2015 Big Red Report Recruiting Yearbook by Big Red Report

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SPRING 2015 • BIGREDREPORT.COM

FEATURES: 8 – RILEY BREAKS DOWN CLASS 14 – DAVIS TWINS Q&A 24 – THE WALK-ON REPORT 26 – RECRUITING ROUNDTABLE 32 – BY THE NUMBERS 34 – THE TOP FIVE IN THE CLASS 35 – THE NEW RECRUITING SUPPORT STAFF 36 – NEBRASKA’S 2016 TARGETS 38 – EMPHASIS ON THE 500-MILE RADIUS 40 – SPRING FOOTBALL PREVIEW 44 – LOOKING AT THE 2015 PASS RUSH 45 – MATT SNYDER Q&A 46 – A ’15 BIG TEN RECRUITING OVERVIEW 50 – NEBRASKA’S WAY TOO EARLY SCHEDULE PREVIEW

RECRUIT PROFILES: 10 – LAVAN ALSTON 11 – AVERY ANDERSON 12 – JALIN BARNETT 13 – MOHAMED BARRY / ALEX DAVIS 14 – CARLOS DAVIS 16 – KHALIL DAVIS / MICHAEL DECKER 17 – TYRIN FERGUSON / CHRISTIAN GAYLORD 18 – ERIC LEE 19 – STANLEY MORGAN / DAISHON NEAL 20 – JORDAN OBER / DEVINE OZIGBO 21 – ANTONIO REED / MATT SNYDER 22 – ADRIENNE TALAN / AARON WILLIAMS 23 – DEDRICK YOUNG

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THE ‘15

BY JOSH HARVEY Mike Riley at his National Signing Day press conference

CLASS OVERVIEW 20 PLAYERS COMMIT

Josh Harvey, Scout.com

hen looking at Nebraska’s 2015 recruiting class, it always will be labeled as a class of transition, similar to 2004 and 2008, respectively, when first Bill Callahan and then Bo Pelini took over the program. New head coach Mike Riley and staff only had two months to put nearly half the class together. But the bigger storyline might be the guys they were able to keep in the class. In today’s world of college football, when a coach leaves, usually so does a portion of the recruiting class. That wasn’t the case under Riley, as we didn’t see a mass exodus of recruits. What we saw was a coaching staff that didn’t let the moment consume them. Riley only had one week of in-home visits to work with in December, and he didn’t waste his time. “We had to make an initial plan right on getting the job,” said Riley. “Right when we could go out, what are we going to do here? The first thing that came to mind was there were three guys that were not only committed but they were mid-year enrollees. Avery Anderson, Aaron Williams, and Eric Lee. So those were guys that I had to see right of the bat, because they only had a few weeks before they were supposed to be on campus.” Riley didn’t have to spend much time with the three – only a couple of hours each – but it produced the same result for all three recruits. All were sticking with Nebraska. “The neat thing about it is, the kids came to Nebraska. All we had to do, if possible, was to introduce ourselves into the mix and see if we are the right fit for the kids,” said Riley. “I think that says a lot for this place.” Riley’s next focus: seeing a pair of double-trouble recruits in Missouri. “As I made my way from Avery 8 • BIGREDREPORT.COM

and Eric to see Aaron, a good stopover was the Davis twins (Carlos and Khalil). So I think that was a really good start,” said Riley. “I was very impressed with the families, with the kids, and very excited after that week with the guys I got to meet. I actually squeezed in Stanley Morgan at the end of that week. So right off the bat we got that group of guys and I felt great about it.” Riley is a man with a recruiting plan. “The thing you have to do immediately, the best that you can, is to calm everybody down and say this is going to be all right, but it’s not easy,” said Riley. “We made it a real concerted effort to go out and say we want you to come and this is why you chose the great place and this is who we are, this is it and hope that we mesh.” If running back Kendall Bussey (signed with Texas A&M) and defensive end Reuben Jones (signed with Michigan) have excellent college careers, Huskers fans will remember that Riley didn’t retain them in the class. But what about defensive end DaiShon Neal? Neal’s offer list received a major upgrade when Nebraska’s coaching change happened. Immediately the sharks started to circle the waters for the former Texas prep, now Omaha Central high school standout. In the end, Riley fended off Michigan in the 11th hour for Neal’s signature, despite Oklahoma, Oregon, and Iowa jumping into the mix. “You see this guy, he’s a really good player with a ton of potential,” said Riley. “I really like the upside to this guy.” Riley gave Pelini and his staff credit in his signing day press conference for the talent Riley’s staff inherited in the class. The new head coach added some

major talent of his own while not panicking to just take a guy. “I think the biggest mistake you can make when you’re brand new and anxious to fill a class is to rush into judgment about a player,” said Riley. “To not know enough. And there’s a tendency to want to do that if you have some depth needs, but you are better off [with a] blank spot than you are with a guy that isn’t good enough to play. You’ve got to hold yourself back a little bit and be careful.” Four-star linebacker Dedrick Young was one Riley’s crew’s first pickups. The early enrollee’s story is one of the more interesting ones. Young was one of the very few players who was recruited by both Pelini/Nebraska and Riley while at Oregon State. After he visited Lincoln in mid-September, many experts felt he would jump into the class eventually. It didn’t happen right away, and when Pelini was fired some felt all hope was lost. All it took, however, was a phone call from Riley and linebackers coach Trent Bray for Young to decide to commit to the Huskers. “I chose Nebraska because of the academics, but also mainly because I just feel like I fit in there,” said Young. “I was a little nervous when Coach Pelini was let go. I just needed to see who they brought in…when it was Coach Riley and Coach Bray, I was excited.” Young wasn’t the only four-star product Riley added to the class, as offensive lineman Jalin Barnett and Semper Fi All-American wide receiver Lavan Alston committed as well. Barnett chose the Huskers over in-state Oklahoma State, while Alston was committed to Oregon State before Riley left to take the job in Lincoln. Nebraska finished with the nation’s No. 33 overall class: not bad for a team in a so-called “transition.” It placed them No.

5 overall in the Big Ten, not many points behind division rival Wisconsin. But the Huskers finished more than a few behind defending Big Ten and national champion Ohio State, which finished No. 9 overall. It’s the third straight year the Buckeyes finished with a Top Ten class nationally and the top spot in the conference. While some have tried to dethrone the Buckeyes on a yearto-year basis, at this point everyone in the conference is chasing OSU. “I think you have to look,” said Riley. “I think eventually after we settle down a little bit, we’ll look at the players that somebody else got. We’ll compare. But all of it will be done so that we can get better and compete for the championship. That right now is the team we have to be. Part of it, you can be in a world of your own as far as talking about it, but as far as the other part of it, you’ve got to get the players that can beat those guys.” Riley hasn’t been on the Nebraska scene long. While he admits he doesn’t know how much stock to put into recruiting rankings, he did sound like a coach who knew overall recruiting had to get better to compete with the likes of the Buckeyes. “I guess I’d have to generally say they have to be perceived as top-level. And I don’t know if you’re meaning rank, because I don’t know how much stock to put into all of that,” said Riley. “But I think that we have to know with the ability of a Jalin Barnett. I mean, I think we’re getting one of the top players in Oklahoma. That’s the kind of guy we’re going to go after. And in order to win championships, you have to get those kind of guys.” And quite a few of them. In the following pages, you will get a chance to meet the 2015 Nebraska class.

•

NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS CLASS OF 2015 NAME

POS

HOMETOWN/ SCHOOL

RANK BY POSITION

RATING (STARS)

ADRIENNE TALAN

6’1”

195 FR. PEMBROKE PINES, FL / CHARLES W. FLANAGAN 136 (S)

LAVAN ALSTON

WR 6’0” 175 FR. VENTURA, CA / ST. BONAVENTURE

ALEX DAVIS

6’5”

230 FR. PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL / WILLIAMS T. DWYER

ANTONIO REED

6’2”

210 FR. MEMPHIS, TN / SOUTHAVEN

JORDAN OBER

6’0”

190 FR. LAS VEGAS, NV / BISHOP GORMAN

MATT SNYDER

6’5”

235 FR. SAN RAMON, CA / CALIFORNIA

MOHAMED BARRY

OLB 6’1”

215 FR. LOGANVILLE, GA / GRAYSON

DAISHON NEAL

6’8”

240 FR. OMAHA, NE / CENTRAL

JALIN BARNETT

6’4”

290 FR. LAWTON, OK / LAWTON

DEVINE OZIGBO

5’11” 230 FR. SACHSE, TX / SACHSE

DEDRICK YOUNG

OLB 6’1”

AARON WILLIAMS

TYRIN FERGUSON

OLB 6’3”

205 FR. NEW ORLEANS, LA / EDNA KARR

STANLEY MORGAN

WR 6’1”

180 FR. NEW ORLEANS, LA / ST. AUGUSTINE

MICHAEL DECKER

6’4”

280 FR. OMAHA, NE / NORTH

CARLOS DAVIS

6’3”

270 FR. BLUE SPRINGS, MO / BLUE SPRINGS

KHALIL DAVIS

DT 6’2”

260 FR. BLUE SPRINGS, MO / BLUE SPRINGS

••• •••• •• •• •• ••• ••• ••• •••• ••• •••• ••• •• ••• ••• •••• ••• ••• •••• ••••

215 FR. PEORIA, AZ / CENTENNIAL

5’11” 185 FR. ATLANTA, GA / CARVER

117

98 34 130 (CB) - 86 7

CHRISTIAN GAYLORD OT

6’6”

270 FR. BALDWIN, MO / BALDWIN

AVERY ANDERSON

6’1”

174 FR. COLORADO SPRINGS, CO / PINE CREEK

ERIC LEE

5’11” 170 FR. HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO / VALOR CHRISTIAN

Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

BIG RED REPORT • 9

RECRUITING COMPETITION Alston visited California, Oregon State and Washington State and had numerous other offers, including Arizona, Arizona State, Penn State, Utah and Washington. He was committed to Coach Riley at Oregon State before Riley took the job at Nebraska.

••••

ACCOLADES Played wide receiver in high school … graduates from St. Bonaventure HS in May … Semper Fi All-American … No. 47 receiver in the country according to Scout.com … helped the Seraphs make back-to-back trips to the California state playoffs in 2013 and 2014 … as a junior, recorded 31 receptions for 601 yards … was a standout on the track, being named 2012 Ventura County’s Male Track Athlete of the Year after winning the 100 and 200 meters, and being part of the winning 4x100 team at the County Championships … played football for John Muller at St. Bonaventure.

ALSTON

WR LAVAN ALSTON 6-0, 175 – OXNARD, CA – 02/01/2015

WHY NEBRASKA? “I think that the visit was everything that I hoped that it would be and more. The academics along with the new coaching staff and the attitude of the players have them pointed at winning championships … They like me because I can play inside and I can play outside. They like my explosiveness. They told me that they are going to find ways to get me the ball in space … I’m excited to build a strong legacy here at Nebraska. They were going to be a great program with or without me, and I’m just excited that I can be a part of the process.” SCOUTING REPORT Alston has an athletic frame and runs very well. He’s an explosive kid who can stretch the defense and be a home-run hitter in an offense. He showed over the spring during the 7v7 circuit that he’s more than just a deep threat. Alston has made a lot of improvement in his route-running and especially his hands and catch radius. Where in the past he was mostly comfortable catching deep balls, he’s now able to use his hands and catch routes over the middle and the outs. As he continues to mature physically and fill out, the rest of his game should come around and take him to a whole new level as a player. He’s a smart kid and picking up a college offense shouldn’t be a struggle for him. He’s definitely an intriguing prospect and one worth watching closely over the coming years. – Greg Biggins, Scout.com national recruiting analyst

BIG RED REPORT PREDICTION When taking a look at the offense Mike Riley and Danny Langsdorf ran at Oregon State, it’s clear the receiver position will change somewhat going forward in Lincoln. The Huskers haven’t had many HS All-America targets for their quarterbacks over the years, which means that Alston is about as talented as any wide receiver freshman that has hit campus in a while. If he was an early enrollee, we would say there is no doubt he that he would contribute in major ways in 2015. He won’t get as many practices to lock down the playbook and impress the coaching staff, but still should factor in the two-deep next year. The staff will love his ability to get off the line of scrimmage and get to the second level quickly. – Josh Harvey, Scout.com Brandon Huffman, Scout.com

10 • BIGREDREPORT.COM

ANDERSON

DB AVERY ANDERSON 6-0, 175 – COLORADO SPRINGS, CO -2/1/2014

••••

ACCOLADES Played defensive back, running back, and wide receiver in high school … graduated from Pine Creek in December, choosing to enroll at Nebraska in January … Scout.com’s No. 2 player in the state of Colorado in the 2015 class … All-Colorado choice by Denver Post in 2014 … recorded three interceptions, 52 tackles, and six tackles for loss in 2014 … on offense, combined for 544 yards and two touchdowns … Pine Creek finished the year 14-0 and won their second straight Class 4A state championship … named first-team all-state free safety by the CHSAA in 2013 … 53 tackles, one interception and three pass breakups while leading Pine Creek to its first state championship and a 12-2 record in 2013 … played football for Todd Miller at Pine Creek. RECRUITING COMPETITION Anderson committed before last year’s national signing day, but still had offers from Arizona State, Kansas State, Utah, and Wyoming. The four-star recruit would have had a lot more suitors, especially in Pac-12 country, if he had not been so adamant that his recruitment was over. WHY NEBRASKA? “It’s awesome that Eric (Lee) and I are going to be teammates,” Anderson said. “We aren’t now, we are just training partners, and we are great friends. This is a great opportunity for both of us at Nebraska. Their facilities and education, it’s an opportunity you can’t pass up. It’s a great place in Lincoln.” SCOUTING REPORT The first few plays on the tape show you something about Anderson that you must have at the elite level of college football when you aren’t the biggest guy on the football field: You have to have the willingness to stick your nose in places where others typically wouldn’t. Couple the willingness to come downhill and hit along with Anderson’s range, and you really have something. There were frustrations at NU last year with the lack of range in the secondary at times, or worse the choice of bad angles. You don’t see those things on Anderson’s film. He covers ground from 10 to 12 yards deep in the secondary. Anderson comes downhill and gets his head across the ball carrier and can really sticks him. What people worry about is that Anderson might lack strength. You can see Anderson, though, pick up a crossing receiver – a bigger receiver than Anderson – and yet he is able to stop the forward momentum before the goal line and not allow any forward progress. Anderson sees the play take shape in front of him. He reads the eyes of the quarterback and is able to jump into the play because of his great range, and he can break on the ball and pull in the interception. – Bryan Munson, Big Red Report

BIG RED REPORT PREDICTION Anderson will need to bulk up to be a regular every-down defensive back in the Big Ten, but enrolling early might benefit him more than any other player when it comes to getting ready to play the college game. We don’t expect it to take long for him to pick up the defense; he’s a smart kid. A redshirt year is likely, but don’t be surprised to see him making noise in the spring of 2016 vying for a spot. – Josh Harvey, Scout.com

Josh Harvey, Scout.com

BIG RED REPORT • 11

281

OT JALIN BARNETT 6-4, 300 – LAWTON, OK – 01/14/2015

RANK

RECRUITING COMPETITION Barnett picked the Huskers over offers from Alabama, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Stanford, Tennessee, UCLA, Texas Tech and Auburn. He also had an offer from Oregon State when new Nebraska head coach Mike Riley was there. WHY NEBRASKA? Coach Riley and more importantly Coach Cavanaugh were the first coaches to offer him in the process, which really helped establish a longterm relationship. “I’m looking for a college that feels like a home,” Barnett said. “A place with good teammates and where people respect me.”

••••

ACCOLADES Played offensive line in high school … graduates from Lawton High in May … Under Armour All-American … No. 15 guard in the country according to Scout.com … No. 281 overall player in the country according to Scout.com … first-team All-Oklahoma selection in 2014 … the No. 3 player in the state of Oklahoma in the 2015 class … Lawton finished 11-2 and advanced to the Oklahoma Class 6A-II state finals … the Wolverines averaged more than 460 yards a game and featured a 2,000-yard rusher … Lawton finished 11-1 in 2013 with Barnett starting up front … was named first-team All-Oklahoma selection as a junior … played football for Randy Breeze at Lawton.

BARNETT

UT 30 CO

SCOUTING REPORT Jalin Barnett is a very special player. He’s very intelligent. A lot of guys his size can dominate a defensive tackle in front of them, but what separates Jalin is his ability to get to the next level and take on a linebacker, to sometimes even get to the third level and move a safety. There are not many guys his size with his athletic ability to dominate all three levels. He’s a quality teammates and a hard worker. Every drill and every practice, Jalin is going to go hard and his teammates will look up to that. His attitude is 100 percent positive, in the huddle and in the classroom. I don’t know if he has a weakness, but if he does it’s that maybe he needs to speak up more. He’s just a humble guy. – Randy Breeze, Lawton HS head coach

BIG RED REPORT PREDICTION Barnett lines up at right tackle in the senior highlights, but more than likely will play guard in college. Tackle is not a stretch by any means. Barnett is 6-4 and 290 pounds, and can move. With those feet you could see him at tackle. When you watch the film, though, you see the potential at guard. Barnett is violent. He understands pad level. He is not a waist-bender, and instead bends at the knee. He has a tremendous punch, and typically against smaller defenders when he does punch, he can de-cleat the opponent. What else is great about his technique is that his head and face are up and his hand placement is always in the framework of the defenders. In runblocking, the defenders either get turned all the way out, are driven off of the ball five yards or end up flat on their backs. Barnett is definitely a road grader, which supports the idea that he could move inside. All in all, he was a key get for Nebraska, for a number of reasons. There was a need for at least one more offensive lineman in this class, and they got an excellent one. – Bryan Munson, Big Red Report Greg Powers, Scout.com

12 • BIGREDREPORT.COM

DAVIS

OLB MOHAMED BARRY

6-1, 215 – GRAYSON, GA – 1/29/15

ACCOLADES Played outside linebacker in high school … graduates from Grayson High School in May … helped the Rams advance to the second round of the Georgia Class AAAAAA playoffs in 2014 … earned first-team Class AAAAAA all-state honors in Georgia … as a junior recorded 16 sacks in 2013 (among state leaders) … played football for Mickey Conn at Grayson. RECRUITING COMPETITION He also visited Miami and Kansas State, his other two final schools, during the process. At one point, he was a Kansas State commit. He also had offers from Marshall, Syracuse, UAB, Wake Forest, NC State, and Georgia Southern. WHY NEBRASKA? “There was something about talking to Coach Bray. I said to myself, ‘I need to reconsider them.’ He just wanted me to look at the whole picture and take the visit. He then started recruiting me harder than anybody. He came to my house and it got me to take the visit – it helped me feel comfortable with the situation. After the in-home, my parents had the same glow that I had. It said it all to me. My mom gave me her blessing. I knew it was where I belonged.” SCOUTING REPORT Barry is a prospect who plays hard with a high motor. He plays with energy, emotion and his teammates rally around him. At linebacker, he is almost constantly playing inside the box. He is a much better linebacker playing north-south than when he has to move in space. He is aggressive and he really attacks the ball carrier with good speed. He has a good burst to the ball carrier and he can be used on the blitz. His length is good, but he still needs to add weight, and become better at shedding blocks and playing the ball when it comes right at him. There is a little stiffness there and he could eventually end up playing inside linebacker as he develops physically. He loves to identify the ball, then attack. You have to love his energy, his physical style of play, and his tenacity. – Chad Simmons, Scout.com national recruiting analyst

BIG RED REPORT PREDICTION The linebacker position is the thinnest on the entire depth chart, as only four players on scholarship have any experience at all. Of the true freshmen, Barry is probably the second-most ready to come in and play. He is fast, does well in coverage, and comes downfield well. A redshirt would help him, but he is probably one injury away from having to play. David Santos graduates next year and Marcus Newby is more of a hybrid type player. Barry has the opportunity to win a starting outside linebacker job in his second year on campus. He probably will contribute as a backup for a couple of years before he emerges as a starter for a couple of seasons. “I’m a leader; I’m going to be a commander,” said Barry. “I’m going to bring a different feel to the program. I know with the guys in my class and the help of leaders already there, who will have an understanding, it will allow someone like me or another guy to bring in new ideas that will take the defense to another level.” – Matt Svoboda, Big Red Report contributor

•• DE ALEX DAVIS

Scout.com

Chad Simmons, Scout.com

BARRY

•••

6-5, 230 – RIVIERA BEACH, FL – 2/1/15

ACCOLADES Played defensive line in high school … will graduate from Dwyer High School in May … played just one season of high school football … Davis was the Defensive MVP of Florida International’s camp and was the Defensive Lineman of the Day at a Miami camp … his play helped the Panthers finish 7-4 in the Florida Class 7A ranks … played for Jack Daniels at Dwyer high school … also plays basketball for the Panthers, averaging 11.4 points and more than seven rebounds per game as a junior. RECRUITING COMPETITION Davis had nearly a double-digit offer list, consisting mostly of smaller schools. The Huskers’ biggest competition was Pittsburgh, who along with Nebraska started recruiting Davis extremely hard in the last week of recruiting. Davis had already solidified his itinerary with Mike Riley’s staff for the last official weekend, preventing Pat Narduzzi’s staff from having a legitimate shot without hosting him on campus. Davis’ offer list also included Temple, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, and Georgia Southern. WHY NEBRASKA? “My trip to Lincoln was great. Nebraska has the best of everything that I’ve seen. (I liked the) campus, football facilities, weight room and stadium… It’s like a dream come true. I worked really hard and it paid off for me. I know I have a lot to learn, but I’m ready for the challenge… They told me that there was a player (Randy Gregory) that is going to be a first-round pick that left early. They said that they compared me to him and said that they plan to use me the same way that he played.” SCOUTING REPORT Davis is a raw athlete who’s still in the infant stages of his development, but possesses a significant amount of upside. He hasn’t even been playing the game of football for two years, so there’s a lot to be excited about in regards to his development over the next couple of years in the Big Ten. Watching him develop could be a great story. – Corey Bender, Scout.com Florida recruiting analyst

BIG RED REPORT PREDICTION Davis was featured as more of a twopoint defensive end, and must transition to playing with his hand in the first as a weak-side end in a 4-3. Davis also could either be a package blitzer working from the outside or being the spinner in the nickel like Randy Gregory was last year. For Davis to get on the field and be effective, he will need to add size. He’s going to have to add around 30 pounds and keep his quickness and speed. Because of that need for size, he needs time in the system to get ready. Expect Davis to take a redshirt and figure more into the plans on defense in 2-3 years. Don’t be surprised if Davis is considered one of the biggest steals in the country in four to five years. He’s got a long way to go, but the tools are there. Davis’ senior film reminds me a lot of Jason Pierre-Paul, who was from the same area. – Bryan Munson, Big Red Report

BIG RED REPORT • 13

RANK

••••

ACCOLADES Played defensive tackle in high school … will graduate from Blue Springs High School in May ... Scout.com four-star defensive tackle and the No. 19 in the country … overall the No. 201 player in the country … No. 3 player in the state of Missouri according to Scout.com … Davis finished 2014 with 64 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 18 sacks, and 21 quarterback hurries … was named the by the Missouri Coaches Association the Class 6 Defensive Player of the Year in 2014 … earned All-Metro honors from the Kansas City Star last fall … the Wildcats finished 8-4 and made the third round of the Class 6 state playoffs in 2014 … as a junior, Davis played a key role in helping Blue Springs to a perfect 14-0 record and a Class 6 state title … Davis recorded 63 tackles, including 3.5 sacks in 2013 … earned Class 6 all-state honors as a junior … was a reserve on the varsity, seeing action on Blue Springs’ 13-1 state championship team in 2012 … also on the Blue Springs track team and is regarded as one of the best discus throwers in the country … last season had the top high school toss in the United States, with a throw of 212 feet, 5 inches to win the state championship … twin brother to Khalil, who also signed with Nebraska.

