Biggest Recruiting Positional Needs for Every Top 10 Team
The pieces have come together quite nicely during 2015 recruiting class efforts for many of the country's top-ranked teams. Success on the field typically translates to momentum with key prospect targets, as the rich get richer by stockpiling talent throughout the roster.
Successful foundations for national signing day may already be in place, but programs are still five months shy of the finish line and it's time to step things up for the final stretch of this cycle. Official visits and game-day events enable coaches to establish and strengthen personal relationships with players and their families.
Crucial uncommitted recruits remain up for grabs and some have the ability to elevate a class from good to great. Their decisions could ultimately shape the college football landscape for years to come, making the difference in conference title chases and postseason contention.
Here's a look at pivotal positions that must be addressed by top-10 programs, per the Week 3 AP Poll, in order to round out impressive prospect hauls on signing day.
10. LSU: Defensive Tackle
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Why It's Important
You could argue the Tigers are in more dire need for talent along the offensive front, particularly because the team is reliant on upperclassmen at the position and missed on top-rated 2014 offensive tackle Cam Robinson. However, Les Miles and his staff have already done a solid job addressing that need, flipping 5-star blocker Maea Teuhema from Texas before landing mammoth tackles Adrian Magee and Matt Womack.
LSU is still searching for talent across the trenches, where the team has possible question marks in coming years. The Tigers missed out on coveted 2014 New Orleans defensive tackle Gerald Willis, who went to Florida, and are still waiting for full academic clearance regarding 4-star 2014 signee Travonte Williams.
Trey Lealaimatafao suffered an off-field injury this summer and won't see the field until at least next season. Miles understands the importance of having capable reinforcements.
"You have to recruit a freshmen class that allows for the flexibility of that junior class to leave because you must have quality men at each position," he told Glenn Guilbeau of The Shreveport Times.
Who's Already on Board
The cupboard is currently bare at defensive tackle. Isaiah Washington is the lone addition to LSU's defensive front so far this cycle and projects to play along the perimeter.
Position Possibilities
Illinois prospect Terry Beckner is arguably the most versatile defensive lineman in this class and still has LSU on his radar. The 5-star East St. Louis High School standout—considered a Missouri lean—is capable of providing a disruptive presence at strong-side defensive end but could really shine by sliding inside.
Dallas defensive tackle Darrion Daniels is widely expected to stay in his home state, with Texas Tech and Baylor emerging as top contenders. Still, the Tigers shouldn't be ruled out after extending an offer in April.
9. USC: Running Back
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Why It's Important
The Trojans' roster depth was ravaged by recent scholarship sanctions, and running back is a particularly thin position. Leading rusher Javorius Allen is a junior, and key 2013 signee Ty Isaac transferred to Michigan.
USC isn't unskilled in the offensive backfield, but an infusion of young talent is necessary entering the 2015 season. Steve Sarkisian has done an excellent job addressing the passing attack and offensive line, but additions at running back are paramount for future offensive success, particularly after not signing a rusher in February.
Who's Already on Board
USC secured a commitment from Texas running back Aca'Cedric Ware, a 3-star recruit. The 6'0", 196-pound prospect has 335 rushing yards and six touchdowns through two contests, per MaxPreps.
Position Possibilities
The Trojans don't have many offers out to uncommitted rushers, as top targets like Taj Griffin (Oregon) and Michael Weber (Michigan) pledged elsewhere. Weber, a 4-star Detroit product, could potentially waver on his commitment to the Wolverines if things continue to go south in Ann Arbor and coaching changes seem inevitable.
USC hosted him on campus this summer two weeks before he announced a decision. Given his previous interest, Weber is one to watch, and Sarkisian would be wise to bring two running backs on board in this class.
8. Baylor: Linebacker
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Why It's Important
Baylor has established itself as one of college football's most explosive offensive juggernauts under the direction of head coach Art Briles. Quarterback Bryce Petty was a popular preseason pick to earn an invite to the Heisman Trophy ceremony, following in the footsteps of former Bears star Robert Griffin III.
The team must create balance with a more rigged defensive unit, and this recruiting cycle offers several options for a program on the rise. The outside linebacker position is particularly paramount, as Baylor looks to land an athlete who can cover the run and pass while lending support in pass-rush settings.
