Every Top 25 Team's Best Recruiting Sales Pitch to Its Top 2017 Target
Midway through the 2017 college football recruiting cycle, plenty of pursuits for prized prospects remain unfulfilled. While coaching staffs across America prepare programs for the upcoming season, focus doesn't shift far from the recruiting landscape.
An expansive amount of blue-chip talent is set to embark on senior high school campaigns without collegiate commitments in place. Various campus visits, continued dialogue with coaches and, eventually, postseason staff changes will help dictate the course of these recruitments moving forward.
We examined important targets for each team listed in the initial 2016 Amway Coaches Poll, identifying one for each Top 25 squad who could provide a pivotal building block on national signing day. Here's a look at how these coaches can help convince key recruits their squads are ideal fits.
25. Florida
1 of 25
The Target: 4-star receiver James Robinson, Lakeland High School (Lakeland, Florida)
The Sales Pitch
Florida has focused on building an elite corps of receivers since the arrival of head coach Jim McElwain, providing hope for increased production at the position. It's been 14 years since the Gators featured a 1,000-yard receiver (Taylor Jacobs), but an infusion of talent could soon halt that troubling streak.
Antonio Callaway provided a jolt during his freshman campaign, while newcomer Tyrie Cleveland was considered a premier pass-catcher in the 2016 class. Robinson, a 6'3", 196-pound playmaker, is considered a top-10 receiver like Cleveland, and provides a similar blend of length and downfield prowess.
Ohio and Clemson are among alternatives, while Cal extended an offer earlier this month. Florida continues to make him a priority, and it could pay off in a major way if McElwain manages to further strengthen his burgeoning receiver group.
“With Callaway and with Cleveland, they say I could be the next. I mean, I like what they are trying to do in turning Florida into Wide Receiver U," Robinson told Luke Stampini of 247Sports.
24. UCLA
2 of 25
The Target: 5-star cornerback Darnay Holmes, Calabasas High School (Calabasas, California)
The Sales Pitch
Crosstown rival USC arguably signed college football's most impressive crop of 2016 receiver recruits, and Holmes would provide part of the solution for Bruins head coach Jim Mora. UCLA would likely implement this local star as a defensive backfield linchpin who could potentially contribute on both sides of the football like Trojans star Adoree' Jackson.
Along with his prowess as the No. 2 cornerback in composite rankings, Holmes has collected 144 receptions for 2,236 yards and 25 touchdowns since 2014, per MaxPreps, tallying seven non-offensive touchdowns. This versatility presents options for him to work both with and against UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen, who has No. 1 NFL draft pick potential.
Michigan, Nebraska and Ohio State are among programs attempting to pry Holmes away from the West Coast, but if he opts to stay home, UCLA will continue to push for a key commitment.
23. Louisville
3 of 25
The Target: 4-star running back Colin Wilson, Clay High School (Green Cove Springs, Florida)
The Sales Pitch
Sophomore Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson carries dark-horse Heisman Trophy possibilities into 2016 and beyond, providing hope for sustained explosiveness from the Louisville offensive attack in years ahead. Wilson, a 6'1", 220-pound prospect who plows over defenders with excellent power, could provide the dual-threat quarterback with a capable complement in the backfield.
Jackson, who also hails from Florida, gained 960 rushing yards as a freshman, so defenses must maintain focus on that element of his game. This opens things up for his counterparts, and Wilson is a candidate to do immense damage between the tackles early in college.
Clay High School head coach Caleb Anderson shared that Louisville and Notre Dame lead the way for Wilson's services during a July conversation with Mike Hughes of 247Sports. Wilson, who rushed for 39 touchdowns during the past two seasons, also claims offers from schools such as Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina.
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22. Oregon
4 of 25
The Target: 4-star receiver KJ Hamler, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)
The Sales Pitch
Oregon continues to display a legitimate national reach on the recruiting trail, and Hamler may eventually provide further evidence of this sentiment. A Detroit standout who transferred to IMG Academy for his senior season, the 5'9", 156-pound speedster is enamored with his potential role in Oregon's high-tempo attack.
Elite shiftiness and acceleration allow Hamler to feast in space, and the Ducks staff is certainly selling him on the team's ability to get him the football quickly off the snap with room to operate. While Michigan State and Penn State emerged as persistent suitors early, he spent several months hoping to land an Oregon offer.
That opportunity arrived in late May, and Hamler named the Ducks his outright leader at The Opening.
