and Santino Marchio, who is one of three IMG Academy (Florida) products in this class. He is joined by fellow 4-star teammates Kellen Mond (Elite 11 finalist quarterback) and Jhamon Ausbon (receiver).
Ausbon will combine with 4-star receivers Hezekiah Jones and Camron Buckley to vie for early reps in College Station. Blue-chip counterparts in the defensive secondary include Derrick Tucker and Myles Jones.
8. Auburn Tigers
18 of 25
Class Size: 19 (two 5-stars; 10 4-stars)
Analysis
Auburn bagged the crown jewel of non-high school recruits, securing a commitment from former Baylor quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Expect the 2014 Elite 11 finalist to immediately elevate the Tigers' offensive attack when his opportunity arrives.
He should be well-protected by an offensive front that adds three top-200 overall prospects in Nick Brahms, Austin Troxell and Calvin Ashley. Junior college running back Octavius Matthews is a 4-star flip from Louisville.
The Tigers' blue-chip headliners extend onto defense in the form of in-state studs Tadarian Moultry (linebacker), K.J. Britt (linebacker) and Malcolm Askew (cornerback).
7. LSU Tigers
19 of 25
Class Size: 19 (12 4-stars)
Analysis
The passing game has been a significant problem in Baton Rouge, contributing toward LSU's recent coaching staff shakeup. New Tigers offensive coordinator Matt Canada may have found a remedy in this class, with a pair of Elite 11 finalists (Myles Brennan and Lowell Narcisse) on board.
Brennan became Mississippi's all-time state passing leader as a senior, while Narcisse is capable of making major plays as a rusher. The aerial attack also welcomes 4-star receivers Mannie Netherly and Stephen Guidry, a heavily pursued junior college product.
The program's reputation as "DBU" shouldn't slip anytime soon as Jacoby Stevens, Grant Delpit and Kary Vincent Jr. are secondary standouts. The defensive front adds top-10 tackle Tyler Shelvin, while Edward Ingram, Austin Deculus and Saahdiq Charles form a trio of 4-star offensive linemen.
6. Florida State Seminoles
20 of 25
Class Size: 17 (two 5-stars; nine 4-stars)
Analysis
Florida State stole the national recruiting spotlight in December, securing commitments from 5-star running back Cam Akers, top-10 defensive end Joshua Kaindoh, lauded junior college linebacker Adonis Thomas and former Oregon Ducks tight end pledge Tre' McKitty. Akers, who tallied more than 5,000 total yards this season while lined up at quarterback for Clinton High School (Mississippi), is the U.S. Army All-American Player of the Year.
The Seminoles' 2017 running back corps already included all-purpose weapon Khalan Laborn and power rusher Zaquandre White, so the future looks bright despite Dalvin Cook's departure. Quarterback Bailey Hockman, a top-20 talent at his position, and human highlight reel receiver D.J. Matthews also add to an explosive offensive arsenal.
Along with Kaindoh and Thomas, the defensive unit brings aboard top talents such as 5-star Seminoles legacy cornerback commit Stanford Samuels III, 4-star safety Cyrus Fagan and another legacy in Tampa linebacker DeCalon Brooks—the son of NFL Hall of Fame inductee Derrick Brooks.
5. Oklahoma Sooners
21 of 25
Class Size: 24 (18 4-stars)
Analysis
Perhaps no program boasts more short-term and long-term quarterback talent than Oklahoma, and Elite 11 finalist Chris Robison adds to that equation. Whoever is lined up behind center in Norman should appreciate the presence of 4-star receivers Marquise Brown, Charleston Rambo and CeeDee Lamb.
The offensive backfield also gets a boost from top-20 running back recruits Trey Sermon and Kennedy Brooks, while Grant Calcaterra is among this cycle's most complete tight end prospects. Tyrese Robinson, Creed Humphrey and Adrian Ealy provide 4-star reinforcements along the offensive front.
