Who's ready for signing day? SOTU definitely is, finally back on our game, just in time for this next class to overload each school's fax machine.
It's been quite a while, huh? The crazy amount of time and effort going into these roundups (plus real life, naturally) makes doing them during the season quite a challenge--and, just an FYI, here at BSD we had a pretty major story to cover the last month or so.
That being said, with signing day just a scant eleven days away, we've got your primer as to who's going to what Big Ten school as a part of the 2014 recruiting class--that is, as of this morning, anyway. With no further ado, your current 2014 recruiting classes in the B1G:
Team
# of commits
Avg Rivals ranking
Avg 247 ranking
Avg Scout ranking
Avg ESPN ranking
Rivals team rank
247 team rank
Scout team rank
recruiting rank in B1G
previous rank in B1G
Ohio State
22
3.7
3.87
3.78
3.78
2
2
3
1
1
Michigan
16
3.44
3.5
3.56
3.75
25
15
20
2
2
Wisconsin
24
2.92
2.92
3.15
3.12
29
30
19
3
7
Penn State
21
3.18
3.32
3.18
3.32
20
29
31
4
4
Michigan State
20
3.1
3.38
3.19
3.29
30
34
30
5
5
Nebraska
20
3.0
3.1
3.15
3.15
35
40
39
6
9
Rutgers
22
2.89
2.89
2.96
3.07
44
42
40
7
3
Indiana
22
2.86
2.77
2.86
3.05
40
47
41
8
11
Northwestern
14
3.06
3.35
3.12
3.4
49
44
47
9
6
Iowa
19
2.74
2.89
2.89
3.11
52
48
43
10
8
Maryland
14
3.0
2.94
2.9
3.25
61
55
58
11
14
Purdue
18
2.5
2.8
2.68
3.0
60
61
60
12
13
Illinois
17
2.75
2.67
2.65
3.0
64
60
62
13
10
Minnesota
14
2.71
2.79
2.71
2.92
70
67
65
14
12
Ohio State solidly has the best class in the conference, and at this point it’s not even close—they’re vying for the best class in the nation, not just the Big Ten. After that, it gets murky; the next four schools are all pretty close, and Michigan has fallen off quite a bit since last we talked. The third tier, if you will, is equally close, with Nebraska through Iowa all within percentage points of each other. The bottom, too, is almost interchangeable, and each tier could have significant position jockeying in the final days before signing day (and, heck, even after February 5).
OHIO STATE
Name
Position
Hometown
High School
Height/Weight
Rivals grade
247 grade
Scout grade
ESPN grade
Date Committed
Berger, Kyle
LB
Cleveland, OH
St Ignatius
6'2", 200
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4/8/2013
Booker, Dante
LB
Akron, OH
St Vincent-St Mary
6'3", 210
4
5
4
4
5/23/2013
Brown, Noah
Ath
Sparta, NJ
Pope John XXIII
6'2", 211/td>
4
4
4
4
9/9/2013
Campbell, Parris
RB
Akron, OH
St Vincent-St Mary
6'1", 181
3
4
4
4
2/10/2013
Collier, Stephen
QB
Leesburg, GA
Lee County
6'3", 206
2
3
3
3
6/21/2013
Dixon, Johnnie
WR
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Dwyer
5’10", 187
4
4
4
4
12/17/2013
Holmes, Jalyn
DE
Norfolk, VA
Lake Taylor
6'5", 235
4
4
4
4
6/20/2013
Hooker, Malik
ATH
New Castle, PA
New Castle Senior
6’2", 183
3
4
4
4
7/29/2013
Hubbard, Sam
LB
Cincinnati, OH
Moeller
6'6", 223
3
4
5
3
4/5/2013
Jones, Jamarco
OL
Chicago, IL
De La Salle
6'5", 295
4
4
4
4
6/27/2013
Jones, Marcelys
OL
Cleveland, OH
Glenville Academic Campus
6'4", 325
4
4
3
3
12/25/2012
Knox, Demetrius
OL
Fort Worth, TX
All Saints Episcopal
6’4", 287
4
4
4
4
7/28/2013
Lattimore, Marshon
CB
Cleveland, OH
