Best Fits for Top 25 Uncommitted 2014 College Football Recruits

How can you tell where a recruit will fit best? Take geography, skill and the needs of the teams involved and see where they all meet.

Some teams are known for national championships, and others are known for getting extremely close but falling short. Other teams are moving conferences, and they need to land bigger fish now in order to be competitive in the new lineup.

Here are the top 25 uncommitted recruits (from the ESPN 150), their best fit and the reasons why they would fit at that chosen school. Enjoy, and feel free to discuss these calls in the comment section.

25. Damian Prince, OT (No. 33 Overall)

Damian Prince is an offensive tackle in Forestville, Maryland. He's the best player in the state, and he would fit right in at the University of Maryland.

He would get a good education, and he would likely see playing time as a true freshman. With Maryland moving to the Big Ten, he'll also get to play games against some of the elite teams from college football's rich history.

The final reason is that he'd be relatively close to home. It's certainly not the biggest reason, but it can become a factor. With Maryland's move to the Big Ten looming, he would be the headliner that the Terrapins could use to rake in more stellar classes.

He could immediately anchor the offensive line, and instant playing time is the biggest bargaining chip that Maryland has at this point.

24. Gerald Willis III, DT (No. 31 Overall)

Gerald Willis III is a defensive tackle in New Orleans, Louisiana. His best fit is at LSU. He's grown up in the Tigers' back yard, and he's a solid 260-pound, 6'3" beast who would improve LSU's defensive line almost immediately.

Willis' name would be common knowledge if he went to LSU. While that would be true at many of the schools that have offered him, he could help bring LSU back to national-title contention rather quickly if he were to sign with the purple and gold.

23. Solomon Thomas, DE (No. 30 Overall)

Solomon Thomas is a defensive end out of Coppell, Texas. He would be a good fit at any of the SEC schools that have offered him, such as Alabama, but he'd be a perfect fit for Texas A&M.

The Aggies aren't really on the rise in the SEC, as they started near the top in their first season. However, to sustain that success, they will need to build depth at every position.

The SEC is heralded for its size and skill in the trenches, and the NFL has taken notice. If A&M is going to contend in the future, it needs players like Thomas.

If Thomas wants the inside track to the NFL, then Texas A&M is a much better option than the other school that's close to his home: Texas. Thomas belongs at Texas A&M.

22. Malachi Dupre, WR (No. 29 Overall)

Malachi Dupre is out of River Ridge, Louisiana, and he's the No. 2 wideout in his recruiting class. As close as he is to LSU, the Tigers would not be his best fit.

Coming from a Christian high school, he would be better-suited at Baylor or TCU. The less drastic change in culture would help him stay out of trouble. The only issue with that is neither Baylor nor TCU have offered him opportunities to play for them.

Notre Dame has, though. Notre Dame would provide an excellent education, an opportunity to play against tough ACC competition and the potential for national championships as a result of the stronger schedule.

Besides, Notre Dame is in dire need of a star wide receiver. He could make an immediate impact for the Irish, and he would be a household name before he finished his intro classes.

21. Tony Brown, CB (No. 27 Overall)

Tony Brown is the No. 5 cornerback out of Beaumont, Texas, and he would be a valuable asset to any one of the teams that have offered him.

He could make the biggest name for himself at Baylor, though, and it's extremely close to where he's attending high school. Baylor could make a serious run at a national title with some improvement on its secondary.

Against the air-raid style of passing attack that permeates the Big 12 (the top four passers in the country were from the Big 12 in 2012), cornerbacks like Brown could thrive. Not to mention the fact that they'd certainly get drafted highly if they made a noticeable difference in Baylor's success in the conference.

20. Lorenzo Featherston, DE (No. 26 Overall)

Lorenzo Featherston hails from Greensboro, North Carolina, and he'd be a great fit at any one of the schools closer to home than Clemson. However, he would best fit with the ACC Tigers.

Featherston is a defensive end, and his 200-pound frame is a far cry from the 2012 roster's set of 280-pound behemoths. However, he is also a little too light to be seriously pursuing a career in a bigger conference.

