With Jim Harbaugh at the helm, every day is an adventure in Ann arbor. but on national signing Day, the excitement and intrigue turns up a notch.
Michigan"s head coach once again proved his ability as a recruiter, securing two five-star commits and a ridiculous 19 four-star players.
MORE:National Signing Day 2017: Top 10 freshmen who can make immediate impact
The Wolverines picked up some notable last-minute additions to an already strong recruiting class, landing five-star defensive lineman Aubrey Solomon and also received a commitment from the No. 1 rated punter in the country Brad Robbins, although he was not listed on Michigan"s official roster of signees as of 7 p.m. Wednesday.
The biggest pickup in the class was five-star wide receiver Donovan People-Jones, who will try to add some explosiveness to an offense that lost Amara Darboh and Jabril Peppers, among others. Michigan also added quarterback Dylan McCaffrey, the brother of former Stanford running back and Heisman runner-up Christian McCaffrey, although he might be waiting in the wings for a season or two with the return of Wilton Speight.
Totalling 29 recruits, Michigan procured both its highest recruiting 247 Sports point total of any Wolverine class in the modern recruiting service era, as well as its highest-ever average rating on 247 of .9155.
With Harbaugh"s tenacity on the recruiting trail seemingly unwaning, those are both marks well within reach of matching in future classes.
Jordan Anthony, LB, Bradenton, Fla. (IMG Academy)Tarik Black, WR, Cheshire, Conn. (Cheshire Academy)Nico Collins, WR, Pinson, Ala. (Clay-Chalkville)Chuck Filiaga, OT, Aledo, Texas (Aledo)JaRaymond Hall, OT, Oak Park, Mich. (Oak Park)Brad Hawkins, WR, Camden, N.J. (Suffield Academy, Conn.)Joel Honigford, OT, Sugarcreek, Ohio (Garaway)James Hudson, DT, Toledo, Ohio (Central Catholic)Deron Irving-Bey, DE, Flint, Mich. (Southwestern Commencement Academy)Donovan Jeter, DE, Beaver Falls, Pa. (Beaver Falls)Jaylen Kelly-Powell, S, Detroit (Cass Technical)Corey Malone-Hatcher, DE, Saint Joseph, Mich. (St. Joseph)Oliver Martin, WR, Coralville, Iowa (West Senior)Ben Mason, Newtown, Conn. (Sandy Hook)Dylan McCaffrey, QB, Littleton, Colo. (Valor Christian)Philip Paea, DL, Berrien Spring, Mich. (Berrien Springs)Kwity Paye, DE, Warwick, R.I. (Bishop Hendricken)Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Detroit (Cass Technical)Josh Ross, LB, West Bloomfield, Mich. (St. Mary"s)Cesar Ruiz, C, Bradenton, Fla. (IMG Academy)O"Maury Samuels, RB, Los Lunas, N.M. (Los Lunas)Drew Singleton, LB, Union, N.J. (Parasmus Catholic)Benjamin St-Juste, CB, Montreal (Cegep du Vieux)Aubrey Solomon, DT, Leesburg, Ga. (Lee County)Andrew Stueber, OT, Darien, Conn. (Darien)Kurt Taylor, RB, Covington, Ga. (Grayson)Ambry Thomas, CB, Detroit (Detroit Martin Luther King)Luiji Vilain, DE, Alexandria, Va. (Episcopal)J"Marick Woods, S, Florence, Ala. (Florence)
RECAP - 2017 National Signing Day National Signing Day 2017: 10 Biggest Takeaways
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National signing day 2017 effectively signaled the end of the recruiting year, and the flurry of commitments brought several important developments for college football"s future.
The Big Ten and SEC each ended the festivities with two of the country"s four top classes, and both conferences also featured a noteworthy third unit. For the SEC, though, that wasn"t a good thing.
While one Pac-12 program emerged as the clear-cut NSD winner, another team in the conference quietly signed an excellent haul. That usually doesn"t happen in this era of recruiting, but it"s typically a positive when a class is wrapped up before signing day.
Although the same applied to the sport"s reigning champions, Clemson still grabbed plenty of attention on NSD shows. The difference was the absence of new commitments for the Tigers. Still, there were a handful of significant announcements by top-rated players.
The Trenches Take Center Stage
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Marvin Wilson /Credit: Scout
Skill positions provide the flash and jaw-dropping highlight reels, but "games are won in the trenches" still rings true today.On signing day, six of the eight 5-stars who announced their decision were offensive or defensive linemen.
The prized prospect was Marvin Wilson, the nation"s No. 1 defensive tackle and Scout"s highest-rated remaining talent entering NSD. He chose Florida State over LSU, Ohio State, Oklahoma and South Florida.
