ESPNU Top 25 NCAA Football 2017 Class Rankings

[Risen Star]

http://insider.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/classrankings

1. Alabama
Alabama's 10th consecutive top-three finish is led by a record 21 ESPN 300 prospects. The 2017 haul is headlined by five-stars Najee Harris, a running back from California, No. 1-ranked athlete Dylan Moses and offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood. There are two four-star quarterbacks in ESPN 300 Tua Tagovailoa, and Kentucky flip Mac Jones. ESPN 300 receiver Tyrell Shavers has as much upside as any receiver in the class, while ESPN 300 Jerry Jeudy is the latest elite receiver out of South Florida to head to Tuscaloosa. ESPN 300 outside linebacker Vandarius Cowan flipped from Florida State, while ESPN 300 linebacker Markail Benton was a big in-state win over Auburn in June. A third ESPN 300 linebacker is Chris Allen out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. No. 2 DT LaBryan Ray reloads the defensive line interior. Flipping Under Armour All-America Game safety Daniel Wright from Florida State was a huge win in South Florida, as was getting ESPN 300 safety Xavier McKinney, who is back in the fold after a strong effort by Clemson. The junior college ranks are plentiful in the class with ESPN JC 50 No. 3 offensive tackle Elliot Baker and No. 5 Isaiah Buggs are expected to be impact players.

2. Ohio State
The Buckeyes are a lock for an impressive eighth-straight top-10 class, with a No. 1 finish possible. Six defensive backs headline the class, led by five-star Jeffrey Okudah, ESPN JC 50 No. 4 Kendall Sheffield, and ESPN 300s Shaun Wade, Amir Riep, Marcus Williamson and safety Isaiah Pryor. ESPN 300 QB Tate Martell, a former Washington and Texas A&M verbal at different points during the process, is the QB in the class. ESPN 300 receiver Trevon Grimes gives the class an electric playmaker. ESPN 300 defensive tackles Haskell Garrett and Jerron Cage fill needs. ESPN 300 defensive end Chase Young possesses a very high ceiling as an edge-rusher, as does ESPN 300 outside linebacker Baron Browning. ESPN 300 J.K. Dobbins is the running back in the class, and a January enrollee. ESPN 300 offensive linemen Josh Myers and Wyatt Davis could play tackle or guard in Columbus.

3. Georgia
The Bulldogs have never finished outside the top 13 in the 11 years that ESPN has ranked recruiting classes, and that streak continued as Kirby Smart inked an impressive top-3 class. Five-star safety Richard LeCounte III was a huge win in Smart's first week on the job. Three more five-star's join in LeCounte III in the class, defensive end Robert Beal, athlete Deangelo Gibbs and offensive tackle Isaiah Wilson. ESPN 300 cornerback William Poole III joins LeCounte III as another elite defensive back. The flip of ESPN 300 quarterback Jake Fromm from Alabama was another momentum-changing victory. ESPN 300 guard Netori Johnson is a mauler in the run game, while ESPN 300 tackles Andrew Thomas and D'Antne Demery possess high-ceilings, but it's ESPNJC50 No. 11 D'Marcus Hayes that will see the field first on the line. The running back in the class is ESPN 300 D'Andre Swift out of Philadelphia. Three-star defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt is an underrated flip from South Carolina, while ESPN 300 Malik Herring was yet another key win in state. ESPN 300 receiver Mark Webb is another win on the trail out of Pennsylvania, and fellow ESPN 300 pass catcher Jeremiah Holloman will bring a physically ready body to the receiver corps in Athens. ESPN 300 speedster Tray Bishop was a big flip from Auburn.