The Sooners should be well-positioned to make defensive strides, spearheaded by a foursome of linebackers considered top-25 players at their position (Kenneth Murray, Levi Draper, Jacob Phillips and Addison Gumbs). Opposing quarterbacks must also contend with 4-star defensive backs Robert Barnes, Tre Brown and Justin Broiles.
4. Michigan Wolverines
22 of 25
Class Size: 27 (one 5-star; 19 4-stars)
Analysis
Head coach Jim Harbaugh has revamped the Wolverines' roster in his vision, and another top-10 recruiting class looks likely to help progress that process. The team did a great job invading Detroit for prospects such as 5-star receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones, top-five cornerback Ambry Thomas and 4-star safety Jaylen Kelly-Powell.
Peoples-Jones will pair up with fellow U.S. Army All-American pass-catcher Tarik Black. That's a promising duo to work with for Elite 11 finalist quarterback Dylan McCaffrey, who is the younger brother of former star Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey.
This class also features a fearsome duo at linebacker in the form of Drew Singleton and Jordan Anthony, who is teammates at IMG Academy (Florida) with fellow Wolverines pledge Cesar Ruiz (rated the nation's No. 2 center). Michigan landed 4-star offensive tackle Chuck Filiaga during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
3. Georgia Bulldogs
23 of 25
Class Size: 23 (two 5-stars; 20 4-stars)
Analysis
This Bulldogs class boasts nine U.S. Army All-Americans, including Player of the Year finalist Richard LeCounte III. The standout safety headlines an outstanding in-state haul that also includes Elite 11 finalist quarterback Jake Fromm, who finished his career trailing only Clemson Tigers star Deshaun Watson on Georgia's all-time passing yardage leaderboard.
DeAngelo Gibbs, a 5-star athlete, added another prized Peach State product when he announced a decision at the Under Armour All-America Game. Robert Beal (No. 8 defensive end), Netori Johnson (No. 4 offensive guard) and Nate McBride (No. 6 inside linebacker) also stand out among in-state additions.
Head coach Kirby Smart and his staff also thrived with Northeast targets this cycle. Georgia reached far beyond state borders for top-five running back D'Andre Swift (Pennsylvania), top-10 offensive tackle Isaiah Wilson (New York) and 4-star receiver Mark Webb (Pennsylvania).
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
24 of 25
Class Size: 18 (seven 5-stars; 10 4-stars)
Analysis
Another outstanding Ohio State season ended in disaster courtesy of a shutout loss to Clemson in the College Football Playoff, but the stage is set for sustained success in Columbus. The Buckeyes continue to stockpile premier prospects, leading the nation with 13 top-100 overall commitments.
Expect fireworks during passing drills in practice. Ohio State is set to bring top-10 receivers Tyjon Lindsey and Trevon Grimes to campus, alongside top-10 cornerbacks/safeties Shaun Wade,
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
25 of 25
Class Size: 26 (five 5-stars; 17 4-stars)
Analysis
Can Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban secure a seventh consecutive No. 1 overall recruiting class in composite rankings? It could be close as other programs make a late push, but the five-time national champion is in the driver's seat at this stage.
Alabama is one of just two teams with three top-20 overall prospect commitments (No. 1 running back Najee Harris, No. 1 linebacker Dylan Moses and No. 3 offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood). This trio is joined by eight other pledges who are considered top-10 players at their respective position.
All-time Hawaii state passing leader Tua Tagovailoa earned Elite 11 MVP honors in July, competing against fellow Crimson Tide quarterback commit Mac Jones during national finals. Receiver Jerry Jeudy, defensive back Daniel Wright, linebacker VanDarius Cowan and Leatherwood continue an impressive Crimson Tide recruiting stretch in Florida.
Tyler Donohue is a national recruiting analyst for Bleacher Report. Quotes and observations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. All player ratings and information are courtesy of Scout.
Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.
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