Top 25 College Football Recruiting Classes Post-Under Armour All-America Game
We've reached the final month of a whirlwind 2017 college football recruiting cycle, creating high stakes for teams attempting to cap things off with an infusion of future roster difference-makers.
The vast majority of coaching staffs are close to completing their latest classes, though head coach and coordinator hirings and firings across America can complicate the situation. Programs such as Alabama, Ohio State and Georgia have gained momentum throughout, vaulting toward the top in terms of perceived talent hauls, and yet even those squads still have work to do during these upcoming weeks.
Other coaches will attempt to collect high-volume talent hauls down the stretch, needing to assemble greater numbers in classes that still haven't quite come to fruition. Here's a glimpse at how we rank the top 25 recruiting classes, rewarding greater consideration to quality than quantity.Ā
25. Arkansas Razorbacks
1 of 25
Class Size:Ā 22Ā (three 4-stars)
Analysis
Bret Bielema loves building a big, nasty wall of offensive linemen, and reinforcements are en route to Fayetteville this year.Ā Shane CleninĀ (6'6", 287 lbs)Ā andĀ Dalton WagnerĀ (6'8", 300 lbs) land in top-60 offensive tackle rankings and have the ability to slide inside and dismantle interior defenders.
They'll aim to pave paths for TennesseeĀ running backĀ Chase Hayden, who is among the more underrated recruits at his position. He followed up an impressive July performance at The Opening with 1,940 yards (12.1 per carry) and 30 scores as a senior, per his Twitter account.
Junior college receiverĀ Brandon Martin, a 4-star recruit, provides the Razorbacks with another offensive weapon. A December commitment from Oklahoma productĀ Kyrei FisherĀ givesĀ Arkansas three commits considered top-100 linebacker recruits.
24. Colorado Buffaloes
2 of 25
Class Size:Ā 25Ā (three 4-stars)
Analysis
The Buffaloes enjoyed a breakout regular season that earned Mike MacIntyre Associated Press Coach of the Year honors, though lopsided losses in the Pac-12 title game and Alamo Bowl spoiled some of the fun late. Colorado has also advanced to a new level on the recruiting trail, specifically with several key acquisitions in the trenches.Ā
Junior college productsĀ Chris MulumbaĀ andĀ Javier EdwardsĀ are both projected to play along the defensive interior. In-state standoutĀ Jon Van DiestĀ and California defenderĀ Jacob CallierĀ should help provide support along the edge.
The outlook on the offensive line may be even greater, as centerĀ Xavier NewmanĀ and tackleĀ Jake Morettiāa former Ohio State commitāare considered top-15 overall prospects at their respective positions. Those anchors up front should help the development of Southern California quarterbackĀ Tyler Lytle, whose targets will feature 4-star DeSoto High School (Texas) receiversĀ Laviska Shenault Jr.Ā andĀ KD Nixon.
23. Mississippi State Bulldogs
3 of 25
Class Size:Ā 22Ā (five 4-stars)
Analysis
Mississippi State has the makings of a dynamic offensive backfield with in-state running backĀ Kylin HillĀ and New Orleans quarterbackĀ Keytaon ThompsonĀ on board. Hill is a 4-star rusher who warranted attention from across the college football landscape, while Thompson earned Gatorade Player of the Year in Louisiana after tallying 4,785 total yards and 64 touchdowns.
The Bulldogs bagged a bunch of talent while targeting junior college athletes, headlined by former Georgia playersĀ Chauncey RiversĀ (defensive tackle) andĀ Jonathan AbramĀ (safety). Florida linebackerĀ Tyler DunningĀ and Tennessee defensive backĀ Kaleb OliverĀ should also add new bite to coordinator Peter Sirmon's attack.Ā
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22. Nebraska Cornhuskers
4 of 25
Class Size:Ā 14Ā (six 4-stars)
Analysis
The Cornhuskers continue to flex recruiting muscles as a program capable of plucking premier prospects from different corners of America.Ā Calabasas High School (California) teammatesĀ Tristan GebbiaĀ (quarterback) andĀ Keyshawn Johnson Jr.Ā (receiver)āson of former USC Trojans great Keyshawn Johnsonākeep momentum rolling on the West Coast.
