College Football Recruiting 2014: Ranking the Top 25 Recruiting Classes
With November right around the corner, the college football season is moving along at a brisk pace. That also means that recruiting is starting to become more important, so now is a good time to update the Top 25 recruiting classes.
While waiting for many uncommitted recruits to make their decisions, programs still have constructed a large portion of their 2014 recruiting classes. And some schools have put together better recruiting assemblies than others.
The SEC leads the way, as several of its schools have great classes. Yet, the ACC and the Big Ten also boast multiple schools in the rankings.
NOTE: No. of 4-and-5-star recruits in each class is based on theย 247Sports composite rankings.
Player evaluations are based on review of tape atย Scout.com,ย Rivals,ย 247Sportsย andย ESPNU.ย
25. Oklahoma State
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Oklahoma State has become a better recruiting program in recent years. The Cowboys have a solid 22-man class led by 4-star running backs Tyreek Hillย andย Devon Thomas. The defense is led by 4-star linebackerย Gyasi Akem, who also flashes some pass-rushing ability on the edges.
An interesting note about this class is that 12 commitments are from Texas. Adding more depth to the back-seven unit of the defense appears to be the theme, as Oklahoma State has eight commitments from recruits who play linebacker or defensive back.ย
24. Rutgers
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Total commitments:ย 24ย
Head coach Kyle Flood has built one of the best Rutgers recruiting classes in modern memory. The Scarlet Knights have 24 commitments, with 11 in-state prospects from New Jersey.
A pair of 4-star receivers are the top prospects; Saeed Blacknallย and Adonis Jenningsย both stand 6'3" and have good speed. Safety Kiy Hester, a 4-star defender, is a versatile prospect who could also find himself playing on offense for Rutgers.
With Flood being an offensive line coach at heart, it's not shocking that the offensive front has the most commitments in the class with five.ย
23. North Carolina
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Total commitments: 22
5-star recruits: None
4-star recruits: Three
The Tar Heels are a sleeping-giant program, and it appears they are waking up. North Carolina has a talented recruiting class that will bring great depth to its program.
Each of UNC's three 4-star prospects are offensive recruits, with running back Elijah Hood the group's best player. At nearly 6'0" and 222 pounds, Hood has the power and speed to be exceptional in the ACC. Quarterback Caleb Hendersonย has great physical tools, and offensive lineman Bentley Spainย will help protect him.
North Carolina also has four safeties in this class.ย
22. Arizona
4 of 26
Total commitments: 27
5-star recruits: None
4-star recruits: Six
The Wildcats have a large class, approaching the 30-player mark. Head coach Rich Rodriguez trusts his evaluations, going after players who fit his systems; he is building a solid program in the desert.
The majority of the group is from either Arizona or California, with 4-star athleteย Cameron Denson the headliner. Other 4-star prospects such as running backย Nick Wilsonย andย cornerbackย Naijiel Haleย are also future stars.
Plus, 'Zona boasts three 4-star linebackers in Marquis Ware,ย Jamardre Cobbย andย Antonio Smothers.ย ย
21. Virginia Tech
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Total commitments: 23
5-star recruits: None
4-star recruits: Three
The Hokies know home is where the heart is, as 13 commitments are from Virginia.ย Holland Fisher, who was once a 2013 recruit, is now considered part of the 2014 class due to the 4-star safety enrolling at a prep school.
Javon Harrison, a 4-star Florida native, can play safety or receiver with his 6'1", 187-pound frame. Marshawn Williamsย is a 5'11", 215-pound 3-star running back who has a good skill set. C.J. Reavisย is a 3-star prospect with the ability to make plays at safety and outside linebacker.
Also, do not overlook 3-star quarterbackย Andrew Ford. Virginia Tech also has five offensive line pledges.ย
20. Vanderbilt
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Total commitments: 20
5-star recruits: None
4-star recruits: Two
Head coach James Franklin is one of the hardest working recruiting head coaches in the country. He's done a remarkable job at Vanderbilt, as the Commodores are now respected on the trail.
They have secured commitments from 20 players, and 10 different states are represented in the class. Quarterbackย K.J. Carta-Samuelsย and safetyย Kyle Gibsonย are the top players in the group, as they are both 4-star prospects.
Out of Vanderbilt's 20 commitments, 13 play either offensive line or in the secondary.ย
19. Arkansas
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Total commitments:ย 17
5-star recruits: None
4-star recruits: Four
Bret Bielema is now in charge of the Hogs,ย and he is enjoying a good 2014 recruiting cycle. Arkansas has a smaller class with 17 pledges, but it has found good value.