He can add weight, but he might be recruited out of a job if he went somewhere like Alabama. At Clemson, he could bulk up and see playing time before he reached ideal weight. Maybe he wouldn't be the most formidable lineman at 250, but he'd be on the field making a name for himself as an agile pass-rusher.

Clemson should recruit him as hard as possible; if not, then the North Carolina Tar Heels might swoop in and steal a diamond in the rough while the Tigers aren't paying attention.

19. Ermon Lane, WR (No. 25 Overall)

Ermon Lane is a wide receiver from Homestead, Florida. Miami is the closest Florida-based university to the high school he attends.

Geography isn't everything in life, but Florida has some beautiful weather that would make anyone homesick if he left it for anything other than another beach.

He's the top wide receiver in his class, so he will likely be taking his offer from the USC Trojans seriously, but he could make a bigger impact and become a local hero at Miami.

Again, if you look at all things equally, he can make an impact almost anywhere, even at Alabama. However, Miami needs him the most. If you couple his ability to step on the field immediately with his ability to make a huge impact, Miami is the most logical choice.

18. David Cornwell, QB-PP (No. 24 Overall)

David Cornwell is the No. 1 quarterback in his class (and the No. 1 player in his state), and he's a pocket passer. To add to his list of attributes, he goes to high school in Norman, Oklahoma.

The situation is this: Oklahoma needs a quarterback, and Oklahoma is in Norman. Cornwell is a quarterback in Norman. Oklahoma could contend for a national title with a solid, consistent passer.

This is possibly the most perfect match on this list.

17. Jamal Adams, S (No. 23 Overall)

Jamal Adams is the No. 3 safety of the 2014 class, and he's form Lewisville, Texas. There are plenty of college teams in Texas that are in need of talent in their secondary, but Texas A&M is the closest to a national title.

Out of all the teams in Texas, the Aggies are the one team that has real hope of making the national title game even if they drop a game halfway through the season. Yes, that would require no more than one eligible undefeated team in the country, but A&M would be near the top of the list of one-loss teams.

Texas A&M needs a stable secondary to continue to challenge the SEC's top teams, and Adams is easily one of the few capable players.

16. Michiah Quick, ATH (No. 22 Overall)

Fresno, California is home to Michiah Quick, a 4-star athlete with offers anywhere from Alabama to Washington. Quick is a bit of a wild card on offense, and there is one major team in his home state that could use one of those: California.

It's practically a guarantee that the 170-pound ace would suit up and play for the Golden Bears as a true freshman. He'd be close to home, he'd be a star, and he'd get one of the best educations in the country.

If he goes to Cal or Stanford, he'll hit the college-choice trifecta. He'll get more playing time at Cal as opposed to Stanford, so that's his best overall fit.

15. Laurence Jones, S (No. 21 Overall)

Laurence Jones is the No. 2 safety of the 2014 class, and he's out of Monroe, Louisiana. Ole Miss is the closest school to his home, but it's basically a toss-up between Ole Miss and LSU as far as proximity is concerned.

What can Ole Miss offer him that LSU can't? Playing time, of course. He could sit under one of the country's best defensive masterminds in John Chavis if he goes to LSU, but he can also be a major contributor to an Ole Miss SEC title.

The Rebels already landed a phenomenal recruiting class in 2013, but they will need more than just one class to compete on the level of Alabama, LSU and Texas A&M (just to name the SEC West teams).

Jones is capable of contributing at any school, but he'd be an immediate contributor with the Rebels. It's rare to be able to get in at the ground floor of something special, and the ground-floor opportunity at Ole Miss is quickly fading.

He would be wise to take advantage of that.

14. Jalen Tabor, CB (No. 19 Overall)

Jalen Tabor is a corner for Friendship Collegiate Academy in Washington, D.C. There are plenty of teams in need of help in their secondary, but the Clemson Tigers would be his best option.

He's got offers from teams like Alabama, Florida, Notre Dame and Ohio State, just to name a few, but Clemson would be a great fit for him.

South Carolina is not far from Washington, though there are many schools in closer states. However, of all of them, Clemson is the closest to a national championship.

