National Signing Day Blog
by Matt Miller
High school scouts Caleb Johnson, Nick Ironside and Flynn Hill will keep us updated all day as the signings pour in from the biggest names in High School Recruiting. (UPDATED TOP 25 CLASSES INSIDE)
New Era Scouting will give you the latest on National Signing Day. The highlights of the day include following the #1 player in the country, Terrelle Pryor’s announcement concerning his final school, with interviews from recruits who sign their LOI on Wednesday, as well as any other updates. Team and class rankings will come out and have been finalized in the past week.
Don’t forget - these are the classes that can make or break a team for next year! Rumblings are already taking place, so today is the day when (most) of the questions will be answered!
The New Era Scouting top 3 will all be deciding on National Signing Day so stay tuned!
UPDATES:
- 12:15 am EST - The Top classes section is up-to-date and expanded to 25 teams. Check it out at the bottom of the page. Nick Ironside will have his interviews with Rob Steeples and Lamaar Thomas up tomorrow.
- 5:56 PM EST - Nick Ironside interviewed Arizona State signee and #39 player in the NES Top 100 Gerell Robinson. It is posted below.
- 3:54 PM EST - After a day full of some tough breaks, Oregon finally got some good news when highly-regarded center prospect Hamani Stevens signed with the Ducks over UCLA.
- 3:38 PM EST - Alabama finished strong as they signed the #19 player in the NES Top 100, linebacker Jerrell Harris.
- 2:22 PM EST - Receiver Sedrick Johnson has switched from his Texas A&M commitment and chosen, instead, to sign with Iowa State. He’s easily the gem of head coach Gene Chizik’s first official recruiting class. Offensive tackle Greg Shaw signed with LSU over West Virginia.
- 1:33 PM EST - Running back Michael Shaw has joined his teammate, receiver Roy Roundtree, and will de-commit from Penn State and sign with Michigan.
- 1:03 PM EST - Cornerback T.J. Bryant, the #36 prospect in the NES Top 100, chose Southern Cal over Florida State and Alabama. NES #50 prospect cornerback Brandon Harris chose Miami over Ohio State, Florida, Oklahoma and UCF. Linebacker Jerrell Harris, linebacker Devoe Torrence and quarterback Terrelle Pryor are now the only three uncommitted prospects in the NES Top 100. Harris plans on deciding between Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, Southern Cal and Clemson at 3:00 PM EST.
- 12:52 PM EST - NES #3 prospect, running back Darrell Scott signs with Colorado, a huge get for coach Dan Hawkins.
- 12:49 PM EST - Receiver T.J. Lawrence will be signing with Florida. This is good news for a team who had lost a couple big names this morning to decommitments.
- 12:34 PM EST - NES #2 prospect receiver Julio Jones has decided to stay home and will sign with Alabama, further strengthening their case for a #1 recruiting class.
- 12:28 PM EST - #68 prospect in the NES Top 100, running back Jamie Harper committed to Clemson live on ESPNU just moments ago. Julio Jones will announce at 12:35 PM EST and Darrell Scot at 12:45 PM EST.
- 12:09 PM EST - Running back Sam McGuffie, the #30 prospect in the NES Top 100, has decided to delay his decision and may not sign today. McGuffie, who is committed to Michigan, is thinking about switching to California after a late visit there last weekend. The #2 and #3 prospects in the NES Top 100, receiver Julio Jones and running back Darrell Scott both plan to make their announcements in the next hour, along with the #68 prospect, running back Jamie Harper. Jones is down to Alabama, Florida State and Oklahoma. Scott is deciding between Texas and Colorado. And Harper is down to Miami, Florida State, Florida, Clemson and Illinois. New Era Scouting will keep you updated on these big announcements as soon as information becomes available.
