2015 'Bama Mag Recruiting Yearbook by BamaMag

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SPRING 2015 • FINAL ISSUE • BAMAMAG.COM

FEATURES 7 HOW TO MAKE A BETTER TEAM ALABAMA SPRING PRACTICE IS FOR P LAYER IMPROVEMENT BY KIRK MCNAIR

12 HE’S DONE IT AGAIN

NICK SABAN BRINGS IN ANOTHER TOP GROUP BY KIRK MCNAIR

14 MEET ALABAMA’S LATEST FOOTBALL ADDITIONS

A LOOK AT THE YOUNG MEN WHO MAKE UP THE 2015 RECRUITING CLASS

IF THIS IS 2015, IT MUST BE TIME TO LOOK AT 2016

32 PREP PROSPECTS BY JOHN GARCIA, JR.

34 THAT’S NOT ALL THERE IS

SPORTS OTHER THAN FOOTBALL ADD FUTURE TALENT BY KIRK MCNAIR

6 6 10 11 14 15 33 36

LETTER FROM EDITOR BEST RECRUITING RANKINGS SINCE 2001 GUESS AT SPRING DEPTH CHART 2015 ALABAMA FOOTBALL SCHEDULE ROSTER OF ALABAMA’S 2015 SIGNEES 2015 TEAM RECRUITING RANKINGS FOOTBALL HOT LIST ALABAMA SPRING SPORTS SCHEDULE

DEPARTMENTS

Also Incuded:

2015-16 SCOUT.COM RECRUITING YEARBOOK Starts after page 36

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Letter from the Editor

EDITOR KIRK MCNAIR RECRUITING REPORTER JOHN GARCIA, JR. FEATURE REPORTERS CARY L. CLARK,

ANDREW VARBLE II, A. P. STEADHAM, MITCH DOBBS PHOTOGRAPHERS STUART MCNAIR, BENJAMIN COHEN, BARRY FIKES, BUTCH DILL, UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

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t’s always some season, even when it’s the off-season. This seems to be the season of proclaiming “stars don’t matter,” evey by some of those who have recruited more than their fair shares of star college football players. Even Nick Saban pulled out the “Don’t pay any attention to rankings” card on a couple of occasions this year. First he said there was no scientific way to determine if a top football player in high school will be a great college player. Not long after that we received the official University of Alabama release on the 2015 class of Crimson Tide football signees. It included rankings of teams and players – not just from Scout, but also from several inferior recruiting services. Later Saban pointed out that there had been no five-star players in this year’s Super Bowl. (He might have added, not all five-star coaches, either.) As to the second, Alabama doesn’t play in the Super Bowl. And there are a lot of former five-star players in the National Football League. More to our interest, there are many five-star players on teams legitimately contending for the national championship. Evidence, however, over the past decade or so – ever since Scout.com got serious about recruiting coverage – is that teams that get the most highly-ranked players are the teams that are most often involved in national championship conversation. One can argue that the rankings of players are based on subjective judgment, and that is true. (It is also true for recruiters.) But it is not judgment without knowledge. Scout has put together an extraordinary team of men and women who have learned (as have college football recruiters) what to look for. These modern “recruiting experts” as they have come to be known have big advantages over the pioneers in the business. Joe Terranova, an executive with Ford, was the first to make an effort at sharing his interest in recruiting and must be considered the father of recruiting experts. But Terranova and the other early (mostly local or regional) dealers in recruiting information were handicapped. They didn’t have the ability to look at videotape (or even film) of players from across the nation, or conduct combines in which the players are measured, weighed, and timed. (Early on, we determined that prospects will exagerate four things – those three plus grade point average.) They didn’t get to see these prospects in national post-season all-star games against the best competition in the country. They didn’t even get to work at the craft full time, as is the case today. None of those early followers of high school football prospects were brave enough to quit the day job. Coaches can say that the ratings of players and the rankings of teams after they have recruited them are not perfect, and no one would argue that. But it seems to be about as good as what the coaches aim for. And the results down the road – not three or four years, as many suggest, but as early as one year – are usually seen in such places as New Orleans and Miami and Pasadena. As former Alabama Coach Paul Bryant said, “Given the choice of good coaches or good players, I’ll take good players.” He knew something about championship teams. And as long as Nick Saban keeps hauling in classes that are highly-ranked by Scout.com, expect the Alabama Crimson Tide to stay in the conversation for championships. Roll Tide!

Kirk McNair

ALL-TIME TOP 10 RECRUITING RANKING (SINCE FORMATION OF SCOUT.COM IN 2001, HERE ARE THE BEST RECRUITING CLASSES AND THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THOSE CLASSES THROUGH THE 2011 CLASS)

RANK 1. 2 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

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YEAR 2009 2003 2008 2002 2011 2002 2007 2006 2010 2009

TEAM ALABAMA Southern Cal ALABAMA Ohio State Florida State Texas Florida Oklahoma Auburn LSU

PRIMARY ACHIEVEMENT Won 2009, 2011, and 2012 national championships Won 2004 national championship Won 2009, 2011, and 2012 national championships Won 2002 national championship Won 2013 national championship Won 2005 national championship Won 2008 national championship Won 3 Big 12 championships and reached national championship game Won 2010 national championship Won SEC, played in national championship game (losing to Alabama)

ALABAMA SPRING PRACTICE IS FOR PLAYER IMPROVEMENT SPRING FOOTBALL BY KIRK MCNAIR

Derrick Henry likely to be running back workhorse for Tide

Stuart McNair

sk almost anyone the prime objective of Alabama spring practice, and the answer likely would be “Find a quarterback.” That is not unreasonable, but it probably would not be the answer given by Crimson Tide Coach Nick Saban. The suspicion is that his answer would be in keeping with the process, along the lines of “Make every player better so that we can be a better team.” No one could argue with that. And even those who answer “Find a quarterback” would agree that doesn’t have to be done in the spring. The last two Bama quarterbacks, both of whom turned in record-setting performances, were practically last-minute selections at the critical position. AJ McCarron probably sewed up the job in the second game of his sophomore season in 2011 at Penn State and Blake Sims seemed to nail down the spot for good just prior to the Tide’s season-opener against West Virginia last year in Atlanta. That doesn’t mean that spring practice won’t matter for the quarterback position. If Saban’s plan of making every player better is to come to fruition, it is at the very least helpful to have good quarterback performance. The University’s spring break is March 2-8 and the A-Day Game is April 18. A reasonable guess for the unannounced practice period is that it will begin about March 23 and include closed-to-the-public scrimmages on April 4 and April 11 before the spring game. The A-Day Game ordinarily concludes the 15 days of spring practice. Quarterback isn’t the only position on offense where development of a starting player is needed. The unit lost all but two starters, just about no matter how one figures the starting personnel. Center and left tackle are considered the two most important offensive line positions, and fortunately the Tide has Ryan Kelly returning at the former and Cam

Robinson at the latter. But that’s it. TheTide lost three first team wide receivers (Amari Cooper, DeAndrew White, Christion Jones), tailback T.J. Yeldon, fullback Jalston Fowler, tight end Brian Vogler, right tackle Austin Shepherd, and guards Arie Kouandjio and Leon Brown. Ostensibly, the project is not as big on defense. If it starts up front, the good news is that Bama returns all three starters (all-star candidates all) -- ends Jonathan Allen and

Jarran Reed and nose tackle A’Shawn Robinson. Replacements must be found at two of the four linebacker spots with Trey DePriest and Xavier Dickson departing, but having Reggie Ragland and Denzel Devall returning makes for a good starting point. Once again this year, Bama must replace both starting safeties (Landon Collins and Nick Perry). The year before it was finding new men to step up after the premature defections of HaHa ClintonDix and Vinnie Sunseri. Although both starting cornerbacks from the end of

the season – Cyrus Jones and Eddie Jackson – are back, the man who coaches cornerbacks in practice – Saban -- knows better than any of us that improvement is needed. The kicking game is usually built in August when the entire squad is available to provide men for coverage and returns, but the actual specialists – All-America punter JK Scott, placekicker Adam Griffith, and snapper Cole Mazza – return. Last season, Alabama went 122, won the Southeastern Conference championship, and played in the inaugural College Football Playoff (losing to Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl). An interesting post-season development was in the coaching staff. The Tide lost both linebackers coaches, inside linebackers coach Kevin Steele taking a promotion to defensive coordinator at LSU and outside linebackers coach Lance Thompson moving laterally to the same position at Auburn. That proved no problem for Saban who was able to elevate Tosh Lupoi from an analyst position to outside linebackers coach and bring in Mel Tucker, a former defensive coordinator in the NFL, to coach safeties. Defensive Coordinator Kirby Smart, who has coached safeties and linebackers at Bama, will return to the inside linebackers job. Of particular importance was Alabama being able to keep Lane Kiffin as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. There had been speculation that Kiffin, the former head coach at Tennessee and Southern Cal, might return to the NFL as an offensive coordinator. Keeping Kiffin is important in that it maintains continuity in the offensive scheme, particularly with the need to find a new starting quarterback for the second consecutive year. So we’re back to that quarterback thing as we look at spring practice. BAMAMAG.COM • 7

Ragland (6-2, 250) at inside linebacker showed last year that he can be that great defender on the inside as he averaged nine tackles per game.

Reggie Ragland returning good news for Bama defense

Stuart McNair

OFFENSE

Is there a clear leader going into the spring? Presumably, it would be the 2014 back-up. To be sure, Jake Coker’s role as back-up was not a critical one as Blake Sims took every meaningful snap last season. Nevertheless, Coker was the next man up last year and in practice would have been getting more work in the offense than other contenders. Coker came into last season with expectations that would have been very difficult for almost anyone to meet. He had been at Florida State for three years, but when he was unable to beat out Jameis Winston in 2013 (a year in which Winston would win the Heisman Trophy and lead the Seminoles to the national championship), Coker elected to finish his degree at FSU and then transfer to Alabama. He arrived in Tuscaloosa

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last summer to start working with Tide players in the Bama system. A fair evaluation of Coker’s limited action would be that it was less than spectacular. No one was calling for the back-up quarterback. The number three quarterback was upcoming junior Alec Morris, and his playing time was little more than a couple of snaps to take a knee. Still, Morris has had good reviews from practice observers in his time in Tuscaloosa. Cooper Bateman had a lot of playing time last year, but it wasn’t at quarterback. It wasn’t even on offense. He was the holder on placekicks, extra points and field goals. He, too, has a good reputation as a skilled quarterback. Almost overlooked is redshirt freshman David Cornwell, a strongarmed quarterback who will be going through his second spring practice.

A true freshman is also in spring practice. Blake Barnett was one of the top prep quarterbacks in the nation last year, and he finished high school in December in order to be in competition this spring. A first-year quarterback would seem to be a bit of a handicap, but in the past five years the national championship has been won by a team with a firstyear starting quarterback four times. The lone exception was in 2012 when McCarron and Alabama repeated from 2011, McCarron’s first year to start. When T.J. Yeldon left prematurely for the NFL at the end of last season, one analyst suggested that was bad news for SEC teams because it could mean that Derrick Henry gets that many more carries. Last year Yeldon averaged about 18 carries a game and about 5 yards per carry. Henry averaged 12 carries and about 5.6 yards per run.

Still, Yeldon will be missed, as were Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, and Eddie Lacy on previous Bama championship teams under Saban. The mark of a Saban team, though, has been the use of multiple tailbacks. Henry is the favorite to be the starter in 2015, but there will be others in the rotation. One of those is likely to be limited in spring practice, although Kenyan Drake will get work. Drake, who suffered a season-ending broken leg against Ole Miss last season, is an explosive runner who has averaged about 7 yards per carry and 17 yards per catch in his career. Sophomore Tyren Jones, who showed flashes in very limited action last year, would have seemed to have been next in line this spring, but a winter “indefinite suspension” has put his Alabama future in question. Along with the transfer of Altee Tenpenny, the depth at tailback appears to be limited. Two 2015 signees at running back have entered The University and will participate in spring. Bo Scarbrough, who finished high school in 2013, was considered by many to be the top tailback in the nation in his senior year. DeSherrius Flowers had injury problems in his senior season. It is not often that Alabama has suffered a loss as great as that of Amari Cooper, who was considered the top wide receiver in the nation last year as a junior. He is expected to be a very high NFL draft pick this spring. The Tide also lost experienced quality receivers in DeAndrew White and Christion Jones to graduation. No one doubts the ability of a half dozen or so wide receiver prospects, but none have substantial game experience. Still, look for Bama to have a good receiving corps from the likes of Chris Black,ArDarius Stewart, Cam Sims, Robert Foster, Derrick Kief, and Raheem Falkins. Foster is 6-3, Falkins and Sims 6-4, and Kief 6-5. Last year Alabama got good play from fullback Jalston Fowler, occasionally as a surprise runner or receiver, but particularly as a blocker. This hybrid position can be manned by a tight end type or a fullback type, and this spring it will be mostly tight

ends who are working there. Former walk-on Michael Nysewander, a 6-1, 230-pound senior, has shown in a variety of roles on special teams and at tight end that he has the physical ability to be effective. He’ll be joined in the spring by seniors Ty FlourneySmith and Corey McCarron (younger brother of AJ). As for tight end, junior O.J. Howard has had star expectations since his arrival in Tuscaloosa, and he has on occasion been a shining star, brilliant at times. He has averaged about 18 yards per reception for his career. His speed presents a problem for linebackers and his size (6-6, 237) a problem for defensive backs. Howard has improved his blocking, which is key to the Bama offense. The rest of the tight end group for the spring is made up of a couple of former linemen, Brandon Green (6-5, 307, a former offensive tackle) and Dakota Ball (6-2, 270, a former defensive end). Trying to project the offensive line line-up is more than a little difficult. First of all, there are only two starters returning, Kelly at center and Robinson at left tackle. The puzzle, though, results from the Alabama practice of working offensive linemen at various positions. This procedure allows linemen to learn more than one spot, valuable for depth, and also presents coaches with the opportunity to judge the “best five” making up tackles, guards, and center. The contenders include several with meaningful playing experience, including Dominick Jackson at both guard and tackle, Alphone Taylor at guard, Bradley Bozeman and center and tackle, and Grant Hill at tackle. The group includes Brandon Kennedy and Dallas Warmack who entered in January. Warmack is penciled in at the left guard spot where his brother Chance was a Bama All-America.

DEFENSE

Much has been made about the Alabama defensive playbook since the arrival of Saban. It is thick, and spring is a time for learning the many permutations. Although Bama is considered to be a 3-4 defensive – three down linemen, four linebackers, and four defensive backs – the Crimson Tide is only in that alignment occasionally. A linebacker is frequently lifted for an extra defensive back. Four linemen – perhaps two ends and two tackles, sometimes three ends and one tackle – are not uncommon. One of the best things that happened for the Alabama defense is that two of its best players elected to return for their senior seasons. Both linebacker Reggie Ragland

and defensive lineman Jarran Reed considered premature entry into the NFL draft before deciding to play their senior season at Bama. It has long been held that defensive linemen to a football team are like cannon to an army. Good teams have good defensive linemen and great teams have them in numbers. Alabama has quality depth. Somewhat like the offensive line, it is difficult to plug men into certain holes because the Tide uses some men at both end and tackle. Suffice it to say, though, that there is no shortage of talent. In addition to the returning starters of Allen, Reed, and Robinson, the back-ups include the likes of D.J. Pettway, Dalvin Tomlinson, Darren Lake, Da’Shawn Hand, Josh Frazier, and Korren Kirven with playing experience. Redshirt freshmen O.J. Smith and Johnny Dwight are highly-regarded. Added to the mix this spring is junior college transfer Jonathan Taylor. With offensive linemen bigger than ever, it is significant that more than half of the Tide’s defensive linemen are over 300 pounds. Last year, Alabama never seemed to recover from the loss of 2013 star inside linebacker C.J. Mosley. Mosley was not only a fierce tackler and fine coverage linebacker, he was the brains and the leader of the defense. Ragland (6-2, 250) at inside linebacker showed last year that he can be that great defender on the inside as he averaged nine tackles per game. He’ll be backed by Keith Holcombe, a very promising redshirt freshman, and soph Walker Jones, brother of former Tide star Barrett. One of the best battles of the spring is expected at middle linebacker. Reuben Foster (6-1, 244) has been known for two things in his first two years at Alabama: 1.) He has ferocious hitting ability. 2.) He sometimes gets the worst of those hits, frequently suffering “stingers.” He’ll be competing against one of the most pleasant surprises of last year’s signing class, Shawn Dion Hamilton (6-1, 240). The loss of strongside linebacker Xzavier Dickson meant the loss of Alabama’s most efficient 2014 pass rusher. Fortunately, a rising star in that role is junior Ryan Anderson (6-2, 255). The outside linebackers, strongside and jack, are somewhat interchangeable. Denzel Devall (6-2, 250) is the returning starter at jack. Others in the mix at the two outside spots include Dillon Lee, Tim Williams, Rashan Evans, and redshirt freshman Christian Miller. Cyrus Jones was a wide receiver all his life until moving to cornerback in 2013. His unfortunate first year in the

secondary left him with a reputation that was not consistent with his 2014 play, which was very good. At the other cornerback spot, Eddie Jackson ended up as the starter, but one had to wonder if he was completely healed from the knee injury he suffered in spring practice a year ago. Jackson had some disappointing breakdowns, particularly late in the season. Speedy Bradley Sylve should be a contender at cornerback. Bama signed two highly-regarded defensive backs in 2014. One of them, Tony Brown, saw some spot play. The other, Marlon Humphrey, was redshirted. Both are track stars and that speed should pay dividends for them in the secondary. Anthony Averett and Jonathan Cook are others in the mix. Losing safeties is tough on the Alabama defense because the Tide uses them not only as strong and weak safeties, but also in their nickel packages. Seniors Geno Smith and Jabriel Washington and junior Maurice Smith have experience. Hootie Jones, who saw limited playing time last year as a freshman, has a big reputation, as does Ronnie Clark, who is sometimes projected as a linebacker. Two January

enrollees taking part in spring practice will be safeties Deionte Thompson and Ronnie Harrison.

KICKING

As noted earlier, much of the work of special teams will be done in August. There is not much mystery about the actual specialists. JK Scott was a particularly valuable member of last year’s signing class. The 6-5, 185-pounder led the nation in punting with his 48-yard average. His 55 punts included 19 fair catches, 31 inside the opposing 20, and only 5 into the end zone. His longest punt was 73 yards. Scott also did some kickoff work with 8 iof his 24 good for touchbacks. Adam Griffith battled through some injury problems last year, but was good on 12-19 field goals, including 4-7 over 40 yards. His long was 47. He made 63-65 extra point kicks. His 69 kickoffs included 20 touchbacks. Cole Mazza is back to snap and Cooper Bateman returns after holding for placekicks last year. A replacement must be found for primary punt and kickoff return man Christion Jones.

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A GUESS AT ALABAMA’S SPRING DEPTH CHART This is our guess at the depth chart prior to the start of spring practice. In several cases the guess is not wellinformed. For the most part the men are in positions based on previous experience and/or Alabama need. There are eight new players.

OFFENSE DEFENSE SPLIT END

RIGHT DEFENSIVE END

7 - Cameron Sims (SO) 6-4 200 8 - Robert Foster (SO) 6-3 187

90 - Jarran Reed (SR) 6-4 310 57 - DJ Pettway (SR) 6-3 250 9 - Da’Shawn Hand (SO) 6-4 262

LEFT TACKLE 74 - Cameron Robinson (SO) 6-7 335 76 - Dominick Jackson (SR) 6-7 330

LEFT GUARD 67 - Josh Casher (RF) 6-1 280 68 - Isaac Luatua (SR) 6-2 313 59 - Dallas Warmack FR) 6-1 301

CENTER 70 - Ryan Kelly (SR) 6-5 290 63 - JC Hassenauer (RF) 6-3 290

RIGHT GUARD

99 - Adam Griffith (JR) 5-10 187

SNAPPER 55 - Cole Mazza (JR) 6-1 246

93 52 36 85

- Jonathan Allen (JR) 6-3 264 - Dalvin Tomlinson (JR) 6-2 287 - Johnny Dwight (RF) 6-3 295 - Korren Kirven (JR) 6-5 281

WEAKSIDE LINEBACKER 19 - Reggie Ragland (SR) 6-2 259 42 - Keith Holcombe (RF) 6-3 213 35 - Walker Jones (SO) 6-2 234

OJ Howard (JR) 6-6 237 Brandon Greene (JR) 6-5 307 Ty Flournoy-Smith (SR ) 6-3 245 Dakota Ball (JR) 6-2 270

RUNNING BACK 2 - Derrick Henry (JR) 6-3 238 17 - Kenyon Drake (SR) 6-1 201 9 - Bo Scarbrough (FR) 6-2 235 28 - DeSherrius Flowers (FR) 6-1 210 ^20 - Tyren Jones (SO) 5-9 215

FULLBACK 46 – Michael Nysewander (SR, 6-1, 238) 47 – Corey McCarron (SR) 6-2 245

FLANKER 80 - Raheem Falkins (JR) 6-4 203 81 - Derrick Kief (RF) 6-5 195

SLOT 5 - Chris Black (JR) 5-11 182 13 - ArDarius Stewart (SO) 6-0 190 ^Tyren Jones suspended indefinitely

10 • BAMAMAG.COM

LEFT DEFENSIVE END

64 - Grant Hill (JR) 6-6 301 75 - Bradley Bozeman (SO) 6-5 310

14 - Jake Coker (SR) 6-5 235 11 - Alec Morris (JR) 6-3 230. 18 - Cooper Bateman (SO) 6-3 208 12 - David Cornwell (RF) 6-5 235 6 - Blake Barnett (FR) 6-4 200

PLACEKICKER

A Shawn Robinson (JR) 6-4 320 Darren Lake (SR) 6-3 324 Josh Frazier (SO) 6-3 330 OJ Smith (RF) 6-3 320 Jonathan Taylor (JR) 6-5 335

RIGHT TACKLE

QUARTERBACK

15 - JK Scott (SO) 6-5 185

STRONGSIDE LINEBACKER

88 89 83 94

PUNTER

86 95 69 91 53

71 - Ross Pierschbacher (RF) 6-4 295 50 - Alphonse Taylor (JR) 6-5 335. 56 - Brandon Kennedy (FR) 6-2 275

TIGHT END

SPECIAL TEAMS

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

30 - Denzel Devall (SR) 6-2 250 25 - Dillon Lee (SR) 6-4 242

MIDDLE LINEBACKER 9 - Reuben Foster (JR) 6-1 244 11 - Shaun Hamilton (SO) 6-1 240

JACK LINEBACKER 7 - Ryan Anderson (JR) 6-2 255 56 - Tim Williams (JR) 6-3 235 32 - Rashaan Evans (SO) 6-3 218 34 - Christian Miller (RF) 6-3 215

RIGHT CORNERBACK 5 - Cryus Jones (SR) 5-10 196 2 - Tony Brown (SO) 6-0 190 28 - Anthony Averett (SO) 6-0 170

SAFETY 24 - Geno Smith (SR) 6-0 186 21 - Maurice Smith (JR) 6-0 180 14 - Deionte Thompson (FR) 6-1 175

STRONG SAFETY 6 - Hootie Jones (SO) 6-2 220 23 - Jabriel Washington (SR) 5-11 185 5 - Ronnie Clark (RF) 6-3 215 15 - Ronnie Harrison (FR) 6-2 205

LEFT CORNERBACK 4 - Eddie Jackson (JR) 6-0 175 16 - Bradley Sylve (SR) 5-11 180 29 - Marlon Humphrey (RF) 6-0 174 15 - Jonathan Cook (SO) 6-0 186

2015 ALABAMA FOOTBALL SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT SITE

SERIES LAST RECORD MEETING

SEPT. 5 WISCONSIN DALLAS 0-1-0 UW 15, UA 0 (1928) SEPT. 12 MIDDLE TENNESSEE TUSCALOOSA 2-0-0 UA 26, MTSU 7 (2005) SEPT. 19 OLE MISS TUSCALOOSA 51-10-2 OM 23, UA 17 (2014) SEPT. 26 LOUISIANA-MONROE TUSCALOOSA 1-1-0 L-M 21, UA 14 (2007) OCT. 3 GEORGIA ATHENS 37-25-4 UA 32, UG 28 (2012) OCT. 10 ARKANSAS TUSCALOOSA 17-7-0 UA 14. ARK 13 (2014) OCT. 17 TEXAS A&M COLLEGE STATION 5-2-0 UA 59, TAMU 0 (2014) OCT. 24 TENNESSEE TUSCALOOSA 52-37-8 UA 34, UT 20 (2014) OCT. 31 OPEN NOV. 7 LSU TUSCALOOSA 49-25-5 UA 20, LSU 13, OT (2014) NOV. 14 MISSISSIPPI STATE STARKVILLE 79-17-3 UA 25, MSU 20 (2014) NOV. 21 CHARLESTON SOUTHERN TUSCALOOSA FIRST MEETING N/A NOV. 28 AUBURN AUBURN 43-35-1 UA 55, AU 44 (2014) DEC. 5 SEC CHAMPIONSHIP ATLANTA 5-4-0 UA 42, MISSOURI 13 (2014) COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF SEMIFINALS AT MIAMI AND DALLAS DEC. 31; NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME AT PHOENIX JAN. 11

BAMAMAG.COM • 11

FOOTBALL RECRUITING BY KIRK MCNAIR

HE’S DONE IT AGAIN NICK SABAN BRINGS IN ANOTHER TOP GROUP A

12 • BAMAMAG.COM

SCOUT.COM

labama Coach Nick Saban spends the better part of Signing Day working ... on the next year’s recruiting class. That may account for his calmness on the first Wednesday in February and also help explain why his additions of outstanding players continue year after year. The Crimson Tide may have finished second in the nation in the sport known as Football Recruiting, but no one would doubt that the 2015 group is another in a continuing line of among the very best. In some years there are late losses or late additions, and that was the case around the nation, but as Saban said in his opening remarks to discuss the class, “One of the very good things about this class is we didn’t have a lot of drama today. These guys have been committed to us for a while. They’ve all kind of had their signing day or whatever, announcements, and most of them stuck to it. That’s not the way to get the most attention from the media but that certainly speaks highly of what a commitment means. “I’m really proud of the players that we got from that standpoint.” No one – not even Saban – gets every player he wants, but it’s important for Alabama that he gets the players who want to be a part of the Tide program. Saban touched on the goal of Bama. “We solved some needs in this class,” he said. “It’s always good to get a good quarterback prospect, which is a very important position for any team but especially for us. We were able to get some quality runners. I think the two receivers that we got are very, very good players. “We got five offensive linemen in this class and that’s an area I think we need to add to. We’re going to be a little thin in the spring with people that we’ve lost. It’s going to be good to get some that can add some depth and compete to play for us in the near future. “Secondary and linebacker were the primary needs defensively, and I was pleased with the numbers and quality of players we got at those positions. Last year we got a lot of defensive linemen. We’re happy with the guys

we got this year at that position, but it wasn’t where we were going to try to get a number of guys.” The 24 men added to the class included 12 on offense -- one quarterback, three running backs, two wide receivers, one tight end, five offensive linemen – and 12 on defense -- two defensive linemen, three inside linebackers, two outside linebackers, two cornerbacks, and three safeties. As usual, the Crimson Tide did well in state with seven from Alabama. The group was represented from 12 states – Georgia (4), Florida (3), Texas (2), and California, Maryland, Mississippi, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, New Jersey, and Louisiana (1 each). There was one junior college transfer (defensive lineman Jonathan Taylor) and the rest are incoming freshmen. Eight of the players entered at midterm and will participate in spring practice. They are quarterback Blake Barnett, running backs Bo Scarbrough and DeSherrius Flowers, offensive linemen Brandon Kennedy and Dallas Warmack, safeties Ronnie Harrison and Deionte Thompson, and defensive

lineman Jonathan Taylor. The group includes six five-star rated players – Barnett, cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick, defensive lineman Daron Payne, wide receiver Calvin Ridley, Scarbrough, and cornerback Kendall Sheffield. Four-star rated players (14) are defensive end Mekhi Brown, safety Shawn Burgess-Becker, wide receiver Daylon Charlot, offensive lineman Lester Cotton, Flowers, running back Damien Harris, Harrison, tight end Hale Hentges, defensive end Anfernee Jennings, middle linebacker Joshua McMillon, offensive lineman Richie Petitbon, Taylor, outside linebacker Adonis Thomas, Thompson, and Warmack. Three-star signees (4) are middle linebacker Keaton Anderson, Kennedy, Taylor, and offensive lineman Matt Womack. All signees do not turn out to be star college players, Saban pointed out, and added there is no way to make an accurate prediction. “We try to use science to create things that are very subjective in terms of what someone’s performance is going to be, and I don’t think that’s really possible,” he said. “There’s no scientific way to know what

the achievement of any person is going to be in anything they try to do. It’s impossible. “We sign players that we feel that we can develop and hope that we can develop personally, academically, and athletically to be quality people, good students, and play winning football. “We don’t want to create any expectations for players. I think what the players need to do is focus on what they need to do develop as players, and focus on what they need to do to be a complete player at their position and not worry about living up to some reputation that was created for them before they ever got here so that they can be successful college football players. That’s our goal for them, and that’s what I would like for their goal to be.” Saban’s bottom line was the same as everyone’s: “We feel like it’s a very good class.”

ACHIEVEMENTS

The new Tiders have impressive credentials as a class, including: • Three members of the Parade AllAmerica Team – Cotton, Fitzpatrick, Petitbon. • 16 Under Armour All-America Game participants – Sheffield, Barnett, Ridley, Fitzpatrick, Harris, Payne, Thomas, Charlot, Thompson, Kennedy, Cotton, Hentges, BurgessBecker, Petitbon, McMillon, Scarbrough. • 3 U.S. Army All-America Bowl Game participants – Brown, Flowers, Warmack. • 3 members of the USA Today All-USA Team – Harris (1st), Sheffield (1st), Fitzpatrick (2nd). • 17 members of the Scout 300 – Sheffield, Payne, Ridley, Barnett, Fitzpatrick, Harris, Thompson, Cotton, Petitbon, Hentges, Jennings, Brown, Burgess-Becker, Charlot, Flowers, Harrison, and Thomas.

SOMEONE HAS TO GET TROPHY

From time-to-time an individual will earn an award in a team sport and proclaim that the award truly goes to every member of the team.

That’s probably true in the case of the Scout.com presentation as the 2015 National Recruiter of the3 Year to Alabama Assistant Coach Mario Cristobal. Scout.com wrote, “Another year, another big recruiting haul for Nick Saban and The University of Alabama. To have the kind of success the Crimson Tide has on the recruiting trail, it has to have good coaches who can evaluate, recruit, and close. It has quite a few of those. “The coach who did the best job

Tide is an attraction for walk-on players. Some have already come forward. Ryan Parris, 6-0, 225, played at James Clemens in Madison as a long snapper. He was selected for the Alabama-Mississippi Al-Star Game. He was offered preferred walk-on status by Bama and accepted. Edwaun McNeil of Sipsey Valley High in Buhl on the outskirts of Tuscaloosa is a 6-1, 230-pound linebacker with a three-star football rating. His academic rating is a little higher, a 3.8 grade point average. He will attend Alabama on an academic scholarship and told BamaMag.com that he will walk on with the Crimson Tide. He had football scholarship offers to Navy, Alabama A&M, and others, and a host of academic scholarship offers.

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WHO GOT AWAY?

Mario Cristobal

UofA

in 2015 is Offensive Line Coach Mario Cristobal, and he has been named Scout’s 2015 National Recruiter of the Year.” Cristobal was said to have led the way as Bama secured wide receiver Calvin Ridley, defensive back Shawn BurgessBecker, defensive tackle Daron Payne, and defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick. Additionally, he was certainly critical to landing five offensive linemen in the class – Lester Cotton, Brandon Kennedy, Richie Petitbon, Dallas Warmack, and Matt Womack.

WAIT ‘TIL NEXT YEAR

Not long before Signing Day, Christian Bell, a defensive end from Hoover, announced that he would accept a grayshirt offer from Alabama, meaning that he will delay signing with the Crimson Tide until the 2016 Spring semester. He is a 6-4, 225-pound three-star performer.

EXTRA BENEFITS

Alabama being Alabama has its rewards. The University is one of the nation’s hottest, so naturally that translates into good news for athletics recruiting. Beyond that, the Crimson

Alabama is not immune to the “flip.” As most know, the word “commitment” as in the dictionary does not apply to football recruiting. Prospects commit to a school, and then make another visit (or two or three or more) and then decide the grass is greener on the other side. Some might wonder how it could happen to the Crimson Tide considering the on-the-field success, the graduation rate, the success in putting players into the NFL with nice contracts, etc. could fail to land any prospect it recruited, but it’s the way of the world. It would seem to be disingenuous to say Alabama “lost” prospect that it never really had. Still, some of those commitments looked pretty good before the flips. Alabama was looking for offensive tackles and 6-6, 290-pound Isaiah Prince looked pretty good as a Bama commitment, but he was lured to Ohio State. T.D. Moton, a 6-4, 310-pound defensive tackle from Shreveport, did the double flip, a commitment to Mississippi State, followed by a flip to Bama, then a backflip to the Bulldogs, where he signed. Rico McGraw, a 6-0, 197-pound linebacker from Nashville, was also a flip-flopper, first committing to Georgia, changing to Alabama, then visiting the Bulldogs and former Tide assistant coach Jeremy Pruitt, who is now UGA defensive coordinator. He signed with the Dogs. Bama also was in the hunt but finished second or worse for the likes of cornerback Terry Godwin of Georgia, defensive tackle Cece Jefferson of Florida, offensive tackle Drew Richmond of Tennessee, wide receiver K.J. Hill of Arkansas, and tight end Tyrone Wheatley of New York.

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ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE

CLASS OF 2015 NAME, POS.

POS

KEATON ANDERSON

MLB 6-1

*BLAKE BARNETT

6-4 1/2 200 FR

CORONA, CALIF./SANTIAGO

MEKHI BROWN

6-6

230 FR

COLUMBUS, GA./CARVER

SHAWN BURGESS-BECKER

6-0

200 FR

COCONUT CREEK, FLA./MONARCH

DAYLON CHARLOT

6-0

180 FR

PATTERSON, LA./PATTERSON

LESTER COTTON

OG 6-4

328 FR

TUSCALOOSA/CENTRAL

MINKAH FITZPATRICK

6-1

194 FR

JERSEY CITY, N.J./ST. PETER’S

*DESHERRIUS FLOWERS RB 6-1

210 FR

PRICHARD/VIGOR

DAMIEN HARRIS

5-10

208 FR

BEREA, KY./MADISON SOUTHERN

*RONNIE HARRISON

6-2 1/2 205 FR

TALLAHASSEE, FLA./FSU HIGH

HALE HENTGES

6-4

230 FR

JEFFERSON CITY, MO./HELLAS

ANFERNEE JENNINGS

6-3

260 FR

DADEVILLE/DADEVILLE

*BRANDON KENNEDY

OG 6-2

275 FR

WETUMPKA/WETUMPKA

JOSHUA MCMILLON

MLB 6-3

239 FR

MEMPHIS/WHITEHAVEN

DARON PAYNE

6-2

335 FR

IRONDALE/SHADES VALLEY

RICHIE PETITBON

6-4

313 FR

WASHINGTON, D.C./GONZAGA

CALVIN RIDLEY

6-0

169 FR

COCONUT CREEK, FLA./MONARCH

%*BO SCARBROUGH

6-2

235 FR

TUSCALOOSA/TUSCALOOSA COUNTY

KENDALL SHEFFIELD

6-0

181 FR

MARSHALL, TEX./MARSHALL

ADONIS THOMAS

OLB 6-3

219 FR

GWINNETT, GA./CENTRAL

*DEIONTE THOMPSON

6-1

175 FR

WEST ORANGE, TEXAS/STARK

*DALLAS WARMACK

6-1

301 FR

ATLANTA/MAYS

MATT WOMACK

6-7

325 FR

SENATOBIA, MISS./MAGNOLIA HEIGHTS

215 FR

HOMETOWN/ SCHOOL

FLORENCE/FLORENCE

*Early Enrollee – % Bo Scarbrough re-signed and rank and rating are from 2014

Signees By Position: Quarterback 1, Running Back 3, Wide Receiver 2, Tight End 1, Offensive Line 4, Defensive End 2, Defensive Tackle 2, Outside Linebacker 1, Inside Linebacker 2, Cornerback 2, Safety 3

14 • BAMAMAG.COM

RANK BY POSITION

RATING

15 2

28 5

23 4

2015 SCOUT.COM TEAM RECRUITING RANKING TEAM

COMMITS

1. USC 2. ALABAMA 3. Auburn 4. Tennessee 5. Georgia 6. Notre Dame 7. Texas 8. Ohio State 9. UCLA 10. Texas A&M OTHER SEC IN TOP 25 12. LSU 16. Ole Miss 19. Mississippi State 20. South Carolina t21. Arkansas

POINTS

TOP 100 5-STAR 4-STAR 3-STAR

AVG.

26 4950 12 4 15 7 3.88 23 4768 10 5 14 4 4.04 27 4616 3 2 16 9 3.74 30 4261 4 3 12 13 3.53 28 4211 4 2 12 14 3.57 24 4202 5 1 15 8 3.71 28 4188 5 1 14 11 3.50 27 4236 4 0 15 11 3.52 20 4091 5 4 12 4 4.00 25 4081 5 3 11 11 3.68 25 3835 6 2 11 9 3.46 22 3298 3 1 10 10 3.50 28 3131 1 0 7 21 3.25 28 2877 0 1 4 20 3.11 24 2820 0 0 7 17 3.29

QB Blake Barnett

Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

BAMAMAG.COM • 15

SANTIAGO HIGH SCHOOL • CORONA, CALIF. • 6-4 1/2 • 200 POUNDS • 06/18/2014

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BARNETT

PREVIEWS BY JOHN GARCIA, JR., AND KIRK McNAIR

QB BLAKE BARNETT

Blake Barnett was the only quarterback taken in the 2015 Alabama recruiting class ... arrived at The Capstone in January in time for spring practice and a head start on learning the Alabama offense …. ..was active in recruiting others to the Crimson Tide class of 2016...missed some time as a junior with an ankle injury...played in high school for Coach Jeff Steinberg. HONORS: A consensus five-star prospect who was the MVP of the 2014 Elite 11 Quarterback Competition and participated in Nike’s “The Opening” … led his team to victory in the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game. RANKING/RATING: No. 2 quarterback in nation by Scout.com, 30th in Scout.com 300, Five-Star STATS: Threw for 3,404 yards and 23 touchdowns and rushed for 479 yards and 7 touchdowns in 11 games as a senior in 2014. As a junior passed for 2,332 yards and 22 touchdowns and rushed for 695 yards (7.6 yards per carry) and 13 TDs. WHY ALABAMA? Barnett made it clear that he is excited about playing in the Southeastern Conference, playing for Coach Nick Saban, running the offense of Coach Lane Kiffin, and “to be a part of the football program is extremely exciting. I can’t wait to move on to the next level and be a part of the Crimson Tide.” He said he is also enthused about playing with very good players as teammates. “Hopefully I can come to Alabama and compete for a spot, I’m looking forward to that. I’m getting more excited every day. Roll Tide.” WHO ELSE? Chose Alabama over Oregon, UCLA, Notre Dame, and Arizona SCOTT KENNEDY SAYS: A big, mobile quarterback, Barnett has the size and mobility to run the read option on the college level and take the punishment that goes with it. He’s got terrific escapability in the pocket and uses his legs to extend plays to throw downfield. He has a strong arm, but he also has a long release at times. Barnett does a good job of using the entire field and seeing multiple receivers as he rarely locks on to one target. JOHN GARCIA, JR., WRAPS IT UP: “The California kid has as much hype as any Alabama quarterback signed in the modern era, perhaps for good reason. He’s a true dual-threat, understands new-age offense and is already on campus after graduating early. Barnett isn’t the most polished passer, particularly in his release, but he has a strong arm and has shown he can compete with the best. A smart and calculated risk-taker, Barnett is a strong candidate to see the field early in Tuscaloosa.”

16 • BAMAMAG.COM

One of the top players in the East who was high priority for a position of need at Alabama ... has verified 4.51 40-yard dash time ... will report to The Capstone in May ... Played in high school for Coach Rich Hansen. HONORS: Scout.com All-America, Parade AllAmerica, selected to participate in the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game and Nike’s 2014 “The Opening,” 2014 second team AllUSA selection by USA Today. As a junior in 2013 first team all-state and No. 1 player in the 2013 NJ.com Top 50

FITZPATRICK

ST. PETERS PREP SCHOOL • OLD BRIDGE, N.J. • 6’1” • 194 LBS • 4.51 SECS • 04/19/2014

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CB MINKAH FITZPATRICK

RANKING/RATING: No. 36 in the Scout.com 300 and No. 6 cornerback while ranking as the No. 1 corner in the East region, Five-Star STATS: Had 60 tackles and three interceptions as a senior in 2014. Accounted for 62 tackles with four picks and 21 pass breakups as a junior in 2013. Had two interceptions and 12 pass breakups as a sophomore WHY ALABAMA? Minkah said there were numerous factors in his decision to go to Alabama, including “the vision of me at the school” as laid out by Head Coach Nick Saban, Defensive Coordinator Kirby Smart, and the coach who recruited him, Mario Cristobal. “I talked to them about my future at the school, my family, and a whole bunch of different things. The play is to play defensive back, but if they need me at receiver I’ll be happy to do it. Wherever I’m needed.” He also has a grandmother within short driving distance of Tuscaloosa, which is a plus. WHO ELSE? Chose Alabama over Florida State, Oklahoma, Auburn, and Boston College BRIAN DOHN SAYS: “A dynamic player. Fitzpatrick has length, runs well, has good acceleration and can stay hip-to-hip on receivers down the field. He is natural in his backpedal and drives well toward the ball. He also turns his hips quickly and comes in and out of breaks. He needs to add strength but he has the tools to be an elite cornerback.” JOHN GARCIA, JR., WRAPS IT UP: “New Jersey’s best may end up with the same title at Alabama. Fitzpatrick has the size, speed, and play-making ability to impact one of several positions at the next level, though he is pegged to play defensive back. Capable of playing offman as a cornerback or in a deep scheme at safety, Fitzpatrick is also physical at the point of attack and possesses elite ball skill. The biggest criticism he will face in college is likely also the simplest: at what position will he end up?”

BAMAMAG.COM • 17

PAYNE

DT DARON PAYNE

SHADES VALLEY HS • IRONDALE, ALABAMA • 6’2” • 335 LBS • 5.29 SECS The fact that defensive line was not a high priority in this recruiting class is an indication of how Daron Payne ranks as an elite prospect for the interior of the front ... Will enter The University in May ... Coached by William Smith at Shades Valley High School. HONORS 2015 U.S. Army All-American Bowl selection; invited to Nike’s 2014 “The Opening;” honorable mention Alabama Sports Writers Association all-state; participated in the 2014 AlabamaMississippi All-Star Game RANKING/RATING Ranked No. 14 in the Scout 300 and listed as the outlet’s No. 4 defensive tackle, No. 2 tackle the South region, and No. 1 player in Alabama, Five-Star

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WHY ALABAMA? “Their development (of players) and their coaching staff led me to Alabama. I know what they’re about and they’re a winning team. I know I can go down there and do some good things. Coach Mario Cristobal, he’s a great man. He’s been 100 per cent with me and real throughout my recruitment.” WHO ELSE? Chose Alabama over Auburn, Florida State, Clemson, and Georgia CHAD SIMMONS (AT THE UNDER ARMOUR ALL-AMERICA GAME) SAYS Yes, Payne is already No. 30 in the country, but I do not think there are 29 better than him. [Payne moved up to No. 14 in the final ranking.] Payne was strong and dominant all week. He dropped a few pounds, he was in good shape, and he will draw double teams on the next level.” JOHN GARCIA, JR., WRAPS IT UP “The wire-to-wire top prospect in Alabama, Payne is the ideal man in the middle of any defense. He likely won’t have to play on the nose in college, which enables him to use his immense power and quickness in even more ways against guards. With the exception of some weight fluctuation, little question surrounded Payne as a senior, and he erased any and all doubts at the tail-end of his prep career and during the all-star circuit, where he was not only noticeably trim, but was as dominant as ever.”

18 • BAMAMAG.COM

Because of age restrictions, he was allowed to play in only three games as a senior... has verified 40-yard dash time of 4.54 ... had hoped to enroll this spring, but will arrive at The University in May ... played for Coach Calvin Davis

RIDLEY

MONARCH HS • COCONUT CREEK, FLA. • 6’0” • 169 LBS • 4.54 SECS • 04/19/2014

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CALVIN RIDLEY

HONORS Participated in the 2014 Under Armour AllAmerica Game and invited to Nike’s “The Opening” where he was MVP; second team allstate as junior RANKING/RATING The No. 4 wide receiver in the nation, No. 29 in the Scout.com 300, and the No. 2 wide receiver in the Southeast, Five-Star STATS As a senior in only three games had 18 pass receptions for 420 yards and four touchdowns. Caught 41 passes for 1,131 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior WHY ALABAMA? “Everyone that’s committed to Alabama is very cool, I like those boys. We’re just having fun,” Those commitments included his good friend and teammate, safety Shawn Burgess-Becker, and meeting quarterback Blake Barnett at “The Opening,” where Ridley said “We’ve started practicing together.” WHO ELSE? Chose Alabama over Miami, Florida State, and Ohio State JAMIE NEWBERG SAYS “Every single time I have been to an event over the past 11 months and Calvin Ridley was there he was the best player in attendance or was certainly in that conversation. He was arguably the best prospect from Florida I see week in and week out last spring and in June and he was sensational at the The Opening in July. My hunch is that this will be his encore. Ridley is the next elite wide receiver from South Florida that’s headed to Tuscaloosa.” JOHN GARCIA, JR., WRAPS IT UP “He won’t vocalize it as much as others, but Ridley’s skill-set has him pegged as the no brainer instant impact prospect within Alabama’s signing class of 2015. With enough speed, great acceleration and precise routes, Ridley also has shown the ability to attack the football on a consistent basis. The south Floridian won’t win many on-paper titles in the 40yard dash or in the weight room, but Ridley seems to have everything it takes to be a go-to guy early at the college level.”

BAMAMAG.COM • 19

TUSCALOOSA COUNTY • NORTHPORT • 6’2” • 234 LBS • 09/08/2012

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SCARBROUGH

RB BO SCARBROUGH

It has been quite a journey for a local player ... He began his career at Northridge High School in Tuscaloosa playing as a sophomore and junior, intended to transfer to Tuscaloosa County, ended up playing his final season in 2013 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.; and then returned to Tuscaloosa County to earn his diploma ... He was a signee in the 2014 class, but delayed entry until January as a member of the 2015 class at The University ... Played for former Heisman Trophy winner Coach Chris Weinke at IMG Academy in 2013. HONORS 2014 Under Armour All-America Game selection RANKING/RATING No. 25 in the Scout.com 300, and the No. 5 player in Florida while ranking as the No. 7 running back in the nation in 2013, Five-Star STATS At Northridge as sophomore rushed for 938 yards and 13 touchdowns. As a senior at IMG he averaged over 10 yards per carry as he rushed for 1,468 yards and 20 touchdowns in 10 games. WHY ALABAMA? “It’s nice to be close to home, but the main things I like about Alabama are the coaches there, their history, how they produce running backs, the way they win, and how they care about their players. It’s just the perfect place for me.” WHO ELSE? Chose Alabama over Miami, Florida State, UCLA, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, and Arkansas CHAD SIMMONS SAYS “The word ‘freak’ is thrown out there when talking about Scarbrough. He’s an athlete, and has been on the map since his freshman year. He started off as a wide receiver, played running back, and has played defense in high school, too. He’s got an offensive mindset, and he passes the eye test. Not many kids look the way he does. He’s faster than many think. He runs away from defenses; he’s versatile. You think of Derrick Henry, but more athletic. Henry may be the better running back, but Scarbrough is the better athlete.” JOHN GARCIA, JR., WRAPS IT UP “One of the most naturally gifted offensive prospects the state has produced in recent history, Scarbrough is a five-star in every sense of the phrase. He looks like one, chiseled by any position’s standards; he produced like one as a high school running back; and his projection has only been praised the more people have seen him in action. Despite his big frame, Scarbrough is a breakaway runner with a second-gear, and he’s improved immensely as a pass-catcher over the last two years to the point that he played wide receiver throughout his Under Armour All-America Game week in 2014. His versatility, combined with the turnover with Alabama’s offensive personnel, make it seem like the ball will be in his hands in some capacity this fall.”

20 • BAMAMAG.COM

SHEFFIELD

CB KENDALL SHEFFIELD

FORT BEND MARSHALL HS • MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS • 6’0” • 181 LBS • 4.37 SECS • 01/02/2015 The highest-ranked player in Alabama’s outstanding class ... he is also an elite track and field athlete, winning the 2014 Texas 4A Boys 110-meter hurdles, and 300-meter hurdles championships … … verified 40-yard dash time of 4.36 ... will report to Bama in May ... played for James Williams. HONORS Played in the Under Armour All-America Game and participated in Nike’s “The Opening,” 2014 AllUSA first team by USA Today, Texas 5A All-State RANKING/RATING No. 2 cornerback prospect in nation by Scout.com and overall No. 9 player in the nation, Five-Star STATS 43 tackles with seven pass breakups, two interceptions, two defensive touchdowns, two force fumbles, three blocked kicks, and three fumble recoveries in 2014 … three interceptions and 39 tackles as a junior in 2014 while adding five pass breakups WHY ALABAMA? ”It’s a great school. They are a great program, and I can get a great education. I knew early [in his senior year he was choosing Bama]. I am going to have to go in there and work hard. I know I will have to fight.” He added that playing for Nick Saban is “going to be great, and something that I really look forward to.” WHO ELSE? Chose Alabama over Texas A&M, Ohio State, Southern California, and Florida State

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GREG POWERS SAYS “Sheffield is a blistering fast prospect, posting an elite laser-time of 4.36 in the 40-yard dash. He is the type of corner who has the size and the skill set to develop in to a guy you can put out on the island and play one-on-one against the other team’s most dangerous weapon at receiver. He is not the most physical player on the defense, but has quickness in and out of his breaks and can quickly get in position to stop plays in the flats. Has some of the best hips and lockdown skills to go with it. Playing for the Crimson Tide in college will only get him ready for that next step.” JOHN GARCIA, JR., WRAPS IT UP “Smooth is the operative word with Sheffield, whether it is referring to his calm under pressure, him flipping his hips, or his acceleration with the football in the air. Ideal size, track-speed, and more physicality than often credited, there’s not a lot Sheffield can’t do on the edge of a defense. Alabama has recruited very well at corner over the years and the Texan has just as much raw ability as any of the previous five-stars to come in before him.”

BAMAMAG.COM • 21

FLORENCE HS • 6’1” • 215 LBS • 05/29/2014

Listed as an inside linebacker, but could play a variety of roles on defense … … brother of former Tennessee offensive lineman Carson Anderson … will enter The University in May … helped guide Florence and Coach Jason Wallace to the state semifinals. HONORS First team 2014 6A all-state selection by the Alabama Sports Writers Association … finalist for the ASWA 6A Lineman of the Year RANKING/RATING: No. 15 inside linebacker in nation by Scout.com, Three-Star STATS 171 tackles as a senior with 14 tackles for loss, 4 1/2 sacks, 6 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception. Recorded 191 tackles as a weakside linebacker in 2013. WHY ALABAMA? “I feel really comfortable at Alabama, with the teammates I’m going to have, where I’m located, so I went over that whole process with Coach Saban,” Anderson said in May, the day after he verbally committed. “It was probably a solid five minutes. I told him my family was all on the same page and that we wanted to make thins official. I told him I’d like to be a part of the family by committing to The University of Alabama.” WHO ELSE? Chose Alabama over Tennessee, LSU, Duke, and Miami JOHN GARCIA, JR., WRAPS IT UP: “Anderson is as versatile as it gets on the second level. He runs well, plays physical inside and has an uncanny ability to make plays in space. Smart and always willing to stay within his given assignment, he also has the ability to rush the passer and play deep in coverage, as he did both effectively late in his high school career. The key for Anderson in college is his body. He can add weight and play a true weakside linebacker role or stay trim and play an in-the-box safety or “Star” position within Alabama’s defense.”