4. Florida State
The Seminoles closed strong with an impressive top-5 class headlined by five star DT Marvin Wilson on signing day. ESPN 300 quarterback Bailey Hockman and upside three-star James Blackman should provide future depth behind former ESPN 300 QB Deondre Francois. ESPN 300 wide receiver D.J. Matthews is a slippery playmaker from the slot. The Noles have loaded up at running back with ESPN 300s Cam Akers, Khalan Laborn and Zaquandre White. Four-star Peach State receiver Tamorrion Terry has a very high ceiling. Under Armour All-America Game defensive backs and ESPN 300s Stanford Samuels and Cyrus Fagan have the look of multiyear starters, but it could be South Carolina flip Hamsah Nasirildeen who has the highest upside and most versatility. Tight end Alexander Marshall was a hit in May with college coaches coast to coast and was joined by ESPN 300 tight end and Oregon flip Tre' McKitty. Four-star defensive tackles Ja'len Parks and Cory Durden will go from high school teammates to college teammates in Tallahassee. ESPN JC 50 outside linebacker Adonis Thomas will provide instant depth.

5. USC
The Trojans made a statement on signing day. They started with OLB Levi Jones, No. 65 in the ESPN 300. He's an impact talent out of Texas. Up front, ESPN 300 OT Austin Jackson and DT Jay Tufele reload the trenches and were also huge lands on Feb 1. No. 1 TE Josh Falo could become an immediate target next fall. landing ESPN 300 offensive tackle Alijah Vera-Tucker and ESPN 300 defensive end Hunter Echols was a terrific way to begin August. ESPN 300 quarterback Jack Sears was a big flip from Duke in November. ESPN 300 running back Stephen Carr has the look of a multiyear starter, while ESPN 300 center Brett Neilon could be the same. ESPN 300 safety Bubba Bolden brings size and range in spades. ESPN 300 defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu was a huge flip from Washington. ESPN 300 athlete Isaiah Pola-Mao was a terrific grab out of Arizona. Four-star offensive tackle Andrew Vorhees is a key grab in this class as well. Three-star defensive tackle Terrance Lang is a name to remember down the line as well.

6. Michigan
The Wolverines will be not only entertaining and trend-setting on the recruiting trail under Jim Harbaugh, but also very successful. Coming off a top-10 2016 class, featuring No. 1 overall player Rashan Gary, Michigan is a lock for another top-10 class. DT Aubrey Solomon (No. 63 in ESPN 300) should come in and challenge for early reps as he fits in well with coordinator Don Brown's scheme. ESPN 300 quarterback Dylan McCaffrey could be the future of the position in Ann Arbor. ESPN 300 running back O'Maury Samuels was a nice find in New Mexico. In-state ESPN 300s Donovan Peoples-Jones, Ja'Raymond Hall, Joshua Ross, Corey Malone-Hatcher and Jaylen Kelly-Powell were key additions, while ESPN 300 Ambry Thomas could be an early contributor at cornerback. ESPN 300 Luiji Vilain is one of the top edge-rush prospects in the class, and a big win in Virginia. Top-ranked center Cesar Ruiz was yet another win out of the Garden State via IMG Academy. Four-stars Kwity Paye and Donovan Jeter are solid grabs, with Jeter being a Notre Dame flip. ESPN 300 safety J'Marick Woods could end up at outside linebacker. ESPN 300 offensive tackle Joel Honigford has a very high ceiling, while ESPN 300 Chuck Filiaga is physically ready to compete from day one. ESPN 300 linebacker Jordan Anthony brings big-time athleticism to the position. Nico Collins was a great pickup on signing day. He could play a similar hybrid TE/WR role as former Wolverine Devin Funches.

7. LSU
The Tigers are a near lock for a ninth top-10 class in 12 years with Ed Orgeron now leading the program. They closed extremely well on the defensive side of the ball with high upside DE K'Lavon Chaisson (No. 34 in ESPN 300) and fellow top-100 prospect Todd Harris, a DB with a premier blend of speed, length and versatility. Quarterback is the position LSU fans are looking for the most in this cycle, and there have been ups and downs of late with ESPN 300 pocket-passer Myles Brennan remaining on the verbal list. Tyler Shelvin, the No. 2-ranked defensive tackle, dominates the line of scrimmage. ESPN 300 guard Edward Ingram was a huge win out of the Dallas area in April, and Under Armour All-America tackle Austin Deculus was the same out of Houston in May. A third offensive line prospect is Saahdiq Charles, who has a very high ceiling. ESPN 300 running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire could remind some of a taller version of Darren Sproles. Defensive end Aaron Moffitt is the son of LSU strength and conditioning whiz Tommy Moffitt. ESPN 300 Mannie Netherly out of the Houston area was a key grab. ESPN 300 Grant Delpit is expected to be an impact player at safety, and No. 2-ranked cornerback Kary Vincent was a huge victory out of Southeast Texas in late July over Texas. Getting ESPN 300 safety JaCoby Stevens back in the fold was a huge win over Alabama and Georgia. ESPN 300 linebacker Jacob Phillips was a huge flip from Oklahoma in January.

