If you have clicked on this blog before you know that I am a recruiting nut. I like to take the old classes and see how they wound up as college players, or even further.
I have been following recruiting since the early 1970s and I might just believe that the 2014 college football recruiting class is the best class that I have seen.
All you need to do is go down ESPN’s top 300 and you will see what I am talking about. If not ESPN, then take Rivals.com or 247.com. They do vary just a little bit, but to prove my theory, I will just use the 2014 ESPN top 300. http://espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/playerrankings/_/view/rn300/sort/rank/class/2014
1. Leonard Fournette – LSU (6-1, 226) New Orleans, Louisiana RB: Heisman candidate after running for over a 1,000 yards as a true freshman. Also returned kicks, and will be even better as a sophomore.
2. Jabrill Peppers – Michigan (6-1, 205) Paramus, New Jersey DB: Peppers is a special player that was forced to sit out as a true freshman due to injury. Peppers will start and star for Jim Harbaugh’s
defense this season.
3. Cameron Robinson – Alabama (6-5, 330) West Monroe, Louisiana OT: Big time player will be a top NFL pick after his junior season.
4. Myles Garrett – Texas A%M (6-5, 247) Arlington, Texas DE: One of the top sack artists in the country and led all freshmen. Could be better with a real Defensive Coordinator for a change.
5. Andrew Brown – Virginia (6-4, 295) Chesapeake, Virginia DT: Has not made an impact yet, but should this season.
6. Da’Shawn Hand – Alabama (6-4, 262) Woodbridge, Virginia DE: Future star for the Tide, he played sparingly in 2014 because of talent ahead of him.
7. Speedy Noil – Texas A%M (6-0, 176) New Orleans, Louisiana WR: His name says it all, but he may have some off field issues and missed some time this Spring. If he can keep his head on straight, he should be a big time player.
8. Tony Brown – Alabama (6-0, 196) Beaumont, Texas CB; Played some as a true freshman on a championship team. He’s a talent and will prove it over the next couple of seasons.
9. Adoree Jackson – USC (5-10, 182) Gardena, California CB: This guy is electric and might be one of the best young Cornerbacks to come around in a while. Super talented with great closing speed.
10.Quin Blanding – Virginia (6-2, 209) Virginia Beach, Virginia DB: All Blanding did as a true freshman was lead the Cavaliers in tackles. Super player.
11. Jalen Tabor – Florida (6-1, 188) Washington DC CB: Tabor is another big time guy in the making.
12. Bo Scarbrough – Alabama (6-2, 215) Northport, Alabama Ath: Think these lists aren’t rigged or slanted towards Alabama and the SEC? Bama got credit for Scarbrough for 2 classes in a row just because he couldn’t qualify. I like Alabama just fine, but I prefer equal treatment. I also hope Scarbrough does well on and off the field.
13. Raekwon McMillan – Ohio State (6-2, 249) Hinesville, Georgia LB: McMillan blended in well with the 2013 recruiting class for Ohio State and played quite a bit as a true freshman. This guy is destined for greatness.
14. Lorenzo Carter – Georgia (6-5, 234) Norcross, Georgia DE: Another super star is Carter. He got off to a slow start, but came on strong late in the year. SEC Quarterbacks beware of Carter.
15. Marlon Humphrey – Alabama (6-0, 179) Hoover, Alabama, CB: Second generation Crimson Tide player that redshirted as a freshman
16. Deshaun Watson – Clemson (6-3, 190) Gainesville, Georgia QB: The next big thing at Quarterback. Watson had some injury problems as a freshman, but if healthy this season he will
shine.
17. Malachi Dupre – LSU (6-3, 187) River Ridge, Louisiana WR: Most recruiting services had Dupre as the top Wide Receiver in the country, and no arguments from me. He is a talented player and showed that as a true freshman when able.
18. Jamal Adams – LSU (6-0, 204) Lewisville, Texas CB: Adams is yet another Tiger super Defensive Back. Was one of the team’s top tacklers as a true freshman.