“That offer meant a lot because Oregon has been one of my top schools for a while now," he told Bleacher Report. "When I got it, I couldn’t really believe that happened. A lot of people don’t get an Oregon offer where I’m from [Detroit area]. They’re up on top for me. I can say they’re at the top."
21. Baylor
5 of 25
The Target: 4-star receiver Omar Manning, Lancaster High School (Lancaster, Texas)
The Sales Pitch
Let's be honest: Baylor is facing an uphill battle to bring in blue-chip recruits this cycle following the fallout from widespread sexual assault allegations that led to dismissals across university administration. Art Briles is no longer with the program following a highly successful stretch of seasons, and his reputation as an offensive mastermind means much of the long-term damage will be inflicted on that side of the ball.
Casualties are already mounting as Baylor lost 2017 commitments from blue-chip receiver Hezekiah Jones and Elite 11 finalist quarterback Kellen Mond. Prized 2016 signees Devin Duvernay and Tren'davian Dickson—both considered top-15 prospects at the position last cycle—opted to pursue college careers elsewhere.
Baylor is desperate for talent at a position that appeared primed to be its greatest strength. Though he's a serious long shot at this stage, Manning may be the Lone Star State's finest uncommitted receiver. Texas and TCU are far more likely to secure his signature, but can any Big 12 program truly sell itself as "needing" impact receivers more than the Bears after the developments of recent months?
20. North Carolina
6 of 25
The Target: 3-star running back Jalen Holston, Stockbridge High School (Stockbridge, Georgia)
The Sales Pitch
An impressive North Carolina recruiting class suffered a crucial loss in late July when top-10 running back recruit Adarius Lemons flipped his commitment to Florida. The Tar Heels have since turned their attention to other options, and Holston fits the ball as a replacement.
The 5'11", 200-pound rusher could fill a versatile role within the North Carolina offense, one that has set more than 100 school records through four seasons under head coach Larry Fedora. The staff hosted him on campus two weeks ago, and he drew comparisons to a current Tar Heels standout.
"[Running backs coach Larry Porter] said all he had to do was watch four plays on my highlight tape and he offered me on spot," Holston told Ross Martin of 247Sports. "He said I reminded him of what Elijah Hood was like in high school. He sees potential in me to be even better than that."
Hood tallied 1,534 yards from scrimmage last season as a sophomore, so North Carolina's coaches are clearly intent on tempting him to take a crack at following those footsteps. Holston rushed for 1,361 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2015, per MaxPreps.
19. Oklahoma State
7 of 25
The Target: 4-star defensive end Taquon Graham, Temple High School (Temple, Texas)
The Sales Pitch
The Cowboys ranked second among Big 12 Conference members in total sacks last season, averaging three per game. Graham, a 6'3", 255-pound menace off the edge, should find comfort in this statistic, since pass rushing is the most coveted dynamic of his skill set.
Conference rivals Texas, TCU and Oklahoma (2015 Big 12 leader in sacks) are a stride ahead of Oklahoma State in this pursuit, but don't expect the Cowboys to back off in this attempt to secure a rare blue-chip defensive acquisition. Cowboys running back Jeff Carr played alongside Graham at Temple High School, which can't hurt program efforts to establish rapport.
Graham collected 62 tackles—23 for loss—and 11.5 sacks last season.
18. Washington
8 of 25
The Target: 5-star offensive tackle Foster Sarell, Graham Kapowsin High School (Graham, Washington)
The Sales Pitch
Offense line play was tremendous last month at The Opening, and no blocker bolstered his stock as an elite talent more than Sarell. His recruitment presents a litmus test for Washington, which appears primed to rise further in the Pac-12 under head coach Chris Petersen.
A commitment from Sarell would send a strong message across the country, and the touted lineman likely understands it could provide a rallying call for top-tier recruits in Pacific Northwest regions and beyond. Washington features a promising young passer in sophomore Jake Browning and claims a commitment from 5-star 2018 quarterback Jacob Sirmon, so an anchor up front such as Sarell would go a long way toward keeping those talents clean.
The Huskies' interest here actually predates Petersen, as Sarell received his offer as a freshman from former head coach Steve Sarkisian. There are few unknown variables at play between this 6'6 ½", 311-pound standout and the program, which continues to do all it can to encourage him to pull the trigger on staying home.