DAVIS

201

DT CARLOS DAVIS 6-2, 265 – BLUE SPRINGS, MO – 3/1/2014

UT 30 CO

RECRUITING COMPETITION The junior had offers from Arizona State, Oregon, TCU, Kansas, Kansas State, and Missouri. While he flirted with the Tigers late in the process after the firing of Bo Pelini and staff, Carlos never took an official visit to another school but Nebraska. WHY NEBRASKA? “Being in Lincoln is the best. The town and atmosphere of the program was always incredible. That’s the best part of the program, and how much support they have. We just built a large comfort level with everything about it. A game day at Nebraska and walking through the tunnel, and the environment always stood out to me.” SCOUTING REPORT Two words summarize Davis’ game well: violent and active. He is very powerful and he does not stop fighting. He simply explodes through blockers and doesn’t have much issue driving doubleteams backward. The most exciting part of his game is his violent, never-quit motor. Even when he is double-teamed, he doesn’t concede that he won’t make the play. He fights with terror until it is done. He is ferocious and relentless in his attack. He isn’t only powerful, though, as he has very good speed for a defensive tackle and runs around well enough to line up at defensive end on occasion. Davis is a lot more athletic than the average big body in the middle. Offensive linemen that are heavy-footed find it impossible to stop him. Once he adds a little more size, he can definitely become a defensive tackle that can do it all. – Matt Svoboda, Big Red Report contributor BIG RED REPORT PREDICTION Nebraska’s starting defensive tackles are two of the better ones in the Big Ten, meaning Davis will need to be extra special to play as a true freshman. With senior Kevin Williams and junior Kevin Maurice behind juniors Vincent Valentine and Maliek Collins, the two-deep might be okay in 2014. A redshirt year for development wouldn’t be a bad thing. – Josh Harvey, Big Red Report Greg Powers, Scout.com

14 • BIGREDREPORT.COM

Q&A Davis Twins

WHAT NUMBER DO YOU GUYS WANT TO WEAR?

CARLOS – When we were up there, we talked about going with a 1-digit number, if we can’t get that, we will go with No. 95 and No. 96. Coach Pelini said that we couldn’t get a 1-digit number, but Coach Riley said it was good.

ANYBODY YOU GUYS MODEL YOUR GAME AFTER?

KHALIL - We don’t model after anybody, we try to just be us. But, I like to play like Suh, who was aggressive.

DO YOU WANT TO REDSHIRT OR PLAY RIGHT AWAY?

DID YOU HELP RECRUIT OTHER GUYS?

KHALIL - We played a small part in it, but Avery (Anderson) and Eric (Lee) did a better job at that. They knew more people than we did because they committed earlier. Avery is a really talkative guy.

HOW EXCITED ARE YOU FINALLY BE DONE WITH THE PROCESS?

KHALIL - I’m excited, the process has been long and it will be nice for things to die down.

IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE YOUR GAME IN TWO WORDS, HOW WOULD YOU DO IT? CARLOS - Powerful and explosive.

Josh Harvey, Scout.com

WERE YOU GUYS A PACKAGE DEAL? OR DID YOU TWO EVER THINK ABOUT GOING TO DIFFERENT SCHOOLS?

Always a package deal. Never came into the equation.

DO YOU THROW THE PASS AT THE 1-YARD LINE? CARLOS – No. BeastMode.

ARE YOU GOING TO DO TRACK AT NEBRASKA?

CARLOS - We want to play right away. If we did redshirt, it would be to get the hang of things, balancing schoolwork and football.

KHALIL - Fast and aggressive.

CARLOS - We are going to do both.

WAS NEBRASKA YOUR SQUAD GROWING UP?

CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MIKE RILEY VS BO PELINI

HOW HAS BEING BROTHERS HELPED YOU ALL DEVELOP INTO THE PLAYERS YOU ARE TODAY?

KHALIL - It’s been easy for us, because you always have someone helping push you. You are going to get more aggressive and better.

KHALIL - Coach Riley is laid back and chilled. Mike Riley is more personable and easier to talk to. Coach Pelini was a good guy, but sort of intimidating when you talked to him.

FAVORITE SPORT? OTHER THAN FOOTBALL?

KHALIL – Fishing - we are bass fishers. Anytime we not playing football or doing schoolwork, we are fishing. Coach (John) Garrison told me about some good spots not too far from campus.

WHAT MOST EXCITES YOU ABOUT BECOMING A CORNHUSKER?

KHALIL - I would say being in the town with that type of atmosphere. It’s exciting on game day. To me there wasn’t any place like it, walking through the tunnel and going into the stadium.

CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE TUNNEL WALK, HOW COOL WAS IT TO HEAR YOUR NAME. CARLOS - It gives you goosebumps. I have been there maybe 25 times and every time I get goosebumps.

THINGS YOU ARE GUYS ARE GETTING MOST EXITED FOR?

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT FANS INTERACTING WITH YOU ON TWITTER? CARLOS - I like the fans, it’s when those Mizzou fans jump on Twitter that I jump off.

DO YOU GET CRAP FOR NOT GOING TO IN-STATE MISSOURI? CARLOS - it’s bad at school. Everyone at school is a Missouri fan. A few are Husker fans, but most are Tigers, including teachers. We will sway some, we already have.

CRAZIEST RECRUITING STORY?

KHALIL - Coach Wise at KU said would you rather be a big fish at a small pond or a small fish at a big pond? Carlos said, I would rather be a big fish at a big pond.

IS YOUR DREAM TO PLAY IN THE LEAGUE?

TWINS - Always been a dream, but we have other dreams. KHALIL - Start my own fishing store. Marine biology stuff.

CARLOS - My first sack and throwing up the Bones.

CARLOS - Marine biology dreams outside of football.

KHALIL - Just getting ready for a big game.

WHAT IS ONE ASPECT OF YOUR GAME YOU ARE HOPING TO MOST DEVELOP WITHIN YOUR FIRST YEAR ON CAMPUS?

ARE YOU STARTING OFF AS A 3-TECHNIQUE, A FIVE, DEFENSIVE END, OR ARE YOU UNSURE EXACTLY WHICH SPOT?

CARLOS - Coach Hughes said likely the 3-technique, but we could play anywhere.

CARLOS - The use of my hands.

KHALIL - It would be my footwork and hands. Typical defensive line stuff.

CARLOS – Yes

KHALIL – TCU…before I got into college sports.

WHAT DID RILEY DO TO MAKE YOU GUYS CONFIDENT THAT YOU WERE STILL COMMITTED TO THE RIGHT PLACE? KHALIL - When we first met him we didn’t know what to think besides he was friendly. There was a big difference between him and Coach Pelini, but we liked how he went about himself. We really like him.

KHALIL... DOES IT EVER BOTHER YOU CARLOS DOES ALL THE TACKLING? KHALIL - I usually take on the doubleteams, which is more important. CARLOS IN BACKGROUND – “It was one game.” (ARGUING FOLLOWED)

WHAT SEPARATES HUSKERS FANS FROM OTHER FAN BASES?

KHALIL - It would be how tight the town is, but it’s such a big fan base still. It makes the fan base special.

IF YOU TWO GOT INTO THE OCTAGON TOGETHER, WHO WOULD WIN? KHALIL - I don’t think there would be a winner. We would totally injury both each other.

IF YOUR MOM FOUND YOU TWO FIGHTING IN THE OCTAGON WOULD SHE COME IN A WHIP YOU BOTH?

KHALIL - She would start screaming and pass out.

DO YOU THINK NEBRASKA SHOULD REALLY OWN THE KANSAS CITY AREA IN RECRUITING EVERY YEAR?

CARLOS - I think they should. There is a lot of unfound talent in KC and in the Midwest.

WHAT TYPE OF LEGACY DO YOU WISH TO CREATE AT NEBRASKA? CARLOS - I want to create the Davis twin era.

WHO CAN BENCH PRESS THE MOST... AND HOW MUCH? CARLOS - 365 pounds.

SUH PLAYED A COUPLE OF TIMES AT FULLBACK, ANY INTEREST IN SCORING A TOUCHDOWN OR LAYING A BIG-BLOCK ??? KHALIL - Wherever they need, that’s where I will play.

WHAT TEAM IN THE BIG TEN ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO PLAYING? ANY AWAY STADIUMS YOU ARE EAGER TO PLAY IN? CARLOS - I would like to play Wisconsin - it’s a good rivalry. And stadium wise Michigan or Michigan State.

KHALIL - I would like to play Ohio State and Wisconsin, to redeem this year, and Michigan State. Basically playing every team that beat us this or is the best in the Big Ten.

HOW INFLUENTIAL WAS YOUR FAMILY IN THE RECRUITING PROCESS?

KHALIL - Our mom liked to argue us with a lot. Our dad was chill and went with whatever. He wanted us to go to whatever school we liked. Mother had her say. She wanted to weigh our options. She wanted to visit more schools. It wasn’t that she didn’t like Nebraska; she just wanted us to be sure.

FAVORITE FOODS FOR BOTH OF YOU?

DAD CHIMES IN - Probably corn and okra. Every meal that has corn. Khalil had chili yesterday and he had corn in it.

WHAT IS THE BEST COMPLEMENT YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED FROM A SCOUT OR COACH? CARLOS - This week I had an interview with my personal finance teacher who was at the Lee Summit basketball game. Coach Hill (Missouri) was there watching Drew Lock who’s going to Missouri. Coach Hill was good friends with my teacher and told him, ‘we were sad to lose Carlos, because he’s going to be a future All-American and a great player.’ He wished me luck.

•

BIG RED REPORT • 15

DT KHALIL DAVIS

6-2, 265 – BLUE SPRING, MO - 3/1/2014

ACCOLADES Played defensive tackle in high school … will graduate from Blue Springs High School in May … rated as the No. 33 defensive tackle in the country by Scout.com … No. 7 player in the state of Missouri by Scout. com … Davis battled through injuries during his senior season, but tallied 60 tackles, including 26 for loss, and had 9.5 sacks … was a first-team Class 5A all-state selection by the Missouri High School Coaches Association … the Wildcats finished 8-4 and made the third round of the Class 6 state playoffs in 2014 … earned All-Metro honors from the Kansas City Star last fall … in 2013, he recorded 62 tackles and four sacks, helping Blue Springs go 14-0 en route to a Class 6 state title … his play earned him a Kansas City Star All-Metro selection … also on the Blue Springs track team and is regarded as one of the best discus throwers in the country … Davis finished No. 2 in the Class 4 state Missouri track meet … twin brother Carlos also signed with Nebraska … played for Blue Springs head coach Kelly Donohoe. RECRUITING COMPETITION The junior had offers from Arizona State, Oregon, TCU, Kansas, Kansas State, and Missouri. While he flirted with the Tigers late in the process after the firing of Bo Pelini and staff, Khalil never took an official visit to another school but Nebraska. WHY NEBRASKA? “I love the family feel you get there. The stadium is beautiful and takes your breath away. They’ve been a great program over the years and I aim to do my part to continue that. There’s no doubt I’ve picked the best school for me. The atmosphere in Lincoln is like no other… The coaches talked about how they see us fitting in with the defense and how they like us at the three-technique in the 4-3...They will run some 3-4 stuff on situation; I think we could also play in that scheme on the inside or outside.” SCOUTING REPORT Davis is a hard worker on the inside who doesn’t make life easy for an offensive lineman. He has a no-quit attitude to go with his high motor. He is athletic in his movement and uses a variety of moves to get into the backfield. He knows how to use his hands pretty well to get rid of blockers so he can make the play on the ball. He needs to keep his balance better, but that is something that can be learned and developed. His aggressiveness serves him very well and puts him in the middle of a lot of plays. Davis also has good form and stays low when bringing down a ball carrier. Very rarely does someone slip through him, as he wraps up and has enough strength to take care of business. – Matt Svoboda, Big Red Report contributor

BIG RED REPORT PREDICTION Similar to his brother, Davis is a future starter waiting to happen at the defensive tackle spot, but likely will have to wait his turn behind Maliek Collins and Vincent Valentine. Davis is talented enough to get snaps right away, but the position might lend itself to a redshirt. What he does have going for him is that he can play multiple spots, which might enable him to crack the lineup more quickly. – Josh Harvey, Big Red Report

16 • BIGREDREPORT.COM

Josh Harvey, Scout.com

DECKER

DAVIS

•••

••• C MICHAEL DECKER

6-4, 285 - OMAHA, NE – 4/19/14

ACCOLADES Played offensive line in high school … will graduate from Omaha North in May … No. 1 player in the state of Nebraska according to Scout.com … No. 7 center nationally according to Scout.com … two-time All-Nebraska state pick by the Omaha World Herald (2013/2014) … two-time Super State pick by the Lincoln Journal Star … helped Omaha North go 34-5 in three-year varsity career … helped the Vikings win consecutive Class A state titles in 2013 and 2014 … Omaha North rushed for 310 yards per game with Decker anchoring the offensive line in 2014, finishing a perfect 13-0 … Decked recorded 42 combined pancake blocks between 2013 and 2014 … boasts a 3.8 gradepoint average …played for Larry Martin at Omaha North. RECRUITING COMPETITION Decker committed to Nebraska early in the process, picking the Huskers over Kansas State. While the 2015 signee was never shy about the recruiting process, he didn’t seek it out. Decker didn’t take part in many media interviews and wasn’t one to make noise on social media. The only other school he visited was Kansas State. “Ever since I committed that it was for me,” said Decker. “No trips, no camps; that was fine with me.” WHY NEBRASKA? “When I would wake up, every time that I was thinking about recruiting I thought about Nebraska first. I think that the new staff is really intelligent. They know what they are doing. The staff has either all worked together in some way, get a long great and are just great coaches. They have all coached a long time. They are doing a great job talking to the new recruits.” SCOUTING REPORT One of the best things about Decker is his competitiveness and his toughness. Michael really stands out in those areas. Watching his highlights -- especially on offense -- it’s remarkable. He is so explosive and so strong. He is literally coming off of the football and getting in his man and lifting guys up off of the ground and then landing on them. He works incredibly hard in the offseason. “The biggest thing for Michael is that he’s very smart,” said Larry Martin, Omaha North head coach. “He has good overall football sense and he understands both sides of the football. When you are teaching a technique, he then understands the ins and outs. He understands when we have to change things up based on what we are facing and why. He is very good at doing it all.”

BIG RED REPORT PREDICTION While it can sometimes be hard to project whether a guy plays center at the next level, Decker seems almost perfect for it. Decker obliterates the competition on the prep level. It was almost criminal at times the way he abused defensive linemen on the field. He has a nasty stream and likes to finish blocks off with a flair. He is quick off the line and that allows him to gain the upper hand with his positioning. Can get to the second and third levels to make blocks and is able to pull effectively. It’s likely going to take a couple years for him to develop into an offensive lineman ready for the Big Ten. – Greg Powers, Scout.com national recruiting analyst

6-2, 200 – NEW ORLEANS, LA – 12/6/14

ACCOLADES Played outside linebacker in high school … graduates from Edna Karr High School in May … recorded 104 tackles, including 23.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks in 2014 … also credited with 29 quarterback hurries and had three interceptions, returning one for a touchdown … Ferguson helped the Cougars finish 8-6 in 2014 with an appearance in the Louisiana Class 4A state quarterfinals … Ferguson was named the Class 4A Defensive Player of the Year by the Louisiana Sportswriters Association and was also the District 9-4A Defensive MVP in 2014 … Ferguson’s junior season, his first playing football, was cut short due to injury … played football for legendary coach Nathaniel Jones at Edna Karr – often considered one of the best high school programs for D-I talent in the South. RECRUITING COMPETITION Despite playing in the OD All-American game, Ferguson was one of Nebraska’s least-recruited signees in the 2015 class, receiving offers only from Oregon State, Houston and Troy. WHY NEBRASKA? “My commitment to Oregon State wasn’t really about the school; it was about the staff. I knew that it was going to take a lot for me to want to commit to a school so far away from home. And it was, but it was because of the staff. The coaches then brought me with them to Nebraska. The visit was great. It helps having some of your brothers there, like I will with Glenn Irons and Jariah Tolbert. The fan base is really into all of their teams.”

Josh Harvey, Scout.com

GAYLORD

FERGUSON

•• OLB TYRIN FERGUSON

•••

OT CHRISTIAN GAYLORD

6-5, 285 – BALDWIN, KS – 2/3/14

ACCOLADES Played offensive and defensive line in high school … will graduate from Baldwin High School in May … on the ground, the Bulldogs racked up 2,900 rushing yards with Gaylord anchoring the front five … recorded 47 stops and two sacks on defense in 2014 … two-time Kansas Class 4A all-state selection … Gaylord earned All-Frontier League honors on both offense and defense … as a junior, helped Baldwin advance to the Class 4A all-state quarterfinals with a 11-1 record … a member of the prestigious All-Simone team … four-year starter at Baldwin, earning all-conference honors also as a junior … played for Mike Berg at Baldwin … also was a member of the basketball team. RECRUITING COMPETITION Held offers from Texas, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina State, and Oklahoma State. Gaylord visited Oklahoma early in the process, but Nebraska was his only official visit, and he was a frequent visitor in Lincoln during the fall. Even when Nebraska made a coaching change, Gaylord never waffled after committing nearly a year before his National Signing Day. WHY NEBRASKA? “A lot of it had to do with how I grew up. My family grew up on the Nebraska border. There was always a built-in connection to the school. We always watched Nebraska games when I was growing up, and it was always a dream to play for them. It’s amazing to have this opportunity.”

SCOUTING REPORT The first thing you notice on film is Ferguson’s athleticism. The interception that he pulls down on the very first play of his highlights demonstrates it. Then, the majority of the next 10 plays or so really show Ferguson being too quick and beating the would-be blockers’ angles and totally blowing up the play. The angles that Ferguson beats frequently occur when he dives inside. What he also shows is getting upfield on a pass rush. he can quickly beat the tackle with his speed and then destroy the chip from the running back, allowing him to get to the quarterback. There are a couple of plays on which Ferguson is a little late getting out of his stance, and I am not sure if that had to do with fatigue, thinking about the call or something else. For the most part, though, his first step is extremely explosive. He kind of reminds me a bit of Demarrio Williams in that regard, and what Williams could do off of the edge. – Bryan Munson, Big Red Report

SCOUTING REPORT Gaylord has a great frame that will easily be able to add some weight as he moves to college ball. What is great about him is that he doesn’t just depend on size to beat people. He stays low and keeps great balance to keep the upper hand in his blocks. There also was a noticeable jump in his aggressiveness between his junior and senior seasons. In his senior film, some of his athleticism comes out better as well as he switches from right and left tackle. Gaylord is a coaches’ dream, as he seals the edge with great form and finishes his blocks. If he can add some size and keep his fluidity in his movement, he could become a real handful at the next level. He has great form, good hand placement when engaging defenders, and is intelligent in run blocking. Gaylord is a little more developed in those areas than most just entering college. He simply needs to add some weight and strength and not lose how well he moves his feet. – Matt Svoboda, Big Red Report contributor

BIG RED REPORT PREDICTION Ferguson is going to need some time to really get up to speed with college football. The lack of experience will catch up with him as he makes a big jump to Nebraska. The physical tools are there, though, and Nebraska picked up an athletic commitment at the outside linebacker spot that was desperately needed as part of this class. As I watch his film, I become more and more amazed with the fact that Ferguson has only played the game two years. The athleticism definitely covers it up. – Bryan Munson, Big Red Report

BIG RED REPORT PREDICTION He is probably one of the better offensive tackles Nebraska has taken in the last few years, and his future looks bright. Don’t look for a first-season impact though. There are five other tackles with at least some experience at the college level, but four of them graduate next season. It wouldn’t surprise to see Gaylord redshirt and then vie for a starting tackle spot as a redshirt freshman. He could definitely become a 3-4 year starter and has all-conference potential. – Matt Svoboda, Big Red Report contributor

BIG RED REPORT • 17

RANK

••••

ACCOLADES Played cornerback and wide receiver in high school … graduated from Valor Christian in December, choosing to enroll at Nebraska in January … Scout.com’s No. 1 player in Colorado … nation’s No. 18 overall cornerback … 2014 ColoradoPreps. com Class 5A All-State first-team … played varsity on state championship teams in his sophomore and junior seasons, making the state finals as well during his senior year … recorded 59 tackles, one sack and five interceptions in 2014, in addition to racking up 1,013 all-purpose yards on offense with seven touchdowns … finished his career with 144 tackles and nine interceptions … during his three years with the varsity program, the Eagles went 35-7 overall … played football for Rod Sherman at Valor Christian … took part in track, finishing second in the Colorado state long jump in 2013.

