Holiday Wish List for Top 25 College Football Recruiting Classes
The holiday season is upon us, providing an opportunity for children and adults alike to dream big. Whether you're hoping for the perfect Christmas present or planning to make 2015 the best year of your life, hope springs eternal this time of year.
That sentiment holds true on the college football recruiting trail, where things are heating up six weeks shy of national signing day. We assembled holiday wish lists for each team currently residing in the top 25 of 247Sports' composite class rankings.
Read on to see which prospects could provide some extra cheer for collegiate coaching staffs.
Recruit ratings and info courtesy of 247Sports.
25. Arizona State
1 of 25
Already Under the Tree: 16 commits (four 4-stars)
Holiday Wish List
4-star linebacker Osa Masina (Salt Lake City, Utah): The rangy 6'4", 230-pound defender destroys offensive game plans in a variety of roles. He wreaks havoc off the edge, handles interior run coverage and continues to make strides in intermediate pass defense. Masina made 97 tackles and 10 sacks this season, per MaxPreps, and added 10 offensive touchdowns. He spent an official visit at Arizona State in October.
4-star wide receiver Trent Irwin (Newhall, California): Irwin set a state record for career receptions at Hart High School, where he spent the past three seasons serving as a top target for 4-star Sun Devils quarterback commit Brady White. The 6'2", 190-pound prospect finished with 285 catches, highlighted by 106 as a senior. He reeled in 1,974 receiving yards and 22 touchdown tosses from White in 2014.
24. Wisconsin
2 of 25
Already Under the Tree: 25 commits (one 4-star)
Holiday Wish List
4-star linebacker Christian Folau (Salt Lake City, Utah): The Badgers brought Folau to Madison in November for an official visit. The former Stanford commit is considered a top-tier inside linebacker, evidenced by 146 tackles and 12 sacks he recorded in 2013. The 6'1", 215-pound recruit is also taking a hard look at Oklahoma State and Utah.
3-star running back Bradrick Shaw (Birmingham, Alabama): Wisconsin is perennially a program that wears down opponents with an overbearing run game. Shaw, a 6'1", 205-pound playmaker, fits the prototype as a physical rusher with above-average power and workhorse potential. Along with the Badgers, he's considering Vanderbilt, Mississippi State and Nebraska.
23. North Carolina
3 of 25
Already Under the Tree: 17 commits (five 4-stars)
Holiday Wish List
4-star tight end Chris Clark (Avon, Connecticut): Clark, rated second nationally among players at the position in 247Sports' composite rankings, initially pledged to the Tar Heels this spring. However, he decommitted and later joined Michigan's class. His collegiate outlook is wide open in the wake of Brady Hoke's dismissal, with UNC, Texas, Michigan, UCLA and USC still vying for his signature.
4-star running back Bryce Love (Wake Forest, North Carolina): The 5'10", 180-pound playmaker is among the quickest offensive weapons in this class. Clocked at 4.30 seconds in the 40-yard dash, he is a scoring threat on every play and offers immense value as a kick returner. Love, who rushed for more than 4,200 yards and 57 touchdowns during the past two seasons, visited Chapel Hill last month.
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22. West Virginia
4 of 25
Already Under the Tree: 24 commits (four 4-stars)
Holiday Wish List
4-star athlete Tim Irvin (Miami, Florida): The nephew of NFL Hall of Fame receiver Michael Irvin could play multiple positions at the next level, including slot back and safety. He posted at least 900 total offensive yards every season at Westminster Christian School, and recorded nearly 200 tackles in his career. Irvin, who visited Morgantown in October, is also considering Florida, Miami and Texas.
3-star wide receiver Gary Jennings (Stafford, Virginia): Jennings, a 6'2", 205-pound pass-catcher, is a long strider with breakaway quickness in the open field. He is savvy along the sidelines and exhibits excellent catch radius in the end zone. West Virginia will host him in January, but Virginia and Notre Dame are also contenders.
21. Arkansas
5 of 25
Already Under the Tree: 17 commits (six 4-stars)
Holiday Wish List
4-star offensive lineman Jalin Barnett (Lawton, Oklahoma): Arkansas will continue to use the rushing attack as a foundation for everything, putting an emphasis on powerful play in the trenches. Barnett, a versatile 6'4", 315-pound prospect, could fill a role at guard or tackle. He traveled to Fayetteville in September for an official visit, though Oklahoma and Nebraska remain in the picture.
3-star defensive tackle Bryce English (DeSoto, Texas): The 315-pound tackle is slightly undersized at 5'10.5" but shows impressive persistence and attitude inside. English, a former UCLA commit, visited Arkansas in October. The nose tackle had 30 tackles for loss and six sacks as a junior.
20. Oregon
6 of 25
Already Under the Tree: 17 commits (six 4-stars)
Holiday Wish List
5-star linebacker John Houston (Gardena, California): The Southern California standout paid a visit to Eugene in October and considered the Ducks among his favorites. Houston, who stands 6'3", 211 pounds, secured more than 400 tackles and broke up 18 passes during the past three seasons.
4-star safety Marvell Tell (Encino, California): Rated fourth nationally among safeties in 247Sports' composite rankings, Tell is a game-changing defensive back with excellent size (6'2", 175 pounds). He's an asset against the run—evidenced by 120 tackles since 2012—and dominates while patrolling center field in pass coverage. He spent an official visit at Oregon in September.
19. Oklahoma
7 of 25
Already Under the Tree: 17 commits (nine 4-stars)
Holiday Wish List
4-star linebacker Anthony Wheeler (Dallas, Texas): The Sooners landed a commitment from 4-star Virginia linebacker Ricky DeBerry last week and could really solidify the position for years to come with a pledge from Wheeler. The 6'2", 225-pound defender racked up more than 100 tackles during each of the past two seasons and plays with aggression that Oklahoma fans would welcome.
4-star offensive guard Josh Wariboko (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma): The 6'3.5", 315-pound lineman initially committed to the Sooner shortly after his sophomore season. However, he had a change of heart and backed off that verbal pledge this spring. Oklahoma now finds itself back in the picture, joining UCLA and Ohio State as finalists. Bob Stoops already holds five pledges along the offensive line, but the prized in-state prospect carries the most potential.
18. Miami
8 of 25
Already Under the Tree: 19 commits (six 4-stars)
Holiday Wish List
4-star tight end Devonaire Clarington (Miami, Florida): He might have a long way to go in his development, but Clarington is a rare talent in the passing game. The 6'5.5", 222-pound prospect is an above-average route-runner who creates mismatches against just about every defender he encounters. He also played defensive end for Booker T. Washington High School, which claimed its third straight state title this season.
5-star defensive tackle Rasheem Green (Gardena, California): Green traveled across the country to get a closer look at the Hurricanes. The dominant lineman spent an official visit in Miami last month, giving him something else to consider aside from West Coast contenders USC, Arizona State and Oregon. He tallied 103 tackles—including 47 for loss—and 20 sacks during the past two seasons.
17. LSU
9 of 25
Already Under the Tree: 15 commits (two 5-stars; five 4-stars)
Holiday Wish List
5-star wide receiver Tyron Johnson (New Orleans, Louisiana): The U.S. Army All-American Player of the Year nominee caught at least 80 passes during each of the past two seasons and exceeded 1,600 receiving yards this year. He helped Warren Easton High School reach the state championship, a game in which he hauled in 11 passes. Johnson is considered one of the top kick returners in this class.
5-star defensive tackle Daylon Mack (Gladewater, Texas): The Tigers are one of three favorites for the former Texas A&M commit, who is also focused on TCU and Texas. He racked up a career-best 37 tackles for loss as a senior. Mack is expected to visit Baton Rouge in January.
16. Mississippi State
10 of 25
Already Under the Tree: 26 commits (six 4-stars)
Holiday Wish List
3-star defensive end Gabriel Campbell (Yazoo City, Mississippi): The 6'6", 250-pound prospect is an elite athlete still learning to effectively set the edge. He has the potential to add pounds and play inside as a college player, though a career along the perimeter isn't out of the question. He's visited Mississippi State multiple times this year, but Oklahoma, Alabama and Ole Miss remain in the mix.
4-star defensive tackle Daron Payne (Birmingham, Alabama): The Bulldogs have an opportunity to crash the party and pry Payne away from his home state. The 6'2", 325-pound lineman is a top target for Auburn and Alabama, but Mississippi State remains a fringe contender. A commitment from Payne would provide a strong message to SEC opponents.
15. Ole Miss
11 of 25
Already Under the Tree: 16 commits (six 4-stars)
Holiday Wish List
5-star wide receiver Damarkus Lodge (Cedar Hill, Texas): The former Texas A&M commit is considering several collegiate options, including the Rebels. He visited campus in October and fits the bill as a field-stretching downfield threat. Lodge earned state title game MVP honors for a second straight season and finished the year with 63 receptions for 1,218 yards and 25 touchdowns.
5-star defensive end CeCe Jefferson (Glen Saint Mary, Florida): Jefferson used an official visit at Ole Miss in October, but a coaching change could breathe life into his relationship with Florida. The 6'2", 250-pound defender is stout against the run and continues to make strides as a pass-rusher, listed second nationally among strong-side defensive ends in 247Sports' composite rankings.
14. Texas
12 of 25
Already Under the Tree: 22 commits (one 5-star; six 4-stars)
Holiday Wish List
5-star defensive tackle Daylon Mack (Gladewater, Texas): The in-state star decommitted from Texas A&M and would send more negative news to College Station by hopping on the Longhorns bandwagon. Mack, who also rushed for 12 touchdowns a senior, accumulated 179 tackles and 11 sacks. TCU and LSU are also in the mix.
4-star running back Chris Warren (Rockwall, Texas): Warren is one of six finalists for the U.S. Army All-American Player of the Year award. He rushed for 2,329 yards and 34 scores this season, adding 178 yards and two touchdowns through the air. His finalists are Texas, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and Washington.
13. UCLA
13 of 25
Already Under the Tree: 17 commits (two 5-stars; six 4-stars)
Holiday Wish List
4-star offensive guard Josh Wariboko (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma): Jim Mora has assembled an outstanding offensive line class so far and could add this 6'3.5", 315-pound blocker to the equation. Wariboko, a former Oklahoma commit, is considering the Sooners, UCLA and Ohio State—with a Jan. 2 announcement looming.
5-star running back Soso Jamabo (Plano, Texas): Fresh off his finest high school season, Jamabo is believed to be eyeing the Bruins as a favorite. He visited campus in October and is still considering several offers. His senior campaign included nearly 2,300 rushing yards and 47 offensive scores.
12. South Carolina
14 of 25
Already Under the Tree: 26 commits (12 4-stars)
Holiday Wish List
4-star cornerback Mark Fields (Cornelius, North Carolina): He carries plenty of football pedigree as the son of former Pro Bowl NFL linebacker Mark Fields Sr. The 5'11", 183-pound defensive back is adept against the run and doesn't back down against larger receivers. Clemson could be South Carolina's strongest competitor.
3-star cornerback Rashad Fenton (Opa Locka, Florida): Built much like Fields, Fenton brings a level of physicality to the field. He hasn't been a pivotal target for South Carolina but could provide a quality late addition to the class. Fenton used an official visit at Illinois and is expected to spend time at UCF next month.
11. Notre Dame
15 of 25
Already Under the Tree: 22 commits (nine 4-stars)
Holiday Wish List
5-star running back Soso Jamabo (Plano, Texas): The 6'2.5", 210-pound playmaker earned 5-star status as a senior, rushing for a career-best 2,279 yards and 44 touchdowns. He's also a valuable receiver, with nearly 1,000 yards through the air since 2012. Jamabo visited Notre Dame in September.
5-star cornerback Iman Marshall (Long Beach, California): He took his first official visit to South Bend earlier this month. Marshall is the top-rated cornerback in this recruiting cycle and is a strong candidate to earn starting reps as a true freshman.
4-star running back Ronald Jones (McKinney, Texas): The Fighting Irish and USC are finalists for this 6'0", 185-pound speedster. Jones, who previously committed to Oklahoma State, is expected to announce his decision Jan. 2 at the Under Armour All-America Game. He rushed for 2,000 yards and 29 touchdowns this fall.
10. Auburn
16 of 25
Already Under the Tree: 20 commits (12 4-stars)
Holiday Wish List
5-star offensive tackle Martez Ivey (Apopka, Florida): The nation's top-rated tackle has been focused on Florida and Auburn for while, though dynamics changed when Will Muschamp joined the Tigers coaching staff. High school teammate and friend Chandler Cox committed to Auburn earlier this year.
4-star defensive tackle Daron Payne (Birmingham, Alabama): The 6'3", 325-pound prospect is caught in the center of a tug-of-war between Alabama and Auburn, while Mississippi State remains a possibility beyond state borders. His size and strength are well suited for a central role along the defensive interior.
4-star linebacker Jeffery Holland (Jacksonville, Florida): He developed into a feared pass-rusher while helping fuel consecutive state championship runs at Trinity Christian Academy. Holland spent an official visit at Auburn in October and should receive a boost from the Muschamp hiring.
9. Penn State
17 of 25
Already Under the Tree: 20 commits (12 4-stars)
Holiday Wish List
5-star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (Suffield, Connecticut): Penn State is the top Northeast option for the dominant New England lineman. Wilkins spent an official visit in Happy Valley last month and would further enhance a Nittany Lions run defense that rated among the country's best this season.
3-star defensive end Shareef Miller (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania): The rangy edge-rusher is a raw talent who enjoyed a career-best campaign at George Washington High School. Miller must add more bulk to his slender physical frame, but he exhibits tremendous burst off the perimeter and can be counted on to provide short-area pass coverage.
3-star safety John Petrishen (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania): Petrishen is largely overlooked in the Nittany Lions' home state, but his play has warranted offers from several Big Ten opponents. Northwestern and Maryland offered the rangy defensive back earlier this month after he spent Thanksgiving weekend at Penn State.
8. USC
18 of 25
Already Under the Tree: 18 commits (one 5-star; eight 4-stars)
Holiday Wish List
5-star cornerback Iman Marshall (Long Beach, California): Marshall might be the best overall player in talent-laden Southern California, exhibiting elite coverage skills. He's highly respected among peers and didn't allow a single pass completion in league play as a junior. USC will fight hard to keep him nearby, as flirtations with Florida State and Notre Dame have heated up.
5-star linebacker John Houston (Gardena, California): Can the Trojans keep up a highly valuable pipeline at Junipero Serra High School? Alumni include true freshman standout Adoree' Jackson and former star receivers Robert Woods and Marqis Lee. Houston accounted for more than 400 tackles during his high school career.
4-star running back Ronald Jones (McKinney, Texas): The former Oklahoma State commit is expected to choose either USC or Notre Dame when he announces a commitment Jan. 2 at the Under Armour All-America Game. He gained more than 4,400 rushing yards as an upperclassman and would provide much-needed depth at the position.
7. Texas A&M
19 of 25
Already Under the Tree: 21 commits (two 5-stars; 10 4-stars)
Holiday Wish List
5-star defensive tackle Daylon Mack (Gladewater, Texas): Aggies fans received a lump of coal in their Christmas stockings last Friday when the longtime commit backed off his verbal pledge to the program. Mack was viewed as a leader of the class and leaves a sizable hole for Kevin Sumlin to fill. Although he hasn't entirely shut the door on a reconciliation, Texas, TCU and LSU seem to be gaining ground.
5-star cornerback Kendall Sheffield (Missouri City, Texas): Arguably the top defender in Texas, Sheffield is a shutdown player at a position of need in College Station. He used an official visit at Texas A&M earlier this month and previously spent time at Alabama, LSU, USC and Ohio State.
3-star linebacker Arthur McGinnis (Plano, Texas): The Warren Easton High School standout helped his squad reach a state title game this season and tallied a second straight 100-tackle campaign. Sumlin must upgrade his linebacker corps and, after missing on 5-star talent Malik Jefferson, McGinnis is a primary target.
6. Clemson
20 of 25
Already Under the Tree: 22 commits (two 5-stars; nine 4-stars)
Holiday Wish List
4-star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (Suffield, Connecticut): The 6'4', 290-pound defender gained traction as a top-tier lineman during his junior season and followed it up with another strong campaign this year. He's athletic enough to man multiple positions across the defensive front.
4-star cornerback Mark Fields (Cornelius, North Carolina): The son of former Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints linebacker Mark Fields Sr. has developed his own reputation as a ball hawk. He plays physical at the point of attack and possesses enough wiggle to keep tabs on speedy receivers downfield.
3-star defensive tackle Anthony Rush (Cary, North Carolina): He might not carry as much clout as Wilkins, but Rush is an overlooked member of this recruiting class. His high motor and ability to penetrate at the interior make him a compelling candidate to surprise by claiming early college reps.
5. Tennessee
21 of 25
Already Under the Tree: 26 commits (two 5-stars; eight 4-stars)
Holiday Wish List
4-star quarterback Sheriron Jones (Moreno Valley, California): The former Florida commit could go from future rival to foundational player in Knoxville. He identified Tennessee as a favorite shortly after backing away from a verbal pact with the Gators shortly after their coaching change. Jones might have been the most improved senior quarterback this season, making strides a pocket passer who can inflict damage with his legs.