Tedarrell Slaton(OG) kicked off the morning with a pledge to Florida.Aubrey Solomon(DT), who had initially committed to Michigan earlier in the cycle before backing off, returned to the Wolverines.
USC made the biggest splash, landingAustin Jackson(OT) andJay Tufele(DT) literally in a matter of minutes during the noon ET hour. The Trojans added another 5-star, but we"ll get to that later.
Rounding out the 5-star group of linemen wasK"Lavon Chaisson, a defensive end who is headed to LSU.
Tough Times in Oxford
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Scout Team Ranking: 30
Ole Miss finished each of the last four cycles in the top 20 of Scout"s team rankings. That streak ended in unceremonious fashion.
Largely because of an NCAA investigation that has lingered over the program, the Rebels mustered just five 4-stars in a middling 23-man group. The unit ranked 11th in the SEC.
"This recruiting class: It was a penalty," head coach Hugh Freeze said, according to David Brandt of the Associated Press.
By no means is Ole Miss in dire straits, but the Rebels cannot afford another mediocre year on the trail. Otherwise, their three-year stay as part of the SEC West conversation will be short-lived.
Stanford Quietly Seals Top-Heavy Class
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Scout Team Ranking: 24
Ever since Jim Harbaugh took over in 2007, Stanford has typically signed respectable classes that lacked a perceived star. The program"s development prowess then takes over.
But the 2017 cycle is a bit different.
The Cardinal secured three 5-stars inDavis Mills(QB), Foster Sarell(OT) and Walker Little(OT), also adding Colby Parkinsonthe nation"s No. 1 tight end. Additionally, Connor Wedington(ATH), Osiris St. Brown(WR) and Paulson Adebo(ATH) are top-125 talents.
Stanford wrapped up its 14-man class before signing day, so David Shaw and Co. received little to zero NSD attention. But don"t mistake the lack of volume for an absence of a talent. This was an impressive nationwide haul for the Cardinal.
Clemson"s Reload Comes in Small Doses
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Scout Team Ranking: 26
Clemson had basically wrapped up its class before national signing day arrived. A 14-man group doesn"t seem particularly impressive at first glance, especially since the Tigers are less than a month removed from winning a national championship.
That shouldn"t come as a surprise, however, because Clemson doesn"t have the room for a massive haul. The 2017 roster will be loaded with sophomores and juniors.
And there"s no reason to worry about the size, either. The Tigers nabbed 11 4-star prospects with a promising QB-WR connection in Hunter Johnson and Tee Higgins. The top defensive signees were A.J. Terrell (S), Logan Rudolph (ATH/LB) and Justin Foster (OLB).
While the 2018 cycle will have a similar look in terms of volume, the impending championship boost should bring even higher-rated talents to Clemson. Is there a dynasty looming?
Maryland Signs Volume, No. 12 Class
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Scout Team Ranking: 12
DJ Durkin took on a rebuild at Maryland. But if his first full-year recruiting class was any indication, the arrow is pointing up.
Considering the sheer volume of the 28-man unit, it was going to hold a respectable ranking. However, Durkin added serious talent with 11 4-stars, highlighted by local running back Anthony McFarland.
The Terps had a clear focus on bolstering the offense, evidenced by their signing of six receivers and four running backs. Tahj Capehartwasthe highest-rated wideout. Other notable 4-star additions include Marcus Minor (OG), Deon Jones (CB), Markquese Bell (S) and Kasim Hill (QB).
Maryland must compete with Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State and Penn State on an annual basis in the Big Ten East Division, so this was an excellent step for Durkin.
USC Surges Seven Spots to No. 7
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Scout Team Ranking: 5
Did your favorite team have a good signing day? Congratulations! I"m happy for you. However, USC enjoyed a better one.
The Trojans opened Wednesday with 19 total commits, including one 5-star and 10 4-stars. By the end of the festivities, they"d reeled in a trio of 5-stars and three more 4-stars for the class.
Levi Jones (OLB) pledged to USC during breakfast on the East Coast, then Jackson and Tufele owned the lunch hour. Four-star TE Josh Falo provided a midday snack for the Trojans before 5-star WR Joseph Lewis and 4-star ATHGreg Johnsoncapped the eight-hour NSD feast.
Put simply, Clay Helton and the coaching staff found themselves in blue-chip heaven on Wednesday.
Thanks to a nine-game winning streak to close the 2016 campaign and this top-five class, get ready for major USC hype this offseason.