OLB MEKHI BROWN

164

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ANDERSON MLB KEATON ANDERSON

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CARVER HIGH SCHOOL • COLUMBUS, GA. • 6’6” • 230 LBS • 02/04/2015

A pass-rushing specialist who was one of the Crimson Tide’s earliest commitments to the 2015 signing class …will enter The University in May … played for Coach Joseph Kegler HONORS Selected to participate in the 2015 U.S. Army All-American Bowl … three-time all-state selection … earned first-team in 2013 and 2014 with honorable mention in 2012 RANKING/RATING No. 15 defensive end in nation by Scout.com, Four-Star STATS: 56 tackles with 14 tackles for loss and 11 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries as a junior in 2013 WHY ALABAMA? Last spring, Brown said, “They (Bama coaches) know I’m coming. The players just talk about the future. The coaches talked to me about the depth chart, how it is for the athletes and things like that. It was interesting that they said I could play early, because a lot of those (players) will be gone when I get there. That’ll make me work so much harder.” Brown, who committed before his jnior season, said he was not bothered by a laid back recruiting approach by Alabama “Because those people that are so confident. I’m 100 percent solid.” WHO ELSE? Chose Alabama over Georgia, Notre Dame, Stanford, Auburn, and Louisville. CHAD SIMMONS SAYS “Brown is a rush end who could project best as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. He is in that hybrid mold due to his size, length, and skill-set. He is an end who shows nice burst off the edge and speed to the ball. He is best when he’s able to go hard up the field in pursuit of the quarterback. He needs to improve his leverage and his ability to play the run. He’s a long, lean end who needs to add weight and improve technique. Strengths are backside pursuit, foot quickness, speed. Needs to work on disengaging skills, strength, techniques and moves.” JOHN GARCIA, JR., WRAPS IT UP “Brown is long, lean and hungry. The combination placed him on recruiting radar much earlier than most, and he improved at every stage since that point, understanding what he needed to do to make strides in several areas. Brown knows he has to add mass, and has done so, but it has translated to big-play potential off the edge without a loss of speed or quickness. With a lethal first step and the violent desire to separate the ball from the quarterback, he may end up as a classic Alabama JACK linebacker down the road.”

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JonathanDyer_USAToday

WR SHAWN BURGESS-BECKER MONARCH HS • COCONUT BEACH, FLA. • 6’0” • 200 LBS • 04/19/2014

WR DAYLON CHARLOT

High school teammate of fellow Tide signee Calvin Ridley … Will enter Alabama in May … Coached by Calvin Davis

Committed early to Alabama, then reconsidered, but signed with the Crimson Tide on Signing Day … will enter The University in May … Played for Coach Chad Blanchard.

HONORS: selected to participate in the Under Armour All-America Game, participated in The Opening, all-state in 2013 and 2014, No. 16 in the Orlando Sentinel Florida Top 100 RANKING/RATING: No. 13 safety in nation by Scout.com, Scout.com300, Four-Star STATS: 72 tackles and five interceptions as a junior in 2013 while accounting for 20 receptions for 518 yards and five scores as a receiver … had 63 tackles and five picks as a sophomore WHY ALABAMA? Shawn Burgess-Becker and teammate Calvin Ridley had planned to attend the same school. That almost never comes to fruition but it did with these two, who committed after an A-Day visit a year ago. Burgess-Becker said he doesn’t care if Alabama uses him on offense or defense. He also said his high school team has the tough practices he has seen at Bama. WHO ELSE? Chose Alabama over Miami, Florida State, Florida, LSU, and Notre Dame. JAMIE NEWBERG SAYS: “Burgess-Becker is an outstanding athlete who is good enough to play for anyone in the country on offense or defense. He has elite speed and very good size. As a safety he’s a thumper, who excels in run support. He has the versatility to play free or strong and is good in coverage. He has range, instincts and is simply a playmaker. He just took on the wide receiver position this spring and looked sensational. His strengths are closing speed, instincts, and tackling ability. Needs to work on backpedal quickness.” JOHN GARCIA, JR., WRAPS IT UP: “Versatility. It’s a Nick Saban staple when he brings in defensive backs, and Burgess-Becker fits the mold both in action and on the hoof at 6-foot, 200 pounds. He’s not elite in any one category, but can hold his own in several as a defender, where he’s projected to play at the next level. Burgess-Becker runs well, can play physical and has better ball skills than often given credit for. Technique will be important for him in college as he focuses on playing just one position for the first time in his football career.”

PATTERSON HS • PATTERSON, LA. • 6’0” • 180 LBS • 02/04/2015

HONORS: selected to participate in the Under Armour All-America Game … earned 2013 and 2014 3A all-state honors from the Louisiana Sports Writers Association RANKING/RATING: No. 23 wide receiver in nation by Scout.com, Scout. com300, Four-Star STATS: Caught 30 passes for 711 yards and 14 touchdowns as senior after 2013 season in which he caught 48 passes for 1,055 yards and 16 touchdowns. As soph in 2012 had 900 yards receiving and 15 TDs WHY ALABAMA? “I have the opportunity to play early there with Alabama losing a lot of receivers,” he said in January. “It is all about opportunity for me. I have no problem leaving the state for college and it is all my decision. I am just looking for the best opportunity.” WHO ELSE? Chose Alabama over LSU while also considering Miami, Arizona State, and Texas A&M. JAMIE NEWBERG SAYS: “When I think of Charlot, I think of ball skills. He is dangerous once he makes the catch, he’s a YAC-er (yards after catch). He’s also a terrific return guy, jut a play maker. I also like the way he catches the football, he doesn’t fight it.” JOHN GARCIA, JR., WRAPS IT UP: “Charlot has a versatile skill-set on the edge, capable as a possession catcher with good strength, hands and body control although he also has the ability to hurt defenses after the catch, as America saw in the Under Armour All-America Game in January when he nearly took a pair of punts the distance. While a solid route-runner with good enough top-end speed, the most impressive characteristic Charlot possesses is his physicality. He’s strong enough to fend off defensive backs early in his routes and can fight through traffic for the tough catch.”

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C F VIGOR HS • PRICHARD • 6’1” • 210 LBS • 4.57 SECS

OG LESTER COTTON CENTRAL HS W CAMPUS • TUSCALOOSA • 6’4” • 328 LBS • 5.39 SECS • 02/01/2014

RB DESHERRIUS FLOWERS

Generally regarded as an offensive guard, both Cotton and Tide Coach Nick Saban have suggested he might be an offensive tackle … Played tackle in high school but guard in some all-star games … 5.39 verified 40 time … Early commitment to Bama after having played his high school football just a few bocks from the Alabama campus … Will enter The University in May … Played for Coach Dennis Conner.

Committed to Alabama almost two years before Signing Day … Enrolled at The University in January and will participate in spring practice … Played for Coach Ashley Johnson.

HONORS Named to the 2015 Parade All-America team … played in the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game and invited to Nike’s 2014 “The Opening.” First team 5A All-State by the Alabama Sports Writers Association and the ASWA 5A Lineman of the Year … participated in the 2014 Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game. RANKING/RATING No. 3 offensive guard in nation by Scout.com, Scout.com300, Four-Star WHY ALABAMA? Cotton said he never considered another school after receiving a Bama offer. “I was always University of Alabama.” WHO ELSE? Chose Alabama over USC, Auburn, Mississippi State, Ole Miss. CHAD SIMMONS SAYS “Plays a lot of offensive tackle, but is likely destined for guard in college. Frame and skill set both lead to that projection. Moves well and can get to the second level. Shows good burst out of his stance and overall strength when coming in contact with defender. Can work on his flat-back and flexibility some along with his pass protection. He shows initial punch, but needs to consistently look to finish blocks. Body to play early. Strengths are power and strength, quickness off ball, and size. Needs to work on drive blocking skills, flexibility, pass protection.” JOHN GARCIA, JR., WRAPS IT UP “Cotton is one of the biggest offensive line prospects in America, and the weight is distributed very well. A tireless worker, Cotton seemed to turn the corner late in his junior year when he was asked to play multiple positions in high school. There was an adjustment, but it didn’t take very long for him to dominate on the interior as well as on the edge. Cotton is big, strong, and smart, with good athleticism to boot. Once he refines his interior technique and adds lower-body strength, the sky may be the limit for the local product, one who wouldn’t surprise many by playing on Sundays.”

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HONORS: Played in the 2015 U.S. Army All-America Bowl RANKING/RATING: No. 28 running back in nation by Scout.com, Scout. com300, Four-Star STATS: Rushed for 1,099 yards as a junior in 2013 on 136 carries while adding two receptions for 31 yards and had seven touchdowns … ran for 922 yards and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2012 WHY ALABAMA? Asked what chance schools recruiting him had after he had committed to Alabama, Flowers said, “They have no chance at all. I am going to Alabama.” WHO ELSE? Auburn, Arkansas, South Carolina, Missouri CHAD SIMMONS SAYS: “When you see Flowers, you see a running back who is physically ready to battle with the big boys on the next level. Power is a real strength of his. He runs with authority, he drags tacklers for extra yards, and he has very good forward lean to get those extra yards. He hits the hole quickly without hesitation, but he can improve his top-end speed. He also has good hands out of the backfield and he is a strong blocker. His strengths are durability, size, and tackle-breaking ability. He needs to work on breakaway speed.” JOHN GARCIA, JR., WRAPS IT UP: “Flowers has the look of a typical Alabama back, big and strong, with a solid lower-body. Despite dealing with several injuries over the latter part of his high school career, he flashed his elite vision and power more times than not, including during the allstar circuit before enrolling at UA. Should he settle into the running back position even with some chatter about him being pegged as a defender, he’ll have the chance to make a big impact in Tuscaloosa. Flowers has the frame to build on, so it wouldn’t surprise many to see him play in multiple spots before all is said and done.”

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RB DAMIEN HARRIS

MADISON SOUTHERN HS • BEREA, KY • 5’10” • 208 LBS • 4.48 SECS • 01/09/2015

Alabama fans can be forgiven for having dreams of another Kentucky prep runner who had a pretty good Alabama career, one Shaun Alexander … Said that his relationship with other Bama commitments, notably Blake Barnett, at all-star games was a factor for him choosing the Tide … Will enter The University in May … Played for Coach Jon Clark. HONORS: Participated in the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game and Nike’s “The Opening” in 2013 and 2014 … 2014 All-USA first team by USA Today … 2013 Gatorade Kentucky Player of the Year … 2014 The Courier-Journal’s AllState selection … the unanimous No. 1 player the state of Kentucky. RANKING/RATING: No. 5 running back in nation by Scout.com, Scout.com300, Four-Star STATS: a knee injury limited Harris to 1,474 yards and 23 touchdowns in seven games during the 2014 season … rushed for 2,621 yards and 42 touchdowns as a junior in 2013 … finished his high school career with the second-most touchdowns in state history (122; rushing 113) and the 11th-most rushing yards (6,748) WHY ALABAMA? “It was a hard decision because all three schools are great schools,” Harris said, “but at the end of the day, obviously I had a feeling that Alabama was the best fit for me to develop academically and as an athlete, so the feeling stuck with me for a while.” Asked about the key factors in his decision, Harris cited Alabama’s coaching staff and the track record of developing players at his position. “They just get backs to the league, and that’s the ultimate goal after college, to try to make it to the next level, That was one of the biggest factors. It was hard to pass up a great opportunity like that.” WHO ELSE? Ohio State and Kentucky. ALLEN TRIEU SAYS: “Explosive, big-play back who can go the distance from anywhere on the field. Good acceleration and burst. Strong, well-built kid who is a tenacious blocker and can also run with power and break arm tackles. He is more of a one-cut and go guy who wins with his speed moreso than make people miss in short areas. He is also an excellent receiver out of the backfield. He has acceleration, blocking ability, and breakaway speed.” JOHN GARCIA, JR., WRAPS IT UP: “Harris has do-it-all back factors going for him with ideal size and speed to go along with exceptional skill catching passes out of the backfield. In high school, he had his way with defenders, beating most with power and speed seemingly at will, and he silenced his remaining critics with a 100-yard effort at the Under Armour All-America Game a week before committing to Alabama. Harris could improve on his agility in the open field and his lower-body strength, but he’s just about as balanced a running back prospect as any Alabama has signed under Saban.”

S RONNIE HARRISON FLORIDA STATE UNIV. SCHOOL • TALLAHASSEE, FLA• 6’2.5” • 205 LBS • 07/29/2014 Gradated early and enrolled at The University in January and will participate in spring practice … Played quarterback and safety in high school … Played for Coach Jarrod Hickman RANKING/RATING: No. 19 safety in nation by Scout.com, Scout.com 300, Four-Star STATS: Had 39 tackles with five pass breakups and two fumble recoveries on defense as a senior in 2014 … threw for 2,076 yards with 13 touchdowns and one interception while rushing for 1,015 yards and 16 scores … threw for 1,782 yards as a junior in 2013 with 10 touchdowns and 916 yards rushing and 18 scores … had one interception as a junior on defense and four as a sophomore … finished with 14 pass breakups during his career. WHY ALABAMA? “Ever since Alabama started recruiting me around the end of my junior year, I’ve been in love with Alabama. I think I have a good opportunity to start playing next year. I just have to learn the playbook and come in and work hard every day.” WHO ELSE? North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, LSU, Texas, Kentucky, Louisville CHAD SIMMONS SAYS: “Harrison saw most of his action as a junior at quarterback and at cornerback but projects as a safety or linebacker in college. He has very good size, length and runs very well. He shows good feet and change of direction when he is moving around in or escaping from the pocket. He possesses good coverage skills and closes on the ball well when lined up at cornerback. He does have an offer as quarterback where he shows continued improvement. Has good closing speed, instincts, and size. Needs work on tackling ability.” JOHN GARCIA, JR., WRAPS IT UP: “Harrison did it all in high school, on both sides of the ball and on special teams, which makes him such an intriguing college prospect. Once he hones in on the safety position, which he has a jump start on by already being on campus, the Floridian could end up as the steal of Alabama’s class and challenge for early playing time at a major position of need. He is big, physical, with great ball skills as well as better cover skills than originally considered, which is initially how he impressed Alabama coaches at camp last summer when he became a priority target. Harrison has the tools to become a balanced safety and the versatility needed to thrive in today’s college football.”

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JENNINGS

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HELIAS HS • JEFFERSON CITY, MO. • 6’4” • 230 LBS • 05/24/2014

Alabama under Nick Saban has frequently signed more than one tight end, but Hentges is the only one in this class … Also played defensive end in high school … Will enter The University in May … There was some recruiting drama when his high school coach, Phil Pitts, was hired by Missouri, but Hentges stayed firm to his Bama commitment. HONORS: Selected to participate in the 2014 Under Armour All-America Game; a three-time all-state selection by the Missouri Football Coaches Association, earning first-team in 2013 and 2014 at tight end and secondteam in 2012 as a defensive end. RANKING/RATING: No. 3 tight end in nation by Scout.com, Scout. com 300, Four-Star STATS: 169 career receptions for 2,559 yards and 34 touchdowns … caught 52 passes as a senior for 969 yards and 11 scores … had 15 touchdown catches for 940 yards on 61 receptions as a junior in 2013 … hauled in 43 balls for 500 yards and seven scores as a sophomore and had 13 catches for 150 yards and a touchdown as a freshman WHY ALABAMA? “I was in a unique position and I really wanted to play in an offense that featured two tight ends. I always felt that at Alabama, I had a great chance to do that. I also think the world of head coach Nick Saban, Bobby Williams, the tight ends coach, and going there on two visits recently promoted a real sense of home.” WHO ELSE? Chose Alabama over Missouri, Arkansas, Auburn, LSU, Ohio State, Georgia, Oregon, and Florida. DEREK YOUNG SAYS: “Hentges is one of the more dynamic tight ends in the country. He can play attached or detached from the offensive line. He’s a great weapon in the passing game, possessing both strong hands, athleticism, and burst. Route running could use improvement, but that is a stage of a game easy to work on with his skill set. Hentges also showed recently that he is a more than capable blocker. He has good size now, but has the frame to add additional weight without losing a step. That will only serve him well when transitioning to SEC football.” JOHN GARCIA, JR., WRAPS IT UP: “Hentges is a balanced tight end prospect and one of the most athletic UA has signed under Saban. He has good size, speed and can high-point the football as a split-out received as well as in traffic as an in-line tight end. His blocking could use some technical refinement, but he has the strength and frame to become just as balanced at the collegiate level. Hentges has thrived as a defensive end, too, helping him to understand how to disengage off of the line on either side of the football.” 26 • BAMAMAG.COM

OLB ANFERNEE JENNINGS

DADEVILLE HS • DADEVILLE • 6’3” • 260 LBS • 03/06/2014

He is listed as an outside linebacker by Alabama, but was considered a defensive end prospect by Scout.com … Will enter The University in May … Played for Coach Richard White. HONORS: Scout.com All-America, played in the Semper Fidelis AllAmerican Game, starred at the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game, first team 4A all-state selection by the Alabama Sports Writers Association, 4A ASWA Lineman of the Year RANKING/RATING: No. 14 defensive end in nation by Scout.com, Scout.com300, Four-Star STATS: Recorded 170 tackles as a senior in 2014 with 88 solo stops, 14 sacks, nine pass breakups and two forced fumbles … had 171 tackles as a junior in 2013 with seven sacks while making 96 tackles as a sophomore with seven more sacks … finished with 29 sacks in his high school career WHY ALABAMA? “Can anyone compete with Alabama? That’s a high quality offer for me, so I’m pretty solid with them.” WHO ELSE? Chose Alabama over Arkansas, Arizona State, Georgia, Mississippi State, and Nebraska. CHAD SIMMONS SAYS: “What a jumbo-athlete Jennings is. He has played tight end, with his hand down on the defensive line, and standing up as an outside linebacker in high school, so he is very versatile as well. He is far from his ceiling, but he has really grown as a player over the past year. He was a high three-star on Scout until I watched his senior film, we evaluated him in an All-Star game, and he ended up as a Scout 300 prospect, and the No. 58 overall prospect in the Southeast. He is likely to play with his hand down in college and he could be a star early at Alabama.” JOHN GARCIA, JR., WRAPS IT UP: “Jennings is one of the few prospects that could thrive on either side of the football at the next level. He has great athleticism, speed and hand-eye coordination, making him a threat at tight end or off of the edge on defense. Should he play defense, as is expected, he can be one of the more disruptive players Alabama has signed in recent years. Jennings beats offensive counterparts with speed, power and grit, with a good motor and excellent durability as well. He gained healthy weight over the last year, and only improved on his additional qualities, making him one of the biggest senior risers in America. Jennings may end up as an interior defensive lineman if he continues to add to his frame, but he can be a force either way.”

MCMILLON

KENNEDY OG BRANDON KENNEDY

WETUMPKA HS • 6’2” • 275 LBS • 07/18/2014

Enrolled in January in order to particpate in spring practice … Was both center and guard in high school, but feels more comfortable at guard … Played for Coach Tim Perry. HONORS: Selected to participate in the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game; 2014 6A all-state by the Alabama Sports Writers Association; participated in the 2014 Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game RANKING/RATING: No. 37 offensive guard in nation by Scout.com, Three-Star WHY ALABAMA? “It would have to be the development factor, that’s what led me here. The guys that they put in the NFL; that was a big factor for me. I was a fan of Alabama growing up. It was a natural decision.” WHO ELSE? Chose Alabama over Auburn, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Virginia Tech, and Tennessee CHAD SIMMONS SAYS: “He is a strong interior offensive lineman who exploded onto the recruiting scene over the (2014) spring. He is from a small town in Alabama and he has not been seen on the big stage much yet.” JOHN GARCIA, JR., WRAPS IT UP: “Kennedy is one of the few highlyrecruited linemen nationally that started a varsity high school season at all three offensive line positions. He wrapped up his prep career as a center, where many peg him at the next level. With a strong base and long arms, Kennedy has a balanced skill-set as both a run or pass blocker. He’s also one of the smartest prospects in Alabama’s class, enrolling early with a GPA above 4.0.”

“The guys that they put in the NFL; that was a big factor for me. I was a fan of Alabama growing up. It was a natural decision.” – BRANDON KENNEDY

S JOSHUA MCMILLON

WHITEHAVEN HS • MEMPHIS • 6’3” • 239 LBS • 02/04/2015

Was unable to participate in Under Armour All-America Game because of a torn ACL suffered in state playoff game, but spent his time with fellow Bama commits recruiting the likes of eventual signees Daron Payne and Damien Harris … Will enroll at The University in May … Played for Coach Rodney Saulsberry HONORS: Selected for the 2015 Under Armour and was invited to the 2014 “The Opening” on the Nike campus in Oregon, 2013 and 2014 first team 6A allstate selection by the Tennessee Sports Writers Association … Linebacker MVP of the Birmingham Nike Football Training Camp RANKING/RATING: No. 13 inside linebacker in nation by Scout.com, Four-Star WHY ALABAMA? Although he frequently said he was “solid” to Alabama, he also listened to overtures from the likes of Oregon and Michigan. When the Crimson Tide solidified its linebacker coaching situation, McMillon was on board. He was also impressed by getting quick calls from Alabama after his knee injury. “Coach Saban said it has no effect on me having a scholarship to The University of Alabama. They have confidence in my rehab process and that I’ll come back at 100 per cent. He said they have the trust in me to be one of the best linebackers at The University of Alabama. That makes me feel good about my choice on August 22. It was very comforting, with the injury I have and how big it is.” WHO ELSE? Chose Alabama over Oregon, Auburn, Ole Miss, Michigan, Clemson, Oklahoma, and Tennessee CHAD SIMMONS SAYS: “A true downhill player. Loves to come on the blitz, loves to attack the quarterback, and he is a strong player when moving north-south. Not a true sideline to sideline inside linebacker who plays well in space, but one who can fill a gap, take on blocks, and make plays between the tackles. An ideal fit for a 3-4 defensive scheme, which Alabama runs. He could end up playing with his hand in the dirt at end on the next level. He looks like a college inside linebacker right now on the hoof. He is very well developed physically and he has great strength. Has better quickness than speed on the field. A true inside the box football player.” JOHN GARCIA, JR., WRAPS IT UP: “McMillon is another cerebral player that Alabama pitched as a future play-caller on defense at middle linebacker. He was more of a defensive end in high school, but made considerable plays in space as well as in the trenches. McMillon, who is expected to be able to practice during fall camp despite an ACL tear, is physical at the point of attack and more athletic than given credit for. He can work on explosion and top-end speed, but likely has enough tools to become a multi-year starter at the SEC level.” BAMAMAG.COM • 27

Brings an NFL pedigree to The Capstone as the grandson of four-time NFL Pro Bowl safety of the same name .. Will enter The University in May … His father, Richie, played collegiately at Maryland … Played for Coach David McKenna

SCARBROUGH

OL RICHIE PETITBON GONZAGA COLLEGE HS • ANNAPOLIS, MD. • 6’4” • 313 LBS • 5.57 SECS • 04/04/2014

UT 300

HONORS: Scout.com All-America, Parade All-America, Selected to play in the Under Armour All-America Game and invited to Nikes’ 2014 “The Opening,” The consensus No. 1 player in the District of Columbia, 2014-15 Gatorade District of Columbia Football Player of the Year RANKING/RATING: No. 4 offensive guard in nation by Scout.com, Scout.com300, Four-Star WHY ALABAMA? “Coach Saban and Coach Cristobal. It’s a great family atmosphere at Alabama. I felt at home. My whole family loved it. SEC football is the best in the country and playing at such a storied program in that conference is great. Coach Saban is definitely the best coach in college right now and maybe the best of all time. It means a lot that he recruited me to play for him.” WHO ELSE? Chose Alabama over Florida State, Iowa, Boston College, and Kentucky BRIAN DOHN SAYS: “Petitbon has the genes, which is one of the reasons his technique is so good. He plays low, is explosive and his initial punch are all very good. He understands his assignments and can scrape one level before getting to the next one quickly. He is strong and physical, and plays with a nasty streak. Adding a little more knee bend will help him increase his athleticism and make him an even better prospect. He has aggressiveness, tenacity, power and strength, and technique.” JOHN GARCIA, JR., WRAPS IT UP: “Petitbon may end up as a fan favorite when his Alabama career is all wrapped up. He has the personality, witty off the field and a menace on it, bloodline, and athleticism to play fairly early in his college career. As an interior offensive lineman, one would be hard-pressed to find a high school prospect with as stout a base and as technical as Petitbon, which pairs well with his mauler mentality. The NFL legacy is tough, physical and more athletic than given credit for, given his prowess as a lacrosse standout at the prep level, in addition to football and basketball. Should he continue to improve on his upper-body strength and pass-blocking technique, he’ll become perhaps the most wellrounded offensive line signee in the class.”

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CB ADONIS THOMAS CENTRAL GWINNETT HS • LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. • 6’3” • 219 LBS • 4.61 SECS • 12/08/2014

S DEIONTE THOMPSON WEST ORANGE-STARK HS • ORANGE, TEXAS • 6’1” • 175 LBS • 4.77 SECS • 02/23/2013

Originally committed to Florida, but flipped to Alabama over a year before the 2015 Signing Day … Will enter The University in May … Has 4.61 verified 40-yard time … Played for Coach Todd Wofford

Entered The University in January in order to participate in spring practice … Was first in his high school’s history to graduate early … Committed to the Crimson Tide 20 months prior to 2015 Signing Day … Played both defense as safety and offense as wide receiver … Some project him as a college cornerback … Played for Coach Cornel Thompson

HONORS: Selected to participate in the Under Armour All-America Game and invited to Nike’s 2014 “The Opening;” first team all-state honors from both the Georgia Sports Writers Association and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution RANKING/RATING: No. 23 outside linebacker in nation by Scout.com, Scout.com300, Four-Star STATS: 124 tackles as a senior in 2014 with 11 tackles for loss and five sacks; made 56 tackles with seven TFLs and three sacks as a junior while also catching 10 passes for 210 yards and four touchdowns WHY ALABAMA? ”Everything just makes sense for me at Alabama. I know it is the right school for me. I love it over there and I think I fit into their defense at inside linebacker perfectly. I love how they want to use me, I love their coaching style there, and it is a great for me. My mom gave me her blessing and that made it perfect. I am all focused on Alabama now.” WHO ELSE? Chose Alabama over Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Ohio State CHAD SIMMONS SAYS: “Thomas is one of those that stands out on the hoof as soon as you see him. He is still a little lean, but tall, long, and athletic. His athleticism is what is most appealing about him. He could project as an outside linebacker, rush end, or tight end. He has great range at linebacker and he excels coming off the edge. He can chase down the ball and he closes with very good speed. He could play more physical and be more aggressive. He has good athleticism, lateral movement, and size.” JOHN GARCIA, JR., WRAPS IT UP: “After spending most of his prep career on the edge, Thomas was asked to move inside as a senior and he thrived in the role. Long, physical and athletic, he continued to rush the passer situationally and also played well in space. But where Thomas really improved was in the trenches, plugging holes with force and consistency. His new, overall skill-set makes him one of the more versatile linebackers in the country and Thomas also fits a big need in the class at inside linebacker.”

HONORS: Participated in the Under Armour All-America Game and Nike’s “The Opening;” honorable mention all-state RANKING/RATING: No. 4 safety in nation by Scout.com, Scout. com300, Four-Star STATS: Five interceptions with 120 return yards and two touchdowns and at receiver caught 37 passes for 692 yards and four more scores as senior. Had 15 career interceptions. WHY ALABAMA? “Whenever we get the chance to talk to Coach Saban, the message is still clear. ‘We want you here, we need you here.’ That’s been his message from day one and over the course of time; it seems to never change.” WHO ELSE? chose Alabama over Florida State, LSU, Stanford, Texas, Texas A&M, and USC GREG POWERS SAYS: “A long and rangy defensive back prospect, who is good in coverage and is not afraid to come up and make a hit. He is tall, long, and has pretty good speed for his size. Covers ground quickly and plays the ball very well in the air. He has knack for making plays on the ball and knocking it away or getting the interception. Will add bulk to his frame and should grow in to the perfect safety candidate, framewise, by the time he gets to college. Good body control and instincts.” JOHN GARCIA, JR., WRAPS IT UP: “Thompson did it all in high school, and he’s just as valuable as a safety prospect at the next level. He’s long, lean, and rangy with a classic free safety look. His prowess on offense has helped him attain near-elite ball skills and he plays physical both in the alley and in space while flashing the ability to play one-on-one on the outside at times. Thompson is also a threat in the return game, both on interceptions and on special teams, as he covers considerable ground in a short amount of time.”

BAMAMAG.COM • 29

WOMACK

WARMACK OG DALLAS WARMACK

MAYS HS • ATLANTA , GA • 6’1” • 301 LBS • 5.64 SECS • 07/22/2013

OTL MATT WOMACK

MAGNOLIA HEIGHTS • HERNANDO, MISS. • 6’7” • 325 LBS • 5.00 SECS • 12/14/2014

Known in great part as the younger brother of former Tide All-America guard Chance Warmack, who was a first round NFL draft choice … Entered The University in January and will participate in spring practice … Left tackle in high school but expected to be guard or cnter at Bama … Played for Coach Corey Jarvis

Originally committed to LSU, but flipped to Alabama after making visit to Tuscaloosa … The lone pure offensive tackle in the signing class, and probably a right tackle in college … Has verified 40-yard dash time of 5.0 seconds … Will enter The University in May … Played for Coach Jim Patterson

HONORS: Played in the U.S. Army All-American Game and participated in Nike’s “The Opening;” 2013 and 2014 first team Georgia Sports Writers Association and Atlanta Journal-Constitution All-State selection

HONORS: No. 5 in The Clarion-Ledger Targeted 22 and a member of the newspaper’s Dandy Dozen; selected as a 2013 and 2014 all-state

RANKING/RATING: No. 19 guard in nation by Scout.com, Four-Star

RANKING/RATING: No. 37 offensive tackle in nation by Scout.com, Three-Star

WHY ALABAMA? Committed to Alabma in July, 2013, but continued to be recruited by programs, some of which tried to convince Warmack there was no fit for him at Bama. He said he talked to Coach Saban about that. “The message was, ‘don’t let other schools persuade you to come to their program. We wouldn’t have offered you if you didn’t have a chance to play,’” he said. “It was nice, I knew they were going to say something about my new offers and after the Auburn visit.”

WHY ALABAMA? “There’s no place like it! Alabama is a great program and they have recruited me hard.” He said Assistant Coach Billy Napier stressed the Tide’s need for offensive tackles. “He said I could be a special player at Bama,” Womack said.

WHO ELSE? Chose Alabama over Auburn, Arkansas, Florida State, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas

JOHN GARCIA, JR., WRAPS IT UP: “There may not be an offensive line prospect that improved as much as Womack did over the last 12 months. He developed a mean streak to go along with a dream frame and showed the ability to block many levels on a given play. He comes from a run heavy offense, so pass-protection has been an issue in his game for some time, but his natural length and improved strength have many optimistic about his transition to the SEC level.”

CHAD SIMMONS SAYS: “Warmack is a tough offensive lineman. He has a big barrel chest, good strength, and he likes to finish blocks. He spends a lot of time at offensive tackle, but projects as a guard, and center could be a position he gets a look at. He shows good punch, but can improve his consistency there and his hand placement. He’s a better run blocker, so he needs to improve his pass protection. He sits down nicely when engaged with good balance. He has good body control and balance, feet, and intensity; needs to work on pass protection.” JOHN GARCIA, JR., WRAPS IT UP: “When looking at an interior offensive lineman, most want to see a stout frame early on the checklist, and Warmack satisfies there. He has solid technique on the inside and his feet have improved in the last year. With a strong punch and good base, the UA legacy could end up as a center or guard with the program. Warmack needs to improve laterally and in his pass-sets.” 30 • BAMAMAG.COM

WHO ELSE? Chose Alabama over LSU, Florida, Ohio State, South Carolina, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss

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RECRUITING BY JOHN GARCIA, JR. Photos by SCOUT.COM

If this is 2015, it must be time to turn page to 2016

Christian Bell

Raekwon Davis

uch like he often does after a big win on a Saturday, Nick Saban has already turned the page in recruiting after reeling in a consensus top-two class on national signing day 2015. In fact, the champion coach was on the phone with several class of 2016 prospects on the day the current seniors were sending in those famous faxes, extending scholarship offers to several in the process. It’s nothing new for Alabama. Today’s college football recruiting is about perception, timeliness, and relationships, things “the process” has adopted over recent years in keeping up with trends. While you still won’t see (and likely won’t ever see) a true Nick Saban Twitter account, his chain of command has its own way of keeping tabs on the next crop of elite talent. Luckily for Alabama and select schools in the South, as well as Texas, California and Ohio, shifting focus to the next recruiting cycle is well served in the home state. Bama has again jumped ahead here, with double-digit juniors already fielding 32 • BAMAMAG.COM

Shyheim Carter

verbal scholarship offers within the state lines. In 2015, the Crimson Tide signed six in-state prospects, including Alabama’s top-ranked talent for the fourth straight cycle in fivestar defensive tackle Daron Payne. (Tailback Bo Scarbrough, a re-sign from 2014, is also in the 2015 class.) The approach within Yellowhammer State borders early on seems to be on defense. It shouldn’t come as a surprise with another deep class at linebacker and in the trenches. Hoover defensive end Christian Bell, originally a 2015 recruit, has deferred his enrollment to January of 2016, making him the initial in-state pledge for UA this time around. Four-star Marlon Davidson, projected at the same position, has long held a Crimson Tide offer, too. Four current linebacker projections also hold extensions, including the top two overall prospects in the state at the early juncture, Lyndell “Mack” Wilson and Ben Davis, son of Alabama all-time tackles leader Wayne Davis. Beyond state borders, UA has

Demetris Robertson

Ben Davis

been just as active, and it has received three additional verbal commitments as of national signing day, each from SEC states. The highest rated is Kentwood, Louisiana star athlete Shyheim Carter, who plays several positions at the prep level. He’s pegged to play cornerback in college, however. Versatility is a theme throughout the early 2016 commitment list, actually, with twoway Mississippi lineman Rakewon Davis, who stands 6-foot-8 and weighs 307 pounds, as well as wide receiver/defensive back prospect Demetris Robertson of Savannah, Georgia. Saban’s staff covets him on either side of the football, as do many other programs nationally, in what will be a battle until his fax rolls in a year from now. Expect plenty of verbal offers to continue to extend from Tuscaloosa, though the most coveted Crimson Tide talents will have to put skill on display this summer, at camp. It is here where Alabama usually takes the next step in putting its class together, after the signing day rush, junior day trips and the annual

Lyndell Wilson

A-Day game, where priority targets sometimes end their recruitment like a trio of new signees did at the 2014 event (Calvin Ridley, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Shawn BurgessBecker). Clear needs remain in the class, most notably left tackle, wide receiver, and along the defensive front, all positions where at least 10 scholarship offers have already been extended. No matter how many verbal pledges it picks up over the next several months, plenty of turnover is nw to be expected in the process. Alabama signed 23 players on the first Wednesday in February, including a half-dozen once committed to another program prior to signing with Saban’s squad. Nearly that same number of seniors inked with a school other than Bama despite being committed to the Tide at one point in the final year of the recruiting cycle. Alabama has turned the page, so as the number of elites on board with the Tide increases towards the top spot in the Scout.com rankings, the story reads the same.

AL ABAMA FOOTBALL PROSPECTS 2016

Alabama football prospects in the class of 2016 who have been connected with the Crimson Tide, as determined by John Garcia, Jr., of ’BAMA Magazine/BamaMag.com and Scout.com McTelvin Agim, DE, 6-2, 240, Hope, Ark.

Dexter Lawrence, DT, 6-5, 310, Wake Forest, N.C.

Willie Allen, OT, 6-7, 300, River Ridge, La. (John Curtis Christian)

Rashad Lawrence, DT, 6-3, 300, Monroe, La. (Neville)

Deontay Anderson, S, 6-1, 192, Manvel, Tex.

Greg Little, OT, 6-6, 285, Allen, Tex. – Verbal to Texas A&M

A.J. Brown, WR, 6-2, 211, Starkville, Miss.

Glen Logan, DT, 6-4, 280, Destrehan, La.

*Christian Bell, DE, 6-4, 230, Hoover

Justin Madubuike, DE, 6-4, 240, McKinney, Tex. (North)

Patrick Bethel, DE, 6-4, 245, Vero Beach, Fla.

Shavar Manuel, DE, 6-3, 253, Bradenton, Fla. (IMG Academy)

Derrick Brown, DT, 6-4, 276, Buford, Ga. (Lanier)

David Marshall, DT, 6-4, 270, Thomaston, Ga. (Upson-Lee)

Nicholas Bosa, DE, 6-3, 230, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (St. Thomas Aquinas)

Bryce Mathews, OT, 6-7, 275, Brentwood, Tenn. (Brentwood Academy)

Marquez Callaway, S, 6-3, 170, Warner Robins, Ga.

Jeffrey McCulloch, OLB, 6-2, 225, Houston, Tex. (Davis)

Donavaughn Campbell, OG, 6-5, 340, Ponchatoula, La.

Richard Merrit, OT, 6-5, 325, Washington, D.C. (Archbishop Carroll)

Michail Carter, DT, 6-3, 311, Jackson, Ga.

Malik Miller, RB, 6-0, 229, Madison (Madison Academy)

*Shyheim Carter, CB, 5-11, 184, Kentwood, La.

Trayvon Mullen, CB, 6-2, 180, Coconut Creek, Fla.

Marlon Character, S, 6-0, 173, Atlanta, Ga. (Grady)

Tre Nixon, WR, 6-1, 170, Viera, Fla.

K.J. Costello, QB, 6-5, 220, Santa Margarita, Calif.

Chidi Okonya, DE, 6-5, 225, Riverdale, Ga.

Jamal Couch, OLB, 6-4, 214, Phenix City (Central)

Ed Oliver, DT, 6-2, 285, Houston, Tex. (Westfield)

WR Nate Craig, WR, 6-2, 200, Tampa, Fla. (Catholic)

Jawon Pass, QB, 6-5, 200, Columbus, Ga. (Carver)

Marlon Davidson, DE, 6-4, 256, Montgomery (Carver)

E.J. Price, OT, 6-6, 262, Atlanta, Ga. (Archer)

Ben Davis, OLB, 6-4, 219, Gordo

Cavin Ridley, WR, 6-1, 190, Coconut Creek, Fla. (Monarch)

*Raekwon Davis, OT, 6-8, 307, Meridian, Miss.

*Demetris Robertson, WR, 6-1, 180, Savannah, Ga. (Christian Prep)

Terrance Davis, OT, 6-4, 310, Hyattsville, Md. (DeMatha Catholic)

Janarius Robinson, DE, 6-5, 242, Panama City, Fla. (Bay)

Devin Duvernay, WR, 5-10, 178, Sachse, Tex.

Julian Rochester, DT, 6-5, 295, Powder Springs, Ga. (McEachern)

Nick Eubanks, TE, 6-6, 215, Plantation, Fla. (American Heritage)

Darnell Salomon, WR, 6-3, 190, Hialeah, Fla. (Champagnat Catholic)

Tevin Feaster, RB, 6-0, 195, Spartanburg, S.C.

Prince Sammons, DE, 6-6, 260, Cincinnati, Oh. (Christian)

Shug Frazier, DT, 6-3, 221, Buford, Ga.

Kaden Smith, TE, 6-5, 235, Flower Mound, Tex. (Marcus)

Jordan Fuller, CB, 6-2, 190, Old Tappan, N.J.

Savion Smith, CB, 6-2, 185, Bradenton, Fla. (IMG Academy)

Rashan Gary, DT, 6-4, 280, Paramus, N.J. (Paramus Catholic)

Steven Smothers, WR, 5-9, 160, Reisterstown, Md. (Franklin)

Emmit Gooden, DE, 6-4, 269, Brownsville, Tenn. (Haywood)

Dredrick Snelson, WR, 6-0, 190, Plantation, Fla. (American Heritage)

Josh Imatorbhebhe, WR, 6-2, 185, Suwanee, Ga. (North Gwinnett)

Freddie Swain, WR, 6-1, 180, Citra, Fla. (North Marion)

Antwuan Jackson, DT, 6-3, 260, Cedar Grove, Ga.

Boss Tagaloa, DT, 6-3, 295, Concord, Calif. (De La Salle)

Benito Jones, DT, 6-3, 277, Waynesboro, Miss. (Wayne County)

Levonta Taylor, CB, 5-10, 180, Virginia Beach, Va. (Ocean Lakes)

Brandon Jones, S, 6-0, 190, Nacogdoches, Tex.

Binjimen Victor, WR, 6-4, 170, Coconut Creek, Fla.

Jordan Jones, QB, 6-0, 172, McCalla (McAdory)

Kareem Walker, RB, 6-1, 210,Wayne, N.J. (DePaul Catholic)

Mykel Jones, WR, 6-0, 185, Patterson, La.

Nigel Warrior, CB, 6-0, 177, Atlanta, Ga. (Westlake)

Keion Joyner, OLB, 6-3, 222, Havelock, N.C.

Devin White, MLB, 6-2, 223, Springhill, La. (North Webster)

Caleb Kelly, OLB, 6-2, 220, Fresno, Calif. (Clovis West)

Joejuan Williams, S, 6-1, 200, Nashville, Tenn. (Father Ryan)

Javon Kinlaw, OT, 6-7, 288, Goose Creek, S.C.

Lyndell Wilson, OLB, 6-3, 225, Montgomery (Carver)

Khalil Ladler, CB, 5-10, 165, Bradenton, Fla. (IMG Academy)

Charlie Woerner, TE, 6-5, 221, Tiger, Ga. (Rabun County)

Tre Lamar, OLB, 6-3, 230, Roswell, Ga.

Keyshawn Young, WR, 5-11, 175, Miami, Fla. BAMAMAG.COM • 33

2014-15 ALABAMA SPRI BASEBALL

(HOME GAMES IN HOOVER)

Georgie Salem University of Alabama

34 â&#x20AC;˘ BAMAMAG.COM

Date Opponent

*Time

Feb. 13 Maryland-EShore Feb. 14 Maryland-EShore Feb. 15 Maryland-EShore Feb. 20 @ Houston Feb. 21 @ Houston Feb. 22 @ Houston Feb. 24 Savannah State (2) Feb. 27 Louisiana-Lafayette Feb. 28 Louisiana-Lafayette Mar. 1 Louisiana-Lafayette Mar. 3 Auburn @ Montgomery Mar. 6 Lipscomb @ Mobile Mar. 7 Lipscomb @ Mobile Mar. 8 Lipscomb @ Mobile Mar. 10 Alabama A&M (2) Mar. 13 @ Mississippi State Mar. 14 @ Mississippi State Mar. 15 @ Mississippi State Mar. 17 Samford Mar. 20 Texas A&M Mar. 21 Texas A&M Mar. 22 Texas A&M Mar. 24 @ South Alabama Mar. 26 @ Florida Mar. 27 @ Florida Mar. 28 @ Florida Mar. 31 UAB @ Regions Park Apr. 2 LSU Apr. 3 LSU Apr. 4 LSU Apr. 7 @ Samford Apr. 10 Georgia Apr. 11 Georgia Apr. 12 Georgia Apr. 14 UAB Apr. 17 @ Missouri Apr. 18 @ Missouri Apr. 19 @ Missouri Apr. 21 Mississippi Valley (2) Apr. 24 @ Ole Miss Apr. 25 @ Ole Miss Apr. 26 @ Ole Miss Apr. 28 Southern Miss Apr. 30 Arkansas May 1 Arkansas May 2 Arkansas May 8 @ Auburn May 9 @ Auburn May 10 @ Auburn May 12 Mercer @ Huntsville May 14 Vanderbilt May 15 Vanderbilt May 16 Vanderbilt *Central Time

6:30 2:00 1:00 6:30 6:30 Noon 2:00 6:30 2:00 1:00 6:30 TBA TBA TBA 2:00 6:30 2:00 1:30 6:30 7:00 3:00 1:00 6:30 6:00 6:00 Noon 6:30 7:00 7:00 2:00 TBA 7:00 3:00 1:00 6:00 6:00 7:00 Noon 2:00 6:30 7:00 Noon 6:30 6:00 6:00 2:00 6:00 3:00 1:00 6:30 7:00 7:00 3:30

ING SPORTS SCHEDULE SOFTBALL

MEN’S GOLF

Date Opponent

*Time

Date Event

Feb. 5 @South Alabama SAND DOLLAR @ GULF SHORES Feb. 6 Eastern Kentucky Feb. 6 Houston Feb. 7 Florida Gulf Coast Feb. 7 Florida International Feb. 8 McNeese Feb. 15 @ Samford STANFORD INVITATIONAL Feb. 13 Pacific Feb. 13 Stanford Feb. 14 Cal Poly Feb. 14 Stanford Feb. 15 Pacific Feb. 17 @ UAB BAMA BASH Feb. 20 Michigan Feb. 20 James Madison Feb. 21 Michigan Feb. 21 James Madison Feb. 22 Lipscomb Feb. 25 @ Jacksonville State Feb. 27 Louisiana Feb. 28 Louisiana Mar. 1 Louisiana Mar. 6 Ole Miss Mar. 7 Ole Miss Mar. 8 Ole Miss Mar. 10 UAB Mar. 13 @ Georgia Mar. 14 @ Georgia Mar. 15 @ Georgia Mar. 18 Georgia State Mar. 21 Florida Mar. 22 Florida Mar. 23 Florida Mar. 25 Georgia Tech Mar. 27 Texas A&M Mar. 28 Texas A&M Mar. 29 Texas A&M Mar. 31 Mississippi Valley Apr. 1 Southern Miss Apr. 3 @ Kentucky Apr. 4 @ Kentucky Apr. 5 @ Kentucky Apr. 8 MTSU @ Decatur Apr. 15 North Carolina State Apr. 17 @ Auburn Apr. 18 @ Auburn Apr. 19 @ Auburn Apr. 21 Troy Apr. 23 Tennessee Apr. 24 Tennessee Apr. 25 Tennessee May 1 @ Arkansas May 2 @ Arkansas May 3 @ Arkansas SEC TOURNAMENT May 6-9 @ Baton Rouge

2-1

Feb. 22- Feb. 24 Feb. 27- Mar. 1 Mar. 9- Mar. 11 Mar. 21- Mar. 22 Apr. 3- Apr. 5 Apr. 17- Apr. 19 May 14- May 16 May 28- June 2

8-0 6-2 13-1 11-2 4-0 7-1 13-0 15-6 Noon 2:30 11:00 6:00 4:00 6:00 1:30 4:00 1:30 5:00 6:30 2:30 1:00 6:30 2:00 1:30 5:00 5:00 2:00 1:00 6:00 1:00 4:30 6:00 2:00 6:30 2:00 1:30 6:00 6:00 5:00 11:00 2:30 6:30 6:00 7:30 5:00 1:00 6:00 7:00 6:30 2:00 6:00 8:00 2:00

SPRING ROWING Date Event

Mar. 14- Mar. 15 Mar. 21 Mar. 28 Apr. 11- Apr. 12 Apr. 25 May 16- May 17

Puerto Rico Classic @ Rio Grande, P.R. John Hayt Collegiate @ Jacksonville, Fla. Southern Highlands @ Las Vegas Linger Longer Invite @ Greensboro, Ga. Mason Rudolph @ Franklin, Tenn. SEC Championship @ St. Simons Island, Ga. NCAA Regionals TBA NCAA Championships @ Bradenton, Fla.

WOMEN’S TENNIS

Date Oppenent

WOMEN’S GOLF Date Event

Feb. 8- Feb. 10 Mar. 6- Mar. 8 Mar. 27- Mar. 29 Apr. 10- Apr. 12 Apr. 17- Apr. 29 May 7- May 9 May 22- May 24

Northrop Grumman @ Palos Verdes Estates, Calif. Darius Rucker Invite @ Hilton Head Island, S.C. Liz Murphey Classic @ Athens, Ga. Arizona State Invite @ Tempe, Ariz. SEC Championship @ Birmingham NCAA Regionals TBA NCAA Championship @ Bradenton, Fla.

MEN’S TENNIS Date Opponent

KICKOFF @ CHAPEL HILL, N.C. Jan. 23 Virginia Tech Jan. 24 Oregon Jan. 31 Florida State Feb. 7 @ Oklahoma State Feb. 8 @ Oklahoma Feb. 20- Blue-Grey Classic Feb. 22 @ Montgomery Feb. 27 Mississippi State Mar. 1 Jackson State Mar. 1 Jacksonville State Mar. 5 @ Arkansas Mar. 7 Ole Miss Mar. 7 Alabama State Mar. 13 @ Auburn Mar. 15 @ Florida Mar. 20 LSU Mar. 22 Texas A&M Mar. 22 The Citadel Mar. 27 @ Tennessee Mar. 29 @ Kentucky Apr. 3 South Carolina Apr. 5 Georgia Apr. 12 @ Vanderbilt Apr. 16- SEC Tournament Apr. 19 @ College Station, Texas

Cardinal Regatta @ Oak Ridge, Tenn. Drake Jacksonville Knecht Cup Regatta @ Camden, N.J. @ SMU Big 12 Championship @ Oak Ridge, Tenn.

