Burning Questions 1 Month Away from National Signing Day
A lengthy 2016 recruiting cycle is surging toward national signing day with plenty of uncertainty swirling around marquee college football programs and prospects. Thousands of high school seniors across America will put pen to paper Feb. 3, solidifying collegiate intentions that will impact FBS action next season and beyond.
While coaching staffs have secured verbal commitments from athletes to fill most scholarship slots in this cycle, an abundance of top-tier playmakers remain undecided heading down this whirlwind final stretch. There are several storylines to follow closely throughout these remaining weeks and we've highlighted eight of them here.
How Will New Head Coaches Handle the Final Recruiting Stretch?
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College football annually undergoes dramatic alterations among team leaders, and this season provided more of the same. In total, 26 FBS head coaching vacancies were created since the 2015 campaign kicked off, and nearly all are filled as we enter January.
Georgia, South Carolina, Syracuse, Rutgers, Missouri, Maryland and Miami are among the Power Five programs that will take the field with a new head coach next fall. Before we witness the impact of those moves in game action, reverberations are felt in the recruiting spectrum.
Each of these new regimes face immediate challenges in an attempt to improve roster quality, whether it's Mark Richt trying to restore glory at Miami or Chris Ash aiming to spearhead a Rutgers rise in the Big Ten conference standings.
When surveying the landscape of schools with a first-year head coach, only Georgia and Miami currently place recruiting classes in the top 30 composite rankings leading up to signing day. This last push puts pressure on new head coaches and freshly assembled staffs to seal the deal by building relationships with limited time.
Expect plenty of intrigue as prospects sort through their ties with recruiters during the decision-making process. While one university may have been seen as an ideal destination earlier for a player and his family, these late leadership shifts have a way of shaking things up in a big way.
Is It Only a Matter of Time Until Georgia Soars in National Recruiting Rankings?
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The theme of key coaching changes continues here, as longtime Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart replaces Mark Richt as head coach in Athens. Richt racked up 145 wins in 15 seasons at Georgia, leaving big shoes to fill for the Georgia alumnus.
Though Smart is still fulfilling duties as Crimson Tide defensive coordinator, he already netted a major score for the Bulldogs by retaining 5-star quarterback commit Jacob Eason. The Gatorade Player of the Year, who threw for 3,585 yards and 43 scores as a senior at Lake Stevens High School in Washington, flirted with a flip to SEC rival Florida last month before reaffirming plans to join Georgia.
Eason will arrive on campus this month as an early enrollee and should be firmly in the mix for season-opening snaps. His decision to stick with the Bulldogs should be a confidence-builder for Smart and offensive coordinator Jim Chaney.
It may set the stage for a strong close, as many of Georgia's priority in-state targets remain uncommitted. The Bulldogs sit at No. 15 in the 2016 composite class rankings, but this group's potential ceiling is arguably higher than any program in America.
Defensive tackle Derrick Brown, receiver/defensive back Mecole Hardman and receiver/defensive back Demetris Robertson, the only 5-star Peach State prospects, have yet to announce college plans. All three are projected to sign with Georgia by a strong majority of experts' predictions in 247Sports' Crystal Ball.
Top-ranked tight end Isaac Nauta, who wrapped up his high school career at Florida powerhouse IMG Academy, is a Georgia native the Bulldogs are ultimately expected to bag. Offensive tackle E.J. Price and safety Nigel Warrior, both 4-star homegrown talents, also emerge as legitimate possibilities.
How Will Jim Harbaugh Finish Immensely Successful First Full Cycle at Michigan?
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Michigan's hiring of head coach Jim Harbaugh dominated last winter's off-field college football headlines. The former Wolverines quarterback now has an opportunity to command that spotlight again with a potential top-ranked recruiting class.
Michigan, claiming 23 commitments, is No. 5 overall in the composite rankings, rising as high as No. 2 last month. The Wolverines are one of just three teams, along with LSU and Ohio State, to hold at least 13 pledges from players considered 4-star prospects or better.
