*Craig Sager II looks at SEC classes, listed in order by 247sports national rankings.
Alabama
National class rank: 1st
Alabama was already set to turn in the highest-ranked recruiting class for the fourth consecutive season before Rashaan Evans, the top outside linebacker in the country, added to this stacked class by signing with Alabama over Auburn on Wednesday. The Crimson Tide own six of the 17 composite five-stars joining the SEC this year. Offensive tackle Cameron Robinson was one of eight early enrollees this year and sits as the No. 3 ranked prospect in the country at 6-foot-7, 335-pounds. 15 different states are represented in this class of 25 athletes and Nick Saban once again pulled the best-of-the-best from across the country.
THEY COULD SHINE EARLY
Marlon Humphrey and Tony Brown are two of top ranked cornerbacks in the country and outside linebacker Rashaan Evans has all-conference talent.
Defensive end Da’Shawn Hand posted 53 sacks in his last three varsity seasons and is 247sports No. 1 ranked strongside defensive end.
Tony Brown CB Ozen (Texas) 6-0/188
Joshua Casher OC St. Paul’s Episcopal (Ala.) 6-1/297
Ronnie Clark OLB Calera (Ala.) 6-2.5/215
David Cornwell QB Norman North (Okla.) 6-5/241
Johnny Dwight DT Wilcox County 6-2.5/303
Ty Flournoy-Smith TE Georgia Military College 6-3/230
Josh Frazier DT Har-Ber (Ark.) 6-3/335
Shaun Hamilton ILB Carver-Montgomery (Ala.) 6-0/240
Da’Shawn Hand DE Woodbridge (Va.) 6-4/265
J.C. Hassenauer OC East Ridge (Minn.) 6-2.5/292
Keith Holcombe ATH Hillcrest (Ala.) 6-4/210
Marlon Humphrey CB Hoover (Ala.) 6-1/175
Dominick Jackson OT College of San Mateo (Calif.) 6-7/304
Laurence Jones S Neville (La.) 6-2/220
Derek Kief WR LaSalle (Ohio) 6-5/197
Montel McBride OG Plant City (Fla.) 6-4/329
Christian Miller OLB Spring Valley (SC) 6-4/222
D.J. Pettway DE East Mississippi (Miss.) C.C. 6-3/250
Ross Pierschbacher OT Cedar Falls (Iowa) 6-4/290
Jarran Reed DT East Mississippi (Miss.) C.C. 6-4/310
Cameron Robinson OT West Monroe (La.) 6-7/335
Bo Scarbrough ATH IMG Academy (Fla.) 6-2/225
J.K. Scott K J.K. Mullen (Colo.) 6-4/185
Cameron Sims WR Ouachita Parish (La.) 6-4/199
O.J. Smith DT Airline (La.) 6-2/320
LSU
National class rank: 2nd
The Tigers added four uncommitted players on National Signing Day and house a strong class of 23. 12 of the 19 signees are from Louisiana, including five-star running back Leonard Fournette, the No. 1 ranked ball carrier in the country according to 247sports. The composite recruiting rankings label Fournette as the No. 1 2014 prospect in the country. This class gives the Tigers a lot of depth at the safety position with early enrollee Edward Paris and fellow safeties Jamal Adams, Devin Voorhies and John Battle. The No. 2 ranking for the Class of 2014 gives the Tigers its highest rated class since 2009.
THEY COULD SHINE EARLY
Fournette claimed 247 National Player of the Year honors after this season and finished his high school career with 7,630 career rushing yards, 90 rushing touchdowns, 1,058 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns. Fournette’s rare combination of speed and power will be seen instantly in Baton Rouge.