Glenville
6'0", 175
4
4
4
4
1/4/2014
McLaurin, Terry
WR
Indianapolis, IN
Cathedral
6'0", 175
4
4
4
4
6/23/2013
McMillan, Raekwon
LB
Hinesville, GA
Liberty County
6'2", 242
5
5
4
5
12/16/2013
Neurnberger, Sean
K
Buckner, KY
Oldham County
6'2", 230
3
2
3
3
6/11/2013
Samuel, Curtis
WR
Brooklyn, NY
Erasmus Hall Campus
5’11", 180
4
4
4
4
8/16/2013
Smith, Erick
S
Cleveland, OH
Glenville
6’1", 185
4
4
4
4
1/4/2014
Taylor, Brady
OT
Columbus, OH
Bishop Ready
6'5", 276
3
3
3
3
1/20/2014
Thompson, Dylan
DE
Lombard, IL
Montini
6'5", 270
3
3
3
4
3/23/2013
Trout, Kyle
OL
Lancaster, OH
Lancaster
6'6", 280
4
4
4
3
2/10/2013
Webb, Damon
DB
Detroit, MI
Cass Tech
6'0", 175
4
4
4
4
1/13/2013
Observations: The rich keep getting richer in Columbus, as the Buckeyes landed one of the conference’s best pickups in McMillan—who’s already on campus this spring. Since our last update, Ohio State also picked up verbals from Brown, Dixon (also already on campus), Lattimore, Smith, and Taylor; they also saw a decommitment from Indiana athlete Lonnie Johnson, who left the class in November and committed to Western Michigan a week later. Yeah, it doesn’t make much sense to me either—unless it was a decommitment of the carefrontation type.
MICHIGAN
Name
Position
Hometown
High School
Height/Weight
Rivals grade
247 grade
Scout grade
ESPN grade
Date Committed
Bunting, Ian
TE
Hinsdale, IL
Hinsdale Central
6'6", 210
4 stars
4 stars
3 stars
4 stars
4/23/2013
Bushell-Beatty, Juwan
OL
Paramus, NJ
Paramus Catholic
6'5", 295
3
4
3
4
4/29/2013
Canteen, Freddy
WR
Elkton, MD
Eastern Christian Academy
6'3", 170
4
3
4
3
6/29/2013
Cole, Mason
OL
Tarpon Springs, FL
East Lake
6'5", 275
4
4
4
4
2/25/2013
Ferns, Michael
LB
Saint Clairsville, OH
Saint Clairsville
6'3", 235
4
4
4
4
8/9/2012
Furbush, Noah
LB
Kenton, OH
Kenton
6'4", 229
3
3
3
4
7/1/2013
Harris, Drake
WR
Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids Christian
6'4", 180
4
4
4
4
4/14/2013
Marshall, Lawrence
DE
Southfield, MI
Southfield
6'4", 205
3
4
4
4
5/11/2013
Mone, Bryan
DT
Salt Lake City, UT
Highland
6'4", 315
4
4
4
4
2/12/2013
Pallante, Brady
DT
Naples, FL
Barron Collier
6'1", 255
2
2
3
3
4/5/2013
Peppers, Jabrill
DB
Paramus, NJ
Paramus, NJ
6'1", 210
5
5
5
5
5/26/2013
Speight, Wilton
QB
Richmond, VA
The Collegiate School
6'6", 217
3
3
3
4
2/6/2013
Wangler, Jared
LB
Warren, MI
De La Salle
6’2", 215
3
3
3
3
8/9/2013
Watson, Brandon
DB
Elkton, MD
Eastern Christian Academy
5'11", 185
3
3
3
3
6/29/2013
Ways, Maurice
WR
Beverly Hills, MI
Country Day
6'3", 195
3
3
3
4
4/25/2013
Winovich, Chase
LB
Jefferson Hills, PA
Thomas Jefferson
6'3", 216
3
3
4
3
6/1/2013
Observations: Speaking of things that don’t make much sense…The Wolverines were once neck and neck with OSU for the top class in the conference, but have since not picked up a commit for the 2014 recruiting class since HC Brady Hoke flipped Jared Wangler from Penn State—back in August. Couple that with vaunted commit Jabrill Peppers’ announcement a few months back that he had wanted to take a few more official visits (to be fair, it seems as though those visits haven’t happened, and Peppers remains committed to Michigan), the situation for UM isn’t as rosy as it looked six months ago.