- 11:39 AM EST - Defensive ends Robert Quinn and Quentin Coples signed with North Carolina. Quinn chose the Tar Heels over Alabama, Auburn, Rutgers and South Carolina, and Coples over Tennessee, Florida State and NC State. One of the top prep school players in the nation, running back Enrique Davis signed with Ole Miss over Tennessee, , Maryland and Auburn. Offensive tackle Antoine McClain signed with Clemson over Alabama, Auburn, LSU and Tennessee. And the #69 prospect in the NES Top 100, defensive end Nick Perry signed with Southern Cal, choosing them over Michigan. Some other signings: receiver E.J. Abrams-Ward to Tennessee; cornerback Joe Adams to Arkansas; tight end Brandon Moore to Michigan; safety Charles Mitchell to Mississippi State; running back Jermaine Thomas to Florida State; and receiver Aaron Boyd to Kentucky.
- 10:48 AM EST - Tight end Dwayne Allen has switched from his commitment to Georgia and signed with Clemson. Receiver Jarmon Fortson chose Florida State over Auburn. Illinois got a huge commit from NES Top 100 near-miss defensive tackle Corey Liuget, who chose the Illini over LSU, Miami and Florida State. And despite second-thoughts by NES Top 100 (#42) defensive tackle Omar Hunter giving consideration to Notre Dame and Georgia, he stuck with Florida and signed his letter of intent to play for the Gators.
- 10:12 AM EST - Receiver DeAndre Brown ,the #45 prospect in the NES Top 100, signed with Southern Mississippi. The Golden Eagles have been one of the biggest surprises in recruiting this year, as new head coach and former Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Larry Fedora has pulled in some big-time prospects, none bigger than Brown.
- 9:54 AM EST - #87 in the NES Top 100, receiver Tommy Streeter has committed to Miami. They also managed to keep fellow Miami Northwestern receiver prospect Kendal Thompkins, who made a late trip to Nebraska, and now have 6 big-time receiver prospects committed. They also landed offensive tackle Benjamin Jones, who was down to Miami, Clemson and Ohio State.
- 9:38 AM EST - NES Top 100 near-miss defensive end Kapron Lewis-Moore has made the switch from Texas A&M to Notre Dame, further strengthening the Fighting Irish’s chances at the #1 class. Alabama still plans to make a big run should they get commitments from Julio Jones, Jerrell Harris and T.J. Bryant. And Michigan has made a late run at a top 10 class with two late switches from receiver Roy Roundtree (originally committed to Purdue) and center Ricky Barnum (Florida). They are also sitting in good position with running back Michael Shaw (Penn State), who will decide at 1 PM EST between Penn State and Michigan. Florida has been hit hard, losing both Barnum and NES Top 100 (#67) prospect Ramon Buchanan, who switched back to the Miami after decommitting from them two weeks ago. Right now it seems to be a three-team race to the #1 class, with Notre Dame, Miami and Alabama all trying to close strong.
- 9:22 AM EST - Offensive guard Josh Jenkins, NES Top 100 prospect (#63) signed with West Virginia. He was considering Ohio State and Florida State after the departure of head coach Rich Rodriguez, but has stuck with his original commitment. Many more decisions to come, so stay tuned.
- 7:59 AM EST - NES Top 100 (#98) receiver prospect Deion Walker will stick with Notre Dame. He was having second thoughts and considering Penn State and Tennessee, but has chosen to stick with his original choice and sign with the Fighting Irish.
- 7:21 AM EST - New Era Scouting’s #1 prospect Terrelle Pryor will not sign today. He plans on visiting Penn State and possibly Oregon before making his decision.
Interview Schedule:
February 7th - Interview with Rob Steeples, Athlete, Verbal to Mizzou
February 7th - Interview with Lamaar Thomas, RB, Verbal to Ohio State
Gerell Robinson Interview
Nick Ironside: What do you think of your overall class? Do you think it’s deep in depth, shallow, strong at a certain position, etc.?
Gerell Robinson: Overall I think we have a pretty solid class. We have a lot of athleticism and good character guys. We filled every gap we needed to for this class and even took a few extra so it all helps in the end.
NI: Which of your future teammates do you see being the biggest impact on your college? Why did you choose them?
GR: This is a tough question; I cant really say because none of us are there or at that point in time to show what we really can do at the college level.
NI: What are some of the aspects of your class you’re really happy about and you think your future coaches covered well?