Jamal Adams S Hebron (Texas) 6-0/199
Donnie Alexander OLB Edna Karr (La.) 6-1/205
John Battle S Hallandale (Fla.) 6-2/180
Garrett Brumfield OG University Lab (La.) 6-3.5/272
D.J. Chark WR Alexandria (La.) 6-0.5/176
Will Clapp OG Brother Martin (La.) 6-4.5/275
Deondre Clark SDE Douglass (Okla.) 6-2.5/238
Malachi Dupre WR John Curtis (La.) 6-1/226
Russell Gage ATH Redemptorist (La.) 6-0/175
Cameron Gamble K Flower Mound (Texas) 5-11/185
Clifton Garrett OLB Plainfield South (Ill.) 6-2/228
Davon Godchaux SDE Plaquemine (La.) 6-4/265
Leonard Fournette RB St. Augustine (La.) 6-1/226
Brandon Harris QB Parkway (La.) 6-2.5/193
Trey Lealaimatafo DT Warren (Texas) 6-0/301
Edward Paris S Mansfield Timberview (Texas)6-1/190
Trey Quinn WR Barbe (La.) 6-1/200
Sione Teuhema WDE Keller (Texas) 6-3.5/217
Tony Upchurch WR Dawson (Texas) 6-2/228
Travonte Valentine DT Champagnat Catholic (Fla.) 6-3/338
Devin Voorhies S Wilkinson County (Miss.) 6-2/185
Jacory Washington TE Westlake (La.) 6-5/220
Darrel Williams ATH John Ehret (La.) 6-0/227
Texas A&M
National class rank: 5th
Massive lineman and some of the nation’s top wide receivers are present in this year’s class. In 2013, Texas A&M’s 31-man class did not have a single five-star in it, but this year there are three in the 21-man group. Louisiana-native Speedy Noil is the No. 1 ranked wide receiver in the country and enrolled early with fellow five-star and quarterback Kyle Allen, one of the highest rated passers in the 2014 class. Myles Garrett is the No. 1 weakside defensive end in the country (according to 247sports). Both sides of the football get a boost with this top 5 class.
THEY COULD SHINE EARLY
Texas A&M’s defense ranked 96th in the country last season at 32.2 points per game and Garrett will provide an instant boost. The athletic 6-foot-4 pass rusher backed up his five-star status last season with 20.5 sacks and 39 tackles for loss.
Otaro Alaka OLB Cypress Falls (Texas) 6-3/205
Kyle Allen QB Desert Mountain (Ariz.) 6-2.5/185
Cedric Collins CB Skyline (Texas) 5-10/175
Qualen Cunningham WDE Hamilton (Ariz.) 6-4/220
Kealvin Davis OT Lakeview Centennial (Texas) 6-4.5/247
Jermain Eluemunor OT Lackawanna (Pa.) C.C. 6-5/300
Myles Garrett WDE James Martin (Texas) 6-4/240
Avery Gennesy OT East Mississippi (Miss.) C.C. 6-5/307
Nick Harvey CB Travis (Texas) 5-9/175
Zaycoven Henderson DT Longview (Texas) 6-1/280
Frank Iheanacho WR Westside-Houston (Texas) 6-6/220
Jamal Jeffery WR Lufkin (Texas) 5-9/168
Jarrett Johnson WDE Seven Lakes (Texas) 6-3/226
Zach Ledwik OT La Grange (Texas) 6-4.5/271
Koda Martin OT Manvel (Texas) 6-6.5/245
Speedy Noil WR Edna Karr (La.) 5-10.5/176
Joshua Reynolds WR Tyler (Texas) J.C. 6-2.5/185
Josh Walker OLB Gilmer (Texas) 6-1/220
DeShawn Washington DT Nederland (Texas) 6-3/277
Armani Watts S North Forney (Texas) 5-10.5/179
Donovan Wilson S Woodlawn (La.) 6-0.5/180
Auburn
National class rank: 6th
Auburn’s taste for Georgia talent is once again present in this year’s class of 23 players. The Tigers hold 10 of the top players from the Peach State in this class compared to just seven players from instate Alabama. Head coach Gus Malzahn brought in a class filled with lockdown corners and versatile offensive weapons for his patented playbook. Wideout D’haquille Williams is the No. 1 junior college prospect in the country (according to 247sports) while athletes Stanton Truitt, Myron Burton and Markell Boston (all Georgia-products) provide multiple looks running or catching the football.
THE COULD SHINE EARLY
Wideout D’haquille Williams and his 6-foot-3 frame and breakaway speed will get involved in the offense this season.
Composite five-star running back Roc Thomas rushed for 2211 yards and 32 touchdowns last season at Oxford High School (Ala.).