Gebbia tossed 61 touchdowns as a senior, per MaxPreps, with 11 scores sent in the direction of Johnson. Their offensive supporting cast is set to include another 4-star talent in Missouri receiverĀ Jaevon McQuittyĀ and top-25 tight endĀ Austin Allen, who is an in-state product.
Key successes this cycle also include faraway pledges from 4-star Delaware linebackerĀ Avery RobertsĀ and 4-star Texas defensive tackleĀ Deiontae Watts. It should be entertaining to watch the 6'3", 302-pound Watts battle top-15 offensive guard prospectĀ Matt Sichterman.
21. Stanford Cardinal
5 of 25
Class Size:Ā Eight (two 5-stars; three 4-stars)
Analysis
This is likely higher than you'll find the Cardinal listed elsewhere, mainly due to the fact Stanford has secured just a single-digit total of commitments. Still, head coach David Shaw is maximizing those limited scholarship spots, headlined by Elite 11 MVP contenderĀ Davis Mills.
The Georgia quarterback serves as a catalyst for an offensive group that also includes top-rated tight endĀ Colby Parkinson, 5-star tackle Walker LittleĀ andĀ 4-star receiverĀ Osiris St. Brown, who turned down a chance to join older brotherĀ Equanimeous St. Brown at Notre Dame. There is a case to be made for Mills, Parkinson and Little to each warrant consideration as the No. 1 overall recruit at their respective positions.Ā
Stanford also reached into Salt Lake City forĀ Sione Lund, a 4-star athlete who presents potential at running back and linebacker. Half of the Cardinal's class is comprised of out-of-state players.
20. Texas Longhorns
6 of 25
Class Size:Ā 12Ā (six 4-stars)
Analysis
Newly hired Longhorns head coach Tom Herman may be primed for an impressive push toward national signing day, and a solid foundation is already in place for this class' fortunes. QuarterbackĀ Sam Ehlinger, an Elite 11 finalist who enjoyed a prolific career at nearby Westlake High School, remained a steadfast catalyst of this class following his post-sophomore year commitment.Ā
His pledge was actually preceded by 4-star receiverĀ Damion Miller, another key holdover from the Charlie Strong regime. An offensive haul was recently augmented by the additions of running backsĀ Daniel YoungĀ andĀ Toneil Carter Jr., who were previously slated to play at Houston and Georgia, respectively.
Herman also bolstered his class' offensive outlook with December commitments from a pair of tight endsāReese LeitaoĀ andĀ Cade Brewerāand linemanĀ Derek Kerstetter, a former Oklahoma State pledge who is set to compete as a U.S. Army All-American.Ā Edge-rusherĀ Taquon GrahamĀ and cornerbackĀ Josh ThompsonĀ are crucial defensive building blocks inherited by Herman from the previous staff's recruiting efforts.
19. South Carolina Gamecocks
7 of 25
Class Size: 23Ā (five 4-stars)
Analysis
South Carolina has loaded up with defensive beasts throughout this cycle. We're especially fond of Georgia cornerbackĀ Jamyest Williams, who hasĀ drawn comparisonsĀ to Arizona Cardinals starĀ Tyrann Mathieu and may be the best pound-for-pound cornerback in this class.Ā
He will be surrounded in the Gamecocks defense by other blue-chip recruits such as 6'4" safetyĀ Hamsah Nasirildeen, North Carolina linebacker Sherrod GreeneĀ andĀ junior college cornerbackĀ Keisean Nixon. South Carolina secured an outstanding in-state pass target in September whenĀ OrTre SmithĀ pledged, leading a receiving group that also features top-70 positional prospectsĀ Shi SmithĀ andĀ Chad Terrell.