*Time

L, 4-1 L, 4-0 L, 4-2 L, 4-1 L, 7-0

*Time

MAL MOORE INVITATIONAL Jan. 16- FSU, Georgia Tech, Jan. 18 Northwestern Jan. 24 Syracuse W, 4-0 Jan. 25 Virginia Tech W, 5-0 Jan. 31 TCU W, 6-1 TEAM INDOOR @ CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA. Feb. 6 Miami L, 4-1 Feb. 7 Oklahoma State W, 4-0 Feb. 8 Duke W, 4-1 Feb. 20- Blue-Grey Classic Feb. 22 @ Montgomery Feb. 27 @ Florida 4:00 Mar. 3 @ South Carolina 11:00 Mar. 6 Georgia 5:00 Mar. 8 Tennessee 1:00 Mar. 13 @ Ole Miss 5:00 Mar. 15 @ Mississippi State 1:00 Mar. 20 @ LSU 4:00 Mar. 22 @ Texas A&M Noon Mar. 27 Kentucky 5:00 Mar. 29 Vanderbilt 1:00 Apr. 4 Auburn 1:00 Apr. 10 Arkansas 5:00 Apr. 12 Missouri 1:00 Apr. 15- SEC Tournament Apr. 19 @ Columbia, S.C. May 8- NCAA 1st & 2nd Rounds May 10 TBA May 14- NCAA Championship May 19 Waco, Texas May 20- NCAA Singles, Doubles May 25 Waco, Texas

TRACK & FIELD Date Event

5:00 1:00 5:00 2:00 1:00 5:00 4:00 Noon 5:00 1:00 5:00 1:00 Noon 5:00 1:00 3:00

Feb. 27- Feb. 28 Mar. 13- Mar. 15 Mar. 19-21 Mar. 28 Apr. 2- Apr. 4 Apr. 10 Apr. 18 Apr. 18 May 2 May 15- May 16 May 28- May 30 June 10- June 13

SEC Indoor Championship @ Lexington, Ky. NCAA Indoor Championship @ Fayetteville, Ark. John Mitchell Relays Crimson Tide Invitational Florida Relays @ Gainesville @ Mississippi State John Jacobs Invite @ Norman, Okla. Mt. Sac Relays @ Walnut, Calif. @ LSU Invitational SEC Championship @ Starkville, Miss. NCAA East Regional @ Jacksonville, Fla. NCAA Championship @ Eugne, Ore. BAMAMAG.COM • 35

36 • BAMAMAG.COM

COVER

FOOTBALL

04 2005: TEN YEARS LATER 05 PLAYERS OF THE YEAR 06 SCOUT ALL-AMERICANS 08 2015 HOT 100 10 TOP 20 12 ACC 16 BIG 12 20 BIG TEN 24 PAC-12 28 SEC 32 INDEPENDENTS 32 AAC 32 CONFERENCE USA 32 MAC 33 MOUNTAIN WEST 33 SUN BELT 33 POSITION RANKINGS 34 QUARTERBACKS 36 RUNNING BACKS 38 RECEIVERS 40 OFFENSIVE LINE 42 DEFENSIVE LINE 44 LINEBACKERS 46 CORNERBACKS 48 SAFETIES 50 2016 PREVIEW 52 2016 HOT 100

BASKETBALL 54 2015 HOOPS 56 2015 TOP 25 TEAMS 60 2015 TOP 25 62 2016 TOP 25 63 2017 TOP 25 64 POINT GUARDS 65 SHOOTING GUARDS 66 SHOOTING FORWARD 67 POWER FORWARD 68 CENTER 69 2005: FLASHBACK

CEO JAMES HECKMAN PRESIDENT RAMSEY McGRORY CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER MARK STIEGLITZ CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER BILL SORNSIN CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER STEVEN RINDNER CHIEF PRODUCT OFFICER BEN JOLDERSMA SENIOR VP, COMMERCE & MERCH. MARK PATTISON SENIOR VP, DESIGN & BRANDING PETER RUPRECHT VP, NETWORK DEVELOPMENT AAMIR SHIBLI VP, FINANCE CHERYL AARSVOLD VP, GROUP PUBLISHER–SPORTS JOEL COX VP, PRODUCTION JAY TORRELL DIRECTOR, BIZ OPS-SPORTS BEN BEACHLER MEMBERSHIP & EVENTS CRAIG AMAZEEN MANAGING EDITOR/SCOUT.COM SCOTT KENNEDY EDITOR-IN- CHIEF/SCOUT.COM DAN BOVA SENIOR PRODUCTION MANAGER SHANNON COFFEY SENIOR PRODUCTION EDITOR MICHAEL DEMPSEY

2005: TEN YEARS LATER Bust: Ryan Perrilloux

by Jamie Newberg Stud: Jamaal Charles

Joe Murphy/Getty Images

Donald Miralle/Getty Images

I REMEMBER

it like it was yesterday – the Class of 2005. It was early January and I had the honor of being part of the NBC telecast for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. On that day I was roaming the sidelines, discussing the bevy of commitments broadcasted during the game. It was an orange day, as Tennessee won out on some huge recruiting battles giving them a ton of late momentum and closing with a monster January and early February. Philip Fulmer and his Volunteers closed out the 2005 cycle with the nation’s very best recruiting class. Highlighting this group in Knoxville were a trio of five star recruits – cornerback Dee Morley, running back Lamarcus Coker and quarterback Jonathan Crompton. Linebacker Rico McCoy, defensive end Raymond Henderson, running back Montario Hardesty and offensive linemen Chris Scott and Josh McNeil were just some of their highly coveted four-star recruits. This wasn’t something new for Fulmer as he was clearly one of the very best and also underrated when you talked about elite coaches and programs that consistently were recruiting powers. It’s not as easy as everyone thinks recruiting for a school like Tennessee. The Volunteer State is not loaded like Georgia and Florida with high caliber SEC prospects. Sure it’s a great school in a great league. They have tradition, you play in front of 100,000 plus diehard fans and it’s football in the sport’s top league. But for most of every class the Vols have to spot recruit out of state. Fulmer’s staff always did a terrific job dipping into the Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia, Florida and spot recruited exceptionally well west of the Mississippi. It’s not an easy formula but one in which they used very well for many years. The next five spots were tightly contested between Michigan, Florida State, Georgia, Oklahoma and Tennessee. They finished two through six respectively. Iowa was the big surprise in the top ten, as the Hawkeyes finished No. 8. Cal was another program you don’t typically see that high, as they closed at No. 9. Arguably the team with the most productive group of college players from the 2005 class was Mack Brown and Texas. Some standout Longhorns in this group were four-star recruits like quarterback Colt McCoy, tight end Jermichael Finley, running back Jamaal Charles, defensive end Henry Melton and five-star defensive tackle Roy Miller. This Texas class finished No. 12. In terms of the class as a whole it was a battle at the top between two outstanding quarterback prospects in Mark Sanchez and Ryan Perrilloux. Certainly Perrilloux was the signal caller with the better physical attributes but Scout went

with the safer play in Sanchez, as this USC Trojan finished as the top ranked recruit in the Class of 2005. So how did we do? Well, there were certainly some hits and certainly some mistakes when looking back at the ’05 Scout Top 100. Sanchez, offensive tackles Eugene Monroe (Virginia) and Michael Oher (Ole Miss), safety Kenny Phillips (Miami), running backs Jonathan Stewart (Oregon) and Rashard Mendenhall (Illinois), linebacker Brian Cushing (USC) were all fivestar recruits that went on to have very good college careers and eventually became first round NFL draft picks. Meanwhile, other stars of the 2005 class that were very highly rated were running backs Darren McFadden (Arkansas) and Antoine Smith (Florida State), offensive tackles Alex Boone (Ohio State) and Jared Gaither (Maryland), linebackers Rey Maualuga (USC), Geno Hayes (Florida State), and Curtis Lofton (Oklahoma), tight end Martellus Bennett (Texas A&M), wide receivers DeSean Jackson (Cal.) and Mario Manningham (Michigan), defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska), Jerrell Powe (Ole Miss), and Roy Miller (Texas). All of these guys were rated inside the Scout Top 100 and went on to become high NFL draft picks. McFadden (Raiders) and Suh (Lions) were certainly the most noticeable of all the 2005 notables. That’s the good. Here’s the bad. Five-star recruits like Perrilloux, wide receiver Fred Rouse (Florida State), linebackers Trey Blackmon (Auburn) and Darius Dewberry (Georgia), defensive tackle Callahan Bright (Florida State), defensive end Melvin Alaeze (Maryland) busted out. What I have found over the years is that it’s usually not because of talent. It’s typically off the field issues and that’s exactly the case with each and every one of these recruits. Of course there were other Saturday and Sunday stars from this class that were not top 100 players like quarterback Colt McCoy, running backs Jamaal Charles, Ray Rice (Rutgers), Montario Hardesty, Shonn Greene (Iowa), and Felix Jones (Arkansas), wide receivers Brandon LaFell (LSU), Darrius HeywardBey (Maryland), Brian Hartine (Ohio State), and Louis Murphy (Florida), tight ends Jermichael Finley, Ed Dickson (Oregon), and Jared Cook (South Carolina), offensive tackle Brandon Albert (Virginia). On the other side of the ball you had defensive ends Michael Johnson (Georgia Tech), Henry Melton, Everette Dawkins (Florida State), Willie Young (N.C. State), and Ricky Jean-Francois (LSU), defensive tackle Peria Jerry (Ole Miss), linebackers Sergio Render (Texas) and James Laurinaitis (Ohio State), and cornerbacks Jamie Robinson (Florida State) and Malcolm Jenkins (Ohio State).

2015 PLAYERS OF THE YEAR Kyler Murray Trenton Thompson

OFFENSE by Greg Powers

Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

yler Murray, a 5-foot-11, 175-pound quarterback from Allen (Texas) High is the Scout Offensive Player of the Year and deservedly so. Murray never lost a game as the Eagles’ starting quarterback, going 43-0 with three consecutive state championships. Allen High finished No. 1 in the final Scout High School Top 50 rankings following an undefeated 2014 season. His high school career can quite simply be defined as a thing of beauty. “A lot of hard work has been put in to this program this season and the past three seasons,” Murray informed. “It’s been a great run for me and my teammates and I am just glad that I got to go through it with these guys. “We had one of the hardest ways to come to get to state. To play great teams like that it is crazy. Like I said it is a testament to all of the hard work that we put in and all of the hard work we do at Allen. These coaches believed in us and we believed in each other. It has just been a great run.” Murray has shined on the big stage. The Eagles played three state championship games at AT&T Stadium in front of over 150,000 total fans. In the three marquee wins he racked up nearly 350 yards of total offense and scored 4.33 touchdowns per game. After capturing the state championship Murray headed to the Under Armour AllAmerica Bowl where he was named atop of the quarterback power rankings. Some have considered his prep career to quite possibly be one of -- if not the best -- that we have covered in the history of Scout.com. “His arm is as strong as any in the Class of 2015, and his release is quicker than all of them,” said former Scout Director of Scouting Scott Kennedy. “Murray has the ability to flick his wrist and throw the ball 40 yards down the field. Murray is athletic enough to play wide receiver on a big time stage; his 4,000 yards of rushing attest to that statement. But what’s astounding about his game is his ability to sprint to his right or his left, and still deftly deliver a touch pass on the sidelines.” Murray signed a Letter of Intent with Texas A&M, where his father, Kevin, also played quarterback. Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin and his staff held off a late charge from the Texas Longhorns and a few other programs to sign Murray. “He understands competition, he understands what this program is built on,” Sumlin explained in his National Signing Day Press Conference. “He’s good and we needed a quarterback. I talk about this all the time. Commitment is a two-way street. And he’s an Aggie for all the right reasons.” In his prep career Murray put up ridiculous video game like numbers -- racking up 10,387 passing yards, 4,132 rushing yards and scored 186 total touchdowns. He was the two-time Texas Gatorade Player of the Year and the two-time Scout Midlands Offensive Player of the Year.

DEFENSE by Jamie Newberg

Dean Legge/Dawgpost.com

ext to quarterback, there may not be a more premium position on the field than defensive tackle. Simply put, big, strong linemen that can move yet to have the strength to take on double teams are incredibly tough to find, at any level. In Albany (Ga.) Westover defensive tackle Trenton Thompson, we see a future star at not just the next level but the highest level as well and because of his dominant season on the field, the future Georgia Bulldog is our National Defensive Player of the Year. Thompson finished as Scout’s No. 2 overall prospect and barely missed landing at No. 1. When you see a player that isn’t just a great prospect but a productive player on the field, it made this award an easy call. “It feels great to be Scout’s Player of the Year,” Thompson said. “It is a great award and really an honor for me. I worked hard all season and this is a great accomplishment. It is definitely something I can look back on when I’m older and be proud of what I did.” While facing constant double and even triple teams, Thompson still put up huge numbers. He totaled 84 tackles, including an incredible 36 behind the line of scrimmage to go with four sacks and one interception. This followed an 83 tackle, 12 sack junior season when he saw a few more one on one opportunities and made the most of them. “Thompson really looks the part and is already put together like a college defensive lineman,” Scout national analyst and Georgia native Chad Simmons said. “He’s very strong, has very little body fat, and he can move. “He explodes off the ball and he closes on the quarterback as well as anyone. He is a very disruptive player in the trenches with so much potential as he continues to develop. As he refines his game and improves fundamentally, watch out.” Thompson was equally as dominant during the Army All-American game and more importantly, the daily practices where he manhandled some of the nation’s biggest and best offensive linemen. When you look at his total package of size, strength and quickness off the ball, not to mention the passion he plays with and his work ethic off the field, you can see why so many expect him to make an immediate impact the second he arrives on campus. On the recruiting front, Thompson made a summer decision to commit to Georgia and contemplating taking a few other official visits, there was little doubt he would end up a Dawg. “I really liked the coaching staff at Georgia a lot,” Thompson said. “Mark Richt is a Christian coach and that meant a lot to me. I also really like and respect Coach Rocker, the DL coach there. I know he can teach me a lot and will make me a better defensive lineman. “He was a great player himself and I think he’s the best coach for me. I just really loved it at Georgia, it always felt like home to me. I have so many great relationships there and my goal is to go and help us win a Championship.”

Sotonye Jamabo, UCLA

OFFENSE

ALL-AMERICANS POS

PLAYER

HT/WT/40

QB RB RB WR WR WR OL OL OL OL OL

Kyler Murray Mike Weber Sotonye Jamabo Trent Irwin DaMarkus Lodge Grant Perry Martez Ivey Richie Petitbon Tristen Hoge Maea Teuhema Fred Ulu-Perry

5-11/185/4.53 (Allen) Allen, TX............................................Texas A&M 5-9/210/4.52 (Cass Tech) Detroit, MI................................. Ohio State 6-2.5/203/4.61 (Plano West) Plano, TX......................................... UCLA 6-2/191/4.58 (Hart) Newhall, CA..........................................Stanford 6-2/188/4.48 (Cedar Hill) Cedar Hill, TX............................... Ole Miss 5-11/185/4.49 (Brother Rice) Bloomfield, MI.........................Michigan 6-6/271/5.27 (Apopka) Apopka, FL..........................................Florida 6-4/313/5.47 (Gonzaga Prep) Washington, DC.................... Alabama 6-4.5/291/5.15 (Highland) Pocatello, ID............................. Notre Dame 6-5/346/5.57 (Keller) Keller, TX.................................................... LSU 6-2.5/295/5.19 (St. Louis) Honolulu, HI........................................ UCLA

POS

PLAYER

HT/WT/40

DL DL DL Dl LB LB LB DB DB DB DB

Daylon Mack 6-1/330/4.98 (Gladewater) Gladewater, TX........................Texas A&M Anfernee Jennings 6-3/260/4.89 (Dadeville) Dadeville, AL................................ Alabama Trenton Thompson 6-3/298/5.12 (Westover) Albany, GA...................................... Georgia Joseph Wicker 6-4/279/5.07 (Poly) Long Beach, CA..............................Arizona State Natrez Patrick 6-3.5/254/4.96 (Mays) Atlanta, GA........................................... Georgia Montavious Atkinson 6-1/205/4.62 (Langston Hughes) Fairburn, GA....................... Auburn Porter Gustin 6-4.5/242/4.63 (Salem Hills) Salem Hills, UT.................................USC Minkah Fitzpatrick 6-1/194/4.51 (St. Peter’s Prep) Jersey City, NJ...................... Alabama Iman Marshall 6-2/195/4.51 (Poly) Long Beach, CA............................................USC Holton Hill 6-3/180/4.62 (Lamar) Houston, TX............................................Texas Donte Jackson 5-11/175/4.47 (Riverdale) Jefferson, LA........................................ LSU

ATH Jaason lewis K Joey Gogol P Tommy Townsend LS Blake Ferguson

6-4/241/4.55 6-1/180 6-1/175 6-1/235

(SCHOOL) CITY, STATE...............................................COMMITMENT

(Ocean Lakes) Virginia Beach, VA............Arizona State (Marist) Atlanta, GA.....................................Undecided (Boone) Orlando, FL...................................... Tennessee (Buford) Buford, GA................................................ LSU

HONORABLE MENTION OLB D’Andre Walker 6-2/210/4.65 (Langston Hughes) Fairburn, GA Georgia OL Matthew Burrell 6-4/291/5.24 (C.D. Hylton) Woodbridge, VA Ohio State CB Kris Boyd 6-0/181/4.48 (Gilmer) Gilmer, TX Texas RB Markell Jones 5-9/200/4.51 (East) Columbus, OH Purdue RB Reggie Gallaspy 5-11/215/4.58 (Southern Guilford) Greensboro, NC NC State QB Jake Browning 6-2/205/4.81 (Folsom) Folsom, CA Washington

Byron Cowart, Auburn

2015 HOT 100 Rk 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

POS PLAYER HT/WT DT Kahlil McKenzie 6-3.5/341 DT Trenton Thompson 6-3/298 OT Martez Ivey 6-6/271 OLB Malik Jefferson 6-2.5/215 DE Josh Sweat 6-4.5/240 S Derwin James 6-1.5/200 CB Iman Marshall 6-2/195 DE Byron Cowart 6-4/265 CB Kendall Sheffield 6-0/181 CB Kevin Toliver 6-1/193 DT Daylon Mack 6-1/330 QB Josh Rosen 6-3.5/206 DE CeCe Jefferson 6-3/258 DT Daron Payne 6-2/335 WR Preston Williams 6-4/192 DE Canton Kaumatule 6-7/290 CB Tarvarus McFadden 6-2/198 RB Sotonye Jamabo 6-2.5/203 OLB Osa Masina 6-4/233 OT Mitch Hyatt 6-5/274 WR DaMarkus Lodge 6-2/188 DE Rasheem Green 6-4.5/290 TE Chris Clark 6-6/247 DT Breiden Fehoko 6-2.5/290 OLB Ricky DeBerry 6-2/240 WR Christian Kirk 5-10/191 WR Calvin Ridley 6-0/169 CB Donte Jackson 5-11/175 OLB Keisean Lucier-South 6-4/211 QB Blake Barnett 6-4.5/200 WR Terry Godwin 5-11/165 TE Alize Jones 6-5/230 QB Jarrett Stidham 6-2.5/185 WR George Campbell 6-3/190

SCHOOL Tennessee Georgia Florida Texas Florida State Florida State USC Auburn Alabama LSU Texas A&M UCLA Florida Alabama Tennessee Oregon Florida State UCLA USC Clemson Mississippi USC UCLA Texas Tech Oklahoma Texas A&M Alabama LSU UCLA Alabama Georgia Notre Dame Baylor Florida State

Rk 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68

POS PLAYER OT Chuma Edoga CB Minkah Fitzpatrick QB Kyler Murray CB Ykili Ross DT Christian Wilkins DT Terry Beckner CB Kris Boyd OG Maea Teuhema RB Ronald Jones S Marvell Tell RB Derrius Guice WR Deon Cain DE Porter Gustin OG Tristen Hoge DE Kyle Phillips WR Tyron Johnson OLB Josh Barajas QB Torrance Gibson RB Johnny Frasier OLB John Houston RB Damien Harris RB Chris Warren S Jamal Peters DE Kamonte Carter S Deionte Thompson CB Holton Hill RB Jacques Patrick MLB Roquan Smith MLB Justin Hilliard CB Isaiah Langley RB L.J. Scott OG Lester Cotton OG Richie Petitbon OT Abdul Bello

HT/WT 6-3/283 6-1/194 5-10/178 6-1.5/185 6-4/290 6-3.5/298 6-0/181 6-5/346 6-0/185 6-2/184 5-11/205 6-1/187 6-4.5/242 6-4.5/291 6-4/245 6-0.5/185 6-3/210 6-3.5/207 5-11/213 6-3.5/207 5-10/208 6-2/220 6-2/202 6-4/240 6-1/175 6-3/180 6-1.5/231 6-1/209 6-0/225 6-0/165 6-1/227 6-4/328 6-4/313 6-6/300

SCHOOL USC Alabama Texas A&M USC Clemson Missouri Texas LSU USC USC LSU Clemson USC Notre Dame Tennessee LSU Notre Dame Ohio State NC State USC Alabama Texas Mississippi State Penn State Alabama Texas Florida State Georgia Ohio State USC Michigan State Alabama Alabama Florida State

Rk POS PLAYER HT/WT 69 RB Mike Weber 5-9/210 70 OT Connor Lanfear 6-5/275 71 QB Brandon Wimbush 6-1/212 72 DT Jacob Daniel 6-4/298 73 S Justin Dunning 6-3.5/204 74 OT Isaiah Prince 6-6.5/290 75 WR Brian Cole 6-2/210 76 CB Dechaun Holiday 6-2.5/208 77 WR Alex Ofodile 6-3/190 78 RB Taj Griffin 5-10/175 79 OLB Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Andre Walker 6-2/210 80 QB Drew Lock 6-4/204 81 OT Chidi Valentine-Okeke 6-6/305 82 OT Keenan Walker 6-5/282 83 RB Kerryon Johnson 6-0/185 84 RB Jordan Stevenson 5-10/203 85 OG Javon Patterson 6-3/313 86 WR Darius Slayton 6-1/180 87 OLB Asmar Bilal 6-3/210 88 DT Neville Gallimore 6-3/311 89 WR Trent Irwin 6-2/191 90 OG Patrick Vahe 6-4/290 91 DT Jonathan Ledbetter 6-3.5/276 92 MLB Jahvoni Simmons 6-1/230 93 DT Joseph Wicker 6-4/278 94 OT Bobby Evans 6-5/270 95 CB John Reid 5-10/190 96 DT Shy Tuttle 6-2/312 97 QB Jake Browning 6-2/205 98 TE Hale Hentges 6-4/230 99 QB Ricky Town 6-3/202 100 WR Van Jefferson 6-2.5/172

CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

SCHOOL Ohio State Texas A&M Notre Dame USC Texas A&M Ohio State Michigan UCLA Oregon Oregon Georgia Missouri LSU Arizona Auburn Wisconsin Mississippi Auburn Notre Dame Oklahoma Stanford Texas Georgia Virginia Arizona State Oklahoma Penn State Tennessee Washington Alabama USC Mississippi

TOP20 1. USC

Final Rankings Points: 4950 Avg Star Rating: 3.88 The Trojans closed with a fury, adding five highly regarded players on National Signing Day and one, four-star defensive lineman Porter Gustin the night before. The nation’s top cornerback Iman Marshall has instant impact all over him, as does running back Ronald Jones, especially with Javorius Allen headed to the draft. Gustin and Marshall are joined on defense by fellow five-stars Osa Masina and Rasheem Green for what should be a formidable bunch. Looking for a sleeper? Quick-footed receiver Deontay Burnett was once committed to Washington State, offered by several schools late and will come in as a blue-shirt, meaning he will be in scholarship in 2016.

2. Alabama

Final Rankings Points: 4768 Avg Star Rating: 4.04 The Tide lost their crown at the last second to the Trojans, but still haul in an outstanding class highlighted by five-star prospects like cornerbacks Kendall Sheffield and Minkah Fitzgerald, massive defensive tackle Daron Payne and wide receiver Calvin Ridley, an outstanding athlete who could pay dividends right away. Running back Damien Harris joins what has been an embarrassment of riches at that position the last several years, and handing off to him will be quarterback Blake Barnett, a five-star prospect from California. Nick Saban and his bunch continue to stockpile talent that will have them in the national title hunt consistently. Linebacker Joshua McMillon was one of several key Signing Day adds.

3. Auburn

Final Rankings Points: 4615 Avg Star Rating: 3.74 The Tigers class is highlighted by five-star defensive end Byron Cowart, who spurned in-state Florida to choose Auburn on Signing Day. Bruising running back Jovon Robinson and playmaking wide receiver Jason Smith are two JUCO prospects who should play immediately. Fellow wideout Darius Slayton is ultratalented and could be a future star. Two lower end four-stars who could have a higher end impact are offensive lineman Kaleb Kim and fullback Chandler Cox, who will have an opportunity to see time early on.

4. Tennessee

Final Rankings Points: 4281 Avg Star Rating: 3.59 When you talk Tennessee, you have to start with the nation’s number one player, massive defensive tackle Kahlil McKenzie, who, assuming the year off of high school ball did not put too much rust on, has the tools to play right off the bat. He’ll be joined by another talented defensive lineman in Kyle Phillips. Drew Richmond was a key late flip. Five-star receiver Preston Williams and five-star JUCO running back Alvin Kamara are big-time talents. The Volunteers raided the Midwest too, landing linebacker Darrin Kirkland, a one-time

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan commit who enrolled early, and running back John Kelly, a tough, hard-nosed kid with great balance.

5. Georgia

Final Rankings Points: 4209 Avg Star Rating: 3.57 Georgia’s opponents will have fearsome defensive line group to deal with for the next few years, as this highly ranked Bulldogs class is led by some talented defensive linemen. The top dog is the nation’s number two overall player, in-state defensive tackle Trenton Thompson, who could be a high NFL Draft choice someday. He’s joined by Jonathan Ledbetter, D’Andre Walker, Natrez Patrick, Michael Barnett and Chauncey Rivers, all four-star prospects on the defensive line. On offense, highly regarded receiver Terry Godwin may play as a true freshman. Cornerback Rico McGraw, a one-time Alabama commit, and offensive tackle Patrick Allen were key Signing Day additions.

6. Notre Dame

Final Rankings Points: 4202 Avg Star Rating: 3.71 The additions of running back Dexter Williams and wide receiver Equanimious St. Brown helped the Irish retain their lofty ranking. The crown jewel of Brian Kelly’s class is five-star tight end Alize Jones, who flipped from UCLA late in the process and will continue the Irish’s tradition at the position. Offensive lineman Tristen Hoge and smart, instinctive in-state linebacker Josh Barajas were also highly rated, heavily recruited prospects. Quarterback Brandon Wimbush, a one-time Penn State commit, is an athletic passer who fits the Irish scheme. Wide receiver Miles Boykin comes in from the Chicagoland area off of an impressive senior season and has great size (6-foot-5, 210 pounds). The Irish also will bring in the nation’s top kicker, Justin Yoon.

7. Texas

Final Rankings Points: 4187 Avg Star Rating: 3.5 The additions of three Signing Day commits, with four-star running back Chris Warren among them, moved the Longhorns into the national top ten. Charlie Strong and his staff kept five-star Malik Jefferson, a linebacker with 4.4 speed, in-state and he should pay big dividends, possibly right away. He’s joined at linebacker by Dallas native Anthony Wheeler. JUCO offensive tackle Brandon Hodges may be able to help right away. Offensive lineman Patrick Vahe, a top 100 national prospect, should be a future stalwart on the offensive line for the Honghorns. In-state defensive tackle Du’Vonta Lampkin gives Strong more beef up front.

8. Ohio State

Conference: Big Ten Final Rankings Points: 4134 Avg Star Rating: 3.52 The Buckeyes had a big Signing Day, adding offensive tackle Isaiah Prince and wide receiver K.J. Hill, but also keeping running back Mike Weber, who took a

late visit to Michigan, and has an opportunity to be the back of the future in Columbus. In a year in which the Buckeyes played three quarterbacks, two signal-callers with impressive accolades, Torrance Gibson and Joey Burrow join the ranks. Linebackers Justin Hilliard, Jerome Baker and Nick Conner join defensive end Jashon Cornell in the defensive class. Late additions at defensive tackle Robert Landers and DaVon Hamilton could pay big dividends despite not being “on the radar” guys until late in their senior seasons. Four-star cornerback Denzel Ward also has big-time ability.

9. UCLA

Final Rankings Points: 4308 Avg Star Rating: 4 How about the way the Bruins closed? They landed the number one player at three positions on Signing Day, including the nation’s top running back Sotonye Jamabo who has excellent size and an impressive package of all-around skills. The nation’s top tight end Chris Clark figures into the mix from the moment he steps on campus. Wide receiver Cordell Broadus was projected to USC by many, but becomes a Bruin. Both he and Clark will have the nation’s number one quarterback, Josh Rosen throwing to them. Five-star defensive end Keisean Lucier-South is among the standouts on defense in what was an impressive class.

10. Texas A&M

Final Rankings Points: 4081 Avg Star Rating: 3.68 Defensive tackle Daylon Mack, a five-star, was a big Signing Day addition. After Johnny Manziel and then Kyle Allen, the Aggies continue their roll at quarterback with five-star Kyler Murray, who is not big (5-10, 178 pounds), but put up gaudy stats and can make all the throws. He will have some weapons at his disposal in five-star Christian Kirk and good-sized JUCO target Damion Ratley. He will also have highly regarded offensive tackle Connor Lanfear protecting him. Of course, the Aggies did not forget the defensive side of the ball as safety Justin Dunning and defensive end James Lockhart were ranked among the nation’s best at their position.

11. Florida State

Final Rankings Points: 3884 Avg Star Rating: 3.86 Quarterback Deondre Francois, cornerback Marcus Lewis, and wide receiver Auden Tate, all four-star commits, picked Florida State on Mational Signing Day. The Noles have four five-star prospects including defensive end Josh Sweat, who was injured as a senior, but has major ability. Safety Derwin James was the top ranked player in Florida and the nation’s top safety. Cornerback Tarvarus McFadden has outstanding size and cover skills, and wide receiver George Campbell brings 4.3 speed in a 6-foot-3 frame. Physical 230-pound running back Jacquez Patrick and raw, but highly athletic offensive tackle Abdul Bello could be future pros and immediate impact may come in the form of JUCO linebacker Lorenzo Phillips.

2015

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

12. LSU

Final Rankings Points: 3835 Avg Star Rating: 3.48 The Tigers have a dynamic duo at cornerback coming in with two five-stars, Kevin Toliver and Donte Jackson. Toliver, a Florida native, has outstanding size and tools, while Jackson is a speedy all-around athlete with dynamic ability. The Tigers went down to Texas and picked up massive 6-foot-5, 346-pound road grading offensive lineman Maea Teuhema, who will pave the way for another top 50 national prospect, running back Derrius Guice, and two other four-star running backs, David Ducre and Nicholas Brossette. Wide receivers Tyron Johnson and Jazz Ferguson bring size and ability on the outside. Four-star offensive tackle Toby Weathersby was a big Signing Day commit as was wide receiver Derrick Dillon.

13. Penn State

Final Rankings Points: 3825 Avg Star Rating: 3.52 The Nittany Lions have 12 commits in the Scout 300. Cornerback John Reid is a fantastic athlete with the speed and footwork to play on an island. The class’ highest ranked commit is defensive end Kamonte Carter, an edge-rusher from Virginia. Offensive tackle Sterling Jenkins is raw, but has the tools and 6-foot-8 frame to play on Sundays. James Franklin and company have also brought in some offensive firepower in the form of three four-star receivers Brandon Polk, Irvin Charles and Juwan Johnson and two four-star running backs, Saquan Barkley and Andre Robinson.

14. Oklahoma

Final Rankings Points: 3430 Avg Star Rating: 3.46 The Sooners went near and far for this class. Three of the top commits are Ricky DeBerry a five-star from Virginia, athletic defensive tackle Neville Gallimore, who will come all the way down from Canada, and offensive tackle Dru Samia, a California native. Of course, the Sooners stuck to the Midlands too, landing highly ranked offensive lineman Bobby Evans and big, physical cover-corner P.J. Mbanasor, both from Texas and four-star safety Will Sunderland from their home state. JUCO wide receiver Dede Westbrook, who led the nation in receiving at Blinn College. Safety Prentice McKinney was a Signing Day grab from Texas.

15. Clemson

Final Rankings Points: 3384 Avg Star Rating: 3.33 The Tigers have a strong class, particularly at the top, where five-star offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt leads the way. Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is one of the nation’s best, and showed it with a strong performance at the Under Armour All-American Game. Wide receiver prospect Deon Cain is a high school quarterback with explosive athleticism. Mark Fields is one of the nation’s top cover corners. Four-star wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud picked the Tigers on Signing Day and has open field ability and return skills.

2015 SCOUT.COM CONFERENCE RANKINGS RK CONFERENCE

AVG. COM LEADER

AVG. PTS

1. SEC 2. PAC 12 3. BIG 12 4. BIG TEN 5. INDEP 6. ACC 7. MAC 8. AAC 9. MWC 10. CONF USA 11. SUN BELT

24.8 2. Alabama 22.7 1. USC 22.6 7. Texas 22.1 8. Ohio State 39.0 6. Notre Dame 22.2 11. Florida State 21.8 59. Western Michigan 24.8 54. Cincinnati 21.8 46. Boise State 22.0 77. Florida Atlantic 24.4 82. LA-Lafayette

3277 70 21 118 182 170 168 9 313 34 3.38 2512 41 10 66 166 138 127 7 237 35 3.20 2283 29 4 43 144 111 112 3 188 38 3.07 2164 12 0 68 183 158 145 7 296 14 3.02 2061 5 1 17 22 50 64 3 116 1 2.50 2016 16 6 45 210 153 153 5 297 14 3.01 865 1 0 2 114 145 133 6 267 17 2.40 836 5 0 0 94 150 137 11 275 23 2.31 762 4 0 4 74 125 129 8 219 43 2.31 649 3 0 1 70 148 157 3 262 46 2.22 601 1 0 0 42 138 121 9 204 64 2.15

16. Ole Miss

Final Rankings Points: 3298 Avg Star Rating: 3.5 The JUCO ranks were kind to the Rebels, as they add several potential difference makers. Cornerback Tony Bridges has great size (6-2, 190 pounds) as well as physicality and ball skills. He is expected to step in and not only start, but become one of the conference’s best. Quarterback Chad Kelly will have an opportunity to compete for the job right away, and defensive tackle D.J. Jones chose Ole Miss over Alabama and Florida State. Offensive linemen Javon Patterson is a talented addition. Wide receiver Van Jefferson, a one-time Georgia commit, has NFL bloodlines and comes in with sure-hands and plenty of polish. He looked at other schools late, keeping him in the fold was key. He and five-star Demarkus Lodge, who committed on Signing Day, add major star power to an already talented position.

17. Michigan State

Final Rankings Points: 3137 Avg Star Rating: 3.48 The Spartans closed with a flurry and flipping Kentucky commits David Dowell and Andrew Dowell while adding four-star Cassius Peat moved the class way up. Ten Scout 300 commits for Mark Dantonio including outstanding offensive linemen Kyonta Stallworth and Noah Listermann. Four-star linebacker Tyriq Thompson, a Michigan legacy, is already on campus, and Dantonio has compared quarterback Brian Lewerke, who put up huge stats as a senior, to Kirk Cousins. Running back L.J. Scott, the class’ top commit, may play as a freshman and look out for athletic defensive tackle Raequan Williams, who has pro potential.

18. Mississippi State Final Rankings Points: 3128 Avg Star Rating: 3.25

TOP 100 5* 4* 3*

OFF DEF

SPT HS

AVG.

The Bulldogs did well in-state, picking up four fourstar prospects from within state lines. That group is led by the nation’s third ranked safety Jamal Peters and athletic defensive tackle Fletcher Adams. They also did a great job in the JUCO ranks, landing offensive tackle Martinas Rankin, wide receiver Donald Gray, linebacker Traver Jung and defensive end Jonathan Calvin. Rankin is expected to compete immediately for the left tackle job. Four-star linebacker Leo Lewis was a big Signing Day addition.

19. Arizona State

Final Rankings Points: 3023 Avg Star Rating: 3.41 Landing four-star defensive tackle Joseph Wicker on Signing Day moved the class up several spots. The Sun Devils will get instant impact from fivestar JUCO linebacker Davon Durant, a big, physical prospect who could see time at a few different positions. Four-star quarterback Brady White is an smart, accurate passer who will have a 240-pound running back to handoff to in Virginia native Jaason Lewis. ASU pulled quick-footed cover man Stanley Norman and linebacker Khaylan Thomas, both Scout 300 prospects, out of California.

20. South Carolina

Final Rankings Points: 2873 Avg Star Rating: 3.11 The Gamecocks signed the nation’s top JUCO prospect, defensive end Marquavius Lewis, whose complete package of skills along with his strength make him a good bet to make a big impact next Fall. Coming in with him is in-state product Shameik Blackshear, a long, athletic kid with great upside. Of course, head coach Steve Spurrier never forgets offense, and wide receiver Jalen Christian and running back A.J. Turner both have the speed and athleticism to excel in his offense. Two other JUCO prospects, defensive ends Dante Sawyer and 6-foot-7 Ulric Jones should see the field next year as well.

BY JAMIE NEWBERG

CONF. RANKING NO.6

ACC IMPACT PLAYERS

1. S Derwin James, FSU 2. CB Tarvarus McFadden, FSU 3. RB Mark Walton, Miami 4. S Dee Smith, Louisville 5. DE Jalen Dalton, UNC

NFL PROSPECTS

Darwin James, FSU

1. DE Josh Sweat, FSU 2. S Derwin James, FSU 3. CB Tarvarus McFaddden, FSU 4. WR Deon Cain, Clemson 5. OT Abdul Bello, FSU

MOST PRESSURE 1. DE Josh Sweat, FSU 2. QB Deondre Francois, FSU 3. WR George Campbell, FSU 4. DT Christian Wilkins, Clemson 5. RB Ray Ray McCloud, Clemson

TOP QBS 1. Deondre Francois, FSU 2. Anthony Ratliff-Williams, UNC 3. Dwayne Lawson, Virginia Tech 4. Lamar Jackson, Louisville 5. Nick Johns, Virginia

Deon Cain, Clemson

TOP SKILL-POSITION

Ray Ray McCloud, Clemson

Deondre Francois, FSU

1. WR George Campbell, FSU 2. WR Deon Cain, Clemson 3. RB Johnny Frasier, N.C. State 4. RB Jacques Patrick, FSU 5. RB Ray Ray McCloud, Clemson

TOP OL 1. Mitch Hyatt, Clemson 2. Abdul Bello, FSU 3. William Sweet, UNC 4. E.J. Donahue, Maryland 5. Jake Fruhmorgen, Clemson

TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYERS 1. DE Josh Sweat, FSU 2. S Derwin James, FSU 3. CB Tarvarus McFadden, FSU 4. DT Christian Wilkins, Clemson 5. MLB Jahvoni Simmons, Virginia

N10

was once again a year in 2015 2015 which Florida State dominated. The Seminoles once again landed a bevy of highly rated guys at every position on both sides of the ball. It is a loaded class from instant impact guys like safety Derwin James and wide receiver George Campbell to recruits that should be awesome down the line like tackle Abdul Bello. Clemson wasn’t too far behind FSU, as the Tigers did exceptional well out of state with players like Mitch Hyatt (Georgia), Ray Ray McCloud (Florida), Deon Cain (Florida) and Christian Wilkins (Connecticut). North Carolina was next, as Larry Fedora and the Tar Heels closed by filling needs in the trenches on both sides of the ball. These were the only three ACC classes inside the top 25.

William Sweet, UNC George Campbell, FSU

ACC is already off to a big 2016 The start with the 2016 class. One of

the big storylines are the Miami Hurricanes. Al Golden and his staff have already committed over a dozen players despite the pressure of having to win big next season. Of course the team to beat in this league is Florida State, as Jimbo Fisher and his Seminoles have recruited as well as anyone every year since he has taken over. Then you have Clemson and Dabo Swinney, who have been just a notch below. Of course, North Carolina, N.C. State, Louisville, should have big seasons. Then you have teams in this league in the hunt for five-star recruits like defensive ends Shavar Manuel and Nicolas Bosa, defensive tackle Rashan Gary, linebacker Keion Joyner, and cornerback Savion Smith.

BIGGEST RECRUITING COUP Josh Sweat, Florida State The Seminoles won a big one here as Sweat could have named his school but in the end the nation’s top ranked DE picked FSU.

BIGGEST RECRUITING BATTLE DE Shavar Manuel, Bradenon (FL) IMG Academy FSU is battling a slew of SEC schools and national powers for this five-star defensive end.

SIGNING-DAY SURPRISE Dominic Sheppard, Virginia This LB from south Florida was previously committed to the Badgers but signed with Virginia on signing day.

MOST PRESSURE TO SIGN WITH A TEAM LB Keion Joyner, Havelock (NC) There is a lot of pressure for five-star Joyner to stay in-state. The Tar Heels were recently among his top three.

BEST RECRUITING BATTLE Deondre Francois, Florida State FSU had to hold off the late charging Gators to land Francois.

TOP EARLY COMMIT RB, Tavien Feaster, Clemson Feaster is an ideal running back for the Tigers spread attack.

BIGGEST FLIPPER Kendrick Norton, Miami Before signing with Miami Norton was previously committed to FSU and Auburn.

RECRUITER TO WATCH Tony Elliot, Clemson Elliot helped Clemson reel in some unreal out of state talent in their 2015 class.

THE SLEEPER WR, Christian Philpott, Georgia Tech Paul Johnson has a knack for signing big receivers that have big time talent. That’s the base here with Philpott.

COACH ON THE HOT SEAT Al Golden, Miami Golden has to be feeling the heat and needs a nice season in 2015. They are off to a great recruiting start so far.

LATE BLOOMER QB, Jeff Smith, Boston College Smith has always been a terrific athlete but he really improved his quarterback skills in 2014.

TOP STORYLINE Bosa/Manuel What will happen with state of Florida five-star DEs Bosa and Manuel? Do they land at FSU or in the ACC?

THE PROJECT OT, Abdul Bello, Florida State Bello is from Nigeria and didn’t start playing football until mid-way of his junior year. His upside is off the charts.

TOP 2016 CLASS WILL BE ... Florida State At this point why would you pick against Jimbo Fisher and his Florida State Seminoles?

MOST WELL-ROUNDED CLASS Florida State Fisher once again lands big time talent across the board.

THROWBACK: TOP 2005 RECRUIT (OT) Eugene Monroe (Virginia) The five-star OT lived up to it and was the No. 8 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft (Jacksonville).

TOP RECRUITER Tony Elliiot, Clemson Elliot pulled out of state recruits - Ray Ray McCloud, Deon Cain, Mitch Hyatt and Jake Fruhmorgen.

THROWBACK: TOP 2005 CLASS FSU It was a hit and miss class in Tallahassee, as FSU finished No. 3 overall and No. 1 in the ACC.

CAN’T WAIT TO SEE PLAY Josh Sweat, Florida State He will have to battle back from a knee injury. If healthy should be a special talent off the edge in Tallahassee.

THROWBACK: TOP 2005 SURPRISE (WR) Darius Heyward-Bey (Maryland). Heyward-Bey was a top-ten pick overall by the Oakland Raiders in 2009.

CLEMSON

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MIAMI

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CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: DB Derwin James DE Josh Sweat QB Deondre Francois DB Tarvarus McFadden WR George Campbell INSTANT IMPACT: DB Derwin James BIG GET: DE Josh Sweat BIG MISS: DT Terry Beckner, Jr. SLEEPER-OFFENSE: WR Auden Tate SLEEPER-DEFENSE: LB Sh’mar Kilby-Lane CAN’T MISS: DB Derwin James PROJECT: DB A.J. Westbrook LOCAL BOY: DB Derwin James FAN FAVORITE: DB Derwin James TOP RECRUITER: DL Odell Haggins

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: WR Deon Cain OL Mitch Hyatt DT Christian Wilkins CB Mark Fields WR Ray Ray McCloud INSTANT IMPACT: WR Deon Cain BIG GET: OL Mitch Hyatt BIG MISS: DT Trenton Thompson SLEEPER-OFFENSE: QB Kelly Bryant SLEEPER-DEFENSE: DE Albert Huggins CAN’T MISS: DT Christian Wilkins PROJECT: DE Clelin Ferrell LOCAL BOY: QB Kelly Bryant FAN FAVORITE: QB Tucker Israel TOP RECRUITER: OC Tony Elliott

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: DE Jalen Dalton OT William Sweet OG Tommy Hatton DL Jason Strowbridge QB Anthony Ratliff-Williams INSTANT IMPACT: LB Andre Smith BIG GET: DE Jalen Dalton BIG MISS: DT Shy Tuttle SLEEPER-OFFENSE: TE Jake Bargas SLEEPER-DEFENSE: CB Mike Hughes CAN’T MISS: OT William Sweet PROJECT: TE Charlie Heck LOCAL BOY: QB Anthony Ratliff-Williams FAN FAVORITE: OC Tommy Hatton TOP RECRUITER: OT William Sweet

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: OLB Devonte Fields QB Lamar Jackson S Dee Smith WR Traveon Samuel WR Devante Peete INSTANT IMPACT: OLB Devonte Fields BIG GET: QB Lamar Jackson BIG MISS: CB Sheldrick Redwine SLEEPER-OFFENSE: WR Paul Harris SLEEPER-DEFENSE: ILB Amonte Caban CAN’T MISS: ATH Trey Smith PROJECT: OL Geron Christian LOCAL BOY: n/a FAN FAVORITE: DE G.G. Robinson TOP RECRUITER: DC Todd Grantham

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: RB Johnny Frasier DL Darian Roseboro RB Nyheim Hines OT Emanuel McGirt OT Daris Workman INSTANT IMPACT: RB Nyheim Hines BIG GET: RB Johnny Frasier BIG MISS: CB Mike Hughes SLEEPER-OFFENSE: QB Jakobi Meyers SLEEPER-DEFENSE: DE Tyrone Riley CAN’T MISS: OT Emanuel McGirt PROJECT: OT Aaron Wiltz LOCAL BOY: OLB James Smith-Williams FAN FAVORITE: RB Johnny Frasier TOP RECRUITER: RB Des Kitchings

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: RB Mark Walton OL Jahair Jones DE Scott Patchan S Jaquan Johnson DB Robert Knowles INSTANT IMPACT: RB Mark Walton BIG GET: RB Mark Walton BIG MISS: RB Jordan Scarlett SLEEPER-OFFENSE: TE Jerome Washington SLEEPER-DEFENSE: CB Sheldrick Redwine CAN’T MISS: RB Mark Walton PROJECT: QB Evan Shirreffs LOCAL BOY: S Jaquan Johnson FAN FAVORITE: RB Mark Walton TOP RECRUITER: RB Ice Harris

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: Tim Settle Duwayne Johnson Austin Clark Dwayne Lawson Trevon Hill INSTANT IMPACT: Tim Settle BIG GET: Tim Settle BIG MISS: Darrell Taylor SLEEPER-OFFENSE: Deshawn McClease SLEEPER-DEFENSE: Jaque Alleyne CAN’T MISS: Austin Clark PROJECT: Houshun Gaines LOCAL BOY: Austin Clark FAN FAVORITE: Coleman Fox TOP RECRUITER: Torian Gray

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: DE Janarius Robinson LOCAL BOY: DE Janarius Robinson DREAM RECRUIT: DL Shavar Manuel EARLY COMMITS: QB Malik Henry, TE Isaac Nauta, DE Janarius Robinson BIGGEST NEEDS: DE, CB, LB TOP TARGETS/OFF: QB Malik Henry, TE Isaac Nauta, WR/LB Keith Gavin, OG Stewart Reese, WR Cavin Ridley, RB Tony Jones TOP TARGETS/DEF: DE Janarius Robinson, DL Shavar Manuel, CB Saivion Smith, CB Levonta Taylor, LB Keion Joyner, DT Ed Alexander

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: RB Tavien Feaster LOCAL BOY: RB Tavien Feaster DREAM RECRUIT: WR T.J. Chase EARLY COMMITS: RB Tavien Feaster, WR T.J. Chase, QB Zerrick Cooper BIGGEST NEEDS: RB, WR, LB TOP TARGETS/OFF: RB Tavien Feaster, WR Diondre Overton, WR Cornell Powell, WR T.J. Chase, OT Javon Kinlaw TOP TARGETS/DEF: LB Tre Lamar, LB James Skalski, DE Michail Carter, LB Keion Joyner, CB Levonta Taylor

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: DT Kyree Campbell LOCAL BOY: QB Chazz Surratt DREAM RECRUIT: LB Keion Joyner EARLY COMMITS: WR Kyran Bowman, S Javontay Smith BIGGEST NEEDS: DT, LB, OG TOP TARGETS/OFF: QB Chazz Surratt, WR Diondre Overton, WR Divine Deablo, WR Larry Collins, OC Connor McGovern, OG Taleni Suhren TOP TARGETS/DEF: DT Kyree Campbell, DT Nick Coe, LB Keion Joyner, DT Dexter Lawrence, LB Jaquan Yulee, CB Keyshawn Cannady

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: QB Jawon Pass LOCAL BOY: WR Rodjay Burns DREAM RECRUIT: OLB Lyndell Wilson EARLY COMMITS: CB Baylen Buchanan, QB Keaton Torre, WR Desmond Fitzpatrick BIGGEST NEEDS: CB, OL, TE TOP TARGETS/OFF: QB Jawon Pass, RB Kentrail Moran, RB Elijah Holyfield, TE Zach Williams, WR Rodjay Burns, WR Keshawn Young TOP TARGETS/DEF: S Jamel Cook, CB Ronnie Blackmon, DE Patrick Bethel, S Brittain Brown, DE Marlon Davidson, LB Lokeni Toailoa

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: DT Dexter Lawrence LOCAL BOY: QB Dylan Parham DREAM RECRUIT: DT Dexter Lawrence EARLY COMMITS: CB James Valdez, DT Kobe Smith, S Tim Glass BIGGEST NEEDS: WR, QB, CB TOP TARGETS/OFF: WR Cornell Powell, WR Diondre Overton, TE Garrett Walston, OT Josh Ball, RB Tre Harbison, TE Brendan Scales TOP TARGETS/DEF: DT Dexter Lawrence, LB Jaquan Yulee, CB Mark Gilbert, S Isaiah Stallings, CB Tyric McCarter, LB Alexy Jean-Baptiste

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: QB Jack Allison LOCAL BOY: WR Sam Bruce DREAM RECRUIT: QB Jack Allison EARLY COMMITS: WR Sam Bruce, WR Dionte Mullins, QB Jack Allison BIGGEST NEEDS: QB, WR, DL TOP TARGETS/OFF: WR Cavin Ridley, WR Dredrick Snelson, TE Naseir Upshur, TE Jacob Mathis, RB Tony Jones, OL Liam Smith TOP TARGETS/DEF: DT Rashan Gary, DE Nick Bosa, S Chauncey Gardner, CB Trayvon Mullen, DE Shavar Manuel, CB Savion Smith

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: Reggie Floyd LOCAL BOY: None in the 2016 class DREAM RECRUIT: Jaquan Yulee EARLY COMMITS:

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BIGGEST NEEDS: WR, DL and OL TOP TARGETS/OFF: Landon Dickerson, Divine Deablo, Reggie Floyd, Pete Leota, Garrett Walston, Grant Holloway. TOP TARGETS/DEF: Jaquan Yulee, Wayne Davis, Keyvone Bruton, Miles Wolfolk, Nick Koe and Ellison Jordan.

