One Commitment Each Top 25 Recruiting Class Can't Live Without

Although many coaches pay little attention to rankings, possessing a Top 25 recruiting class is a big deal, as it means a program has collected a group of talented prospects of high quality to bring onto its roster. 

As classes are built, core members are identified. Within the core group, one player is deemed as the key to the entire class, or the player the class can't live without. Following the Top 25 recruiting class rankings by 247Sports, each program has a player who is the heart of its 2014 class.

Michigan has a commitment from a player who could be a superstar by the end of his freshman season. Kentucky feels it has its quarterback of the future, and Clemson will gladly echo that statement for itself.

 Player evaluations are based on review of tape at Scout.com, Rivals, 247Sports and ESPNU.

25. Rutgers

Rutgers will be moving into the Big Ten in 2014, so the Scarlet Knights will quickly learn that they are not playing in the American Athletic Conference.

Head coach Kyle Flood must continue adding talent, and versatility will be key. Athlete Kiy Hester is a 6'0", 200-pound recruit who can play cornerback, receiver, safety and running back.

Possessing such a talented and versatile player will help Flood's program upgrade its talent-level as it transitions into the Big Ten. 

24. Arkansas

New head coach Bret Bielema is trying to change the reputation of the Razorbacks' program. Known as an offensive team under former coach Bobby Petrino, Arkansas will play a rough, tough and physical style of football with Bielema at the helm.

If Bielema is going to be successful changing the mentality of Arkansas, he will need to start in the trenches. Defensive tackle Bijhon Jackson stands nearly 6'2", weighs 334 pounds and is a physical interior presence.

He is a perfect example of what Bielema wants from the recruiting trail going forward. 

23. Penn State

Quarterback Christian Hackenberg, who signed in 2013, is the future of Penn State football. So in order to get a max return on their investment, the Nittany Lions must put Hackenberg in the best position to succeed.

Aside from having a great offensive line, a young quarterback needs weapons around him. DeAndre Thompkins is the key to Penn State's 2014 class, as he is a talented receiver who will be brought in to help Hackenberg attack the perimeter and deep parts of defenses.

As Hackenberg goes, so will Penn State, and a lot of that depends on the chemistry he develops with Thompkins. 

22. Louisville

Louisville is a program on the rise, but the Cardinals need to start throwing their weight around on the recruiting trail.

They are not going win many head-to-head battles with bigger programs, but when they do, it needs to be publicized to show the rest of the country that they can be a threat.

Fullback Daniel Gresham was committed to Texas until May, but Charlie Strong now has the future fullback's pledge. Gresham is proof that Louisville is climbing the recruiting ladder, as Strong can now impressively tell other recruits that his program was chosen over mighty Texas.

21. Florida

The best player in Florida's class is running back Dalvin Cook, as he could be special. However, the 2014 commitment the Gators can not live without is quarterback Will Grier.

Jeff Driskel is the current starter, but Florida may need to replace him as early as 2014. Max Staver, who signed in 2013, has incredible arm strength, but Grier brings more athleticism to the table.

Grier has good arm strength, accuracy and mobility. The Gators needed an elite quarterback prospect in this class, and Grier is just that. 

20. Vanderbilt

Running Back Mikale Wilbon's production during his junior season was hindered by a lingering knee injury. That is why he is one of the most underrated players in the country.

Vanderbilt head coach James Franklin has to be giddy over Wilbon flying under the national radar, as he is getting a running back with SEC-caliber speed, quickness, agility and athleticism.

Wilbon may not get much attention, but the Commordoes' coaches know he is the key to their 2014 class. 

19. Arizona

Running back Nick Wilson could have been the pick, but cornerback/receiver Cameron Denson is more important to Arizona for several reasons.

First, Denson is the headliner for Rich Rodriguez's 2014 class, as the 6'1", 170-pounder can be dynamic on the perimeter of the field. Next, Denson is an elite recruit who is from Arizona who committed to 'Zona in January.

He represents Rodriguez's great effort to keep national-caliber recruits from the state of Arizona from getting away, which is crucial for future recruiting. 

18. North Carolina

North Carolina head coach Larry Fedora is a former offensive coordinator, so he understands how important it is to have a great quarterback. Although he signed Mitch Trubisky in 2013, Fedora landed a commitment from quarterback Caleb Henderson in the 2014 class.