 

[Risen Star]

8. Oklahoma
The Sooners had not signed a top-10 class since 2010, but the loaded 2017 class ended that streak. ESPN 300 defensive backs Justin Broiles and Tre Brown are just what the doctor ordered at cornerback, as is four-star safety Robert Barnes. Under Armour All-America Game offensive guard Tyrese Robinson is one of several big wins in the vital Dallas-Fort Worth area. The Sooners headed east to Georgia to reel in one of the nation's top running backs, Trey Sermon. Four-star running back Kennedy Brooks, who is one of the most productive players in the Lone Star State, is also in the class, as is ESPNJC50 running back Marcelias Sutton. ESPNJC50 No. 13 Marquise Brown figures to be an impact player in the slot, while ESPN 300 receivers Charleston Rambo and Cedarian Lamb put together jaw-dropping senior seasons. ESPN 300 inside linebacker Levi Draper was a key in-state grab, while ESPN 300 tight end Grant Calcaterra and ESPN 300 linebacker/end Addison Gumbs again show the Sooners ability to recruit well in California. Four-star Marquis Hayes has plenty of upside and a massive frame at offensive guard. The flip of in-state three-star center Creed Humphrey from Texas A&M is a huge win over an SEC opponent at a position of need.

9. Auburn
The Tigers are in search of a fourth straight top-10 class, and they closed on a big one with DE Markaviest Bryant (No. 100 in ESPN 300). The headliner of the offensive class is ESPN JC 50 No. 1 Jarrett Stidham, who figures to win the starting quarterback job on The Plains next year. ESPN 300 offensive tackles Calvin Ashley and Austin Troxell are need-fillers, along with ESPN 300 guard Nick Brahms out of the Florida panhandle. Linebacker is a major need in the class, and ESPN 300s Chandler Wooten and Tadarian Moultry are a terrific start to filling the need, as is hard-hitting four-star Kenney Britt. ESPN 300 athlete Malcolm Askew is a nice in-state grab, as is ESPN 300 back Alaric Williams. Three-star safety Carlito Gonzalez out of Georgia is one of the hardest hitters nationally in 2017. Three-star cornerback Traivon Leonard was a needed flip from North Carolina. Four-star receiver Noah Igbinoghene is a name to remember down the line.

10. Clemson
Coming off back-to-back top-10 classes, Dabo Swinney's 2017 class keeps the streak alive. It's a small but impactful class led by ESPN 300 quarterbacks Hunter Johnson and Chase Brice, and ESPN 300 receiver Tee Higgins. ESPN 300 receiver Amari Rodgers could remind some of former LSU and NFL player Josh Reed. Running back was a key need, and the Tigers went into Louisiana to grab ESPN 300 Travis Etienne. Three offensive linemen are on the commit list, led by Under Armour All-America Game guard Matt Bockhorst and four-star center/guard Blake Vinson out of the Sunshine State. ESPN 300 cornerback LeAnthony Williams Jr. was a key win out of Georgia. ESPN 300 outside linebacker/defensive end Justin Foster is the No. 1-ranked player in neighboring North Carolina, while defensive end Jordan Williams was a nice win out of Virginia.

