5 College Football Teams in Need of Strong Junior Day for Recruiting
National signing day is now annually sandwiched by a series of on-campus events known as "junior days." Typically held on Saturday afternoons, these gatherings are scheduled with intentions of showcasing a program, its facilities and coaching staff for young recruits.
The class of 2016 steps into the spotlight and, despite still being in its early stages, these final weeks of winter represent a crucial stretch of the cycle. Teams are already aiming to build momentum toward next signing day by establishing a strong foundation with key commitments.
Here's a look at five teams that have scheduled upcoming junior days that will be focused on strengthening their 2016 recruiting situations with top targets on campus.
Recruit ratings based on 247Sports.
Oklahoma
1 of 5
Oklahoma moves forward in the 2016 recruiting cycle without Jerry Montgomery, a top defensive assistant and ace recruiter who accepted a position with the Green Bay Packers. The Sooners have been slow out of the gate and could look to junior day as an accelerant.
Head coach Bob Stoops currently holds just one commitment, though it's an impressive pickup. Jean Delance, a 4-star offensive tackle from Texas, pledged to the program in November. Oklahoma may be in store for further success in the Lone Star State based on the team's anticipated guest list.
The group includes several Texas recruits, highlighted by offensive lineman JP Urquidez, wide receiver Kofi Boateng and defensive back Eric Cuffee, per The Football Brainiacs.
Louisiana safety Chanse Sylvie and in-state outside linebacker Calvin Bundage are also expected on campus.
Wisconsin
2 of 5
New head coach Paul Chryst completed the 2015 recruiting cycle in strong fashion, though a sturdy foundation was left behind by Gary Andersen. He retained 15 commitments from the previous regime, accounting for 75 percent of Wisconsin's incoming class (the largest total of any new FBS coaching hire).
After bringing quarterback Alex Hornibrook and defensive tackle Kraig Howe along with him from Pittsburgh's class, Chryst also claimed late commitments from Alabama running back Bradrick Shaw and 4-star Georgia safety Arrington Farrar.
Now it's time for him to flex muscles on the 2016 recruiting trail.
North Carolina running back Antonio Williams, a 4-star recruit, is the lone 2016 Badgers pledge. He is another holdover commitment from the Andersen era.
Illinois tight end Noah Turner, who has developed into a hot commodity in Big Ten territory, is an early confirmed attendee for Wisconsin's junior day, per Evan Flood of 247Sports. According to Flood, Illinois wide receiver Emmanuel Rugamba is also expected on campus.
Florida State
3 of 5
The Seminoles don't necessarily need to hit a home run on junior day, but the program will be presented with a golden opportunity. Florida State is set to host top-ranked wide receiver Nate Craig-Myers on junior day, per Chris Nee of 247Sports.
The 6'2", 205-pound Tampa Catholic High School playmaker committed to Auburn last summer but continues to show interest in Jimbo Fisher's squad. Craig-Myers, rated 12th overall in 247Sports' composite rankings, recently shared that the door remains open for Florida State to make strides.
“It”s probably at seventy percent (committed) right now,” he told Josh Newberg of 247Sports in January. “Auburn, USC, Florida State and Ohio State are probably my top four.”
The Seminoles offered him a scholarship during his freshman year. He considers receivers coach Lawrence Dawsey a major presence in his recruitment.
“He’s a great coach and knows me the best out of anyone recruiting me," Craig-Myers told Newberg. "I love the family atmosphere at FSU, you can go there and play right away, plus it’s in my backyard.”
Florida State already landed 5-star quarterback Malik Henry and top-rated tight end Isaac Nauta. The potential addition of Craig-Myers would give Fisher the most feared offensive collection in the early stages of this cycle.
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Texas
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Charlie Strong secured a top-10 recruiting class with his first full recruiting cycle as Longhorns head coach. Texas' 2016 efforts are also off to a solid start, including commitments from a pair of 4-star wide receivers (Collin Johnson and Reggie Hemphill-Mapps).
The team aims to make more inroads with top targets on junior day. The guest list is beginning to grow, per 247Sports.
Top-ranked safety Eric Monroe is expected to visit Austin. The 5-star Houston product picked up a scholarship from the Longhorns last summer.
Pledges from a pair of Big 12 rivals are also set to spend time on campus. Oklahoma offensive tackle commit Jean Delance and Baylor cornerback commit Grayland Arnold are both anticipated guests.
Tren'Davian Dickson, a 4-star prospect who set the national record with 39 touchdowns last season, has also accepted a junior day invite. He decommitted from Baylor earlier this week.
Penn State
5 of 5
Penn State made strides off the field during James Franklin's first season at the helm, including an increase in scholarship availability after unprecedented sanctions. The Nittany Lions capitalized on junior day last year, helping the program rise to No. 1 overall in national recruiting rankings for a short stretch last spring.
Franklin reeled in junior day commitments from Jarvis Miller, Ryan Bates and Kamonte Carter in 2014. Penn State must continue to replenish its roster, and these events are a key part of the process.
"Signing Day is today, we had a Junior Day two weeks ago, we got another one in two weeks," Franklin told Greg Pickel of PennLive.com last week. "We're already all over 2017 players. It never ends."
The team already holds three 4-star commitments in this class. Penn State will welcome a several more to campus for its upcoming junior day, highlighted by Virginia defensive end Kyree Campbell.
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