CFB Future 100: Top Overall 100 Recruits in Class of 2017
After a thorough study using specific scoring criteria, Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analysts Damon Sayles, Sanjay Kirpalani and Tyler Donohue have graded the top 100 players in 247Sports' composite rankings and provided in-depth analysis on each young athlete. Bleacher Report will run a position-by-position breakdown series of the best college football recruits in the class of 2017. Here we present the Top 100 Overall.
Other Positions:
The college football recruiting scene consistently forces coaching staffs to search for America's next crop of playmakers well in advance of high school graduation. It's no longer a shock to learn of freshmen claiming scholarship offers, and many of the most coveted prospects collect double-digit offer totals as underclassmen.
We turn our attention toward athletes who will command attention through national signing day 2017, focusing on the premier members of a star-studded cycle. Here's a breakdown of America's top 100 rising senior recruits, including the latest collegiate developments and skill-set assessment from B/R analysts.
Players appear in order by 247Sports' composite rankings.
100-81
1 of 24
100. 4-star OLB Christopher Allen, Southern University Lab School (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Alabama, Georgia, LSU and Mississippi State
99. 4-star TE Colby Parkinson, Oaks Christian High School (Thousand Oaks, California)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Stanford
98. 4-star S Paris Ford, Steel Valley High School (Pittsburgh)
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Pittsburgh
97. 4-star OLB VanDarius Cowan, Palm Beach Gardens High School (Palm Beach Gardens, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Florida State
96. 4-star WR Tarik Black, Cheshire Academy (Cheshire, Connecticut)
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame and Tennessee
95. 4-star OLB Bruce Jordan-Swilling, Brother Martin High School (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Alabama, Georgia, Georgia Tech and LSU
94. 4-star WR Osiris St. Brown, Mater Dei High School (Anaheim, California)
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Notre Dame, Stanford, UCLA and USC
93. 4-star S Derrick Tucker, Manvel High School (Manvel, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Arkansas, Houston, Texas and TCU
92. 4-star CB William Poole III, Hapeville Charter High School (Atlanta)
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Alabama, Clemson, Florida State and Georgia
91. 4-star RB Cordarrian Richardson, Trezevant High School (Memphis, Tennessee)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Alabama, Auburn, Florida State and Tennessee
90. 4-star RB Colin Wilson, Clay High School (Green Cove Springs, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Auburn, Clemson, Florida and Georgia
89. 4-star OT Austin Troxell, Madison Academy (Madison, Alabama)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn and Florida State
88. 4-star LB Anthony Hines, Plano East High School (Plano, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Baylor, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Texas
87. 4-star DE Zachary Carter, Hillsborough High School (Tampa, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Florida, Miami, Notre Dame and Ohio State
86. 4-star QB Davis Mills, Greater Atlanta Christian School (Norcross, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Michigan State, Ole Miss, Stanford and UCLA
85. 4-star LB Levi Draper, Collinsville High School (Collinsville, Oklahoma)
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Oklahoma
84. 4-star CB Marcus Williamson, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Ohio State
83. 4-star CB Chevin Calloway, Bishop Dunne High School (Dallas)
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Baylor, LSU, Notre Dame and Oklahoma
82. 4-star OT Tony Gray, Central Gwinnett High School (Lawrenceville, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Auburn, Clemson, Georgia and Ohio State
81. 4-star QB Jake Bentley, Opelika High School (Opelika, Alabama)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Auburn, Miami, South Carolina and Stanford
80-61
2 of 24
80. 4-star OT Andrew Thomas, Pace Academy (Atlanta)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Alabama, Arkansas, Clemson and Georgia
79. 4-star RB Ty Chandler, Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville, Tennessee)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Georgia, Ole Miss, Notre Dame and Tennessee
78. 4-star CB Deon Jones, Archbishop Carroll High School (Washington, D.C.)