17. USC
9 of 25
The Target: 5-star receiver Joseph Lewis, Hawkins High School (Los Angeles)
The Sales Pitch
USC offensive coordinator Tee Martin received a promotion from receivers coach this past offseason, and few assistants on this side of the ball are more respected. A national title-winning quarterback at Tennessee, he routinely draws rave reviews from recruits, develops high-round NFL draft talent and played an integral role in the Trojans' immense 2016 national signing day haul at receiver.
Martin now has sights set on Lewis, a local standout who recorded 2,605 receiving yards (21.5 per catch) during his first three high school season, according to MaxPreps. The 6'1 ½", 204-pound playmaker undoubtedly recognizes abundant depth at the position for USC, but he's rated No. 2 overall among receiver recruits in composite rankings, so don't expect him to shy away from competition.
Top Trojans target JuJu Smith-Schuster will warrant widespread attention from NFL scouts should he maintain his career trajectory through his junior season. His departure would create significant opportunities for targets, so expect Martin to make it clear that Lewis can quickly leap into a role by battling other young, talented prospects at the position.
16. Georgia
10 of 25
The Target: 4-star running back D'Andre Swift, St. Joseph's High School (Philadelphia)
The Sales Pitch
Three recruiting cycles ago, Georgia secured signatures from coveted running back duo Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. That tandem has worked wonders in Athens when healthy, and both juniors may ultimately end up on NFL rosters this time next year, setting the stage for a new generation of Bulldogs rushers.
Swift is a strong candidate to fight for a role in that backfield, as the Philadelphia product traveled to campus multiple times this spring. Competing alongside schools such as Clemson and Penn State here, Georgia is in enviable shape when it comes to this widespread recruitment.
"[Head coach Kirby] Smart is doing some great things with the program right now. I believe they're up-and-coming," he told Bleacher Report after attending the team's spring game.
Capable of doing immense damage as a runner or receiver, the shifty Swift is a perfect complement to current Bulldogs commit Toneil Carter, a bruising north-south rusher. Smart, a mainstay on an Alabama staff that implemented a series of star backs during his tenure in Tuscaloosa, could be on the verge of building special backfield depth in his new stomping grounds.
15. Iowa
11 of 25
The Target: 4-star receiver Oliver Martin, West Senior High School (Iowa City, Iowa)
The Sales Pitch
The Hawkeyes extended a scholarship offer to Martin in June, weeks before he emerged as one of the true "risers" during action at The Opening. This performance, coupled with past camp efforts, sent his stock soaring and made Iowa's chase for the premier in-state prospect.
Martin, who added offers from Michigan, Michigan State and Vanderbilt during recent months, is now a coveted commodity among Big Ten Conference squads. Iowa, fresh off a 2015 campaign that fell just shy of a College Football Playoff appearance, presents an opportunity for him to become an early offensive catalyst on a conference contender in his home state.
The Hawkeyes have enjoyed a successful cycle, securing top talent such as 5-star Illinois defensive end A.J. Epenesa and Texas running back Eno Benjamin, so the addition of this local stud would provide another piece that could help ensure sustained success in Iowa City. Martin caught 72 passes for 1,208 yards and 17 scores last season.
14. TCU
12 of 25
The Target: 5-star linebacker Baron Browning, Kennedale High School (Kennedale, Texas)
The Sales Pitch
TCU, totaling 23 victories during the past two seasons, is on its way toward becoming a perennial Big 12 title contender, and this success has been achieved with a roster that isn't exactly loaded with former blue-chip prospects. A pledge from Browning, rated No. 8 overall in 2017 composite rankings, could provide program-altering implications for head coach Gary Patterson.
The 6'3", 230-pound defender continues to express interest in national powerhouses such as Alabama and Ohio State, while Texas head coach Charlie Strong has identified him as a priority interest during the Longhorns' attempts to reclaim dominance of a highly competitive Lone Star State recruiting scene.
Browning visits TCU frequently, as noted by Jeremy Clark of 247Sports, and few staffs have created a stronger impression that he's needed. While he may blend in with rosters in Austin or Tuscaloosa, his presence in Fort Worth would create individual hype on campus that goes largely unrivaled among past recruits.
“I’m probably the only recruit that can talk noise to Coach P [Patterson] all the time," Browning told Clark. "I talk to every coach on the staff; I’ve just got a great relationship with all of them."
13. Houston
13 of 25
The Target: 4-star defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson, North Shore High School (Houston)
The Sales Pitch
The "H-Town Takeover" philosophy was in full force last recruiting cycle for Houston when head coach Tom Herman signed a top-10 overall talent in defensive tackle Ed Oliver and nearly landed fellow local stud Tyrie Cleveland (nation's No. 2 receiver prospect) until a signing-day flip sent him to Florida.
