Every Top 25 College Football Program's Dream 2016 Recruit
Recruiting never stops, and it definitely speeds up during the summer.
The next few months will be the perfect time for top college programs to make some serious progress in building their next recruiting classes. Between camps, visits and the blue-chip stars who want to make their commitments before their senior seasons start, recruiting junkies are about to enter a busy time of year.
Using Bleacher Report's Post-Spring Practice Top 25, here is a look at the one specific target each school would love to sign next February.
Who's the one player who would make your fanbase go crazy? Take a look at our list and submit your own picks in the comments below.
25. Boise State
1 of 25
Little Rock, Ark. (Little Rock Christian Academy) | 5'11", 206 pounds
Composite Ranking: 617 | RB Ranking: 46
Former Arkansas State head coach Bryan Harsin is heading into his second season at Boise State, and even though he is a good distance away from his former home, Harsin is still trying to tap into Arkansas' high school talent base.
According to 247Sports, Crockett is the Broncos' top target for 2016 and hails from the same school that produced former 5-star running back Michael Dyer. Boise State would love nothing more than to snag Crockett from several Power Five schools and build up a position that currently doesn't have much depth.
24. Georgia Tech
2 of 25
Ponchatoula, La. (Ponchatoula) | 6'4", 347 pounds
Composite Ranking: 107 | OG Ranking: 3
Flipping this LSU commitment is a huge dream for the Yellow Jackets, but they currently have Campbell's older brother Christian on campus. Campbell tweeted Monday he had been offered by Georgia Tech, so it's not completely out of the question for coach Paul Johnson's staff to pull it off.
The Louisiana native would be the biggest 2016 recruit for Georgia Tech—and not just because he has a massive frame. The Yellow Jackets, who are currently last in the ACC recruiting rankings, usually target and sign 3-stars. An elite offensive-line recruit would be a dream come true for a program that will lose several starting linemen to graduation after this season.
23. Nebraska
3 of 25Springhill, La. (North Webster) | 6'0 ½", 235 pounds
Composite Ranking: 85 | ATH Ranking: 8
The Huskers were able to pull recruits from Louisiana in the Bo Pelini era, and now they look to do the same with coach Mike Riley in charge. As Bleacher Report's Patrick Runge wrote in March, linebacker is Nebraska's biggest position of need for the future, and White is a top prospect at that spot—with a twist. Per Runge:
""The fact that White has the potential to [also] play at running back also adds a degree of flexibility, making him an even more attractive target. White currently has interest from 11 schools, with LSU being in the lead. ... But Nebraska has had a history of getting athletes out of the Bayou State, and White would be an impressive addition to that history."
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22. LSU
4 of 25Havelock, N.C. (Havelock) | 6'3", 200 pounds
Composite Ranking: 11 | OLB Ranking: 2
The Bayou Bengals got off to a quick start in 2016 recruiting by grabbing a commitment from Saivion Smith, the No. 2 cornerback in the country, and now they have their sights set on the No. 2 outside linebacker. Joyner is a 5-star target at a position of need after the program didn't sign a single linebacker in the 2015 class.
The North Carolina native's biggest skill is his excellent pursuit, which would make him fit right into the swarming defense that LSU has created over the last few seasons. LSU is the big leader right now in the 247Sports' Crystal Ball Predictions for Joyner, with 79 percent of experts picking him to join the Tigers.
21. Oklahoma State
5 of 25Houston, Texas (Aldine MacArthur) | 6'3 ½", 258 pounds
Composite Ranking: 102 | SDE Ranking: 9
Oklahoma State has targeted a wide variety of defensive ends in this cycle, and the most mutual interest is coming in its recruitment of Houston native Isaiah Chambers. The Cowboys are going up against a number of usual suspects for this Texas star—Baylor, TCU and Texas A&M—but Chambers has also attracted the attention of schools such as Georgia and Oregon.
Judging from his highlight film, Chambers has great finesse moves at the line of scrimmage and would be perfect on a team that finished in the top quarter of total teams for sacks in the 2014 season.
20. Arizona
6 of 25Concord, Calif. (De La Salle) | 6'3", 295 pounds
Composite Ranking: 56 | DT Ranking: 9
The highest-ranked of Arizona's top targets is Tagaloa, a big-time defensive tackle from California. Tagaloa has made a name for himself with his high energy and success at the point of attack, and those skills have attracted the attention of many schools across the country.