19. Sony Michel – Georgia (5-11, 194) Plantation, Florida RB: Michel is a burner that ran for 410 yards as a true freshman in spite of battling injuries. He will back up other super freshman Nick Chubb, but will get plenty of carries.
20. David Sharpe – Florida (6-6, 288) Jacksonville, Florida OT: Sharpe is supposed to take over at Left Tackle for the anemic Gator offense in 2015. But, with new coaching should come improvement.
21. Dalvin Cook – Florida State (5-11, 196) Miami, Florida RB: Incredible season with a lot of young talent and Cook was one of the best as a true freshman ending up with over a 1,000 yards rushing. He’s a burner that can take it all the way on any play.
22. Ermon Lane – Florida State (6-2, 196) Homestead, Florida WR: Another young talent for the Seminoles. He was outperformed somewhat by fellow freshman, Travis Rudolph, but Lane is a good player with a bright future.
23. Joseph Yearby – Miami (5-9, 191) Miami, Florida RB: Yearby backed up Duke Johnson last season and ran for 509 yards. He should receive more playing time as a sophomore.
24. Juju Smith – USC (6-2, 206) Long Beach, California WR: Smith might be as impressive as
anyone on this list and had 54 catches as a true freshman.
25. Solomon Thomas – Stanford (6-3, 256) Coppell, Texas DE: Thomas is slated to start this season for Stanford and he should fulfill his enormous potential.
26. Damian Prince – Maryland (6-5, 286) Forestville, Maryland OT: Moved to Offensive Guard by the Terrapins and he should start there in 2015.
27. Laurence Jones – Alabama (6-2, 208) Monroe, Louisiana DB: Monroe kids don’t seem to like LSU with 3 in this class signing with Alabama. Played very sparingly as a true freshman and the jury is still out.
28. Rocean Thomas – Auburn (5-11, 202) Oxford, Alabama RB: Thomas was a back up last season at Running Back and is a contender for the starting slot next year. He had 214 yards rushing a year ago.
29. Trey Quinn – LSU (6-1, 200) Lake Charles, Louisiana WR: He’s a talent, but coaching staff seemed to have lost confidence in him last season. Should be improved as a sophomore with a season under his belt and 17 receptions.
30. KD Cannon – Baylor (6-0, 163) Mount Pleasant, Texas WR: Super receiver as a true freshman with 58 catches. He’s going to be outstanding in 2015.
31. Clifton Garrett – LSU (6-2, 224) Plainfield, Illinois LB: Backup Linebacker for the Tigers.
32. Kain Daub – Florida State (6-4, 243) Jacksonville, Florida LB: Will never play for Florida State and has transferred to a Junior College. Will star somewhere else in the future.
33. Lorenzo Featherston – Florida State (6-7, 220) Greensboro, North Carolina DE: Tall and
skinny, this youngster has a motor and will bring terror on Quarterbacks again in 2015. Featherston will be a fun guy to watch grow and develop as he fills out that 6-7 frame.
35. Kyle Allen – Texas A%M (6-3, 200) Scottsdale, Arizona QB: Allen took over the starters role in the 9th game last season. Will he continue as the starter after Kyler Murray arrives? That remains to be seen, but he has proven he can play.
36. KC McDermott – Miami (6-6, 301) Wellington, Florida OT: He played in 4 games before injuring his knee last season. McDermott is projected to start at Left Tackle this season.
37. Brandon Harris – LSU (6-2, 186) Bossier City, Louisiana QB: Harris is in a Quarterback battle with Anthony Jennings and saw some playing time as a true freshman. He definitely has the talent.
38. Davion Hall – Baylor (6-2, 194) Texarkana, Texas Ath: Naturally, since he signed with Baylor he wound up on offense where he caught 15 passes as a true freshman. He should have a big season in 2015.
40. Travis Rudolph – Florida State (6-1, 188) West Palm Beach, Florida WR: As a true freshman, Rudolph was one of the Seminoles top receivers hauling in 38 passes. He will compete with Ermon Lane, and true freshman superstar George Campbell for the top receiver for Florida State in 2015. Rudolph will be one of the top receivers in college football over the next 2 seasons.