Henderson is a superior prospect to Trubisky, although the latter has great mobility. With senior quarterback Bryn Renner looking increasingly like a first-round pick next April, the Tar Heels will need a new passer in 2014.

Henderson could be the guy.

17. Baylor

Davion Hall is not just the top recruit in Baylor's 2014 class, he is also the most important. Hall, who can play receiver, is a 6'2", 186-pound athlete who could be a great safety.

The Bears are not known for playing admirable defense, so they are looking for players who can help stop teams from scoring. Although Hall could add to the great offensive firepower Art Briles has, he could be even more important to Briles' program as a cornerstone defensive player.

16. Virginia Tech

Although he was a 2013 recruit, safety/linebacker prospect Holland Fisher is now a part of the 2014 class since he will be going to Fork Union Military Academy.

Fisher is a 6'1", 200-pound defensive player who can play many roles. He has adequate range to play free safety, the hitting ability of a strong safety and the ability to consistently stop the run as an outside linebacker.

With him going the prep school route, he can be recruited by other schools. It will be crucial for the Hokies to hold on to him. 

15. LSU

LSU has landed several players from Texas over the years, including former receiver Russell Sheppard, but the Tigers want to establish a greater presence in the Lone Star State.

Landing stud defensive back Edward Paris early in the process will go a long way in moving firmer into Texas. Paris, who is 6'1" and 190 pounds, has excellent short-area quickness and can play safety or cornerback.

Years from now, when LSU is consistently challenging Texas and Texas A&M for recruits, look back to Paris as the Tigers' breakthrough Texas prospect.  

14. Clemson

Tajh Boyd has been Clemson's starting quarterback for nearly forever, but this will be his final season, so a replacement must be groomed.

With backup quarterback Chad Kelly tearing his ACL this spring, 2014 commitment Deshaun Watson is now a more important player.

Watson is one of the best passers in the country, as the 6'3", 200-pounder is a dual-threat quarterback. Watson makes quick decisions, has good arm strength and can make dazzling plays with his legs.

Clemson's class can't live without Watson because he could be its starting quarterback in 2014. 

13. Auburn

Although Auburn received a commitment from talented JUCO receiver D'haquille Williams last month, the recruit it can't live without is running back Racean Thomas.

Thomas has the ability to be an instant impact player for the Tigers, not just because he plays running back. With Gus Malzahn running a spread offense, running backs will need to be able to factor into the passing game.

Thomas is one of the best receiving backs in the country, and he will be key piece in Malzahn's offense while on The Plains. 

12. Kentucky

Kentucky has commitments from talented players such as safety Darius West, receiver Thaddeus Snodgrass and defensive end Denzel Ware.

However, its most crucial commitment is quarterback Drew Barker. From Kentucky, Barker is the face of the Wildcats' 2014 class.

He was a must-get by Mark Stoops, as it was imperative that the new head coach find a quarterback of the future, while also showing the state that he is serious about building a recruiting fence around it.  

If Barker were to de-commit from Kentucky, Stoops' class would crumble.

11. Ole Miss

Hugh Freeze knows that if he wants Ole Miss to start being more competitive on the field versus SEC opponents, he needs to build a great offensive line.

In 2013, Freeze signed talented linemen such as offensive tackles Laremy Tunsil and Austin Golson. The pair are expected to be future bookends for the Rebels, but landing interior talent is now the more important objective.

That is where talented and road-grading guard Roderick Taylor comes into play. Taylor, who stands nearly 6'4" and weigh 305 pounds, will give the Rebels another talented and young offensive lineman.

Ole Miss could have a future intimidating offensive line with Tunsil at left tackle, Golson at right tackle, and fellow 2014 commit Andy Bauer and Taylor at the guard spots.

10. Michigan

What Shane Morris was to the 2013 Michigan recruiting class, Jabrill Peppers is to the 2014 group. The New Jersey native is a future superstar in Ann Arbor, as he is the nation's most versatile player.

Peppers, who is 6'1" and 205 pounds, combines amazing athleticism with excellent instincts. He will initially play cornerback at Michigan, but he could find himself playing several different positions before he graduates.

He's without a doubt the core piece of Michigan's 2014 recruiting class.