Who's Already on Board
In-state prospect Clay Johnston committed this summer, selecting the Bears over Duke and New Mexico. The 6'2", 200-pound defender tallied 136 tackles and six sacks as a junior but doesn't project as a unit-changing collegiate playmaker, rated 77th nationally among outside linebackers.
Position Possibilities
Some of the top uncommitted prospects at the position reside in Texas, highlighted by 5-star Malik Jefferson. He is considered far more likely to end up with the Longhorns or Aggies, but don't expect Baylor to give up that pursuit without a fight.
Fellow in-state linebackers Anthony Wheeler and Cameron Townsend are composite 4-star prospects with Baylor offers. Briles must again contend with Charlie Strong and Kevin Sumlin for their services.
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7. Texas A&M: Defensive Back
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Why It's Important
Texas A&M's inabilities to consistently contain opposing offenses cost the team SEC title contention during Johnny Manziel's two Heisman-caliber seasons. The defensive backfield struggled at times to make big stops, exploited by a bevy of big-time receivers in the conference.
Head coach Kevin Sumlin has done an excellent job addressing the defensive front seven, strengthening several positions in recent recruiting cycles. Now it's time to truly address and upgrade the secondary, a process the Aggies effectively kicked off last signing day.
Who's Already on Board
In-state safeties Justin Dunning and Larry Pryor are listed as top-10 talents at the position. Dunning, who missed time due to an injury in 2013, looked like a possible 5-star talent during his performance at The Opening, an invite-only July football showcase held at Nike's world headquarters in Oregon.
Fellow 4-star recruit Roney Elam provides potential at cornerback.
Position Possibilities
There are still some big fish in the pond for Texas A&M, especially among cornerbacks. There's a strong possibility that Kendall Sheffield, a 5-star playmaker, ends up in College Station.
Texas products Kris Boyd and Holton Hill provide alternative options at the position, while 4-star California safety Marvell Tell views the Aggies as a top option.
6. Georgia: Defensive Back
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Why It's Important
Earlier in this cycle it appeared help along the offensive line would be the most pressing positional need for Georgia, but summer commitments from Patrick Allen and Sage Hardin helped alleviate some of those concerns. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have gone backward when it comes to building defensive backfield depth.
The team lost coveted Tennessee cornerback Rico McGraw this summer when he flipped his allegiance to Alabama. Head coach Mark Richt and company have done a tremendous job restocking talent along the defensive front, but Georgia must match that unit with gains in the secondary.
Who's Already on Board
Terry Godwin, a 5-star athlete, told Bleacher Report in July he's willing to play on either side of the football. He projects as an elite collegiate playmaker at cornerback or receiver, but his ceiling as an offensive difference-maker could keep him on that side full time.
Florida products Deontai Williams and Deandre Baker are 3-star cornerback recruits. They're fine players, but neither projects as highly in man coverage as McGraw.
Position Possibilities
Georgia has emerged as a legitimate top contender for 5-star Sunshine State cornerback Tarvarus McFadden, who is nearing a decision as LSU and Florida State also state their respective cases for his commitment. The team is viewed as a favorite for in-state safety Rashad Roundtree, but he continues to explore options elsewhere.
Atlanta defensive back Micah Abernathy spent the past weekend visiting Oregon but could still stay within state borders as a Bulldog.
5. Auburn: Defensive Line
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Why It's Important
Auburn has assembled another excellent recruiting class. However, it's a bit top-heavy with offensive talent, and there are still needs along the defensive line. Juantavius Johnson, a 3-star tackle, is the lone pledge up front, and that's not going to cut it when competing against America's largest offensive lines on a weekly basis.
The Tigers' two-deep features six upperclassmen, and defensive line coach Rodney Garner is surely searching for eventual replacements in this cycle. That quest is a top priority as signing day approaches.
Who's Already on Board
Johnson remains the only committed Auburn defensive lineman. The in-state standout is rated 30th nationally among tackles in 247Sports' composite rankings.
Position Possibilities
Daron Payne, a 5-star defensive tackle, is caught at the center of a tug-of-war between the Tigers and Alabama, though Mississippi State also remains in the mix. He told Bleacher Report's Kynon Codrington about the pull from both sides after his latest visit to Tuscaloosa.
