Best Fits for the Top 10 Uncommitted 2016 QB Recruits

It may still feel early in the 2016 recruiting cycle, but many top quarterback recruits have already announced their collegiate intentions. Several top-tier passers, including 5-stars Malik Henry (Florida State), Jacob Eason (Georgia) and Shea Patterson (Ole Miss) pledged to programs relatively early in the process.

Those decisions aren't final until national letters of intent are signed, but they force teams to take a closer look at uncommitted members of this class. We examined the top 10 undecided 2016 quarterback in an effort to explore potential destinations at this stage.

Note: Recruits are listed in order of appearance in 247Sports' composite rankings.

10. Chazz Surratt (Denver, North Carolina)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 306 overall, No. 10 dual-threat quarterback

High School: East Lincoln High School

Notable Offers: Clemson, Duke, North Carolina, Wake Forest and West Virginia

Recruitment Update

Chazz Surratt seems to be caught at the center of an in-state tug-of-war between UNC and Duke. Though the ACC rivals are known far more for their basketball battles, the Blue Devils' ascension under Dave Cutcliffe has made things increasingly competitive on the local recruiting trail.

Surratt spent last weekend at Duke for junior day and came away enthused by the situation in Durham.

"I really liked it up there," he told Adam Rowe of 247Sports. "We went over a couple of formations and how [offensive coordinator Scottie] Montgomery would coach me if I came there. They think I can get on the field early there as long as I work hard."

The 6'2", 205-pound prospect falls in line with the multidimensional skill set Cutcliffe seeks behind center. He completed 68 percent of pass attempts in 2014 for 4,338 yard and 51 touchdowns, per MaxPreps, adding another 1,239 yards and 22 scores on the ground. 

"I think I fit at Duke being able to run the ball and throw it," Surratt said. "I think that's what they look for. It's kind of the same offense I play here in high school, so I think I could come in and be a good fit there."

Best Fit: Duke

9. Tylin Oden (Columbia, Tennessee)

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 293 overall, No. 11 pro-style quarterback

High School: Spring Hill High School 

Notable Offers: Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Louisville, Tennessee and Vanderbilt

Recruitment Update

Tylin Oden has seen collegiate interest intensify since the conclusion of his junior season, starting with an early December offer from Tennessee. Vanderbilt presents another in-state option, while Kentucky expands SEC opportunities.

The 6'5", 180-pound playmaker traveled to Louisville last weekend for junior day, less than a month after receiving a Cardinals offer. Oden racked up 1,947 total yards and 28 touchdowns in 2014, per Matt Slovin of The Tennessean, and drew rave reviews from Barton Simmons of 247Sports following recent seven-on-seven action.

"He showed off major arm strength and was accurate throughout the day," Simmons wrote.

Tennessee already holds a commitment from 4-star quarterback Austin Kendall, though the North Carolina product could eventually land elsewhere given an array of new options. His presence, plus three scholarship passers in the 2015 Vols class, should steer Oden elsewhere for now. We like Louisville's chances.

Best Fit: Louisville

8. Devon Modster (Rancho Santa Margarita, California)

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 289 overall, No. 9 pro-style quarterback

High School: Tesoro High School

Notable Offers: Arizona, Arizona State, Boise State, Cal and Kansas

Recruitment Update

Devon Modster made quite an impact during his first season as full-time starter at Tesoro, tossing 24 touchdowns and rushing for another 12 scores, per MaxPreps. He collected 3,282 total offensive yards, quickly emerging as a prized target in Pac-12 territory.

Arizona extended an offer in September, and interest continued to mount during his breakout campaign. Cal joined the pursuit earlier this month.

Swift consideration from Rich Rodriguez could go a long way as things progress. The Wildcats made Modster, who stands 6'2", 215 pounds, a primary concern just a few months after losing a pledge from 5-star passer Shea Patterson.

His ability to extend plays with mobility and threaten teams as a rusher suits Arizona's attack well. However, he appears comfortable when called upon to do damage from the pocket.