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BOSTON COLLEGE

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WAKE FOREST

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CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: S A.J. Gray RB Mikell Lands-Davis OL Will Bryan LB Victor Alexander DL Kyle Henderson INSTANT IMPACT: S A.J. Gray BIG GET: S A.J. Gray BIG MISS: WR Jayson Stanley SLEEPER-OFFENSE: WR Brad Stewart SLEEPER-DEFENSE: CB Dorian Walker CAN’T MISS: S. A.J. Gray PROJECT: OL Brad Morgan LOCAL BOY: WR Harland Howell FAN FAVORITE: WR Brad Stewart TOP RECRUITER: QB Coach Bryan Cook

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: S Marquise Blair RB Jordan Fredericks DE Jake Pickard DE Amir Ealey OT Evan Adams INSTANT IMPACT: TE Trey Dunkelberger BIG GET: DE Jake Pickard BIG MISS: S Jazee Stocker SLEEPER-OFFENSE: OG Andrejas Duerig SLEEPER-DEFENSE: OLB Shy Cullen CAN’T MISS: S Marquise Blair PROJECT: DE Kenny Carter LOCAL BOY: RB Jordan Fredericks FAN FAVORITE: CB Daivon Ellison TOP RECRUITER: WR Bobby Acosta

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: MLB Jahvoni Simmons CB TJ Griffin OLB Dominic Sheppard OL RJ Proctor OLB CJ Stalker INSTANT IMPACT: OLB Dominic Sheppard BIG GET: MLB Jahvoni Simmons BIG MISS: OLB Ricky DeBerry SLEEPER-OFFENSE: TE Richard Burney SLEEPER-DEFENSE: Safety Juan Thornhill CAN’T MISS: LB CJ Stalker PROJECT: WR Warren Craft LOCAL BOY: Safety Juan Thonrhill FAN FAVORITE: MLB Jahvoni Simmons TOP RECRUITER: OC Steve Fairchild

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: DE Zach Allen WR Nolan Borgersen DE Tanner Karafa TE Chris Garrison RB Sharrieff Grice INSTANT IMPACT: TE Chris Garrison BIG GET: DE Zach Allen BIG MISS: DT Christian Wilkins SLEEPER-OFFENSE: QB Elijah Robinson SLEEPER-DEFENSE: CB Lukas Denis CAN’T MISS: TE Jake Burt PROJECT: OT John Phillips LOCAL BOY: CB Lucas Denis FAN FAVORITE: Jordan Gowins TOP RECRUITER: Frank Leonard

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: RB Darrin Hall CB Jordan Whitehead OG Alex Paulina S Jazzee Stocker OLB Saleem Brightwell INSTANT IMPACT: CB Jordan Whitehead BIG GET: CB Jordan Whitehead BIG MISS: Nick Bowers SLEEPER-OFFENSE: WR Quadree Henderson SLEEPER-DEFENSE: OLB Saleem Brightwell CAN’T MISS: CB Jordan Whitehead PROJECT: QB Ben DiNucci LOCAL BOY: CB Jordan Whitehead FAN FAVORITE: CB Jordan Whitehead TOP RECRUITER: John Peterson

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: Kendall Hinton Rocky Reid Paris Black Dionte Austin Bowman Archibald INSTANT IMPACT: Rocky Reid BIG GET: Dionte Austin BIG MISS: Dior Johnson SLEEPER-OFFENSE: Tabari Hines SLEEPER-DEFENSE: Amari Henderson CAN’T MISS: Rocky Reid PROJECT: Jake Benzinger LOCAL BOY: Lee Autry FAN FAVORITE: Tabari Hines TOP RECRUITER: Dave Cohen

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: Ben Humphreys OLB T.J. Rahming WR Keyston Fuller ATH Quentin Harris QB Trevon McSwain DE INSTANT IMPACT: WR TJ Rahming BIG GET: OLB Ben Humphreys BIG MISS: RB Johnnie Frasier SLEEPER-OFFENSE: Aaron Young WR SLEEPER-DEFENSE: Brandon Feamster S CAN’T MISS: Ben Humphreys PROJECT: DE Twaz Mugala LOCAL BOY: P Austin Parker FAN FAVORITE: TJ Rahming TOP RECRUITER: Jeff Faris

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: LB Tre Lamar LOCAL BOY: RB Xavier Gantt DREAM RECRUIT: DT Derrick Brown EARLY COMMITS: RB Xavier Gantt, ATH Brittain Brown BIGGEST NEEDS: OL, CB, S TOP TARGETS/OFF: RB Xavier Gantt, ATH Brittain Brown, RB Malik Staples, OL Conner McGovern, WR Marquez Calloway, WR Kiel Pollard TOP TARGETS/DEF LB Tre Lamar, DB Dylan Singleton, S Jordan Mack, DE Mailk Barrow DT Shug Frazier, CB Ronnie Blackmon

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: OT Liam Smith LOCAL BOY: LB Jamir Jones DREAM RECRUIT: DT Rayshon Gary EARLY COMMITS: None yet BIGGEST NEEDS: WR, QB, LB TOP TARGETS/OFF: RB Robert Washington, OT Liam Smith, WR Taysir Mack, QB Anthony Brown, WR Kolton Huber, TE Naseir Upshur TOP TARGETS/DEF LB Jamir Jones, CB Jordan Fuller, LB Elysse Mbem Bosse, DT Bo Peek, DE Terrell Hall

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: CB Levonta Taylor LOCAL BOY: CB Levonta Taylor DREAM RECRUIT: OT Jauan Williams EARLY COMMITS: WR Cole Blackman, WR Joseph Reed BIGGEST NEEDS: OL, WR, DE TOP TARGETS/OFF: OL Clark Yarbrough, WR Trevon Diggs, OT Jauan Williams, TE Cary Angeline, OL Liam Smith, WR Eric Kumah TOP TARGETS/DEF: CB Levonta Taylor, MLB Jaquan Yulee, OLB Landon Word, DE Devery Hamilton, DE Sulaiman Kamara, DT Kyree Campbell

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: TE Danny Dalton LOCAL BOY: TE Danny Dalton DREAM RECRUIT: DT Rashan Gary EARLY COMMITS: DE Bryce Morais, CB Ronnie Blackmon, TE Scooter Harrington, OT Sean Ragan BIGGEST NEEDS: DE, RB & OL TOP TARGETS/OFF: WR Isaiah Wright, OT Lucas Niang, WR Jacob Morgenstern, TE Ray Marten, WR Jovani Haskins, QB Anthony Brown TOP TARGETS/DEF: OLB Koby Quansan, DT Michael Dwumfor, S Phil Campbell, OLB Jamir Jones, DE Brandon Barlow, DT Rashan Gary

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: CB Damar Hamlin LOCAL BOY: RB Kaezon Pugh DREAM RECRUIT: RB Miles Sanders EARLY COMMITS: CB Tony Butler, OT Brandon Ford, QB Thomas MacVittie BIGGEST NEEDS: QB, WR, LB TOP TARGETS/OFF: RB Kaezon Pugh, WR Aaron Mathews, RB Jo-El Shaw, WR Kobay White, OT Will Fries, WR Hasise Dubois TOP TARGETS/DEF: CB Damar Hamlin, S Andrew Pryts, OLB Rashawn Battle, DT Rashad Wheeler, CB Therran Coleman, DB Khaleke Hudson

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: Moe Neal LOCAL BOY: Cade Carney DREAM RECRUIT: Robert Washington EARLY COMMITS: Je’Vionte Nash BIGGEST NEEDS: LB, S and WR TOP TARGETS/OFF: Kennedy McKoy, Moe Neal, Donaven Tennyson, Tre Harbison, Johnnie Glaspie, Darion Slade TOP TARGETS/DEF: Isaiah Stallings, Myles Dorn, Alexander Gagnon, J.J. Givens, Sulaiman Kamara, LaRonde Liverpool

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: Defensive tackles LOCAL BOY: Elijah Deveaux, RB DREAM RECRUIT: Dexter Lawrence, DT EARLY COMMITS: Mark Birmingham, TE Scott Bracey, WR Elijah Deveaux, RB BIGGEST NEEDS: QB, DT, RB TOP TARGETS/OFF: Still Developing TOP TARGETS/DEF: Still Developing

BY GREG POWERS

CONF. RANKING NO.3

BIG12 IMPACT PLAYERS

1. OT Brandon Hodges, Texas 2. OG Jamal Danley, Oklahoma 3. QB Jarrett Stidham, Baylor 4. DT Breiden Fehoko, Texas Tech 5. RB Keaun Kinner, Kansas

NFL PROSPECTS

Breiden Fehoko, Texas Tech

1. LB Malik Jefferson, Texas 2. LB Ricky DeBerry, Oklahoma 3. QB Jarrett Stidham, Baylor 4. DT Breiden Fehoko, Texas Tech 5. RB Chris Warren, Texas

MOST PRESSURE 1. CB Deshawn Raymond, TCU 2. DT Darrion Daniels, Okla. State 3. QB Ryan Willis, Kansas 4. WR Jovon Durante, West Virginia 5. WR Ryan Newsome, Texas

TOP QBS 1. Jarrett Stidham, Baylor 2. Kai Locksley, Texas 3. David Sills, West Virginia 4. John Kolar, Oklahoma State 5. Ryan Willis, Kansas

TOP SKILL-POSITION 1. RB Chris Warren, Texas 2. RB Corey Dauphine, Texas Tech 3. WR J.F. Thomas, Texas Tech 4. RB Rodney Anderson, Oklahoma 5. WR John Burt, Texas

Jarrett Stidham, Baylor

Anthony Wheeler, Texas

TOP OL 1. OG Patrick Vahe, Texas 2. OT Bobby Evans, Oklahoma 3. OT Dru Samia, Oklahoma 4. OT Conner Dyer, Texas Tech 5. OT Madison Akamnonu, Texas Tech

TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYERS 1. LB Malik Jefferson, Texas 2. DT Breiden Fehoko, Texas Tech 3. LB Ricky DeBerry, Oklahoma 4. CB Kris Boyd, Texas 5. CB Holton Hill, Texas

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Kris Boyd, Texas

Rodney Anderson, Oklahoma

year the biggest storyline in 2015 This the Big 12 conference was the hire of Charlie Strong at Texas and his new approach at the university. In his first year he helped the Longhorns secure the top-rated class in the conference and took the battle right at in-state recruiting rival Texas A&M, securing some key commitmentsaaway from the Aggies, which under the eye of Kevin Sumlin had emerged as the preeminent recruiting power in the Lone Star State. No surprise, as Oklahoma finished second in the conference battle.

be an interesting year following 2016 It’ll some of the schools in the Big 12.

Gary Patterson and TCU enter the season as a favorite to make the college football playoff and returns a large majority of its star power. Charlie Strong and Texas will be looking to re-build the offense in Austin. Bob Stoops is facing some heat for the first time really in his tenure as the Sooners head man. And Mike Gundy at Oklahoma State has a team that’s gaining some talks as a conference sleeper.

John Kolar, Oklahoma State

BIGGEST RECRUITING COUP Darrion Daniels, Oklahoma State This was a big coup, because Daniels’ father played his college ball at Texas Tech.

BIGGEST RECRUITING BATTLE Justin Madubuike, McKinney North Top 25 rated defensive end who has all of the major offers across the country.

SIGNING-DAY SURPRISE Ryan Newsome, Texas After commiting to UCLA at a school ceremony the four-star decided to stay in-state.

THE MOST PRESSURE TO SIGN WITH A TEAM Kendell Jones, Texas The five-star defensive tackle plays right up the road from Austin for Killeen Shoemaker.

BEST RECRUITING BATTLE Malik Jefferson, Texas The No. 1 rated player in Texas picked UT after it was assumed A&M was the leader.

TOP EARLY COMMIT Patrick Hudson, Baylor A Top 50 rated OL prospect who already has the look of an all-conference player.

BIGGEST FLIPPER Jamile Johnson, Texas Tech Ends up in Lubbock after spending time on Oklahoma, North Carolina and Texas commit lists.

RECRUITER TO WATCH Kerry Cooks, Oklahoma Takes over coaching DBs at OU and should have a huge impact recruiting the Dallas Metroplex.

THE SLEEPER Bryce Balous, Oklahoma State A bit undersized the McKinney North safety is a big hitter with a 4.38 40.

COACH ON THE HOT SEAT Paul Rhoads, Iowa State With only five games in the win column over the past two years he is one to watch.

LATE BLOOMER Dave Bolisomi, TCU He ended up with big-time offers, but the first one did not come in until October.

TOP STORYLINE TCU Heading in to the season the Frogs are capitolizing on a Top 5 national ranking.

THE PROJECT Osaze Ogbebor, Kansas LB who came from off of the radar to sign with the Jayhawks on Signing Day.

TOP 2016 CLASS WILL BE ... Texas Although TCU will push for that honor in ’16, it’s hard to pick against the Longhorns.

MOST WELL-ROUNDED CLASS Texas With 28 signees Texas signed impact players from the JuCo ranks and prep ranks.

THROWBACK: TOP 2005 RECRUIT Demarcus Granger, Oklahoma Five-star who came out of the gate strong before back injuries derailed his playing career.

TOP RECRUITER Jerry Montgomery, Oklahoma The Big 12 Recruiter of the Year is now cashing his checks as a Packers assistant.

THROWBACK: TOP 2005 CLASS Oklahoma One of the top overall classes in Scout history, helped OU to a national title game.

CAN’T WAIT TO SEE PLAY Jarrett Stidham, Baylor He should be able to put up monster numbers under the guidance of Briles in Waco.

THROWBACK: TOP 2005 SURPRISE Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska Rated just outside the Scout Top 50 Suh has developed into a premiere NFL DT.

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CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: LB Malik Jefferson, OT Brandon Hodges, CB Kris Boyd, RB Chris Warren, CB Holton Hill INSTANT IMPACT: LB Malik Jefferson BIG GET: LB Malik Jefferson BIG MISS: WR Ryan Newsome SLEEPER-OFFENSE: TE Devonaire Clarington SLEEPER-DEFENSE: LB Cameron Townsend CAN’T MISS: LB Malik Jefferson PROJECT: OL Ronnie Major LOCAL BOY: LB Breckyn Hager FAN FAVORITE: OL Patrick Vahe TOP RECRUITER: LB coach Brian Jean-Mary

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: RB Rodney Anderson, LB Ricky DeBerry, OL Jamal Danley, DT Neville Gallimore, S Will Sunderland INSTANT IMPACT: OT Jamal Danley BIG GET: S Prentice McKinney BIG MISS: OG Josh Wariboko SLEEPER-OFFENSE: WR John Humphrey SLEEPER-DEFENSE: CB William Johnson CAN’T MISS: WR Dede Westbrook PROJECT: OG Dominique Hearne LOCAL BOY: TE Dalton Wood FAN FAVORITE: K/P Austin Seibert TOP RECRUITER: DLC Jerry Montgomery

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: DB Niko Small, LB Mike Freeze, CB Deshawn Raymond, WR Jarrison Stewart, DL Joe Broadnax INSTANT IMPACT: CB Deshawn Raymond BIG GET: CB Deshawn Raymond BIG MISS: DT Daylon Mack SLEEPER-OFFENSE: OT David Bolisomi SLEEPER-DEFENSE: DB Arico Evans CAN’T MISS: OT Sam Awolope PROJECT: DB Julius Lewis LOCAL BOY: LB Semaj Thomas FAN FAVORITE: CB Deshsawn Raymond TOP RECRUITER: Curtis Luper

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: DT Breiden Fehoko, RB Corey Dauphine, WR J.F. Thomas, OL Conner Dyer, WR Tony Brown INSTANT IMPACT: DT Breiden Fehoko BIG GET: WR J.F. Thomas BIG MISS: QB Jarrett Stidham SLEEPER-OFFENSE: WR Furquan Shorts SLEEPER-DEFENSE: LB D’Vonta Hinton CAN’T MISS: RB Corey Dauphine PROJECT: OL Terrence Steele LOCAL BOY: None FAN FAVORITE: WR Jonathan Giles TOP RECRUITER: Trey Haverty

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: WR Jovon Durante, CB Rasul Douglas, OL Matt Jones, OL Rob Dowdy, QB David Sills INSTANT IMPACT: WR Gary Jennings BIG GET: WR Gary Jennings BIG MISS: RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn SLEEPER-OFFENSE: QB Chris Chugunov SLEEPER-DEFENSE: LB David Long CAN’T MISS: OL Rob Dowdy PROJECT: OL Colton McKivitiz LOCAL BOY: TE Stone Wolfley FAN FAVORITE: DBs Jordan & Jacquez Adams TOP RECRUITER: RB Coach JaJuan Seider

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: RB Chris Carson, DT Darrion Daniels, S Kenneth McGruder, LB Za’Carrius Green, DT Taaj Bakari INSTANT IMPACT: RB Chris Carson BIG GET: DT Darrion Daniels BIG MISS: RB Ronald Jones SLEEPER-OFFENSE: QB/Ath Todd Mays SLEEPER-DEFENSE: DE Louis Brown CAN’T MISS: RB Chris Carson PROJECT: RB Jeff Carr LOCAL BOY: QB John Kolar FAN FAVORITE: DT Darrion Daniels TOP RECRUITER: DL Joe Bob Clements

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: QB Jarrett Stidham, RB JaMycal Hasty, WR Blake Lynch, S J.W. Ketchum, OT Maurice Porter INSTANT IMPACT: S J.W. Ketchum BIG GET: QB Jarrett Stidham BIG MISS: CB Holton Hill SLEEPER-OFFENSE: WR Devontre Stricklin SLEEPER-DEFENSE: LB Eric Ogor CAN’T MISS: K/P Andrew Galitz PROJECT: ATH Sam Tecklenberg LOCAL BOY: LB Lenoy Jones Jr. FAN FAVORITE: WR Blake Lynch TOP RECRUITER: OC Kendall Briles

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: DT Kendell Jones LOCAL BOY: DE Erick Fowler DREAM RECRUIT: TE Kaden Smith EARLY COMMITS: WR Collin Johnson, WR Reggie Hemphill, ATH Demarco Boyd BIGGEST NEEDS: DT, QB, TE TOP TARGETS/OFF: QB Shane Buechele, WR Devin Duvernay, TE Kaden Smith, OT J.P. Urquidez, RB Devwah Whaley, QB Dwayne Haskins TOP TARGETS/DEF: S Eric Monroe, DE Justin Madubuike, DT Kendell Jones, DT Ed Oliver, DT Mike Williams, DE Erick Fowler

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: LB Calvin Bundage LOCAL BOY: DE Noah Jones DREAM RECRUIT: OLB Caleb Kelly EARLY COMMITS: WR Adrian Hardy, TE Jon-Michael Terry BIGGEST NEEDS: QB, LB, WR TOP TARGETS/OFF: RB Abdul Adams, WR Tren’Davian Dickson, OT Kellen Diesch, QB Dwayne Haskins Jr., OT J.P. Urquidez, WR Camron Williams TOP TARGETS/DEF: LB Krys Barnes, LB Calvin Bundage, DT Chris Daniels, CB Benjie Franklin, CB Jared Mayden, LB Rahshaun Smith

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: DT Ed Oliver LOCAL BOY: WR Dylan Thomas DREAM RECRUIT: DT Ed Oliver EARLY COMMITS: Brennen Wooten, Austin Myers, D’Eriq King BIGGEST NEEDS: RB, OT, LB TOP TARGETS/OFF: Trayveon Williams, Keith Corbett, Greg Little, Robert Washington, Riley Anderson, Austin Anderson TOP TARGETS/DEF: Ed Oliver, Chris Daniels, Isaiah Chambers, Brandon Bowen, Cameron Lewis, Dontavious Jackson

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: ATH Tristan Wallace LOCAL BOY: N/A DREAM RECRUIT: QB Shea Patterson EARLY COMMITS: ATH Tristan Wallace, DB Collin Wilder BIGGEST NEEDS: DL, QB, LB TOP TARGETS/OFF: QB Shane Buechele, ATH Tristan Wallace, WR Tyler Vaughns, WR Devin Duvernay, WR Clyde LeFlore TOP TARGETS/DEF: DL Ed Oliver, DL Mike Williams, DL Rashard Lawrence, LB Marvin Terry, S Brandon Jones, LB McKinley Mitchell

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: WR Steven Smothers LOCAL BOY: S Dylan Tonkery DREAM RECRUIT: LB Brendan Ferns EARLY COMMITS: S Dylan Tonkery, LB Reese Donahue, LB Logan Thimons BIGGEST NEEDS: RB, LB, WR TOP TARGETS/OFF: RB Kaezon Pugh, WR Steven Smothers, WR Tino Ellis, OL Josh Ball, QB Dwayne Haskins, WR Calvin Ridley TOP TARGETS/DEF: LB Brendan Ferns, CB Levonta Taylor, LB Jango Glackin, LB Zach Sandwisch, DE Devery Hamilton, DB Dontre Boyd

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: RB Justice Hill LOCAL BOY: RB Justice Hill DREAM RECRUIT: DT Rashard Lawrence EARLY COMMITS: RB Justice Hill, CB Malik Kearse, CB Madre Harper BIGGEST NEEDS: 1) LB 2) RB 3) CB TOP TARGETS/OFF: RB Justice Hill, WR Clyde LeFlore, OG Parker Boudreaux, RB Trayveon Williams, WR Tyrell Alexander TOP TARGETS/DEF: DT Rashard Lawrence, S Eric Monroe, CB Jared Mayden, S Deontay Anderson, DT Mike Williams, DT Chris Daniels

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: DE McTelvin Agim LOCAL BOY: CB Eric Cuffee DREAM RECRUIT: CB Saivion Smith EARLY COMMITS: OT Patrick Hudson, RB Kameron Martin, WR Tren’Davion Dickson BIGGEST NEEDS: DT, DE, OL TOP TARGETS/OFF: WR Devin Duvernay, OT J.P. Urquidez, QB Tristan Wallace, RB Devwah Whaley, TE Kaden Smith, OG Keenan Murphy TOP TARGETS/DEF: CB Saivion Smith, DT Mike Williams, DE McTelvin Agim, MLB Dontavious Jackson, DE Erick Fowler, CB Obi Eboh

N16

07 (T41)

Demond Tucker

Dorance Armstrong

Elijah Sullivan

08 (43)

09 (50)

10 (55)

KANSAS STATE

KANSAS

IOWA STATE

PurplePride.com

Phog.net

CycloneSportsReport.com

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: OLB Elijah Sullivan, CB Darreyl Patterson, OT Scott Frantz, ATH Denzel Goolsby, DT Bryce English INSTANT IMPACT: DE Aulelio Olomua BIG GET: OLB Elijah Sullivan BIG MISS: S Darreon Jackson SLEEPER-OFFENSE: RB Alex Barnes SLEEPER-DEFENSE: DE Joshua Little CAN’T MISS: ATH Denzel Goolsby PROJECT: DE Reggie Walker LOCAL BOY: DT Trey Dishon FAN FAVORITE: ATH Denzel Goolsby TOP RECRUITER: Mo Latimore

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: QB Ryan Willis, WR Chase Harrell, DE Dorance Armstrong, TE/DE Jace Sternberger, RB Ke’Aun Kinner INSTANT IMPACT: DE Dorance Armstrong BIG GET: DE Dorance Armstrong BIG MISS: OL Scott Frantz SLEEPER-OFFENSE: WR Chase Harrell SLEEPER-DEFENSE: DB Shaquille Richmond CAN’T MISS: DE Dorance Armstrong PROJECT: DB Denzell Feaster LOCAL BOY: OL Will Smith FAN FAVORITE: DE Dorance Arsmtrong TOP RECRUITER: RB coach Reggie Mitchell

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: DT Demond Tucker, DE Seth Nerness, LB Bobby McMillen, WR Denver Johnson, OT Jaypee Philbert INSTANT IMPACT: DT Demond Tucker BIG GET: DE Seth Nerness BIG MISS: RB Devine Ozigbo SLEEPER-OFFENSE: WR Hakeem Butler SLEEPER-DEFENSE: CB Stephon Brown CAN’T MISS: DT Demond Tucker PROJECT: WR Landen Akers LOCAL BOY: OL Bryce Meeker FAN FAVORITE: DE Seth Nerness TOP RECRUITER: RB Coach Louis Ayeni

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: DE Xavier Kelly (Committed) LOCAL BOY: Topeka OT Teven Jenkins DREAM RECRUIT: QB Logan Byrd EARLY COMMITS: TE Nick Lenners, DE Xavier Kelly BIGGEST NEEDS: QB, LB, S TOP TARGETS/OFF: OT Teven Jenkins, RB/WR A.J. Taylor, QB Logan Byrd, WR Michael Gallup, WR Kofi Boateng, RB Tre Bryant TOP TARGETS/DEF: DE Amani Bledsoe, DT Isaiahh Loudermilk, DE Tre Williams, OLB Hunter Donnelly, OLB Kevin Moore, S Demarkus Acy

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: DE Amani Bledsoe LOCAL BOY: De Amani Bledsoe DREAM RECRUIT: RB Kentrail Moran EARLY COMMITS: OL Antonie Frazier BIGGEST NEEDS: OL, LB, RB TOP TARGETS/OFF: OL Teven Jenkins, RB Kentrail Moran, QB Skylar Thompson, WR Courtney Lark, WR Theo Howard, OL Frank Martin TOP TARGETS/DEF: DE Amani Bledsoe, LB Dontavious Jackson, DB Byron Murphy, DB Jared Mayden, DT Chris Daniels, S Isaiah Simmons

2015 SCOUT.COM TEAM RANKINGS Rk School

Commits Conf

Points Top100 5

4 3

Off Def

SpT HS

JC Avg

1. USC

26 Pac-12 4950 12 4 15 7 13 13 0 24 2 3.88

2. Alabama

23 SEC

3. Auburn

27 SEC 4616 3 2 16 9 13 13 1 24 3 3.74

4. Georgia

29 SEC 4351 5 2 13 14 10 19 0 27 2 3.59

4768 10 5 14 4 11 12 0 22 1 4.04

5. Tennessee

30 SEC 4281 4 3 12 13 14 14 2 28 2 3.53

24 Indep 4202 5 1 15 8 11 12 1 24 0 3.71

Notre Dame

7. Texas

28 Big 12 4188 5 1 14 11 14 14 0 25 3 3.50

27 Big Ten 4136 4 0 15 11 14 12 1 27 0 3.52

Ohio State

9. UCLA

20 Pac-12 4091 5 4 12 4 11 9 0 19 1 4.00

10. Texas A&M

25 SEC 4081 5 3 11 11 11 13 1 22 3 3.68

11. Florida State

21 ACC 3885 6 4 11 5 12 9 0 20 1 3.86

12. LSU

25 SEC 3835 6 2 11 9 17 6 2 24 1 3.48

13. Penn State

25 Big Ten 3826 2 0 13 12 12 13 0 24 1 3.52

14. Oklahoma

24 Big 12 3434 3 1 9 14 11 12 1 21 3 3.46

15. Clemson

24 ACC 3405 3 1 10 11 10 14 0 24 0 3.38

16. Mississippi

22 SEC 3298 3 1 10 10 11 11 0 18 4 3.50

17. Arizona State

23 Pac-12 3219 1 1 8 14 12 11 0 20 3 3.43

18. Michigan State

21 Big Ten 3141 1 0 10 11 9 12 0 20 1 3.48

19. Mississippi State 28 SEC 3131 1 0 7 21 15 13 0 24 4 3.25 20. South Carolina

28 SEC 2877 0 1 4 20 13 14 1 23 5 3.11

t21. Arkansas

24 SEC 2820 0 0 7 17 12 11 1 22 2 3.29

t21. Oregon

22 Pac-12 2820 3 1 6 15 12 10 0 20 2 3.36

23. Washington

24 Pac-12 2719 1 0 8 13 8 15 1 23 1 3.21

24. North Carolina

19 ACC 2557 0 0 8 11 11 8 0 19 0 3.42

25. Stanford

22 Pac-12 2548 1 0 5 16 11 10 1 22 0 3.18

FOR UP-TO-DATE 2015 TEAM RANKINGS GO TO SCOUT.COM

BY ALLEN TRIEU

CONF. RANKING NO.4

BIGTEN IMPACT PLAYERS

1. OT Paris Palmer, Penn State 2. QB Alex Malzone, Michigan 3. RB L.J. Scott, Michigan St. 4. WR Flynn Nagel, Northwestern 5. RB Markell Jones, Purdue

NFL PROSPECTS

Alex Malzone, Michigan

1. OT Isaiah Prince, Ohio State 2. OT Noah Listermann, Michigan St. 3. DE Marques Ford, Rutgers 4. QB Zach Gentry, Michigan 5. RB Jordan Stevenson, Wisconsin

Noah Listermann, Michigan State

MOST PRESSURE 1. QB Alex Malzone, Michigan 2. QB Tommy Stevens, Penn State 3. TE Tyrone Wheatley Jr., Michigan 4. QB Torrance Gibson, Ohio State 5. WR Flynn Nagel, Northwestern

TOP QBS 1. Torrance Gibson, Ohio State 2. Alex Malzone, Michigan 3. Joey Burrow, Ohio State 4. Zach Gentry, Michigan 5. Demry Croft, Minnesota

TOP SKILL-POSITION 1. L.J. Scott, Michigan St. 2. Mike Weber, Ohio State 3. Jordan Stevenson, Wisconsin 4. Brian Cole, Michigan 5. Saquan Barkley, Penn State

Flynn Nagel, Northwestern

Jordan Stevenson, Wisconsin

TOP OL 1. Isaiah Prince, Ohio State 2. Paris Palmer, Penn State 3. Sterling Jenkins, Penn State 4. Jon Dietzen, Wisconsin 5. Noah Listermann, Michigan St.

TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYERS 1. Justin Hilliard, Ohio State 2. Kamonte Carter, Penn State 3. Marques Ford, Rutgers 4. Adam McLean, Maryland 5. Raequan Williams, Michigan St.

N18

off a national title, Ohio State 2015 Fresh won another conference recruiting

Justin Hilliard, Ohio State

title. However, Penn State made a furious rally late and nearly caught the Buckeyes as James Franklin signed a highly ranked class. Michigan State signed their best class under Mark Dantonio, Illinois signed the surprise class of the conference, and new faces like Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, Paul Chryst at Wisconsin and Mike Riley in Nebraska all had good first classes as everyone looks to catch up to Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes.

Ohio State and Penn State battle 2016 Will it out for the conference’s top spot

again or will Jim Harbaugh have the recruiting impact that many believe he will and have the Wolverines back to the top of the Big Ten recruiting rankings? Can schools like Michigan State, Illinois, Wisconsin and others continue the momentum they’ve built in recent classes, and can Mike Riley build upon a good start to the 2016 class for the Cornhuskers?

Markell Jones, Purdue

BIGGEST RECRUITING COUP Mike Weber, Ohio State Buckeyes land top prospect in Michigan and a onetime Wolverine commit.

BIGGEST RECRUITING BATTLE Donnie Corley Michigan and Michigan State battle with Ohio State for the top prospect in Michigan.

SIGNING-DAY SURPRISE Shelton Johnson, Michigan Wolverines pull 4-star Florida DE away from Hurricanes and Noles on NSD.

MOST PRESSURE TO SIGN WITH A TEAM J.D. Spielman Nephew of Ohio State great Chris Spielman has an early Michigan offer.

BEST RECRUITING BATTLE Mike Weber, Ohio State Committed to Michigan, then Ohio State, then nearly switched back at the last moment.

TOP EARLY COMMIT Kareem Walker, Ohio State The nation’s number one tailback heads a strong early Buckeye class.

BIGGEST FLIPPER Adam McLean, Maryland One-time Penn State commit changed his mind, then went with home state Terps.

RECRUITER TO WATCH D.J. Durkin, Michigan Had a reputation as a great recruiter in Florida and will have a full-cycle in Ann Arbor now.

THE SLEEPER Demry Croft, Minnesota Don’t be surprised if this athletic 6-5 quarterback ends up an All-Conference performer.

COACH ON THE HOT SEAT Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern Wildcats must perform better on the field this year, and win some recruiting battles.

LATE BLOOMER Cole Chewins, Michigan State High school tight end started filling his 6-7 frame and landed MSU offer as a tackle.

TOP STORYLINE Liam Eichenberg Highly-ranked Ohioan has Buckeyes, Michigan, but also Notre Dame after him hard.

THE PROJECT Zach Gentry, Michigan 6-7 and athletic, but needs polish, which is where Jim Harbaugh comes in.

TOP 2016 CLASS WILL BE ... Ohio State Hard to bet against the Buckeyes and they already have several major prospects committed.

MOST WELL-ROUNDED CLASS Penn State Talent at all positions and difference is instant impact in the form of JUCO prospects.

THROWBACK: TOP 2005 RECRUIT Derrick Williams, Penn State 5-star had a good career with Nittany Lions and was a 3rd Round NFL Draft pick.

TOP RECRUITER Josh Gattis, Penn State Gattis and head coach James Franklin are part of a staff full of great recruiters.

THROWBACK: TOP 2005 CLASS Michigan Mario Manningham, Zoltan Mesko and others went on to play in the NFL.

CAN’T WAIT TO SEE PLAY Flynn Nagel, Northwestern Could he be this year’s Mike Dudek? He will have the opportunity to be.

THROWBACK: TOP 2005 SUPRISE Eric Decker, Minnesota Two-star with no other offers developed into a star for Gophers and in NFL.

06 (39)

Brian Cole

03 (24)

OHIO STATE

PENN STATE

MICHIGAN WISCONSIN NEBRASKA ILLINOIS STATE

MICHIGAN

BuckeyeSports.com

FightOnState.com

SpartanDigest.com

BadgerNation.com

BigRedReport.com

IlliniPlaybook.com

TheMichiganInsider.com

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: QB Torrance Gibson, RB Mike Weber, OT Isaiah Prince, LB Justin Hilliard, LB Jerome Baker INSTANT IMPACT: RB Mike Weber BIG GET: RB Mike Weber BIG MISS: DE Porter Gustin SLEEPER-OFFENSE: WR A.J. Alexander SLEEPER-DEFENSE: CB Joshua Norwood CAN’T MISS: LB Justin Hilliard PROJECT: OT Grant Schmidt LOCAL BOY: LB Nick Conner FAN FAVORITE: QB Joey Burrow TOP RECRUITER: Kerry Coombs

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: DB John Reid, WR Juwan Johnson, RB Saquon Barkley, DE Kamonte Carter, OT Paris Palmer (juco) INSTANT IMPACT: OT Paris Palmer BIG GET: DB John Reid BIG MISS: QB Brandon Wimbush SLEEPER-OFFENSE: TE Nick Bowers SLEEPER-DEFENSE: LB Daiquan Kelly CAN’T MISS: WR Juwan Johnson PROJECT: DT Robert Windsor LOCAL BOY: DE Kevin Givens FAN FAVORITE: WR Brandon Polk TOP RECRUITER: WR Josh Gattis

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: RB L.J. Scott, DT Raequan Williams, DL Cassius Peat, DB Kaleel Gaines, OT Kyonta Stallworth INSTANT IMPACT: RB L.J. Scott BIG GET: RB L.J. Scott BIG MISS: WR Miles Boykin SLEEPER-OFFENSE: OT Cole Chewins SLEEPER-DEFENSE: DB Grayson Miller CAN’T MISS: RB L.J. Scott PROJECT: OT Cole Chewins LOCAL BOY: DB Khari Willis FAN FAVORITE: LB Tyriq Thompson TOP RECRUITERS: DL coach Ron Burton, QB coach Brad Salem

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: RB Jordan Stevenson, OL Jon Dietzen, QB Austin Kafentzis, CB Titus Booker, OLB Arrington Farrar INSTANT IMPACT: RB Jordan Stevenson BIG GET: OLB Arrington Farrar BIG MISS: MLB Jordan Griffin SLEEPER-OFFENSE: TE Kyle Penniston SLEEPER-DEFENSE: MLB Nick Thomas CAN’T MISS: RB Jordan Stevenson PROJECT: TE David Edwards LOCAL BOY: OLB Zach Baun FAN FAVORITE: QB Austin Kafentzis TOP RECRUITER: RB coach Thomas Brown

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: CB Eric Lee, DT Carlos Davis, LB Dedrick Young, DT Khalil Davis, WR Lavan Alston INSTANT IMPACT: Dedrick Young BIG GET: CB Eric Lee BIG MISS: OT Darrin Paulo SLEEPER-OFFENSE: WR Stanley Morgan SLEEPER-DEFENSE: OLB Tyrin Ferguson CAN’T MISS: DT Carlos Davis PROJECT: DE Alex Davis LOCAL BOY: OL Michael Decker FAN FAVORITE: RB Devine Ozigbo TOP RECRUITER: DB Charlton Warren

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: OT Gabe Megginson, RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn, RB Dre Brown, RB Henry Enyenihi, OT Adam Solomon INSTANT IMPACT: TE Andrew Davis BIG GET: OT Gabe Megginson BIG MISS: WR Miles Boykin SLEEPER-OFFENSE: OT Zeke Martin SLEEPER-DEFENSE: S Desmond Cain CAN’T MISS: OT Gabe Megginson PROJECT: CB Frank Sumpter LOCAL BOY: QB Jimmy Fitzgerald FAN FAVORITE: RB Dre Brown TOP RECRUITER: Alex Golesh

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: WR Brian Cole, DE Shelton Johnson, QB Alex Malzone, QB Zach Gentry, TE Tyrone Wheatley Jr. INSTANT IMPACT: WR Brian Cole BIG GET: QB Zach Gentry BIG MISS: RB Mike Webber SLEEPER-OFFENSE: WR Grant Perry SLEEPER-DEFENSE: DB Keith Washington CAN’T MISS: WR Brian Cole PROJECT: QB Zach Gentry LOCAL BOY: QB Alex Malzone FAN FAVORITE: QB Alex Malzone TOP RECRUITER: HC Jim Harbaugh

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: LB Brendan Ferns LOCAL BOY: LB Jonathan Cooper DREAM RECRUIT: DT Rashan Gary EARLY COMMITS: LB Jonathon Cooper, RB Kareem Walker, WR George Hill, OG Tyler Gerald, DE Terrell Hall, TE Kierre Hawkins, TE Jake Hausmann BIGGEST NEEDS: DT, WR, OT TOP TARGETS/OFF: OT Liam Eichenberg, WR Austin Mack, WR Donnie Corley, RB Demario McCall, QB Tristen Wallace, TE Luke Farrell TOP TARGETS/DEF: LB Brendan Ferns, DE Nick Bosa, DE Prince Sammons, DE Kyree Campbell

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: OT Michael Menet LOCAL BOY: OL Connor McGovern DREAM RECRUIT: DT Rashan Gary EARLY COMMITS: DE Shane Simmons, RB Miles Sanders, CB Lavert Hill BIGGEST NEEDS: DT, OL TOP TARGETS/OFF: OT Michael Menet, OT Jauan Williams, TE Cary Angeline, WR Trevon Diggs, OT Terrance Davis, QB Dwayne Haskins TOP TARGETS/DEF: DT Rashan Gary, DE Rahshaun Smith, DB Jordan Fuller, DT Ellison Jordan, LB Brendan Ferns, DB Damar Hamlin

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: OG Ben Bredeson LOCAL BOY: OG Ben Bredeson DREAM RECRUIT: DT Boss Tagaloa EARLY COMMITS: RB Antonio Williams BIGGEST NEEDS: 1) CB 2) WR 3) OL TOP TARGETS/OFF: OG Ben Bredeson, OL Cole Van Lanen, OL Sean Foster, TE Naseir Upshur, WR Justin Layne, OL Spencer Kanz TOP TARGETS/DEF LB Tuf Borland, DT Boss Tagaloa, DE Prince Sammons, CB Nigel Warrior, OLB Ethan Tucky, OLB Tristan Pipp

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: OL. John Raridon LOCAL BOY: TE Jared Bubak DREAM RECRUIT: QB Jarrett Guarantano EARLY COMMITS: OG John Raridon, TE Jared Bubak, OG Bryan Brokop BIGGEST NEEDS: OT, QB, DE TOP TARGETS/OFF OL Matt Farniok, OL John Raridon, RB Chase Lucas, OT Sean Foster, RB Elijah Holyfield TOP TARGETS/DEF DE Josh King, LB Isiah Simmons, DB Jaylon Jones, DT Derrick Brown, DT Mike Willie, LB Dontavious Jackson

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: OG Jake Heinrich LOCAL BOY: TE Albert Okwuegbunam DREAM RECRUIT: WR Donnie Corley EARLY COMMITS: S Juwuane Parchman, RB Kentrail Moran, QB Eli Peters BIGGEST NEEDS: CB, WR, LB TOP TARGETS/OFF: OG Jake Heinrich, WR Emmanuel Rugamba, RB Sam Brodner, WR Taj Williams, WR Donnie Corley TOP TARGETS/DEF: DE Khalid Kareem, DT Mike Panasiuk, LB Amani Jones, DE Amir Watts, CB Julian Love

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: QB K.J. Costello LOCAL BOY: OT Michael Jordan DREAM RECRUIT: DT Rashan Gary EARLY COMMITS: OT Erik Swenson, LB Dele’ Harding BIGGEST NEEDS: CB, LB, WR TOP TARGETS/OFF: QB KJ Costello, WR Dylan Crawford, OT Michael Jordan, OG Ben Bredeson, RB Matt Falcon, WR David Long TOP TARGETS/DEF: DT Rashan Gary, LB Caleb Kelly, LB Jonathan Jones, CB Lavert Hill, DT Chris Daniels, CB Jordan Fuller

N20

05 (37)

Ke’Shawn Vaughn

02 (15)

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: WR Donnie Corley LOCAL BOY: None DREAM RECRUIT: DL Auston Robertson EARLY COMMITS: WR Cam Chambers BIGGEST NEEDS: WR, TE, OT TOP TARGETS/OFF: QB Messiah deWeaver, WR Donnie Corley, TE Luke Farrell, OT Michal Menet, OL Thiyo Lukusa, OT Michael Jordan TOP TARGETS/DEF: DL Auston Robertson, DL Josh King, DL Khalid Kareem, LB Brendan Ferns

04 (32)

Dedrick Young

Jordan Stevenson

Cassius Peat

Paris Palmer

Mike Weber

01 (11)

07 (T41)

Ben Humphreys

JordanHoward

Demry Croft

Blessuan Austin

Jack Hockaday

Flynn Nagel

Adam McLean

UAB-Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

08 (43)

09 (50)

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11 (58)

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MARYLAND NORTH- IOWA WESTERN

RUTGERS

MINNESOTA INDIANA

PURDUE

TerrapinTimes.com

PurpleWildcats.com

HawkeyeInsider.com

ScarletReport.com

GopherDigest.com

AllHoosiers.com

BoilerSportsReport.com

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: DT Adam McLean, OG Quarvez Boulware, OT E.J. Donahue, WR D.J. Moore, CB Darnell Savage INSTANT IMPACT: DT Adam McLean BIG GET: OG Quarvez Boulware BIG MISS: OT Isaiah Prince SLEEPER-OFFENSE: WR Jahrvis Davenport SLEEPER-DEFENSE: DE Oseh Saine CAN’T MISS: DT Adam McLean PROJECT: DT Keiron Howard LOCAL BOY: OG Quarvez Boulware FAN FAVORITE: DT Adam McLean TOP RECRUITER: OC Mike Locksley

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: DT Jordan Thompson, LB Tommy Vitale, WR Flynn Nagel, LB Nathan Fox, DE Joe Gaziano INSTANT IMPACT: WR Flynn Nagel BIG GET: DT Jordan Thompson BIG MISS: WR Grant Perry SLEEPER-OFFENSE: RB Trae Williams SLEEPER-DEFENSE: CB Montre Hartage CAN’T MISS: WR Flynn Nagel PROJECT: OT Adam Lemke-Bell LOCAL BOY: QB Lloyd Yates FAN FAVORITE: WR Flynn Nagel TOP RECRUITER: Matt MacPherson

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: C James Daniels, OLB Jack Hockaday, OL Landan Paulsen, OL Levi Paulsen, OL Jacob Newborg INSTANT IMPACT: Jack Hockaday BIG GET: MLB Jahvoni Simmons BIG MISS: Raequan Williams SLEEPER-OFFENSE: Eric Graham SLEEPER-DEFENSE: Michael Ojemudia CAN’T MISS: James Daniels PROJECT: Anthony Nelson LOCAL BOY: Drew Cook FAN FAVORITE: Landan & Levi Paulsen TOP RECRUITER: Brian Ferentz

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: DE Marques Ford, OL Zach Venesky, CB Blessuan Austin, DL Kamaal Seymour, TE Nakia Griffin INSTANT IMPACT: LB Isaiah Johsnon BIG GET: DE Marques Ford BIG MISS: WR Juwan Johnson SLEEPER-OFFENSE: WR Jawuan Harris SLEEPER-DEFENSE: DE Jon Bateky CAN’T MISS: OL Zach Venesky PROJECT: OL Manny Taylor LOCAL BOY: QB Michael Dare FAN FAVORITE: TE Nakia Griffin TOP RECRUITER: DE Coach Jim Panagos

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: QB Demry Croft, RB Jonathan Femi-Cole, DB Dior Johnson, OT Quinn Oseland, MLB Jaylen Waters INSTANT IMPACT: S Ace Rogers BIG GET: OT Quinn Oseland BIG MISS: DT Jamal Milan SLEEPER-OFFENSE: TE Bryce Witham SLEEPER-DEFENSE: CB Antonio Shenault CAN’T MISS: S Dior Johnson PROJECT: DE Winston DeLattiboudere LOCAL BOY: OT Nick Connelly FAN FAVORITE: QB Demry Croft TOP RECRUITER: OC Matt Limegrover

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: RB Jordan Howard** WR Marqui Hawkins** WR Leon Thornton, WR Camion Patrick, TE Austin Dorris INSTANT IMPACT: RB Jordan Howard BIG GET: WR Leon Thornton BIG MISS: RB Titus Booker SLEEPER-OFFENSE: ATH Mike Majette SLEEPER-DEFENSE: S Jameel Cook CAN’T MISS: WR Isaac James PROJECT: OL DaVondre Love LOCAL BOY: DE Joe Belden FAN FAVORITE: DE Jacob Robinson TOP RECRUITER: DB Noah Joseph

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: QB Elijah Sindelar, DT Eddy Wilson, OLB Markus Bailey, RB Markell Jones, RB Richard Worship INSTANT IMPACT: RB Markell Jones BIG GET: DT Eddy Wilson BIG MISS: LB Josh Barajas SLEEPER-OFFENSE: WR Anthony Mahoungou SLEEPER-DEFENSE: OLB Tim Faison CAN’T MISS: RB Markell Jones PROJECT: OG Matt McCann LOCAL BOY: OT Peyton Truitt FAN FAVORITE: QB Elijah Sindelar TOP RECRUITER: Marcus Freeman

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: QB Dwayne Haskins LOCAL BOY: WR Tino Ellis DREAM RECRUIT: DL Rashan Gary EARLY COMMITS: RB LoLo Harrison, CB DJ Turner, LB Keandre Jones BIGGEST NEEDS: QB, DL. RB TOP TARGETS/OFF: QB Dwayne Haskins, RB Robert Washington, TE Naseir Upshur, WR Tino Ellis, OL Josh Ball, OL Jauan Williams TOP TARGETS/DEF: DL Rashan Gary, DL Ellison Jordan, DL Terrell Hall, CB Patrice Rene, CB Damar Hamlin, CB Robbie Robinson

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: S Andrew Pryts LOCAL BOY: DT Naquan Jones DREAM RECRUIT: WR Javon McKinley EARLY COMMITS: QB Deuce Wallace BIGGEST NEEDS: WR, DT, OT TOP TARGETS/OFF: OG Will Fries, RB Matt Falcon, RB Jeremy Larkin, OG Trent Maynard, OT Sam Schlueter TOP TARGETS/DEF: S Andrew Pryts, DT Jake Saunders, CB Roderick Campbell, CB Patrice Rene, OLB Koby Quansah

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: Running Backs LOCAL BOY: Jake Heinrich DREAM RECRUIT: Taj Williams EARLY COMMITS: RB Toren Young, QB Nate Stanley BIGGEST NEEDS: ILB, RB, DF TOP TARGETS/OFF: WR Taj Williams, RB Martell Pettaway, OG Parker Boudreaux, OT Cole Van Lanen, WR Kofi Boateng, RB Darrian Hammonds TOP TARGETS/DEF: ILB Kyle Taylor, DT Jovan Swann, OLB Nick Niemann, CB A’Shon Riggins, CB Dontre Boyd, DE Josh King

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: DT Rashan Gary LOCAL BOY: WR Mohamed Jabbie DREAM RECRUIT: QB Jarrett Guarantano EARLY COMMITS: OL Ted Field, WR Mohamed Jabbie, LB Jonathan Pollock BIGGEST NEEDS: DT, QB, WR TOP TARGETS/OFF QB Jarrett Guarantano, QB Dwayne Haskins, WR Ahmir Mitchell, WR Kelvin Harmon, OL Jordan Johnson, OL Will Fries TOP TARGETS/DEF DT Rashan Gary, CB Brad Hawkins, DE Ron Johnson, DE Karamo Dioubate, DE Quayshon Alexander, CB Hasise Duboise

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: OLB Carter Coughlin LOCAL BOY: OLB Carter Coughlin DREAM RECRUIT: OLB Brendan Ferns EARLY COMMITS: DT Jojo Garcia, OT Matt Kegel, OT Sam Schlueter BIGGEST NEEDS: DT, OL, LB TOP TARGETS/OFF: OT Matt Kegel, OT Sam Schlueter, RB Matt Falcon, OT Sean Foster, OG Trent Maynard, RB Blair Mulholland TOP TARGETS/DEF: OLB Brendan Ferns, CB Nigel Warrior, OLB Carter Coughlin, DE Chidi Okonya, DT Jamahl Johnson

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: RB Chris Evans LOCAL BOY: RB Chris Evans DREAM RECRUIT: WR Austin Mack EARLY COMMITS: None BIGGEST NEEDS: LB, RB, DL TOP TARGETS/OFF: WR Austin Mack, RB Chris Evans, RB Matt Falcon, WR Justin Layne, RB Kentrail Moran, OT Sean Foster TOP TARGETS/DEF: CB Byron Murphy, DE Auston Robertson, DE Rahshaun Smith, CB Trayvon Mullen, CB Craig Watts, OLB Jango Glackin

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: RB Chris Evans LOCAL BOY: DE Collin Miller DREAM RECRUIT: OLB Ben Davis EARLY COMMITS: None BIGGEST NEEDS: DE, OT, WR TOP TARGETS/OFF: RB Chris Davis, RB Matt Falcon, OG Jack Wohlabaugh, OT Alaric Jackson, OT Ben Knutson, WR Trishton Jackson TOP TARGETS/DEF: DE Collin Miller, S Navon Mosley, S Chris Brown, OLB Dominique Ross, CB Roderick Campbell, DT Jake Saunders

** 2015 eligible UAB transfers

14 (70)

BY BRANDON HUFFMAN

CONF. RANKING NO.2

PAC12 IMPACT PLAYERS

1. QB Josh Rosen, UCLA 2. CB Iman Marshall, USC 3. QB Jake Browning, Washington 4. WR Trent Irwin, Stanford 5. LB Osa Masina, USC

NFL PROSPECTS

Travis Waller, Oregon

MOST PRESSURE 1. QB Josh Rosen, UCLA 2. QB Jake Browning, Washington 3. QB Travis Waller, Oregon 4. CB Iman Marshall, USC 5. DE Canton Kaumatule, Oregon

TOP QBS 1. Josh Rosen, UCLA 2. Jake Browning, Washington 3. Ricky Town, USC 4. Brady White, Arizona State 5. Travis Waller, Oregon

TOP SKILL-POSITION 1. RB Sotonye Jamabo, UCLA 2. TE Chris Clark, UCLA 3. WR Trent Irwin, Stanford 4. ATH Jaason Lewis, Arizona State 5. WR Carlos Strickland, California

Stephen Johnson, UCLA Isaiah Langley, USC

TOP OL 1. Chuma Edoga, USC 2. Fred Ulu-Perry, UCLA 3. Keenan Walker, Arizona 4. Tevita Halalilo, UCLA 5. Josh Wariboko, UCLA

TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYERS 1. DE Canton Kaumatule, Oregon 2. OLB Osa Masina, USC 3. OLB Keisean Lucier-South, UCLA 4. DL Rasheem Green, USC 5. CB Ykili Ross, USC

N22

Keenan Walker, Arizona

Henry Roberts, Washington

1. CB Iman Marshall, USC 2. QB Josh Rosen, UCLA 3. OLB Osa Masina, USC 4. DE Canton Kaumatule, Oregon 5. OT Keenan Walker, Arizona

Brady White, ASU

ended up with the top class in 2015 USC the country, and ran away with the best class in the Pac-12, closing with the “Big Five” of Scout 100 players while UCLA ended up with four players ranked No. 1 at their position nationally. BIGGEST RECRUITING COUP Osa Masina/Porter Gustin, USC USC went in to Utah to grab the state’s top two players, five-star linebacker Osa Masina and four-star defensive end Porter Gustin, two players the in-state Utes wanted and the rest of the country coveted. SIGNING-DAY SURPRISE Joseph Wicker, Arizona State All signs were pointing to Wicker signing with hometown UCLA but the Sun Devils landed him. BEST RECRUITING BATTLE Osa Masina, USC The West’s top linebacker had offers from all over but the Trojans pulled him in over Arizona State and UCLA. BIGGEST FLIPPER Deontay Burnett, USC Once one of Washington State’s top commits, Burnett flipped on Signing Day to USC to play receiver.

Josh Rosen, UCLA

THE SLEEPER Nathan Meadors, UCLA Playing quarterback most of his career, as his film made the rounds, the glimpses he showed as an athlete drew attention. LATE BLOOMER Fotu Leiato, Oregon No one outside the Big Sky knew of Leiato, but once his film went viral, his recruitment exploded and the Ducks reeled him in. THE PROJECT Kevin Scott, USC The former basketball player played just one year of football but had 18+ sacks in his first year playing.

receiver class out West will be 2016 The loaded in 2016 and while the rest of

the offensive side of the ball is down, the defense will be the strength top to bottom. BIGGEST RECRUITING BATTLE Caleb Kelly, Fresno (CA) Clovis West Kelly has offers from every Pac-12 school and Oklahoma will try to get in to Fresno to steal him away. PLAYER WITH THE MOST PRESSURE TO SIGN WITH A TEAM Byron Murphy, Arizona State The top prospect in Arizona will have a ton of pressure to stay home, but the last two top-ranked players in state have spurned ASU for Texas A&M. TOP EARLY COMMIT Breland Brandt, UCLA The No. 2 player in the West committed early to the Bruins, giving them an early five-star. RECRUITER TO WATCH T.J. Woods, Oregon State Woods was a terrific recruiter at Wisconsin, but now back on the West Coast, where he’s from, he should flourish. COACH ON THE HOT SEAT Mike MacIntyre, Colorado The Buffs showed signs of life in 2014, but they still went winless in the Pac-12. TOP STORYLINE The L.A. Battle USC has outrecruited UCLA the last two classes, but the Bruins have won three in a row. A fourth win could change the tide of recruiting. TOP 2016 CLASS WILL BE ... USC The Trojans will again have the full amount of scholarships to give and already have three Scout 300 guys committed.

MOST WELL-ROUNDED CLASS USC The Trojans stocked up at linebacker, running back and quarterback and locked up a top-ranked class.