18. Florida Gators
8 of 25
Class Size:Ā 15Ā (eight 4-stars)
Analysis
Elite 11 finalistĀ Jake AllenĀ established his reputation as a fiery winner during his career at Sunshine State powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas. Longtime Gators commitsĀ Daquon GreenĀ andĀ Kemore GambleĀ are both 4-stars in the passing attack, while Tampa-area running backĀ Malik DavisĀ joined the class in October.
Skill positions aside, Florida's offensive class features 4-star blockersĀ T.J. MooreĀ andĀ Kadeem Telfort. The defensive haul is headlined by defensive endĀ Zachary Carter, another Tampa standout, and tenacious 4-star cornerbackĀ Marco Wilson.Ā Kadarius Toneyārated a 4-star athleteācould contribute across the field, with receiver, dual-threat quarterback and defensive back warranting attention.
17. Miami Hurricanes
9 of 25
Class Size:Ā 20 (seven 4-stars)
Analysis
Head coach Mark Richt delivered Miami its first bowl victory in a decade and now aims to make strides toward ACC title contention with an emphatic finish to his inaugural full recruiting cycle in Coral Gables, Florida. He added 4-star linebackerĀ DeAndre WilderĀ in November, bolstering a defensive unit that's also set to welcome former Oklahoma Sooners cornerback commitĀ Trajan Bandy, top-20 tackle Jonathan FordĀ and heavily targeted California edge-rusherĀ D.J. Johnson.
Offensively, Richt netted a pivotal victory by convincing 4-starĀ N'Kosi PerryĀ to remain a member of this class despite staff changes. His 2017 offensive counterparts include local products such as linemanĀ Navaughn DonaldsonĀ and running back Robert Burns, New Jersey receiverĀ Evidence NjokuĀ (younger brother of standout Hurricanes tight end David Njoku) and Georgia athleteĀ DeeJay Dallas, who could vie for a role in Miami's defensive backfield or receiver rotation.
16. Maryland Terrapins
10 of 25
Class Size:Ā 29Ā (eight 4-stars)
Analysis
First-year Terrapins head coach D.J. Durkin commands some attention for putting together such a large class so quickly, though the loss of Baltimore native andĀ top-10 defensive endĀ JoshuaĀ KaindohĀ (now a Florida State commit) certainly stings in College Park.
Maryland helped ease that loss by bringing aboard several defensive linemen in December, including former Tennessee Volunteers pledgesĀ BreyonĀ andĀ Brandon Gaddy, talented twins from Virginia. The Terrapins also landed versatile New Jersey defenderĀ Markquese Bell, a 4-star safety/outside linebacker who announced collegiate intentions at the Under Armour All-America Game.
Concentration on keeping local talent home helped net Washington, D.C., studsĀ Cam SpenceĀ (defensive tackle),Ā Johnny JordanĀ (center) andĀ Kasim HillĀ (quarterback). Quality in-state commitments include 4-star offensive linemenĀ Jordan McNairĀ andĀ Marcus Minor, cornerbackĀ Deon JonesĀ and linebackerĀ Ayinde Eley.
15. Tennessee Volunteers
11 of 25
Class Size: Ā 26 (one 5-star; five 4-stars)
Analysis
The Volunteers suffered a series of costly decommitments late in the regular season but managed to rebound admirably during December.Ā Trey Smith, a 5-star in-state offensive tackle, provided a turning point Dec. 6 and was joined soon after by a trio of defensive targets (linemenĀ Matthew ButlerĀ andĀ Deandre Johnson, along with linebackerĀ Shanon Reid).
It wasn't necessarily a headline-grabbing move, but Tennessee also secured a commitment from 3-star Texas quarterbackĀ Will McBrideĀ during this span. However, no offensive pledge garners more excitement in Knoxville than 4-star Nashville running backĀ Ty Chandler.