UCLA has pulled into the lead for Tagaloa's services, but don't count out Arizona, who 247Sports says is close behind. If the Wildcats can add to their growing defensive-tackle depth with someone like Tagaloa and record a victory over schools such as UCLA and Alabama, they could be reaping the benefits for years to come.
19. Texas A&M
7 of 25
McKinney, Texas (McKinney North) | 6'3", 255 pounds
Composite Ranking: 86 | SDE Ranking: 7
Myles Garrett has been a pass-rushing phenom from day one at Texas A&M, and now the Aggies are looking to build depth behind him with players like Madubuike. Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee picked Madubuike as his No. 1 recruit in Texas A&M's dream 2016 recruiting class:
"He could follow in the footsteps of Myles Garrett," Sallee said. "This kid is that same kind of player—very disruptive, but a true three-down defensive end. He would be a tremendous asset for the [Texas A&M defensive coordinator] John Chavis defense."
18. Arkansas
8 of 25Hope, Ark. (Hope) | 6'2 ½", 268 pounds
Composite Ranking: 50 | SDE Ranking: 4
Agim is rising high in the recruiting rankings and could have a shot at being a 5-star player before national signing day next year. The Razorbacks love to keep the best in-state players close to home, and Agim is that star in Arkansas this cycle.
According to 247Sports' Otis Kirk, Arkansas is going to have to overcome the likes of Alabama, Baylor, Oklahoma State and Ole Miss in order to secure Agim. But 10 of the site's 12 Crystal Ball Predictions have Agim becoming a Razorback, so Arkansas is already in great shape for the top player in the state.
17. Oklahoma
9 of 25Fresno, Calif. (Clovis West) | 6'3", 215 pounds
Composite Ranking: 18 | OLB Ranking: 3
The Fresno area has been a good spot for Oklahoma recruiting in the last several years, and Kelly would be the latest star from that part of the country to suit up for the Sooners. Oklahoma is said to be in the lead for the extremely athletic U.S. Army All-American Bowl selection, and he has talked highly of his link to the program.
"It's family out there," Kelly told 247Sports' Barton Simmons. "The Fresno guys out there, they take care of me. That's the big connection. The coaches out there, they have a lot of experience. They've been around the country and have had a lot of success. It's a good program to be in."
16. Florida State
10 of 25Bradenton, Fla. (IMG Academy) | 6'4", 290 pounds
Composite Ranking: 5 | SDE Ranking: 1
Florida State is currently dominating the 2016 team rankings with three 5-star players already committing to the Seminoles. Manuel is the highest-rated target on the board for coach Jimbo Fisher and his staff, and he already has called Florida State a favorite for his signature.
In addition to his incredible size and speed, Manuel has the all-around game to make an early impact wherever he goes—even a school with blue-chip depth like Florida State. If the 'Noles can hold off Alabama and Florida, Manuel would be the centerpiece of a recruiting class that could stay at No. 1 all the way through national signing day.
15. Tennessee
11 of 25
Suwanee, Ga. (Peachtree Ridge) | 6'0", 175 pounds
Composite Ranking: 63 | S Ranking: 4
Sure, Tennessee has higher-rated players on its board, but Warrior is a player the Volunteers just can't lose—he is a legacy, the son of former Tennessee great Dale Carter.
Warrior had Tennessee as his favorite early in his recruitment, but the in-state Georgia Bulldogs have now pushed ahead in 247Sports' Crystal Ball predictions. Coach Butch Jones and his staff have done a solid job of keeping legacy players in the program, and this one could be the leader of a top ball-hawking defense down the road.
14. Arizona State
12 of 25Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. (Santa Margarita Catholic) | 6'1", 175 pounds
Composite Ranking: 69 | WR Ranking: 8
Arizona State has to replace the production of star wide receiver Jaelen Strong this season and continue to build depth at the position for the next few years. Crawford is one of several 4-star wide receivers the Sun Devils are targeting in the 2016 class, and he represents one of the team's best chances at snagging a great talent out wide.
Crawford isn't the biggest or fastest receiver in this cycle, but he already has great hands and a knack for getting open downfield. Michigan, UCLA and USC are also in the hunt for Crawford, who is expected to announce his commitment sometime this summer.