THROWBACK: TOP 2005 RECRUIT Mark Sanchez, USC The No. 1 player in the 2005 class won a Rose Bowl at USC and was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.

TOP RECRUITER Marques Tuiasosopo, USC The former Rose Bowl MVP was key in the Trojans landing Osa Masina and was the Pac-12 Recruiter of the Year.

THROWBACK: TOP 2005 CLASS USC Sanchez was the crown jewel, but the linebacker corps of Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing and Kaluka Maiava was star-studded.

CAN’T WAIT TO SEE PLAY Trent Irwin, Stanford The most college-ready skill player in this class should give Stanford an immediate contribution.

THROWBACK: TOP 2005 SUPRISE Tyson Alualu, California A three-star out of Hawaii, Alualu ended up being a Top 10 pick and has been a consistent starter with Jacksonville.

Malik Psalms

Trent Irwin

Jake Browning

Canton Kaumatule

Davon Durant

Josh Rosen

Iman Marshall

01 (1)

02 (9)

03 (17)

04 (T21)

05 (23)

06 (25)

USC

UCLA

ARIZONA STATE

OREGON

WASHINGTON

STANFORD CAL

USCFootball.com

BruinReportOnline.com

SunDevilSource.com

Duckplaybook.com

Dawgman.com

TheBootleg.com

BearTerritory.net

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: CB Iman Marshall, DL Rasheem Green, LB Osa Masina, LB John Houston, OL Chuma Edoga INSTANT IMPACT: CB Iman Marshall BIG GET: CB Iman Marshall BIG MISS: TE Chris Clark SLEEPER-OFFENSE: RB Ced Ware SLEEPER-DEFENSE: CB Isaiah Langley CAN’T MISS: DL Rasheem Green PROJECT: DL Christian Rector LOCAL BOY: LB John Houston FAN FAVORITE: CB ImanMarshall TOP RECRUITER: LB Peter Sirmon

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: QB Josh Rosen, DL Kahlil McKenzie, DE Byron Coward, LB Malik Jefferson, OL Martez Ivey INSTANT IMPACT: QB Josh Rosen BIG GET: DE Byron Cowart BIG MISS: LB Roquan Smith SLEEPER-OFFENSE: OL Fred Ulu-Perry SLEEPER-DEFENSE: LB Josh Woods CAN’T MISS: Byron Cowart PROJECT: LB JayJay Wilson LOCAL BOY: DL Benning Potoae FAN FAVORITE: Trent Irwin TOP RECRUITER: OL Coach Adrian Klemm

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: QB Brady White, DT Joseph Wicker, LB Davon Durant, RB Jason Lewis, LB Khaylan Thmoas INSTANT IMPACT: LB Davon Durant BIG GET: DT Joseph Wicker BIG MISS: ATH Jaylinn Hawkins SLEEPER-OFFENSE: OT Steve Miller SLEEPER-DEFENSE: DB Kareem Orr CAN’T MISS: LB Davon Durant PROJECT: LB Nick Ralston LOCAL BOY: QB Bryce Perkins FAN FAVORITE: DT Joseph Wicker TOP RECRUITER: TE’s Coach Chip Long

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: DE Canton Kaumatule, RB Kirk Merritt, WR Alex Ofodile, RB Taj Griffin, WR Malik Lovette INSTANT IMPACT: DE Canton Kaumatule BIG GET: DE Canton Kaumatule BIG MISS: CB Iman Marshall SLEEPER-OFFENSE: TE Jacob Breeland SLEEPER-DEFENSE: S Fotu Leiato CAN’T MISS: DE Canton Kaumatule PROJECT: DE Gus Cumberlander LOCAL BOY: OT Calvin Throckmorton FAN FAVORITE: QB Travis Waller TOP RECRUITER: OC Scott Frost

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: QB Jake Browning, DL Benning Potoae, OL Henry Roberts, DB Austin Joyner, RB Myles Gaskin INSTANT IMPACT: QB Jake Browning BIG GET: QB Jake Browning BIG MISS: RB Chris Warren SLEEPER-OFFENSE: TE Michael Neal SLEEPER-DEFENSE: DE Bryce Sterk CAN’T MISS: QB Jake Browning PROJECT: OL Jared Hilbers LOCAL BOY: DL Benning Potoae FAN FAVORITE: DL Ricky McCoy TOP RECRUITER: OL Henry Roberts

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: WR Trent Irwin, DB Frank Buncom, RB Bryce Love, RB Cameron Scarlett, LB Jordan Fox INSTANT IMPACT: WR Trent Irwin BIG GET: WR Trent Irwin BIG MISS: LB Osa Masina SLEEPER-OFFENSE: WR JJ Arcega-Whiteside SLEEPER-DEFENSE: LB Casey Toohill CAN’T MISS: WR Trent Irwin PROJECT: WR Jabiari Tyler LOCAL BOY: OL Jack Dreyer FAN FAVORITE: DB Frank Buncom TOP RECRUITER: Lance Anderson

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: WR Carlos Strickland, ATH Jaylinn Hawkins, RB Lonny Powell, CB Malik Psalms, OL Semisi Uluave INSTANT IMPACT: CB Malik Psalms BIG GET: WR Carlos Strickland BIG MISS: CB Keith Washington SLEEPER-OFFENSE: WR Kanawai Noa SLEEPER-DEFENSE: DE Trevor Howard CAN’T MISS: WR Carlos Strickland PROJECT: OL Patrick Mekari LOCAL BOY: WR Austin Aaron FAN FAVORITE: RB Lonny Powell TOP RECRUITER: WR Coach Pierre Ingram

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: QB Shea Patterson LOCAL BOY: WR Tyler Vaughns DREAM RECRUIT: QB Shea Patterson EARLY COMMITS: TE Isaac Garcia, LB Daelin Hayes, LB Mique Juarez BIGGEST NEEDS: 1) WR 2) DL 3) LB TOP TARGETS/OFF: QB Shea Patterson, WR Tyler Vaughns, WR Javon McKinley, TE Isaac Garcia, WR Dylan Crawford, WR Jackie Jones TOP TARGETS/DEF: LB Daelin Hayes, LB Mique Juarez, LB Oluwole Betiku, LB Lokeni Toailoa, DB CJ Pollard, DB Trevon Sidney

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: LB Caleb Kelly LOCAL BOY: WR Michael Pittman DREAM RECRUIT: DT Rashan Gary EARLY COMMITS: WR Michael Pittman, DE Breland Brandt BIGGEST NEEDS: 1) DT 2) CB 3) WR TOP TARGETS/OFF: OL Willie Allen, WR Michael Pittman, WR Jack Jones, WR Damian Alloway, TE Devin Asiasi, WR Theo Howard TOP TARGETS/DEF: LB Caleb Kelly, DT Boss Tagaloa, DE Breland Brandt, LB Camilo Eifler, DB Saivion Smith, LB Lokeni Toailoa

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: RB Chase Lucas LOCAL BOY: RB Chase Lucas DREAM RECRUIT: OT Frank Martin EARLY COMMITS: None BIGGEST NEEDS: WR, OT, DE TOP TARGETS/OFF: RB Chase Lucas, OT Frank Martin, WR N’Kell Harry, WR Tyler Vaughns, WR Javon McKinley, WR Theo Howard TOP TARGETS/DEF: DB D.J. Morgan, DT Norman Hand, DB Byron Murphy, DE Isaiah Chambers, DB Shurod Thompson, LB Dontavious Jackson

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: QB Seth Green LOCAL BOY: S Brady Breeze DREAM RECRUIT: OLB Caleb Kelly EARLY COMMITS: WR Dillon Mitchell, QB Seth Green, S Brady Breeze BIGGEST NEEDS: QB, WR, OLB, TOP TARGETS/OFF: QB Seth Green, WR Dillon Mitchell, WR Devin Durvernay, WR Theo Howard, WR Darian Owens, WR Javon McKinley TOP TARGETS/DEF: S Brady Breeze, OLB Caleb Kelly, OLB Lyndell Wilson, DE Amani Bledsole, CB Jared Mayden, DT Rashard Lawrence

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: LB Brandon Wellington LOCAL BOY: DB Isaiah Gilchrist DREAM RECRUIT: WR Tyler Vaughns EARLY COMMITS: LB Brandon Wellington BIGGEST NEEDS: RB, DL, WR TOP TARGETS/OFF: QB Jacob Eason, WR Tyler Vaughns, WR Damian Alloway, WR Tyson Penn, RB Beau Bisharat TE, Cam McCormick TOP TARGETS/DEF: DL Boss Tagaloa, LB Brandon Wellington, LB Caleb Kelly, LB Lamar Winston, DB Isaiah Gilchrist, DB Taylor Rapp

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: K.J. Costello LOCAL BOY: Camilo Eifler DREAM RECRUIT: Curtis Robinson EARLY COMMITS: Bo Peek BIGGEST NEEDS: QB, WR, DB TOP TARGETS/OFF: QB K.J. Costello, WR Simi Fehoko, OG Ben Bredeson, WR Devin Duvernay, OT Michael Menet, TE Kaden Smith TOP TARGETS/DEF: LB Curtis Robinson, LB Jeffrey McCullough, LB Ben Davis, LB Brendan Ferns, DT McTelvin Agim, CB Treyjohn Butler

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: DB Shurod Thompson LOCAL BOY: LB Camilo Eifler DREAM RECRUIT: OLB Caleb Kelly EARLY COMMITS: S Marquel Dismuke, QB Armani Rogers BIGGEST NEEDS: 1) LB 2) DT 3) OL TOP TARGETS/OFF: RB Sean McGrew, QB Armani Rogers, WR Damian Alloway, RB Beau Bisharat, WR Drew Kobayashi, OG Michael Eletise TOP TARGETS/DEF: MLB Lokeni Toailoa, DB Shurod Thompson, LB Camilo Eifler, DT Boss Tagaloa, DE Devin Asiasi, OLB Caleb Kelly

N24

07 (36)

Tim Lynott

Christian Folau

Philip Afia

Paul Magloire

Aaron Porter

08 (38)

09 (T41)

10 (53)

11 (63)

12 (75)

WSU

ARIZONA

UTAH

OREGON STATE

COLORADO

CougFan.com

WildcatAuthority.com

UteSportsReport.com

BeaverFootball.com

BuffPlaybook.com

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: DT Thomas Toki, S Kameron Powell, S Shalom Luani, DE Jeremiah Mitchell, LB Aaron Porter INSTANT IMPACT: LB Aaron Porter BIG GET: DT Thomas Toki BIG MISS: QB Brett Rypien SLEEPER-OFFENSE: WR Kyle Sweet SLEEPER-DEFENSE: DE T.J. Fehoko CAN’T MISS: S Kameron Powell PROJECT: OG Cedric Bigge-Duren LOCAL BOY: None FAN FAVORITE: DT Thomas Toki TOP RECRUITER: Jim Mastro

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: OL Keenan Walker, RB Orlando Bradford, DL, Anthony Fotu, S Paul Magloire, WR Darick Holmes INSTANT IMPACT: S Paul Magloire BIG GET: OL Keenan Walker BIG MISS: LB Arthur McGinnis SLEEPER-OFFENSE: OL Alex Kosinski SLEEPER-DEFENSE: S Anthony Mariscal CAN’T MISS: OL Keenan Walker PROJECT: TE Brion Anduze LOCAL BOY: S Demetrius Flannigan FAN FAVORITE: OL Keenan Walker TOP RECRUITER: OC Calvin Magee

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: OL Darrin Paulo, OL James Empey, S Philip Afia, LB Chris Hart, S Tyson Cisrow INSTANT IMPACT: WR/DB Corey Butler BIG GET: LB Chris Hart BIG MISS: QB Sam Darnold SLEEPER-OFFENSE: WR George Wilson SLEEPER-DEFENSE: LB Quinn Fabrizio CAN’T MISS: OL James Empey PROJECT: OL Darrin Paulo LOCAL BOY: ATH Britain Covey FAN FAVORITE: OL Jake Grant TOP RECRUITER: OC Jim Harding

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: Elu Aydon, Christian Folau, Seth Collins, Paul Lucas, Tuli Wily-Matagi INSTANT IMPACT: Christian Folau BIG GET: Paul Lucas BIG MISS: Keivonnis Davis SLEEPER-OFFENSE: Noah Togiai SLEEPER-DEFENSE: Jay Irvine CAN’T MISS: Elu Aydon PROJECT: Lopini Katoa LOCAL BOY: Blake Brandel FAN FAVORITE: Seth Collins TOP RECRUITER: Kalani Sitake

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: OG Tim Lynott, RB Donald Gordon, OLB N.J. Falo, DT Jordan Carrell, QB Steven Montez INSTANT IMPACT: Tim Lynott BIG GET: Tim Lynott BIG MISS: Eric Lee SLEEPER-OFFENSE: Chris Bounds SLEEPER-DEFENSE: Brett Tonz CAN’T MISS: Tim Lynott PROJECT: Lyle Tuiloma LOCAL BOY: Dillon Middlemiss FAN FAVORITE: Tim Lynott TOP RECRUITER: Troy Walters

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: No such thing LOCAL BOY: DE Evan Weaver DREAM RECRUIT: DT Boss Tagaloa EARLY COMMITS: None BIGGEST NEEDS: 1) OL 2) DL 3) LB TOP TARGETS/OFF: OT Jonah Williams, OT Frank Martin, QB Devon Modster, QB Matt Fink, WR Tyler Vaughns, WR Javon McKinley TOP TARGETS/DEF: DT Boss Tagaloa, MLB Joel Dublanko, DE Oluwole Betiku, LB Bryce Youngquist, LB Davir Hamilton, S Shurod Thompson

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: QB Devon Modster LOCAL BOY: DL Justin Holt DREAM RECRUIT: RB Chase Lucas EARLY COMMITS: RB Trevor Speights BIGGEST NEEDS: QB, OL, S TOP TARGETS/OFF: QB Devon Modster, QB Kahlil Tate, RB Chase Lucas, OL Jonah Williams, OL Frank Martin, RB Trevor Speights TOP TARGETS/DEF: S Shurod Thompson, S Calvin Bundage, DL Justin Holt, LB Cvaughn Stewart, DE Christian Hill, DT Garrett Rand

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: WR Simi Fehoko LOCAL BOY: DL Fua Pututau DREAM RECRUIT: DL Boss Tagaloa EARLY COMMITS: QB Kahi Neves, S Micah Croom, LB Kurtis Taufa BIGGEST NEEDS: 1) QB 2) CB 3) WR TOP TARGETS/OFF: WR Simi Fehoko, WR Drew Kobayashi, OL Jonah Williams, WR Damian Alloway, WR David Long, OL Jacob Capra TOP TARGETS/DEF: DL Fua Pututau, DL Maxs Tupai, S Brandon Burton, DL Boss Tagaloa, S Drew Jensen, LB Bryce Youngquist

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: No such thing LOCAL BOY: Lamar Winston DREAM RECRUIT: Boss Tagaloa EARLY COMMITS: Jadarius Byrd BIGGEST NEEDS: OL, DB, WR TOP TARGETS/OFF: K.J. Costello, Dylan Crawford, Jack Jones, Darian Owens, Frank Martin, Matt Fink TOP TARGETS/DEF: Boss Tagaloa, Byron Murphy, Rahshaun Smith, Eric Fowler, Shurod Thompson, Simi Fehoko

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: Carlo Kemp LOCAL BOY: Carlo Kemp DREAM RECRUIT: Dymond Lee EARLY COMMITS: None BIGGEST NEEDS: QB, WR, LB TOP TARGETS/OFF: QB Matt Lynch, WR Dymond Lee, RB Chase Jasmin, OL Sean Auwae, OG Chase Behrndt TOP TARGETS/DEF: OLB Carlo Kemp, OLB Jojo Domann, S Lamar Jackson, DE Amandre Williams, CB Myles Bryant

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

BY CHAD SIMMONS

CONF. RANKING NO.1

SEC IMPACT PLAYERS

1. DT Khalil McKenzie, Tennessee 2. WR Terry Godwin, Georgia 3. DT Trenton Thompson, Georgia 4. DE CeCe Jefferson, Florida 5. WR DaMarkus Lodge, Ole Miss

NFL PROSPECTS

Trenton Thompson, Georgia

MOST PRESSURE 1. QB Kyler Murray, Texas A&M 2. WR Preston Williams, Tennessee 3. DE CeCe Jefferson, Florida 4. WR Calvin Ridley, Alabama 5. WR Van Jefferson, Ole Miss

Khalil McKenzie, Florida

1. OT Martez Ivey, Florida 2. DT Khalil McKenzie, Tennessee 3. CB Kevin Toliver, LSU 4. DT Trenton Thompson, Georgia 5. WR Preston Williams, Tennessee

Kyler Murray, Texas A&M

TOP QBS 1. Blake Barnett, Alabama 2. Kyler Murray, Texas A&M 3. Drew Lock, Missouri 4. Ty Storey, Arkansas 5. Quinten Dormady, Tennessee

TOP SKILL-POSITION

Martez Ivey, Florida

1. CB Kendall Sheffield, Alabama 2. CB Kevin Toliver, LSU 3. WR Preston Williams, Tennessee 4. WR DaMarkus Lodge, Ole Miss 5. WR Christian Kirk, Texas A&M

TOP OL 1. Martez Ivey, Alabama 2. Maea Teuhema, LSU 3. Connor Lenfear, Texas A&M 4. Lester Cotton, Alabama 5. Richie Petitbon, Alabama

TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYERS 1. DT Khalil McKenzie, Tennessee 2. DT Trenton Thompson, Georgia 3. DE Byron Cowart, Auburn 4. CB Kendall Sheffield, Alabama 5. CB Kevin Toliver, LSU

N26

year and another recruiting to see schools in the SEC 2015 Another 2016 Expect title for the University of Alabama. up and down the Team Rankings The Crimson Tide signed 23 players this cycle and 10 were Scout 100 prospects. It was filled with five stars and four stars up and down the list. Alabama finished with the No. 2-ranked class in the country. Five SEC schools finished with top 10 recruiting classes and 10 out of the top 20 came out of the SEC. Florida is the lone school to change head coaches, and it struggled most of January, but Jim McElwain and the Gators closed strong to finsish No. 29.

when all those faxes are sent next February. Look for Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, and LSU to be in the top 10 when this cycle ends. Ole Miss and Mississippi State are off to great starts, so how will they close? Ole Miss could push for a top 10 class. Texas A&M and Tennessee will again be talked about among the best in the conference. Florida is a wildcard. A new coach in place, so how will Jim McElwain recruit? Don’t sleep on Missouri or Arkansas either.

BIGGEST RECRUITING COUP Byron Cowart, Auburn Florida led for not months, but years for Cowart, but Will Muschamp going to Auburn helped the Tigers land this five star.

BIGGEST RECRUITING BATTLE Keion Joyner, Havelock (NC) Likely to play in the SEC and all the schools want him. It will be a fight.

Kevin Toliver, LSU

SIGNING-DAY SURPRISE Darius Slayton, Auburn Committed to Georgia and was solid, but took late visit to Auburn, then signed with the Tigers. BEST RECRUITING BATTLE Roquan Smith, Georgia Committed to UCLA on signing day, but did not sign with the Bruins. Signed with Georgia over a week later.

CeCe Jefferson, Florida

BIGGEST FLIPPER Leo Lewis, Mississippi State Alabama commit first, then Ole Miss, but on signing day Lewis signed with the Bulldogs. THE SLEEPER Kirby Choates, Georgia Was offered by the Bulldogs on Signing Day. Big hitter and could play early at UGA. LATE BLOOMER Chris Williamson, Florida Battled injuries as a junior, but blew up after huge senior season. THE PROJECT Jared Southers, Vanderbilt An offensive tackle who needs time to develop physcially and technically to play in the SEC. MOST WELL-ROUNDED CLASS Tennessee Very balanced group of 30 for the Vols. Split right down the middle between offense and defense. TOP RECRUITER Mario Cristobal, Alabama Scout’s National Recruiter of the Year signed prospects out of six different states. CAN’T WAIT TO SEE PLAY Kyler Murray, Texas A&M A star in the making here. Murray is an exciting quarterback who can pass and run.

THE MOST PRESSURE TO SIGN WITH A TEAM Rashard Lawrence, Neville (Louisiana) Top player in Louisiana, has family connections to LSU, and he is wanted by the Tigers. TOP EARLY COMMIT Shea Patterson, Ole Miss The No. 1 quarterback in the country is already committed to the Rebels and he is a do-it-all signal caller. RECRUITER TO WATCH Kirby Smart, Alabama Already has two verbal commits for 2016 with many other top names in his area. COACH ON THE HOT SEAT Butch Jones, Tennnessee Not really hot yet, but he is signing top classes, so he has to start winning soon. TOP STORYLINE Jim McElwain and Florida Can the new coach get the Gators back on track? How will McElwain recruit in 2016? TOP 2016 CLASS WILL BE ... LSU Their home-state is loaded, they clean up there, and Les Miles already has half a dozen commits.

04 (5)

ALABAMA

AUBURN

GEORGIA

BamaMag.com

Auburn.Scout.com

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: CB Kendall Sheffield, WR Calvin Ridley, CB Minkah Fitzpatrick, QB Blake Barnett, DT Daron Payne INSTANT IMPACT: S Deionte Thompson BIG GET: CB Kendall Sheffield BIG MISS: OT Isiah Prince SLEEPER-OFFENSE: OT Matt Womack SLEEPER-DEFENSE: DL Jonathan Taylor CAN’T MISS: DT Daron Payne PROJECT: OG Brandon Kennedy LOCAL BOY: OL Lester Cotton FAN FAVORITE: QB Blake Barnett TOP RECRUITER: OL Mario Cristobal CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: LB Ben Davis LOCAL BOY: LB Ben Davis DREAM RECRUIT: OT Greg Little EARLY COMMITS: ATH Demetris Robertson, CB Shyheim Carter, DT Raekwon Davis BIGGEST NEEDS: OT, TE, LB TOP TARGETS/OFF: OT Greg Little, OT Willie Allen, WR Cavin Ridley, QB Shea Patterson, TE Kaden Smith, WR Darnell Salomon TOP TARGETS/DEF: LB Ben Davis, OLB Lyndell Wilson, DT Rashan Gary, DT Derrick Brown, S Deontay Anderson, DB Joe Juan Williams

06 (12)

07 (16)

TENNESSEE TEXAS A&M

LSU

OLE MISS

DawgPost.com

InsideTennessee.com

AggieDigest.com

TigerSportsDigest.com

OMSpirit.com

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: DE Byron Cowart, FB Chandler Cox, LB Darrell Williams, RB Jovon Robinson, DT Maurice Swain INSTANT IMPACT: Byron Cowart BIG GET: Kerryon Johnson BIG MISS: OL Martez Ivey SLEEPER-OFFENSE: OL Bailey Sharp SLEEPER-DEFENSE: Price Tega Wanogho CAN’T MISS: Chandler Cox PROJECT: Jauntavious Johnson LOCAL BOY: Jalen Harris FAN FAVORITE: Jordan Colbert TOP RECRUITER: Tyler Queen

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: DL Trenton Thompson, WR Terry Godwin, LB D’Andre Walker, DL Jonathan Ledbetter, DB Rico McGraw INSTANT IMPACT: WR Terry Godwin BIG GET: DL Trenton Thompson BIG MISS: WR Darius Slayton SLEEPER-OFFENSE: OL Sage Hardin SLEEPER-DEFENSE: DB Jarvis Wilson CAN’T MISS: DL Trenton Thompson PROJECT: OL Sage Hardin LOCAL BOY: LB Roquan Smith FAN FAVORITE: DL Justin Young TOP RECRUITER: DL Chauncy Rivers

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: Kahlil McKenzie, Preston Williams, Justin Martin, Alvin Kamara, Drew Richmond INSTANT IMPACT: Kahlil Mckenzie BIG GET: Drew Richmond BIG MISS: Johnny Frasier SLEEPER-OFFENSE: Sheriron Jones SLEEPER-DEFENSE: Quarte Sapp CAN’T MISS: Preston Williams PROJECT: Kyle Oliver LOCAL BOY: Jocquez Bruce FAN FAVORITE: Kahlil McKenzie TOP RECRUITER: Jack Jones

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: DT Daylon Mack, WR Christian Kirk, QB Kyler Murray, WR Damion Ratley, OT Connor Lanfear INSTANT IMPACT: DT Daylon Mack BIG GET: DT Daylon Mack BIG MISS: OLB Malik Jefferson SLEEPER-OFFENSE: OG Erik McCoy SLEEPER-DEFENSE: MLB Landis Durham CAN’T MISS: DT Daylon Mack PROJECT: S DeShawn Capers-Smith LOCAL BOY: OLB Riley Garner FAN FAVORITE: QB Kyler Murray TOP RECRUITER: Jake Spavital

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: CB Kevin Toliver, CB Donte Jackson, RB Derrius Guice, OG Maea Teuhema, WR Tyron Johnson INSTANT IMPACT: CB Kevin Toliver BIG GET: OL Chidi Valentine-Okeke BIG MISS: LB Leo Lewis SLEEPER-OFFENSE: OL George Brown SLEEPER-DEFENSE: DB Xavier Lewis CAN’T MISS: CB Kevin Toliver PROJECT: QB Justin McMillan LOCAL BOY: RB Nicholas Brossette FAN FAVORITE: RB Derrius Guice TOP RECRUITER: RB Coach Frank Wilson

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: QB Chad Kelly, DT D.J. Jones, CB Tony Bridges, WR DeMarkus Lodge, OL Javon Patterson INSTANT IMPACT: DT D.J. Jones BIG GET: WR DeMarkus Lodge BIG MISS: OT Drew Richmond SLEEPER-OFFENSE: WR Jalen Julius SLEEPER-DEFENSE: DE Austrian Robinson CAN’T MISS: OL Javon Patterson PROJECT: OL Michael Howard LOCAL BOY: S Armani Linton FAN FAVORITE: WR DeMarkus Lodge TOP RECRUITER: OL Matt Luke

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: DT Julian Rochester LOCAL BOY: CB John Broussard DREAM RECRUIT: WR Nate Craig EARLY COMMITS: Nate Craig, Quinnen Williams, David Marshall, Stephen Davis, Jr., Landon Rice BIGGEST NEEDS: DT, OT, WR TOP TARGETS/OFF: WR Nate Craig, QB Austin Kendall, RB Karlin Fils-Aime, RB Elijah Holyfield, OT E.J. Price, TE Landon Rice TOP TARGETS/DEF: DT Julian Rochester, DT Antwuan Jackson, DE Marlon Davidson, LB Lyndell Wilson, CB John Broussard, DT Derrick Brown

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: QB Jacob Eason LOCAL BOY: RB JaQua Daniels DREAM RECRUIT: DL Derrick Brown EARLY COMMITS: QB Jacob Eason, OL Ben Cleveland, DL Chauncey Manac BIGGEST NEEDS: QB, RB, OL TOP TARGETS/OFF: QB Jacob Eason, OL Ben Cleveland, TE Charlie Warner, WR Marquez Callaway, WR Demetris Robertson, OL E.J. Price TOP TARGETS/DEF: DL Derrick Brown, DL Julian Rochester, DL Chauncey Manac, DB Nigel Warrior, DL Antwaun Jackson, DB Marlon Character

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: Nigel Warrior LOCAL BOY: Darel Middleton DREAM RECRUIT: BJ Emmons EARLY COMMITS: Devante Brooks, Marquill Osborne, Ryan Johnson, Bailey Phillips, Dorian Banks BIGGEST NEEDS: RB,OT,QB TOP TARGETS/OFF: Jarrett Guarantano, Elijah Holyfield, B.J. Emmons, Bryce Matthews, Landon Dickerson, Dillon Mitchell TOP TARGETS/DEF: Mecole Hardman, Nigel Warrior, Lyndell Wilson, Daniel Bituli, Emmitt Gooden, Donte Vaughn

CLASS OF 2016 MUST-HAVE: OT Greg Little LOCAL BOY: WR Tren’Davian Dickson DREAM RECRUIT: DT Ed Oliver EARLY COMMITS: OT Greg Little, WR Tyrie Cleveland, TE Zarrian Holcombe, CB Travon Fuller, K Braden Mann BIGGEST NEEDS: RB, C, CB TOP TARGETS/OFF: OT Greg Little, WR Tren’Davian Dickson, WR Devin Duvernay, OT Patrick Hudson, TE Kaden Smith, QB/ATH Tristen Wallace TOP TARGETS/DEF: DT Ed Oliver, DT Kendell Jones, DE Justin Madubuike, CB Kristian Fulton, S Brandon Jones, S Eric Monroe

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: QB Feleipe Franks LOCAL BOY: WR Stephen Sullivan DREAM RECRUIT: LB Keion Joyner EARLY COMMITS: QB Feleipe Franks, TE Jamal Pettigrew, WR Dee Anderson BIGGEST NEEDS: LB, QB, DT TOP TARGETS/OFF: QB Feleipe Franks, OT Willie Allen, WR Stephen Sullivan, WR Mykel Jones, TE Jamal Pettigrew, RB/LB Devin White TOP TARGETS/DEF: LB Keion Joyner, LB Caleb Kelly, DT Rashard Lawrence, DT Ed Alexander, CB Kristian Fulton, S Brandon Jones

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: QB Shea Patterson LOCAL BOY: D.K. Metcalf DREAM RECRUIT: QB Shea Patterson EARLY COMMITS: QB Shea Patterson, WR D.K. Metcalf, TE Octavious Cooley, DT Benito Jones BIGGEST NEEDS: OT, MLB, DT TOP TARGETS/OFF: OT Willie Allen, TE Octavious Cooley, WR D.K. Metcalf, WR Clyde Leflore, OL Chandler Tuitt TOP TARGETS/DEF: DT Benito Jones, DE Jeffrey Simmons, DE Dre Porter, S Donte Vaughn, LB Daniel Bituli, DE Charles Wiley

N28

05 (10)

DeMarkus Lodge

03 (4)

Kevin Toliver

02 (3)

Daylon Mack

Kahlil McKenzie

Trenton Thompson

Byron Cowart

Kendall Sheffield

01 (2)

13 (45)

Josh Smith

12 (29)

CJ Conrad

11 (26)

Jordan Scarlett

10 (T21)

Drew Lock

09 (20)

Jeremiah Ledbetter

Marquavius Lewis

Leo Lewis

08 (19)

14 (74)

MISSISSIPPI SOUTH ARKANSAS MISSOURI FLORIDA STATE CAROLINA

KENTUCKY VANDERBILT

GenesPage.com

GamecockAnthem.com

HawgsIllustrated.com

ShowMeMizzou.com

FightinGators.com

AllWildcats.com

VandyMania.com

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: LB Leo Lewis, S Jamal Peters, OT Martinas Rankin, DT T.D. Moton, WR Malik Dear INSTANT IMPACT: S Jamal Peters BIG GET: LB Leo Lewis BIG MISS: OG Javon Patterson SLEEPER-OFFENSE: WR Jonnas Spivey SLEEPER-DEFENSE: DE Keith Joseph CAN’T MISS: S Jamal Peters PROJECT: OL Michael Story LOCAL BOY: TE Dontea Jones FAN FAVORITE: TE Farrod Green TOP RECRUITER: Coach Tony Hughes

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: Marquavius Lewis, Jalen Christian, Octavius Johnson, Shameik Blackshear, Dexter Wideman INSTANT IMPACT: Marquavius Lewis BIG GET: Marquavius Lewis BIG MISS: Mark Fields SLEEPER-OFFENSE: Blake Camper SLEEPER-DEFENSE: Devante Covington CAN’T MISS: Marquavius Lewis PROJECT: Ernest Hawkins LOCAL BOY: Joseph Charlton FAN FAVORITE: Shameik Blackshear TOP RECRUITER: Steve Spurrier

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: Jeremiah Ledbetter, Dominique Reed, Will Gragg, Jalen Merrick, Hjalte Froholdt INSTANT IMPACT: Jeremiah Ledbetter BIG GET: Will Gragg BIG MISS: K.J. Hill SLEEPER-OFFENSE: Austin Cantrell SLEEPER-DEFENSE: TJ Smith CAN’T MISS: Jeremiah Ledbetter PROJECT: Colton Jackson LOCAL BOY: C.J. O’Grady, Dre Greenlaw FAN FAVORITE: Ty Storey TOP RECRUITER: Rawleigh Williams

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: DL Terry Beckner, OL Tyler Howell, S Cameron Hilton, OL A.J. Harris, QB Drew Lock INSTANT IMPACT: RB Chase Abbington BIG GET: QB Drew Lock BIG MISS: WR Alex Ofodile SLEEPER-OFFENSE: WR Emanuel Hall SLEEPER-DEFENSE: DE Nate Howard CAN’T MISS: DL Terry Beckner PROJECT: OL Tanner Owen LOCAL BOY: QB Drew Lock FAN FAVORITE: QB Drew Lock TOP RECRUITER: Andy Hill

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: OT Martez Ivey, DE CeCe Jefferson, RB Jordan Scarlett, WR Antonio Callaway, CB Chris Williamson INSTANT IMPACT: RB Jordan Scarlett BIG GET: OT Martez Ivey BIG MISS: QB Deondre Francois SLEEPER-OFFENSE: C Tyler Jordan SLEEPER-DEFENSE: DE Jabari Zuniga CAN’T MISS: RB Jordan Scarlett PROJECT: DE Luke Ancrum LOCAL BOY: DE CeCe Jefferson FAN FAVORITE: RB Jordan Scarlett TOP RECRUITER: C Tyler Jordan

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: TE CJ Conrad, OL George Asafo-Adjei, DE Alvonte Bell, DE Kengera Daniel, DT Courtney Miggins INSTANT IMPACT: DE Alvonte Bell BIG GET: TE CJ Conrad BIG MISS: RB Damien Harris SLEEPER-OFFENSE: RB Sihiem King SLEEPER-DEFENSE: LB Josh Allen CAN’T MISS: TE CJ Conrad PROJECT: OL Levon Livingston LOCAL BOY: LB Elie Brown FAN FAVORITE: WR Therrell Gosier TOP RECRUITER: TE Vince Marrow

CLASS OF 2015 TOP FIVE: MLB Josh Smith, DE Nehemiah Mitchell, TE Sam Dobbs, MLB Jordan Griffin, CB Donovan Sheffield INSTANT IMPACT: MLB Josh Smith BIG GET: MLB Jordan Griffin BIG MISS: OT Alex Givens SLEEPER-OFFENSE: WR Jared Pinkney SLEEPER-DEFENSE: DE Dare Odeyingbo CAN’T MISS: MLB Josh Smith PROJECT: OT Jared Southers LOCAL BOY: CB Donovan Smith FAN FAVORITE: MLB Josh Smith TOP RECRUITER: OLB Kenwick Thompson

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: OT Scott Lashely LOCAL BOY: WR A,J. Brown DREAM RECRUIT: DL Derrick Brown EARLY COMMITS: S Quincy Lenton, S Zaire Jones, OG Dee Nalls, OT Dareun Parker DL Caleb Tillman, CB C.J. Morgan- Walker BIGGEST NEEDS: OL, Safety, DE TOP TARGETS/OFF: WR A.J. Brown OT Scott Lashley QB Jalen Hurts TE Octavious Cooley TE Chris Ellington WR Jeriko Morris TOP TARGETS/DEF: DE Jefferey Simmons DE Kobe Jones LB Damion Dickens CB Nigel Knott DE Derrick Brown DT Raekwon Davis

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: Javon Kinlaw LOCAL BOY: T.J. Brunson DREAM RECRUIT: Rashaun Gary EARLY COMMITS: Brandon McIlwain, Kyle Davis, JaCorey Morris BIGGEST NEEDS: DT, WR, TE TOP TARGETS/OFF: Javon Kinlaw, Bryan Edwards, John Simpson, Larry Collins, Brad Hawkins, Naseir Upshur TOP TARGETS/DEF: Nyles Pinckney, Antwuan Jackson, Marlon Character, Kyree Campbell, Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: Austin Capps LOCAL BOY: Deontre Hartwic DREAM RECRUIT: Kendall Jones EARLY COMMITS: Austin Capps, Jordan Jones BIGGEST NEEDS: RB, DL, WR TOP TARGETS/OFF: Jordan Jones, Isaiah Graham, T.J Hammonds, Devwah Waley, Noah Davis, Kellen Diesch TOP TARGETS/DEF: Austin Capps, McTevlin Agim, Deontre Hardwick, Jordan Carmouche, Chris Daniels, Calvin Bundage

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: DE Tre Williams LOCAL BOY: DE Tre Williams DREAM RECRUIT: S Isaiah Simmons EARLY COMMITS: None yet BIGGEST NEED: WR, OL, DL TOP TARGETS/OFF: ATH A.J. Taylor, OL Branton Autry, RB Tre Bryant, OL Cameron Kolwich, OL Mackenzie Nworah, WR Eddie McDoom TOP TARGETS/DEF: DE Tre Williams, DE Amani Bledsoe, S Isaiah Simmons, CB Obi Eboh, S Jaewon Taylor, DL Darius Whitfield

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: WR Nate Craig LOCAL BOY: TE/DE Jordan Giberti DREAM RECRUIT: DT Rashan Gary EARLY COMMITS: WR Rick Wells BIGGEST NEEDS: QB, LB, OL TOP TARGETS/OFF: WR Tyler Vaughns, WR Nate Craig, OT Richard Merrit, QB K.J. Costello, QB Feleipe Franks TOP TARGETS/DEF: DT Rashan Gary, OLB Keion Joyner, DE Shavar Manuel, DT Derrick Brown

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: OL Drake Jackson LOCAL BOY: OL Drake Jackson DREAM RECRUIT: DB Savion Smith EARLY COMMITS: OL Drake Jackson DB Davonte Robinson ATH Zyaire Hughes BIGGEST NEEDS: 1) QB 2) RB 3) DL TOP TARGETS/OFF: QB Austin Kendall, QB Messiah deWeaver, RB Quinton Baker, WR Keion Wakefield, OL Willie Allen, TE Sam Letton TOP TARGETS/DEF: DT TJ London, DB Josh Dunn, DB Saivion Smith, LB Brendan Ferns, DE Prince Sammons, DE Zo Bridges

CLASS OF 2016 MUST HAVE: QB Tylin Oden LOCAL BOY: S Joejuan Williams DREAM RECRUIT: OT Bryce Matthews EARLY COMMITS: None yet BIGGEST NEEDS: OL, S, DL TOP TARGETS/OFF: OT Bryce Matthews, WR Rontavius Groves, QB Tylin Oden, WR A.J. Morris, OG Mike Alves, OG Jawaan Taylor TOP TARGETS/DEF: S Joejuan Williams, CB Nygel Edmonds, S Ikenna Okeke, S Gentry Bonds, DT Jovan Swann, DL Daniel Joseph

BY GREG BIGGINS

CONF. RANKING NO.5

INDIES

Beau Hoge

Alize Jones

Tristen Hoge

Jeremiah Ieremia

IMPACT PLAYERS 1. QB Brandon Wimbush, Notre Dame 2. TE Alize Jones, Notre Dame 3. OL Tristen Hoge, Notre Dame 4. LB Josh Barajas, Notre Dame 5. RB Dexter Williams, Notre Dame

NFL PROSPECTS 1. TE Alize Jones, Notre Dame 2. OL Tristen Hoge, Notre Dame 3. LB Josh Barajas, Notre Dame 4. RB Dexter Williams, Notre Dame 5. QB Brandon Wimbush, Notre Dame

MOST PRESSURE 1. QB Brandon Wimbush, Notre Dame 2. TE Alize Jones, Notre Dame 3. WR Equanimeous St. Brown, Notre Dame 4. DB Shaun Crawford, Notre Dame 5. DB Nicco Fertitta, Notre Dame

TOP QBS 1. Brandon Wimbush, Notre Dame 2. Kody Wilstead, BYU 3. Beau Hoge, BYU

TOP SKILL-POSITION 1. TE Alize Jones, Notre Dame 2. QB Brandon Wimbush, Notre Dame 3. RB Dexter Williams, Notre Dame 4. WR Miles Boykin, Notre Dame 5. WR Equanimeous St. Brown, Notre Dame

TOP OL 1. Tristen Hoge, Notre Dame 2. Jerry Tillery, Notre Dame 3. Kieffer Longson, BYU 4. Trevor Ruhland, Notre Dame 5. J.J. Nwigwe, BYU

TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYERS 1. Josh Barajas, Notre Dame 2. Asmar Bilal, Notre Dame 3. Shaun Crawford, Notre Dame 4. Elijah Taylor, Notre Dame 5. Bo Wallace, Notre Dame

6 recruiting class and filled every 2015 need they had. They signed a strong group of

Notre Dame signed the nation’s No.

linemen, added speed at the skill positions and landed a big time QB as well. Their two biggest pickups might have been flips, stealing QB Brandon Wimbush from Penn State and TE Alize Jones from UCLA. BYU filled up on lineman and added some nice playmakers in the secondary. Corner Dayan Lake has a lot of upside and OL Kieffer Longson has the talent to play for any school out West. BIGGEST RECRUITING COUP Alize Jones, Notre Dame Getting Jones to flip from UCLA was a huge pickup for the Irish, he should play immediately. SIGNING-DAY SURPRISE Dexter Williams, Notre Dame No big surprises but landing Williams on SD was a very nice coup. BEST RECRUITING BATTLE Alize Jones, Notre Dame The Irish battled UCLA for Jones all year and finally flipped him 3 weeks before SD. BIGGEST FLIPPER Brandon Wimbush, Notre Dame Wimbush was an early Penn State commit and looked hard at Stanford before going Irish.

N30

THE SLEEPER Jeremiah Ieremia, BYU Ieremia is a tough, physical LB who looked great at multiple national events LATE BLOOMER Tevita Mounga, BYU Mounga keeps getting better and is still not close to reaching his full potential THE PROJECT David Lui, BYU Lui is an undersized DT but once he puts on some weight, he has a chance to be a real player. MOST WELL-ROUNDED CLASS Notre Dame The Irish loaded up with difference makes on both sides of the ball and filled every need they had. TOP RECRUITER Tony Alford, Notre Dame Alford is one the nation’s top recruiters and has been for some time now CAN’T WAIT TO SEE PLAY Shaun Crawford, Notre Dame Crawford isn’t the biggest corner but is one of the nation’s best and always fun to watch.

AAC

CUSA

MAC

CONF. RANKING NO.8

CONF. RANKING NO.10

CONF. RANKING NO.7

BY BRIAN DOHN

03 UCF (76)

KnightsDaily.com Signed 17 players, highlighted by five from the state of Georgia and four from Florida. Focused on LB with four signees.

04 SMU (79)

PonyStampede.com New HC Chad Morris signed 21 student-athletes with all eyes on quarterback Ben Hicks.

05 HOUSTON (83)

Coogfans.com New HC Tom Herman signed 21 prospects, including 16 from the state of Texas.

06 MEMPHIS (86)

TigerAuthority.com Signed 30 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent or admission agreements.

07 TEMPLE (95)

OwlsDaily.com Signed 20 players from nine states. Stayed balanced with ten on defense and nine on offense.

08 TULSA (T100)

TulsaInsider.com New HC Philip Montgomery signed 20 players including 12 from the state of Texas.

09 EAST CAROLINA (106) InsideECUSports.com The Pirates signed a blanced 17-member class, nine project on offense and eight on defense. Includes five early enrollees.

10 TULANE (114)

TulaneInsider.com Signed 17 prospects including 14 Louisiana natives, 10 hail from the New Orleans area and three from Florida.

11 CONNECTICUT (122) UCONNPlaybook.com Signed 22 players from 12 states. Only one was ranked a three-star prospect by Scout.

TOP RATED PROSPECTS

EAST

INSTANT IMPACT

01 FLORIDA ATL. (77)

1. DE Ricky Parks, So. Miss. 2. LB Myles Harges, Mid. Tenn. 3. CB Antonio Howard, Marshall

FAUInsider.com The Owls brought in 27 players, second-most in conference.

02 MARSHALL (80)

TOP RATED PROSPECTS

1. RB Tyreik Gray - Houston 2. TE Doug Bates - Cincinnati 3. DE Michael Scott - SMU

03 W. KENTUCKY (87)

1. LB, Michael Holmes, Charlotte 2. OT Alex Lockler, Marshall 3. CB Jamez Brickhouse, ODU

TOP QUARTERBACKS

04 MID.TENNESSEE (98)

TOP QUARTERBACKS

1. C Luke Hiers - UCF 2. C Drew Kyser - Memphis 3. MLB Marquise Copeland - Cinc. HOMETOWN HEROES

1. Bo Schneider - UCF 2. Ross Trail - Cincinnati 3. Chad President - Tulsa

TOP RUNNING BACKS

05 FIU (104)

TOP WIDE RECEIVERS

ODUInsider.com The Monarches brought in 26 players, third-most in the conference.

1. Evan Mallory - Cincinnati 2. Josh Jones - Houston 3. Leeward Brown - Tulane

TOP DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

1. Marlon Gonzalez - USF 2. John Washington - Tulane 3. Lyndon Johnson - Cincinnati TOP LINEBACKERS

1. Marquise Copeland - Cincinnati 2. Bryce Jenkinson - Cincinnati 3. D.J. Jenkins - Houston TOP DEFENSIVE BACKS

1. Kareem Ali - Temple 2. Nhyre Quinerly - East Carolina 3. Rashard Causey - UCF TOP SAFETIES

1. Brandon Scott - UCF 2. Khalid McGee - USF 3. Malik Clements - Cincinnati TOP RECRUITERS

1. Robert Prunty - Cincinnati 2. Raymond Woodie - USF 3. Kirk Callahan - UCF

1. Daniel Parr, Florida Atlantic 2. Kevin Dillman, North Texas 3. Jaylon Henderson, UTSA

BlueRaiderPower.com Middle Tennessee signed 24 prospects, tied for fifth-most in conference. ScoutFIU.com Florida International signed 24 players, tied for fifth-most in conference.

TOP OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

HOMETOWN HEROES

WKUInsider.com Western Kentucky signed 24 prospects, tied for fifth-most in conference.

1. Jamarius Henderson - Memphis 2. Tyreik Gray - Houston 3. T.J. Simmons - Temple 1. Kevin Thomas - SMU 2. Tristan Payton - UCF 3. James Proche II - SMU

1. DE Ricky Parks, So. Miss. 2. LB Myles Harges, Mid. Tenn. 3. DT Courtney Wallace, La. Tech

HerdHaven.com The Thundering Herd signed 25 prospects, fourth-most in the conference.

TOP RUNNING BACKS

1. Terrelle West, Mid. Tenn. 2. Jacolbie Butler, UTSA 3. Delvin Weems, Marshall

06 OLD DOMINION (109)

TOP WIDE RECEIVERS

1. Larry Dunnon, Marshall 2. Latrell Nieves, Marshall 3. D’Aundrey Bradley, North Texas

07 CHARLOTTE (126)

ScoutCharlotte.com The 49ers signed 16 propsects, the fewest in the conference WEST

TOP OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

1. Jordan Murray, North Texas 2. Cullen Reynolds, W. Kent. 3. Levi Brown, Marshall

01 NORTH TEXAS (88)

InsideNorthTexas.com The Eagles signed 24 players, tied for fifth-most in conference.

TOP DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

1. Ricky Parks, So. Miss. 2. Courtney Wallace, La. Tech 3. Zach Abercrumbia, Rice

02 LOUISIANA TECH (89) HereComeTheDawgs.com The Bulldogs brought in 22 prospects, tied for seventh-most in conference.

TOP LINEBACKERS

1. Myles Harges, Mid. Tenn. 2. Fermin Silva, FIU 3. Marcus Couch, Marshall

03 SO. MISSISSIPPI (92)

GoldenEaglePride.com The Golden Eagles signed 23 prospects, six-most in the conference.

TOP DEFENSIVE BACKS

1. Antonio Howard, Marshall 2. Von Davis, Marshall 3. Jalen Young, Florida Atlantic

04 RICE (96)

OwlDigest.com Rice brought in 18 prospects, secondfewest in the conference.

TOP SAFETIES

1. Rodrick Archer, Florida Atlantic 2. Reggie Rogers, Marshall 3. Johnny Shaw, La. Tech

05 UT-SAN ANTONIO (102) InsideRunnerSports.com UTSA brought in 31 players, which is the most in Conference USA.

TOP RECRUITERS

06 UTEP (109)

MinerReport.com UTEP signed 18 prospects, third-fewest in the conference.

N32

1. Roc Bellantoni, Florida Atlantic 2. Alex Mirabal, Marshall 3. Nick Holt, W. Kent.

Mitch Guadagni

USFNation.com Signed 20 players, including five from the Tampa Bay area. Nine are slated for defense and 12 for offense.

1. OL Delonte Murray - Cincinnati 2. TE Rusty Clark - Houston 3. DL Monte Taylor - UCF

BY BILL GREENE

Ricky Parks

02 SOUTH FLORIDA (73)

INSTANT IMPACT

Myles Harges

BearcatInsider.com Signed 25 players including 6 JUCO players, second most in the conference.

Jamarius Henderson

Bo Schneider

01 CINCINNATI (54)

BY MICHAEL CLARK

WEST

01 WEST. MICHIGAN (59)

WesternMichigan.scout.com Signed the number-one class in the conference once again.

INSTANT IMPACT

1. Steven Lee, Northern Illinois. 2. P.J. Simmons, Kent State. 3. Antonyo Sotolongo, Bowling Green

02 TOLEDO (69)

TOP RATED PROSPECTS

RocketDigest.com Will bring in 21 prospects, with 12 playing on offense.

1. Justin Tranquill, Western Michigan 2. Rayshawn Wilborn, Central Michigan 3. Mitch Guadagni, Toledo

03 N. ILLINOIS (72)

HOMETOWN HEROES

HuskiePride.com Signed 31 players, the most in the entire conference.

04 C. MICHIGAN (78)

ChippewasInsider.com Four-star LB Rayshawn Wilborn headlines the 19-man class.

05 BALL STATE (84)

BallStateInsider.com Will bring in the seventh ranked class in the MAC.

06 E. MICHIGAN (91)

EasternMichigan.scout.com Signed four JUCO prospects in a 25-man class. EAST

01 MIAMI (62)

RedHawkInsider.com Signed the top class in the East Division of the MAC.

02 OHIO (81)

ScoutOhioU.com Signed 24 prospects, with 15 targeted for the defensive side.

03 BOWLING GREEN (94) BGSUInsider.com Dino Babers will bring in only 15 newcomers, lowest in the MAC.

04 KENT STATE (110)

KentStateInsider.com The Golden Flashes signed 21 prospects, with 12 earmarked for defense.

05 BUFFALO (111)

BuffaloInsiders.com Three-star quarterback Tyree Jackson headlines a 20-member recruiting class.

06 AKRON (123)

ZipsReport.com The Zips only signed 16 members, the second smallest class in the conference.

07 UMASS (124)

UMASSINSIDER.com Their 16-member class only featured two three-star players, lowest in the league.

1. Chris Green, Toledo 2. Vince Lockett, Akron 3. McKenzie Thomas, Miami TOP QUARTERBACKS

1. Mitch Guadagni, Toledo 2. Tyree Jackson, Buffalo 3. John Wassink, Western Michigan TOP RUNNING BACKS

1. James Gilbert, Ball State 2. Sekai Lindsay, UMASS 3. Breck Turner, Eastern Michigan TOP WIDE RECEIVERS

1. James Gardner, Miami 2. Antwan Dixon, Kent State 3. LeVante’ Bellamy, Western Michigan TOP OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

1. Wesley French, Western Michigan 2. Derek Smith, Central Michigan 3. J.C. Bartok, Bowling Green TOP DEFENSIVE BACKS

1. Aaron Covington, Toledo 2. Jeffrey Hill, Northern Illinois 3. Cameron Lewis, Buffalo TOP SAFETIES

1. Justin Tranquill, Western Michigan 2. Antonyo Sotolongo, Bowling Green 3. P.J. Simmons, Kent State TOP RECRUITERS

1. Matt Campbell, Toledo 2. P.J. Fleck, Western Michigan 3. Chuck Martin, Miami

MTNWEST SUNBELT CONF. RANKING NO.9

POSITIONRANKINGS QUARTERBACKS RK

CONF. RANKING NO.11

BY DOUG KIMMEL

BY JOHN GARCIA, JR.