11. Texas A&M
The Aggies continue to reel in talent since the move to the SEC with a top-15 finish in 2017 that met several needs. ESPN 300 quarterback Kellen Mond was a huge win over Auburn, and he helped reel in ESPN 300 receivers and good friends Hezekiah Jones and Jhamon Ausbon, all three former Baylor verbals. Four-star inside linebacker Santino Marchiol is another buddy of Mond. Under Armour All-America Game linebacker Anthony Hines III was a huge in-state win over Texas, Ohio State, Penn State and Florida. ESPN 300 offensive lineman Grayson Reed was a key win over Texas, while three-star guard Adrian Wolford was a needed flip from Oklahoma State. Three-star guard Dn Moore Jr. is a second OL flip from the Cowboys. ESPN 300 athlete Roshauud Paul figures to be a slippery playmaker at receiver for the Aggies. Four-star athlete Keldrick Carper was a nice grab out of Northern Louisiana, as was running back Jacob Kibodi out of the Pelican State. Defensive back is a position of need in 2017, and the Aggies have already reeled in ESPN 300 safety Derrick Tucker, upside safety Myles Jones, safety Debione Renfro and the versatile Devin Morris, who could also play receiver. Defensive line is a position of great need, and three-star tackle Jayden Peevy has a very high ceiling. ESPNJC50 No. 22 Michael Clemons figures to press for snaps right away at defensive end. Tight end verbal Camron Horry is the son of former NBA world champion Robert Horry.

12. Miami
The Hurricanes are off and running under new coach Mark Richt with a top-15 class that filled a lot of needs. ESPN 300 N'Kosi Perry and Cade Weldon give Miami talented future quarterback options along with 2016 ESPN 300 Jack Allison. Under Armour All-America Game defensive end D.J. Johnson was an eye-opening win out of Northern California in late July, as was ESPN 300 end Jonathan Garvin out of Palm Beach County, Florida. ESPN 300 running back Robert Burns is one of the nation's best when healthy. Massive ESPN 300 offensive lineman Navaughn Donaldson could be a starter early in his career, while ESPN 300 tackle Kai-Leon Herbert has tremendous athletic ability and was a huge win over Florida. Guard Zach Dykstra and tackle Zalontae Hillery will provide depth with upside. ESPN 300 cornerback Trajan Bandy is a good bet to be in the two-deep from day one, while the same could be said for ESPN 300 safety Amari Carter. ESPN 300 receiver DeeJay Dallas is a former Georgia commitment with a long-standing relationship with Richt. Defensive tackle Jon Ford is an area prospect to put in the memory bank. Three-star Bradley Jennings is a flip from Florida State, and will help build future depth at linebacker.

13. Florida
The Gators' 2017 class is defined by quite a bit of ups and downs, but they closed well down the stretch. ESPN 300 James Robinson IV had a controversial stretch but ended with Florida. ATH Christopher Henderson (No. 131 in ESPN 300) could come in and contribute right away, most likely at corner with his length and speed. Four-star quarterback Jake Allen, ESPN 300 receiver Daquon Green and tight end Kenmore Gamble are key offensive pieces, as is four-star tight end Zech Byrd. OT Tedarrell Slaton (No. 91 in ESPN 300) should be able to contribute early in the trenches. In our opinion, Slaton fits best on the offensive side of the ball. Four-star Kadeem Telfort has upside at offensive tackle, while four-star T.J. Moore was a key December grab after backing out of a verbal to South Carolina. Four-star athlete Kadarius Toney could play a number of positions. On defense, ESPN 300 end Zachary Carter fills big need, while three-star linebacker Ventrell Miller is one to watch. ESPN 300 cornerback Marco Wilson is the younger brother of Gators cornerback Quincy Wilson and is joined by another ESPN 300 in South Florida cornerback in Shawn Davis.

14. Stanford
The Cardinal's 2017 class is headlined by ESPN 300 offensive tackles Foster Sarell and Walker Little, along with talented in-state tight end Colby Parkinson. Under Armour All-America Game standout and versatile four-star Saiid Adebo served as a huge January flip from Notre Dame. The signal-caller in the class is Peach State star Davis Mills, who was a big win over SEC, ACC and Big 10 powers. ESPN 300 receiver Osiris St. Brown is the younger brother of Notre Dame starting receiver Equanimeous St. Brown. ESPN 300 defensive yackle Dalyn Wade-Perry was another huge January win over Florida State out of New Jersey, as was ESPN 300 end Ryan Johnson out of Alabama. Finding elite level fullbacks is difficult in the day and age of up-tempo spread football, but Stanford has done just that with ESPN 300 Sione Heimuli-Lund out of Utah. Three-star running back Connor Wedington was a one-time Washington verbal. Three-star tight end Tucker Fisk is a talented in-line blocker, and perfect fit.