Jermaine Eluemunorย andย Jovan Pruittย are 4-star offensive linemen who both stand 6'6". Quarterbackย Rafe Peavey, a 4-star prospect,ย has an "it" factor about him. Plus, 4-star defensive tackleย Bijhon Jacksonย stands nearly 6'2", weighs 334 pounds and is a load in the trenches.
Bielema also has a pair of commitments from sleeper 3-star cornerbacksย Kweishi Brownย andย Henre' Toliver, who both stand 6'1".
18. Baylor
8 of 26
Total commitments: 23
5-star recruits: One
4-star recruits: Three
Baylor is a program on the rise, and it needs to do everything it can to keep head coach Art Briles in Waco. The Bears have ascended up the Big 12's pecking order, and they also command more respect on the trail.
KD Cannon, a 5-star receiver, is the headliner. He has great speed, plays with good awareness and has fantastic ball skills.ย Davion Hall, who is 6'2" and 186 pounds, is a 4-star athlete who can do damage as a receiver or safety.
T'Kevian Rockwellย leads the defensive class; the 4-star linebacker has impressive range, instincts and short-area quickness. Outside of one commitment from Pennsylvania, all prospects are from Texas.ย
17. Stanford
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Total commitments: 17
5-star recruits: One
4-star recruits: Four
Stanford may not be flashy on the trail, but it gets the job done every year. Head coach David Shaw is passionate about his alma mater, has a poised demeanor and has recruited well on The Farm.
Stanford's top prize is 5-star quarterbackย Keller Chryst. The Northern California nativeย has the potential to be an All-American for the Cardinal. Running backย Christian McCaffreyย has an athletic running style, as the 4-star Colorado native shows good quickness and elusiveness.
Defensively, Stanford has commitments from 4-star prospects such as defensive linemanย Nifae Lealao, linebackerย Joey Alfieriย and safetyย Brandon Simmons.ย
16. Kentucky
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Total commitments: 25
5-star recruits: None
4-star recruits: Six
Kentucky is another program under new management with new head coach Mark Stoops. The program is recruiting with more confidence.
Quarterbackย Drew Barkerย is the group's centerpieceโand not because he's a 4-star recruit. Barker is from the state, plays a crucial position and has leadership qualities. He'll work well with 4-star running backย Stanley Williams.
With Stoops being a defensive-minded coach, having 4-star defenders such as defensive endย Denzel Ware, safetyย Darius Westย and JUCO defensive tackleย Cory Johnsonย will help his scheme operate better in the coming seasons.
15. Clemson
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Total commitments: 17
5-star recruits: None
4-star recruits: Eight
Although it suffered a bad loss to Florida State last weekend, Clemson still is one of the nation's top programs. Head coach Dabo Swinney is a great recruiter, and his staff does a good job of finding players.
The Tigers' top recruit is 4-star quarterbackย Deshaun Watson. However, 4-star prospects such as receiverย Artavis Scott, linebackerย Korie Rogers, running backย Adam Choiceย andย tight endย Milan Richardย are also among the nation's best.
Korie Rogersย andย Chris Registerย are 4-star linebackers who will help on defense and special teamsย early in their careers.ย
14. Ole Miss
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Total commitments: 21
5-star recruits: None
4-star recruits: Five
Ole Miss has assembled its second consecutive impressive recruiting class. Although this group may lack the sizzle of the 2013 haul, it still features good talent.
Safetyย C.J. Hampton, a 4-star prospect, is one of the best in the country.
Roderick Taylorย andย Andy Bauerย are 4-star offensive linemen who will be All-SEC blockers in Oxford.ย D.K. Bufordย has rare quicknessโthe 4-star recruit can play receiver and running back.ย Demarquis Gatesย is a 4-star linebacker who has great range, and 3-star receiverย Dayall Harrisย will use his 6'4" frame to help in the red zone.
13. Notre Dame
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Total commitments: 16
5-star recruits: None
4-star recruits: 11
The Irish don't have a big class, but they have great quality. Head coach Brian Kelly has nine commitments from players who play offensive or defensive line.
Quenton Nelson, a 4-star blocker leads the way. Keep an eye on 4-star receiverย Corey Holmes. The Florida native has solid hands, displays great speed and is a smooth athlete. He will be joined on the perimeter byย Justin Brent, another 4-star receiver.