Jalen Thompson

Jeryl Brazil

Kyahva Tezino

Brett Rypien

Mario Osborne

MOUNTAIN

01 AIR FORCE (107)

AirForce.scout.com They brought in 33 players, the most in the conference.

INSTANT IMPACT

1. OLB Kyahva Tezino, SDST 2. WR Taeon Mason, San Jose St. 3. S Kameron Miles, Boise State

02 BOISE STATE (46)

TOP RATED PROSPECTS

03 COLORADO ST. (128)

HOMETOWN HEROES

BroncoCountry.com 21/23 Bronco commits were a 3 star or better. RamsDigest.com The Rams had the smallest class in the Mountain West, 13 signees.

04 NEW MEXICO (113)

TheRedMenace.com Mesa CC QB Austin Apodaca headlined the Lobos class of 23 prospects.

05 UTAH STATE (100)

UStateAggies.com The Aggies signed 18 prospects, including 7 three-stars.

06 WYOMING (117)

CowboyBlitz.com The Cowboys inked 23 in their class of 2015. WEST

01 FRESNO STATE (85)

BarkBoard.com The Bulldogs signed 17 prospects, including 10 three-stars.

02 HAWAII (127)

WarriorSportsNetwork.com They landed 14 prospects this year, including 2 three-stars.

03 NEVADA (118)

SilverAndBlueSports.com The Wolf Pack inked 15 prospects, including 5 three-stars.

04 SAN DIEGO ST. (68)

AztecReport.com The Aztecs signed a total of 28 prospects, including 2 four-stars.

05 SAN JOSE STATE (64)

InsideTheSpartans.com They landed a total of 33 prospects, including 1 four-star.

06 UNLV (103)

UNLV.scout.com Tony Sanchez was able to ink 23 prospects in his first class at UNLV.

1. QB Brett Rypien, Boise State 2. OLB Kyahva Tezino, SDST 3. WR Taeon Mason, San Jose St. 1. CB A.J. Greeley, Fresno State 2. OLB Solomon Matautia, Hawaii 3. MLB Drew Berger, Boise State TOP QUARTERBACKS

1. Brett Rypien, Boise State 2. Chason Virgil, Fresno State 3. Cameron Burston, San Jose St. TOP RUNNING BACKS

1. Raymond Shread, Boise State 2. DeVante Mays, Utah State 3. Milo Hall, Colorado State TOP WIDE RECEIVERS

1. Taeon Mason, San Jose State 2. Desean Holmes, SDST 3. Kanya Bell, San Jose State TOP OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

1. Dominic Fredrickson, San Jose St. 2. John Molchon, Boise State 3. Garrett Larson, Boise State TOP DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

1. Ben Moa, Boise State 2. Salanoa-Alo Wily, UNLV 3. Hausia Sekona, Nevada TOP LINEBACKERS

1. Kyahva Tezino, SDST 2. Drew Berger, Boise State 3. Daniel Langi, Utah State TOP DEFENSIVE BACKS

1. Tyler Horton, Boise State 2. A.J. Greeley, Fresno State 3. Cameron Haney, Utah State TOP SAFETIES

1. Kameron Miles, Boise State 2. Mike Bell, Fresno State 3. Ron Smith, SDST TOP RECRUITERS

1. Marcel Yates, Boise State 2. Donte Williams, San Jose State 3. Tony White, SDST

01 LOUISIANA (82) Louisiana.scout.com Rajin Cajuns capture a third-straight Sun Belt recruiting title.

02 ARKANSAS ST. (90)

AStateNation.com Top four Red Wolves’ signees came from out of state.

03 GEORGIA SO. (93)

EagleSportsInsider.com GSU signed just 20, but held highest star average (2.55).

04 TEXAS STATE (97)

BobcatIllustrated.com Four of top five signees came from within state lines.

05 SO. ALABAMA (105)

JaguarsReport.com USA held off Power-5 programs for top three signees.

06 LA-MONROE (108)

WarhawkNation.com ULM signed 28 total prospects, second-most in the conference.

07 NEW MEXICO ST. (115) AggieAlert.com Signed 24 high school prospects, second-most in the conference.

08 IDAHO (119)

Idaho.scout.com Signed a conference-leading 14 junior college prospects.

09 TROY (119)

TroyInsider.com Four of Neal Brown’s top five signees were in-state prospects.

10 APPALACHIAN ST. (120) AppStateMania.com Mountaineers signed 19 prospects, second-fewest in the conference.

11 GEORGIA STATE (125) PantherPrimer.com The Panthers added five former UAB players to the roster.

INSTANT IMPACT

1. CB Jeryl Brazil, Louisiana 2. WR Markeyvious Adams, App. St. 3. RB Markeis Hallback, Georgia So. TOP RATED PROSPECTS

1. CB Jeryl Brazil, Louisiana 2. DE Mario Osborne, Louisiana 3. TE Chris French, Texas State HOMETOWN HEROES

1. CB Jalen Thompson, S. Alabama 2. DE Javier Carbonell, Ark. St. 3. QB Aaron Winchester, Georgia St. TOP QUARTERBACKS

1. Gardner Minshew, Troy 2. D.J. Pearson, Ark. St. 3. L.G. Williams, Texas State TOP RUNNING BACKS

1. Deunte Chatman, NM St. 2. Markeis Hallback, Georgia So. 3. Jordan Wright, Louisiana TOP WIDE RECEIVERS

1. Markeyvious Adams, App. St. 2. Chris French, Texas State 3. Gary Hayes, Louisiana TOP OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

1. Troy Thingstad, S. Alabama 2. Jeremiah Culbreth, Georgia So. 3. Dalton Ford, Ark. St. TOP DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

1. Mario Osborne, Louisiana 2. Jalen Veasley, Louisiana-Monroe 3. Jeffrey Whatley, S. Alabama TOP LINEBACKERS

1. Tavon Cox, S. Alabama 2. Griffin Riggs, Ark. St. 3. Bo Anderson, Texas State TOP DEFENSIVE BACKS

1. Jeryl Brazil, Louisiana 2. Jalen Thompson, S. Alabama 3. Jessie Liptot, Georgia So. TOP SAFETIES

1. Joshua Moon, Georgia So. 2. Cortez Sisco, Louisiana-Monroe 3. Terik Miller, Louisiana TOP RECRUITERS

1. Brian Turner, S. Alabama 2. Scot Sloan, App. St. 3. Mike Schultz, Texas State

SCHOOL

COMMITS CONF

1. USC 2. Notre Dame 3. Arkansas 4. Purdue 5. Auburn 6. Iowa 7. Baylor 8. Florida State 9. Wisconsin t10. Clemson t10. Kansas State t10. Michigan State

TOP 100

AVG

2 Pac-12 1 1 0 1 2 0 4.00 1 Indep 0 0 1 0 1 0 4.00 1 SEC 0 0 1 0 1 0 4.00 1 Big Ten 0 0 1 0 1 0 4.00 1 SEC 0 0 1 0 1 0 4.00 2 Big Ten 0 0 1 0 2 0 2.50 1 Big 12 0 0 1 0 1 0 4.00 1 ACC 0 0 0 1 1 0 3.00 1 Big Ten 0 0 0 1 1 0 3.00 1 ACC 0 0 0 1 1 0 3.00 1 Big 12 0 0 0 1 1 0 3.00 1 Big Ten 0 0 0 1 1 0 3.00

RUNNING BACK RK

SCHOOL

COMMITS CONF

1. Texas A&M 2. Penn State 3. LSU 4. Florida Atlantic 5. Alabama 6. Ohio State 7. Texas 8. South Florida 9. Mississippi 10. Mississippi State

TOP 100

AVG

2 SEC 0 0 2 0 2 0 4.00 2 Big Ten 0 0 2 0 2 0 4.00 2 SEC 1 0 1 1 2 0 3.50 1 Conf USA 1 0 1 0 1 0 4.00 1 SEC 1 0 1 0 1 0 4.00 1 Big Ten 1 0 1 0 1 0 4.00 1 Big 12 0 0 1 0 1 0 4.00 2 AAC 0 0 0 2 2 0 3.00 1 SEC 0 0 0 1 1 0 3.00 1 SEC 0 0 0 1 1 0 3.00

WIDE RECEIVERS RK

SCHOOL

COMMITS CONF

1. UCLA 2. West Virginia 3. Tennessee 4. LSU 5. Baylor 6. Texas A&M 7. Mississippi 8. Georgia 9. Mississippi State 10. Texas Christian

TOP 100

AVG

2 Pac-12 1 1 1 0 2 0 4.50 3 Big 12 0 0 2 1 3 0 3.67 1 SEC 1 1 0 0 1 0 5.00 2 SEC 0 0 1 1 2 0 3.50 2 Big 12 0 0 1 1 2 0 3.50 1 SEC 0 0 1 0 1 0 4.00 1 SEC 0 0 1 0 1 0 4.00 1 SEC 0 0 1 0 1 0 4.00 3 SEC 0 0 0 2 2 1 2.33 2 Big 12 0 0 0 2 2 0 3.00

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN RK

SCHOOL

COMMITS CONF

1. Texas 2. Notre Dame 3. Oklahoma 4. Alabama 5. Clemson 6. Arkansas 7. Tennessee 8. LSU 9. Michigan State 10. Maryland

TOP 100

AVG

3 Big 12 1 0 2 1 3 0 3.67 2 Indep 1 0 2 0 2 0 4.00 2 Big 12 1 0 2 0 2 0 4.00 2 SEC 0 0 2 0 2 0 4.00 2 ACC 1 1 0 1 2 0 4.00 2 SEC 0 0 1 1 2 0 3.50 2 SEC 0 0 1 1 2 0 3.50 1 SEC 1 0 1 0 1 0 4.00 1 Big Ten 0 0 1 0 1 0 4.00 1 Big Ten 0 0 1 0 1 0 4.00

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN RK

SCHOOL

COMMITS CONF

TOP 100

AVG

1. Alabama 2 SEC 1 0 2 0 2 0 4.00 2. Arkansas 2 SEC 1 0 2 0 2 0 4.00 3. Oklahoma 2 Big 12 0 0 2 0 2 0 4.00 4. Texas A&M 1 SEC 1 1 0 0 1 0 5.00 5. Penn State 2 Big Ten 1 0 1 1 2 0 3.50 6. South Carolina 1 SEC 1 0 1 0 1 0 4.00 7. Texas Christian 2 Big 12 0 0 1 1 2 0 3.50 8. Washington State 1 Pac-12 0 0 1 0 1 0 4.00 9. Georgia 1 SEC 0 0 1 0 1 0 4.00 10. Texas 2 Big 12 0 0 0 2 2 0 3.00

LINEBACKER RK

SCHOOL

COMMITS CONF

1. Stanford 2. Mississippi State 3. Texas Christian 4. Clemson 5. Tennessee 6. South Carolina 7. Brigham Young 8. UCLA 9. Penn State 10. North Carolina

TOP 100

AVG

2 Pac-12 0 0 2 0 2 0 4.00 2 SEC 0 0 1 1 2 0 3.50 2 Big 12 0 0 0 2 2 0 3.00 3 ACC 0 0 0 3 3 0 3.00 1 SEC 0 0 0 1 1 0 3.00 1 SEC 0 0 0 1 1 0 3.00 1 Indep 0 0 0 1 1 0 3.00 1 Pac-12 0 0 0 1 1 0 3.00 1 Big Ten 0 0 0 1 1 0 3.00 1 ACC 0 0 0 1 1 0 3.00

DEFENSIVE BACK RK

SCHOOL

1. Florida State 2. Georgia 3. LSU 4. Texas A&M 5. Michigan 6. Nebraska 7. West Virginia 8. Virginia Tech 9. Alabama 10. Texas Christian

COMMITS CONF

TOP 100

AVG

3 ACC 1 0 3 0 3 0 4.00 2 SEC 2 1 1 0 2 0 4.50 2 SEC 1 1 1 0 2 0 4.50 3 SEC 0 0 2 1 3 0 3.67 2 Big Ten 1 0 2 0 2 0 4.00 2 Big Ten 0 0 2 0 2 0 4.00 4 Big 12 0 0 1 3 4 0 3.25 3 ACC 0 0 1 2 3 0 3.33 1 SEC 1 0 1 0 1 0 4.00 1 Big 12 0 0 1 0 1 0 4.00

BY GREG BIGGINS

[UCLA] 6-4/210 - Rosen has every physical tool you could want plus the football IQ and cerebral side to play immidiately in college. He’s very polished with a live arm, accuracy to all three levels of the field and can make plays with his legs as well.

BEST ARM

02 BLAKE BARNETT

1. Brandon Wimbush, Notre Dame 2. Josh Rosen, UCLA 3. Jarrett Stidham, Baylor 4. Blake Barnett, Alabama 5. Deondre Francois, Florida State

03 JARRETT STIDHAM

BEST MOBILITY MURRAY

1. Torrance Gibson, Ohio State 2. Kyler Murray, Texas A&M 3. Deondre Francois, Florida State 4. Travis Waller, Oregon 5. Brandon Wimbush, Notre Dame

MOST ACCURATE 1. Jake Browning, Washington 2. Kyler Murray, Texas A&M 3. Jarrett Stidham, Baylor 4. Josh Rosen, UCLA 5. Alex Malzone, Michigan BARNETT

QUARTERBACKS

ROSEN

01 JOSH ROSEN

QUICK RELEASE 1. Kyler Murray, Texas A&M 2. Ricky Town, USC 3. Josh Rosen, UCLA 4. Jarrett Stidham, Baylor 5. Tommy Stevens, Penn State

TOP NFL PROSPECTS 1. Josh Rosen, UCLA 2. Jarrett Stidham, Baylor 3. Blake Barnett, Alabama 4. Brandon Wimbush, Notre Dame 5. Kyler Murray, Texas A&M

[ALABAMA] 6-4.5/205 - Barnett is still raw as a pure passer but his upside is off the charts. He’s a big, strong kid with a down field arm and the ability to get outside the pocket and make plays. He can run like a receiver and has made big strides as a pocket passer. [BAYLOR] 6-2.5/185 - Stidham is incredily polished and should put up historical numbers in the Bears offense. He’s one of the most accurate QBs in the country, has a lightning quick release and is able to fit in the ball in to some very tight windows.

04 KYLER MURRAY

TEXAS A&M] 5-10/180 - If Murray is a few inches taller, he’s in the dicussion as not just the top QB but top overall player in the nation. He capped off an incredible H.S career with another state title and is the ultimate gamer who just knows how to win.

05 TORRANCE GIBSON

[OHIO STATE] 6-4/210 - Gibson is an intriguing lefty who is going to the perfect system for him. He’s a dual threat QB with good arm strength and tremendous athletcisim. He’s at his best when a play breaks down and is able to make a big play when there’s nothing there.

06 BRANDON WIMBUSH

[NOTRE DAME] 6-1/215 - Wimbush is another dual threat quarterback who looks just as comfortbable throwing in the pocket as he does taking off and running. He has a nice, tight release, spins the ball very well and has very good arm strength.

07 DREW LOCK

[MISSOURI] 6-4/205 - Lock has great size and is one of the region’s top two-sport athletes as he’s also a talented basketball player. He’s a strong pocket passer with nice pocket presence but has the athletic ability to move away from presssure, keep his eyes downfield and make a play.

08 JAKE BROWNING

[WASHINGTON] 6-2/205 - Browning put up huge numbers the last three years, setting state and national records for touchdown passes. He plays in a great system, but is not a system QB, he’s good enough to play in any system and has a chance to play in ‘15 for the Huskies.

09 RICKY TOWN

SLEEPERS 1. Dwayne Lawson, Virgina Tech 2. Bryce Perkins, Arizona State 3. Ben Hicks, SMU 4. Brett Rypien, Boise State 5. Bo Schneider, Central Florida

INSTANT IMPACT 1. Josh Rosen, UCLA 2. Jarrett Stidham, Baylor 3. Jake Browning, Washington 4. Alex Malzone, Michigan 5. Anthony Ratliff-Williams, UNC

[USC] 6-4/205 - You won’t find too many QBs more cerebral or with a higher football IQ than Town. He plays with great pocket poise and presence, has one of the quickest releases in the country and throws a very nice deep ball with touch and accuracy.

10 DEONDRE FRANCOIS

[FLORIDA STATE] 6-2/195 - Francois is a dual threat quarterback and possesses one of the nation’s strongest arms. He’ll need to learn how to change speeds a bit but he can get the ball down the field and is a running threat when he escapes pressure as well. Best of the Rest: (Travis Waller, Oregon), (Brady White, Arizona State), (Joey Burrow, Ohio State), (Alex Malzone, Michigan), (Brett Rypien, Boise State), (Ty Storey, Arkansas), (Quinten Dormady, Tennessee), (Sheriron Jones, Tennessee), (Zach Gentry, Michigan), (Sam Darnold, USC) Morris (Miami) CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

N34

JACOB EASON

2016

01 SHEA PATTERSON

[OLE MISS] 6-2/200 - Patterson combines great physical tools with an extremely high football IQ and a great work ethic off the field. He has the quickest release in this class, a live arm and throws with the anticipation and timing of a college QB right now.

02 JACOB EASON

[GEORGIA] 6-5/205 - The future Dawg looks a lot like former UGA standout Matt Stafford in terms of his size and raw arm strength. He could have the biggest arm in the class and doesn’t need a windup to get it there, he has an effortless release to go with it.

03 K.J. COSTELLO

[STANFORD] 6-5/220 - Costello is a pure pocket passer who can make every throw. He has a strong downfield arm but understands when to take a little off and is one of the most accurate passers in this class.

04 MALIK HENRY

[FLORIDA STATE] 6-2/180 - Henry is a dual threat quarterback who is more comfortable staying in the pocket but can take off and run for big yards at any time. He has a smooth, easy delivery, shows great touch on the deep ball and can really spin it.

05 FELEIPE FRANKS

[LSU] 6-6/190 - Franks is yet another massive QB prospect in this class with a big arm. For his size, he’s also surprisingly mobile and does a nice job making that first guy miss, buying time or just taking off. He has improved steadily over the last year and has a big upside to him.

06 JAWON PASS

6-5/200 - Have we mentioned there are some big QBs this year? Jawon Pass is all of 6-5 and one of the most athletic signal callers in this group. He’s a true dual threat QB who is ideal in a zoneread type system and has the arm to flick his wrist and launch a ball 60 yards downfield.

07 TRISTEN WALLACE

[TEXAS TECH] 6-3/225 - Wallace is another true dual threat QB who is just as dangerous running as he is throwing. He has a cannon for an arm and his thick frame allows him to run more like a running back than a quarterback.

08 JACK ALLISON

[MIAMI] 6-5/190 - Allison is the rare QB who is a pure pocket passer and actually plays a little under center. He can roll out and is comfortable throwing on the run but is most comfortable staying in the pocket where he can make quick reads and spread the ball around.

09 JARRETT GUARANTANO

[UNDECIDED] 6-4/195 - Guarantano is a smooth pocket passer with a very nice feel for the position. He’s calm in the pockeet, doesn’t get rattled and is very solid mechanically. Throw in the ability to make plays with his legs and he’s a kid who could move up this list over the spring.

10 SETH GREEN

[OREGON] 6-3/200 - Green is exactly what you would expect to see from an Oregon QB commit, a dangerous runner with tons of speed but the arm to hurt a defense as well. He has a live arm and just needs to continue to work on mechanics to take his game to another level. CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

BY JAMIE NEWBERG

[UCLA] 6-2/203 - Jamabo is a talented, athletic and versatile running back who can run and be an effective receiver out of the backfield. He can run well between the tackles or take it wide around the perimeter. He’s taller and runs upright but remember running backs come in all shapes and sizes.

FASTEST 1. Taj Griffin, Oregon 2. Jay Bradford, Texas A&M 3. Jordan Scarlett, Florida 4. Damien Harris, Alabama 5. Jordan Stevenson, Wisconsin

BIG BACKS GUICE

1. Jacques Patrick, Florida State 2. Jaason Lewis, Arizona State 3. Johnny Frasier, N.C. State 4. L.J. Scott, Michigan State 5. Chris Warren, Texas

FULLBACKS

WARREN

RUNNING BACKS

JAMABO

01 SOTONYE JAMABO

02 RONALD JONES

[USC] 6-0/185 - Jones is an explosive talent that has a chance to be an instant impact guy at USC. He displays a quick burst and shows excellent agility, vision and balance. Jones has more elusiveness than power and is very dangerous in space.

03 DERRIUS GUICE

[LSU] 5-11/205 - Guice is a powerful workhorse who can carry an offense. He lacks elite speed but this is a guy that can be very productive and move the chains. Guice is strong and runs with balance and determination.

04 JOHNNY FRASIER

[N.C. STATE] 5-11/213 - Frasier is a load. He can break tackles and stay on his feet. Frasier is also fast enough to take the edge on the perimeter. He has also shown the ability to be a quality receiver out of the backfield.

1. Chandler Cox, Auburn 2. Houston Heimuli, Stanford 3. Reagan Williams, Stanford 4. Kal-El Williams, FAU 5. Ernie Timoteo

05 DAMIEN HARRIS

TOP NFL PROSPECTS

[TEXAS] 6-2/220 - Warren is a bigger back with terrific feet, balance and size. He has surprising quickness, agility and shows a quick burst. Warren is more of a hammer and north-south runner. At 220-pounds he runs a 4.5 40 yard dash, which is moving.

1. Sotonye Jamabo, UCLA 2. Damien Harris, Alabama 3. Jordan Scarlett, Florida 4. Jordan Stevenson, Wisconsin 5. Chandler Cox, Auburn

MOST PRESSURE 1. Damien Harris, Alabama 2. Sotonye Jamabo, UCLA 3. Ronald Jones, USC 4. Dexter Williams, Notre Dame 5. Mike Weber, Ohio State

[ALABAMA] 5-11/208 - Harris is a well put together running back that so explosive. He has home run speed and can run with power. Harris is well built and a tough blocker. The only knock to him is the competition level he played against.

06 CHRIS WARREN

07 JACQUES PATRICK

[FSU] 6-2/231 - Jimbo Fisher landed his hammer. He’s an outstanding runner between the tackles. Patrick runs with tremendous power and pad level. If he gets going down hill and his shoulders square he’s a load to bring down.

08 L.J. SCOTT

[MICHIGAN STATE] 6-1/227 - Scott is a big back who runs like a big back should. He breaks a lot of arm tackles and has excellent balance. Scott hows good change of direction ability and short area quickness. He has good feet and is agile for a bigger kid.

09 MIKE WEBER

SLEEPERS 1. Markeis Hallback, Georgia Southern 2. Jonathan Femi-Cole, Minnesota 3. Braeden West, SMU 4. Isaiah Hill, Miami Ohio 5. T.J. Simmons, Temple

INSTANT IMPACT 1. Ronald Jones, USC 2. Sotonye Jamabo, UCLA 3. Jordan Scarlett, Florida 4. Taj Griffin, Oregon 5. Jaason Lewis, Arizona State

[OHIO STATE] 5-9/210 - Weber is a compact back who runs with good patience. He is a slasher with a good burst and good acceleration. He catches the ball well out of the backfield and also does a nice job in pass protection. He’s leaving Michigan for Columbus.

10 TAJ GRIFFIN

[OREGON] 5-10/175 - This should be a great marriage beteen the Ducks and Griffin. He’s ideal for their spread attack. Griffin is a speed demon with outstanding quickness. He will be another weapon is space at Oregon.

BEST OF THE REST

Kerryon Johnson (Auburn), Jordan Stevenson (Wisconsin), Jordan Scarlett (Florida), Saquon Barkley (Penn State), Jaason Lewis (Arizona State), Corey Dauphine (Texas Tech), Dexter Williams (Notre Dame), Nyheim Hines (N.C. State), Eric Glover-Williams (Ohio State), and Mark Walton (Miami). CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

N36

RONALD JONES

2016

01 KAREEM WALKER

[OHIO STATE] 6-1/210 - The Buckeyes landed a big back here, gifted in so many areas. Walker excels between the tackles and has good enough speed to run away from a defense. He shows good vision, toughness and the ability to stay on his feet.

02 TAVIEN FEASTER

[CLEMSON] 6-0/195 - Clemson gets another ideal piece for their spread attack with the dangerous Feaster. He has good size and even better speed. Feaster is quick and explosive and shows the ability to be another super player in space.

03 GEORGE HILL

[OHIO STATE] 6-0/190 - Hill has a lot bit of everything. He has good size and power. Hill’s not a blazer but does possess good speed. He runs with good patience and balance. He’s a nononsense north-south runner.

04 B.J. EMMONS

[GEORGIA] 6-1/205 - The Dawgs go to the state of North Carolin and commit another outstanding running back prospect. Emmons has good size and hits the hole quickly and with authority. He has above average speed and shows explosiveness.

05 ANTONIO WILLIAMS

[WISCONSIN] 5-11/210 - Williams is another standout bolting the Tar Heel State. He’s headed to Wisconsin and looks like a perfect fit for the Wisconsin offense. This kid is a 210-plus pounder who can run with strength and quickness.

06 DEMARIO MCCALL

5-11/170 - McCall is an outstanding athlete that does a little bit of everything for his high school football team. He’s a versatile athlete with excellent speed. I mean this kid can fly. He also plays cornerback, wide receiver and returns kicks. Ohio State will be tough to beat.

07 KAMERON MARTIN

[BAYLOR] 5-10/175 - It’s a loaded year in Texas and Martin is the top rated running back in the state at this time. He’s headed to Baylor. This kid has a great burst and shows the ability to make the big play. He should be a huge weapon in the Bears offense.

08 MILES SANDERS

[PENN STATE] 6-0/195 - Sanders became the first pledge of 2016 for James Franklin and Penn State. He’s been a big time player since his freshman season. He’s so smoother and seems to run with ease. He’s only going to get bigger, stronger and faster.

09 BRANDON WELLINGTON

[WASHINGTON] 6-1/205 - Brandon Wellington is one of the region’s top two way players with the talent to end up on either side of the ball. He could be the top running back prospect in the West but might be even better as a future safety or even outside linebacker.

10 CHRIS EVANS

5-10/182 - Evans is an athlete who could play multiple positions at the next level from running back, [slot] wide receiver or even on the other side of the ball at cornerback. He’s a smooth athlete with terrific speed and athleticism. CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

BY CHAD SIMMONS

FASTEST 1. C.J. Sanders, Notre Dame 2. George Campbell, Florida State 3. Brian Cole, Michigan 4. Tyron Johnson, LSU 5. Derrick Dillon, LSU

BEST HANDS LODGE

1. DaMarkus Lodge, Ole Miss 2. Preston Williams, Tennessee 3. Terry Godwin, Georgia 4. Trent Irwin, Stanford 5. Van Jefferson, Ole Miss

TOP TIGHT ENDS

02 DAMARKUS LODGE

[OLE MISS] 6-2/188 - Lodge is a receiver who transcends the ‘possession style’ moniker, but with his combo of skills that is not a bad way of looking at his game. He has the playmaking ability and concentration to make major catches in traffic, using his size to his advantage. He is a good route runner as well.

03 CHRISTIAN KIRK

[TEXAS A&M] 5-10/191 - Kirk is one of the premier pass catchers in the country. He’s a well muscled 200 pounds and very strong. He’s both quick and fast, elusive in the open field, and strong return man. He runs well after the catch and is a true difference maker.

04 CALVIN RIDLEY

[ALABAMA] 6-0/169 - Ridley is an athlete, a very good one. He has a long and rangy frame with long arms to go with it. As a wide receiver, he is smooth in the open field, he is a true vertical threat, and he has sneaky speed. Ball skills are there and he is a playmaker.

05 TERRY GODWIN

[GEORGIA] 5-11/165 - Godwin played everywhere in high school. As a wide receiver, he is elusive, cat-quick, and elite in space. He can be used in the backfield, in the slot, and as a return man. His ball skills are among the best in the country.

1. Chris Clark, UCLA 2. Alize Jones, Notre Dame 3. Hale Hentges, Alabama 4. Will Gragg, Arkansas 5. Jordan Davis, Texas A&M KIRK

WIDE RECEIVERS / TE

CAMPBELL

01 PRESTON WILLIAMS

[TENNESSEE] 6-4/192 - Williams is the total package at wide receiver. He has plus size and run away from a defense type of speed. He has good strength and balance, enabling him to break a tackle. Because of his size, he’s always open, because he can outleap and box out smaller defensive backs.

06 GEORGE CAMPBELL

TOP NFL PROSPECTS 1. Preston Williams, Tennessee 2. DaMarkus Lodge, Ole Miss 3. Chris Clark, UCLA 4. Van Jefferson, Ole Miss 5. Alize Jones, Notre Dame

[FLORIDA STATE] 6-3/190 - Campbell has outstanding size, speed and measurables. He does a nice job of using his size to his advantage, especially with the ball in the air. He can box out and high point the ball. As a runner, he’s smooth with long strides.

07 DEON CAIN

[CLEMSON] 6-1/187 - Cain is an elite athlete with good size and length. Cain’s primarily played quarterback and has only played wide receiver during the off-season. Cain’s just a natural. He never fights the ball and catches everything with his hands away from his body. Cain possesses very good speed.

MOST PRESSURE

08 TYRON JOHNSON

1. Van Jefferson, Ole Miss 2. George Campbell, Florida State 3. Calvin Ridley, Alabama 4. C.J. Sanders, Notre Dame 5. Chris Clark, UCLA

01 CHRIS CLARK (TIGHT END)

SLEEPERS 1. T.J. Rahming, Duke 2. Leon Thornton, Indiana 3. Kevin Thomas, SMU 4. Shaquery Wilson, Georgia 5. Christian Philpott, Georgia Tech

INSTANT IMPACT 1. Calvin Ridley, Alabama 2. Deon Cain, Clemson 3. Christian Kirk, Texas A&M 4. Darius Slayton, Auburn 5. DaMarkus Lodge, Ole Miss

[LSU] 6-1/185 - Johnson is a very physical wide receiver with speed, hands, and toughness. He looks like a running back or linebacker, so he is imposing to cornerbacks. He uses his size and strength to help him get open, to separate, and to get space. He is not hat shifty wideout, he is a yards after catch guy. [UCLA] 6-6/247 - Clark is a complete tight end who can block, get out and catch the ball and also be a factor in the red zone. He has very good hands. He does a nice job running routes and he is a big, physical player. He also embraces the blocking portion of the game, and does a good job getting off the line of scrimmage cleanly.

02 ALIZE JONES (TIGHT END)

[NOTRE DAME] 6-5/230 - Jones is a tremendous athlete. He can run, jump and has the kind of frame that isn’t close to filling out yet. He’s an improving pass catcher, not totally natural just yet but getting better, and has as much upside as any tight to come out of the west in some time. He’ll improve as a blocker but his main strength in college will be making plays down the field.

BEST OF THE REST - WR

Brian Cole (Michigan), Alex Ofodile (Oregon), Darius Slayton (Auburn), Trent Irwin (Stanford), Van Jefferson (Ole Miss), Carlos Strickland (California), Ray-Ray McCloud (Clemson), J.F. Thomas (Texas Tech), Brandon Polk (Penn State), Juwan Johnson (Penn State) CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

N38

PRESTON WILLIAMS

2016

01 TYLER VAUGHNS

Bishop Amat (California) 6-2/185 - Vaughns is a tremendous two-way athlete with the ability to play multiple positions in college. He’s a very talented receiver prospect but can also play corner or safety at the next level. He’s a high level athlete with great hands and body control, is a smooth, polished route runner and shows a nice burst down the field.

02 NATE CRAIG

6-2/195 - Craig won’t run the fastest forty in the country but between the lines he shows great speed and deep speed. Craig is strong and can be a physical wide receiver. He can get in and out of his breaks quickly and effortlessly. He’s smooth and deceptive. Craig’s very well put together. Craig has good hands.

03 TREN’DAVIAN DICKSON

6-0/170 - Dickson had an historic junior season. He caught 90 passes for 2,163 yards and a national single-season record 39 touchdowns, leading Navasota to the Texas Class 4A Division I state title with a 16-0 record. Good speed and can catch the ball in tight space.

04 DEVIN DUVERNAY

5-11/178 - Duvernay plays mostly out of the slot and has the ability to take the underneath pass and turn it in to a big gain in a flash. He has the moves and the athleticism to make defenders miss, but the most special quality about his game is his burst and top-end speed.

05 JAVON MCKINLEY

6-2/180 - Good body and length at wide receiver and will likely play at over 200 pounds in college. Tough across the middle and has shown the ability to adjust to the ball in traffic. Not elite speed, but sneaky fast. Considered a weapon in the red zone.

06 D.K. METKALF

6-3/200 - An exciting player all over the football field, but receiver will be his home on the next level. Big, physical, strong, and a bigplay guy on offense. Plucks the ball out of the air, likes to block on the perimeter, and can go up and high-point the football.

07 MICHAEL PITTMAN

6-3/200 - Pittman is one of those high school players that rarely leaves the field on Friday nights. He stars at wide receiver and safety. His ball skills are strong and his size makes him tough to guard at receiver. He is very fluid with good speed and size college coaches covet.

08 CAVIN RIDLEY

6-1/190 - Ridley is an explosive wideout with some speed, quickness, and elusiveness. More of an outside receiver who can make the big plays in the red zone and stretch the field. Shows good down-the-field speed and he really knows how to go up and attack the ball at its highest point. Good length and toughness as well.

01 KADEN SMITH (TIGHT END)

6-5/235 - Complete package on the football field. Can stretch the defense with his pass-catching ability. Can line up as a traditional tight end, H-back, or flex out. Has soft hands, tracks the ball well, and has shown he can make plays in traffic.

02 CHARLIE WOERNER (TIGHT END)

6-5/221 - There is not much Woerner doesn’t do for his high school team on Friday nights. He lines up all over the field on both sides of the ball and is a star on special teams too. He is a big receiver that projects as a tight end. Athletic, soft hands, tough, mentally strong, and a future star.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

OFFENSIVE LINE

[FLORIDA] 6-6/271 - Ivey is an impressive offensive tackle with good arm length, good base, and great feet. He moves well in short space, he reacts well on the edge, and he shows very good balance. He has wide shoulders, good lower-body, and will carry 300 pounds easily down the road.

TOP CENTERS 1. Fred Ulu-Perry, UCLA 2. Tommy Hatton, North Carolina 3. James Daniels, Iowa 4. Zach Rogers, Arkansas 5. A.J. Harris, Missouri

TOP TACKLES LANFEAR

BY GABE BROOKS

TEUHEMA

01 MARTEZ IVEY

1. Martez Ivey, Florida 2. Mitch Hyatt, Clemson 3. Chuma Edoga, USC 4. Abdul Bello, Florida State 5. Connor Lanfear, Texas A&M

02 MITCH HYATT

[CLEMSON] 6-5/274 - Hyatt is one of the more polished offensive linemen in the 2015 class. He is a little on the lean side and needs to add weight and strength, but possesses a great frame. He has great feet, moves well, and is equally strong in run-blocking and pass protection.

03 CHUMA EDOGA

[USC] 6-3/283 - Edoga is a long, lean offensive tackle with long arms and a frame to add weight. Adding mass and muscle will help him become more of a dominant lineman at the point of attack. Edoga is a good player in space with his length and quickness.

04 MAEA TEUHEMA

[LSU] 6-5/346 - Teuhema is a massive offensive line prospect who eats up his opponents. He is so much bigger and stronger and has a nasty streak. He takes pride in finishing blocks and can push around his man to open running lanes, but also shows surprising nimbleness in pass protection.

TOP GUARDS

05 TRISTEN HOGE

1. Maea Teuhema, LSU 2. Tristen Hoge, Notre Dame 3. Lester Cotton, Alabama 4. Richie Petitbon, Alabama 5. Javon Patterson, Ole Miss

06 LESTER COTTON

[NOTRE DAME] 6-4 1/2/291 - Hoge is not just the top guard out West, he’s the top overall offensive lineman in the region as well. He’s very versatile and could play center, guard or even tackle in college. He’s built like a truck, has great technique, is strong and shows excellent lateral mobility.

VAHE

TOP NFL PROSPECTS 1. Martez Ivey, Florida 2. Maea Teuhema, LSU 3. Abdul Bello, Florida State 4. Chidi Valentine-Okeke, LSU 5. Lester Cotton, Alabama

MOST PRESSURE 1. Martez Ivey, Florida 2. Patrick Vahe, Texas 3. Maea Teuhema, LSU 4. Drew Richmond, Tennessee 5. Mitch Hyatt, Clemson

[ALABAMA] 6-4/328 - Cotton moves well and can get to the second level. He shows good burst out of his stance and overall strength when making contact with defenders. He shows initial punch, but needs to consistently finish blocks. With improved pass-protection skills, he has the body to play early.

07 RICHIE PETITBON

[ALABAMA] 6-4/313 - Petitbon has the genes, which is one reason his technique is so good. He plays low and explosive. His initial punch is very good. Petitbon is strong, physical and plays with a nasty streak. Adding a little more knee-bend will help increase athleticism and make him even better.

08 ABDUL BELLO

[FLORIDA STATE] 6-6/300 - Bello has great size and length and gets off the ball very well. He’s athletic, moves his feet and showcases very good lateral movement and agility. He also has great hands and a powerful punch. There’s no question he has all the physical tools. Bello just lacks experience.

09 CONNOR LANFEAR

SLEEPERS 1. Madison Akamnonu, Texas Tech 2. Dallas Warmack, Alabama 3. Connor Williams, Texas 4. Grant Newsome, Michigan 5. Tyler Moore, Minnesota

INSTANT IMPACT 1. Maea Teuhema, LSU 2. Patrick Vahe, Texas 3. Martez Ivey, Florida 4. Abdul Bello, Florida State 5. Javon Patterson, Ole Miss

[TEXAS A&M] 6-5/275 - Lanfear is an excellent run blocker. He plays with great pad level, coils quickly and fires out on defensive linemen to drive them back. Lanfear is a high-motor player. He’s a versatile lineman who looks like he could play a number of positions on the offensive front.

10 ISAIAH PRINCE

[OHIO STATE] 6-6 1/2/290 - Prince is raw, but wildly talented and could develop into a cornerstone left tackle in college. He has tremendous length, moves his feet well and his explosive. Prince is a very good athlete, but he needs to stay lower, while also improving his pass-pro kick-step.

BEST OF THE REST

Chidi Valentine-Okeke, LSU; Keenan Walker, Arizona; Javon Patterson, Ole Miss; Patrick Vahe, Texas; Bobby Evans, Oklahoma; Drew Richmond, Tennessee; Toby Weathersby, LSU; Gabe Megginson, Illinois; William Sweet, North Carolina; Dru Samia, Oklahoma.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

N40

IVEY

2016

01 GREG LITTLE

[TEXAS A&M] 6-6/285 - Little has the athleticism, frame and footwork to become an elite college tackle. He’s tall and long and could handle additional weight on his frame. The athletic Little has the ability to knock defenders back with his initial contact and shows balance by keeping good leg drive.

02 BEN BREDESON

6-5/28 - Bredeson is a physical player at the point of attack who anchors well with his strong base. Bredeson plays tackle in high school, but may project best as a guard in college. Either way, he’s very strong and a bull in the run game.

03 JOHN RARIDON

[NEBRASKA] 6-4/270 - Raridon is very strong and aggressive, showing the ability to finish blocks with tenacity, both at the line of scrimmage and at the second level, where he terrorizes linebackers. He consistently gets under and inside opponents. Those traits should serve him well as he develops his pass-pro skills.

04 RICHARD MERRITT

6-5/325 - Merritt fires off the ball quickly and stays low, which allows him to get under the defensive lineman and control the play. In passpro, Merritt has a wide base and uses his length well. He needs to move his feet better to handle the rush up the field.

05 TOMMY KRAEMER

[NOTRE DAME] 6-5/310 - Kraemer is a tall tackle prospect who often physically overwhelms his competition at the high school level. Kraemer finishes blocks and plays with a bit of a mean streak. His height and length should help him as he continues to improve his lateral agility and footwork in pass-pro.

06 PATRICK HUDSON

[BAYLOR] 6-5/320 - Hudson is a mountain of a prospect. Because of his enormous frame and power, when he gains the leverage advantage it’s over. He is raw as a prospect from a technique standpoint in pass-pro, but for his size has good explosion and runs the field and pulls well.

07 WILLIE ALLEN

6-7/300 - Allen has an elite frame for an offensive tackle thanks to his height and long arms. He moves well for such a long athlete and is a strong run-blocker from a run-heavy program. He will need to polish his pass-pro skills in preparation for the next level.

08 MICHAEL MENET

6-5/264 - Menet gets off the ball quickly, plays with a low pad level, has a nice initial punch, is athletic and can pull, is tenacious and once he engages the defender, finishes off nicely. Menet has quick feet and good strength. He plays with leverage and to the whistle.

09 BEN CLEVELAND

[GEORGIA] 6-5/320 - Cleveland is a versatile player at the high school level who plays both sides of the ball. In college, he projects best as a big, physical offensive tackle. Cleveland has a college-ready frame. He shows impressive run-blocking ability and a lot of pass-pro upside.

10 JAVON KINLAW

6-7/288 - Not many players look better on the hoof than Kinlaw, who has great flexibility, good length, is very coordinated and possesses a lot of upside. He’s still developing on the field after growing up mainly on the basketball court. Kinlaw carries weight well with balance and good feet. CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

BY DOUG KIMMEL

[TENNESSEE] 6-3.5”/341 - McKenzie is the kind of player you can build a defense around. He has everything you could want in a big defensive tackle. Non-stop motor, strength, explosiveness, and toughness.

BEST RUN STOPPERS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Kahlil McKenzie, Tennessee Daylon Mack, Texas A&M Daron Payne, Alabama Trenton Thompson, Georgia Byron Cowart, Auburn

BEST PASS RUSHERS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

THOMPSON DEAN LEGGE/DAWGPOST.COM

DEFENSIVE LINE

MCKENZIE

01 KAHLIL MCKENZIE

Josh Sweat, Florida State Byron Cowart, Auburn CeCe Jefferson, Florida Shameik Blackshear, South Carolina Jalen Dalton, North Carolina

STRONGEST 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Breiden Fehoko, Texas Tech Canton Kaumatule, Oregon Kahlil McKenzie, Tennessee Porter Gustin, USC Benning Potoae, Washington

SWEAT

TOP NFL PROSPECTS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Byron Cowart, Auburn Kahlil McKenzie, Tennessee Canton Kaumatule, Oregon Trenton Thompson, Georgia Daron Payne, Alabama

MOST PRESSURE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Kahlil McKenzie, Tennessee Breiden Fehoko, Texas Tech Canton Kaumatule, Oregon Daylon Mack, Texas A&M CeCe Jefferson, Florida

SLEEPERS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Louis Brown, Oklahoma State Daishon Neal, Nebraska Gabe Reid, Stanford Du’Vonta Lampkin, Texas Mika Tafua, BYU

INSTANT IMPACT 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Canton Kaumatule, Oregon Byron Cowart, Auburn Josh Sweat, Florida State Kahlil McKenzie, Tennessee Breiden Fehoko, Texas Tech

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02 TRENTON THOMPSON

[GEORGIA] 6-3”/298 - Thompson makes life a lot easier for his teammates. He is as explosive and disruptive as they come and should command a constant double team.

03 JOSH SWEAT

[FLORIDA STATE] 6-4.5”/240 - Sweat is long, lean, and tremendously twitchy. He is going to be an offensive tackle’s worst nightmare at the next level. He has all the tools and his best days are well ahead of him.

04 BYRON COWART

[AUBURN] 6-4”/265 - Cowart is perfectly put together. When his motor is revving, he is unstoppable. He can be as good as he wants to be.

05 DAYLON MACK

[TEXAS A&M] 6-1”/330 - Mack is a junk yard dog in the trenches. He can beat you with speed, power, or both. He has a chance to be the most productive DT in this class.

06 CECE JEFFERSON

[FLORIDA] 6-3”/258 - Jefferson is an elite edge rusher that is still scratching the surface. He has a tremendous first step that should get him on the field early in his career. With improved fundamentals, he could be completely dominant.

07 DARON PAYNE

[ALABAMA] 6-2”/335 - Payne was built to anchor a Nick Saban defense. He is a violent tackle that is unblockable in the middle. He can completely take over a game, by collapsing the pocket.

08 CANTON KAUMATULE

[OREGON] 6-7”/290 - Kaumatule has the nastiness the Oregon defense needs. He has an NFL ready body and all the raw talent. His upside is amongst the highest in the class.

09 RASHEEM GREEN

[USC] 6-4.5”/290 - Green is a versatile prospect that can play a number of positions upfront. At 290, he carries his weight well and moves very well. He could see the field early for the Trojans.

10 BREIDEN FEHOKO

[TEXAS TECH] 6-2.5”/290 - Fehoko already has the strength of an NFL defensive tackle. He is as strong as an ox and quick off the snap. This guy will anchor the Texas Tech line for years to come.

BEST OF THE REST

Christian Wilkins (Clemson),Terry Beckner (Missouri), Porter Gustin (USC), Kyle Phillips (Tennessee), Kamonte Carter (Penn State), Jacob Daniel (USC), Neville Gallimore (Oklahoma), Jonathan Ledbetter (Georgia), Joseph Wicker (Arizona State), Shy Tuttle (Tennessee)

CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

RASHAN GARY

2016

01 RASHAN GARY

6-4”/280 - Gary may be the top prospect in the class. He is ready to play college football now and is only going to get better. He is an explosive athlete, that moves like he is 225 pounds.

02 SHAVAR MANUEL

6-3.5”/253 - Manuel is a quick twitch pass-rusher. He flies off the edge and is a quarterback’s worst nightmare. He has the ability to move inside and has a great frame.

03 DERRICK BROWN

6-4”/276 - Brown has a relentless motor and is unblockable on the inside. He has a great get-off and is great in pursuit for a big man. His best days are well ahead of him. Great upside.

04 NICHOLAS BOSA

6-3”/230 - Bosa has a complete repertoire, abusing offensive linemen with speed and power. At this point, you could argue he is ahead of his brother, Joey Bosa.

05 RASHARD LAWRENCE

6-3”/300 - Lawrence is a rottweiler in the trenches. He commands a double team and still makes a lot of plays. He moves very well for his size and will only get better from here.

06 BRELAND BRANDT

[UCLA] 6-4”/220 - Brandt was made to come off the edge. He has all the tools to be an elite pass rush. When he adds 30 pounds, he should be unstoppable at the next level. There are some similarities to former UCLA great, Anthony Barr.

07 ED OLIVER

6-2”/280 - Oliver has a non-stop motor that is very evident on tape. He is relentless in pursuit and makes a lot of plays from the backside and downfield. He is an explosive athlete that will only continue to get better.

08 ED ALEXANDER

6-2.5”/315 - Alexander is coming off of an MCL injury, but when healthy, he is one of the best tackles in the country. He shoots the gap, overpowers double teams, and has impressive closing speed.

09 KENDELL JONES

6-4/335 - Jones is an elite 1-tech. He is explosive, powerful, and deceptively athletic. As his technique improves, he could climb his way up to the top of this list. He has the ability to line up all over the front, but is built for the inside.

10 JUSTIN MADUBUIKE

6-4”/240 - Madubuike is a versatile and productive prospect. He can play either tackle or end. He has a good motor, a nice burst off the line, and uses his hands well. It’s not hard to imagine him packing on 30-40 pounds and dominating as a 3-4 end or 3-tech.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

BY GREG POWERS

[TEXAS] 6-3/220 - A prospect who has a long, athletic frame, but is ripped. Still has room to add some more size, which makes his physique potential even more impressive. He uses his hands well when needed to get off his blocks and has tremendous closing speed in the open field.

ILBS 1. Roquan Smith, Georgia 2. Justin Hilliard, Ohio State 3. Jahvoni Simmons, Virginia 4. Anthony Wheeler, Texas 5. Darrin Kirkland, Tennessee

OLBS MASINA

LINEBACKERS

JEFFERSON

01 MALIK JEFFERSON

1. Malik Jefferson, Texas 2. Osa Masina, USC 3. Ricky DeBerry, Oklahoma 4. Keisean Lucier-South, UCLA 5. Josh Barajas, Notre Dame

FASTEST

02 OSA MASINA

[USC] 6-4/233 - He has a great frame, runs very well and could easily bulk up in to a full time defensive end down the line. He has very good straight line speed but also shows excellent lateral mobility and plays well in space. Projects great as an OLB in a 3-4 scheme.

03 RICKY DEBERRY

[OKLAHOMA] 6-2/240 - Has a unique combination of power and speed. He plays sideline to sideline and has a non-stop motor. DeBerry also has a high football I.Q. and a knack for making big plays. Overall, he is one of the top prospects in the country and his best football is ahead of him.

04 KEISEAN LUTHER-SOUTH

[UCLA] 6-4/211 - At 6-4, 200 pounds, he needs to put on some weight but has plenty of time to do so. He has a great first step and the speed to beat a tackle before he can even get out of his stance. Has great closing speed as well and is learning how to play in space in case he’s used as an OLB in a 3-4.

05 JOSH BARAJAS

1. Malik Jefferson, Texas 2. Asmar Bilal, Notre Dame 3. Jeff Holland, Auburn 4. Jerome Baker, Ohio State 5. Roquan Smith, Georgia

[NOTRE DAME] 6-3/210 - Athletic and long, Barajas can run and get to a lot of places on the football field. He is very comfortable in space and has good feet and quickness. He shows the athleticism to drop into coverage and can come forward as an edge rusher. Does a nice job getting around blocks.

SMITH

06 JOHN HOUSTON

TOP NFL PROSPECTS 1. Malik Jefferson, Texas 2. Roquan Smith, Georgia 3. Ricky DeBerry, Oklahoma 4. Leo Lewis, Mississippi State 5. John Houston, USC

MOST PRESSURE 1. Malik Jefferson, Texas 2. Roquan Smith, Georgia 3. Ben Humphreys, Duke 4. Keisean Lucier-South, UCLA 5. Jack Hockaday, Iowa

[USC] 6-3/207 - Is very tough and physical and does a great job taking on blocks and making a play. He plays inside for Serra but projects as an outside ‘backer and his ability to rush the passer as well as drop back in to coverage should allow him to see the field early at the next level.

07 ROQUAN SMITH

[GEORGIA] 6-1/210 - A linebacker that still has some developing to do physically, but he plays bigger than his actual weight. He brings some pop when he makes a tackle and he is a solid tackler. He can come on a blitz or turn and run in coverage. He shines as much on offense as he does defense in high school.

08 JUSTIN HILLIARD

[OHIO STATE] 6-0/225 - Well built kid who is stocky and strong. Shows excellent instincts and feel for the game. Times his blitzes well, does a good job of avoiding blockers and packs a punch when he arrives at the ball-carrier. Has good tackling technique, plays under control and drives through his target.

09 D’ANDRE WALKER

SLEEPERS

[GEORGIA] 6-2/210 - He is a true rush end, but projects as a stand-up outside linebacker or hybrid on the next level. He has a very good burst off the ball and he can fire off low to get under the offensive tackle. He struggles against the run at times, but he is good in pursuit.

1. Semaj Thomas, TCU 2. Bo Wallace, Notre Dame 3. Nick Conner, Ohio State 4. Terez Hall, Missouri 5. Justin Jinning, Iowa

10 ASMAR BILAL

[NOTRE DAME] 6-3/210 - Very athletic kid who has outstanding speed and change of direction. Fluid, comfortable in space and runs down ball carriers in pursuit. Is good at shooting gaps and for a kid who is on the lean side right now, can deliver a strike when arriving at the ball carrier.

INSTANT IMPACT 1. Malik Jefferson, Texas 2. Roquan Smith, Georgia 3. Osa Masina, USC 4. Ricky DeBerry, Oklahoma 5. Josh Barajas, Notre Dame

BEST OF THE REST

Jahvoni Simmons (Virginia), Anthony Wheeler (Texas), Darrin Kirkland (Tennessee), Ben Humphreys (Duke), Jerome Baker (Ohio State), Cameron Smith (USC), Jeff Holland (Auburn), Leo Lewis (Mississippi State), Josh Woods (UCLA), (Cameron Townsend (Texas) CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

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JOHN HOUSTON

2016

01 KEION JOYNER

6-3/222 - He’s a terrific pass rusher, but he also scrapes the line of scrimmage and makes his reads well. He’s both patient and aggressive. He has a quick first step and has wide receiver speed when he opens it up. His skill set gives him the versatility to play in any scheme.