WISCONSIN
Name
Position
Hometown
High School
Height/Weight
Rivals grade
247 grade
Scout grade
ESPN grade
Date Committed
Benzschawel, Beau
OT
Grafton, WI
Grafton
6’6", 240
3 stars
2 stars
3 stars
3 stars
10/24/2013
Cizauskas, Dominic
LB
Mukwonago, WI
Mukwonago
6'1", 250
3
2
3
3
6/19/2013
Deal, Taiwan
RB
Hyattsville, MD
DeMatha
6'2", 225
3
3
3
3
6/25/2013
Deiter, Michael
OL
Genoa, OH
Genoa Area
6'5", 295
3
2
3
3
6/24/2013
Edwards, TJ
ATH
Lake Villa, IL
Lakes Community
6'1", 220
3
2
3
2
12/2/2013
Evans, Craig
DT
Sun Prairie, WI
Sun Prairie
6'3", 350
4
4
4
4
3/3/2013
Figaro, Lubern
ATH
Everett, MA
Everett
6'0", 175
2
3
3
3
9/26/2013
Gaglianone, Rafael
K
Chattanooga, TN
Baylor School
6'0", 225
2
3
3
3
11/17/2013
Gault, Jaden
OL
Morona Grove, WI
Morona Grove
6'6", 281
4
4
4
4
8/18/2012
Gillins, DJ
QB
Jacksonville, FL
Ribault
6'3", 185
4
4
3
4
7/8/2013
Hirschfeld, Billy
DE
Hartland, WI
Arrowhead
6'6", 269
3
4
3
3
5/15/2013
Hudson, Austin
DB
Tampa, FL
Plant
6'2", 188
2
2
3
3
6/27/2013
Jamerson, Natrell
WR
Ocala, FL
Vanguard
6'0", 170
2
3
3
3
11/20/2013
Jones, Chris
WR
Hyattsville, MD
DeMatha
6’2", 185
3
3
3
3
9/18/2013
Kapoi, Micah
OT
Kapolei, HI
Kapolei
6'4", 298
2
2
2
2
12/1/2013
Kinlaw, Caleb
RB
Goose Creek, SC
Goose Creek
5’10", 186
3
3
3
3
11/14/2013
Maxwell, Jacob
OT
Greendale, WI
Greendale
6'6", 280
2
2
3
3
11/27/2013
Panos, George
OL
Hartland, WI
Arrowhead
6'5", 290
3
4
4
3
4/28/2012
Patterson, Jeremy
DT
Jesup, GA
Wayne County
6'3", 310
3
3
3
3
10/26/2013
Sanders, Krenwick
WR
Jesup, GA
Wayne County
6'2", 190
3
3
3
3
10/8/2013
Sheehy, Conor
DE
Milwaukee, WI
Marquette University
6'4", 255
3
3
4
3
9/5/2012
Sturghill, Cornelius
ATH
Memphis, TN
Melrose
5’10", 170
3
3
3
3
1/24/2014
Tindal, Derrick
CB
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Boyd Anderson
5’11", 160
2
3
3
NR
1/24/2014
Tolutau, Ula
ATH
Salt Lake City, UT
East
6'1", 230
2
2
3
3
5/16/2013
Trezy, Serge
LB
Thatcher, AZ
Eastern Arizona College
6'2", 195
3
3
3
3
12/12/2013
Watkins, Dareian
ATH
Galion, OH
Galion
6'2", 192
4
4
4
4
11/30/2013
Observations: The Badgers had the most additions of any Big Ten Class of 2014 since last we spoke, with fifteen players giving their verbal commitments (Benzschawel, Edwards, Figaro, Gaglianone, Jamerson, Jones, Kapoi, Kinlaw, Maxwell, Patterson, Sanders, Sturghill, Tindal, Trezy, and Watkins). Two are Petersen flips from fellow B1G institutions; Watkins was once part of Northwestern’s class, and Tindal had committed to Indiana before receiving an offer from Wisconsin—and decommitted for the Badgers less than a week later. Watkins was the only new addition to have held an offer from the Nittany Lions.