 

[Risen Star]

15. Tennessee
The Volunteers' class is headlined by ESPN 300 No. 1 Trey Smith and in-state playmakers Maleik Gray and running back Ty Chandler. Joining Gray on the defensive commit list are ESPN 300 prospects LaTrell Bumphus and tackle Eric Crosby out of Virginia, and talented linebacker Marquez Bembry out of the Peach State. Four-star defensive tackle Kivon Bennett is the son of former NFL star Cornelius Bennett. Three-star offensive guard Riley Locklear was a nice grab out of West Virginia. Three-star receiver Princeton Fant missed his junior season due to injury, making him one to watch down the line, as is three-star cornerback Terrell Bailey out of the Pelican State. Four-star inside linebacker Will Ignont was a nice grab out of Alabama, while three-star offensive tackle K'Rojhn Calbert is full of upside potential.

16. Notre Dame
The Fighting Irish have signed top-10 classes in six of the 11 years ESPN has ranked recruiting classes, but 2017 chances of a Top 10 finish have slipped away after a tough season on the field. Brian Kelly and staff have a pair of ESPN 300 tight ends in the fold, No. 1-ranked Brock Wright and Cole Kmet. Notre Dame always recruits well in Texas and has landed ESPN 300s quarterback Avery Davis to go with Wright out of the Lone Star State. A key defensive need is linebacker, and two are in the fold, including ESPN 300 David Adams. ESPN 300 Josh Lugg has the look of a future starter at tackle, while Under Armour All-America Robert Hainsey is a future starter at guard. The Orlando area continues to be fruitful for the Fighting Irish with defensive end Jonathon MacCollister. Athlete C.J. Holmes was another nice grab, as was massive offensive tackle Aaron Banks out of California.

17. Penn State
The Nittany Lions' race to the Big Ten championship has given the program a spark on the recruiting trail. Under Armour All-American quarterback Sean Clifford headlines a Nittany Lions' class that also features four-star offensive line prospects C.J. Thorpe and Michael Miranda. Defensive end is a key position of need in 2017, and ESPN 300 Yetur Matos and four-star Damion Barber are solid additions. ESPN 300 defensive tackle Fred Hansard was a huge flip from Florida in late November. ESPN 300 cornerback Lamont Wade was a big victory in December and is expected to be an impact player in Happy Valley. Four-star Jonathan Sutherland, along with three-stars Brelin Faison-Walden and Donovan Johnson, will provide the Penn State secondary with excellent depth in the future at safety. ESPN 300 inside linebacker and Under Armour All-America Game standout Ellis Brooks was a nice bounce-back win late in January after four-star Dylan Rivers flipped to Virginia Tech.

18. UCLA
The Bruins have two difference-making defensive prospects signed with five-star outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips and ultra-talented ESPN 300 cornerback Darnay Holmes. ESPN 300 Greg Rogers and four-star Martin Andrus are huge need-fillers at defensive tackle. ESPN 300 offensive tackle Stephan Zabie was a major get out of Texas on Signing Day. ESPN 300 tight end Jimmy Jaggers and four-star guard Kanan Ray are key in-state wins. A second tight end in the class is Oregon flip Moses Robinson-Carr. Junior college defensive end Cassius Peat is an easy pick to make an instant impact. The quarterback in the class is three-star Austin Burton out of the Sunshine State.