42. Gerald Willis III – Florida (6-3, 275) New Orleans, Louisiana DT: Great player, but off field issues indicates a possible bust. Was booted off the Gators team and has transferred to Miami. Most famous for this cheap shot on Jameis Winston: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWck-Dp-pdE
43. Josh Malone – Tennessee (6-2, 191) Gallatin, Tennessee WR: The Volunteers have recruited lights out lately and Malone is one of their best. He had 23 receptions as a true freshman.
44. Will Grier – Florida (6-3, 181) Davidson, North Carolina QB: Grier was one of the top Quarterbacks available in this class and he has a chance to take over the Gators Quarterbacking job this season after redshirting as a freshman.
47. Arrion Springs – Oregon (6-0, 195) San Antonio, Texas CB: Slated to start as a true sophomore.
49. Cameron Sims – Alabama (6-4, 190) Monroe, Louisiana WR: Alabama will need somebody to step up to replace the great Amari Cooper. Sims is that big target that has a chance to dominate. He had 7 receptions as a freshman and will improve by leaps and bounds as a sophomore.
50. Edward Paris Jr – LSU (6-0, 200) Arlington, Texas DB: After playing very little as a true freshman, Paris is expected to start at Cornerback next season.
52. Rashaan Evans – Alabama (6-3, 217) Auburn, Alabama LB: The future is bright for Evans. He played a little as a true freshman and showed a lot of potential. Recruiting steal for Bama getting him right from under Auburn’s noses.
53. Joe Mixon – Oklahoma (6-1, 209) Oakley, California RB: Potentially great player with off field issues. He may have a hard time seeing the field with Samaje Perine having such a huge freshman season.
54. Garrett Brumfield – LSU (6-4, 285) Baton Rouge, Louisiana OG: He’s a back up at Offensive
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Guard and should be a road grader down the road for the run oriented Tigers.
56. Rod Taylor – Ole Miss (6-3, 323) Jackson, Mississippi OG: Taylor played some for the Rebels as a true freshman and will be a standout.
57. David Cornwell – Alabama (6-5, 241) Norman, Oklahoma QB: I watch either game film or highlight videos of every recruit I can find and Cornwell was one of the most impressive and I thought he was under ranked. Either Jacob Coker, or Cornwell, will probably start for the Crimson Tide this season.
59. Todd Kelly Jr – Tennessee (6-1, 190) Knoxville, Tennessee DB: Tennessee played an outstanding number of true freshmen this past season and Kelly was one of their best.
60. Malik McDowell – Michigan State (6-6, 260) Southfield, Michigan DT: The Spartans have been solid on defense for a number of years and McDowell just played a little in his freshman season. But, his playing time should increase during his second season.
61. Nick Harvey – Texas A%M (5-11, 180) Richmond, Texas Ath: Played a bit as a true freshman and showed flashes.
63. Nick Chubb – Georgia (5-11, 217) Cedartown, Georgia RB: Chubb was nothing less than spectacular as a true freshman filling in for Todd Gurley and then some. A very solid power back with breakaway speed, this guy has caught the eye of everybody including ex Georgia great, Herschel Walker. He’s a great one.
64. Ross Pierschbacher – Alabama (6-4, 269) Cedar Falls, Iowa OG: Midwest lineman has a shot at starting for Alabama as a redshirt freshman.
67. Damien Mama – USC (6-4, 370) Bellflower, California OG: Mama was a part of a spectacular recruiting class for the Trojans. Started as a true freshman.
68. Kentavius Street – North Carolina State (6-2, 265) Greenville, North Carolina DE: Street played some as true frosh and will battle for playing time this season.
69. Tre Williams – Auburn (6-2, 217) Mobile, Alabama LB: Yet another true freshman that saw playing time his first year. Things will change at Auburn with the arrival of Will Muschamp.
70. Jalen Hurd – Tennessee (6-3, 222) Hendersonville, Tennessee RB: Hurd ran for 899 yards last season for the Volunteers and has a bright future, clearly. He has been compared to former Ohio State great, Eddie George. Big guy with speed.