Herman, who led the Cougars to a 13-win season and Peach Bowl win over Florida State last fall, continues to attract top talent in the form of acclaimed transfer athletes Kyle Allen (quarterback, Texas A&M) and Tren'Davian Dickson (receiver, Baylor). Chaisson, a 6'4", 211-pound rush end from nearby North Shore High School, can keep momentum moving forward for his hometown team.
Chaisson won't find a better resource for this decision than Oliver, who spurned practically every Power Five heavyweight for a shot to help Houston rise up. If he does the same, this tandem could be special for years to come.
Chaisson secured 84 tackles and 21 sacks as a junior. Oklahoma, Texas and LSU are among alternative universities in this equation.
12. Ole Miss
14 of 25
The Target: 5-star running back Cam Akers, Clinton High School (Clinton, Mississippi)
The Sales Pitch
Perhaps no offensive recruit in America is more heavily pursued at this point than Akers, a former Alabama pledge who rates No. 2 nationally among running back recruits. Ohio State, Georgia, Florida State and Tennessee are teams attempting to lure him beyond state borders.
Meanwhile, Ole Miss is intent on keeping him close to home, and there's a lot to like about the situation in Oxford. The Rebels are coming off a prolific offensive campaign and shouldn't lose a step in 2016 and beyond, as No. 1 overall 2016 quarterback prospect Shea Patterson is preparing to replace senior Chad Kelly.
Aside from Patterson, the Ole Miss offensive attack will include No. 1 2016 tackle Greg Little and in-state receiver standouts A.J. Brown and DeKaylin Metcalf, who were each considered top-20 prospects at the position last cycle. Akers, who rushed for 2,331 yards last fall while playing quarterback, has to see the potential for offensive fireworks as this group grows together, and the ability to join a unit like that on home turf isn't easy to ignore.
11. Michigan State
15 of 25
The Target: 5-star receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones, Cass Tech (Detroit)
The Sales Pitch
Peoples-Jones, considered the top prospect in Michigan and No. 11 overall in composite rankings, will likely keep tabs on how fellow Detroit receiver standout Donnie Corley fares during his freshman season in East Lansing. The Spartans have a well-established recruiting foundation in the city, and few recent Detroit products compare to Peoples-Jones, who tops the list of 2017 pass-catchers.
Michigan State signed Cass Tech defensive back Demetric Vance in February, following with a July commitment from Cass Tech offensive lineman Jordan Reid, so there are supportive pieces in place for this relationship. Peoples-Jones has been tight-lipped about his recruitment process but has expressed a solid comfort level with the Spartans.
Still, it would be an upset if Michigan State manages to dip into Detroit again for Peoples-Jones, who posted 1,012 receiving yards and 14 scores last season. He appears more likely to spend time in East Lansing as a visitor with Michigan, while Florida and Ohio State are also compelling contenders.
10. Tennessee
16 of 25
The Target: 4-star offensive tackle Trey Smith, University School (Jackson, Tennessee)
The Sales Pitch
Tennessee has ascended in the SEC championship discussion during head coach Butch Jones' tenure, and key in-state recruiting victories played a pivotal role in that process. Smith, who certainly warrants 5-star consideration, is among the biggest fish in the local pond this cycle.
The Volunteers have dealt with some setbacks on home turf moving toward national signing day, missing on six of the top seven committed athletes from Tennessee. Jones and Co. can cap a concerning exodus by convincing Smith he is a missing piece who can further elevate the in-state squad.
Alternative interests such as Alabama and Ole Miss can make strong cases of their own, but Tennessee seemingly presents a more realistic opportunity for immediate starting opportunities. A late-July trip to Knoxville included conversations with multiple staff members, who focused on his potential long-term relationship with the university.
"If I come here, what I can accomplish and the impact this university can have on me—life after football, obviously, being an in-state guy, with just all the different alumni from Tennessee," Smith told Ryan Callahan of 247Sports. "The possibilities are endless, what I can do in my life after this."
9. Notre Dame
17 of 25
The Target: 4-star receiver Tarik Black, Cheshire Academy (Cheshire, Connecticut)
The Sales Pitch
Cheshire academy teammate and close friend CJ Holmes committed to the Fighting Irish earlier this summer. These two have maintained a tight relationship since elementary school and often discuss the possibility of playing together in college.