9. Texas

Quarterback Connor Brewer has transferred to Arizona, as his departure from Texas makes 2014 prospect Jerrod Heard's commitment more important.

2013 signee Tyrone Swoopes has great athleticism, but is still raw as a passer. He could be the heir apparent to current starter David Ash, but Texas needs a great insurance policy, which Heard provides.

Heard's commitment is also important to Texas for depth reasons. 

8. Texas A&M

Texas A&M has several stud commitments, including quarterback Kyle Allen and linebacker Hoza Scott.

However, the commit its 2014 class can't live without is defensive back Nick Harvey. An undersized safety at 5'9", Harvey is a great leader who is one of the smarter defensive players in the country.

He will become the alpha male in the Aggies' secondary early in his career, as he has team captain potential. With Texas A&M needing to stock its roster with more defensive talent, Harvey is the type of player who can rally a defense. 

7. Notre Dame

With quarterback Gunner Kiel transferring to Cincinnati, and 2012 starter Everett Golson being ineligible for the 2013 season, landing a quarterback in its 2014 class became suddenly crucial for Notre Dame.

Although he is raw and will be a project, DeShone Kizer is the most important player in the Golden Domers' class. Kizer is a 6'5", 207-pound passer with a high ceiling.

Head coach Brian Kelly must slowly, but properly develop Kizer, as he could be the starter in South Bend earlier than expected. 

6. Ohio State

Ohio State is clearly building an SEC defense under head coach Urban Meyer, so an emphasis on speed and athleticism has been put on back-seven defensive prospects.

Outside linebacker Dante Booker is one of the more athletic, agile and faster players at his position in the country. It also just so happens that Ohio State needs to add more depth at linebacker, so getting Booker's commitment helps fill two needs. 

5. Georgia

Quarterback Jacob Park and defensive tackle Lamont Gaillard are great recruits, as is running back Nick Chubb.

But the centerpiece of Georgia's 2014 recruiting class is running back Sony Michel.

Players like Michel do not come around often, as the 5'11", 205-pounder has fantastic talent. He likely will not make a big impact early in his career due to the presence of incumbents Keith Marshall and Todd Gurley, but Michel will pick up where those two leave off after they bolt for the NFL.

4. Miami

Joseph Yearby is one of the best running back prospects to ever come out of Miami, which is a big statement considering all of the great talent the city has produced.

He was also once committed to Florida State, as Yearby flipping to the Hurricanes shows Al Golden is beginning to be a bigger rival to his in-state foes than when he was when he first came to Coral Gables.

Yearby is an excellent player, as he has explosive speed, great agility, vision and quickness. He is the face of Golden's 2014 class, and will be a legend in Miami for opting to stay home.  

3. Tennessee

Tennessee head coach Butch Jones has a great class, as he has nabbed commitments from studs such as running back Jalen Hurd, linebacker Dillon Bates, safety Todd Kelly Jr. and linebacker Kevin Mouhon.

But with the Vols being desperate for receivers in this class, Dominique Booth is the recruit they can't live without. Booth, who is 6'1" and 200 pounds, is a similar receiver to Austin Pettis of the St. Louis Rams.

The Indiana receiver has strong hands, runs good routes and has a knack for finding holes in coverage. He should get on the field as a true freshman, as Jones will need him to be ready. 

2. Florida State

Players who are versatile are great to have because they can fill different roles on a roster. Athlete JoJo Robinson has the ability to play receiver, cornerback, running back, punt returner and kickoff returner.

Essentially, Robinson could play five different roles while at Florida State. No other 2014 Seminole commitment has as much versatility as Robinson, who's like a Swiss Army knife on the field. 

1. Alabama

The Crimson Tide need offensive tackles in this class. Current left tackle Cyrus Kouandjio could leave for the NFL after this season, so landing someone to protect the blindside of future Alabama quarterbacks is crucial.

JUCO offensive tackle Dominick Jackson is a 6'7", 304-pound offensive tackle who committed to UCLA, but flipped to 'Bama. He gives the Tide a great insurance policy if stud left tackle prospect Cameron Robinson decides against blocking in Tuscaloosa.

Jackson could be the starting left tackle for Alabama in 2014.

Edwin Weathersby is the College Football Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. He has worked in scouting/player personnel departments for three professional football teams, including the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns.