10 College Football Teams Off to a Fast Start Recruiting the Class of 2016
Ask any coach. Recruiting never ends. It doesn't take a day off. If you're caught resting, you'll lose.
It's been only eight days national signing day, and the 2016 class already has its share of committed players. There are several teams who are making the future a priority.
In fact, there are a few teams pushing double-digit numbers in 2016 pledges. Miami leads the numbers game nationally with 13 commits—and they're hoping to land a few more in the immediate future.
Here's a list of 10 teams that have had early success in recruiting 2016 talent.
Miami Hurricanes
1 of 10
2016 commits: 13
5-Stars: 0
4-Stars: 8
247Sports national rank: 1
When it comes to Miami's recruiting, quantity and quality work together. The commitment train started on June 21 with three-star inside linebacker Michael Pinckney, and it hasn't stopped since.
Wide receivers Sam Bruce, Ahmmon Richards and Dionte Mullins lead the class on offense, as does quarterback Jack Allison. Linebackers Shaquille Quarterman and Zach McCloud will be names to watch on the defensive side.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
2 of 10
2016 commits: 9
5-Stars: 0
4-Stars: 2
247Sports national rank: 4
Mississippi State has gotten off to a solid start with its 2016 class after signing 28 in the 2015 class. The Bulldogs have hit the junior college ranks strong, as its four top players are all JUCO standouts.
Offensive tackle Tommy Champion is the top-ranked JUCO athlete in the country, according to 247Sports. Champion, athlete Cameron Myers, cornerback Lashard Durr and outside linebacker Deshon Cooper all should compete for immediate playing time in the 2016 season.
Ole Miss Rebels
3 of 10
2016 commits: 8
5-Stars: 1
4-Stars: 4
247Sports national rank: 2
The Rebels like where they are in the early stages of 2016 recruiting. Ole Miss already has a 5-star pledge in wide receiver DeKaylin Metcalf, the nation's No. 2 receiver. He and 4-star Octavious Cooley will make a formidable receiver tandem. The running back duo of 4-stars Justin Connor and Denzel Mitchell could be fun to watch as well.
Defensively, Benito Jones is ranked a national top-10 defensive tackle, and he could be an anchor on the defense.
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Kentucky Wildcats
4 of 10
2016 commits: 8
5-Stars: 0
4-Stars: 2
247Sports national rank: 9
Kentucky has to be very pleased with how it's started recruiting for the 2016 class. The Wildcats are focusing on building their offensive line, as 4-stars Landon Young and Drake Jackson are two leaders who will fight for early playing time. Young has been committed since June 2013.
Defensively, look for cornerbacks Jordan Griffin and Davonte Robinson to not only add depth to the secondary but also challenge the upperclassmen for minutes.
Florida State Seminoles
5 of 10
2016 commits: 7
5-Stars: 1
4-Stars: 6
247Sports national rank: 3
The Seminoles started strong and could finish stronger, as several in-state targets are considering playing for Jimbo Fisher and his coaching staff.
Currently, Florida State has one 5-star player in stud quarterback Malik Henry, the nation's No. 2 pro-style quarterback. He will have 4-star wide receiver Keith Gavin to throw to and 4-star tight end Issac Nauta as a blocker and pass-catching option.
Look for defensive tackle Cedric Wood, outside linebacker Emmett Rice and defensive ends Janarius Robinson and Josh Brown to be catalysts on the other side of the ball.
Clemson Tigers
6 of 10
2016 commits: 7
5-Stars: 1
4-Stars: 3
247Sports national rank: 6
How do you trump a 2015 class that has 13 of the 25 signees on campus as early enrollees? It's tough to top, but Dabo Swinney's 2016 class is on the right track.
High expectations have already been set for 5-star Tavien Feaster, the nation's No. 2 running back. Quarterback Zerrick Cooper, a 4-star player and a national top-10 dual-threat option, will have 4-star wide receivers Tavares Chase and Cornell Powell in passing situations.
TCU Horned Frogs
7 of 10
2016 commits: 7
5-Stars: 0
4-Stars: 4
247Sports national rank: 8
On the field, TCU was the hottest team of 2015, and the 2016 class is reflective of the team's success.
The Horned Frogs have quarterback Brennen Wooten, athlete D'Eriq King, wide receiver Courtney Lark and cornerback KeShawn Somerville all committed as 4-star players. Somerville is a player to watch on defense, and King is talented enough to play quarterback, receiver or defensive back. Keep an eye on Sewo Olonilua, who at 6'2" and 212 pounds is versatile enough to be a running back, a linebacker or a safety.
Ohio State Buckeyes
8 of 10
2016 commits: 6
5-Stars: 1
4-Stars: 5
247Sports national rank: 5
The defending national champions are expected to be looking to replace athletes headed to the NFL. This could mean good things for this class, which includes 5-star running back Kareem Walker, the nation's top-ranked player at the position. Walker could fit in well if Ezekiel Elliott chooses to test the NFL waters. George Hill, a 4-star running back, also could see playing time.Tight end Jake Hausmann, guard Tyler Gerald and wide receiver Kierre Hawkins—all 4-star athletes—should help the Buckeyes on offense as well. Look for 4-star defensive end Jonathon Cooper to be a contributor on defense sooner rather than later.
LSU Tigers
9 of 10
2016 commits: 6
5-Stars: 0
4-Stars: 4
247Sports national rank: 7
LSU's 2016 class started off productively, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Feleipe Franks, a 4-star dual-threat quarterback, leads the class and has some help on offense in 4-star wide receivers Stephen Sullivan and Dee Anderson, as well as 4-star tight end Jamal Pettigrew.
The Tigers are major contenders for several other top-tier athletes around the country, and Les Miles and his coaching staff will look to build on their top-five 2015 class.
Tennessee Volunteers
10 of 10
2016 commits: 6
5-Stars: 0
4-Stars: 4
247Sports national rank: 10
Tennessee signed 27 in its 2015 class, and Butch Jones is hoping the 2016 class will be just as strong. It starts with quarterback Austin Kendall, a national top-10 pro-style quarterback. Kendall, a 4-star talent, could have 4-star Devante Brooks as a passing and blocking option if he stays at tight end. Brooks is an equally talented defensive end. Offensive tackle Ryan Johnson, another 4-star player, can be a leader on the line.
Defensively, speedy 4-star cornerback Marquill Osborne could set the bar high for the rest of the members of the secondary.
Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles
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