"We've pretty much been best friends since second grade," Holmes told Bleacher Report. "We talk a lot about recruiting and things that are going on with each other. The conversation [of playing together in college] has always popped up, but I wouldn't say that it would sway either of our decisions."
Notre Dame certainly hopes it at least helps. The team's need at receiver this cycle became more apparent Aug. 5 when 4-star prospect Osiris St. Brown selected Stanford over the Irish in a head-to-head showdown.
Black, a 6'4", 208-pound pass target, could eventually return to campus alongside Holmes, which would be huge for the staff. He's also seriously considering schools such as Stanford, UCLA and Michigan.
8. Michigan
18 of 25
The Target: 5-star receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones, Cass Tech (Detroit)
The Sales Pitch
When we previously mentioned Peoples-Jones as a possibility for Michigan State here, our doubt of that development actually occurring was noted. On the contrary, expectations are mounting in Ann Arbor that this pairing is primed to come to fruition.
The past 15 experts' predictions in Peoples-Jones' 247Sports "crystal ball" point toward Michigan. A key factor here, aside from proximity, could be the young quarterback talent Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh has assembled.
A former star Michigan passer himself, Harbaugh has landed elite talents at the position in each of his first two full recruiting cycles (Brandon Peters and Dylan McCaffrey). Peoples-Jones consistently points out the importance of stability behind center.
"That's a duo," he told Bleacher Report. "I'll be with that duo for the next three or four years so I always got to have a great quarterback. That's definitely special. You and your quarterback have to be best buddies."
McCaffrey, a Colorado native, expressed plenty of excitement upon meeting Peoples-Jones for the first time at The Opening. Expect Michigan's staff to implement him as a vital peer recruiter moving forward.
7. Stanford
19 of 25
The Target: 5-star offensive tackle Walker Little, Episcopal High School (Bellaire, Texas)
The Sales Pitch
The long-term offensive outlook is promising in Palo Alto, California, after three consecutive classes with a top-10 quarterback prospect (2016-18). When surveying the current recruiting class for a blocker capable of keeping those prized passers upright for years to come, Little certainly stands out.
Stanford can offer him an opportunity to earn high-profile reps as the blind-side protector of potential NFL-caliber quarterbacks in succession. The Cardinal also carry a major trump card in world-class education that is revered by recruits who consider a collegiate education at least as important as a football career.
Little, an intelligent young man and technician in the trenches, cleared a key hurdle by gaining acceptance to the school, according to his mother. The 6'8", 305-pound prospect is also eyeing opportunities at Texas and Ole Miss.
6. LSU
20 of 25
The Target: 5-star linebacker Dylan Moses, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)
The Sales Pitch
As long as Tigers head coach Les Miles avoids the job security speculation that dogged him last season, the odds appear to be in favor of a reunion between LSU and the former hometown commit. Moses, who became a nationally known football prodigy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, before high school, previously played nearby at the University Lab School alongside Miles' son.
Moses committed to the Tigers midway through his freshman season but backed off that pledge last summer. Despite his decision, this has always seemed like LSU's battle to lose despite strong efforts from schools such as Alabama and Texas.
"Even though I decommitted from LSU, it was only for me to explore and view my options, but I still have love for the school no matter what," he told Chris Kirschner of SEC Country.
Miles and staff members are extremely close to Moses, dating back to his middle school days. This high level of comfort should help LSU separate from the pack and regain the country's top-rated linebacker recruit.
5. Ohio State
21 of 25
The Target: 5-star receiver Trevon Grimes, St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
The Sales Pitch
The Buckeyes shouldn’t have much more “selling” to do in this recruitment, as Grimes is widely expected to choose Ohio State with an Aug. 24 commitment announcement. The 6’3”, 202-pound Sunshine Standout has never been shy about pointing to the Buckeyes as his team to beat.
"I just feel like they don't look at me like a regular recruit they just want," Grimes told Bleacher Report’s Sanjay Kirpalani. "They look at me more as like a son, and they want to mentor me in life and help me with my life goals. I feel like those are the two coaches [Urban Meyer and receivers coach Zach Smith] that stick out to me the most."
Several top-tier receivers have expressed interest in Ohio State this cycle, but there’s always been an impression that Grimes may be first in line for a spot. Aside from a high comfort level with the region—he grew up in Indiana—the Buckeyes’ quarterback situation provides plenty of motivation.
Heisman Trophy contender J.T. Barrett could be back under center in 2017, while blue-chip prospects Joe Burrow (redshirt freshman), Dwayne Haskins (freshman), Tate Martell (2017 commit) and Emory Jones (2018 commit) provide plenty of excitement for the Buckeyes’ future passing efforts.