He'd have to migrate hundreds of miles further to get to Florida State, and if he were going that far, he might as well sign with Alabama.

Tabor could give Clemson just the boost it needs to get past the offensive attack of teams like South Carolina, Georgia and Florida State.

If the Tigers can get past those three teams in 2013, they are staring down the barrel of a shot at the final BCS title game. Past 2013, Florida State and South Carolina are the biggest annual hurdles until the ACC steps up as a conference.

13. Raekwon McMillan, ILB (No. 15 Overall)

Raekwon McMillan is the nation's No. 1 inside linebacker of the 2014 class, and he would be wise to look at NFL results when choosing his school. In 2010 and 2012, Alabama put linebackers into the NFL in the first round of each draft.

Both linebackers had national championship rings when they left the Tide. Lots of programs can prepare McMillan for the NFL, but if he's as good as the scouts say he is, then he could be the next Rolando McClain (not including off-field issues, of course).

McMillan is out of Hinesville, Georgia, so it wouldn't be a great surprise to see him sign with the Bulldogs. However, he should take into consideration that Aaron Murray is leaving the school at the end of the 2013 season.

Georgia may or may not be able to contend for a national title without a star quarterback. Alabama's mode of operation is to get a quarterback who can do what he needs to do. With Alabama's running backs and defense, the passer really doesn't have to pass all that much.

McMillan can be part of the legendary Nick Saban defense that pushes Alabama past the McCarron era, and he would be a perfect fit in Tuscaloosa.

12. Lorenzo Carter, DE (No. 14 Overall)

Lorenzo Carter attends Norcross High in Norcross, Georgia and plays defensive end. Carter is the cycle's No. 3 defensive end, and he would fit right in at Georgia.

It's his home state, and he would have more of an impact at Georgia than he would at a school like Alabama. Georgia's defensive ends are slightly older than Alabama's, so he would slip right into the replacement timeline more smoothly with the Bulldogs.

All things considered, Carter should take the field for Georgia and help its defense overcome the offense's loss of Aaron Murray.

11. David Sharpe, OT (No. 12 Overall)

David Sharpe is the No. 1 recruit coming out of Florida this cycle. He's in Jacksonville at the moment, and he should continue his career in the same state.

He's closest to Florida as far as collegiate teams are concerned, and Florida could definitely use some help on the offensive line with this recruiting class.

Florida finished the 2012 season with better results than expected, but there were clearly areas where the Gators could have improved. Other than the obvious quarterback struggle, the Gators will need to start thinking about rebuilding the line with this coming class.

Sharpe could slip right in at offensive tackle in 2015. If he plays well during his first camp, there could even be an opportunity to step in as a true freshman.

He'd be as close to home as possible (72 miles), have great weather and be playing for a title contender directly out of high school if he signs with the Gators.

10. Lamont Gaillard, DT (No. 10 Overall)

Lamont Gaillard is currently playing defensive tackle in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He's the No. 2 recruit at his position, and he's likely to hit the college field in 2014.

While the Fayettenam resident could go to any one of the 10 schools which have offered him, Gaillard's top choice should be South Carolina.

The Gamecocks are consistently fighting for the SEC title, and strengthening the lines is a big part of moving from contender to winner.

Gaillard would make an impact at any of the schools in the Carolinas, but he'd be able to anchor the defensive line for a potential national champion if he picked the Gamecocks.

NC State, North Carolina, East Carolina and Clemson are all viable alternatives for him, but South Carolina is the closest to a title. Especially if you take Tajh Boyd's departure from Clemson at the end of the 2013 season into consideration.

South Carolina's backup quarterback already proved he's good enough to win at least a quarter against the Michigan Wolverines. That's the quarterback that Gaillard would be sharing a roster with.

Gaillard would be part of something special at South Carolina.

9. Marlon Humphrey, CB (No. 9 Overall)

Marlon Humphrey is the 2014 class's No. 3 corner, and he's currently in Hoover, Alabama. Again, geography is only part of the equation when it comes to choosing a college.