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Auburn, Clemson, Florida and Penn State
77. 4-star OG Tyrese Robinson, McKinney Boyd High School (McKinney, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Oklahoma
76. 4-star DT Haskell Garrett, Bishop Gorman High School (Las Vegas)
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Ohio State
75. 4-star WR Devonta Smith, Amite High School (Amite, Louisiana)
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Alabama, Georgia, LSU and Ole Miss
74. 4-star LB Justin Foster, Crest High School (Shelby, North Carolina)
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Clemson, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee
73. 4-star CB Deommodore Lenoir, Bishop Mora Salesian High School (Los Angeles)
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Arizona State, Michigan, UCLA and Washington
72. 4-star OT Chuck Filiaga, Vista Murrieta High School (Murrieta, California)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Florida, Nebraska, Oregon and USC
71. 4-star DT Jay Tufele, Bingham High School (South Jordan, Utah)
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Arizona State, UCLA, USC and Utah
70. 4-star QB Shawn Robinson, Guyer High School (Denton, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to TCU
69. 4-star LB Drew Singleton, Paramus Catholic High School (Paramus, New Jersey)
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Clemson, Michigan, Penn State and Rutgers
68. 4-star QB Tua Tagovailoa, St. Louis High School (Honolulu)
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Arizona State, Nebraska, Oregon State and USC
67. 4-star RB Toneil Carter, Langham Creek High School (Houston)
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Arkansas, Georgia, LSU and Texas A&M
66. 4-star OT Micah Clark, St. John Vianney Regional High School (Holmdel, New Jersey)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State and Rutgers
65. 4-star QB Jake Fromm, Houston County High School (Warner Robins, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Alabama
64. 4-star DE Lagaryonn Carson, Liberty-Eylau High School (Texarkana, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Texas
63. 4-star RB J.K. Dobbins, La Grange High School (La Grange, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Oklahoma, Texas, TCU and Texas A&M
62. 4-star OT Austin Deculus, Cy-Fair High School (Cypress, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Baylor, Michigan, Notre Dame and Oklahoma
61. 4-star OT Jake Moretti, Pomona High School (Arvada, Colorado)
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Ohio State
60-41
3 of 24
60. 4-star ATH Greg Johnson, Hawkins High School (Los Angeles)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Arizona, Michigan, Tennessee and Washington
59. 4-star QB Ryan Kelley, Basha High School (Chandler, Arizona)
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Oregon
58. 4-star OT Trey Smith, University School of Jackson (Jackson, Tennessee)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Clemson, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Tennessee
57. 4-star S Todd Harris, Plaquemine High School (Plaquemine, Louisiana)
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Georgia, LSU, Mississippi State and Ole Miss
56. 4-star S Cyrus Fagan, Mainland High School (Daytona Beach, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Florida, Florida State, Georgia and Tennessee
55. 4-star DE Chase Young, DeMatha Catholic High School (Hyattsville, Maryland)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Alabama, Michigan State, Notre Dame and Penn State
54. 4-star RB Anthony McFarland Jr., DeMatha Catholic High School (Hyattsville, Maryland)
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Clemson, Georgia, Maryland and Michigan
53. 4-star WR Nico Collins, Clay-Chalkville High School (Pinson, Alabama)
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Alabama, Auburn, Georgia and LSU
52. 4-star OT Alex Leatherwood, Washington High School (Pensacola, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Alabama
51. 4-star WR D.D. Bowie, Morton High School (Morton, Mississippi)
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Ole Miss
50. 4-star CB Jamyest Williams, Archer High School (Lawrenceville, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Alabama, Clemson, Florida State and Georgia
49. 4-star LB Isaiah Pryor, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Ohio State
48. 4-star WR D.J. Matthews, Trinity Christian Academy (Jacksonville, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Florida State
47. 4-star LB Markail Benton, Central High School (Phenix City, Alabama)
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Alabama, Auburn, Florida and Mississippi State
46. 4-star TE Brock Wright, Cy-Fair High School (Cypress, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Notre Dame
45. 4-star LB Nate McBride, Vidalia Comprehensive High School (Vidalia, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Alabama, Auburn, Georgia and Miami
44. 4-star RB Khalan Laborn, Ocean Lakes High School (Virginia Beach, Virginia)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Auburn, Arizona State, Florida State and Virginia Tech
43. 4-star ATH Devon Hunter, Indian River (Chesapeake, Virginia)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Clemson, UNC, South Carolina and Virginia Tech
42. 4-star DE Robert Beal, Norcross High School (Norcross, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 97/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Florida State, Georgia, Notre Dame and Texas