LEE

148

CB ERIC LEE 5-11, 175 – HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO – 2/1/2014

UT 30 CO

RECRUITING COMPETITION After spending a portion of his childhood in Lincoln, Lee jumped quickly on his scholarship opportunity to the University of Nebraska. If he would have let his recruitment play out, he likely would have seen some bigger offers. The Huskers landed the DB over Michigan State, Kansas State, Arizona State, Oregon State, Utah, Colorado, and Colorado State. WHY NEBRASKA? “Being able to put on that Nebraska jersey for the first time sealed the deal for me and how I feel about the university. I met with the admissions people and got to see how everything is set up academically. They really set you up to succeed. I also got to meet Dennis Leblanc, who my father knows personally since his time here at Nebraska.” SCOUTING REPORT Lee is a tremendous athlete who is a natural at the cornerback position. He can really flip his hips and has this tremendous ability to run with his man and find the football in the air with his man on his hip. What Lee never forgets about is keeping his outside arm free. The first three clips on defense in his highlight film show his unique abilities. Lee keeps his eyes on the ball, and you see the outside arm free and at the last second he sheds the block and makes the play. The eyes are something that you keep coming back to with Lee, as he never loses sight of the ball, whether it’s a run or a pass. Lee is part of the play whether it’s coming his way or he has to come all the way across the field.- Bryan Munson, Big Red Report

BIG RED REPORT PREDICTION Cornerbacks at the next level are supposed to be “island guys” guys that you can put out there on a receiver and forget about them. But the cornerback position is much more complicated. What about supporting the run? What about being a blitzer? Zone coverage? Lee touches on all of those things in his senior film, and with that skill set he seems very ready for college. He is likely deep on the depth chart coming into Lincoln this spring, and the possibility of him finding playing time is going to come down to how quickly he can get up to speed with what Nebraska wants to do on the field. The skills are there for Lee to make a good impression this spring and begin the climb up the depth chart. – Bryan Munson, Big Red Report Brandon Huffman, Scout.com

18 • BIGREDREPORT.COM

6-0, 185 – NEW ORLEANS, LA – 11/7/14

ACCOLADES Played wide receiver in high school … graduates from St. Augustine High School in May … first-team Class 5A all-state team … had 46 catches for 891 yards and eight touchdowns in 2014 … helped the Purple Knights receive a berth in the Class 5A state playoffs … made 66 receptions for 1,077 yards and 13 touchdowns in his junior year … named secondteam Class 5A all-state by the Louisiana Sportswriters Association in 2013 … caught 61 passes for 806 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2012 as a sophomore … played for Cyril Crutchfield at St. Augustine, regarded as one of the best high school programs in the state of Louisiana. RECRUITING COMPETITION Morgan held a number of offers from some of the top teams around the nation, including Mississippi State, Ohio State, UCLA, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and others. Despite a double-digit offer list, Morgan’s only official visit was to Lincoln. WHY NEBRASKA? “Coming out of the tunnel walk, there were people there that knew our names that we didn’t even know. I loved their crowd. It was amazing,” said Morgan in September. “I loved their facilities. I really liked the stadium and their fans. It was crazy… I have always felt like Nebraska was the right place for me.” SCOUTING REPORT After watching the Scout.com film, I drastically underestimated Morgan and what he can do on the football field. He is much more dynamic and athletic than I originally gave him credit for. I am firmly in the corner of those who have the opinion that Morgan is underrated. He shows good speed, which is something that didn’t necessarily stand out on his senior highlights, but more than just top-speed, he hits top speed quickly out of his cuts and after he makes a move with the ball in his hands. He also shows great concentration, and catches the football at the highest point. He gets his body between the ball and the defender and catches the ball with his hands. There is physical strength that Morgan shows, as well, as he has the ability to simply stiff-arm defenders. Morgan is also too much for most defensive backs to bring down one-on-one. Morgan sees the tacklers coming low and will side-step them or just go over them. – Bryan Munson, Big Red Report

BIG RED REPORT PREDICTION Morgan has some attitude to him. Lots of people don’t believe that being cocky is good for the game. Typically I would agree, but when it comes to a single position where some flash is good, it’s wide receiver. Morgan has some swagger to him, which he can back up on the film. With the graduation of Kenny Bell, Nebraska is looking for a new starting wide receiver on the outside. If nobody separates themselves during spring practices, Morgan will have a good shot this fall. The idea of keeping a young starting wide receiver group together for a few years might be appealing to offensive coordinator Danny Langsdorf. “They saw my film and they loved it,” said Morgan. “They will be running a pro-style offense and they see me still playing the ‘X.’” – Josh Harvey, Big Red Report

Josh Harvey, Scout.com

NEAL

MORGAN

••• WR STANLEY MORGAN

•••

DE DAISHON NEAL

6-7, 250 – OMAHA, NE – 1/27/15

ACCOLADES Played defensive end and tight end in high school … will graduate from Omaha Central High in May … No. 2 player in the state of Nebraska for the 2015 class, according to Scout.com … recorded 51 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, and five quarterback hurries in 2014 … first-team All-Nebraska selection by Omaha World Herald … Lincoln Journal Star Super State selection in 2014 … helped the Eagles to a state playoff appearance in 2013 … played for head coach Jay Ball at Omaha Central. RECRUITING COMPETITION Neal picked the Huskers over offers from Oregon, Iowa, Oklahoma and Michigan in the 11th hour. The Wolverines and Jim Harbaugh appeared to be the biggest threat to stealing the instate recruit from Nebraska after Bo Pelini was fired. WHY NEBRASKA? “There is no place like Nebraska, so I have to stay home…I talked to my dad about it and we thought we should open up my recruiting to wait to see who was coming in (after coaching change). The only reason I didn’t decommit right away was because my dad said we needed to wait to see who was coming in. Nebraska wasn’t going to bring some sorry coach in.” SCOUTING REPORT There are many great takeaways from Neal’s film when it comes to his potential. You have to start with the fact that while height is desired, so is staying low, which Neal does. On read-option looks in his direction, he’s patient and allows the fake to take place in front of him and is able to tackle the ball carrier. There is a pure discipline to the end spot that people lose. They see a guy that gets beat a lot and decide that player should be labeled “slow.” What it might be, though, is getting sucked in too far. True, there might be an element of change of direction, but Neal doesn’t allow himself to get brought down too far covering the inside handoff. The other part of that is discipline and diagnosing the run right away. You’d think that at 6-6 and 265 pounds, that just having your position would be enough. Neal shows good pursuit running the hill line from the backside and stays right on the hips of the offensive line, allowing him to get there from a distance. – Bryan Munson, Big Red Report

BIG RED REPORT PREDICTION When you see Neal now, you have to imagine what he can be after he spends some time at Nebraska. You have to see a guy that with his workout warrior mentality will get into Lincoln and immediately shed some bad weight and begin adding back good, lean mass. You have to see two to three years down the road in the program, with a strict nutritional regimen, and see a guy that at 6-6 and around 275 pounds (or a little more) moves better than he does now. When you see that, you see a great fit at the five technique in a true 4-3. Where I also see Neal playing and possibly causing a real fit is over the nose in an odd-front, nickel defense with some sort of a spinner stunt like they used the last two years with Randy Gregory, and similar to what they did some years ago with Adam Carriker. – Bryan Munson, Big Red Report

BIG RED REPORT • 19

6-1, 195 – LAS VEGAS, NV – 2/1/15

ACCOLADES Played wide receiver and long snapper in high school … graduates from Bishop Gorman High School in May … the nation’s No. 11 long snapper according to RubioLongSnapping.com … helped Bishop Gorman kickers connect on 102 of 109 extra points and four of seven field goals in 2014 … Bishop Gorman averaged more than 40 yards a punt with Ober handling the long snap … the Gael finished with a 15-0 record with a state title and a top-five national prep ranking … In Ober’s junior year, Bishop Gorman kickers completed 85 of 90 PATS and the Gael finished with a 13-2 record and won a state title … Ober recorded three tackles in 2013 … played for Tony Sanchez at Bishop Gorman… Sanchez was recently named the head coach at UNLV. RECRUITING COMPETITION Ober chose the Huskers over walk-on offers from Arizona State, Boise State and San Jose State. It’s not uncommon for even elite long snappers to only receive one or two offers. “I won’t say this is always the case, but we set aside three scholarships for the specialist positions: the kicker, the punter and the long snapper,” said Nebraska head coach Mike Riley. “Have we always done that? No. But we certainly understand the need and the importance of that position.” In most years, there are only 8-10 scholarships extended from power five schools to long snappers. WHY NEBRASKA? “I felt at home. The coaches were amazing. I feel like I fit right in…Everyone loved it and thought it was a great fit for me both academically and athletically…I think having a special teams coach makes the situation a lot better. It shows they care about that part of the game.” SCOUTING REPORT According to Chris Rubio, Ober is one of the top long snappers in the country, and proved it during the long snapper challenge in Vegas – even when he was battling food poisoning. “He was phenomenal all weekend,” said Rubio. “He handles pressure as well as anyone in the country and is very smooth with his snapping on punts and pats.” Ober is quick on his feet and shows very good athleticism. Returners in the Big Ten should expect to see him to make a play downfield. While he’s a bit on the light side when it comes to his weight, he has the frame to get a lot bigger. As he gets stronger, his snaps should even get better, although they already college-quality at the moment.

BIG RED REPORT PREDICTION You don’t give a scholarship to a long snapper and plan to redshirt him. The plan is always a four-year one. “There’s going to be competition, and that’s good. Just two years ago we had a walk-on punter beat out our scholarship punter. As soon as we start practicing it’s a land of opportunity,” said Riley. “You’ve got to win your job. But I think those positions are so important to you. And I’ve got the best evaluator of specialists out of anybody. His track record on doing this is outstanding. We just want to make sure we’re really good there. That’s why we scholarship them. And certainly you’ve got to be right because you’re not going to go find another one next year.” – Josh Harvey, Big Red Report

20 • BIGREDREPORT.COM

Greg Powers, Scout.com

RubioLongSnapping.com

OZIGBO

OBER

•• LS JORDAN OBER

•••

RB DEVIN OZIGBO

5-11, 225 – SACHSE, TX – 1/9/15

ACCOLADES Played running back in high school … graduates from Sachse High School in May … ran for 795 yards on 139 carries in passhappy offense, finding the end zone 15 times … caught 22 balls out of the backfield, racking up 415 receiving yards and four touchdowns … earned first-team All-District 11 honors in the 5A ranks in 2014 … helped Sachse to 6-4 record … as a junior, rushed for 947 yards and 13 touchdowns on 148 carries … the Mustangs finished 11-1 in 2013, making the second round of the Texas Class 5A state playoffs … Ozigbo made a strong impact as a sophomore, rushing for 802 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2012 … played for Mark Behrens at Sachse High. RECRUITING COMPETITION Ozigbo was committed to Iowa State when the Huskers got serious with him, but also had offers from Army, Boise State, Boston College, Colorado State, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kansas State, Miami, Minnesota, Mississippi State, San Diego State, SMU, Syracuse, Tulsa, UNLV, Utah, Utah State, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest and Wisconsin. “When Nebraska comes, you got to look. You have to see what’s going on,” Ozigbo said. WHY NEBRASKA? “I knew coming into the trip that I would like Nebraska and what I saw. I loved it, though. My only disappointment from the whole weekend was having to go home today. I want to stay… It’s an outstanding school with a tremendous tradition. They just fired their head coach that consistently won nine games. They want to be great. I want to help them go from good to great.” SCOUTING REPORT Ozigbo does a little bit of everything that you want to see in a running back:- run tough between the tackles, break tackles, turn the corner, catch the ball and run away from people. All of this, and he also is extremely well put together. There are some plays on film where his athleticism stands out. For instance, he hurdles multiple would-be tacklers. But the plays that really get me excited are the screen-pass receptions. He follows his blocks well and has the vision to see what is coming at the line of scrimmage. Ozigbo has that lateral jump in the hole that Nebraska fans got used to seeing with Ameer Abdullah. Ozigbo has a gear that you wouldn’t expect because of his build and density.

BIG RED REPORT PREDICTION While Nebraska currently might have a full stable of backs, to the Huskers must replace one of the most talented and well-liked runners in Nebraska history. For that reason alone the message to Ozigbo from Coach Mike Riley to come to Lincoln prepared is a great sign about how much the Nebraska staff thinks of his potential. The hidden value here for Nebraska is that Ozigbo wasn’t over-used and run into the ground as a high school running back, as he played in a prolific passing offense. He had too much talent to not get the ball, but the Mustangs didn’t use him to his full potential. He’s likely headed to a redshirt year, but could factor in as a third-down back if he doesn’t sit out in 2015. He’s got the ability to catch the ball in passing down situations. – Bryan Munson, Big Red Report

6-2, 200 – MEMPHIS, TN – 2/1/15

ACCOLADES Played defensive back and linebacker in high school … will graduate from Southaven High School (right on the Tennessee/Mississippi border) in May … recorded 60+ tackles and four interceptions in 2014 … helped the Chargers finish with a 11-3 record in 2014, making a Class 6A state playoff semifinal trip … Reed was a standout for Southaven in 2013, helping the Chargers finish 6-6 on the year … played for Ed Rich at Southaven. RECRUITING COMPETITION Reed was committed to Memphis when Nebraska jumped into the mix in late January. The senior didn’t want to upset the Tigers by taking a public official visit to Lincoln, so the hybrid DB/LB did it on the sly. After being in town for 24 hours, Reed received an offer and called Memphis to let them know he was ready to play in the Big Ten Conference. Southern Miss also was very interested in his services. “I felt all along that Reed was that kind of player,” Rich told the Lincoln Journal Star. “I’ve been doing this awhile, and college recruiters sometimes, it just amazes me for what they are or aren’t looking for. A 6-foot-2, 200-pound safety seems to me to be a commodity you would want.” WHY NEBRASKA? “I loved the weather, the environment and the Blackshirt tradition…when Nebraska came along, I knew that I wanted to be a Husker.” SCOUTING REPORT Reed has fantastic size for a safety. He isn’t just a big bruiser safety who comes down in run support, as his film shows impressive athleticism on a few of his interceptions. Reed has a knack for being in the right place at the right time in coverage. He doesn’t have top-end speed, but he makes up for it by keeping his eyes on the quarterback and being where he needs to be. Most of the time he has great position on the wide receiver and is bigger than most the guys he covers. He is a natural playmaker, as he gets to the right spot and then capitalizes. Play recognition certainly appears to be a strength, which is exactly what you need at the safety position. Reed is a fascinating prospect who has a chance to develop into something really special. – Matt Svoboda, Big Red Report contributor

BIG RED REPORT PREDICTION The safety position is pretty set for the next couple years in terms of starters, but there is little to no experience behind them. Reed has better size than some linebackers and moves around well. He could play either safety or the hybrid nickel position. He most likely will redshirt for a year and try to crack the two-deep after that. He will take some time to develop, but the coaches will love his tools. After 2-3 years in the program, Reed certainly could be a real playmaker as a safety. It wouldn’t shock us if he ended up at linebacker, depending on how he fills out. Expect him to be a starter at some point. – Matt Svoboda, Big Red Report contributor

Susan Snyder

DeSoto Times-Tribune

SNYDER

REED

•• S ANTONIO REED

•••

TE MATT SNYDER

6-5, 245 – SAN RAMON, CA – 1/30/15

ACCOLADES Played tight end and defensive end in high school … will graduate from California High in May … 2014 all-EBAL first-team tight end … 2014 all-EBAL second-team defensive end … won 2014 Peter Villa Award, given to most outstanding player in the East Bay … Prep2Prep allNorth Section first-team tight end … caught 17 passes for 408 yards and four touchdowns in 2014 … on defense he made 42 tackles 1.5 sacks, and two pass breakups last fall … during his three years with the varsity program, the Grizzlies went 30-10 … 17 catches for 259 yards and two touchdowns in 2013 … played for Eric Billeci at California High. RECRUITING COMPETITION Snyder originally committed to Oregon State, but changed his commitment after visiting Lincoln on an official visit. Michigan and Jim Harbaugh came in at the 11th hour, but after an official visit to Ann Arbor, Snyder remained committed to Mike Riley. WHY NEBRASKA? “Lincoln is a place where I know I can be successful on the football field and in the classroom,” Snyder told Big Red Report. “It is a great place with amazing fans and great support.” SCOUTING REPORT Despite Snyder’s size (6-5, 235), you forget how big he is because of his fluidity as an athlete. He can really run and has a good first step getting out of his stance. Snyder uses that height and size well when the pass is high and Snyder has to go up and get it at the highest point. Something else that might get overlooked when it comes to Snyder is his understanding of the route that he is running. He is a very good route-runner and knows where he is between the zones or when he will be open based on a double move with a trailing linebacker following him. Snyder is also very difficult for smaller defenders to bring down single-handedly. Again, this makes a defense really focus on where he is at all times, because there will be such a focus on wrapping up and hitting him low. Snyder shows that he has an ability to block. He gets his hands on the defender and finishes the play. This is really the part of his game that likely needs the most work, and that’s to be expected. Much of this will have to do with strength, head and hand placement. – Bryan Munson, Big Red Report

BIG RED REPORT PREDICTION There is little doubt in my mind that Snyder will see the field as a true freshman at Nebraska. He understands routerunning, and has good quickness and size. Most of all, the tight end position needs help, and Mike Riley understands that. The position all but went away as part of the offense under Tim Beck last season, and the lack of production proves that. There were 24 receiving touchdowns last fall for Nebraska, of which only three went to tight ends. Out of 190 total receptions, only 10 went to the tight ends. Snyder could be exactly what the offense needs to start throwing to the tight end again. – Bryan Munson, Big Red Report

BIG RED REPORT • 21

OLB ADRIENNE TALAN

Scout.com

Josh Harvey, Scout.com

WILLIAMS

TALAN

•••

6-1, 200 – DAVIE, FL – 2/4/15

ACCOLADES Played defensive back and linebacker in high school … will graduate from Flanagan High School in May … Talan was chosen as a first-team Class 8A all-state selection by the Associated Press in 2014 … registered 90+ tackles in 2014 … helped the Falcons go 12-1 in 2014, good for a Class 8A state semifinals appearance … In 2013, Talan recorded 96 tackles and four sacks, causing three fumbles and recovered two … Talan was also a standout on special teams, blocking a punt and field goal … Flanagan went 9-2 in 2013, making a state playoff appearance … played for Devin Bush in high school. RECRUITING COMPETITION Talan was once a Temple and Oregon State commitment, but ended up picking Nebraska over TCU and Pitt – who jumped in at the 11th hour. Talan visited Nebraska in December and was one of Mike Riley’s first official visitors. He also had offers from Indiana, Iowa, Purdue, and Arkansas. Talan officially visited Oregon State, TCU, Pittsburgh, and Temple, and didn’t pull a Nebraska hat out to wear until national signing day. WHY NEBRASKA? “When I met Coach Riley and Coach Bray, I knew it was right…the thing I love about Nebraska is the tradition they have and the facilities — everything I need will be right there for me…I’m not a big-city type of guy. Nebraska is a small college town. Everybody just loves football over there.”

CB AARON WILLIAMS

5-11, 185 – ATLANTA, GA – 12/10/14

ACCOLADES Played wide receiver and defensive back in high school … graduated from Carver High School in December, choosing to enroll at Nebraska early … helped Carver to an 8-3 record and trip to Georgia Class AAAAA state playoffs in 2014 … racked up 148 tackles including 101 solo stops last fall … as a senior, he also had 10 tackles for loss, an interception, and ten pass breakups … on offense in 2014, Williams caught 13 passes for 283 yards while running for 115 more yards … named first-team Class AAAAA all-state selection in 2014 … earned first-team all-region honors in each of his four years at Carver, and was also a first-team all-state pick by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2013 … in 2013, Williams helped Carver reach the Class AAAAA playoff by racking up 145 tackles, including 109 solo stops with six interceptions and four pass breakups … played for Darren Myles at Carver. RECRUITING COMPETITION Williams was a classic example of a recruit blowing up after he committed. In the end, the senior had offers from Mississippi State, North Carolina, Purdue, Washington State, Indiana, Marshall, Cincinnati, Duke, and Notre Dame – which made a late push after the firing of Bo Pelini and staff. Nebraska was the only school Williams officially visited. He also visited Lincoln during the annual Red-White game last spring. WHY NEBRASKA? “I really like Nebraska’s tradition, the culture there, and their history on defense. When I talked with Coach Riley, we talked about building the future and building blocks of a team. I thought that he was pretty laid back and calm. I really liked him. He’s a real people person. That the right type of coach for me.”

SCOUTING REPORT Talan is exactly what coaches mean when they call players tough. He is not intimidated and he plays with an aggression that says, “This play is mine.” He has a nice little mean streak to his game. He has experience being set up all over on the defensive side of the ball, but what always stayed the same was his tendency to get down the field fast to make a hit. Talan doesn’t have the biggest measurements for a linebacker, but once you watch his film that becomes less of a concern. He takes on linemen with confidence in the run game and consistently runs through people. You don’t see a lot of lateral movement on his film, but he has the speed to make up ground and catch ball carriers from behind. It is obvious that his aggressive, attacking manner coupled with his quickness made him so attractive to the staff. He could develop into a strong outside linebacker who consistently makes tackles for loss. – Matt Svoboda, Big Red Report contributor

SCOUTING REPORT When you check out Williams, you see that this 5-11, 185-pound defensive back plays a lot bigger than he actually is. Williams breaks on the ball and hits hard. He can also hit coming across the middle, coming up to support the run and even as a blitzer off of the edge. If you look at what Nebraska has in other commits in the secondary, Williams’ skill set is complementary, but doesn’t deviate from what Nebraska is trying to do. The nickel spot is demanding and you need to be physical, smart and athletic. Williams is a player in the 2015 class who gets overlooked. He shouldn’t. – Bryan Munson, Big Red Report

BIG RED REPORT PREDICTION One of the four true freshman linebackers in this class, and probably the least “college ready.” He has good speed for the position, but definitely needs to put on some muscle and get bigger. He projects as a future outside linebacker and is a good redshirt candidate. After his redshirt season, the door will be open because of the lack of depth at linebacker. Linebacker coach Trent Bray will love having Talan’s speed and burst. He matches the downfield aggression defensive coordinator Mark Bray has mentioned. Talan most likely will crack the two-deep by year three and be solid contributor throughout his career. Look for Talan to make an early impact on special teams. – Matt Svoboda, Big Red Report contributor

BIG RED REPORT PREDICTION Williams is a physical athlete who will benefit greatly from enrolling early. With Corey Cooper leaving and Nebraska not having a lot of returning experience at the safety position, it is possible that Williams will get some playing time in 2015. It is more likely, though, that he will redshirt and become a very active and productive part of the secondary down the road. We see Williams as someone who can contribute for a couple years before becoming a solid starter. In high school, he switched between corner and safety, making it hard for recruiting services to lock down a spot for the senior. Because of that experience, it’s possible some nickel or dime play is in his future. – Matt Svoboda, Big Red Report contributor

22 • BIGREDREPORT.COM

YOUNG

OLB DEDRICK YOUNG 6-1, 215 – PEORIA, AZ – 12/15/2014

••••

ACCOLADES Played linebacker and running back in high school … graduated from Centennial in December, choosing to enroll at Nebraska in January … Scout.com Arizona All D2 Player of the Year in 2014 … recorded 98 tackles this season and rushed for 1,529 yards on the ground with 19 touchdowns … finished his career with more than 4,400 yards on offense and 55 touchdowns … second in school history in career tackles … helped Centennial to a Division II state title and a 12-2 record in 2014 … 2013 first-team all-state by the Arizona Republic … the Coyotes finished with a 10-2 record when Young was a junior … played both sides of the ball in 2012 as a sophomore, helping Centennial make the D2 state championship before falling to Ironwood Ridge High … played for Richard Taylor at Centennial … Young was also on the track team as a hurdler. RECRUITING COMPETITION Michigan State made a push down the end, and the Huskers also beat out Arizona, Arizona State, UCLA, Utah, Cal, Oregon State, Northwestern and more. His only other visit was to the University of Washington. WHY NEBRASKA? “The academics part was what I really looked for in my decision. Nebraska felt like home to me. I really loved the environment there. Coach Bray thinks that I am a good fit for his defense outside. He likes my speed and liked the fact that I can go sideline to sideline. He thinks that I can come in and compete right away.” SCOUTING REPORT “I saw Young play multiple times this year, and he is the kind of kid I want on my team. I don’t often call players ‘can’t miss prospects’, but I think Young is one. I firmly believe he could play on either side of the ball in college. As a RB, one person can’t tackle him. He hits the hole hard, runs tough and can catch. Has the bulk to pass-block as well. Young is a guy that can be an every-down linebacker as well. He is a hurdler in track, so you know he has good hips and speed. In high school he even returned kicks and punts. When it comes to academics, he is above a 3.5 student. He is also the strongest player in school history. He’s a well-rounded student-athlete and a great pickup by Nebraska.” – Jason Jewell, Scout.com Arizona analyst

BIG RED REPORT PREDICTION Nebraska clearly got a guy they needed to bring in to bolster team speed on defense. But Young is more than just an athletic specimen. He can really play the linebacker position, and when you can get an instinctual recruit with Young’s athletic ability, it’s a special combination. He’s also probably good enough to be a running back at a lot of Division I schools. Young is a talented recruit who immediately upgrades NU’s athleticism at the outside linebacker position. He will factor in this fall after getting a chance to showcase himself through 15 practices this spring. If he doesn’t start, he might redshirt, but he’s two-deep worthy. – Matt Svoboda, Big Red Report contributor

Josh Harvey, Scout.com

BIG RED REPORT • 23

THEWALK-ONREPORT THE TRADITION CONTINUES IN LINCOLN BY BIG RED REPORT STAFF

t’s a yearly tradition: every February, 15 to 25 players, mostly from inside the state, hope to become the next great Nebraska walk-on. This year’s class is no different, as it features multiple all-state players and prospects who passed on offers to smaller schools to wear the N on their jersey. “I’ve seen the film on all of them. And I think it’s pretty interesting because in general, these are good football players,” said Nebraska head coach Mike Riley. “Quite a number of them are that kind of fullback or linebacker type that looks like they have great instincts. Tough playmakers. The linebackers that I’ve watched look like they make all of the plays. And really good looking football players. Other guys I’ve looked at are in a situation where I’m not sure what exactly they will play, but they’re playmaking athletes, whether they’re running the ball or catching the ball. “Quarterbacking, too. You know I don’t know who will be playing that position. I always hate to discount a guy as a quarterback if he’s been successful in high school and we give him a look, but he could also be that guy who will become a receiver or a safety that looks like an athlete that could fairly easily move. A lot of those guys are sports savvy and they get it. And a lot of those guys have played both positions already.”