This successful surge occurred following a tenure-opening three-month commitment drought for Harbaugh on the 2016 recruiting trail. Indiana quarterback Brandon Peters broke the dry spell in April, ultimately opening the floodgates for future commitments.
Wisconsin offensive lineman Ben Bredeson, Texas defensive tackle Jordan Elliott and Florida linebacker Devin Bush are among 12 4-star pledges from beyond state borders. No recruiting territory has been more beneficial to Harbaugh this cycle than New Jersey.
Running back Kareem Walker, wide receiver Brad Hawkins, defensive end Ron Johnson and wide receiver/safety Ahmir Mitchell are each 4-star talents from the Garden State. They may be joined by another New Jersey standout on signing day when top overall 2016 recruit Rashan Gary reveals his decision.
Michigan is favored to sign the 6'5", 293-pound defensive lineman by 70 percent of 40 experts' predictions in his 247Sports Crystal Ball. Tight end Isaac Nauta, wide receiver Keyshawn Young and defensive back David Long are also compelling targets outside of Michigan, while Detroit cornerback Lavert Hill is a chief in-state concern.
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Will LSU Replace Former QB Commit Feleipe Franks?
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Late November proved to be a dramatic time period at LSU, with head coach Les Miles seemingly headed toward the exit door until university administration opted to retain him. The Tigers suffered a series of recruiting setbacks during that span of uncertainty, headlined by the departure of quarterback Feleipe Franks.
The 6'5", 220-pound Florida product, an Elite 11 finalist, ended his 17-month LSU pledge days before Thanksgiving. Franks found a new home with the Florida Gators less than a week later and is set to enroll early in Gainesville.
The Tigers still haven't secured his replacement. Rated No. 3 nationally among pro-style quarterbacks and coming off a 35-touchdown senior season, Franks left behind substantial shoes to fill.
An influx of talent at quarterback must be a paramount priority for Miles' staff. LSU has averaged just 171 passing yards per game during the past two seasons, tallying 30 touchdown tosses in those 25 contests.
LSU may expand its 2016 quarterback search by extending late scholarship offers, though longtime offer Dwayne Haskins is considered the hottest commodity. The 4-star Maryland commit is assessing his options in the wake of a Terrapins coaching change, with Ohio State and LSU emerging as possible alternatives.
Fellow Elite 11 finalists Nick Starkel and Anthony Russo are also on the radar. Russo pledged to Rutgers in May, while Starkel decommitted from Oklahoma State last month.
Is Texas Primed for Strong Late Recruiting Push Despite 2015 Struggles?
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The Lone Star State recruiting landscape is practically unrecognizable compared to how things developed last decade. A month shy of signing day, the Longhorns are rated No. 5 among Texas college football programs in composite class rankings.
Head coach Charlie Strong claims commitments from just one of the state's top 20 recruits. On the bright side, that biggest splash is his most recent addition.
Offensive tackle Jean Delance, a former Oklahoma pledge who sits at No. 15 in the Texas rankings, joined the class Jan. 2 while attending the Under Armour All-America Game. He became the Longhorns' fourth 4-star member of a 13-player class.
The opportunity for early playing time on a revamped roster is a key element of appeal for prospects like Delance, who may otherwise face a more difficult journey up the depth chart elsewhere.
"They said I can come in there and play immediately," Baylor running back commit and Texas target Kameron Martin told Bleacher Report's Damon Sayles in December. "I want to have a chance to play. I just want to go somewhere where I can get on the field immediately."
Several true freshmen received significant snaps in Austin this season, which explains some of the struggles Texas endured en route to a 5-7 record. The opportunity to make an immediate contribution should be an appealing part of the sales pitch for in-state targets such as a safety Brandon Jones, cornerback Eric Cuffee and linebacker Dontavious Jackson.