CornerbackĀ Cheyenne Labruzza, defensive tackleĀ Eric CrosbyĀ and safetyĀ Maleik GrayĀ are each 4-star additions to the defensive roster.
14. Washington Huskies
12 of 25
Class Size:Ā 14 (10 4-stars)
Analysis
Given Oregon's recent struggles and Washington's rise to a Pac-12 Championship and College Football Playoff appearance, there's a strong case to be made for the Huskies as the pre-eminent power of the Pacific Northwest. Head coach Chris Petersen and company have undoubtedly capitalized on this clout through recruiting efforts, securing commitments from five blue-chip prospects who live in either Oregon or Washington.
It's a group comprised of defensive tackleĀ Marlon Tuipulotu, cornerbackĀ Elijah Molden, tight endĀ Hunter Bryant, offensive linemanĀ Henry BainivaluĀ and scintillating athleteĀ Salvon Ahmed, who tied for the fastest 40-yard dash (4.32 seconds) at The Opening.
California has also been kind to the Huskies.Ā Alex CookĀ andĀ Terrell BynumĀ formed a 4-star duo before their senior seasons, while defensive backsĀ Keith TaylorĀ andĀ Brandon McKinneyĀ also both carry 4-star distinction. Late-rising quarterback recruitĀ Jake HaenerĀ showed he belongs in Power Five competition during a strong effort at Elite 11 Finals, while Utah receiverĀ Ty JonesĀ was a semifinalist for U.S. Army All-American Player of the Year after catching 20 touchdowns in 2016, per MaxPreps.
13. USC Trojans
13 of 25
Class Size:Ā 16Ā (one 5-star; seven 4-stars)
Analysis
The Trojans rebounded from a rough start to challenge for inclusion in the Pac-12 Championship Game and earn a spot in the Rose Bowl. USC knocked off Penn State in the high-profile showdown, led by redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Darnold.
Jack Sears, who replaced Darnold as quarterback at San Clemente High School in Southern California, could become the next Trojans passer to know. This Elite 11 finalist flipped his commitment from Duke in November, enhancing an offensive class that includes two 4-star linemenĀ (Alijah Vera-TuckerĀ andĀ Brett Neilon) and 5-star rusherĀ Stephen Carr.
USC continues to stockpile talent in the defensive front seven, most notably landing onetime UCLA edge-rusher commitĀ Hunter EcholsĀ and Florida linemanĀ Jacob Lichtenstein. Along with Lichtenstein, the Trojans reached into Florida for dynamic athlete Juwan Burgess, who could contribute on either side of the ball, much like fellow 4-star prospectĀ Tayler Katoa.
12. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
14 of 25
Class Size:Ā 17 (13 4-stars)
Analysis
The Fighting Irish continue to find top-tier offensive line talent from across the country. Notre Dame's latest efforts include commitments from 4-star prospectsĀ Josh LuggĀ (Pennsylvania),Ā Dillan GibbonsĀ (Florida),Ā Robert HainseyĀ (Florida)Ā andĀ Aaron BanksĀ (California).
Tight endsĀ Brock WrightĀ andĀ Cole Kmetāboth considered top-five players at the positionācan also provide support as run-blockers. This is excellent news for 4-star Connecticut athleteĀ C.J. Holmes, who is expected to vie for carries in the backfield.
Texas quarterbackĀ Avery Davis, an Elite 11 finalist, was one of several early commitments for head coach Brian Kelly. He joined the class before the conclusion of his junior year, along with fellow blue-chip targets such as Pennsylvania linebackerĀ David AdamsĀ and Illinois safetyĀ Isaiah Robertson.
11. Penn State Nittany Lions
15 of 25
Class Size:Ā 18 (one 5-star; nine 4-stars)
Analysis
Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin managed to make plenty of recruiting noise through his first few cycles in Happy Valley, but he's in place to best those results after a Big 10 Conference title run.