41. 4-star CB Thomas Graham, Rancho Cucamonga High School (Rancho Cucamonga, California)
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to USC
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
40-21
4 of 24
40. 4-star CB Lamont Wade, Clairton High School (Clairton, Pennsylvania)
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State and Pitt
39. 4-star RB Cam Akers, Clinton High School (Clinton, Mississippi)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Alabama
38. 4-star WR James Robinson, Lakeland High School (Lakeland, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 97/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Clemson, Florida, Georgia and LSU
37. 4-star ATH Maleik Gray, LaVergne High School (LaVergne, Tennessee)
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Alabama, Florida State, Tennessee and USC
36. 4-star OT Jedrick Wills, Lafayette High School (Lexington, Kentucky)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Alabama, Auburn, Florida and Kentucky
35. 4-star RB Stephen Carr, Summit High School (Fontana, California)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to USC
34. 4-star WR Jerry Jeudy, Deerfield Beach High School (Pompano Beach, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Alabama, Clemson, Miami and TCU
33. 4-star CB Stanford Samuels, Flanagan High School (Hollywood, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Florida State, Georgia, Michigan and South Carolina
32. 4-star RB D'Andre Swift, St. Joseph's High School (Philadelphia)
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Clemson, Florida State. Michigan and Penn State
31. 5-star WR Jeff Thomas, East St. Louis High School (East Saint Louis, Illinois)
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Missouri, Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State
30. 5-star DE Jarez Parks, Sebastian River High School (Sebastian, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Alabama, Florida, Florida State and Miami
29. 5-star QB Tate Martell, Bishop Gorman High School (Las Vegas)
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Texas A&M
28. 5-star OG Jack Anderson, Frisco High School (Frisco, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Texas Tech
27. 5-star S Richard LeCounte III, Liberty County High School (Riceboro, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Georgia
26. 5-star QB Hunter Johnson, Brownsburg High School (Brownsburg, Indiana)
Bleacher Report Score: 97/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Clemson
25. 5-Star OT Wyatt Davis, St. John Bosco High School (Bellflower, California)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Alabama, Michigan, Oklahoma and UCLA
24. 5-Star WR Tyjon Lindsey, Centennial High School (Corona, California)
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Ohio State, Oregon, Texas A&M and USC
23. 5-star OT Tedarrell Slaton, American Heritage High School (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Alabama, Florida State, LSU and Michigan
22. 5-star OLB Baron Browning, Kennedale High School (Kennedale, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Baylor, Notre Dame, Texas and TCU
21. 5-star DE Joshua Kaindoh, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Florida, LSU, Michigan and Ohio State
20. 5-Star WR Joseph Lewis
5 of 24
Height/Weight: 6'2", 190 lbs
High School: Hawkins High School (Los Angeles)
247Sports Ranking: No. 4 wide receiver; No. 20 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status
The USC Trojans arguably landed college football's most impressive 2016 receiver class, and position coach-turned-offensive coordinator Tee Martin will attempt to further stockpile talent along the perimeter with local playmaker Joseph Lewis. Competition comes in bunches, as Notre Dame, Michigan and Oklahoma are just a few schools that are attempting to lure him away from the West Coast.
Bleacher Report Analysis
A consistent contributor throughout his high school career (at least 775 receiving yards each season, per MaxPreps), Lewis is a diligent aggressor at wide receiver. He attacks defenses down the seam with excellent burst (14/15) and displays some physicality along the way while jockeying for position.
Lewis displays the hands (25/25) of a No. 1 option in passing efforts and could eventually command that role in college with sharper route running (17/20) that frees him up more frequently. He's a threat to do substantial damage in the screen game, so look for coaches to maximize that facet of his game by setting him up outside with room to operate.
-Tyler Donohue
19. 5-Star OT Isaiah Wilson
6 of 24
Height/Weight: 6’7”, 322 lbs
High School: Poly Prep Country Day School (Brooklyn, New York)
247Sports Ranking: No. 5 offensive tackle, No. 19 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status
One of the most coveted recruits in the Northeast is 5-star offensive lineman Isaiah Wilson.
The top overall prospect from the state of New York, Wilson has amassed nearly 30 offers heading into the spring.
As Steve Lorenz of Wolverine247 noted, Michigan is the early leader in the chase for one of 2017's elite offensive line prospects.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Power is the name of the game with Wilson (14/15 power). At this stage of his career, he's still raw in the technical aspects of being an offensive lineman. However, with his frame and sheer athleticism, his potential at the next level is tantalizing.
