5 States Producing the Best Talent in 2016 College Football Recruiting
Most fans familiar with recruiting recognize the Big Three talent producing states of California, Florida and Texas.
More importantly, colleges across the country place importance on their recruiting efforts in those states.
That trio will remain a focus for college coaches in 2016, as 60 of the nation’s top 200 players overall in the 2016 class—including 12 5-star prospects—hail from those states.
But what other states join them as the territories with the most college-ready group of rising seniors?
Find out as we break down the five states that are producing the best players in the 2016 cycle.
California
1 of 5Top 200 Prospects – 30
5-Star Prospects – Two
The Golden State’s 2016 crop is headlined by a pair of 5-star defenders in linebacker Caleb Kelly and defensive end Breland Brandt, who is currently committed to UCLA.
While 2016 isn’t as loaded at quarterback as the 2015 class was, 4-star quarterback KJ Costello is a pro-style passer who sports a list of national offers.
The deepest position in-state in the 2016 class may be at wide receiver.
In fact, there are 11 California receivers who are among the nation’s top 200 prospects.
Overall, California is loaded with 2016 talents who could become potential difference-makers at the next level.
Florida
2 of 5Top 200 Prospects – 22
5-Star Prospects – Five
The epicenter of talent in the Sunshine State in the 2016 class lies in Bradenton at IMG Academy.
Eight of Florida’s top 25 2016 prospects will line up for the Ascenders this fall—including 5-star standouts in defensive end Shavar Manuel, corner Saivion Smith and quarterback Malik Henry, who has already committed to Florida State.
Both Florida State and Miami have gotten off to fast starts with in-state prospects in the 2016 cycle. The ‘Noles have five homegrown commits rated among the state’s top 25 prospects while the ‘Canes have four.
Corner, defensive end, quarterback and receiver are among the positions with which Florida is stocked with quality and quantity in the 2016 cycle.
Georgia
3 of 5Top 200 Prospects – 19
5-Star Prospects – Three
Perhaps one of the more underrated states in producing top recruits is Georgia.
The Peach State is loaded in 2016—especially in the trenches.
In particular, the defensive tackle class has a chance to be special with 5-stars Derrick Brown and Julian Rochester headlining a deep group at the position.
There’s also plenty of skill talent on hand with a trio of 4-star athletes in current Alabama commitment Demetris Robertson, Marquez Callaway and current South Carolina pledge Kyle Davis.
With only five of the state’s top 30 prospects having made an early commitment, Georgia is a territory that figures to be a landing spot for coaches across the country in the coming months.
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Louisiana
4 of 5Top 200 Prospects – 13
5-Star Prospects – Four
Similar to Georgia, Louisiana is another state that has produced a number of recruits in recent years.
This year’s crop of Pelican State talent includes four 5-star prospects, with defensive tackle Edwin Alexander topping the list of potential freaks in the class.
Recent Ole Miss pledge and 5-star quarterback Shea Patterson is in contention to be crowned as the top passer in the 2016 class.
Only five of the state’s top 25 prospects have made commitments, which means that there will be plenty of coaches making trips to the Bayou from now until signing day.
Texas
5 of 5Top 200 Prospects – 28
5-Star Prospects – Five
The 2016 class in the state of Texas features 13 players who rank among the nation’s top 100 prospects overall.
It’s a deep year across the board for talent in the Lone Star State. However, one position where Texas has produced the nation’s top three prospects at the same position is safety.
Brandon Jones, Eric Monroe and Deontay Anderson are all 5-star prospects who are being coveted by schools across the country.
The offensive tackle class in-state is also special, with 5-star Texas A&M pledge Gregory Little—who ranks as the top overall prospect in the 2016 class—headlining that group.
Overall, Texas has the depth and the quality to be considered as the state with the most talent on hand in the 2016 class.
Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.
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