MAZOUR PASSES ON SCHOLARSHIPS TO SEE NEW VIBE UP CLOSE

Wyatt Mazour is listed as an athlete on the Huskers.com website. The Nebraska walk-on from Albion (Neb.) Boone Central comes is listed at 5-9 and 190 pounds, and says he figures in on the offensive side of the football and on special teams. “On offense I think that I will either play slot or running back,” Mazour said. “They want me as a returner as well. I am going on a visit to Lincoln with some of the other walk-ons. “I think that I am a better fit at running back. I am built more like a running back and that’s what I think that I do the best.” Mazour had options when it came to his college 24 • BIGREDREPORT.COM

choice, including other walk-on opportunities and some scholarship offers. He admits that the decision was difficult. “Iowa State and Wyoming both wanted me to walk-on,” he said. “Morningside had offered me a scholarship and UNK had offered me as well. It was really a tough decision to make.” You’d think that with options, things would come clearer. The fact of the matter is that Mazour kind of had things figured out until the opportunity to come to Lincoln was made. “It was tough when Nebraska offered, Mazour explained. “I had to make my decision quick, and if I was going to take a scholarship I was going to go to UNK. It was a really tough decision. “I sat down with my family and I really went with my heart. I have always wanted to play for Nebraska. So, I decided to make it a reality.” Mazour made it to Lincoln a couple of times last season to check out games. He had a little communication with the old staff, but he didn’t hear from the new staff until they had been in Lincoln for a month and a half. But he admits that things feel different with the new staff in comparison to the old staff. “In a way it did,” Mazour said. “I was hearing a bit from Bo Pelini’s staff and went to check out the Minnesota and Miami games. Then they were all fired and I didn’t hear from anyone. “I actually didn’t hear from the new staff for about six weeks until after the new head coach was hired. Then they contacted me out of the blue and I needed to make a decision. “This coach brings a different vibe with him to Nebraska. He wants to bring championships back to Nebraska, and he really wants to embrace the traditions.”

GRETNA PRODUCT THANKFUL FOR WALK-ON SPOT

Jared Brugmann, from Gretna (Neb.), had a quick decision to make when it came to a walk-on opportunity at Nebraska. He thought that the Huskers might try and enter

the picture late and once they did he had little time to make a decision. “I got the opportunity to walk-on at Nebraska a week before signing day,” Brugmann said. “I had a fullride offer from Washburn which I was considering. They both gave me a deadline to make a decision the Tuesday before signing day, and that’s when I made my choice.” There were plenty of other offers on the table for Brugmann beyond Washburn. What it came down to, though, is the same as for most other high school players from the state. “Growing up in Nebraska, it’s one of those things,” said Brugmann. “You play pee-wee, middle school and high school, and then you are supposed to go to Nebraska. You realize along the way it’s unrealistic, but it remained a dream of mine. I am thankful for the opportunity.” One of the big areas of need in the 2015 class was linebacker. If there is a spot that the class lacks, it is a true middle linebacker, but that’s exactly where Brugmann might fit in. “Nebraska likes me in the middle. I am good at diagnosing plays and I can read well. I am sure in college it will be faster and more difficult. I played in the Blue-Gray All-American game and did well, so I think that I am coachable as well.” Brugmann was on Nebraska’s radar as a possible walk-on prospect for a long time. But then there was a coaching change. Then a long lull of silence from Nebraska. He said that he had to be patient with them, though. “I went to their camp and I had been talking with some of their coaches,” Brugmann said. “They liked me as a walk-on prospect. So, I got a little worried when they were fired. “When they called, they said that they were still literally moving in and I had to be patient because of that. But, I am all-in with Coach Mike Riley. I think that they will have a lot of success with him as the head coach and all of the new, additional resources they now have.”

AUSTIN HEMPHILL DID HIS RESEARCH

Nebraska fans should be excited

that there is a fullback in the walk-on class for Nebraska. Austin Hemphill, from Gretna (Neb.), is excited about his future in Lincoln, but it was something that almost wasn’t until the coaching change. “Before Mike Riley and his staff came to Lincoln there wasn’t a lot of serious conversation,” Hemphill said. “When the change took place there wasn’t any communication for weeks. My first contact was a call from Ryan Gunderson. “I took a visit to Nebraska on the 26th and I spoke to him just the Thursday before,” said Hemphill. “Over the phone he offered me a walk-on spot. We met with the coaches, talked with Coach Riley briefly and just saw everything in general. We are excited to be a part of this.” Hemphill went to camp at Nebraska last summer and had a chance to talk with the staff under Pelini. He had a lot of respect for them, but not a lot came from the camp. And while he wasn’t really for the coaching change, he is excited to be part of the Huskers under Riley. “Jared Bruggman and I went to camp last summer,” said Hemphill. “I met with Coach Ron Brown, who is an awesome guy and coach, but it didn’t exactly lead to anything. “I don’t necessarily think it’s a good thing with the coaching change. But I think that everyone has a clean slate coming in now. I think the coaches and the staff that they have now are very capable.” The fullback at Nebraska hasn’t done a lot in recent years. Hemphill went home after his visit to Lincoln to see how much Coach Riley and his offense used the fullback. “My family and I noticed on our visit when talking to Riley that they are very interested in the idea of having a fullback,” Hemphill said. “I went home and wanted to do some research about it. “I did some research about Oregon State tendencies with the fullback. They typically had two fullbacks who averaged about 15 receptions a year and 10 rushing attempts. You won’t score a lot, but that’s the nature of the position. It’s a hard-nosed position.”

A CHANGE OF PATH

Reid Karel, from Seward (Neb.), thought he was going to be headed to a D-II school to play football. The opportunity to be a Husker was always a dream, and was the best fit for Karel. “As our season started going the seniors on the team started to get more attention,” Karel said. “I was talking with Colorado School of Mines and some other D-II schools. Going to Nebraska was always a dream of mine. It was where I felt like I fit the best.” The fact of the matter is that there were opportunities to play a sport in college that Karel hadn’t planned on. He definitely wanted to play college athletics, but he thought

it would be on a baseball diamond. “I always thought that I would play baseball in college,” said Karel. “That was until the opportunity came up with Nebraska. When I got the opportunity to walk on, that’s when I realized this was where I wanted to go.” To say that Karel saw an opportunity when Mike Riley was hired is an understatement. Admittedly, there was little to no communication with the previous staff, so when Riley got the job, Karel got to writing -- literally. “I got some things from Nebraska from time to time. I got a couple of emails, but I didn’t hear a lot from them,” said Karel. “Then

the coaching change [came], and I approached it as an opportunity. “I sent Coach Mike Riley a handwritten letter and I emailed the new staff. They told me they were looking at spots and they would let me know. The opportunity came up the week before signing day.” There are many reasons to appreciate the Nebraska walkons. Typically they turn down monetary offers to play elsewhere, and Nebraska is the realization of a dream. There are also the attitude and work ethic that people appreciate, too. “I have been talking to some of the other walk-ons,” Karel said. “We really just want to come in and work

NAME

POS.

HT.

WT.

HOMETOWN

FYN ANDERSON JARED BRUGMANN BRODY CLEVELAND AUSTIN HEMPHILL REID KAREL WYATT MAZOUR JACOB WEINMASTER CONOR YOUNG

6-3

260

LINCOLN, NEB.

6-2

225

GRETNA, NEB.

hard and show what we can do. We want to show everyone how hard we work and our work ethic.” Karel says that quarterbacks all have their different strengths. He says that his is getting the most out of all of the players around him. “Every quarterback has their motivations and they know what they do best,” Karel said. “I think that I thrive off of making people better and pushing them. I look forward to this opportunity to play at Nebraska.”

•

(WALK-ONS ANNOUNCED ON NATIONAL SIGNING DAY…WALK-ON TRYOUTS AND MORE ANNOUNCEMENTS SHOULD FOLLOW IN COMING WEEKS.) HIGH SCHOOL

LINCOLN SOUTHEAST HS GRETNA HS

LB 6-2 210

OGALLALA, NEB.

FB 6-0 220

GRETNA, NEB.

GRETNA HS

QB 6-3 190

SEWARD, NEB.

SEWARD HS

ATH

ALBION, NEB.

5-9

190

LB 6-0 200

LOVELAND, COLO.

ATH 6-1 170

COZAD, NEB.

OGALLALA HS

BOONE CENTRAL HS LOVELAND HS COZAD HS

BIG RED REPORT • 25

BIG RED REPORT ROUNDTABLE SO WHAT TO MAKE OF NEBRASKA’S 2015 CLASS?

put together a four-member panel and hit them with a set of questions. The panel included Scout.com’s Josh Harvey, Big Red Report recruiting writer Bryan Munson, Big Red Report contributor Matt Svoboda, and Scout.com’s Derek Young.

WHAT LETTER GRADE DO YOU GIVE THIS CLASS? JOSH: A-. The new coaching staff had very little time to put this thing together, which they deserve a ton of credit for. It could have been bad. No quarterback in the class means a slight decrease. If this was a Bo Pelini class, it would have been probably a B+.

BRYAN: B. I can’t say it enough how impressed I was with Mike Riley and the rest of the staff’s ability to hold together the class assembled under Bo Pelini as well as they did. Yes, they lost Reuben Jones and Kendall Bussey. There was good reason to believe that Bussey was NEVER going to enroll at Nebraska. As for Jones... Nebraska won two of out three against Michigan/Harbaugh. I think Nebraska fans will take a .667 batting average any day against Harbaugh. Let’s hope the average stays around there in the years to come.

MATT: B-. There are a few players that I think have great careers at Nebraska. With that said, too much of the class is a crapshoot.

DEREK: Lavan Alston

I give it an “A-” all things considered. They’d probably admit that they’d like to bring in more skilled and talented guys, but they managed what they could do with the time they had. They kept a lot of the main commits on the board such as Eric Lee, Carlos Davis, and Christian Gaylord, and that was as important as adding more firepower.

FIVE PLAYERS WHO CAN MAKE AN IMMEDIATE IMPACT…. JOSH: DEDRICK YOUNG – When you look at the depth chart, he cracks the Brandon Huffman, Scout.com

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two-deep already and brings a set of characteristics to the room that Coach Bray is looking for. The 15 spring practices are only going to help his cause. LAVAN ALSTON – The kid has elite speed and is someone that looks like he fits in the potential Mike Riley offense. JORDAN OBER – It’s obvious the coaching staff felt a long snapper was a priority. You don’t put a guy on scholarship unless you are pretty sure he’s your guy next season. STANLEY MORGAN – If I had to pick one guy that I think was underrated in the class, it would be Morgan, who might have the athletic ability to play on the outside as a receiver this season. He’s got great hands, and with a clean slate among all the receivers, he’s got as good of a chance as any. I struggle to come up with a fifth player, to be honest. I think Eric Lee is talented enough to play next year, but because of the guys in front of him, the staff will do their best to redshirt him.

BRYAN: DEDRICK YOUNG - There is a lack of depth at the linebacker position, which was noted in the signing day press conference by Mike Riley on Wednesday. Young is in a position to not only play, but potentially start. He is a great athlete with good instincts. LAVAN ALSTON - On the edge, you can just never have too many players that are capable of making plays. Alston gives Nebraska another option. An option to Jordan Westerkamp and Demornay PiersonEl. Alston can be a playmaker in space for the Huskers or as a guy that can stretch a defense. MATT SNYDER - Speaking of receiving options. Another way to get the pressure off of the receivers and the running game is to have a tight end of two that can catch the football. Snyder is that guy. I think that he can work the short to intermediate routes, he can get involved in the screen game and he can run the seam route as well.

STANLEY MORGAN - This is a player that I still go back and watch his film and can’t understand how he is a three-star player? Morgan has a unique ability to go up and get the ball at the highest point. He also has tremendous body control and concentration while in the air which allows him to find deflected passes and still haul them in. ERIC LEE - Lee has tremendous ball skills as a cornerback that I think puts him in the best situation of all of the defensive backs to see the field. He will be buried initially on the depth chart, but his natural instincts give him the advantage here when it comes to jumping over some people already on the depth chart and seeing the field in some capacity next year.

MATT: DEDRICK YOUNG- He is the one that is most likely to start week one. The linebacker corps is desperate for a playmaker. He gets to go through spring and fall practices with the new staff as well. LAVAN ALSON- There are two known playmakers at wide receiver, Jordan Westerkamp and De’Mornay Pierson-El. A third one has to emerge. The other wide receivers have had plenty of time as Huskers and none of them have jumped up and left their mark. Alston is a guy that could easily help DPE stretch the field, fast. MATT SNYDER- Nebraska fans will get to see tight ends make plays again. As soon as Snyder steps on campus he will be the second-best tight end behind Carter. ERIC LEE- Nebraska has some good corners, but Lee probably has the highest ceiling. It isn’t hard to see him getting significant playing time as the season continues. CARLOS DAVIS- The defensive tackle [spot] is pretty well set in the twodeep. With that said, Nebraska could only be one injury away from Davis seeing the field with consistency. He is the most talented of the defensive tackle underclassmen.

DEREK: With what Nebraska returns, there won’t be a lot of openings for many to contribute immediately, but I strung out five that could.

Jalin Barnett

ERIC LEE - He has the competitive spirit to see the field right away. Lee is one of the more talented commits, and would definitely be a candidate to be a special teams demon, if not in the secondary. Greg Powers, Scout.com

ADRIENNE TALAN – Talan has the versatility to play both in the secondary and at linebacker, where he will get his shot at Nebraska. Because of the depth at the position, the 6-foot-1, 200-pounder might have a chance if he shows his physicality. DEVINE OZIGBO - Again, Ozigbo has talent ahead of him on the depth chart in Imani Cross and Terrell Newby, but running back is a position easier for freshmen to succeed at. Ozigbo has the physical stature to transition to college quickly. DEDRICK YOUNG - He’s a bit raw still, but Young has the elite athleticism to at least be an immediate contributor on special teams. Only three linebackers with significant playing time under their belt return in Michael Rose, David Santos, and Josh Banderas. CARLOS DAVIS - Nebraska is just fine depth-wise along the defensive line, but Davis could be too talented to keep off the field. His blend of skill, size, athleticism, and power is rare for an incoming freshman.

THREE POSITION NEEDS THAT GOT ADDRESSED…. JOSH: DEFENSIVE TACKLE – Landing the Davis twins solidifies Nebraska’s interior for quite some time. These guys will only be sophomores when Vincent Valentine and Maliek Collins graduate. LINEBACKERS – Nebraska needed depth at the position and they got it. Now I think Young is the only guy that can play right away, but they definitely added numbers to the position. They also added some serious speed to the room - speed that will be evident in a few years. WIDE RECEIVERS – Alston and Morgan both look like multi-year starters down the road. Considering De’Mornay Pierson-El is just a sophomore, Nebraska’s receiving

corps looks to be in good shape down the road.

BRYAN: LINEBACKER - Five linebackers were taken in the class, and the Huskers might have taken as many as seven if they could have gotten everyone that they wanted. The Huskers definitely got athletic at the second level with the group that they are bringing in. DEFENSIVE BACKS - Three early enrollers for Coach Charlton Warren to work with and then go fight with Trent Bray about where Antonio Reed will play. They are a talented group and having the spring under their belt could help them potentially see the field early. WIDE RECEIVER/TIGHT END - Two wide receivers and a tight end that I think are all in position to see the field early. They are different too. You have an X in Morgan, you have a slot/Z in Alston and you have a true Y in Snyder that doesn’t look like anyone on the team.

DEREK: RUNNING BACK - The Huskers suffer a big loss with the departure of Ameer Abdullah. They bring in another body for depth, and someone that is physically ready for the pounding of college football in Devine Ozigbo. LINEBACKER - It is one of the stronger position groups in the class at a position that will miss Zaire Anderson. They needed to reload and they did in a big way with Mohamed Barry, Dedrick Young, Tyrin Ferguson, and Talan. WIDE RECEIVER - Nebraska will need more dynamic threats on the outside in Mike Riley’s offense, and adding Stanley Morgan and Lavan Alston is a nice start.

THE POSITION NEED THAT DIDN’T GET ADDRESSED…. JOSH: OFFENSIVE TACKLE – Landing

Darrin Paulo would have been nice down the stretch. The position becomes very thin after graduation this next season. Nebraska is going to have to pull a graduate transfer in next year’s class or a junior college product. Depth will require it.

field in Lincoln, but may have one of the higher upsides in the entire class. His blend of length and athleticism off the edge is staggering.

BRYAN:

DARRIN PAULO – Nebraska needed another offensive tackle in the class and Paulo is going to be a good one.

QUARTERBACK - It wasn’t a huge need and I applaud the staff for not just taking anyone, but the hopes that someone in all of the other jockeying down the stretch from December to February came up short. Stings that the previous staff did not pay an ounce of attention to someone as valuable as Joe Burrow.

MATT: DEFENSIVE END - DaiShon Neal has a high ceiling, but he is one of two defensive ends and they are both two-year projects.

DEREK: QUARTERBACK - They didn’t address the QB position, even though they tried to with a preferred walk-on offer for T.J. Green. There’s five scholarship quarterbacks on the roster, so it’s not a glaring miss, but something that will be emphasized moving forward.

IN FIVE YEARS, THE RECRUIT EVERYONE WILL BE TALKING ABOUT FROM THE CLASS… JOSH:

THE RECRUIT WHO GOT AWAY… JOSH:

BRYAN: DARRIN PAULO - I was a little down on the guy because I thought that he could have finished a little better, but his size and the position could have used another guy. There are young guys in the pipe right now for Coach Cavanaugh, but adding a body like Paulo couldn’t have hurt at all.

MATT: ADAM MCLEAN - Remember him? He had been on campus at least twice, but the Pelini staff couldn’t close him so he committed to Penn State before opting to stay home and go to Maryland.

DEREK: WILLIE SYKES - He was all but wrapped up to Nebraska days before national signing day. A last-minute offer from Arkansas changed things substantially, and he chose to head to Fayetteville instead of Lincoln.

THE HIDDEN GEM IN THIS CLASS….

CARLOS DAVIS – He looks like he’s almost ready to play the college game right now. He’s strong at the point of attack and has some serious speed at the position. I’m not really sure why he didn’t have more offers than he did in the end.

JOSH:

BRYAN:

ERIC LEE - He may not see the field next year – heck, he likely comes into the spring listed as the No. 4 CB -- but he’s a natural at the position. He isn’t a 6-footer, but he isn’t too far off at 5-foot-11. He has just a natural ability and plays the ball so well when it’s in the air.

ALEX DAVIS - I have said it before and I will say it again, find the high school film of Jason Pierre-Paul and the film of Alex Davis. Put them side-by-side and tell me what you see. There is a striking resemblance between the two, not to mention that they are from around the same area in Florida.

MATT:

DEDRICK YOUNG - He is the most athletic recruit Nebraska got. He has speed, instincts, is in a position of need, and is versatile. He will be a stud.

TYRIN FERGUSON - He wasn’t highly recruited, but he was the first Oregon State recruit that Mike Riley made sure to lock down when he came to Nebraska. They think very highly of him. He also got a lot of love locally, despite never seeing his recruiting really heat up.

DEREK:

DAISHON NEAL - I’m going to go off the radar a bit here with the defensive end from Omaha Central. He has a lot of work left to do before he sees the

TYRIN FERGUSON – People sort of scratched their head at the first Mike Riley commitment, but the kid is extremely raw and has some major athleticism. He already shows a knack for getting to the quarterback.

DEREK: MICHAEL DECKER - I really like the

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potential from the Nebraska prep. He didn’t get a lot of press, being from Nebraska, but someone that could be a multi-year starter for the Huskers. After a year or two, he should be ready to contribute along the offensive line.

TOP THREE POSITIONS NEEDS GOING INTO 2016… JOSH: OFFENSIVE LINE – Nebraska loses six total to graduation after this year. The interior is okay, but the offensive tackle spot takes a major hit. A junior college player or two wouldn’t probably be a bad thing. QUARTERBACK – I’m okay with Nebraska not taking one here this year, but they will have to land their future signal-caller in the 2016 class. Even if Armstrong is their guy going into his senior year, you will need a year to get someone ready. DEFENSIVE END – Nebraska loses Jack Gangwish and Joe Keels, which means the position is a priority once again as it was to close out this recruiting class.

BRYAN: OFFENSIVE LINE - I should put specifically offensive tackle with Bryan Brokop and John Raridon already on board. The Huskers need to go and get three OTs now to complement not only the players already committed for 2016, but also the interior line players in the classes of 2014 and 2015. TIGHT END - Next season you will have three senior scholarship tight ends and Matt Snyder on the roster (if Freedom Akinmoladun moves to defensive end, which we expect him to do). There is no depth there and there is a need for bodies. Jared Bubak is already committed in the class for 2016 and I would anticipate Nebraska taking one more. DEFENSIVE LINE - Nebraska added the Davis twins, but they lose Kevin Williams after next year and then Maliek Collins, Kevin Maurice and Vincent Valentine will all be seniors. And that’s all that remains on the roster. You might expect Peyton Newell to play here possibly, but there is a need for a couple more faces next year.

DEREK: QUARTERBACK - The position was not addressed in the 2015 class, making it that much more important

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to nab one for the 2016 class, and for Riley and company to grab one that fits what they want to do. WIDE RECEIVER - The change in offensive style makes it imperative for them to stock players at this position. The passing element of the offense will become much more crucial. LINEBACKER - I like what they did in the 2015 class, but the return of the Blackshirt Defense has to occur. The recruiting of defensive linemen is further along than the linebacker position, and the front seven is the key.

MOST IMPORTANT 2016 PROSPECT ON YOUR BOARD…. JOSH: MATT FARNIOK – AT THIS POINT, I would put the junior right up there. He’s visited Nebraska multiple times, has a relationship with a few Nebraska players already, and is a highly ranked offensive tackle (position of great need) in the 500-mile radius. The Huskers can’t let someone come in to South Dakota and steal away a top prospect away. It’s almost like losing an in-state prospect.

BRYAN:

MATT FARNIOK - What will be emphasized next year by Mike Riley and his staff? The 500-mile radius. Which position is critical to next year’s class? Offensive tackle. Guess what? Matt is the third Farniok that will go on to play D-I football, and he might be the best of the bunch. I might also take a flyer on Jake Heinrich too if I am Nebraska, and the thought he might be able to play all of the spots on the OL.

to Missouri, with his mother being an alum. That leaves two defensive ends to keep an eye on in Lawrence’s Amani Bledsoe and Tre Williams from Rock Bridge in Columbia. Both have yet to pick up an offer from Nebraska, but expect that to change as the staff shifts all of their focus on the 2016 group.

WHEN PELINI WAS FIRED IN NOVEMBER, WHAT WERE YOU EXPECTATIONS FOR THE CLASS? JOSH: I expected to see a good portion of the existing commitment list when Pelini was fired to waffle on their commitment – eventually being swooped up by another power five school. It happens everywhere in college football.

BRYAN: I thought that there would be a core that would stay in the class, but that would have included all of the players in the radius. I didn’t expect the Davis twins to dangle other visits out there as long as they did. I didn’t expect Nebraska to hang onto Stanley Morgan, to be honest. I have always thought that as a head coach at Nebraska, there was a path-ofleast-resistance type of approach by the previous staff when it came to recruiting. I was incredibly optimistic of what another head coach and his staff would be able to accomplish.

MATT: Exactly where it ended up. Around 30th in the country was a reasonable expectation. Keeping so many recruits committed and grabbing Barnett and Alston was huge.

MATT:

DEREK:

Whoever is the top QB target that the staff has their eyes set on. Other nominees would be Matt Farniok, Amani Bledsoe, and Garret Rand.