72. Nyles Morgan – Notre Dame (6-2, 225) Crete, Illinois LB: An intriguing prospect that lived up to the hype by becoming one of the top tacklers on the team.
74. Jamarco Jones – Ohio State (6-4, 300) Chicago, Illinois OT: Jones is expected to start at Right Tackle for the defending national champs and will be the only new guy on the offensive line which spells trouble for Buckeye opponents.
80. Elijah Hood – North Carolina (6-0, 221) Charlotte, North Carolina RB: Hood did not have the season that I predicted, but he is still a star in the making.
83. Artavis Scott – Clemson (5-11, 179) Tarpon Springs, Florida WR: One of the top freshmen in the nation last season with 76 catches for 965 yards and 8 Touchdowns. Clemson should be dangerous with Scott and Mike Williams at Wide receiver.
84. Royce Freeman – Oregon (6-0, 227) Imperial, California RB: All true freshman Freeman did last season was run for 1,365 yards and 18 Touchdowns. He’s another young power back with speed.
89. Bryce Dixon – USC (6-4, 230) Ventura, California TE: Dixon is a talent, but another head case. No longer at USC, but will show up somewhere. He is a big, fast, athlete with talent.
90. Markell Pack – Ole Miss (6-2, 180) Purvis, Mississippi WR: Pack hauled in 14 receptions as a true freshman.
91. Bryan Mone – Michigan (6-4, 315) Salt Lake City, Utah DT: Michigan had problems last year but it wasn’t about their defense which was among the best. Mone will increase playing time as a sophomore.
93. Jacob Park – Georgia (6-4, 206) Goose Creek, South Carolina QB: I liked Park a lot coming in and he redshirted. Has a very slight chance at starting in 2015.
96. Viane Talamaivao – USC (6-2, 330) Corona, California OG: Another outstanding true freshman Offensive lineman that started as a true freshman.
97. Andrew Trumbetti- Notre Dame (6-5, 250) Demarest, New Jersey DE: A potential new super star for the Irish while getting pressure on opposing Quarterbacks as a freshman.
98. Jesse Aniebonam – Maryland (6-4, 230) Olney, Maryland DE: The exact type of big, physical players from the state of Maryland that need to stay home for the Terrapins to compete. He moved to Linebacker and played well as a freshman.
101. Jeb Blazevich – Georgia (6-5, 233) Charlotte, North Carolina TE: This up and coming young Tight End caught 18 passes for the Bulldogs as a frosh. Good blocker with good hands.
105. Dillon Bates – Tennessee (6-3, 213) Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida LB: The son of Dallas Cowboy Bill Bates, Dillon was injured early last season and got a redshirt. Should compete for playing time in 2015.
106. Isaiah Wynn – Georgia (6-2, 274) Saint Petersburg, Florida OG:Wynn started at Center in the Spring for the Bulldogs.
110. Jacob Pugh – Florida State (6-4, 224) Tallahassee, Florida LB: Another potential super star out of this class and for Florida State.
112. Brad Kaaya – Miami (6-4, 213) West Hills, California QB: The Miami freshman Quarterback was a huge surprise and kind of reminded of young Quarterbacks of Miami of the past. Kaaya can be really good.
115. Trevor Darling – Miami (6-5, 330) Miami, Florida OG: Started some games at Guard as a freshman and is a star in the making. His older brother was a great Offensive Linemen at Miami.
116. Toa Lobendahn – USC (6-3, 293) La Habra, California OG: USC’s Offensive Line haul this class was mind boggling. Toa also started as a true freshman. Promising future at SC because of their Offensive Line.
122. Bishard ‘Budda’ Baker – Washington (5-9, 175) Bellevue, Washington DB: Baker started from day one and although small is a really good player for the Huskies.
124. Armanti Foreman – Texas (5-11, 175) Texas City, Texas WR: Foreman only caught 10 passes last year, but Texas lost it’s top 2 receivers and the Quarterbacking should be improved over last season. Look for Foreman to emerge as an up and coming star in 2015.
