Pac-12 Football Recruiting: Key to Every Team's 2014 Class
The Pac-12 was one of the most competitive leagues in college football last season, and now it is time for each program to bring in the recruits that will keep them in contention.
Two days before signing day, the conference boasts several impressive classes, led by the Stanford Cardinal, UCLA Bruins and Oregon Ducks—and the USC Trojans could be right up there after signing day.
We'll break down all 12 of the league's recruiting classes, highlighting the key players reeled in by each program.
Note: All recruit and class rankings based on the 247Sports Composite ratings, unless otherwise noted. All class rankings pre-signing day.
Colorado Buffaloes
1 of 12
Pac-12 Rank: 12
Key: 3-star WR Shay Fields
Colorado was in need of a new playmaker on the outside after the departure of star receiver Paul Richardson.
Richardson amassed 1,343 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in an incredible junior campaign and will now ride that momentum into the NFL draft.
The Buffaloes are young on both sides of the ball, so experience will prove more valuable that recruiting for this team.
Oregon State Beavers
2 of 12
Pac-12 Rank: 11
Key: 4-star WR Datrin Guyton
Oregon State will be moving on next season without its best playmaker, Biletnikoff Award winner Brandin Cooks, making the commitment of 4-star receiver Datrin Guyton a necessity.
A composite 3-star and a 4-star according to 247Sports, Guyton chose the Beavers over TCU and Arkansas State. He's the highest rated player in Oregon State's class.
In a pass-happy spread attack like that of OSU, a team can never have too many playmakers on the outside. In addition to Guyton, the Beavers have two 3-star receiver commits, Xavier Hawkins and Javon Williams.
Washington State Cougars
3 of 12
Pac-12 Rank: 10
Key: Defense
Washington State made two clear priorities in its 2014 class: playmakers and defense.
The Cougars brought in several 3-star offensive skill players, including all-purpose back Calvin Green and receiver Barry Ware.
However, the biggest additions were made on defense. Wazzu added 3-star Greg Hoyd III at linebacker, as well as several defensive backs to a group that finished 11th in the league against the pass.
Several of those new DBs could contribute early, including 3-star JUCO corner Joseph Turner and 3-star corner Kevin Griffin.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Utah Utes
4 of 12
Pac-12 Rank: 9
Key: Offensive playmakers
Utah finished 11th in the conference in total offense last year with only one major playmaker, receiver Dres Anderson.
The Utes attended to that problem by landing several prospects at receiver, including junior college 3-stars Kaelin Clay and Brandon Snell.
Five 3-star receivers in total joined, also joining 3-star quarterback Donovan Isom.
Washington Huskies
5 of 12
Pac-12 Rank: 8
Key: 4-star QB K.J. Carta-Samuels
K.J. Carta-Samuels was supposed to be the quarterback of the future for Vanderbilt, but once James Franklin departed for Penn State, plans changed.
It just so happened that Washington was going through similar turmoil with its coaching class after Steve Sarkisian left for USC.
New head coach Chris Petersen lured the 4-star to Seattle, and he is the undoubted headliner of the class. UW has a solid young quarterback in Cyler Miles, but Carta-Samuels could challenge him immediately.
Outside of Carta-Samuels, the Huskies have one other 4-star: cornerback Naijiel Hale. They are also targeting 4-star athlete Budda Baker.
California Golden Bears
6 of 12
Pac-12 Rank: 7
Key: Defense
California's 2014 class is heavy on defense, which is just what Sonny Dykes' team needs after finishing last in the league in total and scoring defense.
The Bears boast five early enrollees, all on defense. That group is led by All-American linebacker Devante Downs, who is a 4-star according to 247Sports. He is joined by four JUCO defenders who will vie for early playing time.
In total, Cal has claimed verbals from full complement of 11 defenders.
Arizona Wildcats
7 of 12
Pac-12 Rank: 6
Key: Running back, cornerback
Arizona had two clear goals in its class: refill its backfield after the departure of Ka'Deem Carey and reload at cornerback.
The Wildcats accomplished the first goal by reeling in 4-star running back Nick Wilson and 3-star all-purpose back Jonathan Haden, an early enrollee.
They addressed the other with several top prospects, including 5-star Jalen Tabor and 4-star Naijiel Hale, but both decommitted. Arizona still brought in 4-star corner Cam Denson, as well as three 3-stars at the position.
USC Trojans
8 of 12
Pac-12 Rank: 5
Key: 5-star CB Adoree' Jackson
USC hasn't acquired its key yet, but there's no doubt that Adoree' Jackson, the No. 7 overall prospect in the 2014 class, is the one the Trojans want.
If he does indeed commit to USC, he'll not only be the top prospect in his class, he'll be the highest rated player in the Pac-12.
The Trojans are hoping for his name in ink on signing day, as well as 5-star safety John "Juju" Smith and 4-star guard Damien Mama.
Steve Sarkisian has done an excellent job in this class already, and it is poised to improve on singing day.
Arizona State Sun Devils
9 of 12
Pac-12 Rank: 4
Key: 4-star LB Derik Calhoun
Arizona State will lose several top defenders from 2014, including linebacker Carl Bradford and several others.
To that end, the Sun Devils reloaded on defense, starting with All-American 4-star linebacker Derik Calhoun—one of three 4-star defenders in the class.
ASU also added three 4-star receivers, including No. 3 JUCO receiver Eric Lauderdale. The Sun Devils had just one receiver with more than 500 yards last season.
As great as those receivers might be, shoring up the defense behind Calhoun was priority No. 1.
Oregon Ducks
10 of 12
Pac-12 Rank: 3
Key: 5-star RB Royce Freeman
Oregon has several big-time players coming in its 2014 class, but none bigger than Royce Freeman, a 5-star running back according to 247Sports.
At 5'11", 215 pounds, Freeman will be the power back that Oregon hasn't had in recent years. The Ducks will also have some open carries in their backfield after the departure of De'Anthony Thomas.
Other key players in this class include 4-star corner Arrion Springs and 4-star dual-threat quarterback Morgan Mahalak.
UCLA Bruins
11 of 12
Pac-12 Rank: 2
Key: 4-star LB Zach Whitley
The No. 5 linebacker in the nation, Zach Whitley will be the most highly anticipated addition for UCLA.
The Bruins lost two of their top linebackers, Anthony Barr and Jordan Zumwalt, so Whitley could compete for time immediately, just as Myles Jack did as a freshman last year.
Several All-Americans highlight the UCLA class, including Whitley, safety Jaleel Wadood and receiver Austin Roberts.
UCLA stocked up on both sides of the ball, but the defensive addition of Whitley could be the biggest.
Stanford Cardinal
12 of 12
Pac-12 Rank: 1
Key: 4-star QB Keller Chryst
Stanford has achieved sustained success in its program, but this season it lacked the offensive firepower to take it to the next level.
The Cardinal offense hasn't been the same since Andrew Luck departed. While Kevin Hogan has been solid, Keller Chryst looks like the quarterback of the future.
With the addition of Chryst, and the reloading of its stingy defense, Stanford will remain competitive in the Pac-12.
The Cardinal added several 4-star defenders as well.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