PENN STATE
Name
Position
Hometown
High School
Height/Weight
Rivals grade
247 grade
Scout grade
ESPN grade
Date Committed
Allen, Marcus
DB
Upper Marlboro, MD
Wise
6'1", 187
3 stars
4 stars
4 stars
3 stars
5/10/2013
Allen, Mark
RB
Hyattsville, MD
DeMatha
5'7", 185
3
3
3
3
10/16/2012
Apke, Troy
WR
Mt Lebanon, PA
Mt Lebanon
6'2", 175
3
3
4
3
4/13/2013
Barney, Tarow
DT
Senatobia, MS
Northwest Mississippi CC
6'1", 285
3
4
3
4
11/24/2013
Beh, Noah
DE
Scranton, PA
Scranton Prep
6'7", 245
3
3
3
3
6/2/2013
Brosnan, Brendan
OT
Park Ridge, IL
Maine South
6'6", 275
3
3
3
3
1/14/2014
Cabinda, Jason
ATH
Flemington, NJ
Hunterdon Central
6'1", 220
3
3
3
3
10/23/2013
Gesicki, Mike
TE
Manahawkin, NJ
Southern Regional
6'5", 236
4
4
4
3
10/17/2013
Godwin, Chris
WR
Middletown, DE
Middletown
6'2", 192
4
4
4
4
4/23/2013
Haley, Grant
CB
Atlanta, GA
Lovett School
5’10", 170
3
3
3
3
1/20/2014
McSorley, Trace
ATH
Ashburn, VA
Briar Woods
6'0", 182
3
3
3
3
1/20/2014
O'Connor, Michael
QB
Bradenton, FL
IMG Academy
6'5", 223
4
4
3
4
6/8/2013
Reeder, Troy
LB
Wilmington, DE
Salesianum School
6'3", 232
3
3
3
4
2/26/2013
Scott, Nick
ATH
Fairfax, VA
Fairfax
5'11", 180
3
3
3
3
2/23/2013
Sorrell, Chance
OT
Middletown, OH
Middletown
6’6", 263
3
3
3
3
1/11/2014
Thomas, Johnathan
RB
Danvers, MA
St John’s Prep
5’11", 205
3
3
3
4
10/20/2013
Thompkins, De'Andre
ATH
Swansboro, NC
Swansboro
5'11", 172
3
4
3
4
4/20/2013
Tubman, Lloyd
DE
Louisville, KY
Seneca Academy
6'5", 235
3
4
3
3
1/11/2014
White, Antoine
DT
Milville, NJ
Milville
6'2", 267
3
3
3
3
7/1/2013
Worley, Daquan
DB
Coatesville, PA
Coatesville Area Senior
5'10", 175
3
3
3
3
5/3/2013
Wright, Chasz
OT
New Berlin, NY
Milford Academy
6'6", 285
3
3
3
3
12/28/2013
Observations: Since the last update, the Nittany Lions lost DB Troy Vincent to NC State (and DL Thomas Holley to Florida & Donte Raymond to Delaware, but they had committed after our last update, so never made it onto the SOTU list) due to the coaching change. Penn State has also picked up ten commits, with all but two (Barney and Gesicki) flipping from other schools. Cabinda had originally been committed to Syracuse before picking up his PSU offer, Thomas was set to be a Terrapin at UMD, and Wright had actually signed with UConn last spring before delaying his enrollment; Brosnan, Haley, McSorley, Sorrell, and Tubman, of course, all followed James Franklin from Vanderbilt.