149. Jerrod Heard – Texas (6-2, 196) Denton, Texas QB: Heard is in a battle with returning starter Tyrone Swoopes. He is smaller, but much quicker than Swoopes.
153. Curtis Samuel – Ohio State (5-11, 186) Brooklyn, New York RB: Samuel was a solid backup to super star Ezekiel Elliott last season running for 383 yards and 6 Touchdowns.
158. Roderick Johnson – Florida State (6-6, 320) Florissant, Missouri OT: Johnson started as a true freshman for the Seminoles at the all important Left Tackle position and more than held his own. Looks like a future top draft pick.
161. Mason Rudolph – Oklahoma State (6-4, 212) Rock Hill, South Carolina QB: Rudolph took over the Quarterback position late in the season and showed enormous potential. He started in the 11th game and went 2-1 with an upset over Oklahoma. How did he get away from Steve Spurrier?
163. Treon Harris – Florida (5-11, 186) Miami, Florida QB: He started several games by default at Florida. Harris is in a battle with Will Grier to start at Quarterback for 2015.
165. Mason Cole – Michigan (6-5, 266) Tarpon Springs, Florida OT: Started immediately in the Spring Game as an early enrollee and started at Left Tackle all year for the Wolverines. A freshman starting at Left Tackle is amazing and there were several in this class.
187. Otaro Alaka – Texas A%M (6-3, 210) Houston, Texas LB: One of the Aggies top defenders as a freshman and he should improve with new Defensive Coordinator John Chavis.
213. Davon Godchaux – LSU (6-4, 271) Plaquemine, Louisiana DT: Godchaux is a beast up front for the Tigers. LSU has produced some good Defensive Linemen and Godchaux is yet another.
218. Christian McCaffrey – Stanford (6-0, 195) Highland Ranch, Colorado RB: McCaffrey was
way under rated. Fans complained that he didn’t get the ball enough and that will change this season. McCaffrey did it all with 300 yards rushing, 17 receptions, returning punts and kicks. Legitimate star.
219. DJ Calhoun – Arizona State (6-0, 201) El Cerrito, California LB: Speedy defender and one of the Sun Devils top tacklers.
220. Samaje Perine – Oklahoma (6-0, 213) Pflugerville, Texas RB: Perine was incredible as a freshman running for 1,713 yards and 18 Touchdowns. Perine is actually 243 pounds with good speed, power and balance. The Sooners thought Mixon was their next big star, but it turned out to be Perine.
236. Nick Wilson – Arizona (6-0, 191) Fresno, California RB: Another top player running for 1,375 yards and 16 Touchdowns. Was recruited as a sprinter for track, so he has great speed. Best group of freshmen Running Backs maybe of all time.
240. JJ Consentino – Florida State (6-4, 209) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania QB: From Dan Marino’s old school. Consentino is big, strong and has an arm. He is in the mix for the starting Quarterback job for the Seminoles in 2015. He will have to beat out Everett Golson and Sean Maguire.
282. Jonathan Hilliman – Boston College (6-1, 202) Jersey City, New Jersey RB: Yet another good freshman Back who ran for 860 yards and 13 Touchdowns.
286. Isaiah McKenzie – Georgia (5-8, 160) Plantation, Florida WR: One of the most exciting http://collegefootballcrazy.com/great-zaxbys-and-georgias-mighty-mite/
players in all of college football. I wrote about him in this post:
288. Jaleel Wadood – UCLA (5-11, 165) Bellflower, California DB: One of the top Defensive Backs in the nation and finished 4th on the Bruins in tackles.
289. Braxton Barrios – Miami (5-9, 181) Raleigh, North Caroliina WR: Small and quick Wide Receiver that caught 21 passes last season.
291. Evan Berry – Tennessee (5-11, 194) Fairburn, Georgia Ath: Younger brother of NFL player Eric Berry and it’s just a matter of time before Evan is also a star on the field.
298. Derek Barnett – Tennessee (6-3, 274) Brentwood, Tennessee DE: One of the better freshmen Defensive Ends in the nation with 10 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss. He was one of the Volunteers best freshmen and they have a bunch of outstanding freshmen. Watch out for the Vols.