19. South Carolina
Will Muschamp's first full class in Columbia has the look of both quality and quantity. ESPN 300 Shi Smith will bring much needed speed and playmaking to the offense, while Under Armour All-American Jamyest Williams will bring play making to the cornerback position as well as the return game. ESPNJC50 defensive back Keisean Nixon could play anywhere in the secondary. ESPN 300 tight end Will Register is a quality scheme fit. An impactful in-state win was ESPN 300 athlete OrTre Smith, a Clemson legacy. Offensive lineman Eric Douglas II and Summie Carlay will bring needed depth, while ESPN JC 50 No. 18 Dennis Daley will be expected to compete from Day 1 at tackle in Columbia. Under Armour All-American DT Aaron Sterling (No. 210 in ESPN 300) was a significant land out of Georgia. ESPN 300 defensive tackle M.J. Webb was also a needed grab out of the Peach State, as was receiver Chad Terrell. Florida is a key battleground state for the Gamecocks, and the early returns have yielded cornerback Tavyn Jackson. Three-star linebacker Sherrod Greene is a name to remember, as is safety Jaylin Dickerson out of North Carolina. The quarterback in the class is three-star in-state prospect Jay Urich.

20. Maryland
DJ Durkin and his staff have rebounded well after a rough month of January leading up to signing day for the 2016 class with a 2017 class big in numbers. ESPN 300 cornerback Deon Jones is expected to be a multi-year starter for the Terrapins, as is versatile ESPN 300 Markquese Bell who picked the Terps during the Under Armour All-America Game. ESPN 300 running backs Anthony McFarland and Cordarrian Richardson add some thunder and lighting to the backfield. Up front, ESPN 300 guard Marcus Minor was a big August victory over ACC and Big Ten competition. ESPN 300 quarterback Kasim Hill helps fill a void, while four-stars Cam Spence and Jordan McNair have given the Terrapins' staff much needed momentum in the area. Sunshine State receiver M.J. Jarrell is expected to be an impact player, as is four-star receiver Sean Nelson out of the Atlanta area. Four-star WR Tahj Capehart was a significant land on Signing Day over in-state Virginia Tech. Outside linebacker Ayinde Eley has a very high ceiling.

 

[Risen Star]

21. Nebraska
The Cornhuskers are on the rise under Mike Riley and made a statement on signing day with CB Elijah Blades (No. 265 in ESPN 300) out of California. ESPN 300 quarterback Tristan Gebbia and receiver Keyshawn Johnson Jr. were momentum-grabbing victories out of California last spring, and ESPN 300 dynamic playmaker Tyjon Lindsey served as a game-changing flip from Ohio State on Jan. 14. The state of Florida has been helpful to the cause as well, led by four-star pass rusher Guy Thomas. Four-star linebacker Avery Roberts was a nice grab out of Delaware, as was four-star receiver Jaevon McQuitty out of Missouri. Four-star defensive tackles Deontre Thomas and Damion Daniels are future anchors of the defense in Lincoln, while offensive linemen Matt Sichterman and tackle Brenden Jaimes have the look of multiyear starters. Three-star defensive tackle Deiontae Watts is a high-ceiling prospect, as is three-star in-state tight end Austin Allen.

22. Washington
The Huskies are building momentum on the field and on the recruiting trail. ESPN 300 running back Salvon Ahmed was a big in-state win in September. ESPN 300 receiver Terrell Bynum is one of several nice additions from California, including four-star safety Brandon McKinney and 6-foot-3 cornerback Keith Taylor. The quarterback in the class is three-star Jake Haener, also out of California. November brought ESPN 300 commitments from tackle Henry Bainivalu and cornerback Elijah Molden out of Oregon. Tight end is a position of need in the 2017 class, and in-state four-star Hunter Bryant and three-star Cade Otton more than fill the need. The Huskies went to the junior college ranks to grab a kicker, Joel Whitford.

23. Oregon
The Ducks' struggles on the field last season and rough few weeks of Willie Taggart's tenure have created some negative buzz, but it hasn't affected the recruiting trail. They closed well with ESPN 300 corner Deommodore Lenoir. Fellow ESPN 300s Thomas Graham Jr. and Jaylon Redd, also out of California, provide great athleticism. Keep an eye on undervalued, speedy running back Darrian Felix out of Florida. Four-star Alex Forsyth and three-star Popo Aumavae are key verbals at guard, while four-tar running back C.J. Verdell will bring even more quickness to Eugene with Felix. Four-star defensive tackle Rutger Reitmaier is another with quickness at his position. Three-star linebacker Sampson Niu is one to watch down the line.