I expected some of the higherrated commits to begin to look elsewhere, as they had other top options and lost the staff they had been loyal to. I thought it would be an uphill battle for Mike Riley and his new staff because they didn’t have previous relationships with any of the committed players, and he wasn’t known for being an ace recruiter. My expectations were exceeded, as it only took one conversation in most cases to resell the current commits on the Nebraska program.

DEREK: MATT FARNIOK - The most important prospect on the board will have to be a quarterback, but those players have yet to be pinpointed. Because of that, it then moves to a player in the 500-mile radius that they want to focus on. The top players in Kansas and Missouri become important in that regard, as well as offensive lineman Matt Farniok from South Dakota. Farniok is already leaning towards the Huskers. Olathe, Kansas, safety Isaiah Simmons will have a significant draw to Kansas, where his brother plays. Kansas City athlete A.J. Taylor is all but a done deal

IF YOU WERE STARTING A PROGRAM, WHICH PLAYER IN THE CLASS WOULD YOU PICK FIRST? JOSH: Eric Lee. Elite high school All-

American corners are hard to find. Lee can play on an island and shut down a team’s best receiver. A guy like that can instantly make your defense better.

BRYAN: When I hear first pick I look at immediate capability, and when I think about building a team I think that it starts up front, but with this class I think that the most ready out of the bunch is Eric Lee. If you can’t tell, I am sold on Lee and his abilities. I think that he does everything well, which is enough for me to think that he can be thrown into action even as a true freshman and make plays.

MATT: Dedrick Young. To me, he has the highest ceiling. He also looks like a man amongst boys.

DEREK: I’d pick Eric Lee. He’s a toprated guy for a reason. Lockdown cornerbacks are hard to find and the Huskers may have secured one with him. Lockdown corners can do a lot for a defense, and I expect Lee to be a star in Lincoln.

WHO WILL BE THE HIGHEST NFL DRAFT PICK? JOSH: I’m going to go with Carlos Davis. There seems to be a premium on speed rush guys at the defensive tackle in the NFL and that’s what the high school senior brings to Nebraska.

BRYAN: I might surprise some people with my pick, but I am going to go with Alex Davis. I think that there is definitely some potential to get into the first rounds with that quicktwitch athleticism coupled with the size and athleticism. I think that he will translate potentially to the 4-3 DE or even a 3-4 OLB. I really like the upside, but I don’t think that anyone will see this for two to three years minimum. So be patient on this one and with me on this pick.

MATT: Eric Lee. He can develop into a shutdown corner, and they are more valued than outside linebackers, so he gets the edge over Young.

DEREK: This could be where offensive guard Jalin Barnett of Oklahoma falls into. He won’t be forced into immediate action, and will be able to jump into

the strength and conditioning program to mold his body and get himself into optimal shape. He’s a nasty interior blocker, powerful, and finishes blocks with a ton of intensity. His game translates to the NFL if he buys in, can get his body right, and has himself in optimal playing shape.

WHO IS THE MOST UNDERRATED MEMBER OF THE CLASS? JOSH: Stanley Morgan. The Louisiana wide receiver made huge strides from his junior to senior year and has great hands. He really can go up and snag the football over same-sized corners. I can understand why he had as many offers as he did.

BRYAN: I would like to say Alex Davis again, but I will actually go with Antonio Reed to change it up, because I don’t think that either of them should be two-star recruits. I feel like Reed can play either in the secondary or as a linebacker. I think that will ultimately determine Reed’s fate might be is Mohammed Barry’s fate (which I also considered Barry for this spot as well) and if he will qualify or not. Reed was a very handy addition to the class because of his versatility when it comes to Barry as well as to help cover for the loss of Sykes.

MATT: Tyrin Ferguson, for all the reasons I stated above.

DEREK: There might be a couple that fit the bill of underrated in the class, but safety Adrienne Talan of Pembroke Pines, Florida, is someone I can see exceeding his ranking significantly. His size is hard to ignore, as he has the build and stature to play right away. I don’t expect Talan to redshirt, even if it is only special teams duty.

WHO WAS THE BIGGEST SURPRISE GET? JOSH: Lavan Alston. The four-star wide receiver had a great relationship with Riley and crew, but for the staff to convince him to leave the West Coast when he had plenty of suitors, it’s impressive.

BRYAN: I am going to go weird on this and say DaiShon Neal. I didn’t give him enough credit and said publicly -- over the air in Omaha -- that I thought he was going to go elsewhere. I looked at the facts

about Neal and how he was handling himself online. I considered that his father had flipped on a commitment to Nebraska and went to Purdue. I was reading his quotes in the Oregonian and how he was swept off his feet in Norman with OU’s Business School. Like a bad loss at the end of the year I had...GULP... written him off. I am sorry. This was a big get for Nebraska, because you have to save everyone in the state that you want, bottom line.

DEREK:

JOSH:

I have some personal experience with this one that immediately makes me think of Carlos Davis. The defensive tackle from Blue Springs is very outgoing, and has a vibrant personality. He loves to speak and make others laugh around him. He’s a fun-loving guy that will not hold back and always let his true self come out.

I really don’t know until we see a full recruiting year under the new staff, but I’m optimistic. We have heard the 500-mile will be a focus before, so I’m really excited to see if the staff does try to own it. I think there is enough talent to get at least 50 percent of the class from Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Illinois, and of course Nebraska.

MATT:

JOSH:

Jalin Barnett. Nebraska fans had never even heard the name throughout the entire recruiting year. Then, Mike Riley and crew show up and land a top-300 recruit in a short amount of time. Great work.

Charlton Warren. It’s just too bad he won’t be sticking around to not only coach his guys, but start on another class.

DEREK: There’s two that jump to mind: running back Devine Ozigbo and linebacker Dedrick Young. Ozigbo would never have been a consideration if not for Kendall Bussey exiting the class. His name popped up out of nowhere, and it came together quickly for him and the Huskers. It isn’t surprising in that he flipped from Iowa State to Nebraska, but he was someone off the radar at the time and it took only a few days for it to be sealed.

WHO WILL BE A MEDIA FAVORITE? JOSH: Carlos and Khalil Davis. They didn’t talk as much as some during the recruiting period, but when they did speak it was usually pretty good. The two have been known to be pretty honest.

BRYAN: Give me Devine Ozigbo in the corner pocket. If you didn’t just love his commitment comments then you don’t have a pulse. Ozigbo’s comments about wanting to go to a school that just fired their coach for only winning nine games a year because they want to be great was epic. I am not sure I have ever heard a quote like that before in all of my years of covering recruiting, and that’s saying something. I think that there is a lot more in the quote tank with Ozigbo, which was evident by some of his answers in the Q&A session we had on signing day.

MATT: Eric Lee. He is the ultimate team guy, he recruited for the university, and he will represent all that Nebraska stands for very well.

WHICH ASSISTANT COACH DID THE BEST JOB IN THIS CLASS?

BRYAN: I felt like all of the new assistants played their role with the class leading up to signing day, but Charlton Warren gets this award. He is responsible for seven recruits in the class (which could have been eight with Willie Sykes). When Bo was fired and Warren was still recruiting, the recruits were concerned with his status at Nebraska and on Riley’s staff. How tough is that as the new head coach to answer the recruits that you need to get into the class about an assistant coach you have never heard of, never interviewed and during this incredibly busy time have to speak to? Warren plugged right in with this new group and that just says a lot about him and being a true professional.

MATT: It was Charlton Warren. He is off to North Carolina now, but he was absolutely critical in making this class what it was.

DEREK: I think a ton of success came at the hands of Mark Banker and Hank Hughes. They had three very talented defensive linemen considering leaving the class in DaiShon Neal, Carlos Davis, and Khalil Davis. They wrapped up all three and have them heading to Lincoln, still. It seemed at one time the Davis twins were definitely headed to Missouri, while Neal was leaning towards Oklahoma or Michigan. Banker and Hughes kept bringing the heat and eventually signed all three. It was a heck of a feat.

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR NEBRASKA RECRUITING GOING FORWARD?

BRYAN: Very simply, I am optimistic. I had seen improvements with the efforts under Bo Pelini the past two to three years by starting Big Red Weekend, and the junior day the Saturday before signing day last year was a big win. But they were still plagued by the issues of being non-productive while everyone is out on vacation during the summer (the month of July), and staffs like Ohio State are pulling in big parts of their class during that time and recruits are finally getting opportunities to travel and see the schools, and Nebraska has no one on campus. Additionally, there was always a lack of commitments during the season when it came with official visitors. I am not sure what to attribute this to. I fault Nebraska for not being a little more firm with their top prospects and trying to close them on campus. I understood and somewhat appreciated the ‘If you don’t want to be here, then...’ approach by the staff. But, it’s not a way to run your program with ALL of the recruits that come to visit. You will end up playing against too many of them down the line.

MATT: They ought to rank between 1525 on an annual basis. If they can do that and develop like most believe Riley can, they can compete at the top level, like Michigan State. It starts with classes in that 15-25 range.

DEREK: I expect them to pay attention to their home base more. The 500mile radius is a great strategy and one that can carry huge success. The top players in Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri are often free game. There’s around 10-12 prospects in that area combined each year that should bring heavy attention from the Huskers. Add in the junior college prospects, and Nebraska doesn’t have to go as far from home consistently as one might think.

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BIG RED REPORT • 29

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BIG RED REPORT • 31

BY THE

BY JOSH HARVEY

AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT SOME STATS AND MORE IN THE 2015 RECRUITING CLASS

’15 NUMBERS A group of Nebraska 2015 & 2016 commits before a game

year ago, 20 signees in Nebraska’s 2015 class seemed like a stretch. One of these days we will start to remember that all BCS programs have attrition. The amazing thing is the Huskers were prepared to go even higher, if the right players were available. Examining numbers in recruiting can be fun. Let’s dig a little deeper and look at the latest batch of newcomers on their way to joining the Huskers in this “by-the-numbers” analysis.

Josh Harvey, Scout.com

The number of commits Nebraska landed on national signing day. It was the fifth time in six years the Huskers landed a player on the first Wednesday of February. This year, the Huskers landed linebacker Adrienne Talan. In 2013, the Huskers received a pledge and letter of intent from Trevell Dixon. In 2012, there were multiple players: defensive tackle Aaron Curry, defensive tackle Vincent Valentine, and athlete Alonzo Moore. In 2011, Arizona product Todd Peat signed his paperwork that day.

21.74

The number of sacks Carlos Davis, the Missouri Class 6A defensive player of the year, had in 2014. The Blue Springs (MO) High School product only registered 3.5 sacks in his junior year.

19.1

170

16 18,400

The number of signees Nebraska convinced to enroll in December, giving each player 15 spring practices to get their feet wet before summer conditioning. It could propel all four into spot playing time next season – including linebacker Dedrick Young.

The number of wins Omaha North standout Michael Decker collected during his three-year varsity career. North went to three straight Nebraska Class A state title games, winning in both 2013 and 2014. The number of catches St. Augustine (LA) High School wide receiver Stanley Morgan collected in his career over three seasons. During his senior season, Morgan notched 46 catches for 891 yards and eight touchdowns, despite missing multiple games. It was 20 fewer catches than in his junior year, but something tells us he was demanding a little more attention from opposing defensive backs.

The number of coaches held over from Bo Pelini’s staff. “I think that Charlton (Warren) was a big resource. I think it was great to have him,” said new coach Mike Riley. “Everything about him and hiring him was confirmed to me why that was a good thing because of who he is. He was a good connection to a lot of these guys. The first homes I went into, Avery and Eric, defensive backs from Colorado that he had recruited, those folks wanted to know what is going to happen to Coach Warren. That is a good sign.”

3,252

The number of rushing yards Centennial (AZ) High School four-star linebacker Dedrick Young collected on the ground during his junior and senior season. Young found the end zone 36 total times and is one of the few Nebraska signees who could have played both sides of the football at the next level. 32 • BIGREDREPORT.COM

The personal best in the 200m for St. Bonaventure (CA) High School wide receiver Lavan Altson. During his sophomore year, Alston was named Ventura County’s Male Track Athlete of the Year after winning the 100 and 200 meters, and was part of the winning 4x100 team at the County Championships. The number of points Baldwin (KS) offensive tackle Christian Gaylord is averaging through January on the hard court. The 6-foot-7 post presence is also pulling down 7.5 rebounds a contest. The number of players in this class from the state of Oklahoma. Four-star offensive guard Jalin Barnett was the first player signed from the Sooner state since 2005, when Nebraska took linebacker Phillip Dillard, offensive lineman Craig Roark, and Norman native quarterback Zac Taylor. The number of sacks Grayson (GA) High School linebacker Mohamed Barry recorded as a junior in 2013.

The number of tweets attached to Stanley Morgan’s Twitter profile when this story went to print. To put that in perspective, I get paid to tweet…and he’s got a sizeable lead on me.

4.63

The electronic 40-time at the Army National combine for Blue Springs (MO) High School defensive tackle Khalil Davis. To compare, former Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who does have 20 pounds on Davis, ran an impressive 4.65 at the NFL combine in 2014.

1996/1997

The birth year for the Nebraska signees in the 2015 class. While it doesn’t seem like that long ago for many, next year’s recruiting class will feature players who were born after Nebraska’s last national championship in football.

The number of commits already in the 2016 class. Two of those prospects are four-star players and are ranked in the Scout.com Top 300.

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Big Red Report’s Dining Guide

BIG RED REPORT • 33

JOSH HARVEY’S TOP FIVE

BRYAN MUNSON’S TOP FIVE

SCOUT.COM’S DEREK YOUNG’S TOP FIVE

1. CB – ERIC LEE – VALOR CHRISTIAN HS (CO)

There are players who likely factor in more immediately, but Lee is a potential threeyear starter and a guy I project to be an allconference player before he leaves Nebraska. He’s not one of just plain freakish defensive backs we are seeing pop up more and more, but is smooth when he plays. He’s got nice closing speed and I really think when you are talking about defensive awareness, he’s right up there. He’s probably headed to a redshirt year, but is talented enough to play away.

Lee has the ball skills to get on the field immediately as a lock-down cornerback. I like Lee either on his own island or starting out as a nickel or dime guy.

I love the tape on Lee, but I’ve also seen him in person and there’s a lot to like. He has the physicality, mentality, and closing speed to be a lockdown corner. He’s the type of prospect who can be put on an island and be expected to negate the production of the opposing wideout for an entire game. He also fits the 500-mile radius the new Nebraska staff wants to attack, and hails from a talent-laden high school program.

2. DT – CARLOS DAVIS – BLUE SPRINGS HS (MO)

I like Anderson...a lot. I think that he has great length and can move back and forth from the safety spot to the nickel, which adds to his value and could be what pushes Anderson onto the field as a true freshman.

Young is one of the three prospects in this class who may have the most upside. He has the speed to be a heck of a pass rusher off the edge, and the athleticism to hang in coverage. Strength will be need to be added, but I don’t see that being a problem. He also comes at a position of high need.

4. WR – LAVAN ALSTON – ST. BONAVENTURE HS (CA)

3. DT – CARLOS DAVIS – BLUE SPRINGS HS (MO)

Alston is a great compliment to other players in Lincoln like Jordan Westerkamp, Demornay Pierson-El and others. Alston has great speed and elusiveness. He is a vertical threat in the offense and works well in space.

Davis is another one with tremendous upside. His explosion and quickness through gaps on the interior of the line is unmatched. He only needs to add a bit more weight, and that will come. He’s not someone who will be expected to contribute immediately.

Starter-wise, Nebraska is set at this defensive position for the next two years, but that just means Davis will have three years to be one of the guys in the trenches. When you see him shoot a gap, he looks like a defensive end speed-wise.

3. OLB – DEDRICK YOUNG – CENTENNIAL HS (AZ) While the linebacker position was one of need in this class, it’s not the reason Young is making the list. The senior’s film is impressive on both sides of the ball. I can’t imagine how good he might become once he settles into one focus. He does a really nice job at taking the right angles to bring down ball carriers, and likely will be one of the more athletic players at the position in the spring.

4. DL – KHALIL DAVIS – BLUE SPRINGS HS (MO) He’s going to have to add some weight to play defensive tackle at the next level, but Davis shows a nice burst on the line. Often elite defensive lineman at the high school level get lazy. That’s not the case with Davis, who runs over people from time to time, but also has the quickness to make into the backfield.

2. OLB – DEDRICK YOUNG – CENTENNIAL HS (AZ) Out of all of the linebackers in the recruiting class, Young has a bit more athleticism and has a big advantage being on campus. An understated quality is RB experience and understanding angles and speed of the game.

3. S – AVERY ANDERSON – PINE CREEK HS (CO)

5. DT – CARLOS DAVIS – BLUE SPRINGS HS (MO) Athletically, Davis is in a bit of a class of his own. I think that he has some tremendous qualities like his motor, speed, quickness and strength. I think that I would put Davis above the line when it comes to playing as a true freshman. Just missing my top five would be tight end Matt Snyder and guard Jalin Barnett. Snyder’s importance to the class can’t be understated with the way Mike Riley has used the tight end before. I love Barnett’s film, but he sits behind a pair of solid redshirt freshman guards.

5. WR – LAVAN ALSTON – ST. BONAVENTURE HS (CA) I could have gone a few different ways to round out my top five, but I went with Alston because I see him making the biggest impact on the offense in the years to come. He will need to add to his frame, but he’s already got home-run threat speed and became a better route-runner this past season. If Nebraska does look to open it up more, having a guy like Alston paired with De’Mornay Pierson-El is going to be fun for coordinator Danny Langsdorf. Turn on Alston’s highlight film, and it’s easy to see why he had the offer list he did. Just missing my list was offensive tackle Christian Gaylord and defensive back Avery Anderson. On any given day, depending how the wind is blowing, I could almost switch No. 5, No. 6, and No. 7 around. But what about Jalin Barnett, a four-star guard, you ask? I think moving inside is going to be crucial for him, because he struggled at times in high school against quick defensive ends. That being said, Tanner Farmer and D.J. Foster were both in my top three last year. With them having a one-year head start, I struggle to see Barnett beating them out anytime soon.

34 • BIGREDREPORT.COM

Eric Lee Josh Harvey, Scout.com

2. OLB – DEDRICK YOUNG – CENTENNIAL HS (AZ)

4. DE – DAISHON NEAL – OMAHA CENTRAL HS (NE) I think it was crucial for Riley to establish the idea that the state of Nebraska would be a focus moving forward. There were a lot of criticisms about the old regime ignoring certain areas on the recruiting trail, and Riley made a big statement by attacking those areas with aggression. Keeping an in-state kid away from programs such as Oregon, Oklahoma, and Michigan, and making him an extreme priority, was a strong first message.

• 5. WR – LAVAN ALSTON – ST. BONAVENTURE HS (CA)

I think he is one of the more important commitments of the class, and I contemplated placing him higher. Nebraska should move to an offense that opens up the passing game more, making Alston truly imperative to add immediately. That’s not because he will contribute right away, but it’s important to begin adding players suited for that style as soon as possible.

BIG RED REPORT’S

TOP FIVE THEE BRR STAFF RANKS THE TOP FIVE COMMITS IN THE 2015 CLASS

•

BY JOSH HARVEY

THE SUPPORT STAFF GUNDERSON AND VAUGHN LOOK TO BOLSTER NEBRASKA’S RECRUITING OFFICE

hen Nebraska head coach Mike Riley assembled his staff, his focus wasn’t just on hiring the best assistant coaches to fit his system. A team’s recruiting success is usually no better than the people in the recruiting office, who help the assistant coaches deal with the ever-changing minds of 16-18 year football recruits. It’s the hope that Nebraska’s recruiting office received a major upgrade with the hiring of Ryan Gunderson and Andy Vaughn, two well-known up-and-comers in the recruiting staff world. Gunderson, 29, joined the program in December, taking on the title of Director of Player Personnel – a role similar to the one he held at Oregon State under Riley. The former Beaver quarterback will be in charge of roster management and the recruiting/evaluation process for the football program. Vaughn, 33, came to Nebraska in January, after leaving his job at Nevada, where he was the Wolf Pack’s Director of Football & Recruiting

Operations – the same role he will have in Lincoln. To put it in easy terms to understand, Gunderson will be in charge of recruiting off-campus, while Vaughn will be in charge of all aspects of recruiting on-campus. “He (Gunderson) pushes me to think a different way and I do the same to him,” Vaughn said. “I kind of bring him down to earth a little bit and say, ‘Okay, we’ve got to worry about the details.’ I think that’s really great, is that our thinking styles are a lot different. And at a place this size and the things you’re trying to get done here, one person can’t do it. They’ll drive themselves crazy.” Gunderson said the Riley followers from Oregon State to Nebraska have had to change the way they look at recruiting. “There was a sliding scale: you had talent, but there was some other piece to it,” said Gunderson. “It was academics, character, something along those lines. You had to project; he’s not the greatest player now, but

he has all these tools. He hasn’t been coached. He’s going to get a lot better. We had to project, because weren’t getting the top-level guys. Here, we can get the top-level guys with the good grades and the best character.” Vaughn, who left a Mountain West school to come to Lincoln, said that being part of a Big Ten school gives you a fighting chance until the very end with most recruits. “At Nevada, if a kid is going to visit a Pac-12 or Big 12 school, you’re probably not going to see that kid ever again,” Vaughn said. “He’ll call you when he gets done and say, ‘Hey, thanks for everything, but I’ve got to do something else.’ Here, we kind of have to change our thinking.” Many Nebraska fans enjoyed the transparency of recruiting by the staff over the last month of the 2015 class. Based on the previous examples of work from the recruiting pair, expect that to continue - especially on social media. “We want to share what we’re doing,” Gunderson said. “And I think you see that on social media a little bit. We’re not trying to just lock the door and close the blinds. We know that what we’re doing, people are interested in, and it’s fun, and it’s exciting.”

•

You can follow the two on Twitter: @Andy_Vaughn and @TheGundy.