GR: I think at the QB position we got Jack Elway, who has been known to have a strong arm. At running back we got Ryan Bass, who is know for speed bursts and a scoring machine. With the wide receivers, we got a few guys who can step in learn the system and help the team win. I think ASU sells itself – great weather, nice atmosphere, and the staff they have in place is a great one.
NI: What are some of the tactics you think your future coaches could’ve used to recruit you a bit better?
GR: To be honest, the way they recruited me from the point where I was committed to Arizona until now was perfect. They never rushed me or pressured me. I felt they handled the best way I have seen based on other schools.
NI: Have you connected well with any of your fellow recruits in your class?
GR: Yea, I’m an outgoing guy so I like to have fun and hang out with the guys you will be playing with for 3 to 4 years. I would say out of the 9 other in state guys I have played with 7 of them so I feel I know them pretty well.
NI: Do you think you’re going to have an early impact in your college career?
GR: Yes, I hope to get in and tear it up and leave my mark as a freshman and become a impact player.
NI: Where do you see yourselves in four years?
GR: Only God knows, I hope to be in the league by then possibly with a degree in hand and a Pac-10 title as well.
NI: What are you happiest about overall in your class?
GR: Just the class having a good group of talented guys, and all of us excelling one way or another.
NI: Why in the end did you choose ASU over Notre Dame? What was the biggest reason?
GR: To be honest, when I chose ASU I wasn’t so sure but in the end I made the right choice, and I felt more comfortable and felt I could trust ASU’s staff.
Updated and Final Top 100:
1) QB Terrelle Pryor 6’6, 220, Jeanette, PA
2) WR Julio Jones 6’4, 215, Foley, AL - ALABAMA
3) RB Darrell Scott, 6’0, 204, Ventura, CA - COLORADO
4) LB Arthur Brown, 6’1, 210, Wichita, KS – MIAMI (FL)
5) DT Marcus Forston, 6’2, 286, Miami, FL – MIAMI (FL)
6) OT Michael Brewster, 6’6, 305, Orlando, FL – OHIO STATE
7) DE DaQuan Bowers, 6’4, 267, Bamberg, SC – CLEMSON
8.) WR A.J. Green, 6’4, 184, Summerville, SC – GEORGIA
9) OT Tyron Smith, 6’5, 260, Moreno Valley, CA – SOUTHERN CAL
10) S Will Hill 6’3, 203 lbs, Jersey City, NJ – FLORIDA
11) OT Mike Adams, 6’7, 308, Dublin, OH – OHIO STATE
12) CB Patrick Johnson, 6’1, 193, Pompano Beach, FL – LSU
13) DE R.J. Washington, 6’3, 245, Keller, TX – OKLAHOMA
14) DT Baker Steinkuhler, 6’6, 290, Lincoln, NE – NEBRASKA
15) RB Jermie Calhoun, 6’0, 210, Van, TX – OKLAHOMA
16) OT Matt Kalil, 6’7, 281, Anaheim, CA – SOUTHERN CAL
17) S Rahim Moore, 6’0, 185, Los Angeles, CA – UCLA
18) OT Stephen Good, 6’5, 290, Paris, TX – OKLAHOMA
19) LB Jerrell Harris, 6’2, 220 lbs, Gadsden, AL - ALABAMA
20) LB Jon Major, 6’4, 230, Parker, CO – COLORADO
21) WR Michael Floyd, 6’3, 195, St. Paul, MN – NOTRE DAME
22) QB Blaine Gabbert, 6’4, 226, Ballwin, MO – MISSOURI
23) TE Jonathan Baldwin, 6’6, 225, Aliquippa, PA – PITTSBURGH
24) CB Boubacar Cissoko, 5’8, 171, Detroit, MI – MICHIGAN