Prized recruits responded swiftly to the success, as in-season pledges included 4-star Detroit speedstersĀ Donovan JohnsonĀ (cornerback) andĀ K.J. HamlerĀ (receiver), former Florida Gators defensive tackle commitĀ Fred HansardĀ and 5-star Pittsburgh cornerbackĀ Lamont Wade.
These latest additions vault this class on the verge of top-10 territory. Elite 11 finalist quarterbackĀ Sean Clifford, 4-star defensive linemenĀ Yetur MatosĀ andĀ Damion Barber, top-20 outside linebackerĀ Dylan RiversĀ and 4-star safetyĀ Jonathan SutherlandĀ were among the building blocks already in place before Franklin's recent flurry of recruiting success.
10. Clemson Tigers
16 of 25
Class Size:Ā 13 (11 4-stars)
Analysis
Clemson once again proves it doesn't require expansive volume to stockpile substantial value. Preparing for a second straight appearance in the College Football Playoff championship game, the future looks bright well beyond quarterback Deshaun Watson's impending departure.
The Tigers carry commitments from two Elite 11 finalists inĀ Chase BriceĀ andĀ Hunter Johnson, who may have the best pure passing arm in this cycle. You won't find a more complementary receiver tandem in one class than Tennessee studsĀ Amari RodgersĀ andĀ Tee Higgins, while the offensive line groupĀ (Blake Vinson,Ā Matt BockhorstĀ andĀ Noah DeHond) is also primed to dominate competition.
The team's three most recent pledgesāNorth Carolina linebackerĀ Justin Foster, Georgia defensive backĀ A.J. TerrellĀ and linemanĀ Jordan Williamsāfurther enhance a defensive unit that's developed into one of college football's finest. Just like head coach Dabo Swinney's current squad, Clemson's 2017 class offers tremendous balance.
9. Texas A&M Aggies
17 of 25
Class Size:Ā 27 (one 5-star; 10 4-stars)
Analysis
The Aggies' inability to surpass eight victories for a third consecutive season could place head coach Kevin Sumlin on a warming seat in College Station, but he continues to assemble recruiting classes that rival any in the Lone Star State.Ā
During the past two months, Texas A&M picked up a trio of blue-chip prospects considered top-10 players at their respective positions. This list includes No. 1 overall inside linebackerĀ Anthony Hines, Dallas outside linebackerĀ Devodrick JohnsonĀ and former LSU receiver pledgeĀ Jhamon Ausbon.
Ausbon spent his senior season alongside Aggies commitsĀ Kellen MondĀ (quarterback) and Santino MarchiolĀ (linebacker)Ā at IMG Academy in Florida. He augments a 2017 Texas A&M receivers group that already featured fellow 4-star standoutsĀ Hezekiah JonesĀ andĀ Camron Buckley.
This impressive group of young pass-catchers should improve by competing against a crop of incoming defensive backs led by blue-chippersĀ Derrick TuckerĀ andĀ Myles Jones.
8. Auburn Tigers
18 of 25
Class Size:Ā 19 (two 5-stars; 10 4-stars)
Analysis
After a few swings and misses this cycle, Auburn's search for a quarterback was well worth the wait. The Tigers landed 5-star prospectĀ Jarrett Stidham, who departed Baylor after one season with the program.
A crown jewel of the 2015 quarterback class, he should provide increased consistency for an offense that's also set to add three linemen considered top-200 overall recruits (Nick Brahms,Ā Austin TroxellĀ and 5-star Florida tackleĀ Calvin Ashley). Auburn also went the junior college route to find 4-star running backĀ Octavius Matthews, who flipped his commitment from Louisville.Ā
Defensively, key additions come in the form ofĀ 4-star in-state linebackerĀ Tadarian MoultryĀ and a pair of promising blue-chip defensive backsĀ (Carlito GonzalezĀ andĀ Malcolm Askew).