Wilson is an outstanding run-blocker with the traits necessary to develop into a dominant left tackle in college.
-Sanjay Kirpalani
18. 5-Star ATH JaCoby Stevens
7 of 24
Height/Weight: 6’2”, 200 lbs
High School: Oakland High School (Murfreesboro, Tennessee)
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 athlete, No. 18 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status
The second overall prospect from Tennessee in the current cycle is 5-star athlete JaCoby Stevens.
Stevens, who backed off an early pledge to LSU in November, has compiled more than 25 offers heading into the spring.
The 6'2", 200-pounder could play receiver or safety in college.
Bleacher Report Analysis
I'm truly torn on Stevens because I like his potential at wide receiver at the next level. However, you don't see too many athletes with his length, size and athleticism at the safety position. He has outstanding ball skills, and he flashes a great burst of speed when closing on pass plays close to the sideline.
In run support, he's a physical presence (23/25) who can operate comfortably in space against speedy backs and receivers. Stevens has a tremendous ceiling as a defender regardless of where he lands in college.
-Sanjay Kirpalani
17. 5-Star QB Dylan McCaffrey
8 of 24
Height/Weight: 6'5", 200 lbs
High School: Valor Christian High School (Littleton, Colorado)
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 pro-style quarterback; No. 17 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Recruitment Status
Dylan McCaffrey, the younger brother of 2015 Heisman Trophy finalist Christian McCaffrey, was expected to draw heavy interest from Stanford, where his father, former Denver Broncos wide receiver Ed McCaffrey, played. Instead, he'll chart his own course at Michigan following a Feb. 15 commitment to the Wolverines.
Bleacher Report Analysis
McCaffrey has a firm understanding of what's expected from him at Valor Christian and exhibits a polished passing approach (14/15 mechanics). He keeps his shoulders square while moving in the pocket and delivers darts that find receivers on the appropriate shoulder pad (24/25 accuracy) to keep their momentum moving toward the end zone.
He displays confidence in the pocket and doesn't look uncomfortable when forced to search for third or fourth options during a play's progression. McCaffrey completed 65 percent of passes as a junior, resulting in 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns through the air, per MaxPreps.
-Tyler Donohue
16. 5-Star WR Tee Higgins
9 of 24
Height/Weight: 6'5", 190 lbs
High School: Oak Ridge High School (Oak Ridge, Tennessee)
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 wide receiver; No. 16 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status
Tee Higgins spent nearly six months committed to in-state Tennessee before reopening his search for a university on Feb. 4. Clemson is a compelling contender here after hosting him for multiple visits in the past year, while Arizona State, Oklahoma and Louisville are among programs that entered the picture last summer.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Higgins is among this cycle's most freakish athletes, regardless of position. He has the physical frame of a defensive end, hits like a linebacker on defense and doesn't miss a beat at wide receiver, where he snagged 16 touchdowns in 2015.
His hands (25/25) are as solid as they come at this stage of development, and Higgins makes it a habit to extend his lengthy arms to snare incoming throws. He is speedy (14/15) for a player of his stature, gliding downfield with explosive strides that make it difficult for defenders to keep up and wrap up and leading to significant yards after the catch.
-Tyler Donohue
15. 5-Star DT Tyler Shevlin
10 of 24
Height/Weight: 6'2", 329 lbs
High School: Northside (Lafayette, Louisiana)
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 DT, No. 15 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Recruitment Status
Tyler Shelvin decided to end his recruitment process early by committing to LSU in March 2015. He only has reported offers from the Tigers and Alabama, but he is expected to attract multiple schools in the spring.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Shelvin is a big-bodied defender who possesses explosiveness and deceptive quickness (25/25 explosive quickness) off the snap. He has a wide frame, which helps him stop inside runs. Shelvin's motor (5/5) wins coaches over too, as he doesn't stop moving until after the whistle blows. He's an athlete who shoots the gaps well and alters plays with his pass-rushing ability (14/15).
14. 5-Star OT Austin Jackson
11 of 24
Height/Weight: 6’5”, 260 lbs
High School: North Canyon High School (Phoenix)
247Sports Ranking: No. 4 offensive tackle, No. 14 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status
The top overall prospect from the state of Arizona is 5-star offensive lineman Austin Jackson.