13. Georgia
13 of 25Buford, Ga. (Lanier) | 6'4", 305 pounds
Composite Ranking: 4 | DT Ranking: 2
How do you follow up the signing of Trent Thompson, the nation's No. 1 overall player and a 5-star defensive tackle from the class of 2015? If you are Georgia, you go after some of the best tackles in the next class, including No. 2-rated tackle and in-state product Derrick Brown.
Brown, another monstrous and athletic defensive tackle, has Georgia as his favorite, despite hard pushes from other top SEC schools. If Georgia can sign Brown, the defensive line in Athens would be terrifying for seasons to come.
12. Clemson
14 of 25Paramus, N.J. (Paramus Catholic) | 6'4", 290 pounds
Composite Ranking: 1 | DT Ranking: 1
Gary is the top-rated player in the country right now, and Clemson is in the hunt for his pledge. According to 247Sports, the Tigers have joined Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State, Ole Miss and Penn State as the top schools on the New Jersey star's list.
Clemson might be one of the longer shots on that list, but remember that it signed 5-star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins from that area of the country in the previous cycle. Signing the No. 1 player in the country would be another major step for the Tigers' rebuilding of one of the nation's best front sevens from last season.
11. Ole Miss
15 of 25Houston, Texas (Westfield) | 6'2", 277 pounds
Composite Ranking: 13 | DT Ranking: 5
Ole Miss is also one of the schools near the top for Rashan Gary, but the Rebels have a higher chance at this point at signing Oliver, another 5-star defensive tackle. Oliver is closer to Oxford and has made a huge leap in the recruiting rankings over the last few months.
Oliver told 247Sports' Taylor Hamm Ole Miss was one of his top schools even though he hasn't visited the campus yet. But the leader the Rebels are chasing is quite a stunner—Houston, who has Oliver's older brother Marcus already on its roster.
10. UCLA
16 of 25Concord, Calif. (De La Salle) | 6'3", 295 pounds
Composite Ranking: 56 | DT Ranking: 9
UCLA is in the running for several 5-star players, but the 4-star Tagaloa might be the most-valued target on the Bruins' board, according to Bleacher Report's Jason Fray:
"The De La Salle High School product is an absolute bull inside. His combination of natural power and quickness makes him arguably the best defensive tackle prospect on the entire West Coast. There's a real possibility UCLA loses both Eddie Vanderdoes and Kenneth Clark to the NFL after this upcoming year. ... Should Tagaloa sign with UCLA, he'll likely be in the mix for playing time as a true freshman.
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9. Auburn
17 of 25Tampa Bay, Fla. (Tampa Catholic) | 6'2", 205 pounds
Composite Ranking: 22 | WR Ranking: 1
One of the top players on Auburn's board had already committed to the Tigers, but Craig-Myers later decommitted in order to, as he told 247Sports, "give every team a shot." Now Florida State looks like the favorite to land Craig-Myers, who is coming back from a scary leg injury suffered early in his junior season.
Auburn needs to do everything in its power to get Craig-Myers back in its class. The Tigers don't have a star receiver outside of senior D'haquille Williams, who will likely be done at the end of the 2015 season. A top target like Craig-Myers could take coach Gus Malzahn's offense to the next level.
8. Oregon
18 of 25Nacogdoches, Texas (Nacogdoches) | 5'11", 183 pounds
Composite Ranking: 19 | S Ranking: 1
Dream big, Ducks. Pulling the nation's No. 1 safety out from the influence of in-state powers Texas and Texas A&M is going to be tough, but Oregon isn't completely out of the race for Jones just yet.
If the Ducks can break through the battle between the Longhorns and the Aggies, they would pickup a fantastic defensive back who was described by Bleacher Report's Damon Sayles as "a shutdown safety." They just have a lot of catching up to do at this point.
7. Notre Dame
19 of 25Hartland, Wisc. (Arrowhead) | 6'5", 293 pounds
Composite Ranking: 26 | OT Ranking: 4
If the Irish could pick up Bredeson, they would be set at offensive line for the next few years. Notre Dame already has a commitment from Tommy Kraemer, a borderline 4- or 5-star offensive tackle. Adding Bredeson would give Notre Dame the foundation for an outstanding front five.