7. LSU Tigers
19 of 25
Class Size:Ā 19 (12 4-stars)
Analysis
LSU has surely endured its share of dicey moments on the 2017 recruiting trail, most notably dealing with the aftermath of Les Miles' dismissal. However, new head coach Ed Orgeron has the Tigers in position to rise even further up these rankings, helped in part by staff continuity and the addition of former Pittsburgh Panthers offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
Canada helped LSU sustain a pledge from 4-star quarterbackĀ Myles Brennan, who considered exploring alternative options after setting Mississippi's all-time state passing record as a senior. He'll be joined on campus by fellow Elite 11 finalistĀ Lowell Narcisse, who remains a compelling dual-threat playmaker despite knee injuries impacting each of his past two seasons.
They will have plenty of weapons to work with downfield, including coveted junior college receiverĀ Stephen GuidryĀ and 4-star Texas pass targetĀ Mannie Netherly. Crucial defensive commitments featureĀ safetyĀ Jacoby Stevens, cornerbackĀ Kary Vincent Jr.Ā and tackleĀ Tyler Shelvin, who must contend with three 4-star offensive linemen (Edward Ingram,Ā Austin DeculusĀ andĀ Saahdiq Charles) during years of practice ahead in Baton Rouge.
6. Florida State Seminoles
20 of 25
Class Size:Ā 17 (two 5-stars; nine 4-stars)
Analysis
The final stretch toward national signing day is off to a fantastic start for Florida State. Mississippi running backĀ Cam Akers, a U.S. Army All-American Player of the Year finalist who belongs in the conversation as No. 1 overall recruit this cycle, joined the Seminoles' class Dec. 27.
His announcement followed a two-week span that also featured Florida State pledges from top-10 defensive endĀ Joshua Kaindoh, elite junior college linebackerĀ Adonis ThomasĀ and former Oregon Ducks tight end commitĀ Tre' McKitty. It's a huge heap of icing on the cake for Jimbo Fisher, who already held commits from six other players considered top-20 prospects at their respective positions.
Alternative headliners include 5-star cornerbackĀ Stanford Samuels III, 4-star running backsĀ Khalan LabornĀ andĀ Zaquandre White, highlight-waiting-to-happen receiverĀ D.J. MatthewsĀ and top-15 quarterbackĀ Bailey Hockman.
5. Oklahoma Sooners
21 of 25
Class Size:Ā 23Ā (17 4-stars)
Analysis
The Sooners surged early and often in the 2017 recruiting cycle, locking in a multitude of highly respected blue-chip recruits well in advance of this season. Initial headliners included Elite 11 finalist quarterbackĀ Chris Robison, who further increases competition in what figures to be one of college football's most contentious and talented quarterback rooms.Ā
Expect 4-star receiversĀ Marquise Brown,Ā Charleston RamboĀ andĀ CeeDee LambĀ to enjoy life as beneficiaries of the big-time arms in that quarterback arsenal. You can also extend that sentiment to top-10 tight endĀ Grant CalcaterraĀ and a 4-star running back duoĀ (Trey SermonĀ andĀ Kennedy Brooks).
Future championship pursuits also require elevated play on defense, which will add a collection of top-25 linebackers (Kenneth Murray,Ā Levi Draper, Jacob PhillipsĀ andĀ Addison Gumbs). SafetyĀ Robert BarnesĀ and cornerbackĀ Tre BrownĀ will attempt to back up that group by shutting down passing lanes in the Big 12 Conference and beyond.
4. Michigan Wolverines
22 of 25
Class Size:Ā 26Ā (one 5-star; 18 4-stars)
Analysis
The Wolverines landed 11 new commitments between mid-October and Christmas, creating a collection of recruits that threatens to top what head coach Jim Harbaugh accomplished in his first full cycle in Ann Arbor. Celebrated 5-star Detroit receiverĀ Donovan Peoples-JonesĀ gave Michigan a long-awaited pledge Dec. 15, just one day after 4-star Connecticut pass-catcherĀ Tarik BlackĀ put his name in the mix.