Kalvaraz Bessent CB Camden County 6-0/170
Markell Boston ATH East Coweta 6-1.5/200
Myron Burton ATH Peachtree Ridge 6-2.5/203
Xavier Dampeer OC Copiah-Lincoln (Miss.) C.C. 6-4/300
De’Shaun Davis ILB Vigor (Ala.) 6-0/225
Raashed Kennion WDE First Coast (Fla.) 6-6/228
DaVonte Lambert SDE Georgia Military College 6-3/278
Devaroe Lawrence DT Georgia Military College 6-3/278
Chris Laye TE Lambert 6-5/240
Jakell Mitchell TE Opelika (Ala.) 6-3/214
Derrick Moncrief S Mississippi Gulf Coast (Miss.) C.C. 6-3/226
Kamryn Pettway RB Prattville 5-11.5/221
Stephen Roberts CB Opelika (Ala.) 6-0/177
Nick Ruffin CB St. Pius X 6-1/185
Dontavius Russell DT Carrollton 6-3/300
Braden Smith OG Olathe South (Kan.) 6-6/290
Roc Thomas RB Oxford (Ala.) 5-11/196
Justin Thorton WDE Vigor (Ala.) 6-5/222
Stanton Truitt ATH Monroe Area 5-10/185
Sean White QB University-Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) 6-2/204
Andrew Williams WDE Eagle’s Landing Christian 6-5/247
D’haquille Williams WR Mississippi Gulf Coast (Miss.) C.C. 6-3/213
Tre’ Williams ILB St. Paul’s Episcopal (Ala.) 6-4/237
Tennessee
National class rank: 7th
Tennessee is bringing in a huge 33 player class. 14 of the players were early enrollees and this group could be the start of Tennessee’s journey back into contention in the SEC after a mere four conference wins in the last three seasons. Head coach Butch Jones did a great job grabbing the Volunteer state’s top prospects and wideout Josh Malone and running back Jalen Hurd enrolled early. There are 16 four-star athletes present in this class and a dozen offensive and defensive lineman. Athletes Vic Wharton and Evan Berry are gamechangers on offense, something the team has been lacking.
THEY COULD SHINE EARLY
Hurd is a rare breed at 6-foot-3, 230 pounds that can carry the ball for four quarters and also show up in the passing game with tight end-like size.
Offensive tackle Dontavius Blair is 6-foot-8, 303 pounds and was the No. 13 ranked junior college prospect by 247sports.
Derek Barnett SDE Brentwood Academy (Tenn.) 6-3.5/265
Dillon Bates OLB Ponte Vedra (Fla.) 6-3/220
Elliott Berry OLB Creekside 5-11/191
Evan Berry ATH Creekside 5-11/195
Dontavius Blair OT Garden City (Kan.) C.C.. 6-8/303
Gavin Bryant ILB Jackson (Ala.) 6-1.5/230
Neiko Creamer ATH Eastern Christian (Md.) 6-3/218
Jerome Dews ATH Potomac (Md.) 6-4/200
RaShaan Gaulden S Independence (Tenn.) 6-1/178
Daniel Helm TE Glenwood (Ill.) 6-4/225
Joe Henderson WDE Shaker Heights (Ohio) 6-3/230
Dewayne Hendrix SDE O Fallon (Ill.) 6-5/254
Jalen Hurd ATH Beech (Tenn.) 6-3/230
Jakob Johnson ILB Jean Ribault (Fla.) 6-3.5/236
Todd Kelly S Webb-Knoxville (Tenn.) 6-0/188
Josh Malone WR Station Camp (Tenn.) 6-2.5/191
Cortez McDowell S Locust Grove 6-1/200
Aaron Medley K Marshall County (Tenn.) 6-2/170
Dimarya Mixon DT West Mesquite (Texas) 6-3.5/265
Emmanuel Moseley CB Dudley (N.C.) 6-0/160
Charles Mosley DT Brighton (Tenn.) 6-5/350
Treyvon Paulk RB Milton 5-9/195
D’Andre Payne CB Woodson H.D. (D.C.) 5-9.5/175
Von Pearson WR Feather River College (Calif.) 6-1/180
Ray Raulerson OT Plant (Fla.) 6-4/278
Jashon Robertson OG Montgomery Bell Academy (Tenn.) 6-3/295
Derrell Scott APB Havelock (N.C.) 5-11/180
Coleman Thomas OC Fort Chiswell (Va.) 6-6/297
Cory Thomas SDE McAdory (Ala.) 6-5.5/281
Chris Weatherd OLB Trinity Valley (Texas) C.C. 6-3.5/220
Vic Wharton ATH Independence (Tenn.) 6-0/188
Owen Williams DT Butler (Kan.) C.C. 6-1/280
Ethan Wolf TE Minster (Ohio) 6-5.5/247
Georgia
National class rank: 8th
The Bulldogs star-studded class of 21 signees is highlighted by five-star defensive end Lorenzo Carter. The Norcross standout will join seven other defensive signees in this class that will help new Bulldogs coordinator Jeremy Pruitt build a great defense in Athens. This year’s class added an elite pair of running backs (Sony Michel and Nick Chubb) to Georgia’s already talented backfield with Todd Gurley and company. U.S. Army All-American quarterback Jacob Park was the only early enrollee in this class. Last year’s class of 33 signees had zero five-stars and this year will send three to Athens.
THEY COULD SHINE EARLY
Brooks County’s Malkom Parrish is one of the toughest lockdown corners in this year’s class.
Lorenzo Carter could be the best overall athlete in this year’s class and his speed off the line makes him lethal on third downs.
Kendall Baker OT Marist 6-6/275
Jake Blazevich TE Charlotte Christian (NC..) 6-4.5/230
Keyon Brown WDE Hardee (Fla.) 6-3/230
Nick Chubb RB Cedartown 5-11/216
Detric Dukes ILB Tucker 6-0/220
Jake Edwards OG Heard County 6-4/286
Shattle Fenteng CB Hutchinson (Kan.) C.C. 6-2/220
Lamont Gaillard DT Pine Forest (N.C.) 6-3/310
Gilbert Johnson WR Homestead (Fla.) 6-2/190
Rico Johnson WR Georgia Prep Sports Academy 5-10/170
Shaquille Jones CB Merritt Island (Fla.) 6-2/175
Isaiah McKenzie WR American Her-Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) 5-8/175
Sony Michel RB American Her-Plantation (Fla.) 5-11/205
Jacob Park QB Stratford (S.C.) 6-3/202
Malkom Parrish CB Brooks County 5-9/186
Dominick Sanders S Tucker 5-11/187
Dyshon Sims OT Lowndes 6-4/278
Shakenneth Williams WR Rutland 6-1.5/195
Isaiah Wynn OG Lakewood (Fla.) 6-2/272
Florida
National class rank: 9th
The Gators finished 2013 with seven consecutive losses and faced the challenge of recruiting against National Champion Florida State and the rest of the state. However, Treon Harris’ flip from the Seminoles on National Signing Day adds to a solid class with more size up front and its usual bevy of speed and lockdown cornerbacks. The Gators’ struggling offense that scored just 18.8 points per game last season got some stability for the future with North Carolina-native and quarterback Will Grier. The 6-foot-3 passer enrolled early and lit up the scoreboards for 146 touchdowns and just 17 interceptions, while adding 21 rushing scores his last two seasons.
THEY COULD SHINE EARLY
Jalen Tabor is one of the best corners in the nation at 6-foot-1 and intercepted eight passes during his senior season.
Gerald Willis headlines an impressive trio of defensive tackles and surpassed 100 tackles each of his final two seasons at Karr (La.).
Taven Bryan OT Natrona County (Wyo.) 6-5/250
Khairi Clark DT Chaminade-Madonna Prep (Fla.) 6-2/325
Duke Dawson CB Dixie County (Fla.) 5-11/197
Tavaris Dorsey OG Raines (Fla.) 6-2/315
DeAndre Goolsby TE Derby (Kan.) 6-4/225
Will Grier QB Davidson Day (N.C.) 6-3/187
Treon Harris ATH Booker T. Washington (Fla.) 5-11/180
Kavaris Harkless OT Trinity Christian (Fla.) 6-5/273
Thomas Holley DT Abraham Lincoln (N.Y.) 6-4/285
J.C. Jackson WR Immokalee (Fla.) 5-10/180
Nolan Kelleher OG Wando (S.C.) 6-6/305
C’yontai Lewis TE Kingwood Christian (Ala.) 6-5/215
Andrew Mike OT Sabino (Ariz.) 6-7/270
Deiondre Porter ATH Jefferson (Fla.) 6-1/166
Brandon Powell ATH Deerfield Beach (Fla.) 5-9/175
Justus Reed SDE Clearwater Central Catholic (Fla.) 6-3/216
Drew Sarvary OT Tyler (Texas) J.C. 6-6/310
David Sharpe OT Duncan U. Fletcher (Fla.) 6-6/318
Ryan Sousa WR Lake Nona (Fla.) 6-0/177
Moral Stephens TE Taylor County (Fla.) 6-4/200
Jalen Tabor CB Friendship Academy (D.C.) 6-1/182
Gerald Willis DT Edna Karr (La.) 6-3/275
Quincy Wilson S University-Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) 6-1/196
C.J. Worton WR South Dade (Fla.) 6-1/175
South Carolina
National recruiting rank: 15th
The Gamecocks were on the outside of the top 20 recruiting classes for the first time since 2010 early Wednesday morning, but late signees DT Dexter Wideman, CB Chris Lammons and DE Blake McClaine moved the Gamecocks into the top 15. On the offensive side of the football, Shaq Davidson, Terry Googer and Tyshun Samuel are sure handed receivers that will bring a consistent group of targets to the Steve Spurrier playbook. On the defensive side of the football, North Gwinnett defensive end Dante Sawyer and Cedar Grove linebacker Bryson Allen-Williams were Georgia standouts plucked from the Bulldogs’ grasp during what were some of the year’s most competitive recruiting battles.