Ryan Gunderson

Andy Vaughn Photos: Scott Bruhn/NU Media Relations

BIG RED REPORT • 35

hen midnight struck and Feb. 4 turned to Feb. 5, it marked the official close of Nebraska’s 2015 recruiting class. Among recruiting fans, attention immediately turned to high school juniors and next year’s crop of talent. Nebraska filled most of its needs in the 2015 recruiting class, but with a group of 20 seniors graduating and a new coaching staff, it’s a never-ending roster-filling pursuit. One doesn’t have to examine Big Red Report.com’s eligibility tracker long to see that the offensive line will become a major focal point in 2016. The Huskers lose six scholarship offensive lineman after the 2015 season, knocking their total to just 11 on the roster – barely enough to fill a first- and second-team offense. “If you could get 10 guys who are capable of playing in the game, I have never had that before,” said Nebraska head coach Mike Riley. “I am going to get that sometime in my life where you have 10 guys that you can put in the game and you know they can go win for you. The development of linemen in the program is huge.” Luckily for Riley and staff, they walk into a solid situation when it comes to 2016 offensive line targets and the previous staff. In September, Nebraska landed four-star guard John Raridon of Valley High School in Des Moines, Iowa. The son of former Husker All-American Scott Raridon, John is the nation’s No. 19 overall player and likely will be a five-star player when the rankings are expanded later this spring. “Raridon is a run-blocking machine,” said Scout.com national recruiting analyst Allen Trieu. “Raridon has a great skill set and he plays the game how you like offensive linemen to play. He’s truly one of the best in the Midwest and the country, and the Huskers are getting a great prospect.” A projected guard at the next level, Raridon is a two-time Iowa elite all-state player with offers from schools such as Wisconsin, Iowa, and Oklahoma. “I had an idea when I committed that something like that would happen before I got there,” Raridon told the Des Moines Register regarding the coaching staff. “I tried to make my decision excluding the coaches.” Just hours before Raridon pulled the trigger, another high-profile lineman jumped into the class: Lincoln-Way West (Ill.) High School

2016 PREVIEW BY JOSH HARVEY

RECRUITING NEVER STOPS, ESPECIALLY WHEN A FULL CLASS IS TO BE TAKEN

guard Bryan Brokop. With offers from multiple Big Ten schools, Brokop is a four-star prospect and the nation’s No. 4 guard. “He actually hasn’t been playing football that long,” said

Warriors head coach David Ernst. “He played his freshman year, last year, and this year. He is a big kid, and what makes him different is his toughness and his work ethic.” Brokop’s commitment

John Raridon

THE SEARCH FOR A SIGNAL-CALLER

Right or wrong, no position will likely create more storylines in the 2016 class than the quarterback spot. The question will be whether offensive coordinator Danny Langsdorf can get his guy after not taking a prospect in 2015. Langsdorf likely will have a lot to sell to a prospect. A high-profile quarterback might like the idea of being Langdorf’s first recruit at the signal-caller spot. It’s a spot a firstyear player could compete for if Tommy Armstrong doesn’t produce quality results this fall. “We need a guy to most Josh Harvey, Scout.com

36 • BIGREDREPORT.COM

immediately drew praise from multiple Scout.com analysts. “He fits the Nebraska mold,” said Trieu. “His inexperience may lead some to think he can’t play early, but after seeing his progression from his sophomore to junior year, and with one year left, we cannot rule out him being a kid who could potentially play by year two.” While he’s not yet a commitment, some serious groundwork was laid with Washington (S.D.) High School offensive tackle Matt Farniok. The nation’s No. 133 overall player, the 6-5, 280-pound prospect has a pair of brothers who played Division I football. Farniok visited Nebraska multiple times during the Bo Pelini era and continues to be a high-priority 500-mile target for the new staff. Nebraska junior safety Nate Gerry is a former teammate of Farniok’s. “He showed me around and talked to me some when I was in Lincoln for the visit,” said Farniok, who already has offers from Missouri and Stanford. “It’s similar to Iowa State in that it’s a great college town. Everyone knows the football players there.” Even before Raridon and Brokop jumped into the fold, local product Jared Bubak of Lincoln Christian High School was the first member of the 2016 class, pledging his services in early September. An overall athlete on the high school scene, he’s been tabbed as a future tight end at the next level. “Growing up in the Huskers’ backyard, it’s always been a dream playing for the Huskers one day,” said Bubak, who also has an offer from Kentucky. “After the offer me and my family just prayed about it and thought about it a lot, and we knew Nebraska would be the best choice for me.”

importantly be accurate,” said Langsdorf. “He needs to throw strikes, whether he’s got a rocket arm or average arm. If he can throw strikes, he’s got a chance. “He’s got to be smart. He’s going to be asked to do a lot,” added the coordinator. “He’s going to be asked to adjust. He’s got to be able to handle a lot of things – a smart player. Those are the biggest traits we are looking for.” Talking with the Nebraska media for almost 45 minutes at his introductory press conference, Langsdorf was asked many times, in many different ways, whether he is more interested in a true-pocket passing quarterback or a dualthreat QB. “We have had some success

with pocket-throwing quarterbacks, but having a quarterback who can run is exciting. It gives you another weapon,” said Langsdorf. “We have always needed a guy that could throw the ball, but to put a height/ weight, they come in so many different shapes and sizes. “They can be very different. I think if we can find an accurate thrower who also runs, that would be even better. Running is a bonus to me. To say ‘we need this guy to be these qualities’, is hard to do that.”

recruiting class likely will be full – around 25 commitments. Here is a breakdown of how we feel the class might shape out a year from now. If I have learned anything about recruiting, it’s that the situation is always very fluid. This list might entirely look different in a couple weeks.

TOTAL NUMBERS IN 2016 CLASS…

Nebraska has plans to hold a junior day in late March, but their big recruiting push might come toward the beginning of June. The staff will hold Nebraska’s third annual

With 20 graduating seniors, over-signing, and natural attrition from a new staff, next year’s

1 2 6 3 5

– QB – WR – OL – DT - DB

1 1 3 2 1

- RB – TE – DE – LB – ATH

Big Red Weekend, something Bo Pelini’s coaching staff started in 2013. Expect recruiting guru staff members Andy Vaughn and Ryan Gunderson to put their own flavor into the event. If Nebraska is lucky and can find a host school partner or two, the staff also will try to hold a couple of satellite camps across the country this year. A satellite camp is an event where D-I coaches can come in and be a guest coach at a smaller school’s camp. It usually attracts bigger and better prospects to the smaller school’s camp, at the same time giving the guest coaches a better chance to evaluate and talk to out-ofstate players. Nebraska has targeted Atlanta, Texas and Los Angeles as possible places to guest coach.

•

2016 RECRUITS TO KNOW NAME

POS

HOMETOWN/ SCHOOL

RANK BY POSITION

RATING (STARS)

ZEB NOLAND BRANDON PETERS ELIJAH HOLYFIELD TRAYVEON WILLIAMS DEVIN DUVERNAY KARON RANDOLPH BRYAN BROKOP MATT FARNIOK JAKE HEINRICH MATT KEGEL JOHN RARIDON JARED BUBAK BRENDAN SCALES AMANI BLEDSOE JOSH KING NAQUAN JONES GARRETT RAND TUF BORLAND JOJO DOMANN JALEEL LAGUINS DEVIN WHITE JOHN BROUSSARD JAYLON JONES CALVIN BUNDAGE ISAIAH SIMMONS

6’2”

205

JR.

WATKINSVILLE (GA.) OCONEE COUNTY

6’4”

190

JR.

AVON (IND.)

5’11”

189

JR.

COLLEGE PARK (GA.) WOODWARD

179

JR.

HOUSTON (TEXAS) C E KING

WR 5’10.5” 178

JR.

SACHSE (TEXAS)

••• •••• •••• ••••

5’9”

WR 6’4”

190

JR.

EAST ST. LOUIS (ILL.)

6’5”

273

JR.

NEW LENOX (ILL.) LINCOLN-WAY WEST

6’5”

280

JR.

SIOUX FALLS (S.D.) WASHINGTON

6’4”

275

JR.

URBANDALE (IOWA)

6’5”

295

JR.

CHASKA (MINN.)

6’4”

270

JR.

WEST DES MOINES (IOWA) VALLEY

6’4”

240

JR.

LINCOLN (NEBR.) CHRISTIAN

•••• •••• •••• ••• •••• ••

6’4”

220

JR.

WILDWOOD (MO.) LAFAYETTE

6’4”

266

JR.

LAWRENCE (KS.)

6’6”

245

JR.

DARIEN (ILL.) HINSDALE SOUTH

6’4”

295

JR.

EVANSTON (ILL.) EVANSTON TOWNSHIP

6’3”

275

JR.

CHANDLER (ARIZ.) HAMILTON

OLB 6’1”

225

JR.

BOLINGBROOK (ILL.)

•••• •••• ••• •••• ••••

OLB 6’0.5” 200

JR.

COLORADO SPRINGS (COLO.) PINE CREEK

OLB 6’2”

207

JR.

WATKINSVILLE (GA.) OCONEE COUNTY

MLB 6’2”

223

JR.

SPRINGHILL (LA.) NORTH WEBSTER

6’0”

165

JR.

PHENIX CITY (ALA.) CENTRAL

5’10”

165

JR.

ALLEN (TEXAS)

6’2”

190

JR.

EDMOND (OKLA.) SANTA FE

6’3”

200

JR.

OLATHE (KANS.) NORTH

•••• •••• •••• •••• •••• ••••

7 13 9 12 9

Stewart Photography

BIG RED REPORT • 37

ccording to Director of Football and Recruiting Operations Andy Vaughn and Director of Player Personnel Ryan Gunderson, Nebraska’s primary focus in recruiting going forward under head coach Mike Riley will be to win the 500-mile radius. Speaking with a group of eight local reporters in-mid January, the two laid out a plan that would break down the radius into nine parts. Each assistant coach would have a primary area in the 500-mile radius and a secondary area around the country. “If we can’t find it inside that first area, then we go look for it,” said Vaughn. “There’s no reason to go across the country to find a position or talent that we have close by.” The nine sections were identified as follows:

1. NEBRASKA/DAKOTAS 2. KANSAS (ALSO WILL DO JUCOS) 3. OKLAHOMA/NORTHERN ARKANSAS 4. WISCONSIN/MINNESOTA 5. IOWA 6. MISSOURI 7. INDIANA 8. COLORADO 9. ILLINOIS “It’s primary for a reason, because that’s where we need to know every single player, every BCS-level talent and go to every top-level school in that area,” said Gunderson. “You look stupid when you are playing against kids you could have gotten.” We have heard about the 500-

mile radius before, but Nebraska’s previous coaching staff never laid out a public game plan on how they would attack it. Gunderson and Vaughn know they won’t land every prospect in the region they go chasing after, but it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t try. “We have to be in on the fight with those guys,” he said. “We may not get them all. But if we want them, we need to be in there fighting for them. We’re going to try to get them.” It all starts at home, and Nebraska landed the top two players in the state in this recruiting class in Omaha Central’s DaiShon Neal and Omaha North’s Michael Decker. “If you’re good at home and we’re good in this area, then we know now where we need to go to supplement that,” said Riley. “We can get a really good foundation from Nebraska and all the surrounding states that send their kids to our camps. Coaches come to our clinics. Maybe a lot of alums, maybe a lot of fans. I think that it may not fill up our recruiting class, but it would be a nice foundation for any class if we can maintain a number in this area.” Listening to Riley speak at his National Signing Day press conference, if the coaching staff had more time after they were hired, there might

have been even more Nebraska instate players in this class. “When you’re coming in late and you’re limited in numbers and you have needs, you have to be a little bit more careful,” said Riley. “There is probably somewhere in there that other guy that could impact your team. We’re going to make sure we do our due diligence and make sure we’re doing that.” The topic got Big Red Report thinking. Who will be the top contributors from the 500-mile radius on the Nebraska roster in 2015? We examine that issue based on projected impact and potential.

1. MALIEK COLLINS – DT (KANSAS CITY, MO)

A former four-star talent out of Center High School, Collins is the perfect example of a player the Huskers need to lock up in the 500mile radius year-in and year-out. Nebraska beat out Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Arkansas, and Iowa State. While he might have been swept up by the hype train early in the season, the true sophomore recorded 45 tackles, 14 for loss, notched 4.5 sacks, and hurried quarterbacks 13 times in 2014.

What you have to love about Collins is his versatility. He has the ability to move to the outside as a defensive end in the crunch and could be very effective in defensive coordinator Mark Banker’s 3-4 situational sets.

2. JORDAN WESTERKAMP – WR

(LOMBARD, IL) The Montini Catholic (Ill.) High School product had a long list of suitors for his talent, but he eventually picked Nebraska over Notre Dame. A Semper Fi All-American, Westerkamp is still the Illinois State record holder in receptions (235), receiving yards (4,618) and receiving touchdowns (68). Fans likely expected more in his redshirt freshman season (20 catches/283 yards), but the Huskers were hampered by rotating quarterback play. In 2014, it was a different story, as the sophomore recorded 44 catches for 747 yards and five scores. With the hiring of Danny Langsdorf as Nebraska’s offensive coordinator and the graduation of Kenny Bell, expect

500-MILE By Josh Harvey

PRIORITY

THE HUSKERS COACHING STAFF, ACCORDING TO SUPPORT STAFF MEMBERS, WILL BE FOCUSING ON RECRUITING CLOSER TO HOME 38 • BIGREDREPORT.COM

those numbers to climb in 2015. Westerkamp has a shot to be the Huskers’ first 1,000-yard receiver in a season before he graduates.

former Washington High School prep grow from second-team allconference potential to first-team all-conference potential.

3. NATE GERRY – SAFETY

4. DANIEL DAVIE – CORNERBACK

(SIOUX FALLS, SD) The College Football News Sophomore All-American struggled at times against USC, but overall had a great season – snagging five interceptions to go along with his 88 tackles. In the 2013 recruiting class, Nebraska beat out Iowa, Iowa State, Michigan State, Minnesota, and Arizona State for Gerry’s commitment. He was the Huskers’ first scholarship signee from South Dakota since 2003. The Mount Rushmore State doesn’t produce many power five D-I talents, but when they do, Nebraska needs to capitalize. It seems only fair with the amount of Nebraska prep players who head north to play I-AA. A second year at the safety spot (played OLB in 2013) and the return of Charlton Warren as his position coach should help the

(BEATRICE, NE) Davie is the first Nebraska prep to make this list, but does he really count? He didn’t move to the area until his junior year of high school. The Huskers landed him after he received D-I offers from Kansas and Ohio. He obviously was not the biggest prospect in the 500-mile radius, but was good enough that the staff felt the need to pluck him literally out of their back yard. Last season Davie made 13 starts, recording 41 tackles and intercepting two passes. After the graduation of Josh Mitchell, the senior will be the most experienced returning corner in 2015.

5. JOSH BANDERAS –LB

(LINCOLN, NE) Banderas didn’t have a ton of offers when he

committed to Nebraska. Most schools just assumed the legacy player would be signing with the Huskers, but that didn’t stop him from being an Army All-American or a four-star player. After six starts last year, this projection is based on mostly potential and expectations. No other defensive player likely will be more happy to receive a fresh start than Banderas, who should have redshirted in 2013 and was probably not given a fair shot to redeem himself in ’14. A strong showing against USC in the Holiday Bowl (15 tackles) revealed the type of player he can be. We think he has all-conference potential next year. New linebacker coach Trent Bray stressed speed when talking to the media in early January, and Banderas has it. He recorded the fastest 40 time among the linebackers last season.

6. VINCENT VALENTINE – DT (EDWARDSVILLE, IL) Valentine chose

Nebraska over Florida and Illinois, giving the Huskers one of their earliest recruiting wins in the Big Ten region after joining the conference. Last season in 11 starts, the sophomore registered three sacks and two quarterback hurries from the interior portion of the defensive line.

7. MICHAEL ROSE-IVEY – LB

(KANSAS CITY, MO) Rose picked the Huskers very early in the process; otherwise, he likely would have received even more offers than the dozen he did. Rose-Ivey emerged during the second half of the 2013 season to become a reliable performer in the middle of the Nebraska defense, and recorded more tackles as a freshman linebacker than anyone in school history. His 2014 season was cut short before it even got started when the sophomore tore his ACL in the first week of fall practice.

•

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

BIG RED REPORT • 39

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

Nate Gerry & Greg McMullen

Daniel Davie

De’Mornay Pierson-El

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Stewart Photography

Josh Banderas

40 • BIGREDREPORT.COM

Tommy Armstrong

Stewart Photography

Jordan Westerkamp

Mellor Photography

THE NEW ERA IN HUSKER FOOTBALL BEGINS ON THE FIELD BY JOSH HARVEY

ith National Signing Day in the books and a new coaching staff on board, Nebraska fans are eager for spring football to start. Practice coverage will be fun for fans to watch through the eyes of the media, but most have April 11 circled on their calendar – the annual Red-White spring game. “I think as I look at the roster right now and I watch the workouts, there are about 120 guys working out. Because of the strong walk-on program here, we have the numbers of a program that lends itself better to a real kind of game,” said head coach Mike Riley. “At Oregon State at this time of year, I might would have 70 guys. It was hard to play a game. “As I understand it, there’s going to be a couple people watching the game. I want to make sure it looks good and it looks like football in some fashion. So it will be a little bit different for me in that way.” Big Red Report takes a look at some of the storylines heading into spring.

QUARTERBACKS

(SCHOLARSHIP QBS ON THE ROSTER) 1. Tommy Armstrong – redshirt junior 2. Johnny Stanton – redshirt sophomore 3. Ryker Fyfe – redshirt junior 4. Zack Darlington – redshirt freshman 5. A.J. Bush – redshirt freshman No position will create more storylines coming out of Nebraska spring practices than the quarterback spot. Should that really be the case? Although the record is a little misleading, Armstrong is 16-5 as the Huskers’ starting quarterback over the past two seasons – that’s a lot of starting experience that can’t exactly be duplicated on the practice field. “Just because he was the starter, doesn’t mean a lot, but he has won a lot of games,” said Nebraska offensive coordinator Danny Langsdorf. “He looked exciting on TV. “I want to be realistic with the fact that you have a guy who’s played a lot of games and won a lot of games…so I don’t want to anoint a starter. But at the same time, if we were going to start tomorrow, you would probably have him line up first. As I get to talk to him and know those guys, the quarterback position will be key…21 starts, that’s a lot of experience. That’s a good thing to have.” While he was third on the depth chart last season, former California prep Johnny Stanton (6-2, 230), entering his redshirt sophomore season, is expected by many to push Armstrong for the job. Stanton received an offer from the Oregon State staff out of high school

when Langsdorf was the Beavers’ offensive coordinator. “I don’t know much about the depth behind,” said Langsdorf when talking about Armstrong. “I thought there were some things he did really well that we could build on.” In addition to Stanton, former state champions A.J. Bush (Georgia) and Zack Darlington (Florida) are on the roster, along with Grand Island product Ryker Fyfe (6-2, 210). Armstrong, who hasn’t talked with the media since the Huskers’ loss to USC in the Holiday Bowl, was asked about entering the spring with a new staff and new slate. “You don’t know what to expect, but I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing,” said Armstrong. While fans have gotten a very good look at Armstrong the last two years, they have only seen Johnny Stanton once.

RUNNING BACKS

(SCHOLARSHIP RBS/FBS ON THE ROSTER) 1. Imani Cross – senior 2. Terrell Newby - sophomore 3. Adam Taylor - redshirt sophomore 4. Mikale Wilbon – redshirt freshman

Cethan Carter

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

1. Andy Janovich - senior Is Imani Cross finally the guy? After getting work behind NFL running back Rex Burkhead and future NFL draft pick Ameer Abdullah, Cross enters his senior year with the most experience on the roster at his position. He will have plenty of talent nipping at his heels in March and April. “I know we have good players here. I got to see some of them in the Holiday Bowl and I got to look at some game film,” said Nebraska running back coach Reggie Davis. “We have some good guys here; we will be fine.” Junior Terrell Newby (5-10, 200), whose career hasn’t gone exactly the way many hoped, is the possible lightning to the offense, posing a home-run threat every time he touches the ball – we just haven’t seen the home run yet. Sophomore Adam Taylor (6-2, 210), the talk of last year’s spring, should be healthy after breaking his leg severely last fall. He was the Huskers’ scout team offensive MVP in 2013, and showed the media he’s an every-down type of back when he gets the chance. The wildcard in the bunch is redshirt freshman Mikale Wilbon (58,190), who was the Huskers’ top scout team running back last fall and reminds people of Abdullah. Coaching them will be former San Francisco 49ers assistant Davis, who worked with Riley previously at Oregon State. “You learn in this profession to never say never. I enjoyed my time

in the NFL. It was great learning, but it was just a decision that we made,” said Davis. “I enjoy working with young men in this stage of their lives, so that was part of the decision. Mike Riley was a big part of that, as well as other guys on this staff.”

WIDE RECEIVER

(SCHOLARSHIP WRS/TES ON THE ROSTER) 1. Taariq Allen – redshirt senior 2. Sam Burtch – redshirt senior 3. Jamal Turner – redshirt senior 4. Alonzo Moore – redshirt junior 5. Brandon Reilly – redshirt junior 6. Jordan Westerkamp – redshirt junior 7. Kevin Gladney – redshirt sophomore 8. De’Mornay Pierson-El – sophomore 9. Glenn Irons – redshirt freshman 10. Jariah Tolbert – redshirt freshman 1. Davis Sutton – redshirt senior 2. Cethan Carter – junior 3. Sam Cotton – redshirt junior When Nebraska officially announced the hiring of Riley back in December, the ground shake that Lincoln residents felt was the wide receiver group all jumping for joy. There are plenty of guys in the group who put the team first, but every one of them wouldn’t mind another pass or two coming their way. With the graduation of Kenny Bell, it starts with Jordan Westerkamp (6-0, 195). A junior,

Westerkamp is coming off of a breakout season. The former Illinois prep recorded 44 catches for 747 yards and five touchdowns last year, becoming one of Armstrong’s favorite targets. Don’t be surprised to see Westerkamp’s production spike to the 60-catch range and close to 1,000 yards in 2015. Of course, most fans’ attention will be on true sophomore De’Mornay Pierson El (5-9, 175) who had 13 catches for close to 200 yards and two touchdowns over the last three games in 2014. The special teams All-American is dangerous with the ball in his hands, and offensive coordinator Danny Langsdorf will try to get it to him as much as he can. The third starting receiver is anybody’s guess. If Jamal Turner (6-1, 190 pounds) can come back healthy (torn Achilles), the redshirt senior has as good a shot as anyone to make an impact. Former Nebraska offensive coordinator Tim Beck might have slept on the Husker tight ends, but don’t expect Riley and Langsdorf to make the same mistake. They have involved their tight ends in the past and have a pretty good one in junior Cethan Carter (6-4, 240 pounds). Carter went multiple games without even a target last year, but he could be Armstrong’s best friend as the offense starts to open up. BIG RED REPORT • 41

Givens Price

Charles Jackson and LeRoy Alexander return in 2015 Mellor Photography

OFFENSIVE LINE

(SCHOLARSHIP OLS ON THE ROSTER) 1. Matt Finnin – senior 2. Chongo Kondolo – redshirt senior 3. Alex Lewis – redshirt senior 4. Givens Price – redshirt senior 5. Ryne Reeves – redshirt senior 6. Zach Sterup – redshirt senior 7. Paul Thurston – redshirt junior 8. Corey Whitaker – redshirt junior 9. Zach Hannon – redshirt sophomore 10. Dwayne Johnson – redshirt sophomore 11. David Knevel – redshirt sophomore 12. Tanner Farmer – redshirt freshman 13. D.J. Foster – redshirt freshman 14. Nick Gates – redshirt freshman With six seniors and three redshirt freshman who were high school All-Americans, it can be argued that Nebraska offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh is walking into the best situation among the new assistant coaches. “I know they were a wellcoached group – you look at what Coach Cotton and Coach Garrision did with them,” said Cavanaugh. “I watched the Holiday Bowl against USC on tape. They play hard. That’s one thing I love. There were obviously some things that I saw that we are going to need to continue to work on. I’m just looking forward to joining them and hopefully have them gaining my trust.” While Cavanaugh has scouted his new players on film, he will refrain from going too crazy looking ahead without seeing them up close and personal. “I kind of want to go in with a clean slate. I did the same thing at Hawaii and Oregon State,” said Cavanaugh. “I want to know a little bit about the guys, so I know where

42 • BIGREDREPORT.COM

they might fit. But I don’t want to watch too much.” The longtime assistant said he describes himself as a mentor who coaches his players hard, but loves them. His players know it. “I think it’s big. You have to gain people’s trust,” said Cavanaugh. “I wake up every morning and can’t wait to get to work.” Nebraska loses three starters up front from a year ago, but return left tackle Alex Lewis. The senior will be expected to take a bigger leadership role this fall.