December also saw the team's future defensive attack grow stronger courtesy of commitments from 4-star linebacker tandemĀ Jordan AnthonyĀ andĀ Drew Singleton, in-state endĀ Deron Irving-BeyĀ and top-five cornerbackĀ Ambry Thomas. They bolster a collection that also includes seven other 4-star recruits, most notably another three along the defensive line.
QuarterbackĀ Dylan McCaffrey, the younger brother of 2015 Heisman Trophy finalist Christian McCaffrey, displays a rare level of football IQ at the prep level. He should be well-protected by a collection of offensive linemen led by 4-starsĀ Jaraymond HallĀ andĀ Andrew Stueber.
3. Georgia Bulldogs
23 of 25
Class Size:Ā 23 (two 5-stars; 20 4-stars)
Analysis
Georgia's first campaign under head coach Kirby Smart saw the ascension of several young standouts, and youth should again be a prevalent factor next fall considering the amount of talent heading to Athens.
This edition of Bulldogs commits is comprised of 11 prospects rated among the top 10 players at their positions, with Elite 11 finalist quarterbackĀ Jake Fromm, U.S. Army All-American Player of the Year finalistĀ Richard LeCounte IIIĀ (safety) and top-five running backĀ D'Andre SwiftĀ serving as catalysts throughout the 2016 season.
Things continue to trend upward following four blue-chip commitments since Christmas.Ā Deangelo Gibbs, a 5-star athlete who commands respect at receiver and defensive back, announced plans to play in Athens during the Under Armour All-America Game.
Former Auburn pledgeĀ Tray Bishop, who is also considered a top-10 athlete, and 4-star linebackers Monty RiceĀ andĀ Nate McBrideĀ each pledged in the past week.Ā Isaiah Wilson, a mammoth offensive tackle from Brooklyn, New York, surprised many when he spurned Michigan and Alabama for the Bulldogs last month, becoming the sixth blue-chip blocker in this class.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
24 of 25
Class Size:Ā 17 (six 5-stars; 10 4-stars)
Analysis
According to Scout, Ohio State leads college football in top-100 commitments (12) and 5-star pledges (six). This kind of recruiting success has almost become commonplace for Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer, dating back to his days with the Florida Gators.
His positional hauls this cycle include multiple top-10 commitments at cornerback (Shaun Wade,
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
25 of 25
Class Size:Ā 26 (five 5-stars; 17 4-stars)
Analysis
Believe it or not, Alabama appears to be on the verge of claiming a seventh straight No. 1 overall recruiting class in composite rankings. This perennial roster reload has been paramount in head coach Nick Saban's tenure, which could add a fifth national championship next week.
This latest crop of recruits features three players rated top-20 overall in Scout rankings (California running backĀ Najee Harris, Louisiana linebackerĀ Dylan MosesĀ and offensive tackleĀ Alex Leatherwood). Harris, who stands approximately 6'3", 220 pounds, surpassed 2,000 rushing yards during the past three seasons at Antioch High School, while Moses was named the 2016 Butkus Award winner (top high school linebacker).
Leatherwood is joined by two 4-star offensive tackles (Elliot BakerĀ andĀ Jedrick Wills). Elite 11 finalists Tua TagovailoaĀ (event MVP) andĀ Mac JonesĀ will push freshman phenom Jalen Hurts to improve. Expect epic practice battles between elite incoming receivers (Jerry JeudyĀ andĀ Tyrell Shavers), along with two 4-star tight ends and a loaded back seven that also adds 5-star linebackerĀ VanDarius CowanĀ and a pair of top-20 safeties (Daniel WrightĀ andĀ Xavier McKinney).
TylerĀ DonohueĀ is a national recruiting analyst for Bleacher Report. Quotes and observations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. All player ratings and information are courtesy ofĀ Scout.
Follow Tyler via Twitter:Ā @TDsTake.
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