Underdog Teams That May Steal Away a 5-Star Recruit from a Powerhouse

There are only a handful of players who earn the distinction of being 5-star recruits in a given class, which means the race to land the nation’s top talents is among the fiercest battles on the recruiting trail every year.

The 2015 class is no different—with 15 such players who have yet to make a commitment nearly three months away from national signing day.

While plenty of powerhouse schools are used to landing top recruits, there are often cases when an underdog program can land a player who could potentially change the fortunes of a program that has been struggling. 

Which underdog teams are in prime position to steal away a 5-star recruit from a powerhouse program?

*Players listed in alphabetical order.

Terry Beckner Jr.: Missouri

Since arriving in the SEC two years ago, Missouri hasn’t shared the same success on the recruiting trail as fellow Big 12 import Texas A&M.

For example, while the Aggies have been a fixture in the top 25 class rankings, since 2011, the Tigers' top-rated class was No. 31 in 2012.

To their credit, Gary Pinkel and his staff have still managed to find success on the field in the nation’s toughest league—in part, due to their ability to evaluate and develop the talent they do get.

The last top 100 recruit to sign with the Tigers was homegrown 5-star receiver Dorial Green-Beckham in 2012.

This year, the Tigers are in the thick of the race for 5-star defensive end Terry Beckner Jr.—who hails from East St. Louis, Illinois, which is just across the border from the Show Me State.

To land Beckner, Pinkel will have to fend off powers such as Auburn, Florida State, LSU and Ohio State.

Beckner—who has recorded 195 tackles and 14 sacks over the last two seasons—is a must-get for a program that has thrived on dominant D-line play in recent years.

Damien Harris: Kentucky

Part of the reason Kentucky has enjoyed a resurgence on the gridiron is due to the job Mark Stoops and his staff have done on the recruiting trail.

Last year, Stoops went toe-to-toe with Nick Saban for the state’s top prospect in 5-star defensive tackle Matt Elam—who eventually signed with the Wildcats. 

This year, he will try to fend off Saban again, as well as Ohio State’s Urban Meyer, for 5-star running back Damien Harris.

The 5’11”, 205-pounder—who has rushed for 5,141 yards and 88 touchdowns over the last three seasons—has been a fixture at Commonwealth Stadium this year. In fact, he’s been in attendance for the last four Kentucky home games.

However, Meyer has made it clear that Harris is one of his top targets, which will make life for Stoops and his staff difficult until the nation’s top running back makes a decision.

Regardless, given the momentum that the Wildcats are enjoying, landing Harris would signal that Kentucky’s program is primed to take the next step in developing into a consistent winner.

Tyron Johnson: Texas Tech

While Texas Tech has struggled on the field this season, Kliff Kingsbury has earned some huge victories on the recruiting trail in the 2015 cycle.

The Red Raiders have the No. 26 class in the country, with headliners in 5-star quarterback Jarrett Stidham and 4-star defensive tackle Breiden Fehoko among the potential difference-makers headed to Lubbock. 

Kingsbury would love to pair dynamic 5-star receiver Tyron Johnson with Stidham for the next four years. However, pulling the top prospect from the state of Louisiana out of LSU’s backyard won’t be easy.

The 6’1”, 191-pound Johnson is fond of the Red Raiders because they were the first school to offer him, as noted by Sonny Shipp of Geaux247 (subscription required).

Considering the Red Raiders have gotten the only official visit to date for Johnson and their long-standing relationship with him, they have put themselves in position to pull off the upset over powers such as LSU, Clemson and Texas A&M.

Christian Kirk: Arizona State

Since Todd Graham arrived at Arizona State in December of 2011, the Sun Devils have yet to sign a 5-star recruit.

In fact, 2015 4-star quarterback pledge Brady White is the first top 100 recruit that Graham has landed in his tenure.

However, the Sun Devils are in the thick of the race for Arizona’s top prospect in the 2015 cycle: 5-star wideout Christian Kirk.

To land him, they will have to beat out powers such as Auburn, Ohio State, Texas A&M, UCLA and USC.

The 5’10”, 191-pounder—who is scheduled to make his official visit to Tempe this weekend—would give Graham his biggest victory on the recruiting trail if he stays home for college.

Josh Sweat: Virginia Tech

Despite a string of success over the last decade, Virginia Tech has struggled lately when it comes to luring the top talent in its home state to Blacksburg.

This year, the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2015 cycle—defensive end Josh Sweat—has the Hokies among his final five choices with powers such as Florida State, Georgia, Ohio State and Oregon. 

The 6’5”, 240-pounder—who recorded 22 sacks as a junior—was a frequent visitor to Blacksburg over the summer.

Additionally, he saw the Hokies upset Ohio State on his official Buckeyes visit in September, and Frank Beamer and his staff will get the last official visit from the nation’s top pass-rusher.

While it’s not a slam dunk that Sweat stays home, the Hokies have to feel good about their position as the state’s top prospect inches closer to his decision.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.

Follow @SanjayKirpalani