THEY COULD SHINE EARLY
Bryson Allen-Williams is the complete package at linebacker and is a consensus top 10 outside linebacker prospect in the nation.
Defensive end Dante Sawyer is a gifted pass rusher and run stopper that will fit in with the Gamecocks tradition of athletic lineman.
Bryson Allen-Williams OLB Cedar Grove 6-1/222
Joe Blue ILB Dillon (S.C.) 5-11/235
Kevin Crosby TE Bamberg Ehrhardt (S.C.) 6-0/236
Shaq Davidson WR Gaffney (S.C.) 6-0/170
Terry Googer WR Woodward Academy 6-4/209
Wesley Green CB M.L. King 5-11/170
Al Harrris CB St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) 5-11/160
Abu Lamin DT Fort Scott (Kan.) C.C. 6-3/300
Chris Lammons CB Plantation (Fla.) 5-10/170
Blake McLain SDE Sandalwood (Fla.) 6-4/280
Kalan Ritchie TE Goose Creek (S.C.) 6-5/210
Tyshun Samuel WR Chapman (S.C.) 5-11/180
Dante Sawyer WDE North Gwinnett 6-2.5/262
Michael Scarnecchia QB Fleming Island (Fla.) 6-3/185
Darin Smalls S Summerville (S.C.) 5-11/200
D.J. Smith CB Walton 6-0/191
Taylor Stallworth DT Taylor Stallworth 6-2/285
Donell Stanley OG Latta (S.C.) 6-4/330
Jhaustin Thomas SDE Trinity Valley (Texas) C.C. 6-6/255
Dexter Wideman DT Saluda (SC) 6-4/255
Malik Young OG Woodmont (S.C.) 6-3/277
Ole Miss
National class rank: 16th
The Rebels and head coach Hugh Freeze could not match the 7th nationally-ranked class he brought in in 2013, but the Rebels managed to put together a strong 26-player class this year. The Rebels dominated in-state recruiting this season with 14 signees, including four players from Callaway High School. Roderick Taylor is the No. 1 prospect out of Mississippi and is considered the best guards in the country by multiple recruiting experts. Freeze found success in Georgia again with this class and grabbed three defensive players from metro Atlanta (Kendarius Webster, Demarquis Gates and Chris Williams.
THEY COULD SHINE EARLY
Roderick Taylor is a force on the offensive line and will be able to come in and play guard for the Rebels this season with his all-conference size, strength and technique.
Kendarius Webster from Stockbridge will likely join the corner rotation next fall.
D.K. Buford APB Lafayette (Miss.) 5-11/215
Fahn Cooper OT College of DuPage (Ill.) 6-5/314
Kendrick Doss QB Florence (Ala.) 6-2/218
Sammie Epps TE Greenwood (Miss.) 6-3/210
Victor Evans WDE Skyline (Texas) 6-2.5/226
Demarquis Gates OLB Lovejoy 6-2/212
C.J. Hampton S Meridian (Miss.) 6-1/195
Dayall Harris WR Callaway (Miss.) 6-4/185
Marquis Haynes WDE Fork Union Military Academy (Va.) 6-3/225
Akeem Judd RB Georgia Military College 5-11/219
Dacorius Law RB Haines City Senior (Fla.) 5-11/186
Jeremy Liggins ATH Northwest Mississippi (Miss.) C.C. 6-4/270
Garrald McDowell SDE Covington (La.) 6-1/252
Alvin Moore ILB Bassfield (Miss.) 6-0/190
Calvin Moore ATH Bassfield (Miss.) 6-0/182
Markell Pack WR Purvis (Miss.) 6-2/180
Tyler Putman OT Desoto Central (Miss.) 6-5/280
Sean Rawlings OT Madison-Ridgeland Academy (Miss.)6-5/285
Christian Russell ILB East Mississippi (Miss.) C.C. 6-0/240
Tee Shepard CB Holmes (Miss.) C.C. 6-1/197
Jordan Sims OG Homewood (Ala.) 6-4/345
Breeland Speaks DT Callaway (Miss.) 6-3/270
Roderick Taylor OG Callaway (Miss.) 6-3.5/305
Kendarius Webster CB Stockbridge 5-10.5/177
Chris Williams DT Sandy Creek (Ga.) 6-1/287
Gary Wunderlich K Memphis University School (Tenn.) 6-0/180
Kentucky
National class rank: 22th
The Wildcats have taken significant strides in recruiting the past two seasons and continue to improve in the national rankings. In 2012, the Wildcats were the No. 63 ranked class and posted a great turnaround in 2013, ranking in the top 29. This year’s class of 29 gives Kentucky the No. 22 class in the country and it is highlighted by seven early enrollees, including four-star quarterback Drew Barker. 11 of the 29 signees in this class came from the state of Ohio and 10 total states are represented, including Georgia, which sent Stanley Williams and Jared Tucker.