Notre Dame is well-positioned in the battle for Bredeson's services, as Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin are the other leading candidates. The Irish don't have a stunning class at this point in the cycle, but adding this athletic tackle would make for a dream offensive-line haul.
6. USC
20 of 25La Puente, Calif. (Bishop Amat) | 6'3", 175 pounds
Composite Ranking: 32 | WR Ranking: 2
As Bleacher Report's Kyle Kensing noted shortly after national signing day, "adding wide receivers both for depth and to make an instant impact is among the highest priorities for USC on the 2016 recruiting trail." The Trojans already got a commitment from one earlier this week, when 4-star Josh Imatorbhebhe made his decision in this trailer from Bleacher Report, and they should get one—or two—more thanks to Vaughns.
The nation's No. 2 wideout stands out for his elite hands and ball skills, making him the perfect piece to add to the Trojans. He is also teammates with fellow 4-star receiver Trevon Sidney, and they're both predicted to head to the same school. USC is the most likely destination.
5. Alabama
21 of 25
New Orleans, La. (John Curtis) | 6'7 ½", 300 pounds
Composite Ranking: 21 | OT Ranking: 3
The rich get richer in recruiting, and Alabama is after a massive list of 5-star recruits in its hunt to get another No. 1 class. And, according to Bleacher Report's Marc Torrence, the jewel of that class could be an elite tackle like Allen, who seems to be down to the Tide, LSU and Ole Miss.
"Alabama had a great offensive line class [in 2015], but [coach] Nick Saban said it was missing that elite tackle," Torrence said. "Allen is the top uncommitted tackle in this class. ... You know in 2016 that Saban would love having another bookend tackle from Louisiana on that offensive line."
4. TCU
22 of 25Mesquite, Texas (North Mesquite) | 6'5", 281 pounds
Composite Ranking: 94 | OT Ranking: 11
TCU is projected to start four seniors on its offensive line this season, so rebuilding the ranks with recruiting should be a priority for the Horned Frogs. They are said to be leading alongside Texas A&M for Delance, a former Oklahoma commitment.
Delance has received offers from all over the country since his decommitment from the Sooners, but TCU is still one of the teams on top of his projected list. Grabbing him would go a long way toward protecting that high-octane offense for the next few seasons.
3. Michigan State
23 of 25Darien, Ill. (Hinsdale South) | 6'6", 250 pounds
Composite Ranking: 73 | SDE Ranking: 6
The No. 1 player in the state of Illinois still hasn't narrowed down his list of top schools yet, but he seems to be high on the Spartans heading into the summer. Michigan State claims 60 percent of the 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions for King, a massive defensive end who could become a fixture on the Spartans front line.
"I'm going to definitely release my top five before summer camp, and then the date of my commitment, I'm not really sure," King told ChicagoFootball.com. "I'm taking a few visits in the summer to MSU and USC, but I'd like to have that commitment locked in before the season starts."
2. Baylor
24 of 25Nacogdoches, Texas (Nacogdoches) | 5'11", 183 pounds
Composite Ranking: 19 | S Ranking: 1
In addition to Oregon, don't rule out Baylor in the race for Jones. The Bears, not normally known for being a recruiting power in the great state of Texas, already have a commitment from 5-star offensive tackle Patrick Hudson—so they're capable of turning some heads this cycle.
The front of Baylor's defense is stout, but the Bears could use some help in the secondary, especially with the amount of top passing attacks in the Big 12. While Texas and Texas A&M look like the favorites, Baylor could pull off another surprise in this class.
1. Ohio State
25 of 25Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (St. Thomas Aquinas) | 6'4", 265 pounds
Composite Ranking: 7 | SDE Ranking: 2
Coach Urban Meyer and his staff are going after a lot of 5-star players, but the name that sticks out among the rest for the defending national champions is Bosa, the younger brother of current Ohio State star Joey Bosa. Some coaches and analysts think Nick could be even better than his brother, who was a unanimous All-American last season.
There's no doubt Buckeye fans would love to see another Bosa on the field over the next few seasons. And, to the shock of no one, they are likely to get that wish—Nick named Ohio State his leader last month. It's good to be the champs.
Recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.
Justin Ferguson is an on-call college football writer at Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @JFergusonBR.
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