25) DT DeAngelo Tyson, 6’2, 276, Statesboro, GA – GEORGIA
26) OT Matt Patchan, 6’7, 265, Seffner, FL – FLORIDA
27) QB Dayne Crist, 6’5, 228, Sherman Oaks, CA – NOTRE DAME
28) LB Nigel Bradham, 6’2, 230, Crawfordville, FL – FLORIDA STATE
29) CB Aaron Williams, 6’1, 175, Round Rock, TX – TEXAS
30) RB Sam McGuffie, 6’0, 188, Cypress, TX – MICHIGAN
31) QB Andrew Luck, 6’4, 215, Houston, TX – STANFORD
32) LB Shayne Hale, 6’3, 235, Monroeville, PA – PITTSBURGH
33) TE Kyle Rudolph, 6’6, 229, Cincinnati, OH – NOTRE DAME
34) DE Chancey Aghayere, 6’4, 244, Garland, TX – LSU
35) WR Jameel Owens, 6’3, 210, Muskogee, OK – OKLAHOMA
36) CB T.J Bryant, 6’1, 175, Tallahassee, FL - SOUTHERN CAL
37) RB Richard Samuel, 6′0, 197, Cartersville, GA - GEORGIA
38) WR D.J Shoemate, 6’0, 219, Anaheim, CA – SOUTHERN CAL
39) S Gerell Robinson, 6’4, 210, Chandler AZ – ARIZONA STATE
40) TE Blake Ayles, 6’4, 245, Orange, CA – SOUTHERN CAL
41) WR Dan Buckner, 6’4, 209, Allen, TX – TEXAS
42) DT Omar Hunter, 6’2, 300, Buford, GA – FLORIDA
43) S Joseph Ibiloye, 6’2, 195, Garland, TX – OKLAHOMA
44) LB Etienne Sabino, 6’3, 228, Miami, FL – OHIO STATE
45) WR DeAndre Brown, 6’6, 208, Ocean Springs, MS - SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
46) OG Trevor Robinson, 6’6, 304, Omaha, NE – NOTRE DAME
47) RB Lamaar Thomas, 5’11, 181, Fort Washington, MD – OHIO STATE
48) RB Aundre Dean, 6’1, 200 lbs, Katy, TX - UCLA
49) DT Ethan Johnson, 6’4, 266, Portland, OR – NOTRE DAME
50) CB Brandon Harris, 5′10, 174, Miami, FL - MIAMI (FL)
51) CB D.J Monroe, 5’9, 165, Angleton, TX- TEXAS
52) DE Cornelius Washington, 6’4, 220, Waynesboro, GA – GEORGIA
53) QB E.J Manuel, 6’4, 201, Virginia Beach, VA – FLORIDA STATE
54) LB Stephen Filer, 6’3, 220, Chicago, IL – NOTRE DAME
55) WR DeSean Hales, 5’10, 165, Klein, TX- TEXAS
56) S Dee Finley, 6’3, 210, Auburn, AL – FLORIDA
57) RB Ryan Williams, 5’10, 192, Manassas, VA – VIRGINIA TECH
58) DT Garrett Goebel, 6’5, 264, Lombard, IL – OHIO STATE
59) DE William Green, 6’4, 215, Hoover, AL - FLORIDA
60) OT Tyler Love, 6’7, 285, Mountain Brook, AL – ALABAMA
61) QB Landry Jones, 6’4, 224, Artesia, NM – OKLAHOMA
62) LB Justin Johnson, 6’1, 210, Gilmer TX – OKLAHOMA
63) OG Josh Jenkins, 6’3, 282, Vienna, WV – WEST VIRGINIA
64) WR Brice Butler, 6’2, 178, Norcross, GA – SOUTHERN CAL
65) LB Jordan Futch, 6’4, 200, Hollywood, FL – MIAMI (FL)
66) LB Devoe Torrence, 6’2, 210, Massilon, OH
67) S Ramon Buchanan, 6’0, 181, Melbourne, FL – MIAMI (FL)
68) RB Jamie Harper, 6’0, 210, Jacksonville, FL - CLEMSON
69) DE Nick Perry, 6’4, 220, Detroit, MI - SOUTHERN CAL
70) TE Kavario Middleton, 6’6, 250, Lakewood, WA – WASHINGTON
71) DE Datone Jones, 6’4, 240, Compton, CA – UCLA
72) OT J.B Shugharts, 6’7, 299, Klein, TX – OHIO STATE
73) LB Lynn Katoa, 6’2, 220, Salt Lake City, UT – COLORADO
74) DE Wes Horton, 6’6, 230, Sherman Oaks, CA – SOUTHERN CAL
75) WR Aldarius Johnson, 6’2, 200, Miami, FL – MIAMI (FL)
76) CB Aaron Hester, 6’0, 180, Compton, CA - UCLA
77) OT Dan O’Neill, 6’8, 291, Grand Haven, MI – MICHIGAN
78) RB Jonas Gray, 5’10, 213, Detroit, MI – NOTRE DAME