Although he may not play early, 4-star quarterbackย DeShone Kizerย has a high ceiling. Other notable 4-star recruits include linebackerย Richard Yeargin III, tight endย Nic Weisharย and defensive tackleย Jay Hayes.ย
12. Texas
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Total commitments: 24
5-star recruits: None
4-star recruits: Eight
The Longhorns have 24 commitments, and 20 are from Texas. Head coach Mack Brown also has two prospects from Louisiana and traveled to Florida and North Carolina to get a player from each state.
Dual-threat 4-star quarterbackย Jerrod Heardย is the headliner, but 4-star prospects such as defensive endย Derick Robersonย and running backย Donald Catalonย are also important commits.
Receiverย Armanti Foreman, a 4-star prospect,ย has excellent quickness, plus 4-star lineabckerย Otaro Alakaย can play on all three downs.
11. Auburn
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Total commitments: 16
5-star recruits: One
4-star recruits: Six
Fresh off a huge win over Texas A&M, Auburn appears to be on the fast track back to the top of the SEC. The Tigers have just 16 commitments, but this class is loaded.
Running backย Racean Thomasย is a 5-star prospect who can also help in the passing game. JUCO 4-star receiverย D'haquille Williamsย should help immediately on The Plains, and the reps he'll get versus 4-star cornerbackย Nick Ruffinย in practice will make both players better on Saturdays.
Derrick Moncriefย is a 4-star safety from the JUCO ranks who has the size of a linebacker at 6'3" and 226 pounds.ย Linebackerย Tre' Williams, quarterbackย Sean Whiteย andย defensive endย Justin Thorntonย are also notable 4-star pledges.ย
10. Florida State
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Total commitments: 24
5-star recruits: None
4-star recruits: 10
Florida State knows it sits in a pool of talent, which is why it's not a surprise that 15 of its 24 commitments are from Florida.
Head coach Jimbo Fisher has commitments from 4-star recruits such as linebackers Kain Daub,ย Jacob Pughย andย Delvin Purifoy. They will be joined in Tallahassee by other 4-star recruits such as explosive receiverย Markell Pack, safetyย Trey Marshall, athleteย Treon Harrisย and quarterbackย JJ Cosentino.
Also keep an eye on 4-star defensive tacklesย Dexter Widemanย andย Demarcus Christmas.ย
9. LSU
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Total commitments: 15
5-star recruits: None
4-star recruits: 10
LSU is waiting on several elite prospects to make their decisions, so its recruiting class could be ranked higher in February.
As of now, the Tigers have 15 commitments, and 10 are 4-star recruits.ย Edward Paris, a 4-star defensive back, is the headliner. The Texan has great size at 6'1" and 190 pounds, and exhibits outstanding short-area quickness.
Brandon Harrisย is a 4-star quarterback with a cannon for a right arm. He'll love throwing to 4-star receiversย Trey Quinnย andย Tony Upchurch, plus 4-star tight endย Jacory Washingtonย is also in this class.
Davon Godchauxย is a 4-star defensive end who will likely grow into a defensive tackle in Baton Rouge. He'll get great reps in practice by facing 4-star guardsย Will Clappย andย Garrett Brumfield.ย
8. Florida
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Total commitments: 14
5-star recruits: Three
4-star recruits: Five
The Gators have done quite well for themselves during this recruiting cycle. They boast three 5-star prospects in running backย Dalvin Cook, receiverย Ermon Laneย and quarterbackย Will Grier.
All three players have a shot to get early snaps in Gainesville. Yet, the class does not end with the talented trio. Florida has pledges from 4-star recruits such as defensive tackle Khairi Clark, receiverย J.C. Jackson, safetyย Quincy Wilsonย and cornerbacksย Chris Lammonsย andย Duke Dawson.ย ย ย
7. Miami
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Total commitments: 26
5-star recruits: None
4-star recruits: Eight
With 26 commitments, Miami is bringing in a large class. Head coach Al Golden has become more confident with each recruiting class, plus he has won some key games.
The most talented player in the group is 4-star running backย Joseph Yearby, an electric player with premier quickness and instincts.ย Kc McDermott,ย Reilly Gibbonsย ย andย Trevor Darlingย are 4-star blockers who will open up holes for Yearby in Coral Gables.
Chad Thomas, a 4-star defensive end, is one of the most explosive pass-rushers in the country. He'll be joined in the defensive trenches by 4-star defensive tackle Travonte Valentine. A sleeper in this class is 3-star cornerbackย Nigel Bethel.ย
6. Tennessee
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Total commitments: 27
5-star recruits: One
4-star recruits: 12
Tennessee's class has two cornerstones in 5-star running back Jalen Hurdย and safetyย Todd Kelly. Hurd is a 6'3", 220-pound runner with great speed. Kelly stands 6'1", weighs 200 pounds and hits like a truck.
