College Football Recruiting 2014: Re-Ranking the Top 25 Recruiting Classes
At this point, many programs are starting to put the finishing touches on their recruiting classes.
That also means rankings are starting to take a more permanent shape, so it's time to take another look and re-rank the top recruiting groups in the nation.
Notre Dame appears primed for an elite finish, while Auburn is on the rise. Texas has done well for itself, plus Florida is recruiting impressively despite its disappointing season on the field.
NOTE: 4- and-5-star recruits are based on the 247Sports composite rankings.
25. Penn State
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Headliner: DeAndre Thompkins, WR
Penn State has a class of 16 commitments, with five being 4-star prospects. Head coach Bill O'Brien has proven to be a solid recruiter in the Big Ten, evidenced by him convincing 4-star quarterback Michael O'Connor to join his program even though Christian Hackenberg is only a freshman.
However, the top player in the group is DeAndre Thompkins. The 4-star receiver from North Carolina has the talent to contribute immediately. Chris Godwin and Mike Gesicki are also 4-star prospects who will help the passing game.
Defensively, linebacker Troy Reeder is a tough 3-star player who is a good fit for PSU. Also, keep an eye on 3-star defensive backs Troy Vincent and Marcus Allen.
24. Oklahoma State
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Headliner: Tyreek Hill, RB
The Cowboys have four 4-star prospects in their class of 23 commitments. Oklahoma State has gradually raised its recruiting profile in recent cycles, as this could be its best class yet.
Tyreek Hill is a talented 4-star JUCO running back who will be joined in the backfield by fellow 4-star runner Devon Thomas. Gyasi Akem, a 4-star outside linebacker, will help the Pokes become better on defense.
At nearly 6'3", Keenen Brown is a big 4-star receiver from Texas who will surely catch a pass or two in Stillwater. Watch out for powerful 3-star blocker Lemaefe Galeai, as he is a tough offensive lineman who has good strength.
23. Wisconsin
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Headliner: Jaden Gault, OT
Wisconsin has 21 commitments; however, 4-star defensive tackle Craig Evans is a "soft" pledge. Head coach Gary Andersen hasn't changed much to the Badgers' approach, so things are still the same in Madison.
Jaden Gault leads the group, as the 4-star offensive lineman has the strength and agility to play left tackle. D.J. Gillins is a 4-star dual-threat quarterback from Florida who should develop into a star, plus 3-star running back Taiwan Deal has good size at 6'2" and 225 pounds.
Conor Sheehy and Billy Hirschfeld are 3-star defensive ends who are good fits for Wisconsin's new 3-4 defense.
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22. Arizona State
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Headliner: Derik Calhoun, OLB
Arizona State is on pace to bring in one of its best classes in recent memory. With 19 total commitments, the Sun Devils have six 4-star prospects headed to Tempe.
Although Derik Calhoun is listed as the headliner, several players can lay claim to the throne. Yet the 4-star outside 'backer gets the nod due to his impressive versatility.
Tyler Whiley and Jalen Harvey are 4-star receivers who both stand 6'1" and can ball with the best. They will dig catching passes from talented 4-star quarterback Manny Wilkins, who should be thankful he is on the same team as 4-star defensive end Connor Humphreys.
Keep an eye on players such as 4-star athlete Darrel Williams and 3-star quarterback Coltin Gerhart.
21. Virginia Tech
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Headliner: Holland Fisher, S
Although 14 of the 23 commitments for Virginia Tech are in-state prospects, states such as Florida, Ohio, New Jersey, Maryland and Pennsylvania are represented.
The class has three 4-star prospects, but several 3-star recruits are underrated. Holland Fisher, a 4-star safety who signed with the Hokies in 2013, is the top player in the group. Yet D.J. Reid is a good 4-star running back, and 4-star athlete Javon Harrison can play several positions.
As for the underrated 3-star prospects, players such as defensive lineman Ricky Walker, cornerback Cequan Jefferson, offensive tackle Tyrell Smith, safety/linebacker C.J. Reavis and running back Marshawn Williams all deserve an extra star.
Head coach Frank Beamer also has two 3-star quarterbacks in his class, as Travon McMillian and Andrew Ford will throw for the Hokies.