79) LB Brendan Beal, 6’4, 235, Bethlehem, PA – FLORIDA
80) RB, Jeffrey Demps, 5′8, 162, South Lake, FL - FLORIDA
81) QB Star Jackson, 6’3, 182 lbs, Lake Worth, FL – ALABAMA
82) DB Burton Scott, 5’11, 195 lbs, Prichard, AL – ALABAMA
83) WR Jeff Fuller, 6’4, 202, McKinney, TX – TEXAS A&M
84) LB Andrew Sweat, 6’2, 225, Washington, PA – OHIO STATE
85) OG A.J Harmon, 6’4, 308, Louisville, GA – GEORGIA
86) S Jamoris Slaughter, 6’1, 185, Stone Mountain, GA – NOTRE DAME
87) WR Tommy Streeter, 6’6, 205, Miami, FL - MIAMI (FL)
88) LB Marcus Robinson, 6’2, 210, Homestead, FL – MIAMI (FL)
89) TE Jake Stoneburner, 6’6, 223, Dublin, OH – OHIO STATE
90) RB Darius Barksdale, 6’0, 190, Batesville, MS – MISSISSIPPI STATE
91) LB Bruce Taylor, 6’3, 230, Myrtle Beach, SC – VIRGINIA TECH
92) OT Lucas Nix, 6’6, 295 Jefferson Hills, PA – PITTSBURGH
93) RB A.J Alexander, 6’0, 180, Altoona, PA - FLORIDA STATE
94) DT Jarvis Humphrey, 6’2, 290, Cedar Hill, TX – TEXAS
95) OLB Nigel Carr, 6’3, 220, Jacksonville, FL – FLORIDA STATE
96) WR Chris Tolliver, 6’1, 180, Rayville, LA -LSU
97) CB Jarred Holley, 5’10, 175, Easton, PA - PITTSBURGH
98) WR Deion Walker, 6’4, 186, Christchurch, VA – NOTRE DAME
99) OT Barrett Jones, 6’5, 271, Memphis, TN – ALABAMA
100) DB Alonzo Lawrence, 6’1, 190 lbs, Lucedale, MS - ALABAMA
Current Top 10 Classes (updated tonight):
1. Alabama, 32 signees
NES Top 100 commits: WR Julio Jones (#2 overall), LB Jerrell Harris (#19), OT Tyler Love (#60), QB Star Jackson (#81), DB Burton Scott (#82), OT Barrett Jones (#99), DB Alonzo Lawrence (#100)
Comments: This class has tremendous depth with not just these players, but guys like defensive end Michael Williams, linebacker Mark Barron, and defensive tackle Kerry Murphy who just missed the cut for the top 100. Julio Jones and Jerrell Harris put this class over the top with their signing day commits and the recent verbal of Alonzo Lawrence, paired alongside Burton Scott has the potential to be a dominant tandem. Star Jackson can be groomed into a top quarterback and with guys like Jones, Destin Hood, and Melvin Ray, he will definitely have targets to throw to.
2. Miami (FL), 33 signees
NES Top 100 commits: LB Arthur Brown (#4), DT Marcus Forston (#5), CB Brandon Harris (#50), LB Jordan Futch (#65), S Ramon Buchanan (#67), WR Aldarius Johnson (#75), WR Tommy Streeter (#87), LB Marcus Robinson (#88)
Comments: Hats off to Randy Shannon for this tremendous haul, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Arthur Brown is the best defensive player in the country, but he is followed closely by Marcus Forston. Buchanan, Futch, Robinson, and sleeper linebacker Zach Kane are some of the best in the country at linebacker. Brandon Harris was an excellent late pick up to alleviate the loss of Patrick Johnson. Vaughn Telemaque is a rangy safety in the mold of Sean Taylor. Shannon received signatures from Marcus Forston, Aldarius Johnson, Jacory Harris, Benjamin Jones, Sean Spence, Tommy Streeter, Kendall Thompkins, and Brandon Washington, all of whom are from the top high school team in the country, Miami Northwestern.