THEY COULD SHINE EARLY:
Defensive tackle Matt Elam is one of the biggest prospects in the nation at 6-foot-5, 372 pounds. Elam is a difference maker in stopping the run and posted 85 tackles last season.
Safety Darius West is a ball hawk and should see action in the secondary and special teams as a freshman.
Dorian Baker WR Cleveland Heights (Ohio) 6-3/205
Drew Barker QB Conner (Ky.) 6-4/210
Blake Bone WR Woodruff (S.C.) 6-4/175
Tymere Dubose DT Youngstown Christian (Ohio) 6-6/260
Mike Edwards S Winton Woods (Ohio) 5-11/180
Matt Elam DT John Hardin (Ky.) 6-5/372
Nico Firios OLB Lyman (Fla.) 6-1.5/220
Ryan Flannigan OLB Blinn College (Texas) 6-2/230
Dorian Hendrix ILB Wayne (Ohio) 6-0/230
Mikel Horton RB Lakota West (Ohio) 6-1/225
Cory Johnson DT ASA College (N.Y.) 6-4/300
Garret Johnson WR West Orange (Fla.) 5-9/160
Josh Krok OH McKinley (Ohio) 6-8/300
Jarrett LaRubbio OG Lakota East (Ohio) 6-5/260
Darryl Long TE Westerville South (Ohio) 6-4/225
Michael Mathis ATH Kilgore (Texas) J.C. 6-2/210
Adrian Middleton DT South Warren (Ky.) 6-3/265
Kendall Randolph CB Lincoln (Fla.) 5-11/170
Nick Richardson OT Westerville Central (Ohio) 6-5/285
Thaddeus Snodgrass WR Springfield (Ohio) 6-1/170
A.J. Stamps S East Mississippi (Miss.) C.C. 6-0/190
Jervontius Stallings OC Spain Park (Ala.) 6-3/305
Lloyd Tubman WDE Seneca Academy (Ky.) 6-5/235
Jared Tucker S Stephenson 5-11/175
Kobie Walker S Good Counsel (Md.) 6-3/200
Denzel Ware WDE Crestview (Fla.) 6-3/220
Darius West S Lima Central Catholic (Ohio) 6-0/195
Stanley Williams APB George Walton Academy 5-8/189
T.V. Williams WR McKinney (Texas) 5-8/148
Arkansas
National class rank: 30th
The Razorbacks knew what they wanted to improve with this year’s class and head coach Bret Bielema and the staff went out and did it. Arkansas inked four of the top offensive tackles in the country and a staggering seven defensive backs (five safeties) in hopes of securing the future at these positions. The instate talent was secured in Arkansas and five of the top nine ranked in-state prospects (according to 247sports) will take their talents to Little Rock next fall. Four players enrolled early, including Lassiter cornerback Chris Murphy. Bijhon Jackson is a composite top 10 defensive tackle in the nation.
THEY COULD SHINE EARLY
Offensive tackle Brian Wallace is the No. 1 prospect out of the state of Missouri and will be ready to come in and contribute at 6-foot-6, 305 pounds.
Wide receiver and early enrollee Cody Hollister is a reliable target on third down situations and stands 6-foot-4.