"[Modster] has a strong arm and, despite his athleticism (32-inch vertical jump), functions as a true pro-style quarterback that does an excellent job in keeping his eyes down field despite pocket pressure," observed Gary Randazzo of 247Sports.

Best Fit: Arizona

7. Xavier Gaines (Lake Wales, Florida)

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 265 overall, No. 9 dual-threat quarterback

High School: Lake Wales High School

Notable Offers: Auburn, Clemson, Florida State, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Virginia Tech

Recruitment Update

Xavier Gaines began receiving scholarship offers as a freshman, so this developed into a lengthy recruitment. The 6'2", 200-pound prospect earned his reputation as a dangerous dual-threat while spending two years at Frostproof, before transferring to Lake Wales last year. 

He narrowed his list to 10 teams last July, though key quarterback commitments at Florida State and Baylor have undoubtedly altered that outlook. Viewed among the most dynamic talents at the position, Gaines is in need of polish from a passing perspective and would be well-suited to land in a spot that allows him time to develop.

Ohio State signed a pair of quarterbacks in the 2015 class and already holds a pledge from promising 2017 prospect Danny Clark, but the Buckeyes remain a desirable possibility because of what Urban Meyer has accomplished with players who share Gaines' skill set.

Ohio State's crowded depth chart could scare off other top-level talents, but Gaines could be the one who gives immense competition a shot in Columbus.

Best Fit: Ohio State

6. Jalen Hurts (Channelview, Texas)

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 260 overall, No. 8 dual-threat quarterback

High School: Channelview High School

Notable Offers: Mississippi State, Houston and Purdue

Recruitment Update

It's still slow going for Jalen Hurts on the recruiting trail, particularly in his home state. Texas, TCU and Texas Tech have each already landed 4-star quarterbacks in this cycle, while Texas A&M is likely to be selective if it uses a scholarship at the position after back-to-back classes with a 5-star passer. 

The 6'2", 188-pound prospect attended camps at TCU and Oklahoma State last summer, and his strongest looks at the next level could come from Big-12 members. Hurts is fresh off a career-best junior campaign.

He threw for 2,558 yards and 21 touchdown, per Richard Davenport of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. His rushing totals (948 yards and 19 touchdowns) serve as evidence of special dual-threat capabilities.

Mississippi State views Hurts as a versatile weapon who fits the system at quarterback, offering him an opportunity to potentially vie for early playing time with a rising SEC contender. More programs will join this pursuit, but we'll give the Bulldogs an edge for now.

Best Fit: Mississippi State

5. Ervin Barrett (Orlando, Florida)

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 215 overall, No. 7 dual-threat quarterback

High School: West Orange High School

Notable Offers: Auburn, Louisville, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Texas

Recruitment Update

Ervin Barrett erupted on the national recruiting scene as an underclassman, and the playmaker they call "Woody" continues to command attention. He a physical rusher who continues to develop mass, standing 6'2", 213 pounds.

His classification varies among recruiting services, as some list him as an "athlete." However, Barrett has shown strides in terms of passing technique and took his downfield delivery toward a positive direction last season. 

He seems tailor-made for Auburn's offensive attack and listed the Tigers as his favorite in mid-February, per Ryan Bartow of 247Sports. We'll be watching to see if Oregon shakes things up by extending an offer, but Auburn is the expected destination a year shy of signing day.

Best Fit: Auburn

4. Jarrett Guarantano (Oradell, New Jersey)

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 98 overall, No. 6 pro-style quarterback

High School: Bergen Catholic High School

Notable Offers: Clemson, LSU, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Rutgers

Recruitment Update

Things continue to heat up for Jarrett Guarantano, as he added offers from LSU and Notre Dame this week in a 24-hour span. Those teams further complicate a situation that's already difficult to read.

The 6'4", 200-pound passer has considered Ohio State a top contender for a while and welcomed members of the Buckeyes staff for a visit in January. He is the son of James Guarantano, a former Rutgers wide receiver who is in the university's athletic Hall of Fame and spent multiple days on campus there this month.

