2014 SEC Football Recruiting Rankings Post Da'Shawn Hand to Alabama
Da'Shawn Handย unveiled his collegiate intentions Thursday, committing toย Alabama on national television. The nation's No. 1 defensive end gives theย Crimson Tideย another top-tier prospect in a stout recruiting class.
In the aftermath of one of the most eagerly awaited commitments of the 2014 recruiting cycle, it's an excellent time to reassess how SEC teams stack up in terms of landing prospects from across the country. We rank the 14 programs based on volume of incoming talent.
All prospect rankings courtesy of 247Sports.
14. Missouri
1 of 14
Total Commitments: 25 (three 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch: Given the Tigers' recent success at receiver, it's no surprise the team was able to land commitments from a pair of talented pass-catchers. Nate Brownย is one of the top offensiveย players in Georgia, whileย Lawrence Leeย is an intriguing speedster from Florida. Mizzou picked up two 4-star prospects in November, adding offensive tackle Andy Bauerย and linebacker Brandon Lee.
Still Targeting: The Tigers would love to add depth along the defensive line. Missouri is the chase forย 3-star JUCO tackles Calvin Heurtelouย and Rika Levi. Frank Iheanacho, a raw 6'7" receiver from Houston, is also a possibility.
13. Mississippi State
2 of 14
Total Commitments: 19 (four 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch: Mississippi State is stockpiling talent at skill positions, highlighted by running back Aeris Williams, wide receiver Jesse Jacksonย andย athlete Jamoral Graham, who could ultimately play on either side of the ball.ย Will Colemanย is considered one of the country's best JUCO defensive ends.
Still Targeting: The team remains in the mixย for No. 1 overall cornerback prospect Marlon Humphrey, who is also considering Clemson, Florida State and Alabama.ย Mississippi State is also a finalist in the recruiting race for
12. Arkansas
3 of 14
Total Commitments: 17 (four 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch: The Razorbacks have reigned in commitments from impressive 4-star quarterback Rafe Peavy, who will quickly grow familiar with Florida tight end prospect Ravian Pierce.ย Defensive tackle Bijhon Jacksonย
Still Targeting: Arkansas has its sights set on more defensive stars. 4-star defensive tackle Josh Frazierย and 4-star cornerback Raymond Wingoย are considering the Razorbacks.ย
11. South Carolina
4 of 14
Total Commitments: 14 (five 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch: The Gamecocks have gained valuable outside offensive weapons in the form of 4-star wide receivers Shaq Davidsonย and Terry Googer. Linebacker Bryson Allen-Williamsย is an instinctive defender and can provide pass coverage.
Still Targeting: South Carolina is in search of secondary help, targeting 4-star cornerbacks Wesley Greenย and D.J. Smith, both Georgia prospects. The Gamecocks remain in the mix for 4-star running back Derrell Scott.
10. Vanderbilt
5 of 14
Total Commitments: 20 (six 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch: The Commodores have collected quite a haul this year, luring talented 4-star quarterback K.J. Carta-Samuelsย away from San Jose, Calif. Kyle Gibsonย and Emmanuel Smithย form a 4-star safety tandem.
Still Targeting: Vanderbilt remains in the picture for 4-star linebacker Nyles Morgan,ย The team would also love to load up on cornerback depth, most notably Parrker Westphal.
9. Kentucky
6 of 14
Total Commitments: 25 (five 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch: Kentucky ensured its offense is in good hands for the futureย by reeling in 4-star quarterback Drew Barker. He'll be handling the ball off to Stanley Williams, a powerful 4-star running back. Defensive end Denzel Wareย is a legitimate disruptor.
Still Targeting: The Wildcats are fighting hard to land 5-star defensive tackle Matt Elam, the top-ranked player in Kentucky. 4-star JUCO defensive tackle Daniel Rossย would be a solid consolation prize.
8. Ole Miss
7 of 14
Total Commitments: 21 (seven 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch: Ole Miss isn't necessarily assembling the amazing class of 2013 again, but it's still an impressive haul. The Rebels are loading up on defensive help, in the form of safety C.J. Hampton, linebacker Demarquis Gatesย and cornerback Kendarius Webster. Roderick Taylor, the nation's top-ranked guard, is also committed.