However, Hoover is a scant 53 miles from the University of Alabama. It's difficult to live that close to a presence as large as the Tide and not attend school there, especially with a scholarship offer extended.

Humphrey would help bolster a secondary that has good, but not necessarily great, players slated for the 2015 season. He will have to accept the fact that other kids have been patiently waiting their turn, so he won't likely play as a true freshman.

However, when his turn comes, Humphrey could be the next Dee Milliner.

8. Devante "Speedy" Noil, ATH (No. 8 Overall)

Devante "Speedy" Noil is a 5-star athlete out of New Orleans, Louisiana. It just so happens that there's a team nearby that could use a wild card like Noil.

LSU could use a lot of generally talented guys to mix around the depth chart to see if something amazing could happen. From running back to cornerback (and everything in between), LSU could use some help.

The Tigers are constantly nipping at the heels of true greatness, but something has gotten in the way every season since 2007. The Tigers are capable of winning a national title again, and their NFL draft presence proves that beyond doubt.

However, the Tigers could use a stellar recruiting class to help tip the SEC scales back in their favor a bit. Speedy Noil is a New Orleans native, and he's the best athlete in his class. He'd provide an offensive spark at LSU with his 4.45 40-yard time that could lead the Tigers back to greatness.

Plus, if LSU's quarterback situation continues to be less-than-ideal, Noil may make a great backup signal-caller with great scrambling ability.

7. Cameron Robinson, OT (No. 7 Overall)

Cameron Robinson is a 325-pound offensive tackle from West Monroe, Louisiana. He and previously mentioned Speedy Noil would make an excellent tandem on LSU's offense.

With his size and skill, he's earned the No. 1 spot at his position for the 2014 cycle, and he could earn the starting gig at LSU rather easily. He would just need to spend time in the playbook while the smaller kids in his class spent time in the weight room.

Most kids in a recruiting class wouldn't stand a chance at starting for a team like LSU, but Robinson is not most kids. If you take his 6'6" height into consideration, he's basically Luke Joeckel as a true freshman.

6. Myles Garrett, DE (No. 6 Overall)

Myles Garrett is a defensive end from Arlington, Texas. Garrett is ranked first overall in the state of Texas and second at his position for the 2014 rotation.

Garrett is best-suited for the Texas A&M Aggies. While they have talented players on the roster, Garrett would provide them with excellent depth at his position.

In the future, he will be a probable All-American candidate who will help the kids behind him get ready to play for what could be the best team in Texas.

Texas A&M is close to home, and it has the best football outlook of any team in Texas. Baylor is a close second, but the loss of yet another veteran quarterback in two years leaves a question mark beside the Bears.

Garrett would fit right in at Texas A&M and immediately help the defense continue to hold its own against the powers in the SEC West.

5. Adoree' Jackson, CB (No. 5 Overall)

Adoree' Jackson is a great cornerback who is biding his time in Gardena, California while waiting for his turn on national signing day. There are four teams in his home state that could use a cornerback, but one of them (USC) already loaded its secondary with the 2013 signing class.

Stanford, UCLA and California could all use his assistance, but he'd be better off going to Notre Dame. Notre Dame is on the cusp of being a great team each and every season.

Since the new ACC agreement with Notre Dame would be in place while he was with the Irish, let's take  a quick look at the advantages of going to South Bend:

1. Notre Dame needs a secondary, and he would possibly get to start as a true freshman.

2. He would get to visit home whenever he met Stanford or USC on the road.

3. In 2014, Notre Dame will travel to Florida State to take on the Seminoles.

Those aren't all the perks, but Notre Dame is clearly willing to raise its own schedule strength, not because it needs to, but because it will better prepare the Irish for playoff appearances.

Notre Dame staff have clearly recognized that there's a gap between their current opponents and national champions, and they have taken the first step toward a bright future.

If Jackson were to join the Irish, he would be a bright spot in Notre Dame's secondary, which could already use some help. Notre Dame finished the 2012 season with the country's No. 2 scoring defense, allowing only 12.8 points per game.