Jackson has landed 15 offers heading into the spring.
Michigan, Oregon, Texas A&M and USC are among the schools that are fighting to lure him away from home-state schools Arizona and Arizona State.
Bleacher Report Analysis
At 260 pounds, Jackson is light for an offensive tackle prospect. However, not many in this class can match his potential from an athletic standpoint. His footwork (23/24 lateral quickness) in pass protection is especially impressive at this stage of his career.
If Jackson can add the necessary muscle to hold up in the trenches of big-time college football, he has a chance to develop into a star tackle prospect.
-Sanjay Kirpalani
13. 5-Star DE A.J. Epenesa
12 of 24
Height/Weight: 6'5", 230 lbs
High School: Edwardsville High School (Edwardsville, Illinois)
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 strong-side defensive end, No. 13 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Recruitment Status
A.J. Epenesa plans to carry on a family legacy at Iowa, where his father played, after pledging to the Hawkeyes in January. He chose the home-state squad over an expansive list of suitors that included Florida State, Alabama, Oklahoma, Ohio State and USC.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Epenesa presents major problems for opponents intent on establishing the run game toward his side of the field (25/25 run defense), showing explosiveness (20/20) both downhill and laterally in his pursuit of the ball. He's a balanced defender who maintains ideal knee bend and can use athleticism or sheer brute force to break away from blocks.
His ability to bust into the offensive backfield early commands constant double-teams, which he routinely splits with a low center of gravity and violent hands. Epenesa secured 39 tackles—11 for loss—and six sacks last season.
-Tyler Donohue
12. 5-Star CB Shaun Wade
13 of 24
Height/Weight: 6'2", 185 lbs
High School: Trinity Christian Academy (Jacksonville, Florida)
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 cornerback, No. 12 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Recruitment Status
Ohio State scored a big win on Jan. 12, 2015, when Shaun Wade committed. Other schools are still actively pursuing him, but it appears as though the Buckeyes have a rock-solid commitment from one of the nation's elite athletes.
Bleacher Report Analysis
One of the most noticeable things about Wade is his length. He is a long cornerback who uses that length to break up passes against wide receivers of all sizes (39/40 coverage). He has great speed (20/20) and uses his quickness off the snap to aid in disrupting plays.
Because of his size, college coaches may try using Wade as a safety, but if he stays at cornerback, expect him to be an athletic defender who will look to record multiple interceptions throughout his career.
-Damon Sayles
11. 5-Star CB Deangelo Gibbs
14 of 24
Height/Weight: 6'2", 204 lbs
High School: Grayson High School (Loganville, Georgia)
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 cornerback, No. 11 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Recruitment Status
As part of a family loaded with star athletes, Deangelo Gibbs is expected to be the next big thing. Gibbs has more than 30 reported offers, and schools such as Georgia, Tennessee, Auburn, Alabama and Ohio State are a few to keep an eye on as he continues his process.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Gibbs is expected to play cornerback at the next level, but he's talented and versatile enough to play safety, wide receiver and, if called upon, Wildcat quarterback (ball skills 19/20). He is a cornerback built like a safety, and he has a great nose for the football.
Gibbs' football IQ comes naturally; two of his uncles—Jake Reed and Dale Carter—played in the NFL for more than a decade. Gibbs' size and strength are assets in one-on-one situations against smaller wide receivers (coverage 39/40).
-Damon Sayles
10. 5-Star WR Trevon Grimes
15 of 24
Height/Weight: 6'4", 195 lbs
High School: St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 wide receiver, No. 10 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Recruitment Status
Ohio State is a significant perceived leader in pursuing Trevon Grimes, as the Buckeyes claim 95 percent of experts' 247Sports crystal ball predictions. Florida figures to play a prominent role throughout, especially considering the presence of St. Thomas Aquinas quarterback Jake Allen in Jim McElwain's 2017 recruiting class.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Grimes gives defenders fits with his rare ability to size up with physicality or burst (14/15 speed). He can fight off tight coverage at the line and also uses his size as leverage in the end zone, as he's able to box out opponents as the ball approaches.