DEFENSIVE LINE

(SCHOLARSHIP DES/DTS ON THE ROSTER) 1. Jack Gangwish – redshirt senior 2. Joe Keels – redshirt senior 3. Greg McMullen – redshirt junior 4. A.J. Natter – redshirt sophomore 5. Freedom Akinmaladun – redshirt freshman 6. Sedrick King – redshirt freshman 7. Mick Stoltenberg – redshirt freshman 1. Kevin Williams – redshirt senior 2. Maliek Collins – junior 3. Kevin Maurice – junior 4. Vincent Valentine – redshirt junior 5. Peyton Newell – redshirt freshman No more Randy Gregory means the defensive end spot has even less depth, but new defensive line coach Hank Hughes hopes his interior starters can make up for it. “They’re tremendous,” said Hughes, when talking about juniors Maliek Collins (6-2, 300) and Vincent Valentine (6-3, 320). “I’ve seen these guys play on tape - not watching Nebraska, watching the offense they’re going against - and these guys are doing some damage and [are] disruptive. They’re game-wreckers. You

get guys like that, it puts the offense behind the chains. Now our job is to get them to do it again and again.” That will be the easy part; finding help on the outside will be where Hughes earns his money. Greg McMullen (6-3, 280) returns after starting all 13 contests in 2014. Joining him on the first team likely will be a committee of guys in the spring, as multiple players try to establish themselves on the outside. Former walk-on Jack Gangwish (6-2, 260 pounds) started three times for the Huskers last season, registering 19 tackles. Whoever lines up with the firstteam, the guy will likely show a never-ending motor. “You’ve got to be relentless and you’ve got to do it over and over,” said Hughes. “You’ve got to be relentless and chase the ball. If you can do those things, it’s demoralizing offensively when a D-line group just doesn’t stop and you keep coming. That has been a mindset at Nebraska for many years. I feel that’s a mindset of playing great defense.”

LINEBACKERS

(SCHOLARSHIP LBS ON THE ROSTER) 1. David Santos – redshirt senior 2. Josh Banderas – junior 3. Michael Rose – redshirt junior 4. Marcus Newby – redshirt sophomore 5. Luke Gifford – redshirt freshman 6. Dedrick Young – freshman A group that is thin and often looked at times lost in 2014, the Nebraska linebackers are in for a real change when it comes to their position coach this spring. Trent Bray, a former Mike Riley linebacker, is known as an

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

intense and passionate coach, the type of coach that demands a lot from his players. “They need to play fast. We want to play on the other side scrimmage. We want to play disruptive,” said Bray. “We attack the line of scrimmage in the run game and get our hands on disrupt receivers on their routes. That will be the big focus. We have always preached that. Once you read your key, don’t think. React and go. That will be the thing we need to get them to do, to just trust themselves and go.” Bray says he’s okay with his players making a mistake, if they are going 100 miles per hour while doing it. Expect to see a lot of energy at the position this fall. “The basic philosophy is we want to be the most disciplined, hardest-working team,” said Bray. “It goes to the way we practice, the energy when we go out and play. When we watch film, we always talk when the frame ends, you should be in it. You might not be making the play, but you better be around the ball. Effort is a huge in what we preach – it fixes a lot of things.” There are plenty of interesting names at the position going into the spring. Junior Josh Banderas stood out against USC in the Holiday Bowl. Michael Rose returns from an ACL tear suffered during last fall’s camp. The biggest storyline might be freshman Dedrick Young, who enrolled early and looks to play this fall. “He will be given the opportunity,” said Bray. “That’s how we talked to him when we got the job. There will be an opportunity to show what he can do. From there it is on him.”

DEFENSIVE BACKS

(SCHOLARSHIP CBS/S ON THE ROSTER) 1. Daniel Davie – redshirt senior 2. Jonathan Rose – redshirt senior 3. Byerson Cockrell – senior 4. Charles Jackson – redshirt junior 5. Boaz Joseph – redshirt sophomore 6. Chris Jones – sophomore 7. Josh Kalu – sophomore 8. Trai Mosley – redshirt freshman 9. Eric Lee – freshman 1. LeRoy Alexander - junior 2. Nathan Gerry – junior 3. Kieron Williams – sophomore 4. Avery Anderson – freshman 5. Aaron Williams – freshman For the fifth time in six years and the fourth time since joining the Big Ten, Nebraska will go into spring football breaking in a new defensive backs coach. This is after Charlton Warren, the only coached retained by Riley from the previous coaching staff, took a job at North Carolina just nine days after national signing day. Whoever is coaching the DBs will have some serious talent to work with. The Huskers were fourth in the country last year in defending the pass, and return multiple starters from a year ago. Daniel Davie and Nathan Gerry started all 13 games a year ago. Gerry was a CollegeFootballNews. com sophomore second-team All-

American in 2014, his first year playing safety. In addition, the secondary will see the return of projected 2014 starters LeRoy Alexander, who sat out last season due to a suspension, and Charles Jackson. Jackson missed the entire season with a knee injury. Senior second-year player Byerson Cockrell and Josh Kalu got spot starts last season in nickel and dime situations, and Jonathan Rose and Kieron Williams each appeared in all 13 games. It will be hard for freshman early enrollees Aaron Williams, Avery Anderson, and Eric Lee to get much first- or second-team work, due to the experience factor in front of them.

SPECIAL TEAMS

(SCHOLARSHIP ST ON THE ROSTER) 1. Mauro Bondi (K) – redshirt senior 2. Drew Brown (K) – sophomore 3. Sam Foltz (P) - junior In the Bo Pelini era, Nebraska never featured a full-time special teams coordinator. While multiple units on special teams looked extremely improved in 2014, even more attention will be put on this phase of the game next season with the hiring of Bruce Read on Mike Riley’s staff. “Coach Riley has coached a lot in the professional ranks,

both in the NFL and CFL. They all have special teams coaches,” said Read. “Realizing the impact it can have in the game, I also think he’s comfortable of having a guy in charge of it.” Read says when you rely on position guys to coach special teams, less emphasis can be put on the third phase of the game. It can become “fragmented” or a “lost focus.” “It becomes a second job for a lot of guys,” said Read. Over the past seven years, Nebraska has used starters on their special teams units. That likely will continue under Read, but he will be very conscious of it. “I really try to work hard on energy management,” said the coach. “You can take your best player and put him on all your special teams...but by the third game you are going to wear him out. The more guys you can get involved with ‘this is my spot,’ the better you will be…That kid is vested, it’s important to him. There is more interest there.” This includes walk-ons. “I love walk-on players. It doesn’t matter how they got here, it doesn’t matter if they are on scholarship or not,” said Read. “We want to play the best player for that particular position on special teams. I’m open to all the kids...Mike is

really open to playing all kids.” With 29 years of coaching experience, one thing Read actually prides himself on is the amount of time in practices focused on this phase of the game – and it’s often less time than most. “The thing that Mike grinds me on is to be super-efficient and to be organized,” said Read. “He feels we can do it in less time…I think we are very efficient in what we do.” Read will run the show, but will have certain assistants helping him along the way. For instance, running backs coach Reggie Davis will work with returners. Linebacker Coach Trent Bray and secondary coach Charlton Warren will work cover team guys. “We will incorporate everyone, besides the two coordinators on special teams – especially during fall camp,” said Read. “We like to get other coaches involved.” More than a few Husker fans probably scratched their head and questioned the idea of hiring a fulltime special teams coach. But with Read’s resume – especially in the NFL – it’s undeniable that he’s well respected in the coaching ranks when it comes to this phase of the game. “It was easy for me. I love working for Mike and this is a great spot,” said Read, when asked about coming to Nebraska. “This is one of the premier Division I jobs in college football.”

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BIG RED REPORT • 43

TO THE

LOOKING

By Matt Svoboda

2015 PASS RUSH WHERE WILL NEBRASKA’S PRESSURE ON THE QUARTERBACK COME FROM?

the 2014 season, the Nebraska Cornhuskers finished the year with 30 sacks and 61 quarterback hurries - pretty common numbers among Big Ten squads. The 30 sacks was good enough to finish No. 7 in the Big Ten. The three teams that finished on top in the conference were also the top three teams in sacks: Ohio State (45), Michigan State (42), and Wisconsin (37). Nebraska is losing 12 sacks and 21 quarterback hurries from the departures of defensive end Randy Gregory, cornerback Josh Mitchell, linebackers Zaire Anderson and Trevor Roach. Gregory led the team in sacks the last two seasons, but is headed to the NFL after his junior season. The football program also received the news that former defensive end Avery Moss, who notched 6.5 sacks as a redshirt freshman in 2013, will not be allowed to return to the university. He had to sit out the 2014 season for disciplinary issues. This begs the question: where will the Blackshirts’ pass rush come from in 2015? The 2014 season was average in this regard. Will next season’s pass rush be able to beat the 29 sacks of a year ago, or will this be an area in which the defense steps backward? The Huskers have three returning starters on the defensive line who accumulated 11.5 sacks in defensive tackles Vincent Valentine and Maliek Collins, and defensive end Greg McMullen. Those three are certainly formidable, but none of them are elite pass rushers. With that said, very few people would be surprised to see Collins develop into one. He had 4.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hurries in his sophomore year, and became more

of a disruptive force as the season went on. There is depth to replace Gregory at defensive end in AJ Natter, Joe Keels, Mick Stoltenberg, Freedom Akinmoladun, Sedrick King and Jack Gangwish. Nebraska desperately needs one of these players to emerge. Before his injury last season, outside linebacker Marcus Newby showed flashes of pass-rushing ability when lined up at defensive end. True freshman Dedrick Young also could be used in a similar fashion, or could end up starting in place of Zaire Anderson. When looking at the overall personnel picture, there is simply not another Gregory on the team, and it is tough seeing any linebacker who could consistently get in the backfield the way Zaire Anderson did. The good news for Nebraska fans is that a good pass rush goes beyond personnel. Last year, defensive coordinator Mark Banker’s defense at Oregon State had 29 sacks - one fewer than Nebraska. This was with personnel far inferior to that of the Huskers, and OSU had nothing close to Gregory, a probable NFL first-round pick. New defensive line coach Hank Hughes was at Cincinnati last season, and his Bearcats finished the year with 35 sacks - good for second in the American Conference and five more than the Huskers. The point is, the personnel definitely poses a problem, but the new coaching staff gives reason for optimism based on their past record of getting to the quarterback. The new coaches have used words like “disruptive” and “aggressive” when describing their

philosophy. Banker’s basic scheme is a 4-3 man coverage quarters much like pass-rush-heavy Michigan State. He also noted that he likes to use “movement.” Banker knows that a good pass rush is a priority heading into next season. “We’ll invite any good defensive end with upfield passrush ability to go for playing time,” said the coordinator at his introductory press conference. Based on the pass rush in 2014 and the personnel lost, the new staff has its work cut out for it. But they do have some solid pieces to work with. For the 2015 pass rush to take a step forward, three things really need to happen:

1) Collins, Valentine, and McMullen need to continue to develop. Those three had a solid 2014 season, but more will be needed from the upperclassman trio. 2) Schematically, more blitzing and creativity must happen to create a consistent rush. 3) A deeper bench must be developed for the defensive line. There was not a deep rotation last season, as a few talented guys were redshirted. It will help significantly to be able to keep guys more fresh and rotate them throughout the games.

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Greg McMullen

Stewart Photography

44 • BIGREDREPORT.COM

Q&A

Matt Snyder THE CALIFORNIA TIGHT END IS AN ALL-AROUND PLAYER ACCORDING TO THE NEBRASKA COACHING STAFF WHO DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE STARTING QUARTERBACK NEXT YEAR? I couldn’t tell you. I think that they are going to be pretty open and re-evaluate things. Honestly, I couldn’t say. YOU CHOOSE NEBRASKA OVER MICHIGAN BECAUSE OF COACH RILEY. IF RILEY HAD STAYED AT OREGON STATE, WOULD YOU HAVE GONE THERE INSTEAD? It would have been hard. It would have been a possibility. It would have taken something great for me to flip. So not likely.

Matt Snyder

Susan Snyder

ith only three on the roster heading into spring football, a tight end was a must for Nebraska in the 2015 class. The coaching staff feels like they got a pretty good one. “Matt Snyder is a terrific big athlete,” said Nebraska head coach Mike Riley. “Some people recruited him as a defensive end. I don’t know if we’ll be more of a tight end-oriented offense here, but athletically he’s a great fit. He can be a receiver. He can be a great blocker on the edge. He is exactly what we’re looking for in that position. And that is always a hard position to find.” Riley continued. “He is a guy who has to run down athletically, be a safety and make a play with a great target. And then he has to be that guy who can hold the edge on the defensive end when you’re running the outside zone play. So he’s a special breed. We like Matt. When I had the chance during the bye week and see a game on the weekend, I went to see Matt Snyder. He was a high priority for a long time.” Big Red Report caught up with the senior to ask him some questions just hours after signing his National Letter of Intent.

DO YOU EXPECT TO PLAY YEAR ONE? Hopefully. I am going to be working hard to do that. We are going to make a decision based on how I do in the summer and decide if I will redshirt then. WHO DO YOU THINK THE BEST PLAYER IN THE CLASS IS? Out of the players I know well, Jalin Barnett. WHAT WERE THE POSITIVES OF MICHIGAN? I would say fan base and the relationship with the coaching staff. I liked the town as well.

ARE YOU HAPPY THAT RILEY MADE THE MOVE TO NEBRASKA FROM OREGON STATE SO THAT YOU ENDED UP IN LINCOLN INSTEAD? Yeah. I am excited to get out of the West Coast and experience what it’s like to live in another area. MATT, WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIVING IN NEBRASKA COMPARED TO CALIFORNIA? Definitely the weather. I guess outside of that, I have never lived outside of Cali. I don’t know much about Lincoln. I don’t think it’s going to be too different.

TEAM YOU ARE LOOKING MOST FORWARD TO PLAYING? Probably, Michigan since they recruited me.

IS THERE A CERTAIN TIGHT END THAT YOU MODEL YOUR GAME AFTER OR FEEL LIKE YOU ARE SIMILAR TO IN THE WAY YOU PLAY THE POSITION? I wouldn’t say that I am similar to any, but I like to watch Gronk obviously. I also like Zack Ertz from Stanford and he went to a rival high school.

HOW EXCITED ARE YOU FOR YOUR FIRST GAME? I am going to be really excited super excited. It’s a ways away, but I can’t wait to get out there in front of the crowd.

DID YOU MEET ANY OF THE OTHER NEBRASKA TIGHT ENDS WHEN YOU CAME ON YOUR VISIT? I did not. I came in contact with some over social media, but none on my official visit.

ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT SNOW STORMS OR PLAYING IN COLD? I am definitely not used to playing in the cold. I am expecting it to be cooler and I will be prepared for it.

DO YOU KNOW HOW FOOTBALL CRAZY THE STATE OF NEBRASKA IS? I have a sense of it from the fans and when I was out there. I have heard that there is nothing like it.

From what I can tell it seems pretty crazy. I am thinking about coming back for the spring game. We will see then. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY WAS THE DECIDING FACTOR IN CHOOSING NEBRASKA OVER MICHIGAN? I would say coaching staff. The town of Lincoln. I would also say the football tradition and the fan support. I also liked the facilities. I was really comfortable there. WHAT IS THE GREATEST STRENGTH OF YOUR GAME AND WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS SOMETHING YOU NEED TO WORK ON? My greatest strength is being versatile and being able to block and catch. Just being well-rounded. I would say I had to work on running crisper routes. They have told me that I have room to add weight too. They didn’t give me a number. They want to see where it crosses over and affects my performance numbers. DID JIM (HARBAUGH) HAVE ANYTHING BAD TO SAY ABOUT NEBRASKA AND IF SO WHAT? To be honest, he was pretty straightforward and didn’t do any negative recruiting. He promoted his school to sound more positive about Michigan, but he never came out and said anything negative about Nebraska. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TEAM GROWING UP AND DID THEY OFFER? I guess I grew up, not a huge fan, but being around Stanford we followed them and I watched them a little bit. I didn’t have a dream school. I didn’t follow college heavily until 9th grade. I didn’t get an offer from them. I am not sure if that would have changed anything. I wouldn’t have committed to any school just because they offered. If they offered right now I wouldn’t just have committed.

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BIG RED REPORT • 45

ROUND-UP

RECRUITING

BY ALLEN TRIEU

hio State’s average class ranking over the five years leading up to last year’s national championship was a 3.75. During that time, the Buckeyes have finished with the top class in the Big Ten every single season. So it is the status quo that Urban Meyer’s crew again finished atop the conference’s recruiting rankings. Debate the validity of such rankings all you want, but the Buckeyes are one school that has supported their ranking. This year, though, they had to work down the stretch to hold off Penn State, who had the lead in the conference rankings as late as the week before Signing Day. James Franklin and his crew recruited a strong class full of nationally ranked and recruited talents. Michigan State, a regular contender for the conference crown on the field the past few years, finished with one of their top classes under Mark Dantonio. Add in three new coaches with serious clout in Jim Harbaugh, Mike Riley, and Paul Chryst into a conference which already has several coaches, notably Jerry Kill and Kirk Ferentz, who out-perform their recruiting rankings, and a surprise top 40 recruiting finish from Tim Beckman’s Illinois squad, and you have a portrait of a conference furiously working to catch Meyer’s Buckeyes.

Torrance Gibson

Student Sports

46 • BIGREDREPORT.COM

OHIO STATE

NATIONAL RANK: 8 TOP SIGNEE: QB TORRANCE GIBSON SLEEPER: CB JOSHUA NORWOOD

The Buckeyes finish atop the Big Ten yet again with Signing Day additions of offensive Isaiah Prince and wide receiver K.J. Hill helping Urban Meyer’s crew stave off a charge from Penn State. Gibson is their top-rated signee, but fellow quarterback Joey Burrow is an outstanding prospect in his own right. Running back Mike Weber, who the Buckeyes held off home-state Michigan for, has a chance to be a future star in Columbus particularly if Ezekiel Elliott enters the draft early. Defensively, in-state linebackers Justin Hilliard and Jerome Baker lead the way along with cornerback Denzel Ward, defensive lineman Jashon Cornell, and explosive defensive tackles Robert Landers and DaVon Hamilton.

PENN STATE

NATIONAL RANK: 13 TOP SIGNEE: OT PARIS PALMER SLEEPER: LB KEVIN GIVENS

The Nittany Lions bring in an outstanding class under James Franklin. Offensive line help was a big need and they filled it with JUCO tackle Paris Palmer, a 6-foot-8 former South Carolina commit who has a good chance at starting this season. Sterling Jenkins will likely not start this year, but the highly regarded tackle has all the tools to be groomed for the job after Palmer. Defensive end Kamonte Carter and running back Saquon Barkley were among the other top-rated signees. Wide receiver Juwan Johnson is a good-sized kid who was an Army AllAmerican. Cornerback John Reid is an outstanding athlete from Philly who may be a future star. Quarterback Tommy Stevens flipped from Indiana, filling another important need in this class. Linebacker Keith Givens flipped late from Pittsburgh.

MICHIGAN STATE NATIONAL RANK: 17 TOP SIGNEE: RB L.J. SCOTT SLEEPER: OT COLE CHEWINS

Mark Dantonio adds ten four-star prospects to his roster, none more highly-touted than running back L.J. Scott, who compares favorably to Le’Veon Bell. Coach Dantonio also compared prolific quarterback Brian Lewerke to Kirk Cousins. He will have two big tackles to work with in 6’8” Noah Listermann and 6’7” Cole Chewins. Defensively, linebacker Tyriq Thompson is already on campus and has the physical tools,

but also the smarts to potentially compete early. Cornerbacks Tyson Smith and Josh Butler along with several safeties will look to continue the Spartans’ great recent tradition in the secondary, while defensive linemen Raequan Williams and Justice Alexander are an athletic duo with a ton of upside.

WISCONSIN

NATIONAL RANK: 31 TOP SIGNEE: RB JORDAN STEVENSON SLEEPER: LB ZACK BAUN

Paul Chryst kept key parts of the class intact while adding new faces after his hire. He made in-state recruiting a priority, adding Alec Ingold, a high school quarterback who will start out at linebacker, and linebacker-fullback Jake Whalen to an in-state class that already included athletic linebacker prospect Zack Baun, road-grading 330-pound offensive lineman Jon Dietzen and high-motor defensive lineman David Pfaff. The Badgers also picked up speedy cover corner Titus Booker, top 100 national prospect Jordan Stevenson at running back and a mauler of an offensive lineman in David Moorman, all three were Scout 300 prospects.

NEBRASKA NATIONAL RANK: 33 TOP SIGNEE: CB ERIC LEE SLEEPER: DE ALEX DAVIS

Mike Riley closed the class strong and signed prospects from ten different states. None were more important than cornerback Eric Lee, an outstanding prospect with the athleticism to make an early impact. He staved off other programs for defensive end Daishon Neal and tight end Matt Snyder, who signed with the Huskers despite late overtures from Michigan. Offensive linemen Christian Gaylord and Jalin Barnett could be the cornerstones of their unit up front for years to come. Disruptive defensive tackle Carlos Davis, safety Avery Anderson and fleet-footed linebacker Dedrick Young were all four-stars who will be added to the defense. Four-star wide receiver Lavan Alston comes in from California.

ILLINOIS

NATIONAL RANK: 36 TOP SIGNEE: OT GABE MEGGINSON SLEEPER: OT ZEKE MARTIN

Tim Beckman and his crew closed strong adding four-star running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn and his lengthy offer list on Signing Day. Fellow four-star running back Dre Brown is already on campus. They will run behind an offensive line that includes several JUCO additions as well as

Gabe Megginson, a nationally ranked prospect, and Zeke Martin, who may end up as the surprise of the class. Adding JUCO tight end Andrew Davis may pay off immediately. In-state defensive tackle Jamal Milan chose the Illini on Signing Day and helped close off what was a strong effort from the Illini.

MICHIGAN

NATIONAL RANK: 37 TOP SIGNEE: WR BRIAN COLE SLEEPER: OT NOLAN ULIZO

Jim Harbaugh stepped in and got the Wolverines in the game with several major national prospects. While they did not get everyone on their wish list, the Wolverines still closed with four-star tight end Tyrone Wheatley Jr. and four-star defensive end Shelton Johnson along with flipping Cal commit Keith Washington and Iowa commit Karan Higdon on Signing Day. Quarterback Alex Malzone and wide receiver Brian Cole are two top in-state prospects who are already enrolled. Malzone should figure into this season’s quarterback mix immediately. On the other hand, massive, athletic Zach Gentry may not be a this year guy but has great potential as a quarterback in the future. Malzone will have a familiar target as his high school teammate Grant Perry, who caught 105 passes from him as a senior, also joins the fold. Safety Tyree Kinnel is among the top signees on defense, and the Wolverines are still hopeful on topranked linebacker Roquan Smith, who has not sent in an LOI yet.

MARYLAND

NATIONAL RANK: 47 TOP SIGNEE: DT ADAM MCLEAN SLEEPER: DE OSEH LIE-SAINE

The late addition of four-star offensive lineman Quarvez Boulware was a big boost to the class and jumped the Terrapins up the rankings. Defensive tackle Adam McLean, a quick, disruptive instate prospect, flipped from Penn State and was a huge pickup for the Terrapins. E.J. Donahue joins Boulware, giving the Terrapins two four-stars on the offensive line. Ellis McKennie was another big addition up front. Wide receiver D.J. Moore, another four-star, was rated as one of the top prospects on the East Coast. He will catch passes from 6-foot-7 quarterback Gage Shaffer.

NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL RANK: 49 TOP SIGNEE: DT JORDAN THOMPSON SLEEPER: CB MONTRE HARTAGE

A good class for the Wildcats starts

with four-star defensive tackle Jordan Thompson, who comes in from Ohio, a state the Wildcats have had some recent success in. Wide receiver Flynn Nagel, a signing day flip from Duke, is a fast, elusive slot who runs excellent routes, makes plays after the catch and can serve as a return man as well. Charlie Fessler and Cameron Green provide the outside size at receiver to compliment Nagel. Linebacker Tommy Vitale, younger brother of superback Dan Vitale, is a sideline to sideline linebacker with a bright future in Evanston. Nathan Fox and Simba Short join him in what was a stellar group of linebackers. In-state offensive tackle Adam Lemke-Bell will get to block for his high school quarterback Lloyd Yates again as both signed with the Wildcats.

