Early Predictions for Final Top 10 College Football Recruiting Classes of 2017
Each college football recruiting cycle is a long and winding journey that supplies plenty of surprises along the way. While coaching staffs are now just weeks away from welcoming entire 2016 classes to campuses across America, major strides have already been made toward next national signing day.
An expansive collection of impressive high school juniors declared collegiate intentions early, helping solidify strong 2017 foundations for several marquee programs well in advance of that decisive day in February. Meanwhile, many elite athletes remain undecided and may stretch their respective recruitments deep into winter.
Based on what we've witnessed so far in this latest recruiting cycle and how things appear to be developing as spring seeps into summer, here's how we anticipate top teams faring on signing day in 2017. This early outlook features several familiar head coaches excelling yet again in talent acquisition.
10. USC
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No program on this list presently carries fewer commitments than the Trojans (five), but momentum will mount for a coaching staff that is finally solidified after a tumultuous 2015 season. Head coach Clay Helton and several assistants—most notably first-year offensive coordinator Tee Martin—have drawn rave reviews from recruits so far, and a strong fall would translate into immense success when February rolls around.
USC secured one of the country's premier offensive prospects last spring with a pledge from California running back Stephen Carr, who has since been joined by four out-of-state prospects. Bubba Bolden, a 4-star safety from Las Vegas powerhouse Bishop Gorman High School, could eventually help the Trojans make up ground with two of his teammates.
Bishop Gorman quarterback Tate Martell told Bleacher Report last August the Trojans were his No. 2 option behind Texas A&M, where he committed shortly afterward. The 5-star Southern California native still expects to take all five official visits, and he spent time at USC for a February junior day alongside former Bishop Gorman wide receiver Tyjon Lindsey, a 5-star receiver who transferred to Centennial High School (Corona, California) for his senior season.
Aside from that coveted duo, which could also consider Ohio State together if Martell withdraws his Aggies pledge, the Trojans are well established with in-state talent, including 5-star receiver Joseph Lewis, 5-star offensive tackle Wyatt Davis and 4-star tight end Jimmy Jaggers. Potential targets who've shown interest beyond the West Coast include Maryland edge-rusher Chase Young, Texas offensive lineman Chuck Filiaga, New Jersey defensive tackle Fred Hansard and Virginia all-purpose back Khalan Laborn.
9. Notre Dame
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Outside of Alabama, perhaps no program is succeeding at a higher rate with offensive line prospects than Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish followed a strong 2016 haul up front with an early commitment from 4-star Pennsylvania tackle Joshua Lugg, and they remain a legitimate contender for top-20 linemen Foster Sarell (Washington), Trey Smith (Tennessee) and Austin Deculus (Texas).
Deculus already saw Cy-Fair High School teammate Brock Wright—this cycle's No. 1 tight end recruit—commit to Notre Dame. Wright headlines a group of pledges that also includes fellow 4-star tight end Cole Kmet, Chicago wide receiver Isaiah Robertson, dominant Pittsburgh linebacker David Adams and Texas quarterback Avery Davis, listed No. 7 nationally among dual-threat talents.
The Fighting Irish could further enhance aerial efforts with Southern California receiver Osiris St. Brown (younger brother of Notre Dame's Equanimeous St. Brown) and Connecticut receiver Tarik Black taking hard looks at the program. Head coach Brian Kelly is also ardently pursuing several difference-makers on defense, including 5-star Florida end Joshua Kaindoh, 4-star Las Vegas tackle Greg Rogers and 4-star Utah safety Chaz Ah You.
8. Florida State
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Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher has developed three first-round NFL draft picks at quarterback since his arrival in Tallahassee. That track record continues to command attention in recruiting, as he's picked up yet another blue-chip passer in Georgia prospect Bailey Hockman, who joined fellow 4-star talents and longtime Florida State pledges D.J. Matthews (wide receiver) and Zaquandre White (running back) in the class this month.
Safety Cyrus Fagan and tackle Ja'len Parks—both considered top-10 prospects at their respective positions—provide early pieces for the foundation of what should become an impressive 2017 defensive unit. Seminoles legacy Stanford Samuels III, a 5-star cornerback, in-state safety Daniel Wright, 5-star Texas tackle Marvin Wilson and 4-star Georgia edge-rusher Robert Beal are among primary targets who could also bring their skill sets to Tallahassee.