20. Arizona
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Headliner: Cameron Denson, ATH
This is an impressive 27-man class for Arizona, although 3-star JUCO safety Jamie Byrd is a "soft" commitment. Head coach Rich Rodriguez has six 4-star recruits coming to the desert, led by Cameron Denson, who is a 4-star athlete at 6'1" and 170 pounds.
Should Denson play cornerback for 'Zona, he could form a wonderful tandem with 4-star cover man Naijiel Hale. Marquis Ware and Jamardre Cobb are good 4-star linebackers who are teammates at Bishop Mora Salesian in California.
Nick Wilson, a 4-star running back, could be ready to run for the Wildcats as a true freshman. Another player who should help immediately is 4-star JUCO linebacker Antonio Smothers, while 3-star quarterback Brandon Dawkins has big upside.
19. Kentucky
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Headliner: Drew Barker, QB
Kentucky has cooled off a bit on the recruiting trail, but it's still hard not to like its class. With 25 commitments, the Wildcats have six 4-star recruits.
Drew Barker is the headliner, as the 4-star quarterback is the class' most important player. He's an in-state passer who will be the face of the program within the next three years. Thaddeus Snodgrass is a speedy 4-star receiver, but 3-star receiver Dorian Baker also has huge potential.
Darius West is a talented 4-star safety, while 4-star defensive end Denzel Ware will help pressure passers in Lexington. Ware will be joined in the trenches by 4-star JUCO defensive tackle Cory Johnson.
It's been a tough year for head coach Mark Stoops on the field, but the talent at Kentucky is being upgraded.
18. Stanford
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Headliner: Keller Chryst, QB
Head coach David Shaw is recruiting well for Stanford, which has 16 commitments. Keller Chryst is a 5-star quarterback who should be downright great in Palo Alto.
Christian McCaffrey, a 4-star running back, will join him in the offensive backfield. Defensive lineman Nifae Lealao and linebacker Joey Alfieri are talented 4-star defenders who will love playing with 4-star safety Brandon Simmons.
Watch out for 3-star recruits such as linebacker Kirk Tucker, defensive end Lane Veach, cornerback Alijah Holder and athlete Bobby Okereke.
17. North Carolina
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Headliner: Elijah Hood, RB
North Carolina has a solid class of 21 commitments, but its group starts and ends with Elijah Hood. A 4-star running back, the powerful North Carolina native deserves an extra star.
Hood has a chance to be special, as he should contribute immediately as a true freshman. Bentley Spain is a 4-star offensive lineman who will help open holes for Hood, who will be joined in the offensive backfield by 4-star quarterback Caleb Henderson.
M.J. Stewart and Allen Artis are good 3-star safeties, while linebacker Tyrell Tomlin is another underrated 3-star recruit.
16. Clemson
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Headliner: Deshaun Watson, QB
Head coach Dabo Swinney is one of the best recruiters in the country, so it's not shocking Clemson has another great class in the works.
The Tigers are led by Deshaun Watson, a 4-star quarterback from Georgia who can do just about everything. His top targets will be 4-star players such as Milan Richard, Artavis Scott and Demarre Kitt.
Adam Choice is listed as an athlete, but the 4-star recruit fits best as a running back. Chris Register and Korie Rogers are 4-star linebackers who are the best defensive players in the class.
15. Baylor
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Headliner: KD Cannon, WR
With 24 commitments, Baylor checks in at No. 15. The Bears have one of their best classes in school history, which is led by 5-star receiver KD Cannon. At 6'0" and 162 pounds, he has the speed and hands to re-write the record books in Waco.
Davion Hall is a 4-star athlete who can also play receiver, but do not be surprised if he gets a look as a safety. Speaking of defense, 4-star linebacker T'Kevian Rockwell is the top commitment on that side of the ball.
However, 4-star athlete Terence Williams can play anywhere, plus 3-star 'backers James David and Cordell Dorsey are solid. Josh Pelzel, Blake Blackmar and JUCO blocker Jarell Broxton are 3-star guards with great size, while Jordan Feuerbacher is an intriguing 3-star tight end.
14. Ole Miss
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Headliner: Roderick Taylor, OG
Out to prove last year's terrific class wasn't a fluke, Ole Miss is set to bring in another impressive crop of prospects. Roderick Taylor, a 4-star guard, is the best player in the class.