Still Targeting: Ole Miss is after more defensive line help. The Rebels are among favorites for 4-star tackles Elisha Shawย and Daniel Ross, a JUCO prospect.
7. Auburn
8 of 14
Total Commitments: 16 (nine 4-stars, one 5-star)
Best of the Bunch: Auburn landed wide receive D'haquille Williams, the country's top-ranked JUCO prospect. 5-star running back Racean Thomasย has the makings of a special playmaker, while Alabama native Tre' Williamsย is among the nation's most impressive inside linebackers.
Still Targeting: Auburn native Rashaan Evans, a top uncommitted linebacker, is still considering his hometown team. The Tigers are in the hunt for 4-star receiver Travis Rudolph.
6. LSU
9 of 14
Total Commitments: 15 (11 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch: 4-star prospects Davon Godchauxย and Deondre Clarkย form a dynamic duo at defensive end. Dual-threat quarterback Brandon Harrisย could be in line to fight for a starting spot early, while wide receiver Trey Quinnย is less than 200 yards shy of breaking the all-time national career receiving yards record.
Still Targeting: No one ranks higher on the Tigers' recruiting board than Leonard Fournette, the nation's top-ranked running back. LSU would love to pair him with a 5-star receiver like Speedy Noilย or Malach Dupre, both New Orleans natives.
5. Georgia
10 of 14
Total Commitments: 14 (12 4-star, two 5-stars)
Best of the Bunch: Georgia product Nick Chubbย is a dazzling 5-star running back prospect who should pair well with fellow rusher Sony Michel. The Bulldogs landed 4-star passer Jacob Parkย and strengthen the defensive line withย studย tackle Lamont Gaillard.
Still Targeting: Georgia is in the final mix for 4-star wide receiver Josh Malone.ย The Bulldogs also have a strong shot at securing a commitment from Lorenzo Carter, the nation's No. 2 defensive end recruit.
4. Texas A&M
11 of 14
Total Commitments: 17 (10 4-stars, two 5-stars)
Best of the Bunch: Weak-side defensive end Myles Garrettย and quarterback Kyle Allenย each rank as the No. 1 players at their position nationally. Running back Varshan Nixonย is a versatile weapon, while mammoth 4-star offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunorย will look to pave the way on carries.
Still Targeting: 5-star wide receiver Speedy Noilย has visited College Station and still considers the Aggies an option. 5-star cornerback Tony Brownย is a Texan and a top target.
3. Florida
12 of 14
Total Commitments: 15 (seven 4-stars, three 5-stars)
Best of the Bunch: A stagnant Florida offense is about to become a lot more explosive. Quarterback Will Grier, receiver Ermon Laneย and running back Dalvin Cookย are each 5-star recruits who can make a case as the best players at their position. Defensive tackle Khairi Clarkย is a dominant defensive anchor.
Still Targeting: Florida remains a favorite for 5-star athlete Adoree' Jackson.ย The Gators are in the final picture for 5-star offensive tackle Damian Prince.
2. Tennessee
13 of 14
Total Commitments: 31 (19 4-stars, one 5-star)
Best of the Bunch: 5-star athlete Jalen Hurdย headlines a strong class. 4-star wide receivers Lavon Pearsonย and Dominique Boothย keep up a tradition of top passing targets in Knoxville. Safety Todd Kellyย ranks among theย country's best at his position.
Still Targeting: The Vols hope to keep 4-star receiver Josh Maloneย in his home state. 4-star defensive tackle Charles Mosleyย would fill a need for Tennessee.
1. Alabama
14 of 14Total Commitments: 23 (15 4-stars, 4 5-stars)
Best of the Bunch: The rich get richer in Tuscaloosa. The two-time defending national champions have landed the nation's No. 1 players at offensive tackle (Cameron Robinson), defensive end (Da'Shawn Hand) and center (JC Hassenauer). 5-star linebacker Christian Millerย is dominant and 4-star quarterback David Cornwellย is also on his way.
Still Targeting: Believe it or not, there's room for improvement in this recruiting class. The Crimson Tide remain in pursuit of 5-star prospects Leonard Fournette, Marlon Humphreyย and Matt Elam, among others.
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