College Football

Top Recruiting Classes after National Signing Day

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 6:09 p.m. ET

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National Signing Day has come and gone. See which teams put themselves in prime position for a strong 2017 season.

National Signing Day was a good day for top schools across the nation. Some teams got a lot better while others missed out on some key recruits. The final recruiting rankings reflect a lot of this.

Defensive tackle Marvin Wilson made his final decision, signing with the Florida State Seminoles. Wilson gives them a strong defensive presence in the middle, something they desperately needed last season.

Perhaps the surprise team of National Signing Day was the USC Trojans. Head coach Clay Helton earned the pledges of some top-notch blue chip recruits, making them a team to watch in 2017. The Trojans got the commitments of six players ranked in the top 100 of the 2017 recruiting class, according to 247 Sports. The additions of linebacker Levi Jones and defensive tackle Jay Tufele give the Trojans a strong defensive presence to contend with the Washington Huskies next season.

The Alabama Crimson Tide had an interesting day as well. They got defensive end Jarez Parks, a four-star recruit, to gray shirt instead choosing to attend another school. It speaks volumes to the ability of Nick Saban and his coaching staff to recruit at a top notch rate. After all, it explains why they have the best recruiting class since 2010.

National Signing Day was an action-packed day to say the least. Here are the top 10 recruiting classes going forward.

Nov 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly speaks at the post game press conference following the game against the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC won 45-27. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

10. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish quietly pulled in a strong recruiting class to crack the top 10. The Fighting Irish signed 21 players on National Signing Day. Their 2017 recruiting class is chock full of offensive and defensive lineman.

The Fighting Irish signed 10 players ranked in the 247Sports Top 300. They loaded up as well, signing three four-star prospects and a three-star prospect on the offensive line. Offensive guard Robert Hainsey and offensive tackle Aaron Banks enrolled early in January as well. Both could add some depth on the Fighting Irish offensive line next season.

On the defensive side of things, Notre Dame signed five defensive lineman. They put a lot of their focus on the interior defense in 2017. Despite going 4-8, the Fighting Irish were able to earn the commitments of some top prospects.

Notre Dame signed four-star defensive tackle Darnell Ewell out of Virginia along with four other three-star prospects to add some depth on the defensive line. Ewell is a 6-foot-4 and 295 pound prospect ranks as the 10th best defensive tackle. He strengthens a defensive unit that allowed 182.4 rushing yards as a team in 2017.

With quarterback DeShone Kizer heading to the NFL Draft, the Fighting Irish also signed another dual-threat quarterback in Avery Davis, a four-star prospect out of Cedar Hill, Texas. Davis gives Notre Dame another dynamic playmaker on offense, rated as the eighth best dual-quarterback prospect, according to 247Sports.

Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (middle) lifts the champions trophy with Sooners head coach Bob Stoops after defeating the Auburn Tigers in the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Oklahoma won 35-19. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

9. Oklahoma Sooners

The Oklahoma Sooners didn’t close out on too many targets in the country but they still managed to have a reasonable National Signing Day. The Sooners signed 18 players ranked in the 247Sports Top 300 to pull in a top 10 recruiting class for 2017.

Head coach Bob Stoops didn’t waste any time reloading at the wide receiver and running back position. With the departures of DeDe Westbrook, Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine, the Sooners earned the pledges of wide receiver Marquise Brown and running back Trey Sermon. It gives Oklahoma some added firepower to reload at the positions that made them successful in the Big 12 in 2016.

Brown is a 5-foot-11, 170 pound speedster out of California who enrolled in January. He ranks 14th nationally, third by position and third best player in the state of Florida, according to 247 Sports. He looks to replace prolific playmaker DeDe Westbrook at the receiver position.

Sermon adds another dimension as well. At 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, he ranks 185 overall in the nation, 12th at his position and 19th-best player in the state of Georgia, according to 247 Sports. With both Sermon and Sutton as early enrollees, the Sooners have shown they are ready to get better now, despite the departure of Mixon and Perine.

Look for the 2017 recruiting class to make waves for Oklahoma after a good National Signing Day overall.

Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn talks with head linesman Tripp Sutter in the second quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

8. Auburn Tigers

The Auburn Tigers had a good National Signing Day to remain in the top 10. The Tigers signed one five-star, 10 four-star, and 12 three-stars to hone in on some key areas of need. Overall, Auburn signed 11 players in the 247 Sports Top 300 and 16 players total to corral in a good group of recruits.

The Tigers signed five-star offensive tackle Calvin Ashley out of Washington D.C.. Auburn shows their reach goes beyond just the state of Alabama to strengthen their offensive line. Ashley rates as the 27th-best player in the nation, sixth best by position and first in D.C., according to 247 Sports.

The Tigers could also have a quarterback battle on its hands in the spring with the addition of quarterback Jarrett Stidham, out of McLennan Community College. Stidham started as a freshman at Baylor in 2015.

Defensively, the Tigers brought in inside linebacker Tadarian Moultry and weakside defensive end Markaviest Bryant as well. Moultry had nine tackles and a sack in this year’s annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game, showing his knack for the football on defense.