Florida State has its sights set on several offensive stars, including dynamic Virginia back Khalan Laborn, 4-star Louisiana receiver Devonta Smith and 5-star in-state receiver Trevon Grimes. Laborn was high school teammates with 5-star 2016 Seminoles signee Levonta Taylor.
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7. Oklahoma
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Oklahoma is off to its strongest start on the recruiting trail in recent years, capitalizing on a successful 2015 season that saw the Sooners reach the College Football Playoff semifinals. Only Ohio State can currently match Oklahoma's 4-star commitment total (10), which features six players considered top-200 overall prospects in 2017 composite rankings.
This collection of pledges includes the makings of a next-generation passing attack in Norman, as three 4-star wide receivers (Jalen Reagor, CeeDee Lamb and Charleston Rambo) join No. 8 pro-style quarterback Chris Robison in the class. Sooners head coach Bob Stoops also has plenty to be excited about on defense, as No. 3 inside linebacker recruit Levi Draper and four 4-star defensive backs (led by in-state cornerback Justin Broiles) should immediately help handle Big 12 offenses.
Expect Oklahoma to continue targeting Texas recruits hard in the months to come, with linebacker Anthony Hines and defensive tackle Marvin Wilson among those most coveted. Georgia running back Trey Sermon, D.C. cornerback Deon Jones and Florida linebacker Jordan Anthony are among alternative targets beyond state borders, while defensive end Isaiah Thomas and offensive lineman Creed Humphrey are key local athletes under consideration.
6. LSU
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LSU currently holds just six commitments, but expect pivotal pledges to come in bunches for head coach Les Miles, who owns real estate in top-10 signing day rankings at this stage of his tenure. Miles dealt with immense uncertainty last season, and many didn't expect him to stick around Baton Rouge, but he hung onto the job and can further distance himself from that turmoil with a strong season that will feature Heisman Trophy hype in the form of running back Leonard Fournette.
What this class lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. LSU holds pledges from 5-star defensive tackle Tyler Shelvin, top-10 offensive guard Edward Ingram and scintillating in-state athlete Patrick Queen. The key to an eventual LSU ascension up the 2017 rankings relies on this staff's ability to close strong with local recruits, provide proof of an offensive turnaround and the possibility of bringing 5-star linebacker and running back phenom Dylan Moses back into the mix following his Tigers decommitment.
While Fournette is a man among boys in the ground game, no LSU player has collected 50 receptions in a season since 2013, and a sputtering passing attack has held the Tigers back at times. Signs of improved offensive balance could help reel in playmakers such as in-state receiver Devonta Smith, Texas running back Toneil Carter and dual-threat quarterback Lowell Narcisse.
The allure of "DBU" should continue to attract top-tier defensive backs, with Todd Harris, Daniel Wright and Grant Delpit among primary targets. LSU also aims to address the defensive front seven with an infusion of talent in the form of playmakers like Moses, local linebacker Christopher Allen and 5-star Texas tackle Marvin Wilson.
5. Clemson
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Clemson commands more national attention than ever before under head coach Dabo Swinney entering the 2016 season. The reigning ACC champion and College Football Playoff runner-up can use the spotlight of another playoff pursuit and Heisman Trophy campaign for Deshaun Watson to showcase its program for prospects across America.
The Tigers' growing recruiting reach was evident earlier this cycle when commitments arrived from 5-star Indiana quarterback Hunter Johnson and massive New Jersey offensive tackle Noah DeHond. Clemson reached into the heart of hotly contested SEC recruiting territory for Tennessee standouts Cordarrian Richardson (No. 5 running back) and Amari Rodgers (No. 23 wide receiver).
Clemson continues to restock its consistently explosive offensive attack, and the list of uncommitted 2017 targets features top-10 wide receiver recruits Tee Higgins and James Robinson, along with explosive all-purpose back D'Andre Swift. The Tigers pieced together a tremendous defensive class last cycle and now look to maintain that stockpile with players such as Georgia cornerback Jamyest Williams, North Carolina linebacker Justin Foster and Virginia tackle Breyon Gaddy.
4. Michigan
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Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has the arrow pointing up again in Ann Arbor after a 10-win season and a top-five 2016 recruiting class that included America's No. 1 overall prospect (defensive lineman Rashan Gary). Along the way, Harbaugh has established a reputation among high school players as a guy they want to be recruited by because of his out-of-the-box approach.
Whether you love the Wolverines' aggressive recruiting efforts or cringe at the mention of sleepovers and satellite camps, it's difficult to argue with this staff's results. After signing Army All-American Player of the Year finalist and 4-star passer Brandon Peters last cycle, Michigan claims a commitment from No. 1 overall 2017 quarterback Dylan McCaffrey.