Yet keep an eye on 4-star linebacker Demarquis Gates. The Rebels are getting two explosive 4-star offensive recruits in running back D.K. Buford and receiver Markell Pack.
Also, JUCO athlete Jeremy Liggins, defensive tackle Jamiyus Pittman and tight end Sammie Epps are 3-star recruits who will be productive.
13. Texas
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Headliner: Jerrod Heard, QB
Texas has constructed a 23-man class that is among the best in the Big 12. Quarterback Jerrod Heard is one of eight 4-star prospects in the group.
Armanti Foreman and Lorenzo Joe are a pair of 4-star receivers Heard will throw to, while Donald Catalon is a talented 4-star running back. Derick Roberson leads the defense, as the defensive end will be joined by fellow 4-star prospects such as safety John Bonney and athletic linebacker Otaro Alaka.
Also, keep an eye on 3-star cornerback Jermaine Roberts and 4-star athlete Kevin Shorter.
12. Florida State
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Headliner: Kain Daub, LB
Recruiting is going well for Florida State, as it has 24 commitments. The class has good quality, evidenced by 11 pledges being 4-star recruits.
Physical 4-star linebacker Kain Daub is the top player in the bunch, but he's not the only fine talent the Seminoles have coming to Tallahassee. Jacob Pugh and Delvin Purifoy are intimidating 4-star linebackers, while Demarcus Christmas and Dexter Wideman are 4-star defensive tackles who both stand 6'4".
JJ Cosentino is a solid 4-star quarterback, but Treon Harris could give him a run for his money due to the 4-star athlete's impressive passing skills. Other 4-star notables include athlete Jojo Robinson, tight end Mavin Saunders, safety Trey Marshall and guard Corey Martinez.
11. Notre Dame
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Headliner: Quenton Nelson, OT
Notre Dame may not have a class full of sexy names, but its group is still solid nonetheless. The Irish have 18 commitments, with 4-star offensive tackle Quenton Nelson leading the way.
However, watch out for 4-star receivers Corey Holmes and Justin Brent. Nick Watkins, a 4-star cornerback, is the top defensive player. Yet defensive end Andrew Trumbetti, defensive tackle Jay Hayes and Richard Yeargin III are 4-star recruits who will also help stop offenses in South Bend.
Although he may not play early, 4-star quarterback DeShone Kizer should make a play or two for Notre Dame, while Sam Mustipher, Alex Bars and Jimmy Byrne are 4-star blockers who will protect him one day.
10. LSU
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Headliner: Edward Paris, DB
Armed with a 15-man class, LSU has 10 4-star prospects. The Tigers boast a commitment from 4-star defensive back Edward Paris, who is one of the top players in the country.
Trey Quinn and Tony Upchurch are 4-star receivers who will be top targets for 4-star passer Brandon Harris. Jacory Washington is another 4-star prospect Harris will like throwing to.
Davon Godchaux and Deondre Clark are 4-star defensive ends who both have great strength, while 4-star safety Devin Voorhies has the athleticism to contribute early. Also, 4-star guards Will Clapp and Garrett Brumfield will help in the trenches.
9. Florida
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Headliner: Dalvin Cook, RB
Florida is not having a season to remember on the field, but things are better on the recruiting trail. The Gators have 15 commitments, with three being 5-star recruits.
Running back Dalvin Cook, quarterback Will Grier and receiver Ermon Lane are the elite trio of the bunch. Yet 4-star recruits such as defensive tackle Khairi Clark, safety Quincy Wilson and cornerback J.C. Jackson are not slouches.
8. Auburn
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Headliner: Racean Thomas, RB
With a huge game this weekend, Auburn is getting hot on and off the field. The Tigers have 18 commitments, as 5-star running back Racean Thomas and 4-star JUCO receiver D'haquille Williams are the top players.
Yet linebacker Tre' Williams and defensive end Justin Thornton are 4-star prospects who are also great talents. Stephen Roberts, Nick Ruffin and JUCO safety Derrick Moncrief are athletic 4-star defensive backs coming to help Auburn stop passing attacks.
Also, athlete Stanton Truitt, running back Kamryn Pettway and JUCO defensive tackle Dalvon Stuckey are underrated 3-star recruits.