"My parents grew up Alabama fans and they try to get me to go there, but I try not to listen to it," Payne said. "I grew up an Auburn fan as a kid. However, I'm going to make my decision based on the depth chart and where I feel at home."
Defensive ends D’Andre Walker and CeCe Jefferson are also possibilities. Walker, a Georgia prospect, has racked up nine sacks through three games this season, per MaxPreps.
4. Oklahoma: Offensive Line
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Why It's Important
Oklahoma could lose more than five offensive linemen before next season, including NFL tackle prospects Daryl Williams and Tyrus Thompson. Oklahoma has a quality young quarterback in Trevor Knight and must be able to protect him in order to keep momentum moving in the right direction.
The tackle position is of particular concern, but immediate depth is needed across the board.
Who's Already on Board
The Sooners secured an early commitment from Bobby Evans, who anchors the front line for Texas powerhouse Allen High School. His July 2013 pledge was eventually followed by 3-star linemen Dominique Hearne, Dru Samia and Cody Ford.
Position Possibilities
Oklahoma is home to two of the country's top guard prospects in Jalin Barnett and Josh Wariboko. The pair of 4-star prospects could tremendously bolster this class and solidify the offensive interior.
Junior college offensive tackle Jamal Danley is another recruit worth keeping tabs on, as he may also end up in Norman.
3. Alabama: Linebacker
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Why It's Important
We're specifically focusing on the inside linebacker position here, as Alabama is set to say goodbye to Trey DePriest after this season. The Crimson Tide must also prepare to replace Reggie Ragland, a junior.
Alabama lost a commitment from top-ranked middle linebacker Leo Lewis this summer, though he has yet to pledge elsewhere.
Who's Already on Board
Joshua McMillon, a 4-star prospect, is capable of developing into an impactful performer inside. The strength of Alabama's defensive recruiting class lies in the secondary and outside edge.
Position Possibilities
Coveted Virginia defender Ricky DeBerry is still considering several squads. He would serve as an ideal placement at one of Alabama's two inside linebacker spots.
Lewis, likely to end up at Mississippi State or Ole Miss, remains a possibility to return if bridges haven't been burned with Nick Saban and his staff.
2. Oregon: Defensive Line
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Why It's Important
Oregon, known for its high-flying offensive attack, has yet to establish itself as a program that can routinely disrupt opposing passers with brute force. The Ducks, already a national title contender, can take things to another level by adding an arsenal of elite edge-rushers and penetrative tackles.
The Pac-12 already features an array of talented quarterbacks, and that trend will only grow moving forward. Several of the country's top-tier 2015 passers are set to spend their collegiate careers competing in the same conference as Oregon.
Who's Already on Board
Oregon doesn't hold a single commitment at the position, resulting in a significant void that must be plugged with at least two players.
Position Possibilities
The Ducks remain in the mix for some of the biggest names in this class, including top-ranked overall prospect Josh Sweat. The Virginia defensive end will spend an official visit at Eugene.
Fellow 5-star defensive linemen Rasheem Green (tackle) and Byron Cowart (end) also present possibilities, along with 6'7", 290-pound Hawaiian Canton Kaumatule.
1. Florida State: Cornerback
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Why It's Important
Florida State seems to be on the verge of losing a commitment from 4-star cornerback Tyrek Cole, as speculation has brewed for quite some time. Without him in the mix, Jimbo Fisher would be looking at a blank slate at the position in this class.
Florida State has a need for two top-tier cornerbacks, though the team has done a great job piling up talent in the secondary.
Who's Already on Board
Cole is technically still a member of this class, but most analysts are waiting for the other shoe to drop in his recruitment, leading to a new destination. Florida State is in good shape at safety, where 5-star Derwin James will roam in the coming years.
Position Possibilities
The Seminoles are actively engaged with a pair of premier cornerback prospects, including in-state prospect Tarvarus McFadden. Top-ranked recruit Iman Marshall made some noise when he unveiled plans to spend an official visit in Tallahassee.
"Jimbo Fisher has a track record of developing guys and putting them in position to reach the next level," he told Bleacher Report. "They could have three defensive backs enter the draft next year."
Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report national recruiting columnist Tyler Donohue unless otherwise noted.
Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.
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