College Football's Most Important Offers of the Week

The rivalry between Notre Dame and USC has produced thrilling games as well as battles on the recruiting trail in recent years.

Both schools have 2016 classes currently rated among the nation’s Top 20 groups. 

However, Irish head coach Brian Kelly may be trying to put a dent in the Trojans' class. Last week, Notre Dame offered 3-star receiver and current USC pledge Velus Jones Jr. 

The 5’11”, 180-pounder has been committed to the Trojans since April. According to Ben Thomas of AL.com, ACC power Virginia Tech also offered Jones last week.

However, as Tom Loy of 247Sports detailed, the offer from the Irish is one that caught his attention.

“I feel blessed because not everyone can get an offer from Notre Dame,” Jones told Loy. “It’s just a blessing and it truly means a lot to me.”

He’s already planning to make a trip to South Bend, Indiana, in the near future.

“I’m going to take an official visit there,” Jones said. “I’m looking at Jan. 15. That might be my last trip. I go to Tennessee this weekend. I’m planning on going to Mississippi State next weekend. Then I’ll get to Notre Dame in January. I’m already committed to USC, so I’m not sure if I’ll visit there or not.”

With Jones seemingly open to his other options, the Irish will take their best shot at luring him away from the Trojans.

2017 Florida DE Nets Four Big Offers

One of the top rising juniors in the Sunshine State is 4-star Tampa defensive end Zachary Carter.

Last week, the 6’5”, 240-pounder added four schools to his growing list of suitors.

Louisville, NC State, Ohio State and Ole Miss all tendered the Hillsborough High School standout.

The attention on Carter, who rates as the nation’s No. 5 strong-side defensive end in the 2017 class, figures to ramp up in the coming months after the 2016 cycle concludes.

John Raoux/Associated Press

Florida State After 2017 TEs

Florida State has a pledge from one of the top tight ends in the 2016 cycle in 4-star Naseir Upshur.

However, Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher and his staff are actively looking for difference-makers at that position in the 2017 cycle.

"

Blessed to say I have received an offer from Florida State University! #GoNoles pic.twitter.com/tmLlj4FzNe

— Tre' mckitty (@T_mckitty) December 3, 2015"

Last week, FSU offered 4-star tight end Tre' McKitty and 3-star tight end Logan Rudolph—who also received offers from Tennessee and Penn State last week, as he noted on his Twitter account.

McKitty is currently committed to Miami, while Rudolph has amassed nearly 25 offers before his senior season.

With the Seminoles looking to add depth to that position, both players could become priority recruits for Fisher and his staff in the months ahead.

Alabama Offers 2017 QB Committed to SEC Rival 

Alabama already has a quarterback pledge in the 2017 class in 4-star Georgia native Jake Fromm.

However, Tide head coach Nick Saban and his staff offered 5-star quarterback and current Tennessee commit Hunter Johnson last week, as noted by Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports.

The 6’3”, 197-pound Johnson, who is the top-rated pro-style passer in the 2017 cycle, committed to the Vols in August.

With Fromm on board, it remains to be seen how hard the Tide staff pushes for Johnson.

Best of the Rest

• North Carolina offered JUCO linebacker JB Copeland.

• Iowa State offered 3-star quarterback and current South Florida pledge Chris Oladokun. The Cyclones also offered 3-star offensive lineman Alaric Jackson.

• Minnesota offered 3-star running back JaQua Daniels.

• Nebraska offered 3-star quarterback Tony Poljan.

• UCLA offered 3-star offensive lineman and current California pledge Francisco Perez.

• Mississippi State offered 5-star athlete Mecole Hardman Jr. The Bulldogs also offered 3-star offensive lineman Sean Auwae. 

• Ole Miss offered 4-star linebacker and current Alabama commit Jaquan Yulee.

• Duke offered 4-star offensive lineman Matt Bockhorst.

• Louisville offered 3-star running back Devan Barrett.

• Nebraska offered 3-star receiver KJ Hamler.

• Ohio State offered 4-star safety Cyrus Fagan.

• Penn State offered 4-star athlete Isaiah Robertson.

• Wisconsin offered 3-star defensive tackle Dalyn Wade-Perry.

• Texas Tech offered offensive lineman Dawson Deaton.

• The Red Raiders joined Arizona State, Oklahoma State and TCU in offering 4-star receiver Omar Manning.

• Arizona State offered defensive end Jacob Callier.

• California offered 3-star offensive lineman Will Farrar.

• Oregon State offered 3-star safety Addison Gumbs.

• UCLA offered offensive lineman Alijah Vera Tucker.

• The Bruins joined Utah and Washington State in offering defensive end Hunter Echols.

• Arkansas offered 4-star offensive lineman Walker Little. The Razorbacks also offered 4-star tight end Colby Parkinson.

• Mississippi State offered 4-star safety Todd Harris.

• Texas A&M offered 4-star athlete Maleik Gray. 

• Vanderbilt offered 4-star receiver Trey Blount.

• Ryan Bartow of 247Sports reported Florida State offered defensive tackle Josh Belk.

• Wiltfong reported Iowa State offered quarterback Brennan Armstrong.

• Scout.com’s Greg Biggins reported that Arizona State offered receiver Marquis Spiker.

• Washington offered quarterback Brevin White.

• Biggins reported Washington State offered safety Aashari Crosswell. 

• Tennessee and Florida State offered athlete and current LSU pledge Justin Watkins. Scout.com’s Corey Bender reported both Duke and North Carolina also offered Watkins.

• Adam Friedman of Rivals reported that Kentucky offered athlete Devyn Ford.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand and all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.

Follow @SanjayKirpalani