Ohio State Loads Up on Elite Talent
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Scout Team Ranking: 4
Ohio State grabbed early headlines for its 2017 class and deservedly so. The finish was as impressive as anticipated, since the Buckeyes inked six 5-stars and 13 top-125 high school prospects.
Urban Meyer and Co. reeled in an absurd amount of talent for the secondary, headlined by a pair of 5-stars in Jeffrey Okudah and former Alabama signeeKendall Sheffield. The staff also added 4-stars Shaun Wade, Isaiah Pryor, Amir Riep and Marcus Williamson.
The other 5-stars areChase Young(DE), Baron Browning(LB),Wyatt Davis(OG) and Tate Martell (QB). Haskell Garrett (DT), Josh Myers (OG), Trevon Grimes (WR) and J.K. Dobbins (ATH) round out the top-125 talents, and the Buckeyes have four more 4-stars.
Just two teams boasted a class with an average of 4-star players, and Ohio State sported an unbelievable 4.19 mark.
Even though the 2016 team ended the season in disappointing fashion, the future is only getting brighter in Columbus.
Excitement Builds at Georgia
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Michael Chang/Getty Images
Scout Team Ranking: 2
Is there any way Georgia fans aren"t thrilled at the success Kirby Smart and Co. achieved in this cycle? Sure, the Dawgs missed on some highly rated players, but that happens to every school.
This haul is incredible.
Of the 25 high school prospects, 20 are ranked in the top 255 nationally, two more are 4-stars and each of the three 3-stars barely missed the 4-star cutoff. Georgia signed the No. 5 JUCO player, too.
The Bulldogs also completely dominated in-state recruiting, keeping 5-stars DeAngelo Gibbs (ATH),Jake Fromm(QB) and Richard LeCounte (S) while collecting signatures from 14 of the 21 best prospects. For good measure, they plucked two of the premier recruits from the Northeast with 4-stars D"Andre Swift(RB) and Isaiah Wilson (OT).
Georgia hasn"t won the SEC East since 2012. That"s bad enough even before mentioning the 11-year conference championship drought. But after this class, there"s no excuse for Smart to not have a division crown by the end of 2018.
Harbaugh"s Reload Takes a Big Depth Step
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Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Scout Team Ranking: 3
Few teams will return less production in 2017 than Michigan, which lost a little bit of everything from its roster. It shouldn"t be a surprise the recruiting class reflects that.
The only position without a 4-star recruit is offensive guard, and the Wolverines picked up four 4-star linemen anyway.
And in addition to signing seven of the top 10 in-state prospectsled by 5-star and No. 1 receiver Donovan Peoples-JonesHarbaugh and the staff reached out to familiar places for some studs.
Four-star LB Drew Singleton is from Paramus Catholic, the alma mater of Jabrill Peppers and Rashan Gary as well as the former employer of position coach Chris Partridge. Four-star CCesar Ruizand 4-star LB Jordan Anthony are from IMG Academy, where the Wolverines held a week of spring practice in 2016.
Plus, picking up Solomon and 4-star WR Nico Collins provided the program"s signing day boost.
Although the upcoming season may bring a slight dip in overall record, Michigan improved its depth of talent at every position. This recruiting class should be an integral part of the Wolverines avoiding glaring future needs under Harbaugh.
Alabama"s Reign Continues
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Don Juan Moore/Getty Images
Scout Team Ranking: 1
What"s new, right?
For the seventh straight year, Alabama finished the recruiting cycle atop the 247Sports composite rankings. Scout considered the class No. 1 nationally for the third time in four years.
Najee Harris, the top-rated prospect in the country, leads the group of six 5-star prospects. Alex Leatherwood (OT), Dylan Moses (ILB), Devonta Smith (WR),VanDarius Cowan (OLB) and Isaiah Buggs (JUCO DE) complete the ridiculous bunch.
But the Tide should be equally excited about two 4-stars.Hawaiian quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is heralded as a legitimate competitor to incumbent starter Jalen Hurts, and Jerry Jeudy is an elite all-around receiver who should play immediately.
In all, the Crimson Tide signed 19 prospects ranked in the top 175 as well as two premier JUCO talents. That doesn"t even include defensive end Jarez Parks, who according to Andrew Bone of Rivals is expected to grayshirt in 2017.
All recruiting information viaScout. Stats from cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
National Signing Day is here, meaning its time forthe areas best high school football players to put on baseball hats.
Check out the top recruits expected to sign with Football Bowl Subdivision schools here, and then take a look at the top uncommitted national prospects here.