With players like Jackson on the roster, the Irish won't need any help from opposing quarterbacks to repeat that feat. Now is the time for talented players to go to Notre Dame. If they wait, then they will have to wait their turn to play.

Right now, guys like Jackson can step onto the field as freshmen.

4. Da'Shawn Hand, DE (No. 4 Overall)

Da'Shawn Hand is a high school defensive end in Woodbridge, Virginia. There are recognizable schools close by, but he would not get the coaching he needs at Virginia, Virginia Tech or West Virginia.

He would fit right in at South Carolina, though, and signing in 2014 would be perfect timing. With Jadeveon Clowney likely entering the 2014 draft, he wouldn't have to put up with the constant side-by-side comparisons all season long.

Sure, some people will unfairly compare Hand to Clowney anyway, but the minority can be ignored. South Carolina is close enough to home that he could make regular visits outside football season, and he could still make one trip during the season on the bye week.

South Carolina would give him the SEC edge when it came time to declare for the draft, and Steve Spurrier would give him all the coaching he could handle.

Hand is a great talent, and he could get lost in the shuffle at many schools. South Carolina would be the happy medium between a too-small and a too-big program.

South Carolina has a good chance at winning a national title in the next few seasons, and he could be a part of that. The team that wins South Carolina's first national championship will be immortalized in Columbia.

If he went to a school like Alabama, he'd likely win a title, but he'd be one of hundreds who have done it there. With the Gamecocks, he could help make history.

3. Andrew Brown, DT (No. 3 Overall)

Andrew Brown is the No. 1 defensive tackle in this class, and he hails from Chesapeake, Virginia. While the same logic from the previous slide could be applied to Brown as was to Da'Shawn Hand, there is one major difference: Brown has 40 pounds on Hand.

Brown is big enough that he could make a strong run at Alabama's starting lineup. He will need to spend less time bulking up, and he can use that saved time to learn the system and playbook in Tuscaloosa.

Brown would be a great fit in Tuscaloosa, and the town wouldn't overstimulate him. Chesapeake has a population of about 225,000 where Tuscaloosa is around 91,000 (smaller than the capacity of Bryant-Denny).

Brown could be on the nation's best defense as early as 2014 but still no later than 2015 if his scouting assessment is correct.

2. Jabrill Peppers, CB (No. 2 Overall)

Jabrill Peppers currently plays cornerback for Paramus Catholic High, roughly 20 miles from Rutgers. Rutgers is in need of defense, especially considering the move to the Big Ten for this particular recruiting class.

The Big Ten will come at Rutgers with Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, Nebraska, well you get the point. These teams will be giving the Scarlet Knights far more than they bargained for, and they need to pursue recruits like Peppers with gusto.

Peppers plays in the backyard, so he's going to be less distracted by the area than other recruits will be. He can help them maintain focus on football through the season.

The issue with Peppers is that he's being heavily recruited by other Big Ten schools, including Michigan. He will do well at any school he chooses, and he will have exposure that can lead him to the NFL.

He best fits at Rutgers, and he would be part of a program that's building success that hasn't been seen at Rutgers in decades. So far, it looks like he's leaning heavily toward Michigan, though.

1. Leonard Fournette, RB (No. 1 Overall)

Leonard Fournette is running all over fields in New Orleans, Louisiana (LSU's backyard). He's ranked No. 1 in every possible way for the 2014 class: in his state, at his position and overall.

Fournette could follow in the footsteps of some of the 2013 class and sign with Alabama, relishing the competition that will make him better.

That doesn't seem like it's going to help him out as much as playing for LSU would, though. LSU needs running backs, and Alabama has more than enough unless an injury epidemic strikes.

The Tigers are still competitive for the conference title, but players like Fournette need to recognize their ability to change current trends. LSU is on a slight downward trajectory due to NFL draft losses, but it is far from being an also-ran in the SEC.

If players like Fournette recognize their ability to put LSU back in command of the conference, then that's exactly what will happen.

Fournette's arrival at LSU in 2014 would be met with extreme joy, because the Tigers need to restock the stable of tailbacks. He might even see playing time at a top-tier program as a true freshman. It's rare, but so are players like him.