3. Notre Dame, 23 signees
NES Top 100 commits: WR Michael Floyd (#21), QB Dayne Crist (#27), TE Kyle Rudolph (#33), OG Trevor Robinson (#46), DE Ethan Johnson (#49), LB Stephen Filer (#54), RB Jonas Gray (#78), S Jamoris Slaughter (#86), WR Deion Walker (#98)
Comments: Despite the terrible on field record of 3-9 in 2007, the recruiting class has given quite a bit of optimism to the Irish faithful for future years. The Irish were able to get pledges from players like Filer, Johnson, linebacker Darius Fleming, and nose tackle Brandon Newman who are tailor made for the 3-4 defense. The offense picked up a trio of gifted receivers in the form of Michael Floyd, Deion Walker, and John Goodman. All three are at least 6’3” and run in the 4.5 second 40-yard dash range. Those three, along with Kyle Rudolph and Dayne Crist will definitely help Notre Dame’s passing game. Along the offensive line, guard Trevor Robinson and center Braxton Cave are physically ready to help a porous line immediately.
4. Florida, 22 signees
NES Top 100 commits: S Will Hill (#10), OT Matt Patchan (#26), DT Omar Hunter (#42), S Dee Finley (#56), DE William Green (#59), LB Brandon Beal (#79), RB Jeffery Demps
Comments: The Gators added a ton of speed and talent to their defense with Will Hill, Omar Hunter, and Dee Finley amongst others. Hill and Finley are two of the best safeties in the country and are ideal free and strong safeties respectively. Notre Dame decommitment Omar Hunter is extremely disruptive, as he is an unbelievable blend of strength and quickness. Brandon Beal is a physical specimen with a 4.5 40-yard dash and excellent size (6’4”, 240 lbs). Matt Patchan is a dominant run blocker. Don’t forget about Caleb Sturgis, one of the top kickers in the country.
5. Oklahoma, 21 signees
NES 100 commits: DE R.J. Washington (#13), RB Jermie Calhoun (#15), OT Stephen Good (#18), WR Jameel Owens (#35), S Jospeh Ibiloye (#43), QB Landry Jones (#61), LB Justin Johnson (#62)
Comments: Oklahoma raided Texas for its top talent, as Washington, Calhoun, Good, Ibiloye, and Johnson were from the Lone Star State. All are unbelievable prospects and were snatched from the Longhorns early on in the recruiting process. Landry Jones will be forced to wait in the wings for a few years because of Sam Bradford, but when the time comes, he will make a major impact. Keeping receiver Jameel Owens and defensive tackle Stacey McGee in state are huge for the Sooners. Their receiver trio of Owens, Josh Jarboe, Dejuan Miller rivals Notre Dame’s and Alabama’s for the best receiving class in the country.
6. Georgia, 24 signees
NES 100 commits: WR A.J. Green (#8), DT DeAngelo Tyson (#25), RB Richard Samuel (#37), DE Cornelius Washington (#52), OG A.J. Harmon (#85)
Comments: Despite his stock falling slightly from his junior to senior seasons, A.J. Green is still one of the top ten or so prospects in the country. He’s more naturally gifted than Julio Jones, but needs to add strength and weight. After he spends some time in a weight room, scouts may see Green as being the more dangerous prospect. Cornelius Washington can come in right away and be a pass rushing specialist because of his unbelievable speed. He was an all-state 100 m dash runner with a time of 11.25 seconds. Richard Samuel is listed at running back, but Mark Richt may feel he’s too talented to have sit on the bench and play him at linebacker early on. Don’t forget about prep school linebacker Akeem Hebron.