7. Miami
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Headliner: Joseph Yearby, RB
Although 5-star offensive tackle Kc McDermott is the highest-rated recruit in Miami's 28-man class, 4-star running back Joseph Yearby is the group's best player.
However, 4-star defensive linemen Anthony Moten and Chad Thomas are not far behind Yearby or McDermott.
Offensive tackle Trevor Darling and defensive tackle Travonte Valentine are 4-star recruits who should have some great battles in practice, while defensive end Trent Harris and quarterback Brad Kaaya are also notable 4-star prospects.
6. Michigan
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Headliner: Jabrill Peppers, ATH
Michigan may not add much more to its class of 16 commitments; however, the Wolverines should be proud of their group.
Any class with 5-star athlete Jabrill Peppers is special, as he's one of best recruits in the BCS era. Bryan Mone is a 4-star defensive tackle who could help as early as next season, plus 4-star recruit Drake Harris is the best receiver head coach Brady Hoke has brought to Ann Arbor.
Additional 4-star studs include offensive tackle Juwann Bushell-Beatty, tight end Ian Bunting, guard Mason Cole, defensive end Lawrence Marshall and linebacker Michael Ferns.
5. Georgia
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Headliner: Sony Michel, RB
Although the injury bug has hit Georgia hard this season, it still has done well on the recruiting trail. UGA has 17 commitments, with 5-star running back Sony Michel being the centerpiece.
Yet 4-star running back Nick Chubb will also get a ton of carries in Athens. The Bulldogs took a passer in this class, as 4-star quarterback Jacob Park is a "gamer." Jeb Blazevich and Shakenneth Williams are 4-star prospects who will be among Park's favorite options in the passing game.
The defensive class features 4-star talents such as defensive tackle Lamont Gaillard, cornerback Malkom Parrish and defensive end/linebacker Keyon Brown.
4. Tennessee
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Headliner: Jalen Hurd, RB
With 33 commitments, saying Tennessee has a big class is an understatement. Head coach Butch Jones has made sure his program will get talented reinforcements next year, as the Volunteers have 16 4-star recruits.
Jalen Hurd, a 5-star athlete, is the headliner. An in-state prospect, Hurd likely will play running back in Knoxville. The defense should be unbelievable for the Vols in future seasons, as 4-star recruits such as linebacker Dillon Bates, safety Todd Kelly and defensive end Dewayne Hendrix lead the way.
This class has too many talented players to list.
3. Ohio State
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Headliner: Damon Webb, CB
Ohio State has put together another stellar recruiting class. Head coach Urban Meyer has 13 4-star recruits in his 17-man group.
Damon Webb is the highest-rated commitment, but he will be joined in Columbus by fellow 4-star studs such as linebacker Dante Booker, athlete Curtis Samuel, receiver Parris Campbell, defensive end Jalyn Holmes and athlete Sam Hubbard.
The Buckeyes also boast commitments from 4-star blockers such as Jamarco Jones, Demetrius Knox and Kyle Trout.
2. Texas A&M
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Headliner: Kyle Allen, QB
Myles Garrett, a 5-star defensive end, can also be considered a headliner for Texas A&M, which has 17 commitments. However, Kyle Allen gets the nod since the 5-star recruit is a quarterback.
The Aggies also have commitments from 4-star prospects such as linebacker Hoza Scott, defensive end Qualen Cunningham and JUCO offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor.
Nick Harvey and Dylan Sumner-Gardner are 4-star defensive backs who could help early in their careers, while 4-star linebacker Josh Walker and 4-star running back Varshaun Nixon are also players to watch.
1. Alabama
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Headliner: Cameron Robinson, OL
There's no change at the top of the rankings, as Alabama is still the No. 1 program in 2014 recruiting. With three 5-star recruits, 'Bama has a fantastic 22-man class.
Left tackle Cameron Robinson, defensive end Da'Shawn Hand and athlete Bo Scarbrough are a tremendous 5-star trio.
Yet 4-star recruits such as pass-rusher Christian Miller, quarterback David Cornwell, receiver Cameron Sims, cornerback Kalvaraz Bessent and defensive tackle Josh Frazier are also excellent.
Alabama also has four commitments from 4-star offensive linemen.
2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map
26 of 26Use the 2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map to find the top commitments in each of the nation's best recruiting classes!
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