IOWA

NATIONAL RANK: 51 TOP SIGNEE: C JAMES DANIELS SLEEPER: OT BRETT WAECHTER

This class starts up front as the Hawkeyes signed several highlyregarded offensive linemen including three four-stars, center James Daniels and twins Levi and Landan Paulsen. In-state Jake Newborg is an outstanding prospect in his own right. They will block for in-state quarterback Ryan Boyle. Linebacker Jack Hockaday, an extremely productive high school quarterback, has the athleticism and toughness to be a star for Kirk Ferentz. Fellow linebacker Michael Ojemudia, a late flip from Eastern Michigan, is a violent hitter.

RUTGERS

NATIONAL RANK: 52 TOP SIGNEE: DE MARQUES FORD SLEEPER: S TREVOR MORRIS

Defensive lineman Marques Ford comes up from Florida and jumps off the screen on film. He may play immediately. It’s all in the family from Ronnie James, a productive running back who will focus on defensive back in college. He is the younger brother of running back Paul James. He joins a couple of big, athletic prospects in Jonah Morris and Najee Clayton in the secondary. Tight end Nakia Griffin has the size and athleticism to be matchup problem in college and will have a good sized, strongarmed quarterback in Michael Dare delivering him the ball.

MINNESOTA

NATIONAL RANK: 56 TOP SIGNEE: QB DEMRY CROFT SLEEPER: DE WINSTON DELATTIBOUDERE

Despite the ranking, this is actually a very good group the Gophers are

BIG RED REPORT • 47

bringing in. Quarterback Demry Croft has a chance to be a big time player for the Gophers. He will have a surehanded, tough tight end/h-back to go to in Bryce Witham. The duo of cornerback Ray Buford and safety Dior Johnson made a lot of plays in the secondary and at receiver for Southfield High and will be reunited in the Gophers’ secondary. Late addition Winston DeLattiboudere had a great senior season and could be a big surprise in this class. Of course, in-state recruiting is always important to the Gophers and they added a couple of big local linemen in Bronson Dovich and Nick Connelly. Speaking of big, both Ted Stieber and Quinn Oseland go roughly 6-foot-6 and well over 300 pounds.

INDIANA

NATIONAL RANK: 57 TOP SIGNEE: WR LEON THORNTON SLEEPER: OT DAVONDRE LOVE

Explosive wide receiver Leon Thornton, a Chicagoland area product, highlights this class. He and athletic tight end Austin Dorris give quarterbacks Austin King and Donovan Hale a couple of go-to targets. King and Hale also have a good group of offensive linemen coming in for him, including in-stater Brandon Knight, who has excellent feet and an intense style of play. Speaking of in-state, defensive ends Jacob Robinson and Joe Belden are Indianapolis area kids who turned down several other offers for the Hoosiers. Safety Tyler Green was a one time Ohio State commit, and explosive Indy prospect Isaac James could play receiver or cornerback.

PURDUE

NATIONAL RANK: 62 TOP SIGNEE: QB ELIJAH SINDELAR SLEEPER: WR DOMONIQUE YOUNG

Quarterback Elijah Sindelar, an athletic Kentuckyan who put up huge stats as a senior, is already on campus and ready to compete. Defensive tackle Eddy Wilson flipped from Bowling Green, then stuck with the Falcons despite late offers from Iowa and Purdue, and is a good athlete at his size (6-4, 260 pounds). Running back Markell Jones posted gaudy numbers in high school and is also on campus early. He and 257-pound Richard Worship bring physicality to the Boiler backfield. Linebacker Markus Bailey is a highly-regarded prospect out of Ohio. Watch out for JUCO wide receiver Domonique Young, a good-sized, long-strider who can go get the ball. The Boilers are also high on French wide receiver Anthony Mahoungou.

48 • BIGREDREPORT.COM

FIVE WHO WILL SURPRISE

Tevin Coleman was a three-star prospect, Connor Cook had no other Big Ten or even D1 offers. Who are the next under the radar recruits who will become among the best in the conference?

QB DEMRY CROFT MINNESOTA

The Gophers stole one in the 6-foot-5 Croft. Not only does he have great height, but he’s also an outstanding athlete who can create with his feet. Best of all, he’s smart, makes excellent decisions (four interceptions as a senior) and is only going to get better as he continues to learn the position and get stronger.

OT COLE CHEWINS MICHIGAN STATE

A greyshirt offensive tackle and a late bloomer who comes from inside the state lines, that’s just what Jack Conklin was and now Jack is an NFL prospect. Chewins, a 6-foot-7 former Miami (Ohio) tight end commit, has the tools to make a similar rise now that he’s fully committed to play on the offensive side of the ball.

WR FLYNN NAGEL NORTHWESTERN

A late flip from Duke, Nagel was an extremely productive high school receiver and return man with glue-like hands, explosiveness and sharp routerunning skills. The Wildcats need a receiver who can play right away and Nagel is a kid with the tools needed to do that.

OT BRANDON KNIGHT INDIANA

Former Indiana head coach turned Big Ten Network analyst Gerry DiNardo believes this is the sleeper of the entire conference. An athletic, nasty instate product, he simply needs to add weight to his 270-pound frame, but has the natural ability to bend and move that you need to have along with the demeanor of a Big Ten lineman.

DT EDDY WILSON PURDUE

Purdue stole him from Bowling Green late, and after his senior season, it was warranted. Wilson has great size (6-4, 270 pounds) and is a good athlete for that size. He’s capable of playing inside or outside and that versatility should get him on the field immediately.

IN-CONFERENCE FLIPS All the players who were committed to one Big Ten school, but signed with another. RB Mike Weber........................................... Michigan to Ohio State WR Grant Perry........................................... Northwestern to Michigan CB Titus Booker........................................... Indiana to Wisconsin S Tyler Green.............................................. Ohio State to Indiana RB Karan Higdon......................................... Iowa to Michigan DE Rueben Jones........................................ Nebraska to Michigan DT Adam McLean........................................ Penn State to Maryland OG Mirko Jurkovic....................................... Nebraska to Ohio State QB Tommy Stevens...................................... Indiana to Penn State RB Saquan Barkley...................................... Rutgers to Penn State CB Garrett Taylor......................................... Michigan to Penn State S Jameel Cook............................................. Maryland to Indiana CB Mike Majette.......................................... Maryland to Indiana

FLIPS FROM OTHER CONFERENCES Recruiting has changed. Even five years ago, these flip lists would have been much shorter, but such is the landscape now that recruits changing schools is becoming more common. TE Nate Vejvoda.......................................... Miami (Ohio) to Iowa LB Michael Ojemudia................................... Eastern Michigan to Iowa DT Eddy Wilson........................................... Bowling Green to Purdue TE Caleb Reams.......................................... Western Michigan to Illinois QB/LB Alec Ingold....................................... Northern Illinois to Wisconsin OT Cole Chewins......................................... Miami (Ohio) to Michigan State OT Nolan Ulizio........................................... Connecticut to Michigan QB Zach Gentry........................................... Texas to Michigan CB Keith Washington................................... California to Michigan WR Flynn Nagel........................................... Duke to Northwestern S Dior Johnson............................................ Wake Forest to Minnesota DE Garret Jansen......................................... Cincinnati to Iowa DE Anthony Nelson...................................... Iowa State to Iowa S Andrew Dowell......................................... Kentucky to Michigan State WR David Dowell......................................... Kentucky to Michigan State LB Cassius Peat.......................................... UCLA to Michigan State LB Tyrin Ferguson........................................ Oregon State to Nebraska LB Mohamed Barry...................................... Kansas State to Nebraska TE Matt Snyder........................................... Oregon State to Nebraska DE Alex Davis.............................................. Georgia Southern to Nebraska RB Devine Ozigbo........................................ Iowa State to Nebraska S Avery Anderson......................................... Arizona State to Nebraska LB Jerome Baker......................................... Florida to Ohio State OT Isaiah Prince.......................................... Alabama to Ohio State WR Alex Stump........................................... Kentucky to Ohio State DT DaVon Hamilton..................................... Kentucky to Ohio State CB Damon Arnette....................................... South Carolina to Ohio State DT Robert Landers....................................... West Virginia to Ohio State OT Larry Wells............................................. Kentucky to Purdue OG Peyton Truitt.......................................... Miami (Ohio) to Purdue DE Marques Ford......................................... Tennessee to Rutgers WR Jawuan Harris....................................... Florida Atlantic to Rutgers WR Sam Martin........................................... Miami (Ohio) to Rutgers OT Paris Palmer.......................................... South Carolina to Penn State TE Nick Bowers........................................... Pittsburgh to Penn State LB Kevin Givens.......................................... Pittsburgh to Penn State WR Daiquan Kelly........................................ Syracuse to Penn State DE Oseh Saine............................................ Boston College to Maryland QB Alex Hornibrook..................................... Pittsburgh to Wisconsin DT Kraig Howe............................................ Pittsburgh to Wisconsin RB Jordan Stevenson................................... Texas to Wisconsin S Arrington Farrar........................................ Stanford to Wisconsin

ODDS AND ENDS

signed a greyshirt • Illinois quarterback in Jeff George Jr., whose father, Jeff George was a star in Champaign and the first pick in the NFL Draft. Michigan signed two legacies in Jon Ruynan Jr. and Tyrone Wheatley Jr. Michigan State signee Grayson Miller’s father, John, played for the Spartans. MSU also signed Tyriq Thompson, whose father Clarence Thompson played at Michigan. Iowa quarterback signee Drew Cook’s father Marv was a tight end for the Hawkeyes. Hawkeye center signee James Daniels’ father played at Ohio State, and his brother Leshun is a running back for the Hawkeyes.

sets of twins join the • Three conference: Landan and Levi Paulsen at Iowa, Khalil and Carlos Davis at Nebraska, and Andrew and David Dowell at Michigan State.

L.J. Scott

conference’s biggest class • The was Ohio State’s with 27 and the smallest was Michigan at 14. tallest player who signed was • The Ohio State offensive tackle commit Kevin Feder, who checks in at 6-foot-9. Wisconsin’s Jon Dietzen is the heaviest, he weighed 341 pounds at a summer camp. The smallest player who signed was Northwestern wide receiver Jelani Roberts, who stands 5-foot-7 and weighs 153 pounds.

David Moorman

Leon Thornton

Dior Johnson

Bill Greene / Scout

BEST RECRUITING BATTLES

MIKE WEBER

Weber was initially a battle for Michigan, Ohio State, Michigan State, Tennessee and others, and he surprised some by choosing the Wolverines just before the season. However, as Michigan struggled through the Fall, word began to trickle out that he may take a look at other schools. He decommitted from the Wolverines in the middle of the team’s season ending loss to Ohio State. A few short weeks later, he would commit to Ohio State. After Jim Harbaugh’s hire at Michigan, the Wolverines aggressively targeted Weber. He met with Harbaugh late and took an unpublicized official visit to the Wolverines the weekend before Signing Day. He appeared to be a done deal to Michigan, but the Buckeyes stormed back late aided by Michigan’s signing of fellow running back Karan Higdon. Weber was on the phone with Harbaugh as late as the car ride to his signing, but signed with Ohio State. When Buckeye running backs coach Stan Drayton left for the NFL the day after Signing Day, talk resumed that Weber may look for a way out of his LOI, but he made the decision to remain true to the scarlet and grey.

2 Mike Weber

DAISHON NEAL

Neal, a Nebraska commit, nearly flipped to Michigan, but on an in-home with Wolverines assistant Greg Mattison, Neal and his family became upset at Mattison’s comments about academics. “Michigan was a powerhouse. They came in and they stormed,” Neal’s father, Abraham Hoskins, told 1620 The Zone. “They made one bad statement, that without football, DaiShon wouldn’t be able to go to Michigan, like we couldn’t afford to send him there or we couldn’t get him in academically.” At that point, Mattison was asked to leave and Neal signed with the Cornhuskers.

ADAM MCLEAN

Maryland defeated Penn State on the field this year and the two schools regularly butt heads in recruiting. Penn State had McLean, one of the state of Maryland’s top prospects, committed, but the Terrapins were able to flip him after he reopened his process, keeping one of their top talents at home.

L.J. SCOTT

Michigan State battled Ohio State and other schools for Scott and had to keep him away late, especially as schools like Kentucky and Pittsburgh recruited his twin brother Isaiah hard down the stretch. With Mike Weber’s status uncertain, Ohio State angled for a late visit for Scott. As early as 5:30 am on Signing Day morning, the Buckeyes reached out to Scott, but he stuck with Mark Dantonio and the Spartans.

MATT SNYDER

Snyder flipped from Oregon State to Nebraska, and then added a late offer from Michigan. He visited the Wolverines, who had a key need at tight end, but stuck with head coach Mike Riley, who he had been with since Oregon State. Photos: Top Left, Top Right & Bottom: Allen Trieu / Scout, Middle Right: Student Sports

BIG RED REPORT • 49

By CollegeFootballNews.com Staff

NEBRASKA’S WAY TOO-EARLY BIG TEN SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN @ ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 3

Was 2014 really the breakthrough season the Illnois program has been hoping for under coach Tim Beckman? The health of QB Wes Lunt will be the key to the 2015 plans now that Aaron Bailey has transferred. Josh Ferguson will become a bigger part of the running game, but the holes might not be there with three starters gone from the line. Tight end Jon Davis is finished, but the receiving corps should be a plus with all the key parts back, including Mike Dudek. The secondary has the potential to be the team’s biggest strength, featuring depth, talent and playmakers. Now the Illini defense must come up with a pass rush after doing next to nothing for most of the year. The pressure will be on defensive end Jihad Ward to do more, but there are several prospects waiting to show what they can do in a bigger role. Leading tackler Mason Monheim is back in the linebacking corps, along with T.J. Neal. Kickers David Reisner and Taylor Zalewski are back, but terrific punter Justin DuVernois is gone.

WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 10

New head coach Paul Chryst will have to rely on Corey Clement to be the new main man for the ground game now that Melvin Gordon is gone, but the bigger early problem could be the line, which must replace Kyle Costigan and Rob Havenstein on the right side and Dallas Lewallen at left guard. Will the Badgers finally have a passing game? Quarterbacks Joel Stave and Tanner McEvoy are both back, as are receivers Alex Erickson, Jordan Fredrick and Reggie Love, but they all have to be far better. The defense that had to undergo an overhaul loses Marcus Trotter and Derek Landisch on the inside, but gets back Joe Schobert and Vince Biegel on the outside. The line should be fantastic despite the loss of end Warren Herring, and the secondary should be among the best in the Big Ten, with cornerback Sojourn Shelton and all four starters returning. Place kicker Rafael Gaglianone returns after a decent year, but punter Drew Meyer has to get more of a blast.

@MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 17

The Gopher offense must figure out a way to replace running back Daniel Cobb, but quarterback Mitch Leidner is back along with big back Rodrick Williams and slippery speedster Berkley Edwards. The line returns three starters, losing left guard Zac Epping and center Tommy Olson, and the receiving corps has a few nice options in KJ Maye and Donovahn Jones returning, but Minnesota must make up for the early NFL departure of tight end Maxx Williams. There are just enough losses on defense to be annoying, but not devastating. Steven Richardson is back on the nose and Theiren Cockran returns at one end. However, the two top tacklers – linebacker Damien Wilson and S Cedric Thompson – are gone. De’Vondre Campbell should be the star of the linebacking corps, and Eric Murray and Damarius Travis lead a good-looking secondary. Place kicker Ryan Santoso had a good first year, but not a great one, while punter Peter Mortell is back after cranking out close to 46 yards per punt.

NORTHWESTERN – OCTOBER 24

And the quarterback will be … ? Clayton Thorson might be too good to keep off the field, but Zack Oliver got a little bit of time in late last season and is more like the quarterback the team is used to. Runner Matt Alviti is a good option, too. The receiving corps that was so banged up last year should be better even without Tony Jones and Kyle Prater, but the offense is going to work around Justin Jackson and the running game, behind a line that gets three starters back. The woeful pass rush needs a whole bunch of help, and it should come with four senior starters returning along with promising former star recruit Ifeadi Odenigbo. Among the linebackers, leading tackler Chi Chi Ariguzo is gone on the weak side, and Jimmy Hall is done on the strong side, but Anthony Walker is back in the middle and should be among the team’s leading tacklers. Ibraheim Campbell was a tone-setter in the secondary, but there’s more than enough talent returning to hope for more production with three starters returning. Punter Chris Gradone is back after a lousy year in which he averaged less than 38 yards per punt, and place kicker Jack Mitchell returns after hitting 14-of-18 field goals.

@PURDUE – OCTOBER 31

There’s potential to improve in a big way if the quarterback situation is settled. Is it going to be Danny Etling or Austin Appleby? It’ll be an open competition this spring, with David Blough also getting a shot. Finding a running back to replace Akeem Hunt and Raheem Mostert also will be a big key, and Purdue hopes for Keyante Green to become the No. 1 guy behind a line that gets back all five starters. The top six wide receivers are returning, with Danny Anthrop and Cameron Posey each ready to do more. Defensive tackle Jake Replogle and defensive end Ryan Watson are back up front as two of the team’s best pass rushers around nose guard Ra’Zahn Howard. The young linebacking corps is experienced, as all six players on the two-deep are back – they were all underclassmen last year – and three starters return to the secondary. However, the one loss is safety Landon Feichter, the Boilers’ leading tackler by far. Place kicker Paul Griggs is back after hitting 16-of-20 field goals, and punter Thomas Meadows returns after averaging fewer than 40 yards per kick.

MICHIGAN STATE – NOVEMBER 7

Is quarterback Connor Cook ready to lead an NFL team? Yup, but he’s back in East Lansing for one more year, and that could be the difference between MSU being a playoff-caliber team and being merely a contender for the East title. The passing game loses top receivers Tony Lippett and Keith Mumphery, but welcomes back Macgarrett Kings, R.J. Shelton and tight end Josiah Price. Workhorse running back Jeremy Langford and No. 2 man Nick Hill are gone, meaning Delton Williams will get the first look to take over the ground game behind a line that gets back three starters, but loses left guard Travis Jackson and right guard Connor Kruse. Defensive end Shilique Calhoun is too good not to be gone early to the NFL, but like Cook, he’s back too, but Marcus Rush has to be replaced on the other side. However, the tackles are back and strong with Lawrence Thomas, Joel Heath, and 2014 super-recruit Malik McDowell inside. Top tackler Kurtis Drummond is gone from the secondary, and linebacker Taiwan Jones is finished, but Ed Davis should be one of the Big Ten’s better linebackers along with Darien Harris. Trae Waynes and Tony Lippett will be missed in a big way at corner, but it’s Michigan State – the secondary will turn out fine. Place kicker Michael Geiger is back after an up-and-down year, but punter Mike Sadler is gone after averaging more than 41 yards per punt.

@RUTGERS – NOVEMBER 14

There’s firepower returning as long as the quarterback situation is settled early on. Chris Laviano has the early line on replacing Gary Nova, but LSU transfer Hayden Rettig could be a factor. Tight end Tyler Kroft is off to the NFL early, but Leonte Carroo and the top receivers are all back. The running game should be great if Paul James can return to form to go along with all the other options; everyone who finished with positive rushing yards returns. Three starters are gone up front, but left tackle Keith Lumpkin and right guard Chris Muller are back. The defense that struggled so much has the most work to do in the secondary, where they lose three starters, but there are plenty of other options. Leading tackler Steve Longa returns along with fellow linebacker Quentin Gause, but four of the top six and five of the top eight tacklers are gone. Punter Joey Roth and place kicker Kyle Federico are back.

IOWA – NOVEMBER 27

Iowa has plenty of positives and lots of good things to work around, but it has to be far more consistent offensively. Jake Rudock is back for another year at quarterback, but C.J. Beathard was the far better performer in the bowl loss to Tennessee. Iowa needs Jordan Canzeri to turn into a main man at running back – or someone else has to step up. The line can’t replace left tackle Brandon Scherff, and it also loses two other starters. Leading rusher Mark Weisman is gone along with Damon Bullock, and leading target Kevonte Martin-Manley is gone, too. The offense has to find new targets and new playmakers for Rudock to work with. The defense doesn’t have to undergo the overhaul it did last offseason when the whole linebacking corps was gone, but three of the top four tacklers are done, including Louis Trinca-Pasat up front. Jordan Lomax is a good free safety to start with, and Desmond King is certainly a keeper at corner, but strong safety John Lowdermilk must be replaced. The interior is the big issue with Carl Davis gone with Trinca-Pasat, but Drew Ott and Nate Meier are back on the outside. The linebacking corps should be fine despite the loss of Quinton Alston in the middle. Dillon Kidd is back at punter, but he needs to average more than 40 yards per pop, and place kicker Marshall Koehn returns after a decent year.

•

50 • BIGREDREPORT.COM

2015 NEBRASKA

FOOTBALL SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT LOCATION

DATE OPPONENT LOCATION

Sept. 5

BYU

Memorial Stadium

Oct. 24

Northwestern*

Memorial Stadium

Sept. 12

South Alabama

Memorial Stadium

Oct. 17

Minnesota*

@ Minneapolis, MN

Sept. 19

Miami

@ Miami, FL

Oct. 31

Purdue*

@ West Lafayette, IN

Sept. 26

Southern Miss

Memorial Stadium

Nov. 7

Michigan State*

Memorial Stadium

Oct. 3

Illinois*

@ Champaign, IL

Nov. 14

Rutgers*

@ Piscataway, NJ

Oct. 10

Wisconsin*

Memorial Stadium

Nov. 27

Iowa*

Memorial Stadium

* Conference Games

Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

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

NoleDigest.com

06 (39)

07 (T41)

NORTH LOUISVILLE NC STATE CAROLINA

MIAMI

VIRGINIA TECH

CUTigers.com

InsideCarolina.com

CardinalAuthority.com

PackPride.com

CanesTime.com

VTInsider.com

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:

N12

05 (37)

Tim Settle

FLORIDA STATE

04 (32)

Mark Walton

03 (24)

Nyheim Hines

02 (15)

Devante Peete

Anthony Ratliff-Williams

Deon Cain

Derwin James

01 (11)

Thomas Hopple, Clay Dean, Victor Greene, Reggie Floyd, Jovonn Quillen, Samuel Denmark, Troy Pride, Kareem Felder, Myles Wolfolk, Conner O’Donnell

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.

Ben Humphreys

Rocky Reid

Jordan Whitehead

GEORGIA TECH

10 (55)

Jimmy Martin

09 (50)

Dominic Sheppard

Trey Dunkelberger

A.J. Gray

08 (43)

11 (58)

12 (66)

13 (67)

14 (70)

SYRACUSE VIRGINIA

BOSTON COLLEGE

PITT

WAKE FOREST

DUKE

GoJackets.com

CuseNation.com

HooNation.com

EagleInsider.com

PantherDigest.com

WakeForest.scout.com

TheDevilsDen.com

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

N14

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.

02 (15)

TEXAS

Jarrett Stidham

01 (11)

ChrisCarson

Rob Dowdy

J.F. Thomas

Deshawn Raymond

Prentice McKinney

Malik Jefferson Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Randy Smith/Butler CC Athletics

03 (24)

04 (32)

05 (37)

06 (39)

OKLAHOMA TCU

TEXAS TECH

WEST VIRGINIA

OKLAHOMA BAYLOR STATE

HornsDigest.com

SoonersIllustrated.com

HornedFrogInsider.com

RaiderPower.com

BlueGoldNews.com

GoPokes.com

Baylor.Scout.com

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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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USC

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ARIZONA STATE

OREGON

WASHINGTON

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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

N42

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

N50

“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.