2016 Recruits Who Could Change the Fortunes for Struggling 2015 Teams
Hope springs eternal each national signing day, when college football programs officially welcome committed recruits into the fold as future contributors. For some squads struggling to gain consistency this season, February can't come soon enough.
Regardless of how a team is performing on the field, coaches must always keep an eye toward the future. Those efforts take even greater precedence when a staff is consistently picking up losses with its present roster.
It hasn't been an ideal fall for many marquee universities, but the possibility of immediate-impact prospects could shift momentum next year. Here's a peek at several players capable of becoming key components of 2016 program turnarounds.
QB Jacob Eason
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High School: Lake Stevens (Lake Stevens, Washington)
Size: 6'5", 205 lbs.
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 2 pro-style quarterback; No. 5 overall
Team He Could Help: Georgia Bulldogs
Bulldogs first-year offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has seen his attack gradually erode since star running back Nick Chubb was lost for the season. Unfortunately for Georgia, things weren't exactly rolling full throttle before the Heisman Trophy candidate suffered a severe knee injury.
The team opened October with a 38-10 loss to Alabama, as quarterbacks Greyson Lambert and Brice Ramsey combined to complete 35 percent of pass attempts for 106 yards and three interceptions. Georgia ultimately dropped three of four matchups last month, tallying a woeful 42 percent completion rating and 180 passing yards per game in those defeats.
Faton Bauta took over behind center Oct. 31 for a crucial SEC showdown with Florida, though the results didn't inspire confidence. He tossed four interceptions in a 27-3 loss that has turned up the volume on speculation about head coach Mark Richt's future.
Jacob Eason, a blue-chip West Coast recruit, has all the tools you look for in a quarterback capable of competing for early collegiate reps. He's thrown for 5,159 yards, 61 touchdowns and just six interceptions since committing to Georgia last summer, according to MaxPreps.
Set to enroll early, he'll have a shot to make his mark in Athens during spring camp.
WR Tren'Davian Dickson
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High School: Navasota (Navasota, Texas)
Size: 6'0", 171 lbs.
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 22 wide receiver; No. 132 overall
Team He Could Help: Texas Longhorns
The former Baylor commit boosted Texas' 2016 recruiting class when he committed in July. Tren'Davian Dickson, who set a national prep record with 39 touchdown receptions as a junior, is exactly what the doctor ordered for a Longhorns offense in need of scoring threats.
No Texas player has recorded more than one touchdown catch through eight games that produced a 3-5 record. Redshirt freshman quarterback Jerrod Heard has provided a much-needed offensive spark, but he's done more damage with his legs (502 rushing yards) than his arm (three touchdown tosses) so far.
Freshman receiver John Burt has seen extensive action during his first collegiate campaign, but it's clear the Longhorns need more perimeter playmakers. Dickson, along with fellow 4-star prospects Collin Johnson and Reggie Hemphill-Mapps, will have an opportunity to shake things up atop Texas' depth chart next fall.
Dickson, the top-rated member of this Longhorns class, is enjoying another dominant season at Navasota. He caught a scoring strike in each of his first six games as a senior, per MaxPreps, totaling 856 yards and 12 touchdowns during that span.
DE Oluwole Betiku
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High School: Junipero Serra (Gardena, California)
Size: 6'3 ½", 240 lbs.
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1 weak-side defensive end; No. 10 overall
Team He Could Help: USC Trojans
Junipero Serra High School has been a tremendously productive pipeline for USC through the years, with the list of notable pickups featuring Marqise Lee, Robert Woods, Rasheem Green and Adoree' Jackson. Foreign-born defensive end Oluwole Betiku is the program's latest prized prospect.
Following his October decommitment from UCLA, the Nigeria native is back on the market. Texas A&M, Florida, Florida State, LSU and Notre Dame are among alternative options that have caught his attention, but rule out the Trojans at your own risk.
Like much of USC's 2016 recruiting fortunes, any success here would require drastically increased stability among team leadership. If/when a new staff is hired to turn things around in Los Angeles, expect Betiku to remain a premier priority.
This seems like a long shot right now, though rapid recruiting improvement at Michigan and Florida provide evidence the narrative can be altered by a new leader. USC must develop a feared pass rush in order to compete for Pac-12 titles and its current pace (tied for eighth among conference members with 17 sacks) simply won't cut it.