He's a precise route-runner (25/25) who doesn't waste any motion while charging downfield, finding seams and surging toward his quarterback's targeted area. Grimes' instincts set him apart from several top-tier contenders, as he displays adept mid-route adjustments based on the evolving trajectory of a toss.
-Tyler Donohue
9. 5-Star S Jeffrey Okudah
16 of 24
Height/Weight: 6'1 ½", 194 lbs
High School: South Grand Prairie High School (Grand Prairie, Texas)
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 safety, No. 9 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 97/100
Recruitment Status
Versatile defensive back Jeffrey Okudah announced his top 10 in January, and the probability of his playing college ball outside the state of Texas is high. Okudah has more than 30 reported offers, but schools such as Stanford, Ohio State and Alabama are believed to be front-runners.
Bleacher Report Analysis
He's listed as a safety, but Okudah is talented enough to play cornerback and outside linebacker if necessary (20/20 ball skills). He has excellent hips, which makes him a great coverage back (24/25 pass coverage).
His tenacity and aggressiveness make him instantly attractive to college coaches.
He can be just as much a hard hitter on the field as he can be a blanketing cover safety. Okudah has done a good job of polishing his skills and will challenge for playing time as a college freshman.
-Damon Sayles
8. 5-Star OT Foster Sarell
17 of 24
Height/Weight: 6’6”, 320 lbs
High School: Graham Kapowsin High School (Graham, Washington)
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 offensive tackle, No. 8 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Recruitment Status
Last year, it was Jacob Eason who carried the mantle of being the top overall prospect from the state of Washington.
This year, that distinction belongs to 5-star offensive lineman Foster Sarell.
The in-state Washington Huskies are hoping to fend off a host of other powerhouses to keep Sarell close to home for college.
Bleacher Report Analysis
One thing that sticks out with Sarell is how fundamentally sound he is in aspects such as sliding his feet and keeping his balance in pass-protection sets (23/25 lateral quickness). From a size standpoint, he already possesses prototype measurables for a left tackle. He's a well-rounded lineman who is equally dominant in the run and pass game.
Overall, Sarell has the skill set and size to make an impact early in his college career.
-Sanjay Kirpalani
7. 5-Star CB Darnay Holmes
18 of 24
Height/Weight: 5'10", 190 lbs
High School: Calabasas High School (Calabasas, California)
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 cornerback, No. 7 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 97/100
Recruitment Status
The recruitment of Darnay Holmes becomes more of a story each day. He now has more than 20 reported offers and is expected to score several more this spring. Ohio State, UCLA, Stanford, Washington and Nebraska are among the schools that Holmes said are in the running to land him.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Holmes is a playmaker that coaches can feel confident putting on an island and allowing to go one-on-one against any high school wide receiver (39/40 coverage). He displays his athleticism when the ball is in the air and he's leaping for a potential interception.
He has quick feet and great recovery speed (20/20 speed), which keeps him in multiple passing plays. In running situations, Holmes displays solid tackling skills and isn't afraid to go head-to-head against bigger running backs.
-Damon Sayles
6. 5-Star WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
19 of 24
Height/Weight: 6'2", 192 lbs
High School: Cass Technical High School (Detroit)
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 wide receiver, No. 6 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 97/100
Recruitment Status
Donovan Peoples-Jones is the crown jewel of in-state recruiting for Michigan and Michigan State, but both schools will be hard-pressed to defend home turf given the abundance of interested programs. He included Alabama, Florida, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Stanford, Tennessee, Texas A&M and USC in his top-10 list this winter.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Peoples-Jones captivates coaches, scouts and fans alike with his physical prowess, which fueled him to the 2015 Nike Football Ratings national championship (based on combine-like drills). He already competes at college-ready size and brings sprinter's speed (15/15) to the field at nearly 200 pounds.
Defenders struggle to stay tight in coverage, particularly when Peoples-Jones turns on the juice and mixes in some lateral movement upon his release (20/20). He feasts on crossing patterns when the pass is on point, leaving opponents in his wake while turning upfield with a head full of steam.
Peoples-Jones recorded 68 receptions as a junior en route to 1,161 yards and 18 scores, according to the Detroit News.