24. Mississippi State
The Bulldogs ink a top-25 class headlined by explosive OLB Willie Gay (No. 211 in ESPN 300), who announced his decision on signing day. Fellow in-state four-stars Kylin Hill and Tyler Williams, and top quarterback target Keytoan Thompson out of New Orleans. The state of Florida has been fruitful for Mississippi State in this cycle with three-star linebacker Tyler Dunning and upside three-star offensive tackle Cordavien Suggs. The instant-impact players from the class will come from the junior college ranks, including ESPNJC50s No. 21 Lee Autry at defensive tackle, No. 14 Montez Sweat at end, and No. 40 Deion Pope, yet another defensive tackle. Junior college safeties Jaquarius Landrews, Johnathan Abram and Brian Cole could both be forced into action quickly.

25. Virginia Tech
The Hokies really surged with this 2017 class following 10-wins in Justin Fuente's first season in Blacksburg. On defense, linebacker was key position of need, and ESPN 300 Nathan Proctor was a huge win to begin 2017. He was followed by ESPN 300 safety Devon Hunter and four-star linebacker and Penn State flip Dylan Rivers. The trio of defenders are joined by tackling machine Rayshard Ashby, along with Sunshine State linebacker Aundre Kearney. Four-star defensive end TyJuan Garbutt was another needed in-state win. Three-star Lecitus Smith may be the best blocking tight end in the country, and three-star Drake Deluliis is a talented pass-catcher. Four-star receiver Tahj Capehart was a key in-state loss, but they retained talented pass-catcher Hezekiah Grimsley. Four-star running back Jalen Holston was a nice win in the Peach State. Three-stars Hendon Hooker and Caleb Farley are the high school quarterbacks in the class, but it's junior college dual threat A.J. Bush who could be the one to keep an eye on early.

 

[ghst187]

Yawn....real shocker that Ohio state, Michigan, Alabama would have top recruiting classes, just like every year. I suspect these rankings look about the same every year too.
Maybe they should put more limits on recruiting and coaching salaries. College football is desperately in need of increased parity. Used to be my favourite sport ever. I hardly follow it, let alone watch it anymore. Gee Alabama ranked number one again? Who will they play in the CFP? Oh yeah Ohio state....yawn. Even if those big money making schools get upset somehow during the season they still get voted to the top at the end of the year. Yawn.

 

[Fletch]

I can't freakin wait for September already! Can we fast-forward thru the long hot summer? I miss football!

 

[StylisticS]

Texas has got to start locking its state. Embarrassing to have all those top players leave the state.

 

[DFWJC]

Last 10 National Champions

7 SEC (4 teams)
2 ACC (2 teams)
1 Big10

0--everyone else

 

[gmoney112]

Lol Georgia. How does that keep happening?

I'm excited about Michigan, mainly because of Harbaugh and I just need a team to root for in the Big 10. The first class Harbaugh had there was like barely top 40. Last year was about top 5, and so was this one.

I like how he focuses on the lines and passing/pass defense.

He got the #1 DT last year, and the #2 DT this year. #1, #8 prospects at G. #2 center in the country. Brought in 4 top 50 Tackle prospects. Has about 10 top50 DE prospects including a #8 guy that looks great to take the place of Taco and Wormley who they lost.

They lost Lewis/Peppers but have three top10 CB prospects lined up.

They're losing Darboh, who we're interested in, but have three top10 prospects with the best receiver in the country signing this year and about 6 top50 prospects outside of that. They stocked up last year and this year.

Speight looks to be the starter right now, but have Peters the #4 QB from last year, and McCaffrey the #9 QB this year behind him.

Have some talent at RB. They're going to be fun to watch under Harbaugh.


The best part about it is one of our DB coaches coached at Michigan under Harbaugh so we have some connects there. Harbaugh puts out some tough guys, we'll have a good chance to get some inside info on a lot of them.