Unlike 2015, when Harbaugh failed to land a high school junior's pledge until Peters climbed aboard in April, the Wolverines are off to a steady start toward signing day with two top-five in-state players in the class (linebacker Josh Ross and offensive tackle JaRaymond Hall). Further efforts on home turf will focus on 5-star wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones, and Michigan also aims to expand on its 2016 success in regions such as Florida (offensive lineman Tedarrell Slaton and cornerback Stanford Samuels are among top targets) and the Northeast (linebacker Drew Singleton, top-10 defensive tackle Fred Hansard and 5-star offensive lineman Isaiah Wilson headline possibilities).
3. Georgia
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New Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart concluded the 2016 recruiting cycle in strong fashion despite juggling duties as Alabama defensive coordinator during his first few weeks on the job. He managed to maintain grips on 5-star quarterback Jacob Eason while sealing the deal with local talents such as elite athlete Mecole Hardman Jr. and top-rated tight end Isaac Nauta.
He's maintained that momentum months into his first full recruiting cycle in Athens, flipping 4-star quarterback Jake Fromm away from former boss Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide, and adding four other prospects considered top-20 recruits in the talent-laden Peach State. Georgia landed local commitments from 4-star cornerback William Poole III and 4-star offensive lineman Netori Johnson earlier this month, enhancing a class that landed No. 2 overall safety recruit Richard LeCounte III shortly after Smart arrived.
Given the presence of premier passers in Fromm and Eason, who is vying for starting snaps as a true freshman, an impressive offensive foundation could attract top 2017 talent such as wide receiver Nico Collins, running back Trey Sermon and all-purpose back Anthony McFarland Jr. The Peach State is packed with promising defenders, as 5-star cornerback Deangelo Gibbs, top-ranked inside linebacker Nate McBride and former Notre Dame edge-rusher pledge Robert Beal lead the way.
2. Ohio State
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No program currently holds more 5-star pledges (two) or 4-star commitments (10) than Ohio State, where head coach Urban Meyer is primed to sign his latest top-five recruiting haul. The three-time national champion has been a mainstay among college football's most prominent closers on national signing day, dating back to his memorable run at Florida.
As constructed, this Buckeyes class included coveted bookends at offensive tackle (Josh Myers and Jake Moretti), top-three prospects at safety (Isaiah Pryor) and cornerback (Shaun Wade) and dynamic playmaker J.K. Dobbins, an all-purpose back from Texas. Ohio State has secured commitments from seven athletes considered top-100 overall talents in 2017 composite rankings.
Quarterback success has long been a calling card of Meyer-led teams, and despite a longstanding pledge from in-state passer Danny Clark, the Buckeyes could still make major noise at the position by flipping the commitment of 5-star Tate Martell (Texas A&M) or 4-star Kellen Mond (Baylor). Both prized prospects recently visited Columbus and could encourage key receiver targets such as 5-stars Tyjon Lindsey, Donovan Peoples-Jones and Trevon Grimes to pull the trigger on a pledge.
Defensively, Texas safety Jeffrey Okudah and Florida defensive end Joshua Kaindoh—both 5-star talents—top the wish list and have reciprocated significant interest from Ohio State. The Buckeyes also remain a contender for 5-star offensive tackle Isaiah Wilson.
1. Alabama
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New cycle, same story.
Alabama head coach Nick Saban has secured a revered spot in college football history with five national championships, including four Crimson Tide titles in the past seven years. He's also built a recruiting dynasty, which directly correlates with his program's ability to reload its roster on an annual basis.
Saban is seeking an incredible seventh consecutive No. 1 overall recruiting class next February. During late stages of the 2016 cycle, extending this streak seemed unlikely, but a flurried finish helped punctuate things with Alabama on top of signing day rankings once more.
The Tide are already ahead of last cycle's pace, building a class headlined by commitments from No. 1 overall recruit Najee Harris (running back) and top-10 prospects at offensive tackle (Alex Leatherwood) and linebacker (VanDarius Cowan). Top-ranked uncommitted quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is trending toward Tuscaloosa ahead of an early May decision, and Alabama is also in strong position for top-tier playmakers such as Texas defensive tackle Marvin Wilson, Maryland edge-rusher Chase Young, New York offensive lineman Isaiah Wilson, Florida linebacker Dylan Moses and Louisiana wide receiver Devonta Smith.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