4. Florida State
22 of 25
The Target: 5-star defensive tackle Marvin Wilson, Episcopal High School (Bellaire, Texas)
The Sales Pitch
Multiple visits to Tallahassee have kept the Seminoles on Wilson’s mind while working his way through a widespread recruitment process. He spent considerable time with Florida State recruiting coordinator Tim Brewster while on campus in June, according to Safid Deen of the Tallahassee Democrat, and he’s formed a bond with highly respected longtime defensive tackles coach Odell Haggins.
The Seminoles would love to lock him in as the front anchor of a defense that contains pieces for potential long-term dominance. Wilson, rated No. 1 among defensive linemen in composite rankings, would join a unit that added top overall prospects at safety (Derwin James) and defensive end (Josh Sweat) in 2015 and recently landed a commitment from 5-star cornerback Stanford Samuels III.
Wilson, who tallied 34 tackles for loss and 15 sacks during the past two seasons, has a dog mentality and feels comfortable surrounded by other alpha defenders. He would encounter that environment and fill a position of need at Florida State, where Haggins has helped develop NFL linemen on a regular basis.
3. Oklahoma
23 of 25
The Target: 5-star safety Jeffrey Okudah, South Grand Prarie High School (Grand Prarie, Texas)
The Sales Pitch
Oklahoma has capitalized on its 2015 run to the College Football Playoff by piecing together a well-rounded recruiting class listed No. 5 overall in composite class rankings. This haul includes three blue-chip defensive backs, and Okudah would make it four while becoming the face of a defensive class capable of pushing Oklahoma over the top in years to come.
A career in Norman would allow him to remain relatively close to home while competing for a program primed to duplicate postseason pushes out of the Big 12 Conference. Ohio State is the biggest threat here and arguably the leader at this stage, but the Sooners are right in the mix while selling him on becoming the headliner of a class that should help ensure continued success under head coach Bob Stoops.
Okudah, the nation’s top-rated safety, could quickly earn starting reps at either cornerback or safety at Oklahoma. The Sooners, loaded up at quarterback and receiver, would match immense offensive ammo with a stalwart defense as he continues to develop as a dominant force downfield.
2. Clemson
24 of 25
The Target: 4-star linebacker Justin Foster, Crest High School (Shelby, North Carolina)
The Sales Pitch
The Tigers’ offensive prowess has routinely stolen the show during head coach Dabo Swinney’s tenure, and a repeat Heisman-caliber campaign from quarterback Deshaun Watson isn’t likely to change much. However, it’s important to note Clemson’s consistent ability to land big-time defensive prospects during recent cycles.
After securing a strong linebacker haul last signing day, defensive coordinator Brent Venables now has Justin Foster in his cross hairs. The 6’4”, 240-pound prospect is capable of competing in a variety of linebacker roles, though a formidable frame suggests he could thrive at defensive end if that’s the direction a collegiate staff chooses next year.
Aside from national title contention, Clemson offers Foster a family vibe. His older sister attends the university (he’s already attended class alongside her, according to Hale McGranahan of the Clemson Insider), and he told Bleacher Report last month his family is leaning toward a commitment to the Tigers.
Foster has kept Notre Dame and Tennessee in the picture, but Clemson has consistently hosted him on campus. Personal ties to the university will be tough for any alternative program to top.
1. Alabama
25 of 25
The Target: 5-star defensive tackle Marvin Wilson, Episcopal High School (Bellaire, Texas)
The Sales Pitch
As usual, Alabama remains in the mix for an array of elite uncommitted talent. From a physical and projection perspective, few compare to Wilson, who competes with a high motor at 6’4”, 329 pounds.
Like many recruits in the 2017 class, Wilson has aspirations of becoming a professional player someday. Alabama, essentially an NFL factory under Nick Saban, gained another edge in this department with its offseason hiring of defensive line coach Karl Dunbar.
His experience developing players at the position includes stints with the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings. That’s a big deal to Wilson.
“He's came from somewhere I want to go. That's what sets him apart from a lot of coaches,” Wilson told Drew Champlin of AL.com. “He knows what NFL coaches want, what they need, their body type and everything. That's what separates them from a lot of schools."
Separation is exactly what Alabama is searching for in a chase that also includes LSU, Florida State, Texas and USC.
Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue unless otherwise noted. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings.
Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.
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