7. Florida State, 30 signees
NES 100 commits: LB Nigel Bradham (#28), QB E.J. Manuel (#53), RB A.J. Alexander (#93), LB Nigel Carr (#95)
Comments: After a sub par 2007 recruiting class, the Seminoles rebounded, nabbing a top ten class in 2008. E.J. Manuel might be the answer at quarterback for the Seminoles, after years of having to deal with players like Chris Rix, Xavier Lee, and Drew Weatherford. A.J. Alexander is a nationally ranked runner in the 100 m dash, and is electric with the ball in his hands. Nick Moody is a raw version of current Seminole Myron Rolle. Florida State did excellent work in the JUCO ranks, getting three excellent players in receiver Corey Surrency, defensive end Markus White, and running back Tavares Pressley. This is the type of class fans have grown accustomed to seeing from Bobby Bowden and company.
8. Southern Cal, 19 signees
NES 100 commits: OT Tyron Smith (#9), OT Matt Kalil (#16), CB T.J. Bryant (#36), WR D.J. Shoemate (#38), TE Blake Ayles (#40), WR Brice Butler (#64), DE Nick Perry (#69), DE Wes Horton (#74)
Comments: Player for player, this may be a top two or three class. Due to a lack of scholarships they were only able to add nineteen players to this class. They have their future right and left tackles in Tyron Smith and Matt Kalil. Nick Perry and Wes Horton are big time pass rushers, especially Perry who tallied 36 sacks his senior year. Blake Ayles is a major threat in the pass catching game and Brice Butler has an unreal wingspan, which will prove to be extremely useful. Curtis McNeal is undersized at just 5’6”, but he is as elusive as anyone in the country.
9. Michigan, 24 signees
NES 100 commits: CB Boubacar Cissoko (#24), RB Sam McGuffie (#30), OT Dan O’Neill (#77)
Comments: This is an extremely deep class for Michigan, especially for a team that changed coaches midway through recruiting season. Cissoko is a press coverage specialist and can play immediately because of his tremendous quickness and natural ability. McGuffie is a YouTube legend for good reason, as his athleticism is unreal. Tight ends Brandon Moore and Kevin Koger are nice pickups for both receiving and blocking purposes. Roy Roundtree and Michael Shaw were both big time signing day commitments and helped the Wolverines climb up to the number nine class in the country. They are still waiting on Terrelle Pryor, the top player in the country, who will decide after Signing Day.
10. Ohio State, 19 signees
NES 100 commits: OL Michael Brewster (#6), OT Michael Adams (#11), LB Ettiene Sabino (#44), RB Lamaar Thomas (#47), DT Garrett Goebel (#58), OT J.B. Shugarts (#72), LB Andrew Sweat (#84), TE Jake Stoneburner (#89)
Comments: Like Southern Cal, Ohio State added many quality players and would have a higher ranking had they had the scholarships available. They too added bookend right and left tackles in Brewster and Adamas. Sabino has the size of the typical Ohio State inside linebacker and Andrew Sweat has tremendous hustle. DeVier Posey is a smooth receiver who can help out and compliment Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline. Shawntel Rowell is massive on the interior, and with conditioning, has an unbelievable ceiling. They are waiting on Terrelle Pryor as well and will jump a few spots if they can nab him.
11. Clemson, 26 signees
Top prospect: Defensive end DaQuan Bowers (#7 in NES Top 100)
Comments: Along with Bowers, who dominated at the Under Armour All-American game, the Tigers had three major signing day decisions go their way in NES Top 100 running back prospect Jamie Harper, tight end Dwayne Allen and offensive tackle Antoine McClain.
12. LSU, 26 signees
Top prospect: Cornerback Patrick Johnson (#11 in NES Top 100)
Comments: LSU capitalized on its national championship and put together a very solid class, headlined by three NES Top 100 prospects: Johnson, defensive end Chancey Aghayere, and receiver Chris Tolliver.
13. UCLA, 23 signees
Top prospect: Safety Rahim Moore (#17 in NES Top 100)
Comments: The Bruins, despite a coaching change, were able to hang onto a majority of their class, which is headlined by Moore, running back Aundre Dean, defensive end Datone Jones and cornerback Aaron Hester, all prospects in the NES Top 100.