-Tyler Donohue
5. 5-Star OT Calvin Ashley
20 of 24
Height/Weight: 6’6”, 305 lbs
High School: First Academy High School (Orlando, Florida)
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 offensive tackle, No. 5 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status
The top overall prospect from the talent-laden state of Florida is 5-star offensive lineman Calvin Ashley.
Ashley made a surprise commitment to Auburn last spring, but in-state powers Florida and Florida State aren't giving up on the Orlando native.
According to Josh Newberg of 247Sports, while Ashley remains solidly committed to the Tigers, he plans to take trips to Alabama and Florida State in addition to a trip back to the Plains this spring.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Ashley is a powerful offensive tackle who has great leg drive and a strong base in his lower body. He does a nice job of using his hands (24/25 hands) at the point of attack and is athletic and nimble in using his feet in pass sets.
He still has to develop in some technical aspects, such as keeping good balance in pass protection. However, he has the size and athleticism necessary to be a standout at left tackle in college.
-Sanjay Kirpalani
4. 5-Star DT Marvin Wilson
21 of 24
Height/Weight: 6'4", 316 lbs
High School: Episcopal (Bellaire, Texas)
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 defensive tackle, No. 4 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 97/100
Recruitment Status
Marvin Wilson has 25 reported offers and has in-state schools Texas and Texas A&M high on his list. He isn't opposed to playing college ball out of state, though, and LSU, USC, Alabama, Michigan and UCLA are among the schools to keep an eye on.
Bleacher Report Analysis
The first thing you notice about Wilson is that he looks like a classic defensive tackle. He has a college-ready frame, and he uses it to bull-rush (25/25 explosive strength) in both run and pass situations.
Wilson plays with excellent pad level (24/25 run defense) and a level of competitiveness that coaches will love. He doesn't fear lining up against elite offensive linemen, and when he gets in a rhythm, he is difficult to contain.
-Damon Sayles
3. 5-Star OT Josh Myers
22 of 24
Height/Weight: 6’6”, 290 lbs
High School: Miamisburg High School (Miamisburg, Ohio)
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 offensive tackle, No. 3 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status
The bell cow of Ohio State's top-rated 2017 class is 5-star offensive lineman Josh Myers.
Myers committed to the Buckeyes in January over Kentucky, which is where his father and older brother played.
He is the top overall prospect from the state of Ohio.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Myers has the mentality of a guard and the athleticism of a tackle. He's relentless as a run-blocker in getting to the second level and finishing blocks (14/15 power). He's not fully developed as a pass-blocker, but he possesses traits, such as lateral quickness, that should help him make that transition at the next level.
With his size and his family's lineage at the offensive line position, Myers is an intriguing fit at the offensive tackle spot moving forward.
-Sanjay Kirpalani
2. 5-Star LB Dylan Moses
23 of 24
Height/Weight: 6'2", 220 lbs
High School: IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 outside linebacker, No. 2 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 98/100
Recruitment Status
Since the eighth grade, Dylan Moses has been a well-known name in college football recruiting. Once an LSU commit, Moses reopened his recruitment on Aug. 3 and is now entertaining more than 30 offers as he prepares for his senior year at IMG Academy—a magnet for college coaches.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Moses has lived up to the hype he established since before high school. He is freakishly strong (20/20 explosive strength) and quick off the snap. He has great instincts and plays each down as if it were his last.
Moses' range may be his best asset, as he covers sideline to sideline well. He knows how to deliver the punishing, highlight-type hit, but expect him to display solid form with each routine tackle (25/25 tackling).
-Damon Sayles
1. 5-Star RB Najee Harris
24 of 24
Height/Weight: 6’2”, 220 lbs
High School: Antioch High School (Antioch, California)
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 RB, No. 1 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Recruitment Status
One player who figures to compete for the title of top overall prospect in the 2017 cycle is 5-star running back Najee Harris.
The Golden State standout rushed for 5,007 yards and 59 touchdowns over the last two seasons.
Harris committed to Alabama last spring over offers from Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State and USC, among others.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Simply put, Harris is the best pure running back prospect since Leonard Fournette in 2014. At 220 pounds, Harris has the power to run inside. Yet he still has the speed and agility (14/15) to be a threat to break long runs when he gets to the second level.
He has great hands and could play receiver in college if he were to focus on that position. Overall, Harris is a freakish athlete who has the makings of a superstar.
-Sanjay Kirpalani
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