Head coach Butch Jones has 13 states represented in his class, and also has a commitment from a player from Washington, D.C.
Dillon Batesย is from Florida, and the 4-star linebacker has terrific straight-line speed. He'll be joined on the second level of the defense by 4-star recruitsย Kevin Mouhon,ย Chris Weatherdย andย Gavin Bryant.ย Dominique Boothย is a 4-star receiver who could help immediately, as the Indiana native has good quickness. ย
5. Michigan
21 of 26
Total commitments: 16
5-star recruits: One
4-star recruits: Seven
Big Blue has put together another excellent recruiting class under head coach Brady Hoke.ย Jabrill Peppers, a 5-star athlete, is the best player Hoke has brought to Ann Arbor.
Peppers, who is 6'1" and 205 pounds, can play cornerback, running back, receiver and safety. Michigan also has a commitment from high-end 4-star receiverย Drake Harris.ย
Bryan Moneย is a beast of a 4-star defensive tackle, while 4-star offensive linemenย Juwann Bushell-Beattyย andย Mason Coleย will add depth to the offensive front.
Lawrence Marshall, a defensive end, tight endย Ian Buntingย and linebackerย Michael Fernsย are other notable 4-star recruits in this group.
4. Texas A&M
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Total commitments: 15
5-star recruits: Two
4-star recruits: Eight
Head coach Kevin Sumlin has turned Texas A&M into one of the best recruiting programs in the country. He has two 5-star commitments in quarterbackย Kyle Allen and defensive endย Myles Garrett.
There is a chance that both players could be starters in 2014.
Linebackerย Hoza Scott, cornerbackย Nick Harvey, safetyย Dylan Sumner-Gardner, running backย Varshaun Nixonย and defensive end/linebackerย Josh Walkerย are 4-star recruits who will be difference-makers in College Station.
3. Georgia
23 of 26
Total commitments: 17
5-star recruits: One
4-star recruits: 11
Georgia has put in a great deal of work to build its fantastic recruiting class. Head coach Mark Richt has 13 commitments from players who are from Georgia or Florida.
Running backย Sony Michelย is the best player in the class, as the 5-star prospect has a great combination of speed, quickness, strength and vision.ย Nick Chubb, a 4-star running back, is not far behind.
The defensive line will get a boost from a pair of 4-star recruits inย Dontavius Russellย andย Lamont Gaillard, while 4-star defensive endย Keyon Brownย will take pleasure in getting after passers in the SEC.
Quarterbackย Jacob Park, cornerbackย Malkom Parrish, guard Isaiah Wynnย andย Jeb Blazevichย are also notable 4-star commitments for UGA.ย
2. Ohio State
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Total commitments: 18
5-star recruits: None
4-star recruits: 13
A recruiting juggernaut, Ohio State has a great group of recruits coming to Columbus. Head coach Urban Meyer is one of the best recruiting head coaches in history, and he's done nothing to ruin his reputation during this cycle.
The Buckeyes have gone to 11 different states for prospects, and 4-star linebackerย Dante Bookerย leads the class.
However, 4-star prospects such as athleteย Curtis Samuel, cornerbackย Damon Webb, defensive endย Jalyn Holmes, linebackerย Kyle Bergerย and running back/receiverย Parris Campbellย are also great talents.ย
Ohio State also has commitments from 4-star offensive linemen such asย Jamarco Jones,ย Marcelys Jones,ย Demetrius Knoxย andย Kyle Trout.
1. Alabama
25 of 26
Total commitments: 21
5-star commitments: Two
4-star commitments: 13
The nation's top recruiting class belongs to the folks in Tuscaloosa. Alabama is a bully on the recruiting trail, rarely gets turned down by elite prospects and routinely signs exceptional classes.
Without question, the headliner of the class is 5-star left tackleย Cameron Robinson. Yet, 4-star recruits such as linebacker/defensive end Christian Millerย and quarterbackย David Cornwellย are also important players.
Cornerbackย Kalvaraz Bessent, receiverย Cameron Sims, guardย Viane Talamaivaoย and linebackerย Zach Whitleyย are alsoย outstandingย 4-star commitments.ย
2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map
26 of 26Many of the top recruits in the nation's best recruiting classes can be found on theย 2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map! This is a great tool for recruiting fans!
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