Of course, there is some element of risk involved with a commitment to Texas. Strong, just 11-14 in two seasons with the Longhorns, will face immense scrutiny from fans and university leaders alike if things don't turn around in 2016.
Will Urban Meyer Secure His Quarterback of the Future at Ohio State?
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Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer is a proven developer of elite college quarterback talent. He helped Alex Smith emerge as a No. 1 overall NFL draft pick at Utah, guided Tim Tebow to legendary status at Florida and most recently juggled three talented players at the position in Columbus.
Looking ahead at his upcoming pupils, you wonder which 2016 quarterback will be tempted to join forces with the three-time national champion.
Texas standout Tristen Wallace flipped from the Buckeyes to Oregon last month and is expected to see time at wide receiver in Eugene. Another flip elsewhere could benefit Ohio State in the weeks to come, as plenty of focus shifts toward Elite 11 finalist Dwayne Haskins.
Committed to in-state Maryland since last spring, he is exploring other options in the wake of sweeping coaching changes in College Park. Ohio State attempted to capitalize last month by hosting Haskins for an official visit.
He was joined on campus by multiple Buckeyes pledges, and indications are it was an extremely positive experience overall. While Haskins has also reciprocated attention from Florida and LSU during this process, Ohio State may be his most likely landing spot if a commitment switch comes late.
The past seven 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions for Haskins pointed toward the Buckeyes. Given Meyer's history of quarterback tutelage and Ohio State's impressive stockpile of offensive talent, it's an opportunity that could prove difficult for Haskins to pass up.
Which Team Will Land Top Overall Recruit Rashan Gary?
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If college football fans were still searching for validation when it comes to Rashan Gary's status as America's No. 1 overall recruit, they received it Jan. 2. The 6'5", 293-pound New Jersey defensive lineman dominated during Under Armour All-America Game action, recording six tackles and three sacks.
It's the latest reminder of Gary's established greatness and immense promise. The Paramus Catholic High School standout started receiving verbal scholarship offers in middle school and emerged as one of America's premier defensive prospects, regardless of position or class, by his junior season.
Make no mistake, Gary is the biggest fish in this recruiting cycle. And he still hasn't been snatched up.
Multiple visits to Michigan and a personal relationship with Wolverines recruiter Chris Partridge (his former Paramus Catholic coach) help make Ann Arbor the most likely destination. He is projected to join at least four other New Jersey products in Michigan's class by 70 percent of experts' predictions in his Crystal Ball.
Auburn, Georgia, Ole Miss and Clemson are among the programs that hosted him in the past, while USC is expected to receive an official visit in January. This one will go down to the wire, with Michigan viewed as the team to beat.
Can Nick Saban Deliver a 6th Straight No. 1 Recruiting Class at Alabama?
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Is Alabama's reign atop the college football recruiting rankings nearing an end?
The Crimson Tide, currently No. 4 in the composite rankings, are riding a five-year streak of top-rated classes. In other words, head coach Nick Saban and company have landed the best perceived recruiting talent in all but one February this decade.
It's a remarkable feat for Alabama, which is set to unleash a new set of young blue-chip players next fall when the veteran stars of this SEC championship squad depart. Superior depth helped put the Tide in position to earn College Football Playoff berths in both 2014 and 2015, the only program to accomplish this feat.
Regardless of whether or not Alabama extends its streak, this group has the makings of another special haul in Tuscaloosa. Headlined by 5-star California offensive tackle Jonah Williams, dual-threat Texas quarterback Jalen Hurts and dynamic North Carolina running back B.J. Emmons, it's a class that includes eight commits considered top-10 talents at their respective position.
Still staring up at Florida State, LSU and Ohio State in the composite class rankings, Alabama's efforts would be bolstered if it can seal the deal with coveted uncommitted recruits. Saban's 5-star target list features linebacker Lyndell Wilson, receiver/cornerback Mecole Hardman and linebacker Ben Davis, the son of all-time Tide tackles leader Wayne Davis.
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