His quickest potential path to the field appears to be located close to home with the Scarlet Knights. Guarantano, who collected nearly 30 offers as an underclassman despite limited varsity experience, would be one of the top-rated recruits ever to commit to Rutgers and represent a key in-state pickup for the Big Ten newcomer.

Elsewhere, he would likely be another face in the crowd next signing day, but he would lead the party in Piscataway, New Jersey.

Best Fit: Rutgers

3. Dwayne Haskins (Potomac, Maryland)

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 65 overall, No. 5 pro-style quarterback

High School: The Bullis School

Notable Offers: LSU, Maryland, Ohio State, Rutgers and Texas

Recruitment Update

Dwayne Haskins recently shared his plan to reach a decision sometime in April during a discussion with Todderick Hunt of NJ.com. The 6'3", 185-pound New Jersey native is a prized prospect among Big Ten schools but is still considering offers from a wide range of programs. 

Texas and LSU are teams beyond the region that have drawn his interest. The Longhorns landed a 4-star quarterback in the 2016 class this week, so that could potentially damper Haskins' feelings toward Texas.

Maryland aims to come away with a monumental in-state recruiting victory but must contend with conference competitors Rutgers and Ohio State. LSU may be the most compelling option in this bunch, as the Tigers have a significant need at quarterback on a roster loaded with offensive weapons.

Les Miles holds a longtime pledge from Florida product Feleipe Franks, but he's being courted by several other squads, and LSU is likely aiming for a pair of passers in this cycle. Haskins, who threw 36 touchdowns during his past two seasons, has the arm to enhance Cam Cameron's vertical attack, and the team will look to lock up a campus visit this spring.

Best Fit: LSU

2. Jawon Pass (Columbus, Georgia)

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 48 overall, No. 2 dual-threat quarterback

High School: Carver High School

Notable Offers: Alabama, Auburn, Louisville, North Carolina and Oregon

Recruitment Update

Nicknamed "The Puma," Jawon Pass reminds some of former Georgia high school star Cam Newton. The 6'5", 213-pound playmaker isn't nearly as polished as a passer, but he does possess elite athleticism and becomes a dangerous rusher in the open field.

Pass proclaimed Alabama, UNC and Louisville as leaders last season, per Ryan Bartow of 247Sports. His older brother will be a freshman defensive back with the Cardinals this year, giving Bobby Petrino a built-in sales pitch.

North Carolina is a dark horse worth monitoring, but it's difficult to anticipate the Tar Heels keeping pace, especially as West Coast powers like Oregon enter the mix. The Ducks extended an offer this week and could immediately shoot up his list of top contenders despite holding a commitment from fellow 4-star quarterback Seth Green.

Alabama aims to recruit dual-threat quarterbacks in an evolving offense and landed one of the best 2015 prospects in that department with Blake Barnett. Based on proximity and staff relationship, we'll give the Crimson Tide a slight edge over Oregon.

Best Fit: Alabama

1. 4-Star K.J. Costello

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 42 overall, No. 4 pro-style quarterback

High School: Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Notable Offers: Florida, Michigan, Stanford, Texas A&M and USC

Recruitment Update

USC looked like an immediate favorite when it extended an offer last year, but the Trojans signed two 4-star quarterbacks in the 2015 cycle and already have a logjam at the position. Stanford seems to be the most likely landing spot if K.J. Costello decides to stay in California.

He appears to be the state's top passer after breaking out as a junior. Costello completed 60 percent of attempts for 3,123 yards and 23 scores in 11 games, per MaxPreps.

Michigan has made him a top priority under Jim Harbaugh, and it could come down to the Wolverines' new coach against his former program. The Cardinal clearly have an edge if he's looking to stick close to home, but he presents a paramount target for a freshly hired Wolverines regime looking to extend its recruiting reach and add talent to a wide-open quarterback competition.

Ultimately, this comes down to a numbers game on the depth chart.

Michigan signed two quarterbacks in 2015. Stanford didn't sign any, creating ample opportunities for its next incoming passer.

Best Fit: Stanford