4-star defensive end Kyle Phillips (Nashville, Tennessee): A key in-state target at Tennessee, Phillips has been on the Volunteers' radar since early stages of his recruitment. The 6'4", 250-pound defender visited Tennessee several times during his senior season, though Ole Miss and LSU provide competition within the conference.
4-star running back Byce Love (Wake Forest, North Carolina): The speedy playmaker averaged approximately 10 yards per carry as an upperclassman and could make an immediate impact in the return game. Love will visit Tennessee in January, following up tips to North Carolina and Stanford.
4. Ohio State
22 of 25
Already Under the Tree: 24 commits (one 5-star; 10 4-stars)
Holiday Wish List
5-star running back Damien Harris (Berea, Kentucky): The Buckeyes have been viewed as the top challenger to Kentucky's mission of keeping its coveted in-state standout on home turf. Harris, who decommitted from Michigan last winter, spent significant time in Columbus during the past year.
4-star offensive guard Josh Wariboko (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma): The former Oklahoma commit is down to three finalists, including the Sooners. Ohio State and UCLA are also in the mix for Wariboko, a 6'3.5", 315-pound road grader who dominates in the rushing attack.
3-star wide receiver Lawrence Cager (Towson, Maryland): The 6'5" target is among the top late-risers in this recruiting class. Improved speed and consistent physicality opened a lot of eyes on the camp circuit this summer, and those skills translated onto the field throughout his senior season.
3. Georgia
23 of 25
Already Under the Tree: 25 commits (two 5-stars; 12 4-stars)
Holiday Wish List
4-star linebacker Roquan Smith (Montezuma, Georgia): The Bulldogs missed on top in-state linebacker Raekwon McMillan (Ohio State) during the 2014 cycle, but they have a chance to hold onto this year's premier Georgia defender. Smith projects as a multi-year starter at outside linebacker with well-rounded skills.
4-star cornerback Donte Jackson (New Orleans, Louisiana): Jackson views Georgia as a finalist—along with LSU and USC—and is expected to announce a decision Jan. 21. The U.S. Army All-American National Player of the Year nominee rushed for more than 1,000 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2014, but he has the makings of a dynamic cornerback.
4-star offensive tackle Chidi Valentine-Okeke (Ludowici, Georgia): It's an SEC battle for the 6'6", 305-pound prospect. His official visit schedule included Georgia, Alabama and Auburn. Valentine-Okeke has lived in America for less than three years and is an intriguing "high-ceiling" talent.
2. Florida State
24 of 25
Already Under the Tree: 20 commits (four 5-stars; nine 4-stars)
Holiday Wish List
5-star cornerback Iman Marshall (Long Beach, California): The top-rated West Coast prospect is set to visit Florida State in January, presenting Jimbo Fisher and Co. with an opportunity to sell him on the Seminoles. The 6'1", 190-pound defender would team up with fellow 5-star Tarvarus McFadden.
5-star defensive end Terry Beckner (East St. Louis, Illinois): He might be the most impressive defensive end in this class not named Josh Sweat, who is already committed to Florida State. The 6'4", 293-pound prospect is versatile enough to patrol the perimeter or slide inside as a tackle in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
4-star wide receiver Da'Vante Phillips (Miami, Florida): The Miami Central High School star won a state championship in 2013 with Seminoles freshman star Dalvin Cook. The two remain close, and that friendship could help Florida State seal the deal. Phillips presents a 6'4" downfield target.
1. Alabama
25 of 25
Already Under the Tree: 23 commits (four 5-stars; 14 4-stars)
Holiday Wish List
5-star cornerback Kendall Sheffield (Missouri City, Texas): Alabama aims to acquire a 5-star tandem at the position for a second straight cycle. Tony Brown and Marlon Humphrey made it a very merry signing day last February, and Sheffield could join forces with New Jersey commit Minkah Fitzpatrick.
4-star defensive tackle Daron Payne (Birmingham, Alabama): The 6'2, 325-pound nose tackle would add to another impressive collection of incoming talent along the Crimson Tide defensive front. Payne has the potential to make Alabama's run-stuffing efforts even stingier. Auburn and Mississippi State provide stiff competition.
5-star running back Damien Harris (Berea, Kentucky): The nation's top-ranked rusher would fall in line with other elite talents who've played the position in Tuscaloosa under Saban. Harris, who gained nearly 6,800 yards and 111 touchdowns on the ground at Madison Southern High School, visited Alabama twice during the season.
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