Bryant committed to Auburn over LSU and Georgia. Dubbed the name “Big Cat”, his instincts are very cat-like, as shown by his statistics. The senior defensive end recorded 102 tackles, 36.5 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks in his final season as a high school athlete. It also helps he’s the cousin of Auburn defensive lineman Montravious Adams as well.

The Tigers were a surprise in the SEC last season, going 5-3. They could be another sleeper to look out for in 2017 with such a good recruiting class on National Signing Day.

Dec 31, 2016; Orlando , FL, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron looks on against the Louisville Cardinals during the second half at Camping World Stadium. LSU Tigers defeated the Louisville Cardinals 29-9. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

7. LSU Tigers

The LSU Tigers fared very well with their 2017 recruiting class despite the firing of head coach Les Miles. The Tigers signed 17 commitments in this year’s recruiting class along with six January enrollees. In total, they acquired one five-star, 15 four-stars and eight three-stars, according to 247 Sports, on National Signing Day.

The Tigers closed out on a few key targets on National Signing Day as well. The LSU coaching staff used 2017 to get a whole lot better on the defensive side of the ball. Their defensive line got a lot better with the commitment of weakside defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson, a four-star prospect out of Texas. Most predicted Chaisson to choose the Texas Longhorns but instead he chose to play in the SEC. Chaisson ranks 37th nationally, fourth at his position and the fifth-best player in the state, according to 247 Sports.

Chaisson joins defensive tackle Tyler Shelvin, a four-star prospect who also signed with the LSU Tigers on National Signing Day. Shelvin ranks as the 52nd-best player in the nation, fourth at his position and first overall in the state of Louisiana, according to 247 Sports.

The Tigers will add early enrollee, five-star safety JaCoby Stevens to the mix as well in 2017. Stevens recorded 64 tackles, nine interceptions and was also a special teams contributor in high school. With his ability, Stevens looks to play an integral role on an LSU Tigers’ team in desperate need of a defensive playmaker.

LSU looks to return to SEC dominance, they still have to work to do. But this year’s recruiting class is a step in the right direction.

Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end DeMarcus Walker (44) and head coach Jimbo Fisher (R) celebrate after defeating the Michigan Wolverines 33-32 at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

6. Florida State Seminoles

The Florida State Seminoles had a solid National Signing Day with the late acquisition of five-star defensive tackle Marvin Wilson. Wilson committed to the Seminoles on February 1, giving them a solid interior defensive lineman. He was one of four five-star prospects to sign with Florida State, according to 247 Sports.

Wilson joins five-star weakside defensive end Joshua Kaindoh in the Seminoles’ 2017 recruiting class as well. Kaindoh, a 6-foot-6, 250 pound prospect, ranks ninth overall in the nation, third at his position and first overall in the state of Florida, according to 247 Sports, as he enters the college ranks.

Both Wilson and Kaindoh are two players who could see playing time right away for the Seminoles. Not to mention standout safety Derwin James returns from a torn meniscus injury in 2017 as well. All of that makes for a scary scenario for Florida State as they look to return to the top of the ACC.

The Seminoles offense also got a whole lot better by signing five-star running backs Cam Akers and Khalan LaBorn. So, losing prolific running back Dalvin Cook won’t hurt Florida State too badly.

Akers, the second rated player in the nation, first best by position and first in the state of Mississippi, according to 247 Sports, was a former Alabama-commit who thought otherwise of the decision, choosing instead to attend Florida State. He enrolled early with the Seminoles’ looking to get an early grasp on the offense.

LaBorn is an all-purpose back, who is rated the 28th best player, first at his position and first in the state of Virginia, according to 247 Sports. He gives Florida State another playmaker on the offensive side of the ball to work with if not now, in the near future.

January 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Clay Helton, athletic director Lynn Swan, defensive tackle Stevie Tu’ikolovatu (96), quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and university president C. L. Max Nikias pose for a photo following the 52-49 victory against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 2017 Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

5. USC Trojans

The USC Trojans had a big National Signing Day, closing out on some top targets to crack the Top 5 recruiting classes. 18 players in total signed their letter of intent to play at USC next season. Five-star running back Stephen Carr enters an exciting situation as the 20th best player in the nation.

Quarterback Sam Darnold will have some new targets to throw to with the commitments of five-star wide receiver Joseph Lewis and four-star tight end Josh Falo. Both Lewis and Falo should challenge for early playing time as the Trojans are thin at both positions.

Four-star prospects defensive tackle Jay Tufele, offensive tackle Austin Jackson and linebacker Levi Jones all ended up choosing the Trojans as well. In the process, putting the rest of the nation of notice that USC could be back sooner rather than later in the Pac-12. After all, they did go 10-3 last season with freshman Sam Darnold at quarterback.

Jones chose an interesting way to make his choice known, trolling a few schools in the process. As did tight end Josh Falo…but its fitting as each player in this talented recruiting class brings a different dynamic to the table. The Trojans hauled in a good group of players and should challenge Washington next season for the Pac-12 crown.

Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh (center) signals from the sideline in the second quarter against the Florida State Seminoles at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

4. Michigan Wolverines

Head coach Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines coaching staff brought in a lot of talent on National Signing Day. The Wolverines signed 18 players on February 1. 11 players enrolled in January. Overall, they had two five-stars, 19 four-stars and eight three-stars in this year’s recruiting class.

The Wolverines signed five wide receivers, three of them are 6-foot-2 or taller, potentially filling some holes with a playmaker on offense. Five-star Donovan Peoples-Jones leads a good wide receiver class that could make noise early in the Big Ten. Peoples-Jones enrolled at Michigan in January. The Detroit native ranks first at his position and 12th in the nation.

Aubrey Solomon, one of only two five-star defensive tackles in the 2017 class,  also chose the Wolverines on National Signing Day. The 25th-best player in the nation chose Michigan over SEC powerhouses Georgia and Alabama. Michigan got the commitments of eight defensive lineman in this year’s class. Harbaugh brought in 16 players total just on the defensive side of the ball.

This year’s class also includes Luiji Vilain, out of Alexandria, Virginia. Vilain is a four-star weakside defensive end who measures at 6-foot-4 and 242 pounds. He can still add some size to his frame to become a terror for offenses in the Big Ten for years to come.

Oct 29, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart calls a play against the Florida Gators during the first half at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

3. Georgia Bulldogs

The Georgia Bulldogs were a surprise in this year’s 2017 recruiting cycle on National Signing Day. They crept into the top three despite going 4-4 in SEC play in 2016. They pulled in two five-stars, 18 four-stars and six three-stars to fill some holes on both sides of the ball.

Their lone quarterback commit of the class, pro-style five-star Jake Fromm, enrolled early in January. Head coach Kirby Smart brings in another quarterback to challenge Jacob Eason for the starting job.

It was baptism by fire last year for Eason in the tough SEC as he was a starter by Week 2 last season. Fromm will have this spring to challenge Eason for the starting job as he joins a roster with three quarterbacks in 2017.

Wide receiver Jeremiah Holloman, a 6-foot-2 , 195 pound four-star prospect, also enrolled early along with four-star offensive tackle D’Marcus Hayes. Holloman starts his college career right away looking to push for a starting role on a Bulldogs offense in desperate need of a physical receiver.

Hayes is a 6-foot-6, 320 pound stud out of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College who looks to contribute right away. Five-star Isaiah Wilson, a 6-foot-7, 350 pound offensive tackle, should also push for a starting spot. Overall, Georgia earned the commitments of four offensive tackles and two offensive guards in their 2017 recruiting class.

Dec 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer on the sidelines during the game against the Clemson Tigers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

2. Ohio State Buckeyes

The Ohio State Buckeyes hauled in five five-stars, 14 four-stars and two three-stars on National Signing Day, according to 247 Sports. 12 players signed their letter of intent to play at Ohio State while nine enrolled early in January.

Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes got a whole lot better as a team as 2017 approaches. They got five defensive backs and three wide receivers in this class, two key areas of concern in 2016.

6-foot-4 four-star wide receiver Trevon Grimes should challenge for a starting spot right away. The 39th-ranked player in the nation has made a name for himself on the recruiting trail doing things like the video below. Quarterback J.T. Barrett could enjoy throwing Grimes’ way all-season long as a deep threat, something Ohio State lacked all last season.

Defensively, the Ohio State got two five-star signees at cornerback as well as Blinn College standout Kendall Sheffield. Sheffield had 31 tackles, 11 pass breakups, two interceptions as well as some key contributions on special teams. Look for Sheffield’s name to be a player to watch in 2017.

Five-star cornerbacks Jeffrey Okudah and Shaun Wade, two early enrollees, should also contribute right away. The Buckeyes’ secondary is very thin at the moment.

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban looks on prior to the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

The Alabama Crimson Tide once again take the crown for top recruiting class after National Signing Day. Except this year, the highlight was getting four-star defensive end Jarez Parks to gray shirt instead of playing elsewhere.

The Crimson Tide enrolled 12 players early while 14 signed their letter of intent to play in the fall. According to 247 Sports, Alabama got six five-stars, 18 four-stars and four three-stars in this year’s class.

Defensive end LaBryan Ray and wide receiver Devonta Smith made their pledge to Alabama on February 1. Ray, the 26th-best player in the nation, joins a strong class of 11 defensive players.

Smith is one of four wide receivers to sign in the Class of 2017. One standout prospect is Tyrell Shavers, a 6-foot-6 wide receiver, enrolled in January. Shavers could be the deep threat the Crimson Tide have been looking for since Julio Jones left. Also there’s five-star wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, a 6-foot-1, 177 pound speedster out of Florida, in the mix.

On the quarterback front, five-star Tua Tagovailoa is another dual-threat quarterback waiting in the wings for Alabama. Quarterback Jalen Hurts was spectacular in 2016 but the bar is set a bit higher, with a new crop of recruits to compete with.

Next season should be an interesting one for Alabama. They’re a team that could be even scarier on offense in 2017.

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