But just like you, were focused on whats going down today around D.C., Maryland and Virginia. So heres our guide to whats happening across the areaon Wednesday.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Decisions, decisions
Maryland is up against Big Ten rival Penn State and juggernaut Alabama for the services of Riverdale Baptist defensive back Tariq Castro-Fields, who did not allow a completion in his senior season. The 6-foot-2 speedster, who was first-team All Met this past fall and a four-star recruit according to Rivals.com, is set to make a decision Wednesday afternoon at the Upper Marlboro private school. Less than 24 hours after starting in College Park, D.J. Durkin visited Riverdale Baptist to emphasize his intention on keeping the best players in the area at home. Update: Castro-Fields has committed to Penn State. Read the story here.
[Your one-stop shop for all of our National Signing Day coverage]
In Northeast, the areas other top undecided prospect is H.D. Woodsondefensive tackleJaylen Twyman. The 6-foot-2, 300-pound senior, who like Castro-Fields was a first-team All Metpick and is a four-star recruit, is set to decide between Pittsburgh and South Carolina. In his final fall with the Warriors, Twyman posted 91 tackles and eight sacks. Update: Twyman has committed to Pitt. Read the story here.
[His family devastated by violence in D.C., H.D. Woodson lineman Jaylen Twyman plays to get them out]
Local Big Three
Once the dust settles on Wednesday night and commitments are official, Maryland, Virginia, and Virginia Tech will all welcome casts of promising local prospects. The Hokies landed one of the crown jewels of this years local recruiting class on New Years Day when Lackey linebacker Nathan Proctor committed to Virginia Tech at the Under Armour All-America game. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound senior, who was a first-team All Met selection, posted 68 tackles and eights sacks this fall.
[Heavy-hitting Lackey outside linebacker Nathan Proctor sticks with Virginia Tech]
Riverdale Baptist offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw, Wilson playmaker Sean Savoy, and Stonewall Jackson safety Devante Smith are also expected to sign with Virginia Tech.
Maryland received a boost last week when DeMatha running back Anthony McFarland chose the Terps over Miami and Alabama. The home-run hitter is one of 11 locals expected to sign with maryland on wednesday.
incharlottesville, bronco mendenhall successfully landed Lake Braddock running backLamont Atkins(an early enrollee),Dominion defensive lineman Tommy Christ,Good Counsel Wide Receiver Darnell Pratt, St. Albans linebackerCharles Snowden, and Westfield kicker Brian Delaney.
Flippin commits
Last year, Bullis quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr. and Good Counsel linebacker Keandre Jones surprised the area a few weeks before signing day by switching their oral commitments from Maryland to Ohio State. As nothing is official until players fax their letters of intent, prospects are free to change their mind on National Signing Day, much to the chagrin of fans bases. Will any of this years top recruits make a last-minute flip?
[National Signing Day has less early mystery, but a little drama at Michigan]
WHO TO FOLLOW
@allmetsports: Our main Twitter account is your one-stop source for every signing in the area. All. Day. Long.
: Jacob Bogage will be at Lackey at 11:30 a.m. to watch Proctor, running back Malik Burns (Temple), and offensive lineman James Tunstall sign. Then hes headed to DeMatha, where McFarland, All Met defensive player of the year Chase Young (Ohio State), and a host of other Stags will pledge to some of the countrys top college football programs.
: Nick Eilerson will kick things off bright and early with a 7:30 breakfast signing ceremony at Good Counsel. Later in the afternoon, h**l be at Riverdale Baptist to tweet the details of Castro-Fields highly anticipated commitment.
[Kentucky blue dominates the scene at Good Counsels signing day ceremony]
: Eric Goldwein will be at H.D. Woodson to see Twyman make a choice before heading to St. Johns in the afternoon, where highly touted offensive lineman Calvin Ashley and Maryland quarterback Kasim Hill are among the players expected to put pen to paper.
: Follow me(!) south of the Potomac as I visit two Virginia schools coming off breakthrough seasons Dominion and Virginia 6A state champion Westfield.
More on AllMetSports.com:
Ohio State secures five-star DeMatha defensive end Chase Young
Towering St. Johns OL Calvin Ashley inks with Auburn
St. Johns quarterback Kasim Hill makes it official with Maryland
Maryland hooks DeMatha lineman Marcus Minor | Gonzagas Johnny Jordan, too
Penn State lands another D.C. area talent in Episcopal DB Jonathan Sutherland
Kentucky picks up Good Counsel All-Met DE Joshua Paschal
Late-blooming St. Albans WR signs with Virginia | Lake Braddock RB Lamont Atkins enrolls early
Friendship Collegiate wide receiver Nykeim Johnson brings speed to Syracuse
See where all the locals are headed on ourRecruit Watch