Through less than two full high school seasons, Betiku has quickly mastered the art of bringing down quarterbacks. He's secured 25½ sacks in just 20 games since immigrating to America, according to MaxPreps.
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CB Jared Mayden
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High School: Sachse (Sachse, Texas)
Size: 6'0", 190 lbs.
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 10 cornerback; No. 122 overall
Team He Could Help: Oregon Ducks
Oregon surrendered 107 total points in its past two losses, sending the program into November with a pedestrian 5-3 record. The Ducks defense ranks 125th nationally in passing yards allowed per game (318), torched for 27 touchdown passes through eight contests.
Marcus Mariota may be gone, but this weakness is a glaring reason why Oregon is among the most underwhelming teams in college football this fall. Fortunately for head coach Mark Helfrich, help is on the way.
Oregon holds five 4-star defensive commitments in the 2016 recruiting cycle, none bigger than Texas cornerback Jared Mayden. He chose the Ducks over Ohio State, Alabama, Florida State and others this summer at The Opening.
His expectations are high for the future in Eugene.
"Our secondary will be nice," Mayden told Bleacher Report's Damon Sayles. "We're going to be DBU."
Between where things stand now and the title of "DBU," Oregon fans would likely be pleased with somewhere in the middle at this stage. Mayden must become an instant factor if serious strides are to be made in 2016.
QB Dwayne Haskins
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High School: The Bullis School (Potomac, Maryland)
Size: 6'3", 198 lbs.
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 6 pro-style quarterback; No. 64 overall
Who He Could Help: Maryland Terrapins
Maryland's current regime has been touting "The Movement" as a recruiting effort involving top recruits from the region. Even after the dismissal of head coach Randy Edsall, this mindset is maintained by Elite 11 finalist Dwayne Haskins.
Among the most polished passers in this cycle, Haskins committed to Maryland over Florida, Rutgers, Notre Dame and others in May. That announcement thrust him into a leadership position among Terrapins pledges, and it's a role he wholeheartedly embraced.
"It's definitely a big deal because 'The Movement' can be huge if it's something other players are willing to believe in," Haskins told Bleacher Report at the time. "It could really change the way people view the program."
He's targeted several standout prospects on behalf of Maryland, including close friend Trevon Diggs, a 4-star wide receiver whose older brother Stefon starred in College Park, Maryland.
Maryland's passing attack has been feeble in 2015, as Terps quarterbacks have combined to complete 47 percent of throws for 160 yards per game with 23 interceptions en route to a 2-6 start. The team has tossed at least three picks in six of the past seven contests.
Haskins, an extremely accurate passer with plenty of poise, will be expected to contend for starting reps in the 2016 season opener. Florida is among other programs still attempting to flip Haskins from Maryland, but he seems set to sustain his in-state loyalty.
WR Kyle Davis
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High School: Archer (Lawrenceville, Georgia)
Size: 6'1 ½", 218 lbs.
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1 wide receiver; No. 20 overall
Who He Could Help: Auburn Tigers, Georgia Bulldogs or Tennessee Volunteers
Kyle Davis initially planned to reveal his collegiate intentions in October but postponed the decision shortly beforehand. That leaves three SEC squads—Auburn, Georgia and Tennessee—jockeying for position in this contentious pursuit.
He's a paramount target for each program, flashing the ability to eventually emerge as an all-conference contributor. That's an element of the offensive attack these particular teams should appreciate.
We documented Georgia's dismal aerial efforts earlier in this piece while discussing quarterback Jacob Eason's importance. Bulldogs true freshman Terry Godwin has come on strong with 10 catches in the past two games, but there looks to be little established depth in 2016 following the departure of leading receiver Malcolm Mitchell.
Auburn dismissed dynamic pass-catcher Duke Williams earlier this season, and its managed just six total touchdowns tosses in 2015. Senior Ricardo Louis is the lone Tigers player with more than 13 catches through eight games and only running back Roc Thomas has also reached 200 receiving yards.
Preston Williams, arguably Tennessee's top offensive addition last signing day, carries a ton of promise but has dealt with some health issues this fall. Sophomore Josh Malone leads the Volunteers with just 23 receptions through eight games.
Davis, averaging 18.5 yards per reception this season according to MaxPreps, is taking a step back to evaluate these options. Based on this season's developments, he'd have a realistic opportunity to claim starting reps as a true freshman at all three potential destinations.
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