02 CALEB KELLY

6-2/220 - Kelly is one of those rare outside linebackers that can rush the passer, is strong against the run and drop back in to coverage. He has a great frame and as he continues to fill out and gains strength, he’ll become an even more physical player.

03 LYNDELL WILSON

6-3/225 - The leader in Alabama state rankings at this stage for the 2016 class. Athlete who can run, chase, and hit. He has five offers now, but that will double in the near future. He is one of those kids you offer after watching a few plays.

04 BEN DAVIS

6-4/219 - Demonstrates an ability to run well in space that aids him in all aspects of his game. His long wingspan and stride make him effective against players bigger than him near the trenches or quicker than him in space.

05 JAQUAN YULEE

6-2/240 - Yulee is the prototypical middle linebacker. He has a great combination of size, speed and strength. He runs extremely well and has great instincts. He plays sideline to sideline and is a very physical. Overall, he is one of the best linebacker prospects scouted.

06 LOKENI TOAILOA

6-1/215 - Toailoa is a sideline-to-sideline ‘backer with good pass coverage ability, quickness to get to the backs to make the tackle and has the high football IQ to quarterback the defense. Just a great all-around leader at a key position on the field.

07 JEFFREY MCCULLOCH

6-2/225 - He is very good at shedding blockers and playing in traffic. He is solid hitter, needs to work more on form tackling at times instead of trying to deliver a knockout blow, but he is definitely not shy to contact. He has ideal size, big time athletic ability, and makes plays.

08 BRENDAN FERNS

6-3/225 - Ferns has the size and speed combination you like in a classic linebacker prospect. He is making plays all over the field and validating his rankings, offers and accolades. As big as he is, MIKE, SAM or potentially even situational defensive end are possibilities in college.

09 MIQUE JUAREZ

[USC] 6-2/210 - Juarez is an athlete’s athlete. Having played quarterback, linebacker, defensive end, running back and receiver. Oh yeah, and he returns kicks too. It is obvious that he runs extremely well having olayed all of those different positions and speed is his biggest strength.

10 JONATHON COOPER

[OHIO STATE] 6-3/215 - Cooper has the size, speed and athleticism college recruiters are looking for. More importantly, he plays with a high motor and competes hard on every play whether his team is wining or losing. Is relentless in rushing the passer and has a great first step.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

BY ALLEN TRIEU

[USC] 6-2/195 - Size, man to man cover skills, but also attitude and confidence make this Long Beach (Calif.) Poly native the total package and a likely early impact guy for the Trojans, who secured him on Signing Day. His commitment moved their class to #1.

02 KENDALL SHEFFIELD

TOP ATHLETES 1. Donte Jackson, LSU 2. Kris Boyd, Texas 3. Kendall Sheffield, Alabama 4. Iman Marshall, USC 5. Kevin Toliver, LSU

BEST COVER CORNER TOLIVER

CORNERBACKS

MARSHALL

01 IMAN MARSHALL

1. Iman Marshall, USC 2. Kendall Sheffield, Alabama 3. Tarvarus McFadden, Florida State 4. Donte Jackson, LSU 5. Kevin Toliver, LSU

FASTEST 1. Donte Jackson, LSU 2. Kris Boyd, Texas 3. Mark Fields, Clemson 4. Kendall Sheffield, Alabama 5. Stephen Johnson, UCLA MCFADDEN

TOP NFL PROSPECTS 1. Iman Marshall, USC 2. Kevin Toliver, LSU 3. Kendall Sheffield, Alabama 4. Donte Jackson, LSU 5. Tarvarus McFadden, Florida State

MOST PRESSURE 1. Iman Marshall, USC 2. Tarvarus McFadden, Florida State 3. Kris Boyd, Texas 4. Mark Fields, Clemson 5. Tyson Smith, Michigan State

SLEEPERS

[Alabama] 6-0/181 - The Tide go into Texas and get a top ten national prospect overall. Sheffield has reported sub 4.4 speed and also the length and cover skills to fall into a recent line of top corner recruits who have panned out for the Tide like Dre Kirkpatrick and Dee Milliner.

03 KEVIN TOLIVER

[LSU] 6-1/193 - Of all the top guys at the position, Toliver might just be the most impressive physically. He already looks like an NFL prospect. He needs some polish still, but there is no denying his physical tools, which could have him as an early draft choice should he continue his development.

04 TARVARUS MCFADDEN

[Florida State] 6-2/198 - McFadden is one of those rare athletes who can play on an island at nearly 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds. He has great ball skills at that size, and his all around package of tools gives him a chance to play early at a position the Noles lost several bodies from.

05 DONTE JACKSON

[LSU] 5-11/175 - A fantastic all around athlete, Jackson could easily play several positions in college, but his speed, change of direction and hands serve him best on the corner. Still, don’t be surprised to see the Tigers use him as a return man or spot offensive player as well.

06 MINKAH FITZPATRICK

[Alabama] 6-1/194 - Fitzpatrick heads south from New Jersey bringing with him big-time size and physicality. Safety is not out of the question, but he and Sheffield make for an intimidating possibility as a bookend pair of corners. He is excellent in run support and has a knack for big plays.

07 YKILI ROSS

[USC] 6-1.5/185 - Ross was one of the nation’s biggest upward movers in the final rankings. He put together an outstanding senior season. He has the height and length to match up with bigger receivers and the make-up speed at that size that makes him a rare find at corner.

08 KRIS BOYD

[Texas] 6-0/181 - An outstanding athlete who made plays in all phases of the game in high school. Has great speed and quick feet. He’s the type of cornerback who will not only make plays on the ball, but will be a threat to score after he intercepts passes as well. He could play right away for Charlie Strong.

09 HOLTON HILL

[Texas] 6-3/180 - Good-sized kid who is not afraid to get up on the line and press receivers. He had a great showing at The Opening last summer against the nation’s best and has contrasting skill sets with Boyd, which should make them a great team in Austin.

1. Titus Booker, Wisconsin 2. Dayan Lake, BYU 3. Tyrone Miller, Kansas 4. Derrick Baity, Kentucky 5. Jhavonte Dean, Cincinnati

10 ISAIAH LANGLEY

INSTANT IMPACT 1. Tarvarus McFadden, Florida State 2. Iman Marshall, USC 3. Kris Boyd, Texas 4. Mark Fields, Clemson 5. Donte Jackson, LSU

[USC] 6-0/165 - Another on this list who had an outstanding couple of days at The Opening, Langley is not as big as some of the other guys on the list, but has the loose hips and quick feet coaches look for and also the confident attitude needed to play on an island.

BEST OF THE REST

DeChaun Holiday (UCLA), John Reid (Penn State), P.J. Mbanasor (Oklahoma), Mark Fields (Clemson), Shaun Crawford (Notre Dame), Rico McGraw (Georgia), Jordan Whitehead (Pittsburgh), Eric Lee (Nebraska), Tyrek Cole (West Virginia), Tyson Smith (Michigan State) CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

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KEVIN TOLIVER

2016

01 SAIVION SMITH

[LSU] 6-2/185 - One of the nation’s top overall players, Smith made an early commitmen to LSU, where he will give the Tigers an embarassment of riches at that position. Has the size and athleticism to be a next-level guy.

02 LEVONTA TAYLOR

5-10/180 - Fast, quick-footed prospect from Virginia has a number of early offers and is a top 20 overall prospect in the country. Athletic play-maker who opposing quarterbacks must be aware of.

03 KRISTIAN FULTON

6-0/165 - A who’s who of offers already for one of the top prospects in the state of Louisiana. Of course LSU will be working hard to land him, but have plenty of SEC and national competition.

04 JARED MAYDEN

6-1/190 - Great combination of size, speed, but also technique and footwork. Physical and may even be able to play safety. Has offers from around the country, but this Texan remains open.

05 SHYHEIM CARTER

[ALABAMA] 5-11/184 - Yet another outstanding corner prospect from the state of Alabama, Carter can project to several positions come college, but his speed (4.38) and skills are rare as a cover corner. A big time early get for Nick Saban and the Tide.

06 BYRON MURPHY

6-1/180 - Great sized kid who is ranked as one of the nation’s top 100 overall prospects. Still undecided, but has offers from instate schools Arizona and Arizona State, but also Michigan State, Ohio State, Notre Dame, USC, Florida State and others.

07 NIGEL WARRIOR

6-0/177 - Good sized kid with good speed and fluid change of direction. Georgia would love to keep him at home, but Alabama, Florida State, Ohio State, Penn State and more are in pursuit

08 TRAYVON MULLEN

6-2/180 - Corners as long and athletic as him are rare and that’s why he is approaching 40 offers with the big three in Florida hot on his trail along with Ohio State, Michigan, UCLA and other out of region schools.

09 JAYLON JONES

5-10/165 - One of the top prospects in the state of Texas, Jones is not as big as others on the list, but has the footwork, technique and speed to make up for it. Texas A&M is battling Auburn, Michigan, Ohio State and others for him.

10 AHMMON RICHARDS

[MIAMI] 6-2/171 - Long, lean, athletic kid with good cover skills and ball skills has already made a pledge to stay in-state and carry on a rich defensive backs tradition with the Hurricanes. Has shined at off-season events. CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

BY DAVE BERK

[FLORIDA STATE] 6-1.5/200 - Outstanding athlete who played on both sides of the ball in high school. Physical player with a long frame that can still add bulk. Could grow into a linebacker.

02 MARVELL TELL

TOP ATHLETES 1. Donte Jackson, LSU 2. Kris Boyd, Texas 3. Kendall Sheffield, Alabama 4. Iman Marshall, USC 5. Kevin Toliver, LSU

BEST COVER CORNER TELL

SAFETIES

JAMES

01 DERWIN JAMES

1. Iman Marshall, USC 2. Kendall Sheffield, Alabama 3. Tarvarus McFadden, Florida State 4. Donte Jackson, LSU 5. Kevin Toliver, LSU

FASTEST 1. Donte Jackson, LSU 2. Kris Boyd, Texas 3. Mark Fields, Clemson 4. Kendall Sheffield, Alabama 5. Stephen Johnson, UCLA PETERS

TOP NFL PROSPECTS 1. Iman Marshall, USC 2. Kevin Toliver, LSU 3. Kendall Sheffield, Alabama 4. Donte Jackson, LSU 5. Tarvarus McFadden, Florida State

[USC] 6-2/184 - Long rangy player with great body control and the athletic ability to cover a lot of ground. Not afraid to be physical and could also play cornerback.

03 JAMAL PETERS

[MISSISSIPPI STATE] 6-2/202 - Big safety with great range and closing speed who is willing to be physical. Plays more in the box and could grow into a linebacker. Frame can still add bulk.

04 DEIONTE THOMPSON

[ALABAMA] 6-1/175 - Ball hawking defender who is solid in coverage while also being physical enough to support the run. Has frame that can add weight without losing athletic ability.

05 JUSTIN DUNNING

[TEXAS A&M] 6-3.5/204 - Tall defender with elite size and ability to support the run. Has knack for being around the football and making plays. Long strider who can close on the football quickly

06 JAQUAN JOHNSON

[MIAMI] 5-10/182 - Great athlete that lacks the ideal height most college programs look for. Instinctive with great range, change of direction and ball skills.

07 WILL SUNDERLAND JR.

[OKLAHOMA] 6-2/190 - Great size and tackling ability make him a devastating hitter. Must continue working on finer details of the game but has great upside as a big hitting safety.

08 FRANK BUNCOM

[STANFORD] 6-1/195 - Physical player who can support the run and use his athletic ability to provide coverage. Great size, speed and ball skills set him apart from others.

09 MONTAVIOUS ATKINSON

MOST PRESSURE 1. Iman Marshall, USC 2. Tarvarus McFadden, Florida State 3. Kris Boyd, Texas 4. Mark Fields, Clemson 5. Tyson Smith, Michigan State

SLEEPERS

[AUBURN] 6-1/190 - Tough hard hitting player with great closing speed. Has nose for the ball and provides great run support. Must work on backpedal as he plays better moving forward.

10 TYREE KINNEL

[MICHIGAN] 5-11/183 - Former corner with a high football IQ. Great body control and instincts allow him to provide strong run support. Tough hard-nosed player with above average hands.

BEST OF THE REST

Dee Smith (Louisville), Larry Pryor (Texas A&M), Shawn Burgess-Becker (Alabama), Calvin Brewton (Florida State), Armani Linton (Ole Miss), Deshon Elliott (Texas), Jauan Jennings (Tennessee), Rashad Roundtree (Georgia), Ronnie Harrison (Alabama), Roney Elam (Texas A&M)

1. Titus Booker, Wisconsin 2. Dayan Lake, BYU 3. Tyrone Miller, Kansas 4. Derrick Baity, Kentucky 5. Jhavonte Dean, Cincinnati

CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

INSTANT IMPACT 1. Tarvarus McFadden, Florida State 2. Iman Marshall, USC 3. Kris Boyd, Texas 4. Mark Fields, Clemson 5. Donte Jackson, LSU

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BRANDON JONES

2016 01 BRANDON JONES

6-0/190 - Hard hitting safety with offers from coastto-coast. Combines good-short-area burst with the mental and physical skills to support the run or provide coverage.

02 ERIC MONROE

6-0/180 - Good physical size with speed and quick awareness to break on the ball. Can make big plays using great hands and the ability to go up and get the ball at itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest point.

03 DEONTAY ANDERSON

6-1/192 - Long frame with long arms and the ability to go sideline-to-sideline with great burst. Long strider with above average hands and ability to score.

04 MARQUEZ CALLAWAY

6-3/170 - Excellent ball skills with hands like an elite receiver. Good quickness with above average closing speed. Fluid with good body control.

05 CHAUNCEY GARDNER

6-0/197 - Plays close to line of scrimmage providing great run support. Shows quick feet and above average hands. Also plays receiver and can make plays in return game.

06 SHUROD THOMPSON

6-1/185 - Great frame to add more bulk without losing athletic ability. Fluid athlete that can make up ground in coverage but not afraid to be physical in run support.

07 DONTE VAUGHN

6-3/188 - Great length with the abilty to play press coverage or provide run support. Physical player with great burst and above aveage ball skills.

08 BRANDON BURTON

6-0/180 - Talented athlete who could play on both sides of the ball. Shows high fotoball IQ and has a nose for the ball. Great burst to make up ground and make a play.

09 ISAIAH SIMMONS

6-3/200 - Long frame two-way performer with great body control. Long strider with solid ball skills. Not afraid to come up and support the run.

10 MARLON CHARACTER

6-0/173 - Hard hitting physical safety prospect with solid ball skills. Solid return man on special teams with the ability to score when the ball is in his hands. CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

RASHAN GARY

Paramus (N.J.) Catholic defensive tackle Rashan Gary remains the No. 1 prospect in the 2016 class. And he represents a strong contingent out of the East. “The East has some really high-end talent and it is spread out well across the region, but the deepest area of the elite talent is at receiver,” said national recruiting analyst Brian Dohn. “There are three receivers in the Top 100, one from Maryland, one from Virginia and another from New Jersey.”

SHEA PATTERSON

With 34 commits nationally, the East has the smallest number of them. “Just to show how much recruiting is sped up, of the 12 kids from the East in on the list, three are already committed,” said Dohn.

Six of the Top 10 come from the Southeast, which has the biggest representation in the Scout 100 with 39 prospects. NICOLAS BOSA

“It is a very strong year in the South again, especially on the defensive line,” said national recruiting analyst Chad Simmons. “Out of the 38 players in the Scout 100, 10 of them are either defensive ends or defensive tackles. Five of those are considered five-star prospects and among the best in the country regardless of position.”

The nation’s top quarterback prospect, Shea Patterson, is from the South.

NATE CRAIG GREG LITTLE

BY BRANDON HUFFMAN

“Quarterbacks are also well represented in the Scout 100 early on. Four made the list with one, Shea Patterson being a five-star, and the top junior signal caller in the country according to Scout. It is a strong year at this position, especially the dual-threat quarterbacks. All four in the Scout 100 are guys who can hurt defenses with their arm and their legs,” said Simmons.

It’s another big year in Florida in 2016, especially at the top. “Initially, there are a pair of five-star defensive ends that will battle for state supremacy and the coveted top ranking in the Sunshine State in Nicolas Bosa (Ft. Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) and Shavar Manuel (Bradenton IMG Academy). They are two ridiculous talents. Who’s better at this point? That’s such a tough call. Bosa may be the better player now but Manuel may have more upside,” said national recruiting analyst Jamie Newberg.

Then you have a pair of outstanding skilled guys in wide receiver Nate Craig (Tampa Catholic) and cornerback Savion Smith (Bradenton IMG Academy). JACOB EASON

“Craig has size and runs like a deer and it’s been fun watching him develop over the past two years. Then you have a big, big play corner in Smith. The kid is just a ball hawk. These are five-star recruits in any year,” said Newberg.

The Midlands has 20 players in the initial Scout 100, including the No. 1 offensive lineman in the country, Greg Little. K.J. COSTELLO

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“The region is led by standout offensive tackle Greg Little from Allen (Texas) High, but he is not the only standout in the class,” said national recruiting analyst Greg Powers. “Kendell Jones from Killeen (Texas) Shoemaker is one of the most impressive specimens you will ever lay eyes on, earning himself

Skill positions are also strong in the Midlands. “The region will also boast a high number of talented receivers and defensive backs,” said Powers. “Navasota (Texas) High’s Tren’Davion Dickson was a record breaker in reception touchdowns and Devin Duvernay from Sachse (Texas) High is a pure speed demon. On the other side also playing for Sachse you have Jared Mayden, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound corner with a top three of Ohio State, Oregon and TCU. Brandon Jones from Nacogdoches (Texas) High and Eric Monroe from Galena Park (Texas) North Shore are contending for five-star status.”

The West has 16 players in the Top 100, including two of the three best quarterbacks in the country, Lake Stevens (Wash.) quarterback Jacob Eason, a Georgia commit and Santa Margarita (Calif.) passer K.J. Costello. “The 2015 class was strong and deep at the quarterback position, but this year, while it may not have the depth it did in last year’s class, it has equal top end talent in Eason and Costello,” said national recruiting analyst Brandon Huffman. “And as usual, the West will have plenty of quarterbacks emerge in the spring.”

But defense is where the top two players stand, in Fresno (Calif.) Clovis West outside linebacker Caleb Kelly and Los Angeles (Calif.) Windward defensive end Breland Brandt. “Kelly is one of those rare outside linebackers that can rush the passer, be strong against the run and drop back in to coverage. He has a great frame and as he continues to fill out and gains strength, he’ll become an even more physical player. He’s a high level athlete who roams around like a safety but projects as an ideal weakside ‘backer at the next level,” said national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins.

In the Midwest, 13 players made the Scout 100 for 2016 and an offensive lineman leads them. “Not much has changed in the Midwest, it is still a lineman dominated year,” said national recruiting analyst Allen Trieu. “Ben Bredeson, the region’s top prospect, has now moved up and is at the top of the four-stars. He has a good chance to add a fifth as we move along.”

The lineman stand as the alpha dogs in this year’s class. “Four of the top five guys in the Midwest are on the O-line,” said Trieu.

Of the 34 commits in the Scout 100, Georgia leads the list with four verbals while Ohio State and LSU have three each. If there is a theme in 2016, it’s at receiver, with 62 receivers in the Scout 300.

As usual, the South is the strength of the Scout 300, with 108 players from the region in the 2.0 release. “The depth in the trenches is what stands out the most about this class early on in the South,” said national recruiting analyst Chad Simmons. “So many top defensive and offensive linemen are in the Scout 300. On the defensive line, 25 prospects that project to play with their hand in the dirt are on this list. On the other side, a dozen offensive linemen are now Scout 300 prospects. It is a strong year at these positions.”

But it’s not just on the offensive line the South is strong. “How about wide receivers,” Simmons said. “There are always playmakers in the South and 2016 is no different. Just under two dozen (23) made the Scout 300 and six different states are represented.”

The other side of the ball has its strenghts too from the South. “Overall, the 2016 class looks to be very strong with a good blend of athletes and linemen. When examining early on, defense is what sticks out. The defensive line, linebacker, and defensive back positions all are strong, deep, and impressive,” said Simmons.

The Midlands comes in with 65 players in the Scout 300. “This year the most talented position may be wide receiver as the region boasts double digit players in the 300 and they are all quite different,” said national recruiting analyst Greg Powers. “Many top rated guys will grab attention and headlines, but expect people to sleep on guys like TCU commit Courtney Lark and Texas A&M commit Tyrie Cleveland. Defensive end is also having a bounce back after a down year in the region in 2014.”

Kansas has a couple of players in it this year too. “No one from Kansas made the Scout 300 in 2014, but two players in the 2015 year have already been rated high and they are battling it out to be the No. player in the state. Defensive lineman Amani Bledsoe is a freak of nature who moves well at 6-foot-4, 266 pounds and safety Isaiah Simmons is also a physical specimen in his own right at 6-foot-3, 200,” said Powers.

The West, which has 53 players, is also deep at receiver.

JAVON MCKINLEY

the nickname “Hulk” to go along with an abundance of scholarship offers from some of the nation’s best. Rounding out the top three is Spring (Texas) Westfield defensive tackle Ed Oliver. Oliver is an impressive physical specimen in his own right, but he is one of those guys who gets it done play-to-play in tape as well, an interior defensive lineman with a high motor.”

players who could wind up No. 1 on our board by the end of the summer. Long Beach Poly’s (Calif.) Jack Jones is a quick, explosive slot receiver who can take a little five yard hitch, makes 2-3 players miss and take it to the house,” said Biggins.

And there are plenty more to choose from. “Rancho Santa Margarita (Calif.) Santa Margarita’s Dylan Crawford, a St. Francis transfer, has a solid frame, runs well, is a high level athlete and one of the most polished, college ready receivers in this group,” said Biggins. “Westlake’s (Calif.) Theo Howard is similar to Crawford in that he does everything well. He has an athletic body, can get deep, runs well after the catch, is a natural pass catcher and shows the polish of a player who should be able to step in and play early in college.”

One of the best two-way players in the West, a region that has had plenty the past couple of years like Adoree Jackson, Myles Jack and Shaq Thompson, is Westlake Village (Calif.) Oaks Christian’s Michael Pittman. “The wildcard in the mix here is Pittman,” said Biggins. “He is a huge kid at 6-4, 210 pounds and is a high level athlete. He’s not nearly as polished as the other receivers in this group but might be the best overall football player. His upside might be highest as a defensive player as he has shown to be physical, head hunter at safety and he could easily grow in to a outside linebacker in college.”

The Midwest has 39 players in the Scout 300. “The highest entry into the 300 was running back Chris Davis, an Indianapolis native who has outstanding athleticism and ability to catch the ball. Others who moved in include defensive end Khalid Kareem and Detroit Cass Tech’s fast-rising safety Demetric Vance,” said national recruiting analyst Allen Trieu.

“The 2015 class out West was known as ‘The Year of the QB,’ because of the incredible depth and talent at the top of the board. 2016 will be known as “The Year of the WR,’ as there as many as 10 pass catchers who have legitimate top 100 talent,” said national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins.

The East rounds up the Scout 300 with 35 players, and it too is heavy on receivers.

Who holds on to the top receiver spot is going to be debated for the next year.

Getting the ball to the receivers is important, and the East has two big time passers.

“The battle at the top of the board is fierce led by La Puente (Calif.) Bishop Amat’s Tyler Vaughns and Corona (Calif.) Centennials’s Javon McKinley. Vaughns is a silky smooth receiver with soft hands and tremendous body control. McKinley is a big, physical kid who can use his size to create separation and has the speed to run away from a defense. Not far behind those two are several other

“It is a big year in the East for receivers as eight of the top 40 players in the region play the position, and many of them have nice size,” said national recruiting analyst Brian Dohn.

“There are also a pair of high-profile quarterbacks in Jarrett Guarantano and Dwayne Haskins, both of whom hold dozens of offers,” said Dohn. In terms of commitments, TCU has seven commits in the Scout 300, Miami and Ohio State have six verbals and Baylor and Ole Miss have five commits each in the Scout 300.

HOT100

01 Rashan Gary

02 Keion Joyner

6-3/230 Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas Better than his brother Joey Bosa who stars at Ohio State? Some think so at this stage. Very strong and he is very advanced technically.

07 Shea Patterson

6-6/285 Allen (Texas) Allen [Texas A&M] Little is one of the more polished offensive tackles to come out of the Lone Star State in recent memory.

06 Nicholas Bosa

6-4/276 Buford (Ga.) Lanier High What a year it was for Brown. He added 20plus pounds, played quicker, showed more aggression, and he is now considered one of the best in the country.

05 Greg Little

6-3.5/253 Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy A versatile defensive lineman who can be an end or tackle. Strong and one that can set the edge or get up the field to pressure the quarterback.

04 Derrick Brown

OLB

6-3/222 Havelock (N.C) Havelock Long and athletic outside linebacker who can chase the ball down. Can outrun many linebackers and he plays with violence.

03 Shavar Manuel

6-4/280 Paramus (N.J.) Paramus Catholic The nation’s No. 1 prospect stamped himself as the best prospect with a terrific showing at The Opening last summer.

6-2/190 Shreveport (La.) Calvary Baptist Academy Ole Miss Like a pitching machine at times as a passer. Throws with great accuracy and a compact delivery.

08 Saivion Smith

CB 6-2/185 Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy [LSU] Defensive back with ability to be a big corner or free safety. What Smith does is track the ball and make plays on it.

09 Caleb Kelly

10 Rashard Lawrence

OLB

6-2/220 Fresno (Calif.) Clovis West The West’s top prospect is an athletic, rangy linebacker who can cover, rush the passer and stop the run.

6-3/300 Monroe (La.) Neville One you want to build your defense around from the inside out. A big, wide, powerful body in the middle that can anchor a defensive front.

11 Lyndell Wilson

OLB

6-3/225 Montgomery (Ala.) Carver Sr Wilson is a big hitter at linebacker. He flies to the ball and he is very effective when used to blitz.

12 Breland Brandt

DE 6-4/220 Los Angeles (Calif.) Windward [UCLA] Still relatively new to football, the former basketball player can play a number of positions but will likely grow in to an end.

13 Kareem Walker

14 Kendell Jones

6-2/185 La Puente (Calif.) Bishop Amat A smooth, long and sure-handed receiver who’s part of one of the most loaded classes at the position in California’s long history.

16 Ed Alexander

6-4/300 Killeen (Texas) Shoemaker A gifted specimen, who is quick and athletic for a player with his size. He is a bit raw as a prospect, but shows the explosion and get off of an elite level player.

15 Tyler Vaughns

6-2.5/315 Hammond (La.) St. Thomas Aquinas He only played three games in 2014 due to a meniscus injury last January. When healthy -- one of the best in the country.

17 Nate Craig

21 Tren’Davian Dickson

31 D.K. Metcalf

6-2/200 Tampa (Fla.) Tampa Catholic Auburn Craig will be in the mix the whole year for the nation’s top pass-catcher.

WR 6-0/170 Navasota (Texas) Navasota Listed at 6-foot-0, 170 pounds he plays much bigger. He is a real deep threat, showcasing some of the best hands that we have seen all season.

22 Jacob Eason

6-1/210 Wayne (N.J.) De Paul Catholic [Ohio State] Walker runs well between the tackles and is explosive through the hole. He runs with a low center of gravity.

BY BRANDON HUFFMAN

6-5/205 Lake Stevens (Wash.) Lake Stevens [Georgia] Compared to Matthew Stafford, another Georgia quarterback, Eason is a tall, cannon-armed passer who is tops in the West.

23 Justin Madubuike

6-4/270 West Des Moines (Iowa) Valley [Nebraska] Raridon is a run-blocking machine. He plays with good leverage and pad-level and has excellent leg drive.

25 Tavien Feaster

26 Devin Duvernay

5-10.5/178 Sace (Texas) Sace Duvernay is a wide receiver who is a valuable weapon in any offense. He plays mostly out of the slot and has the ability to take the underneath pass and turn it in to a big gain in a flash.

27 Kristian Fulton

37 Feleipe Franks

28 Richard Merritt

19 Ben Bredeson

29 Dexter Lawrence

38 Willie Allen

Taylor is comfortable in his backpedal, and drives well on the ball on front of him. He understands different defensive concepts and does a nice job tracking the ball.

6-5/280 Hartland (Wisc.) Arrowhead He has excellent technique. He has good footwork, a good base, and can bend and move like you want offensive linemen to.

20 Ed Oliver

6-2/285 Houston (Texas) Westfield He has a great motor and forces action. He is quick off the ball. Destroys blockers. Pursues the football relentlessly to make plays in the backfield or downfield if needed.

6-5/325 Washington (D.C.) Archbishop Carroll Merritt fires off the ball quickly and stays low, which allows him to get under the defensive end and control the play. 6-5/310 Wake Forest (N.C.) Versatile two-way lineman that can play on either side of the ball, but highest upside is on the defensive line.

30 Javon McKinley

6-2/180 Corona (Calif.) Centennial The California State Junior of the Year put on a show in the postseason, leading the Huskies to the state open finals.

6-7/300 River Ridge (La.) John Curtis Christian The offensive tackle comes from one of the premier programs in the country.

40 Eric Monroe

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6-6/190 Crawfordville (Fla.) Wakulla [LSU] As soon as you see Franks pick up a ball and throw it, you know he’s a quarterback. He has that size coaches covet at this position, he is so poised and mentally tough, then you see the quiet leadership he has as well.

39 Brandon Jones

43 Prince Sammons

6-4/264 Reading (Pa.) Exeter Twp S Gets off the ball very quickly, plays with a low pad level, has a nice initial punch, is athletic and can pull, is tenacious and once he engages the defender, he finishes it off nicely.

6-3/200 Westlake Village (Calif.) Oaks Christian [UCLA] The son of the former NFL running back of the same name, the younger Pittman is a bigger and even more physical player than his father. 6-6.5/260 Cincinnati (Ohio) Cincinnati Hills Christian Because of his height, some could look to pencil him in as a future offensive tackle, however, his flexibility and quickness could see a prospect fully capable of being a major rush defensive end.

44 Cavin Ridley

WR 6-1/190 Coconut Creek (Fla.) Monarch He looks the part and he is very fast and explosive. Some stiffness, so great fluidity, but strong hands, love his acceleration, and he caught everything.

45 Marlon Davidson

46 Ben Cleveland

47 Boss Tagaloa

48 Kaden Smith

6-4/256 Montgomery (Ala.) Carver Senior An athletic defender that is capable of playing outside or inside on the next level.

6-5/320 Toccoa (Ga.) Stephens County 6-5/220 Santa Margarita (Calif.) [Georgia] Cleveland is just massive. He had Costello comes from the only high school definition in his upper body at 6-foot-7, 315 to produce a Heisman Winner, an Outland pounds that would make a professional Winner and a Walton Payton Award winner. wrestler envious. He is incredibly light on his feet for his size.

18 Levonta Taylor CB 5-10/180 Virginia Beach (Va.) Ocean Lakes

42 Michael Pittman

6-5/320 Silsbee (Texas) Silsbee [Baylor] Mountain of a prospect, dominating the competition on the 4A level. And because of his enormous frame and power when Hudson gains the leverage advantage it’s over.

36 K.J. Costello

6-5/295 Powder Springs (Ga.) McEachern At times Rochester just takes over a game. Started off at offensive tackle in ninth grade and he still could slide back to the offensive line and be very good.

35 Patrick Hudson

41 Michal Menet

6-5/310 Cincinnati (Ohio) Elder [Notre Dame] A natural knee bender, Kraemer has been coached up throughout his high school career and has the ability to move laterally and is already equipped with the finer details of pass pro.

34 Julian Rochester

6-0/165 Metairie (La.) Archbishop Rummel He is pushing 6-feet tall with good length and fluid hips.

QB 6-2/175 Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy [Florida State] The former California passer moved to Florida to play at IMG Academy, his final stop before heading to Tallahassee.

33 Tommy Kraemer

6-0/195 S partanburg (S.C.) Spartanburg [Clemson] An electric playmaker who can do damage anytime the ball is in his hands.

32 Malik Henry

6-4/240 McKinney (Texas) McKinney North A high effort player. He is one who plays with maximum effort on each and every snap.

24 John Raridon

6-3/200 Oxford (Miss.) Oxford [Mississippi] Big, rangy receiver who fits the recent trend the Rebels have had at the receiver position.

6-0/190 Nacogdoches (Texas) It’s no secret as to why colleges want Jones. He can tackle, cover ground and at times make the big play in the pass game or in run support.

6-0/180 Galena Park (Texas) North Shore Sr The No. 2 ssfety in the country is part of a vaunted safety class in the Lone Star State.

6-3/295 Concord (Calif.) De La Salle The West’s top defensive tackle is entering his fourth year as a starter at the famed Concord (Calif.) De La Salle.

6-5/235 Flower Mound (Texas) Marcus Complete package. Can stretch the defense with his pass catching ability and size.

49 Ahmir Mitchell

50 Charlie Woerner

6-3/195 Egg Harbor City (N.J.) Cedar Creek Mitchell is a long and athletic, and gets down the field well. He has good hands and knows how to use his body to gain position against smaller defensive backs.

6-5/221 Tiger (Ga.) Rabun County He lines up all over the field on both sides of the ball and is a star on special teams too. He is a big receiver that projects as a tight end or hybrid.

2016 51 Dylan Crawford

52 Reggie Hemphill

59 Javon Kinlaw

WR 6-4/175 Mesquite (Texas) West Mesquite [LSU] Anderson is a fiery competitor and a well-rounded prospect at the position. He has a real passion for blocking and will secure blocks until the whistle blows.

63 Trevon Diggs

6-5/265 Concord (Calif.) De La Salle The West’s top tight end was a big reason De La Salle bounced back with another state championship this season.

70 Deontay Anderson

6-6/210 Donaldsonville (La.) [LSU] He’s a nightmare matchup for a cornerback because of his size. Combine that with his athleticism and it’s just not fair at this level

69 Devin Asiasi

OLB

6-3/225 St Clairsville (Ohio) St. Clairsville Ferns has the size and speed combination you like in a classic linebacker prospect.

68 Stephen Sullivan

OLB

6-2/225 Houston (Texas) Davis McCulloch has plus size and runs well for a linebacker. He is versatile and could probably play inside or outside, but excels on the edge of the defense in high school.

67 Brendan Ferns

MLB

6-0.5/215 Rialto (Calif.) Carter The top inside backer in the West, Toailoa can bounce around and play any linebacker spot.

66 Jeffrey McCulloch

5-8/165 Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas [Miami (Fl)] Bruce is like a blur on the football field. He is so quick off the line that he is tough for defensive backs to get a hand on.

65 Lokeni Toailoa

6-0/190 Hubbard (Ohio) Hubbard Ohio State He is fast, but has added weight and strength and could play a number of positions.

WR 6-1/175 Rockville (Md.) Thomas S Wootton The younger brother of Maryland receiver, Stefon Diggs, he’s a gamebreaker in his own right.

64 Sam Bruce

6-7/288 Goose Creek (S.C.) Goose Creek Playing a lot of strongside end, but still has most upside as an offensive tackle. Great flexibility, good length, ver coordinated, and one that has a lot of upside.

60 George Hill

6-3/180 Miami (Fla.) Miami Central He is fast, he is fluid, he has dependable hands, and his route-running is above par.

WR 6-4/195 San Jose (Calif.) Valley Christian [Texas] Committed to Texas before his junior year, where he’ll join his brother Kirk in following in their father’s footsteps with the Longhorns.

62 Dee Anderson

5-11/184 Kentwood (La.) Kentwood [Alabama] A talented two-way standout in high school, as a running back, wide receiver and defensive back, Carter has versatility on either side of the football.

58 Darnell Salomon

6-1/190 Sace (Texas) Sace Starred on the U.S. U-19 team at cornerback and is one of the better corners in a loaded year in Texas.

57 Shyheim Carter

6-5/275 Cleveland (Ohio) St. Ignatius Eichenberg has a swagger about him, knowing he is bigger and stronger than his opponent and even playing to the whistle, at times a little bit after the whistle.

56 Jared Mayden

MLB

6-2/240 Chesapeake (Va.) Indian River Yulee is the prototypical middle linebacker. He has a great combination of size, speed and strength. He runs extremely well and has great instincts.

55 Liam Eichenberg

OLB

6-4/219 Gordo (Ala.) Gordo His long wingspan and stride make him effective against players bigger than him near the trenches or quicker than him in space.

54 Jaquan Yulee

61 Collin Johnson

6-1/175 Manvel (Texas) Manvel [Texas] Hemphill is very aggressive after balls thrown down the field, has a high vertical ability, and sure hands.

53 Ben Davis

6-1/175 Santa Margarita (Calif.) Santa Margarita Will team with K.J. Costello to make one of the best pass-catch combo’s in the country.

6-1/192 Manvel (Texas) Manvel He’s a good sized safety who can run and cover. Was selected to The Opening as one of the few juniors in attendance.

71 Oluwole Betiku

6-4/240 Gardena (Calif.) Junipero Serra Has only played football for one year after moving to the U.S. from Nigeria but has more upside than any player in the country.

72 Clark Yarbrough

73 Octavious Cooley

6-6/270 Woodberry Forest (Va.) Yarbrough has only been playing football since his sophomore season and has already developed into one of the premier offensive linemen in the country. 6-4/255 Laurel (Miss.) Laurel [Mississippi] The big and physical Cooley can block like a traditional tight end but get out in to the open field like the modern tight ends.

WR 6-2/205 Fort Wayne (Ind.) Bishop Luers Big, smooth receiver with good speed considering his size. He’s able to do a lot of things bigger receivers can’t, particularly after the catch.

81 Chauncey Manac

DE 6-3/246 Homerville (Ga.) Clinch County [Georgia] This Georgia commit is explosive. Continuing to get bigger and stronger and has not lost any of his quickness.

82 Mike Williams

83 Byron Murphy

6-3/270 Fort Worth (Texas) All Saints’ Episcopal Williams is a tough block inside, with a quick first step, good strength and a number of moves. 6-1/180 Scottsdale (Ariz.) Saguaro Murphy is the top player in Arizona and the West’s top cornerback and matched up against former five-star Christian Kirk every day in practice.

74 Austin Mack

84 Jake Hausmann

75 Ellison Jordan

6-2/260 Baltimore (Md.) Gilman Jordan is a physical player with a high motor. He fires off the ball with power and a low pad level, and he has the strength in his lower and upper body to jolt the offensive lineman.

76 B.J. Emmons

6-1/205 Morganton (N.C.) Freedom [Georgia] His future is on the offensive side of the ball with the ball in his hands.

77 Janarius Robinson

DE 6-5/242 Panama City (Fla.) Bay Senior [Florida State] Dominant in one-on-one and so explosive off the ball. He is only going to get better.

78 Mykel Jones

6-0/185 Patterson (La.) Patterson Jones has always been known for his speed and some may have viewed him as a slot receiver on the next level, but he is more than just an inside guy.

79 Antonio Williams

5-11/210 New London (N.C.) North Stanly [Wisconsin] Williams is a special football player. He has a great combination of size, power and quickness.

80 Isaiah Chambers

DE 6-4/235 Houston (Texas) MacArthur Chambers is an impressive end prospect. He has a very nice combination of height and size and possesses the upper and lower body strength to squeeze and shed blockers who also have size.

85 Marquez Callaway

6-3/170 Warner Robins (Ga.) Warner Robins A true athlete is what Callaway is. Not only a star in football, but in basketball too. Great length, long frame, and excellent ball skills.

86 Binjimen Victor

6-5/235 Cincinnati (Ohio) Moeller [Ohio State] The pass-catching Hausmann will be a nice weapon in the Ohio State arsenal but add the blocking dimension they want from their tight ends.

6-4/170 Coconut Creek (Fla.) He is a smooth receiver who runs and catches the ball effortlessly.

87 Chris Daniels

88 Auston Robertson

89 Theo Howard

6-4/285 Euless (Texas) Trinity Daniels does a nice job of adjusting to the movement of the quarterback, shedding blocks well to make tackles for loss. 6-5/230 Fort Wayne (Ind.) Wayne Fantastic all around athlete with length and size as well as coordination and change of direction. Shows good competitiveness and motor. 6-1/175 Westlake Village (Calif.) Howard may be the most polished and college ready receiver in the West in this class.

90 Demario McCall

RB 5-11/170 North Ridgeville (Ohio) Shows off his speed and athletic ability. Plays all over the field on offense, as well as cornerback and returning kicks.

91 Jawon Pass

92 Kameron Martin

6-5/200 Columbus (Ga.) Carver His accuracy has really improved and just his awareness stands out as much as anything. 5-10/175 Port Arthur (Texas) Memorial [Baylor] A fun back to watch because he has the speed to make big plays even when the initial reads are not there. He can stop, plant and either find a new hole to squeeze through or bounce it outside and simply out run defenders to the edge.

93 Nigel Warrior

CB 6-0/177 Atlanta (Ga.) Westlake Warrior is a little smaller, but he plays big and loves to battle with opposing receivers.

94 Drake Jackson

95 Rahshaun Smith

6-2.5/225 Desoto (Texas) De Soto [Texas Tech] The 6-foot-3, 225-pounder is built like an even-front defensive end or 3-4 standing edge rusher, but is a serious playmaker at quarterback.

100 Erik

6-0/195 Pittsburgh (Pa.) Woodland Hills [Penn State] Sanders is a special with running back tremendous feel. He sees the play develop in front of him and is patient behind his blockers.

99 Tristen Wallace

6-0/197 Cocoa (Fla.) Cocoa He could be a nickel back, but is best at safety with his speed and range.

98 Miles Sanders

MLB

6-2/210 Torrance (Calif.) North [USC] The former quarterback will play linebacker in college, right in his backyard, for another Torrance native in Steve Sarkisian.

97 Chauncey Gardner

6-3/228 Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances Ac. Smith is explosive off the edge, and while he’s a natural pass-rushing defensive end, could drop in to coverage if needed.

96 Mique Juarez

6-2/284 Versailles (Ken.) Woodford Co [Kentucky] A natural bender, Jackson gets into a great base then uses his feet and hands to keep defenders at bay.

Swenson

6-7/285 Downers Grove (Ill.) South [Michigan] He’s a good athlete for as big as he is and is able to bend and move like you want BCS level tackles to be able to.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

Ben Simmons, LSU

Kelly Kline/Getty Images

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TANTALIZING TRIO

hat are the biggest storylines in high school hoops? After traveling the country the past few months watching the nation’s elite and gathering information, I took a stab at what I think are the biggest topics surrounding the world of basketball recruiting.

SHOE WARS ARE BACK

HOOPS 2015 & BEYOND

BY EVAN DANIELS

One of the biggest storylines brewing in high school hoops isn’t on the court, but it certainly impacts things on it. Now more than ever the shoe company battle appears to be building and there have been recent changes at the top of the three shoe companies involved in grassroots. Carlton DeBose was moved up to run Nike’s grassroots efforts and has plenty of help from Vince Baldwin and his crew of regional scouts -- John Stovall, Chad Babel, Mike Mayo and Van Johnson. Nick Blatchford is now running the show at Under Armour and is flanked by Chris Hightower, Hanif Hill, Patrick Coombs and Shaun Scott. While Chris Rivers – who used to run Reebok’s grassroots efforts and the famous ABCD camp – and Jim Gatto appear to be overseeing the new regime at adidas, Anthony Coleman and Corey Butler will be the guys on the ground floor. As of late, Nike has dominated the grassroots scene with their coveted and unbelievably organized EYBL format. Although we are three months away from the April live period, it’s never too early to discuss. The dates and locations were confirmed by sources at each brand. Nike will hold their live events in Hampton, Va. (April 1012) and Lexington, Ky. (April 24-26). The Lexington location is new to the EYBL circuit and will be held at the Kentucky Basketball Academy. Under Armour made a strong push this past July and they appear ready to challenge Nike with the launch of their UA Association circuit. Under Armour will host their live events in New Orleans (April 10-12) and in Louisville, Ky. (April 24-26). adidas’ new crew was just put in place and based on the history of who is leading the way, they will be competitive. The adidas live period events will be in Dallas (April 10-12) and Indianapolis (april 24-26). 10 to 15 years ago the shoe battles were vicious and cutthroat and from what I gather they are headed back in that direction. Should make for a fun, entertaining summer.

I’ve been covering the basketball recruiting scene full time since 2007 and in that time span I don’t recall seeing a trio at the top of the rankings quite as good as Jayson Tatum, Harry Giles and Josh Jackson. Each of the 2016 prospects are different and bring something unique to the table, but all three are effective in their own way. Tatum does it with his skill and advanced scoring arsenal from the wing. Giles impacts the game with his rebounding, athleticism and ability to score just about every way you would want a 6-foot-10 power forward too. Then there’s Jackson, who is tracking as one of the best athletes in the high school ranks in recently memory. He’s competitive, a terrific passer and has a chance to be an elite perimeter defender. Attempting to rank those three is difficult and they’ve made it that much harder with their outstanding play this season. When we update the 2016 rankings in the next couple weeks we’ll toss a number next to their names, but this debate is far from over.

TRACKING NO. 1 IN 2015

Much like the top of the 2016 class, the race for the best player in the 2015 class is tight. While most think 2016 is tougher to navigate, my colleague Brian Snow thinks 2015 is much tougher to hash out, and he may be right. Our current rankings haveJaylen Brown sitting at No.1 and he’s done nothing but back up that call. In fact, he helped Marietta (Ga.) Wheeler to the City of Palms Classic crown and was named MVP of the event and was sensational at the Hoop Hall Classic. Brown is a tremendous athlete, with impressive size for a small forward. He’s terrific in transition, has a great motor and has a chance to be an elite perimeter defender. If he improves his ball handling and his shot keeps developing at the same rate, Brown’s potential is through the roof. But that call isn’t universal and to be honest, most around high school basketball don’t agree with our No. 1 ranking. And I’m 100-percent OK with that. Keep in mind we are searching for the best prospect, not the most productive player. There’s a difference. Regardless, in my eyes Ben Simmons and Skal Labissiere have positioned themselves nicely as we inch towards the final rankings. At 6-foot-8, pushing 6-9, Simmons is a strong, physical driver with a unique game. He’s physically dominant, a terrific passer and is a tremendous finisher at the rim. The next step for Simmons is developing a perimeter shot and post moves. Labissiere, a Kentucky signee, is a 6-11 prospect with every tool you look for in a post player. He’s not able to play physical yet, but he has the hands, touch, post game, face up game and shot blocking ability that you look for. The options are good and a final call won’t be made until after the post season all-star games.

AYTON TOP PROSPECT IN COUNTRY?

Above I mentioned how good of prospects the top players in the 2015 and 2016 classes are, but at this stage I’m not sure any of those guys are better prospects than current sophomore DeAndre Ayton. The 6-foot-11 center has a terrific basketball frame, as he possesses wide shoulders, lengthy arms and a solid base. Athletically, he’s gifted. He’s mobile, moves his feet well and has no issues getting off the floor. Ayton is a terrific passer and to a fault, he’s almost too unselfish. He’s blessed with terrific hands and nice touch in the paint. He can also make mid-range jump shots. On defense, his pure size, length and athleticism impact the game. He gobbles up boards and is a rim protector that makes the opposition think twice about attacking the basket. Ayton is a special talent and one that is tracking as the best long-term prospect in high school basketball.

WHERE WILL THE ELITES END UP?

Seven of the top 11 prospects in the 2015 class remain uncommitted, so there’s a lot to still play out in terms of recruiting class rankings. Arizona, Kentucky and Texas A&M currently sit at the top of the rankings, but with the amount of high-level players still available that will likely change. The common theme among the remaining available players is most are being recruited by Kentucky and Kansas. Kentucky, who already has the No. 2 class, is still involved with Jaylen Brown, Ivan Rabb, Stephen Zimmerman,Cheick Diallo, Caleb Swanigan, Malik Newman andBrandon Ingram. Recent history tells us that they won’t miss on all of them. Kansas has just one pledge – Carlton Bragg – but are involved with all of the same players Kentucky is, except Swanigan. When it’s said and done I expect Kansas to join Kentucky in the top three. Arizona, who is currently sitting at the pole position, is still actively pursuing Rabb and Zimmerman. A commitment from one of them could possibly lock up No. 1, considering they already have three five-star commitments. Majority of these players have said they want to wait out the process. I expect McDonald’s AllAmerican week to be heavy for college commitments.

Recruiting Classes

Ray Smith, Arizona

CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

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Kelly Kline/Getty Images

#1 DUKE Headliner:

Brandon Ingram (3) The Rest: Derryck Thornton (11), Chase Jeter (15), Luke Kennard (22), Antonio Vrankovic

Coach K snagged a pair of five-stars -- Chase Jeter and Luke Kennard -- in the fall and two more in the spring -- Brandon Ingram and Derryck Thornton. Reeling in Thornton was significant, especially with Tyus Jones leaving and their gap that was left at the position. Ingram is among the most improved players in the country and the Blue Devils held off some serious competition for his services. For the second year in a row, Duke is No. 1 in Scout’s class rankings.

#2 CAL Headliner:

Jaylen Brown (4) The Rest: Ivan Rabb (5), Tyson Jolly (84), Davon Dillard

It sure didn’t take Cuonzo Martin long to make California relevant on the recruiting trail. Keeping Ivan Rabb home was huge for the program, but going all the way to Atlanta to get Jaylen Brown showed the Bears are serious. With Tyson Jolly and Davon Dillard, the Bears have the nation’s second best class in just year two.

#3 KENTUCKY Headliner: Skal Labissiere (1)

The Rest: Isaiah Briscoe (12),

Charles Matthews (74), Mychal Mulder

Many have harped on Kentucky for not getting the elite guys late in the spring like they normally do, but this is still a great class, with Scout’s top player Skal Labissiere and five-star combination guard Isaiah Briscoe. Labissiere gives UK that top tier big man they are used to having, while Briscoe is a tough, aggressive and physical guard that should mesh with Tyler Ulis quite well.

#4 ARIZONA Headliner:

Ray Smith (16) The Rest: Allonzo Trier (20), Justin Simon (27), Chance Comanche (45)

Sean Miller’s recruiting success since he arrived at Arizona has been well documented. The past four years his recruiting class has been ranked in the top 5. Arizona has recruited the west better than anyone since Miller landed in Tucson and there’s no reason to believe that is going to change.

#5 LSU Headliner:

Ben Simmons (2) The Rest: Antonio Blakeney (21), Brandon Sampson (60)

Johnny Jones reeled in a top 5 recruiting class and the second best group in the SEC. Ben Simmons is an elite prospect and the Tigers better enjoy him because he’s sure to be one and done. The addition of wings Antonio Blakeney and Brandon Sampson is significant and will give the Tigers a scoring jolt on the perimeter.

#6 LOUISVILLE Headliner:

Donovan Mitchell (17) The Rest: Deng Adel (23), Raymond Spalding (31), Ryan McMahon This is the best recruiting class Rick Pitino has assembled in some time, as there are three guys in this group that will impact

his program for years to come. Donovan Mitchell is tough, athletic & fast. Deng Adel is a big, versatile wing that defends, rebounds & can make shots. And their third best recruit ultimately has the most upside, as Raymond Spalding stands 6-foot-10 and runs the floor with ease.

#7 WASHINGTON Headliner: Dejounte Murray (37)

The Rest: Marquese Chriss (51), Matisse

Thybulle (78), Dominic Green (87), David Crisp (Four-star), Devenir Duruisseau, Malik Dime

Lorenzo Romar’s 2015 class is arguably Washington’s best recruiting class in school history. They have four top 100 recruits on board, plus another four-star guard that fell just outside the top 100. Dejounte Murray is the top rated guy, but Marquesse Chriss, Matisse Tybulle, Dominic Green & David Crisp can all help the Huskies.

#8 TEXAS A&M Headliner:

Tyler Davis (33) The Rest: D.J. Hogg (36), Elijah Thomas (47), Admon Gilder (Four-star)

Texas A&M’s 2015 class is Billy Kennedy best recruiting class yet. Elijah Thomas & Tyler Davis are two of the best center prospects in the class, while D.J. Hogg and Admon Gilder can both fill it up from the perimeter.