14. Colorado, 21 signees
Top prospect: Running back Darrell Scott (#3 in NES Top 100)
Comments: Dan Hawkins received great news during lunch on National Signing Day, with Scott choosing the Buffaloes over Texas, adding to their already impressive list which includes NES Top 100 members Jon Major and Lynn Katoa.
15. Texas, 20 signees
Top prospect: Cornerback Aaron Williams (#29 in NES Top 100)
Comments: All but two signees committed since last June, the Longhorns, as always, put together a good class full of kids who bleed burnt orange, and despite missing out of Scott, were able to land five NES Top 100 prospects in Williams, receiver Dan Buckner, cornerback D.J. Monroe, receiver DeSean Hales and defensive tackle Jarvis Humphrey.
16. Minnesota, 30 signees
Top prospect: Quarterback MarQueis Gray
Comments: While they didn’t land any NES Top 100 talent, the Golden Gophers and coach Tim Brewster ended up with a very good class, headlined by the dual-threat Gray, who did very well at the U.S. Army All-American game.
17. Texas A&M, 24 signees
Best prospect: Receiver Jeff Fuller (#83 in NES Top 100)
Comments: The Aggies were hurt by receiver Sedrick Johnson’s signing day defection, but ultimately signed a good class, led by Fuller and running back Cyrus Gray, that should provide new coach Mike Sherman with the talent needed to compete in the rigorous Big XII South division.
18. Oregon, 19 signees
Best prospect: Junior College defensive tackle Justin Thompson
Comments: Oregon had a rough start to signing day, losing out on a lot of prospects that they were in on, but finished strong signing center Hamani Stevens and bringing in one of the best junior college players in the nation in Thompson.
19. Auburn, 28 signees
Best prospect: Junior College defensive end Raven Gray
Comments: Coach Tommy Tubberville and the Tigers didn’t light up the world in the high school ranks with this class, but were able to sign Gray, one of the top junior college prospects in the country, and offensive tackle Jermaine Johnson, one of the best players out of the prep school ranks.
20. Virginia Tech, 31 signees
Best prospect: Running back Ryan Williams (#57 in NES Top 100)
Comments: The Hokies under Frank Beamer have been known for turning supposedly marginal talent out of high school into great team players, so the fact that they were able to put together a top 20 class this year, with Williams and fellow NES Top 100 linebacker Bruce Taylor leading the way, is something to look forward to for all VT fans out there.
21. Illinois, 28 signees
Best prospect: Defensive tackle Corey Liuget
Comments: Ron Zook continues to amaze people with his recruiting prowess, and reeled in another very good class for the Illini - headlined by Liuget and junior college safety prospect Donsay Hardeman - which could go a long way in their fight to win the Big Ten conference.
22. Arizona State, 27 signees
Best prospect: Receiver Gerell Robinson (#39 in NES Top 100)
Comments: With his first full recruiting class, Dennis Erickson didn’t disappoint, bringing in some very good talent to Arizona State, including Robinson, who could project at a number of positions when he arrives on campus in the fall.
23. Nebraska, 28 signees
Top prospect: Defensive tackle Baker Steinkuhler (#14 in NES Top 100)
Comments: Despite 17 de-commitments, new head coach Bo Pelini and staff did a solid job of rebuilding a class once headed toward a top 10 finish and kept versatile lineman Steinkuhler, who could project on either side of the ball, in tow.
24. South Carolina, 22 commits
Top prospect: Cornerback Charles Whitlock
Comments: The Gamecocks might not have been able to land any of the Top 100 prospects this season, but Steve Spurrier and his staff brought in a talented class which includes Whitlock and prep school running back Eric Baker.
25. Pittsburgh, 19 commits
Top prospect: Tight end Jonathan Baldwin (#23 in NES Top 100)
Comments: For a coach who spent most of last season on the hot seat, Dave Wannestedt certainly made a splash in recruiting, signing four NES Top 100 prospects in Baldwin, linebacker Shayne Hale, offensive tackle Lucas Nix and cornerback Jarred Holley.
Over the next month, high school scouts Caleb Johnson, Nick Ironside and Flynn Hill will finish the touches on the class of 2008 and also unveil their first 2009 Top 100.