Anthony Brown WDE Killian (Fla.) 6-4/235
Jared Cornelius WR Evangel Christian Academy (La.) 6-0/175
Juan Day RB North Little Rock (Ark.) 6-1/210
Kendrick Edwards WR Norland (Fla.) 6-6/205
Dwayne Eugene S Archbishop Rummel (La.) 6-1/222
Cornelius Floyd WR Gulliver Prep (Fla.) 6-1/190
Khalia Hackett S South Paulding 6-3/205
Jake Hall SDE Har-Ber (Ark.) 6-5/235
Cole Hedlund K Argyle (Texas) 5-10/170
Cody Hollister WR Arizona Western College (Ariz.) 6-4/205
Bijhon Jackson DT El Dorado (Ark.) 6-2/334
Jack Kraus TE Bentonville (Ark.) 6-5/240
Joshual Liddell S Dollarway (Ark.) 6-0/193
Chris Murphy CB Lassiter 5-10/178
Rafe Peavy QB Bolivar (Mo.) 6-2/212
Jovan Pruitt OT Bishop Dunne Catholic (Texas) 6-6/290
Frank Ragnow OT Chanhassen (Minn.) 6-6/291
Santos Ramirez S Evangel Christian Academy (La.) 6-2/180
Randy Ramsey S Dillard (Fla.) 6-3.5/210
Henre’ Tolliver CB Archbishop Rummel (La.) 6-1/165
Sebastian Tretola OT Iowa Western (Iowa) C.C. 6-5/315
Brian Wallace OT Christian Brothers College (Mo.) 6-6/305
Armon Watts DT Christian Brothers College (Mo.) 6-4/260
Mississippi State
National class rank: 38th
The Bulldogs are big at almost every position in this year’s class. Gerri Green is a 6-foot-5, 230-pound outside linebacker and Darrion Hutcherson is a 6-foot-7, 260-pound tight end. Fifteen of the 23 signees are from Mississippi and Georgia has the second most in the class at four. Georgia-products Nick Fitzgerald out of Richmond Hill and Elijah Staley out of Wheeler are both dual threat passers in this year’s class. Aeries Williams is a 6-foot-1, 205-pound running back that rushed for 2,209 yards and 30 touchdowns this past season. 6-foot-5.5 defensive end Cory Thomas took visits to Tennessee, Mississippi State and Clemson last month, but chose the Bulldogs.
THEY COULD SHINE EARLY
Jamoral Graham could fill in at safety or wide receiver and spent last season stuffing the stat sheet on both sides of the football for Decatur (Miss.).
Gerri Green is one of the most athletic members of this class and is dynamic in his coverage and blitzes.
Brandon Bryant S Rosa Fort (Miss.) 6-0/195
Deion Calhoun OG Restoration Academy (Ala.) 6-3/310
Will Coleman WDE Tyler (Texas) J.C. 6-5/248
Deshon Cooper OLB Columbia 6-4/215
Logan Cooke P Columbia Academy (Miss.) 6-5/200
Lashard Durr CB Harrison Central (Miss.) 5-11/180
Nick Fitzgerald QB Richmond Hill 6-5/220
Jamoral Graham ATH Newton County (Miss.) 5-11/180
J.T. Gray ATH Clarksdale (Miss.) 6-0/190
Gerri Green ATH Greenville Weston (Miss.) 6-5/230
Jordan Harris OG Stephenson 6-5/292
Braxton Hoyett DT Pelham (Ala.) 6-3/285
Darrion Hutcherson TE Copiah-Lincoln (Miss.) J.C. 6-7/260
Jesse Jackson WR Petal (Miss.) 6-2/195
Elgton Jenkins OT Clarksdale (Miss.) 6-4/283
Jocquell Johnson OT Copiah-Lincoln (Miss.) C.C. 6-6/307
Dontavian Lee RB Forrest County Agricultural (Miss.) 6-1/210
Chirs Rayford CB Byhalia (Miss.) 6-1/200
Tee Shepard CB Holmes (Miss.) C.C. 6-1/197
Elijah Staley QB Wheeler 6-6/231
Aeris Williams RB West Point (Miss.) 6-1/205
Missouri
National class rank: 39th
Being out of the top half of the SEC’s recruiting ranks has not hurt the 2013 SEC East champion Tigers ability to compete in the conference and this year’s 39th ranked class should not either. Head coach Gary Pinkle and his staff grabbed recruits from 10 different states, including three from Georgia and six from Florida. The Tigers have five receivers in this class, including North Gwinnett wideout Nate Brown. Andy Bauer leads a group of four offensive tackles and is one of the top prospects in the state of Missouri. This year’s class did not have any early enrollments.