#9 MARQUETTE Headliner:

Henry Ellenson (7) The Rest: Matt Heldt (71), Haanif Cheatham (92), Sacar Anim

Steve Wojciechowski and his staff got things off to a terrific start in Milwaukee. Ellenson -- a top 10 recruit -- gives them some star power out of the gate. Heldt has upside and the two guard commitments are versatile and can score. This is a great group for the Golden Eagles.

#10 OHIO STATE Headliner: JaQuan Lyle (46)

The Rest: Daniel Giddens (53), Austin

Grandstaff (55), A.J. Harris (89), Mickey Mitchell

Thad Matta and his staff put together a well balanced class that fills a lot of needs. JaQuan Lyle is the highest rated because of his size, skill & passing ability, but all five players should contribute. Daniel Giddens is an impressive shot blocker, Austin Grandstaff is a high-level shooter, A.J. Harris is quick & a gifted passer, while Mickey Mitchell is a unique forward with impressive vision.

#11 SYRACUSE

Headliner: Malachi Richardson (29) The Rest: Tyler Lydon (66), Moustapha Diagne (77), Franklin Howard (81)

Syracuse is tied for the most top 100 prospects with four. This group is full of talent at each position. Malachi Richardson is highly regarded and made the McDonald’s All-American game because of his combination of size, shooting and scoring ability.

#12 KANSAS Headliner:

Cheick Diallo (9) The Rest: Carlton Bragg (35)

This a small class for the Jayhawks (although I still expect them to add more to

it), but it’s a good one. Cheick Diallo gets my vote as the hardest playing prospects in the class. His effort level & intensity is ridiculous. Carlton Bragg is a gifted scorer with versatility and athleticism.

#13 FLORIDA STATE Headliner: Dwayne Bacon (19)

The Rest: Malik Beasley (52), Terance Mann, Jean Marc, Christ Koumadje

Dwayne Bacon and Malik Beasley give FSU a heck of a scoring punch next season. Bacon is one of the elite scorers in the 2015 class and he’s physically ready to compete in the ACC. Beasley, at 6-4, is a very good athlete that can heat up in a hurry. Terrance Mann is unique and has a good feel, while Jean Marc Christ Koumadje towers over the opposition and is incredibly mobile for his size.

#14 UNLV Headliner:

Stephen Zimmerman (8)

The Rest: Derrick Jones (79), Jalen Poyser

Dave Rice had to keep elite big man Stephen Zimmerman home and he did just that. Big Zimm, as he’s known, is will start from day one. He’s long, mobile and can impact the game on both ends of the floor.

#15 MISS STATE Headliner: Malik Newman (10)

The Rest: Quinndary Weatherspoon (86), Joseph Strugg

It certainly didn’t take Ben Howland long to get a top tier player. Malik Newman is arguable the top scorer in the class and keeping the legacy recruit home sure has MSU fans liking Howland out of the game. Quinndary Weatherspoon is no slouch either.

#16 UCLA Headliner:

Aaron Holiday (38) The Rest: Prince Ali (39), Alex Olesinski, Ikenna Okwarabizie

Aaron Holiday and Prince Ali are both top 40 recruits and four star prospect. Holiday, the brother of Jrue and Justin, is an athletic combo guard that both score and facilitate. Ali bring toughness, athleticism and an improving shooting to the table. They are both difference makers for the Bruins.

#17 TEXAS Headliner:

Eric Davis (48) The Rest: Kerwin Roach (58), Tevin Mack (65) With the late addition of Tevin Mack, Texas has three players ranked among Scout’s Top 65 and all three can score the ball. Mack is a perfect fit for Smart’s system and was a one time VCU signee. Eric Davis is a high level scorer, while Roach can make shots and is a gifted passer.

#18 UCONN Headliner:

Jalen Adams (18) The Rest: Steve Enoch (42)

This is a terrific two-man class for Kevin Ollie. Jalen Adams is a top tier scorer with a nice burst of speed & athleticism. When he gets it going, he can really shoot it too. Steven Enoch moved his way into our final top 50 and as a prospect is intriguing because of his size, mobility and offensive potential.

#19 ILLINOIS Headliner:

Jalen Coleman (40) The Rest: D.J. Williams (44), Aaron Jordan

John Groce needed to upgrade his perimeter play and that’s what he’ll do with this class. Coleman is a knock down shooter from three, Williams is a 6-7 forward with his best days in front of him and Jordan can score it.

#20 MEMPHIS Headliner:

Dedric Lawson (43) The Rest: K.J. Lawson (61), Randall Broddie

Dedric Lawson surprised many when he opted to reclassify up to the 2015 class. The move gives Memphis a pair Lawson’s in 2015 commits. Both are long, lanky and versatility forwards that can score it.

#21 USC Headliner:

Chemizi Metu (30)

The Rest: Bennie Boatwright (56)

Andy Enfield has had success recruiting locally and that’s certainly continuing with his 2015 class. Chimezi Metu is an impressive PF prospect that moved into our top 30 because of improved focus, offensive ability and athleticism. Their second pledge -- Bennie Boatwright -- is one of the top shooters in the class.

#22 OREGON STATE Headliner:

Stephen Thompson (50) The Rest: Tres Tinkle (85), Drew Eubanks (95), Derrick Bruce, Gligoride Rankocevic

From 2002 to 2014, Oregon State pulled in just two top 100 prospects. They have three in their 2015 recruiting class. Thompson is a wiry scorer. Tinkle is a combo forward with offensive ability. Eubanks is an emerging post prospect with upside, while Bruce is a wiry PG that keeps getting better.

#23 MICHIGAN STATE Headliner: Deyonta Davis (34) The Rest: Matt McQuaid (82), Kyle Ahrens

The Spartans shocked the recruiting world when Caleb Swanigan made a surprise commit to MSU. He’s an immediate contributor and gives them an anchor in the post. He joined an already highly regarded class with AAU teammate Deyonta Davis and gifted shooters Matt McQuaid and Kyle Ahrens.

#24 VIRGINIA TECH Headliner:

Justin Robinson (59) The Rest: Chris Clarke (76), Kerry Blackshear

This three-man recruiting class is exactly what Buzz Williams needed to get the ball rolling at Virginia Tech. Clarke is a perfect fit for the Hokies with his athleticism and motor. Robinson is a true lead guard that can really pass, while Blackshear is a good area rebounder with some skill.

#25 FLORIDA Headliner:

Keith Stone (69) The Rest: Noah Dickerson (83), Kevarrius Hayes

Although the Gators don’t currently have a head coach, they still have three guys waiting things out and on board. All three are talented too. Keith Stone is the surprise of the class as he moved from unranked into Scout’s top 70 in the final rankings.

Jaylen Brown

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HOOPS2015

13 BRANDON INGRAM

1 JAYLEN BROWN

14 RAY SMITH

CAL

ARIZONA

SF 6-7, 125 Marietta (Ga.) Wheeler Brown is a terrific athlete who has really improved as a shooter over the course of his high school career. Elite competitor, defender and scorer.

SF 6-7, 185 Las Vegas Smith was establishing himself as one of 2015-s top prospects before tearing his ACL in July of 2014. He’s an athletic wing with an extremely high ceiling.

2 BEN SIMMONS

15 DWAYNE BACON

LSU

FLORIDA STATE

SF 6-8, 220 Montverde (Fla.) Simmons is one of the nation’s most versatile and productive players. He’s a terrific passer who is a relentless attacker, especially in transition.

SF 6-6, 200 Mouth of Wilson (Va.) Oak Hill Academy A strong and athletic wing, Bacon can either power his way to the wing or knock down jumpers. He’ll be able to defend multiple positions in college.

3 SKAL LABISSIERE

16 CARLTON BRAGG

KENTUCKY

KANSAS

C 6-11, 200 Memphis (Tenn.) Reach Your Dream One of the best shot blockers in the country, Labissiere is a lanky center who is just scratching the surface of his significant potential.

PF 6-9, 210 Cleveland Villa Angela - St. Joseph Bragg is an athletic four man who is most comfortable using his size and length to create mismatches on the perimeter, where he’s a thret as a shooter.

4 DIAMOND STONE

17 ALLONZO TRIER

MARYLAND

ARIZONA

C 6-10, 225 Milwaukee (Wisc.) Dominican A big center with soft hands, Stone’s skill level is amongst the nation’s best. His size, hands and feet help make him a terrific player.

SG 6-4, 200 Henderson (Nev.) Findlay Prep One of the top scorers in the country, Trier specializes in his ability to hit jumpers off the bounce, but can also drop floaters or get to the rim.

5 IVAN RABB

18 ISAIAH BRISCOE

CAL

KENTUCKY

HOT LISTS

PF 6-10, 220 Oakland (Calif.) Bishop O’Dowd Rabb is the prototype power forward, given his ability to play inside and out. He’s a good athlete with terrific hands and a very high upside.

SG 6-1, 185 Roselle (N.J.) Catholic Briscoe is a strongly built combo guard with good length who, despite his impressive vision, is best using his handle to create his own shot.

6 THON MAKER

19 JALEN BRUNSON

C 7-0, 200 Orangeville (On.) Athlete Institute There aren’t many defenders in the country as versatile and capable as Maker, who has very good size with an elite motor.

PG 6-0, 165 Lincolnshire (Ill.) Adlai E. Stevenson Brunson is one of the top point guards in high school basketball. He’s a terrific floor general who can not only make teammates better but also hit jumpers.

7 HENRY ELLENSON

20 JUSTIN SIMON

MARQUETTE

VILLANOVA

ARIZONA

PF 6-10, 235 Rice Lake (Wisc.) Ellenson has much of what you’re looking for in a power forward. He’s a very capable shooter but also a mobile four man who can drive.

PG 6-5, 180 Wolfeboro (N.H.) Brewster Academy Simon is one of the nation’s most versatile prospects. He can defend the one through three and is a good passer and tremendous slasher who thrives in transition.

8 MALIK NEWMAN

21 DENG ADEL

MISSISSIPPI STATE

LOUISVILLE

SG 6-3, 180 Jackson (Miss.) Callaway An elite scorer, Newman is one of the country’s biggest weapons with the ball in his hands. Newman can light it up from all three levels.

SF 6-7, 190 Bradenton (Fla.) Victory Rock Prep Not many guys nationally play as hard as Adel. He can defend both forward positions, slash, pass or knock down jumpers.

9 STEPHEN ZIMMERMAN

22 DEDRIC LAWSON

UNLV

MEMPHIS

C 6-11, 225 Las Vegas Bishop Gorman Zimmerman is a very skilled center who can knock down hook shots or step out, hit jumpers or make teammates better with his passing.

PF 6-8, 200 Memphis (Tenn.) Hamilton A versatile forward, has nice size and length. He can knock down jumpers or take defenders off the dribble and get to the basket.

10 CHEICK DIALLO

23 DONOVAN MITCHELL

KANSAS

LOUISVILLE

C 6-9, 210 Centereach (N.Y.) Our Savior New American Few players nationally give as much effort on the court as Diallo, who uses his size, length, athleticism and motor to block shots, rebound and finish.

SG 6-3, 175 Wolfeboro (N.H.) Brewster Academy Mitchell is a fast-rising prospect who is strong, athletic and tough. He can create his own shot, drive or create for teammates.

11 CALEB SWANIGAN

24 ANTONIO BLAKENEY

C 6-9, 265 Fort Wayne (Ind.) Homestead Swanigan is a big center with soft hands and good feet. He’s very skilled, plays hard and projects as a really productive and tough post at next level.

SG 6-4, 170 Orlando (Fla.) Oak Ridge An athletic shooting guard, Blakeney is one of the top scorers in the country. He’s extremely dangerous as a shooter with his pull-up jumper.

12 CHASE JETER

25 LUKE KENNARD

DUKE

C 6-10, 225 Las Vegas Bishop Gorman Jeter is a skilled center who has improved significantly since his freshman year. He has a good hook shot, rebounds well and is a hard worker.

LSU

DUKE

SG 6-5, 185 Franklin (Ohio) Franklin Kennard has nice size for a two and is a wing with a high basketball IQ who is a terrific shooter. CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

Kelly Kline/Getty Images

DUKE

SF 6-8, 190 Kinston (N.C.) A long forward with good size, Ingram is an effective scorer who can do it from all three levels. He needs to get stronger but is all upside.

HOOPS2016 1 HARRY GILES

PF 6-10, 220 Highpoint (NC) Weslyian Christian Giles is a tremendous prospect who absolutely dominates with skill, length, and athleticism. One of the better prospects in recent memory.

3 JAYSON TATUM SF 6-8, 190 St. Louis (Mo.) Chaminade Prep A tremendous skilled wing who scores it as well as anybody. Has a total game with a great desire to win.

4 MALIK MONK SG 6-4, 180 Bentonville (Ark.) An elite athlete who is a tremendous scorer going to the rim. Jump shot is also a weapon, and he keeps improving.

5 DERRYCK THORNTON PG 6-2, 170 Los Angeles (Cal.) Findlay Prep One of the best true floor generals you will find. Gets others involved, and has improved as a scorer as well.

7 TERRANCE FERGUSON SF 6-6, 185 Dallas (Tex.) Prime Prep A big time athlete who is also an elite shooter. He has good length on the wing and has proven to be capable of taking over games.

8 KOBI SIMMONS PG 6-5, 170 Alpharetta (Ga.) St. Francis Is a big scoring point guard who can get into the lane at will and also is a capable passer. Has trmenedous size and athleticism for his position.

16 JARRETT ALLEN C 6-10, 210 Austin (Tex) St. Stephen’s Allen is a very skilled big who has good hands and can score with his back to the basket. Has to get stronger, but the talent is there.

17 DE’AARON FOX SG 6-2, 170 Houston (Tex) Cypress Lakes An elite athlete with tremendous quickness and the ability to really put the ball in the basket. Not a point guard, but can handle the rock.

18 EDRICE ADEBAYO C 6-8, 230 Pinetown (NC) Northside A bull on the low block who has good strength and excellent hands. He scores and rebounds his area very well.

19 OMARI SPELLMAN

Villanova C 6-8, 260 North Royalton (Ohio) MacDuffie School One of the more impressive power players in the class. He has good explosion and can score inside as well as pick and pop.

20 CASSIUS WINSTON PG 6-0, 165 Detroit (Mich) UD Jesuit Has everything you look for in a point guard. He has good size and solid athleticism with the ability to make excellent decisions.

UNDERARMOUR/KELLY KLINE

PG 6-2, 180 Fayatteville (NC) Trinity Christian An elite athlete from the point guard spot who can score as well as anybody, and also makes solid decisions with the basketball.

C 6-9, 230 DeSoto (Tex) Bolden has tremendous upside. He is a bit raw right now, but at 6-10 he runs the floor, has great hands, and is a very good athlete.

JOSH JACKSON

6 DENNIS SMITH

15 MARQUES BOLDEN

HARRY GILES

SF 6-7, 185 Southfield (Mich.) Prolific Prep An elite, elite athlete who is also a tremendous passer and rebounder. Shot is coming around, could be a future NBA franchise wing.

Pittsburgh SF 6-4, 185 Hartford (Conn.) Sacred Heart A strong wing who loves to attack and get into the paint. He also has improved as a shooter and surprises with his ability to pass.

UNDERARMOUR/KELLY KLINE

2 JOSH JACKSON

14 MUSTAPHA HERON

21 JUWAN DURHAM PF 6-9, 190 Tampa (Fla.) Prep Has to get stronger, but Durham is an excellent prospect. He runs the floor well, is a good athlete, blocks shots, and has a nice touch.

22 DEWAN HUELL PF 6-9, 210

Miami (Fla.) Norland

9 T.J. LEAF Arizona Huell keeps improving. He has shown very good hands

and solid athleticism with a strong frame that no doubt will continue to fill out.

23 FRANK JACKSON PG 6-3, 185

Highland (Utah) Lone Peak

10 LONZO BALL UCLA Jackson is a steadily improving prospect who can really PG 6-5, 175 Chino Hills (Cal.) A big time scorer who will also rebound and make plays off the dribble. Has a unique game, but is a mega talent.

score and also knows how to play on the ball. Someone to really monitor going forward.

11 TYUS BATTLE

C 6-10, 225 Chattanooga (Tenn.) Hamilton Heights Ado is a bit raw, but he has all the physical tools. He runs the floor well, blocks shots, rebounds, and has shown a solid touch around the rim.

SF 6-6, 195 Gladstone (NJ) Gil St. Bernard Battle is a good athlete who just knows how to score. He has a strong physical frame and looks like he will continue to improve.

12 JOSH LANGFORD SG 6-5, 200 Madison (Ala.) Academy Has been injured, but possesses the size, skill, and athleticism to be as good as any player in this class when healthy.

JAYSON TATUM

PF 6-10, 205 San Diego (Cal.) Foothills Christian There aren’t many players more skilled from the power forward spot than Leaf. Also a solid athlete, he has tremendous upside and potential.

24 ABDUL ADO

25 UDOKA AZUBUIKE C 6-10, 275 Jacksonville (Fla.) Potter’s House One of the most physically imposing prospects in the country. He is power all the way on the low block and possesses surpsing explosion as well.

13 V.J. KING CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

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MALIK MONK

SF 6-5, 175 Akron (Ohio) Paul VI A tremendously skilled player on the wing who can really dribble, pass, and shoot. Also has solid athleticism and has been very productive.

HOOPS2017

13 M.J. WALKER

1 DEANDRE AYTON

14 ISIAH JASEY

DEANDRE AYTON

PF 6-11, 205 San Diego (Calif.) Balboa City School Ayton ranked No. 1 in Scout’s Ultimate 100, which ranks the top players regardless of class. His upside is scary, as he has all the tools you look for in an elite big man.

2 TROY BROWN PG 6-5, 180 Las Vegas (Nev.) Centennial A point guard with great size, Brown is a unique prospect. He has good vision, an impressive skill set and is a talented passer.

3 MICHAEL PORTER SF 6-8, 205 Columbia (Mo.) Tolton Catholic Not many high-level shooters are blessed with the type of size and athleticism that Porter possesses. He’s an elite recruit in 2017.

4 ZACH BROWN C 7’1, 235 Miami Beach (Fla.) Senior What sticks out about Brown is his pure size, strength and presence in the paint. He’s a terrific area rebounder and enforcer around the basket.

5 WENDELL CARTER TROY BROWN

PF 6-9, 245 East Point (Ga.) Fulton Leadership Academy A strong, burly post player, Carter is a terrific area rebounder, but he’s also a good scorer in the paint and uses a right jump hook when he gets block touches.

6 JALEK FELTON

North Carolina PG 6-2, 175 Mullins (S.C.) High An early pledge to UNC, Felton is a dynamic floor general that possesses tremendous court vision and passing ability.

7 JEREMIAH TILMON C 6-9, 230 East St Louis (Mo.) Senior With Tilmon’s size, length and mobility, he’s tracking as one of the best post prospects in the class. He contests shots, rebounds and has the tools to one day be effective on offense.

8 AUSTIN WILEY C 6-10, 230 Hoover (Ala.) Spain Park At this stage, Wiley is an enforcer around the basket. He’s an aggressive rebounder and an alert shot blocker that gets his hands on shots.

WENDALL CARTER

9 D.J. HARVEY SF 6-4, 185 Hyattsville (Md.) Dematha Catholic One of the better perimeter scorers in 2017, Harvey is aggressive with his drives, has impressive athleticism and is a very good pull-up jump shooter.

10 JARED VANDERBILT PF 6-8, 200 Amarillo (Tex.) Victory Academy A face up four-man, Vanderbilt is good at attacking opposing PF’s off the dribble. He’s also a good passer with a nice set of hands and scoring touch.

11 MOHAMED BAMBA C 6-11, 215 Westtown (Pa.) School Bamba has impressive physical features. He has good size, a wide set of shoulders & extreme length. He impacts the game with his shot blocking, but has impressive offensive tools.

12 BRIAN BOWEN M.J. WALKER

SF 6-7, 170 Saginaw (Mich.) Arthur Hill A long, lean wing, Bowen has very good size for the perimeter position. He’s a talented scorer that can get buckets off the dribble or by way of jumpers off the catch.

SG 6-4, 180 Jonesboro (Ga.) High Walker is more physically developed than most of his peers. He’s a strong, athletic slashing guard that has potential as a defender, scorer and wing defender PF 6-9, 205 Killeen (Tex.) Ellison This long, lanky power forward has some serious upside. He’s mobile, athletic, active as a shot blocker and is capable of scoring at the rim

15 BILLY PRESTON

PF 6-9, 220 Dallas (Tex.) Prime Prep Academy A native of California, Preston moved to Prime Prep this season. He’s an active and aggressive power forward that scores facing the rim

16 KRIS WILKES

SF 6-7, 175 Indianapolis (Ind.) North Central Wilkes has very good size and length for a perimeter scorer. He’s a skilled scorer with impressive all around athleticm.

17 MATT COLEMAN

PG 6-1, 165 Norfolk (Va.) Maury One of the better point guard prospects in the class, Coleman is quick and elusive. He pushes the tempo, has good vision and is a talented passer. He’s also a ball hawk on defense.

18 TREVON DUVAL

PG 6-1, 165 Newark (N.J.) St. Benedict Prep Blessed with wide shoulders and lengthy arms, Duval is a quick point guard that changes speeds well. He regularly gets paint touche, is a talented passer and sees the floor well

19 JAYLEN HANDS

PG 6-2, 155 Chula Vista (Calif.) Mater Dei Catholic For a point guard, Hands has terrific speed and athleticsm. He’s lightning quick first step helps him get by defenders, but he also has a tricky dribble, good court vision & can score it

20 CODY RILEY

PF 6-7, 215 Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon School A strong, physical power forward, Riley is a terrific rebounder, that goes after the ball with both hands. He can make a mid-range jump shot and has nice touch at the rim.

21 IRA LEE

PF 6-7, 215 Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon School With Lee it all starts with his motor and energy. He plays hard on both ends of the floor, pursues every rebound opportunity and has improved as an offensive scorer.

22 NICHOLAS RICHARDS

C 6-11, 220 Elizabeth (N.J.) The Patrick School Richards obviously has good size, but he also moves well, is active on the glass and plays hard on both ends of the floor. He’s a tad raw on offense, but the upside is there

23 JAYLEN NOWELL

SG 6-4, 170 Seattle (Wash.) Garfield An athlete, Nowell is known as a slashing scorer. He has ideal length for a wing, is quick off the bounce, tough to stop in transition and is also a keen passer.

24 PAUL SCRUGGS

SG 6-4, 185 Indianapolis (Ind.) Southport A strong, physical wing, Scrubbs is a good athlete. He drives the ball well, plays through contact and is a good finisher at the rim. He also rebounds well from the perimeter.

25 BRANDON MCCOY

C 6-11, 230 San Diego (Calif.) Morse Senior An emerging big man, McCoy has an impressive frame, as he’s long, lean and has legit size. He’s mobile, a fine athlete and has the tools to produce on both ends of the floor. CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

2015 1) JALEN BRUNSON Villanova

2016 1) DERRYCK THORNTON, JR.

2) JUSTIN SIMON

2) DENNIS SMITH

6-0, 165 Lincolnshire (Ill.) Adlai E. Stevenson Brunson is one of the top point guards in high school basketball. He’s a terrific floor general who can not only make teammates better but also hit jumpers.

3) JAWUN EVANS

Oklahoma State 6-0, 165 Dallas (Texas) Kimball An extremely fast point guard, not many guys in the country can get up and down the court as quickly as Evans, who can get to basket or create for others.

4) AARON HOLIDAY

UCLA 6-0, 175 North Hollywood (Calif.) Campbell Hall A long and athletic point guard with a terrific frame, Holiday is a lockdown defender who can get to basket, hit the floater and has improved as a passer and shooter.

5) JAQUAN LYLE

6) PERRY DOZIER

South Carolina 6-6, 185 Columbia (S.C.) Spring Valley Dozier is a long and versatile guard who can play on and off the ball. He has a high basketball IQ and is a talented shooter.

7) GLYNN WATSON

Nebraska 5-11, 160 Westchester (Ill.) St. Joseph A dangerous player with the ball in his hands, Watson is tough to contain off the dribble, as he can get to the basket or create for others.

8) DAMON WILSON

Pittsburgh 6-4, 175 Centereach (N.Y.) Our Savior New American Wilson is a combo guard with good size at 6-4 that handles the ball very well, can score or make teammates better. Ohio State

5-9, 150 Dayton (Ohio) Dunbar A small point guard, Harris thrives in transition due to his handle and speed. He can knock down the jumper of find open teammates.

10) BRYANT CRAWFORD

Wake Forest 6-2, 180 Washington (D.C.) Gonzaga Crawford has good size at 6-2, is a good athlete, changes speeds well and can get to the basket.

BEST OF THE REST: Kevin Dorsey (Minnesota), Justin Robinson (Virginia Tech), Ty Hudson (Clemson), Marcus Lovett, Nick Noskowiak, Corey Sanders (Rutgers), David Crisp (Washington), Traci Carter, Jesse Wade (Gonzaga), Kendall Small (Oregon)

6-5, 170 Alpharetta (Ga.) St. Francis Simmons is an athletic and shifty combo guard who thrives in transition with his ball handling, explosiveness and vision.

4) LONZO BALL

UCLA 6-5, 175 Chino Hills (Calif.) Arguably the top passer in the nation, Ball has level 10 vision but also NBA range on his jumper and has very good size and length.

5) CASSIUS WINSTON

6-0, 165 Detroit Jesuit Winston can play on and off the ball, can knock down jumpers from distance, get to the rim and has good vision.

6) FRANK JACKSON

6-3, 185 Highland (Utah) Lone Peak A combo guard, Jackson is one of the nation’s top scorers off the dribble. He can bury jumpers from midrange and three and also attack the rim.

7) PAYTON PRITCHARD

Okla. St. 6-1, 175 West Linn (Ore.) Pritchard is a very skilled point guard who is a good shooter off the dribble but can also drop floaters or create for teammates.

8) ANTHONY COWAN

Maryland 5-10, 155 Washington (D.C.) St. Johns College Cowan is a quick and aggressive point guard who really defends the position well, pushes tempo and creates for others.

9) ALTERIQUE GILBERT

5-10, 155 Lithonia (Ga.) Miller Grove Gilbert is an aggressive, atheltic scorer at the one who can create his own jumper or get to the basket.

10) DEVEARL RAMSEY

DAMON WILSON

9) A.J. HARRIS

3) KOBI SIMMONS

FRANK JACKSON

Ohio State 6-4, 210 Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy Lyle is a point guard with nice size at 6-4 who is a very good passer and a threat to knock down three-pointers off the pull.

6-2, 180 Fayetville (N.C.) Trinity Christian An explosive athlete, Smith is an improved shooter and good passer but is extrmely difficult to contain off the dribble with his handle and quickness.

JALEN BRUNSON

Arizona 6-5, 180 Wolfeboro (N.H.) Brewster Academy Simon is one of the nation’s most versatile prospects. He can defend the one through three and is a good passer and tremendous slasher who thrives in transition.

6-2, 170 Henderson (Nev.) Findlay Prep Thornton has a very high basketball IQ and skill level, makes teammates better, can hit jumpers or floaters and is a lockdown defender.

5-10, 170 Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon Ramsey is a very good defender due to his quickness and toughness and uses those same tools to thrive in transition.

BEST OF THE REST: Tony Carr, Temple Gibbs, Howard Washington, Dejon Jarreau, Jalen Fisher, Quentin Goodin, Xavier Simpson, Bryce Aiken, J.J. Caldwell, Braxton Beverly(Arizona State) CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

BRYANT CRAWFORD

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2015 1) MALIK NEWMAN

2016 1) MALIK MONK

2) ALLONZO TRIER

2) JOSH LANGFORD

6-3, 180 Jackson (Miss.) Callaway No one in the senior class has accomplished more than Newman, a prolific scorer who possesses top-shelf athleticism, shooting, strength and confidence.

MALIK NEWMAN

Arizona 6-4, 200 Henderson (Nev.) Findlay Trier is a scoring machine, the kind of player who can put a team on his back to and carry it to victory lane. His ability to knock down contested shots is sublime.

3) ISAIAH BRISCOE

Kentucky 6-1, 185 Roselle (N.J.) Catholic A combo guard, Briscoe always has posted big scoring numbers and now he distributes and defends nearly to the level of a point guard. He should play early at Kentucky.

4) DONOVAN MITCHELL

Louisville 6-3, 175 Wolfeboro (N.H.) Brewster This late bloomer exploded onto the scene in the 2014 summer, utilizing his immense strength and aggressive style to rack up baskets against national competition.

5) ANTONIO BLAKENEY

JAMAL MURRAY

LSU 6-4, 170 Orlando (Fla.) Oak Ridge The Tigers will love Blakeney’s volume scoring talents, ability to create his own shot and self-belief. With increased strength, he also projects as a quality SEC defender.

6) LUKE KENNARD

Duke 6-5, 185 Franklin (Ohio) High Kennard is a southpaw jump shooter with a beautiful release and tendency to get red hot from long range. He’ll fit right in to Duke’s perimeter shooting attack.

7) JALEN ADAMS

Connecticut 6-2, 165 Wolfeboro (N.H.) Brewster Few guards can match Adams on the basis of toughness. He thrives as a shot creator who breaks down defenders off the dribble and creates contact at the rim.

8) TYLER DORSEY

TYLER DORSEY

Oregon 6-4, 185 Pasadena (Calif.) Maranatha A magnificent senior year brought Dorsey national acclaim and illustrated his penchant for big offense, in a hurry. He’s also an excellent dribbler and passer for a wing.

9) PRINCE ALI

UCLA 6-3, 190 Weston (Fla.) Sagemont The Bruins need offense, and Ali singlehandedly will improve their halfcourt attack. He’s a good pull-up shooter who finishes well on drives thanks to impressive body control.

10) DEJOUNTE MURRAY Washington 6-5, 175 Seattle (Wash.) Rainier Beach Murray is very thin but is highly effective as a slasher thanks quick, nimble feet and a sneaky scoring style in traffic. He’s also a potentially elite defender down the road.

BEST OF THE REST: Jalen Coleman-Lands

DEJOUNTE MURRAY

(Illinois), Eric Davis (Texas), Austin Grandstaff (Ohio State), Brevin Pritzl (Wisconsin), Kobie Eubanks, Jimmy Whitt (Arkansas), Jeremy Hemsley (San Diego State), Kevaughn Allen (Florida), Brandon Sampson (St. John’s), Malik Beasley (Florida State).

6-4, 180 Bentonville (Ark.) High Monk is an athletic dynamo who steals the show more often than not. He’s a thriller in the open court, a jaw-dropping finisher and explosive outside shooter. 6-5, 200 Huntsville (Ala.) Madison Strength and creative ball skills define the game of this versatile wing. Langford has bounced back from a wrist injury to reestablish himself a nationally elite prospect.

3) DE’AARON FOX

6-2, 170 Katy (Texas) Cypress Lakes A jet who’s among the best in class for endline to endline speed, Fox lives up to his last name. He’s also a slick driver in the halfcourt and could become a lockdown defender.

4) JAMAL MURRAY

6-4, 195 Orangeville (CAN) Athlete Institute Murray’s size and dribbling skill make him atypical, and he’s also a crafty pullup jump shooter. Rumors also persist that he may reclassify forward a year.

5) SEVENTH WOODS

6-1, 170 Columbia (S.C.) Hammond Featured on national television and a highlight maker extraordinaire, Woods simply is a phenomenal athlete with the kind of leaping ability that creates memories.

6) MARKELLE FULTZ

6-3, 170 Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha Fultz is a gifted combo guard who plays a very balanced game, scoring on the move, catching and shooting from deep and making clever passes to open teammates.

7) BRUCE BROWN

6-3, 185 Saxtons River (Vt.) Vermont It doesn’t take long watching Brown to appreciate his tough, classically East Coast style. He’s highly physical, knocks down open shots and will challenge his opponent defensively.

8) JAQUORI MCLAUGHLIN Washington 6-3, 165 Gig Harbor (Wash.) Peninsula Ball control and versatile backcourt play have become the hallmarks of McLaughlin’s game. He can play either guard spot and boasts a high hoops IQ.

9) CURTIS JONES

6-2, 165 Huntington (W.Va.) Prep Jones’ junior year brought him widespread acclaim based on some impressive scoring performances on a strong team. His quickness and speed make him a constant threat.

10) JONAH MATHEWS

6-2, 175 Santa Monica (Calif.) High Mathews does much of his best work working the middle areas. He handles very well and excels pulling up for hanging jump shots, and he has a solid frame as well.

BEST OF THE REST: Eron Gordon, Zach Norvell, Brandon Cyrus, Jordan Harris (Georgia), D’Marcus Simonds (Mississippi State), LaGerald Vick (SMU), Kyle Guy (Virginia), Kwe Parker, Ty Jerome, Bryce Peters. CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

2015 1) JAYLEN BROWN

2016 1) JOSH JACKSON

6-7, 215 Marietta (Ga.) Wheeler Brown is one of the best athletes in the class and ultra comeptitive. His skill set keeps improving and is as tough as they come on the wing.

6-7, 185 Detroit (Mich.) Prolific Prep As elite an athlete as there is, and tough as can be. Also an elite passer who can guard at the highest level. Shot just needs consistency.

2) BEN SIMMONS

2) JAYSON TATUM 6-8, 190 St. Louis (Mo.) Chaminade A big time wing who has all the skills to make it at the highest level. Elite prospect who does everything well, just not an explosive athlete.

3) BRANDON INGRAM

3) TERRANCE FERGUSON

6-8, 190 Kinston (NC) A good athlete who has tremendous size on the wing and the ability to score from all three levels

6-6, 185 Dallas (Tex.) Prime U Ferguson is a big time shooter who is also a high level athlete. Improvement off the dribble is being shown as well.

4) RAY SMITH

4) TYUS BATTLE

Arizona 6-7, 190 Las Vegas (Nev.) Has the prototype size and athleticism that everyone wants in a wing. Suffered an ACL injury before his senior season.

5) DWAYNE BACON

Florida State 6-6, 200 Lakeland (Fla.) Oak Hill Academy Has all the tools for a big time small forward. Is a high level athlete and an elite scorer who will also rebound and defend. Louisville 6-7, 190 Bradenton (Fla.) Victory Rock Prep A versatile forward who can do a bit of everything. Adel is a very good athlete who scores going to the rim or from deep.

7) MALACHI RICHARDSON Syracuse 6-5, 175 Trenton (NJ) Catholic A high level shooter with good size and solid athleticism. A strong wing who will bring a ton of versatility.

8) D.J. HOGG

Texas A&M 6-7, 200 Plano (Tex.) West A big time shooter on the outside who has a good feel for the game, must improve on defensive end.

9) K.J. LAWSON

Illinois 6-7, 200 Chicago (Ill.) Simeon The talent level here is through the roof, just has to learn consistency. Has size, athleticism, and raw skills to be a star.

BEST OF THE REST: Danjel Purifoy (Auburn), Derrick Jones (UNLV), Tevin Mack (VCU), Chris Clarke (Virginia Tech), Matisse Thybulle (Washington), Dominic Green (Arizona State), Marcus Sheffield (Stanford), Jacob Evans (Cincinnati), Terance Mann (Florida State), Mickey Mitchell (Ohio State)

6-5, 175 Akron (Ohio) Paul VI A solid athlete who can score at all three levels, King has a tremendous skill level. Just has to make sure the motor is always running.

6) MUSTAPHA HERON

Pittsburgh 6-4, 185 West Hartford (Conn.) Sacred Heart A pitbull of a wing who loves to attack off the dribble, and whose shot has improved. Also he is a tough defender.

7) MILES BRIDGES 6-6, 210 Flint (Mich.) Huntington Prep Bridges is as big time of an athlete as there is in the class. Strong and explosive, he can be a matchup nightmare.

8) MAVERICK ROWAN 6-6, 180 Pittsburgh (Penn.) Cardinal Gibbons A big time shooter with some game off the dribble, Rowan has coaches drooling with his toughness and scoring potential.

9) AMIR COFFEY 6-6, 165 Minneapolis (Minn.) Hopkins Coffey is a super smooth wing who can play the point forward role. Not an elite scorer, but does everything else.

10) RAWLE ALKINS 6-4, 190 New York (NY) Christ the King Your typical New York wing who is tough and athletic and loves to get into the paint and make plays.

BEST OF THE REST: Mario Kegler, Vance Jackson, Jonathan Isaac, Keith Smith (San Diego State), Brendan Bailey (Arizona State), Braxton Blackwell, Trent Forrest, Mark Vital (Baylor), Seth Towns, Jarron Cumberland CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

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RAWLE ALKINS

10) D.J. WILLIAMS

5) V.J. KING

D.J. HOGG

Memphis 6-7, 190 Memphis (Tenn.) Hamilton A good athlete who does a bit of everything on both ends. No one standout tool, but does everything pretty well.

6-6, 195 Gladstone (NJ) Gil St. Bernardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A do it all wing who has good athleticism and an excellent feel for the game. Battle can light up th scoreboard in a hurry.

TYUS BATTLE

6) DENG ADEL

JAYLEN BROWN

LSU 6-8, 220 Melbourne (Aus.) Montverde Academy The total package as a player. Simmons has improved as a wing and is a tremendous passer to go along with shooting the ball well.

2015 1) IVAN RABB

2016 1) HARRY GILES

2) HENRY ELLENSON

2) T.J. LEAF

6-10, 220 Oakland (Calif.) Bishop O’Dowd Rabb’s size, reach, balance and coordination place him among the best overall players in the country. He scores well with his back to the basket and facing, and he’s also a fine defender.

IVAN RABB

Marquette 6-10, 235 Rice Lake (Wis.) High The Golden Eagles were ecstatic to land this home-state talent. Ellenson is a modern fourman who excels playing on he perimeter and launching jump shots.

3) CARLTON BRAGG

Kansas 6-9, 210 Cleveland (Ohio) Villa Angela-St. Joseph Bragg is a solidly built athlete who’s very mobile, knocks down threes and attacks off the dribble. His defensive versatility also will prove beneficial to Kansas.

4) DEDRIC LAWSON

Memphis 6-8, 200 Memphis (Tenn.) Hamilton A local product, Lawson will revitalize the Tiger program with a big-time scorer. He’s very smooth, confidently strokes midrange jump shots and is a fine passer.

5) DEYONTA DAVIS

DEYONTA DAVIS

Michigan State 6-9, 210 Muskegon (Mich.) High Davis’ lofty status operates on the basis of a long-term projection. His reach, springy athleticism and potential as a defensive playmaker make him a bluechip big man.

6) CHIMEZIE METU

USC 6-8, 200 Lawndale (Calif.) High A huge senior season propelled Metu into greater national prominence. Always a top athlete, he has improved his skill level and has become more than a flashy dunker.

7) RAYMOND SPALDING

Louisville 6-9, 210 Louisville (Ky.) Trinity Louisville won a pitch-and-catch recruitment for this blossoming hometown star. Though thin, Spalding possesses great length and a natural interior scoring touch.

8) MARQUESE CHRISS RAYMOND SPALDING

Washington 6-8, 205 Elk Grove (Calif.) Pleasant Grove Few big men boast straight-up leaping ability equivalent to Chriss. The Huskies will love to employ his run/jump athleticism and strong frame in their defensive system.

9) ESA AHMAD

BENNIE BOATWRIGHT

West Virginia 6-8, 210 Shaker Heights (Ohio) High Ahmad categorizes as a prime utility forward. He scores from the perimeter, hustles on the offensive glass, competes defensively and can put the ball on the floor.

10) BENNIE BOATWRIGHT

USC 6-8, 210 Sun Valley (Calif.) Village Christian People tend to think of pure shooters as guards, but Boatwright is an ace marksman at the power forward slot. He buries three after three and projects as a specialist for USC.

BEST OF THE REST: Steven Enoch (Connecticut), Moustapha Diagne (Syracuse), Tyler Lydon (Syracuse), Tres Tinkle (Oregon State), Kerry Blackshear (Virginia Tech), Marcus Derrickson (Georgetown), Juwan Morgan (Indiana), Trevor Manuel (Oregon), Zac Seljaas (BYU), Jeremy Miller (Northeastern). CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

6-10, 220 High Point (N.C.) Wesleyan Scout’s No. 1 overall junior, this monstrously competitive and skilled forward scores, rebounds, handles and passes. He performs inside and out and can be utterly dominant. Arizona 6-10, 205 El Cajon (Calif.) Foothills Sean Miller’s Wildcats locked Leaf up early, and the steady, consistent big man succeeds in multiple facets without necessarily shining in any particularly category.

3) JUWAN DURHAM

6-9, 195 Tampa (Fla.) Prep Durham utilizes long arms and explosive athleticism to throw down slams and swat shots. He also can step out and knock down a 12-foot jump shot, and he’s getting stronger.

4) DEWAN HUELL

6-9, 190 Miami (Fla.) Norland Though thin, Huell possesses undeniable talent around the basket on both ends of the court. He also surprises with the occasional slick dribble move or pass.

5) NOLAN NARAIN

6-9, 210 La Porte (Ind.) La Lumiere This developing big man runs the court well, has long arms and already can hit a facing jumper to 15 feet. His handeye coordination is sound and suggests bright things later.

6) JUSTIN JACKSON

UNLV 6-7, 190 Henderson (Nev.) Findlay A combo forward who eventually may transition to the wing, Jackson can defend either forward position and is a long-armed athlete who also possesses three-point range.

7) SACHA KILLEYA-JONES Virginia 6-10, 205 Lynchburg (Va.) Virginia Episcopal Killeya-Jones is a rangy, finesse big man who buries medium-range jumpers and has impoved his post scoring. He’s also highly cerebral and a capable rebounder and rejector.

8) GAVIN BAXTER

6-7, 180 Provo (Utah) Timpview Slightly undersized for the position, Baxter compensates with long arms and also causes mismatches due to his ability to step out and bury long jump shots.

9) MAMADI DIAKITE

6-9, 185 Dyke (Va.) Blue Ridge From a quickness and speed perspective, Diakite ranks at the very top of this list. He’s sensationally athletic and is beginning to improve his scoring tools as well.

10) RAPOLAS IVANAUSKAS

6-9, 200 Barrington (Ill.) High Ivanauskas is a polished, face-up fourman who loves to spot up on the perimeter and launch threes with a picture perfect follow through. He’s also a gifted ballhandler.

BEST OF THE REST: Matthew Moyer (Syracuse), Nick Rakocevic, John Mooney (Florida), Jay Huff, Aric Holman, Tyler Cook, Romello White (Tennessee), Terrell Brown, Troy Baxter, Javin Montgomery-DeLaurier

2015 1) SKAL LABISSIERE Kentucky

2016 1) MARQUES BOLDEN

6-11, 200 Memphis (Tenn.) Reach Your Dream Prep The potential here is huge. Labissiere is an absolute stud athletically and is long and blocks shots. His upside is through the roof.

6-9, 230 De Soto (Tex.) A kid who is just beginning to figure out how good he is. Long arms, good athleticism, and a nice touch, just needs consistency

2) DIAMOND STONE

2) JARRETT ALLEN

3) THON MAKER 7’0, 200 Martinsville (Va.) Athlete Institute A super skilled big man who can play inside or out. Maker can handle the ball and hits the outside jumper well, needs to get stronger

4) STEPHEN ZIMMERMAN 6-11, 225 Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman Runs the floor great, is a good athlete, and has good touch out to 16 feet. Also will really compete on the glass.

5) CHEICK DIALLO

) CALEB SWANIGAN

6 6-9, 265 Ft. Wayne (Ind.) Homestead There isn’t a better low post player in the class. Has great hands, a nice touch, competes on the glass, and is very crafty.

7) CHASE JETER

Duke 6-10, 225 Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman Is an excellent athlete who rebounds and blocks shots well. Has a decent touch on offense, just needs to get stronger

8) TYLER DAVIS

Texas A&M

6-9, 270 Plano (Tex.) West One of the better low post scorers in the class. He has tremendous hands and rebounds well, just not a great athlete.

6-8, 230 Pinetown (NC) Northside Just a tough kid on the low block. Scores with power and toughness, and will rebound his area very well.

4) OMARI SPELLMAN Villanova 6-9, 260 N. Royalton (Ohio) MacDuffie School One of the better scoring bigs in the class. He can hit from deep and has good touch down low, also tough as nails.

5) ABDUL ADO 6-10, 225 Chattanooga (Tenn) Hamilton Heights A very long athletic center whose best basketball is still ahead of him. Has all the upside in the world.

6) UDOKA AZUBUIKE 6-10, 275 Jacksonville (Fla.) Potter’s House As big and physical on the low block as they come. Has good hands and overpowers opponents, limited athlete though.

7) ISAAC HUMPHRIES 6-11, 250 Melbourne (Aus.) La Lumiere A very skilled big with good hands and a nice shooting touch out to 18 feet. Has to continue to improve his conditioning.

8) DE’RON DAVIS 6-9, 240 Denver (Col.) Overland A skilled center who can attack off the dribble or on the low block. Not too much projection left, but has major ability.

9) TONY BRADLEY 6-10, 230 Bartow (Fla.) Good hands a nice touch with solid athleticism define Bradley. Has to continue to rebound and get tougher, but major tools to work with.

10) ELIJAH THOMAS

10) M.J. CAGE

Texas A&M 6-9, 270 Lancaster (Tex.) Great hands a good idea of how to score around the rim are his hallmarks, but getting in shape is the key for Thomas..

BEST OF THE REST: Justin Patton (Creighton, Ted Kapita (Arkansas), Chance Comanche (Arizona), Daniel Giddens (Ohio State), Jessie Govan (Georgetown), Matt Heldt (Marquette), Horace Spencer (Auburn), Noah Dickerson (Florida), Doral Moore (Wake Forest), Drew Eubanks (Oregon State)

6-9, 225 Santa Ana (Cal.) Mater Dei NBA bloodlines with some definite ability. Cage runs the floor well and can score inside and to the mid-range, but has to rebound better.

BEST OF THE REST: Schnider Herard, Derek Funderburk, Ike Anigbogu, Rodney Miller, Henry Welsh, Nick Ward, Joey Brunk, Eddie Ekiyor, Trevor Stanback, Zach Collins CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPDATED RANKINGS

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ELIJAH THOMAS

6-10, 220 Rochester (NY) Huntington Prep A very good rebounder who has a tremendous motor. Also developing a nice face up game in the post.

DE’RON DAVIS

9) THOMAS BRYANT

3) EDRICE ADEBAYO

ABDUL ADO

6-9, 210 Centereach (NY) Our Savior Is very reminiscient of Ben Wallace. Not super tall, but an incredible motor and the best shot blocker in the class.

6-10, 215 Austin (Tex.) St. Stephen’s Has good mobility, excellent hands, and an improving touch from the mid-range. As he gets stronger, is one to watch.

SKAL LABISSIERE

6-10, 255 Milwaukee (Wisc.) Dominican A good scorer on the low block with strength, good timing to block shots, and solid athleticism. He has no glaring weaknesses

FLASHBACK CLASS OF 2005 UNHERALDED CROP PRODUCES MIXED RESULTS BY EVAN DANIELS

several others held greater esteem than McRoberts. Eight of our top 25 prospects actually entered the NBA directly out of high school, and two became lottery picks in the 2005 draft. Martell Webster, a 6-7 wing from Seattle and Scout’s No. 4 senior, heard his named called No. 6 by Portland. Webster’s career has been somewhat more productive than McRoberts’, but frankly he did not live up to billing as the sixth pick. His career averages include nine points per contest, and he has played for three different franchises. The Los Angeles Lakers selected New Jersey center Andrew Bynum (Scout’s No. 9 senior) with the 10th pick. Critics frequently affixed the “mercurial” tag to Bynum based on some apparent personality quirks, but he proved to be a great pick by L.A. Prior to knee problems, he was a key piece for a championship team and made the 2012 All-Star game. Gerald Green was our No. 2 senior in 2005, just trailing McRoberts. He also declared for the draft straight out of high school, and the 6-8 wing landed with Boston as the No. 18 pick in the first round. Green bounced around for the first 7-8 years of his professional career, but over the past two seasons has found modest success in Phoenix, averaging double figure scoring.

TOP DOG SPUTTERS, BUT ENDURES ELLIS DEFIES ODDS, DAZZLES WITH Our No. 1 player that year, Josh McRoberts, illustrates the case. A lanky and skilled power forward from Indiana, McRoberts played two inconsistent seasons at Duke before advancing to the NBA draft. He didn’t enter the league to great fanfare, as he lasted all the way to the No. 37 pick in 2007. Beginning his career in Portland and subsequently competing for Indiana, L.A. Lakers, Orlando, Charlotte, Toronto and now Miami, McRoberts essentially has become the quintessential journeyman. He has averaged six points and four rebounds per game for his career, reserve numbers though to his credit he has managed to carve out a lengthy — and lucrative — tenure in the league. From an NBA perspective,

PRODUCTION AND EFFICIENCY

Next up is a true, diamond in the rough success story. Mississippi guard Monta Ellis wasn’t a sleeper in our minds, given that he was the No. 3 senior in the country, but here’s a case where the NBA wrote off a player due to his lack of ideal size. Standing only 6-3, Ellis always was a shooting guard and not at all a point guard. But some players are able to overcome that lack of prototypical size, and Ellis — who went No. 40, to Golden State, in the 2005 draft — certainly slots within that category. During his 10 years in the NBA, Ellis has averaged more than 19 points per game and has shot very high percentages for a guard. Our full top 10 included

#3 GERALD GREEN

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sport

hen the 2005 class progressed through the high school ranks a decade ago, most scouts at the time considered it to be weak at the top and lacking depth. But while that has proved true in some respects, the class also has generated its share of success stories and players who went on to surprise at the highest levels of the sport. From a rankings perspective, of course, we evaluate our own performance based on the class results as well. Two conversational avenues therefore avail themselves whenever we examine the impact of any particular group. The other historical footnote attached to the Class of 20015 is this: It was the final year that players could jump directly from high school to the NBA. The following year produced seniors such as Kevin Durant and Greg Oden, and they began the current one-and-done trend that is so prevalent today. At a glance, the 2005 haul indeed has not delivered elite performance in the NBA. Quite a few players inhabited our top 25 who never established themselves in the league, and several others entered the association with lofty expectations but were unable to deliver.

McRoberts (No. 1), Green (No. 2), Ellis (No. 3), Webster (No. 4), Georgia guard Louis Williams (No. 5), New York forward Andray Blatche (No. 6), Missouri big man Tyler Hansbrough (No. 7), Illinois forward Julian Wright (No. 8), Bynum (No. 9) and Texas wing C.J. Miles (No. 10). Williams, Blatche and Miles all declared for the 2005 draft and were selected in the second round. All have played multiple seasons in the NBA and prominent roles for their various teams, making each a highly successful player given the typical lack of distinction for second rounders.

COLLEGE IMPACT MIXED Just three of our top 10 played in college. McRoberts fizzled at Duke, as mentioned, but Hansbrough enjoyed four glorious, All-American seasons at North Carolina. Hansbrough set the program’s career scoring record, won national player of the year honors in 2008 and captured an NCAA championship in 2009. He became the No. 13 pick in the 2009 NBA draft and has been an unspectacular, yet steady rotation player. While Hansbrough never truly was considered an elite professional

prospect due to his relative lack of length for an NBA power forward, hopes ran higher for Wright. First, however, the lanky combo forward starred for Bill Self at Kansas and earned third-team All-American honors as a sophomore. Wright advanced to the 2007 NBA draft and went to the New Orleans Hornets at No. 13. He never was able to establish a foothold in the league, but he remains a fixture overseas. Within our top 100, the Class of 2005 did produce some national champions. In addition to Hansbrough, Brandon Rush (No. 15) and Mario Chalmers (No. 19) prevailed in 2008 with Kansas; Danny Green (No. 24), Bobby Frasor (No. 41) and Marcus Ginyard (No. 52) with UNC; and Walter Hodge (No. 62) with Florida in 2006 and 2007. Interestingly, maybe the best pro to emerge from this class doesn’t even play basketball. Our No. 93 senior, power forward Jimmy Graham, competed for Miami and then played one year of football following his hoops career. He proved a spectacular gridiron talent and since then has become one of the most successful — and best paid — tight ends in the league for the New Orleans Saints.