THEY COULD SHINE EARLY
Wide receiver Nate Brown brings physicality to the position and can create a mismatch with his combination of size of speed. During Brown’s senior season he notched two four-touchdown games in Georgia’s top classification.
Paul Adams OT C.P.A. (Tenn.) 6-6/270
Sam Bailey OT Lamar (Mo.) 6-5/245
Andy Bauer OT DeSmet (Mo.) 6-6/304
Kendall Blanton TE Blue Springs South (Mo.) 6-6/227
Walter Brady WDE Florence (Ala.) 6-4/242
Nate Brown WR North Gwinnett 6-3/210
Logan Cheadle CB Lee’s Summit West (Mo.) 5-11/165
Kenya Dennis CB Hinds (Miss.) C.C. 6-0/190
Keyon Dilosa WR Round Rock (Texas) 6-3/194
Darnell Green-Beckham WR Hillcrest (Mo.) 6-4/185
Michael Fairchild OT Blue Valley West (Kan.) 6-6/270
Stepfawn Hughes ATH Dunbar (Texas) 5-9/165
Grant Jones OLB Hickman (Mo.) 6-3/210
Brandon Lee OLB Lawrence Central (Ind.) 6-3/215
Lawrence Lee WR West Florida Tech (Fla.) 5-11/167
Rocel McWilliams SDE West Florida Tech (Fla.) 6-3/240
Kevin Pendleton OT Lee’s Summit West (Mo.) 6-5/310
Thomas Richard WR C.P.A. (Tenn.) 6-1/185
Tavon Ross S Bleckley County 6-1/198
Finis Stribling IV CB Independence (Tenn.) 5-10.5/170
Greg Taylor S East St. Louis (Ill.) 5-11/180
Trevon Walters RB Manatee (Fla.) 5-10/192
Thomas Wilson ATH Buford 5-11/175
Raymond Wingo CB St. Louis University (Mo.) 5-10/174
Roderick Winters OLB Bowie (Texas) 6-0/200
Ish Witter RB Alonso (Fla.) 5-8/190
Marvin Zanders ATH Raines (Fla.) 6-3/180
Vanderbilt
National class rank: 46th
Former head coach James Franklin’s departure to Penn State hurt this year’s class, but new head coach Derek Mason will have plenty of talent around to continue the Commodores recent success in the conference. With only one four-star signee and 15 three-stars comprising this 22-player class, Vandy once again looked for under-the-radar playmakers to ink this year. Tennessee’s massive class hurt the Commodores in-state recruiting and they grabbed just three backyard prospects. Five players are Georgia-products and four come from California, including four-star defensive end Nifae Lealao.
THEY COULD SHINE EARLY
Wide receiver Caleb Scott shared the load for North Gwinnett’s passing attack this season and caught 10 touchdowns.
Stephenson’s Dallas Rivers is an explosive playmaker with a very high football IQ and instincts.
Khari Blasingame S Buckhorn (Ala.) 6-1/204
Rashad Canty WR Riverdale 6-4/205
Sekou Clark WDE Ryan (Texas) 6-3/235
Wade Freebeck QB St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) 6-3/180
Bailey Granier OT South Lafourche (La.) 6-6/315
Cole Hardin OT Florence (Ala.) 6-5/286
Tre Herndon CB East Hamilton (Tenn.) 6-0/175
Nifae Lealao SDE Capital Christian (Calif.) 6-5/282
Bryce Lewis CB Parkview 6-1/170
Hawkins Mann DE Burroghs (Calif.) 6-4/220
Ronald Monroe ATH Bush (Texas) 6-2/175
Bruno Reagan OG Clarksville (Tenn.) 6-3/301
Dallas Rivers ATH Stephenson 6-0/200
Caleb Scott WR North Gwinnett 6-3/185
Trent Sherfield S Danville (Ill.) 6-2/185
Shawn Stankavage QB Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.) 6-2/185
Emmanuel Smith S Oakland (Tenn.) 6-2/200
Tre Tarpley S Central Catholic (Pa.) 6-1/190
Riley Tindol OT Autauga Academy (Ala.) 6-6/270
Ladarius Wiley WR Cathedral (Calif.) 6-1/185
Davis Winkie LS South Forsyth 6-6/250
Charles Wright WDE Irvine (Calif.) 6-3/220
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