MICHIGAN STATE
Name
Position
Hometown
High School
Height/Weight
Rivals grade
247 grade
Scout grade
ESPN grade
Date Committed
Allen, Brian
OL
Hinsdale, IL
Hinsdale Central
6'2", 285
3 stars
4 stars
3 stars
4 stars
4/20/2013
Beedle, David
DB
Clarkston, MI
Clarkston
6'5", 278
3
3
3
3
6/21/2013
Bowers, Robert
DE
Columbus, OH
Walnut Ridge
6’5", 210
3
3
3
3
8/3/2013
Bullough, Byron
LB
Traverse City, MI
St Francis Catholic
6'2", 195
3
3
4
4
8/9/2012
Copeland, Vayante
RB
Dayton, OH
Thurgood Marshall
5'11", 186
3
3
4
3
6/16/2013
Drake, Deon
LB
Detroit, MI
Cass Tech
6'1", 215
4
4
3
3
9/23/2012
Frey, Chris
LB
Upper Arlington, OH
Upper Arlington
6'0", 208
3
4
3
3
5/15/2013
Gianacakos, Chase
OL
St Charles, IL
St Charles North
6'6", 280
3
3
3
3
4/1/2013
Hartbarger, Jake
K
Whitehouse, OH
Anthony Wayne
6'4", 195
2
3
3
3
9/25/2013
Hedelin, David
OT
San Francisco, CA
City College of San Francisco
6'5", 285
3
4
3
4
12/22/2013
London, Madre
RB
Fort Lauderdale, FL
St Thomas Aquinas
6'1", 205
4
3
3
3
11/4/2013
Morrissey, Matt
DB
Lincolnshire, IL
Stevenson
6’3", 185
3
3
3
3
7/15/2013
Nicholson, Montae
S
Monroeville, PA
Gateway
6'3", 200
4
4
4
4
12/19/2013
Owens, Gerald
RB
Westville, NJ
West Deptford
6'1", 266
3
4
3
4
6/21/2013
Padla, Nick
OL
Berrien Springs, MI
Berrien Springs
6'6", 269
3
3
3
3
9/8/2013
Slade, Darrius
DE
Montclair, NJ
Montclair
6'5", 238
3
3
3
3
1/17/2014
Smith Jr, Enoch
DT
Chicago, IL
Mt Carmel
6'3", 265
4
4
3
4
4/20/2013
Sokol, Matt
TE
Rochester, MI
Adams
6'5", 226
3
3
3
3
5/13/2013
Sweat, Montez
TE
Stone Mountain, GA
Stephenson
6’6", 230
2
3
3
3
12/5/2013
Watts-Jackson, Jalen
DB
Orchard Lake, MI
St Mary's
5'11", 175
3
3
3
3
6/19/2013
Observations: The Spartans haven’t seen the crazy star bump that some might have expected after their inspiring Rose Bowl run in 2013, but the already solid 2014 class got even more so in the past few months. They did lose the commitment of QB Chris Durkin, who apparently wanted to be elite (he chose to go to Virginia Tech), but has added the commitment of seven others (Hartbarger, Hedelin, London, Nicholson, Padla, Slade, and Sweat). Nicholson, in particular, is one to watch; he’s the lone addition to MSU’s class with a Nittany Lion offer, and as played for new PSU DB coach Terry Smith at Gateway high school as a freshman and sophomore in Western PA (and PSU commit Jason Cabinda has been in his ear about flipping his verbal [$$]).
NEBRASKA
Name
Position
Hometown
High School
Height/Weight
Rivals grade
247 grade
Scout grade
ESPN grade
Date Committed
Akinmoladun, Freedom
ATH
Grandview, MO
Grandview
6'4", 240
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
7/4/2013
Brown, Drew
K
Carroll, TX
Carroll
5'10", 170
2
2
3
3
6/7/2013
Cockrell, Byerson
S
Scooba, MS
East Mississippi CC
6’2", 185
2
3
3
3
12/6/2013
Darlington, Zack
QB
Apopka, FL
Apopka
6'1", 205
3
3
3
4
6/14/2013
Farmer, Tanner
OL
Highland, IL
Highland
6'4", 300
4
4
3
3
6/11/2013
Foster, DJ
OL
Lincoln, NE
Southeast
6'3", 312
3
3
4
4
6/15/2013
Gates, Nick
OT
Las Vegas, NV
Bishop Gorman
6’5", 270
4
4
4
3
1/24/2014
Gifford, Luke
ATH
Lincoln, NE
Southeast
6'3", 195
3
3
3
3
3/11/2013
Harrison, Monte
WR
Lee's Summit, MO
Lee's Summit West
6'3", 200
4
3
3
4
7/4/2013
Jones, Chris
ATH
Jacksonville, FL
Sandalwood
6’0", 175
3
3
2
3
1/20/2014
Kalu, Joshua
S
Houston, TX
Alief Taylor
6’0", 171
3
3
3
3
10/14/2013
Keels, Joe
DT
Highland, KS
Highland CC
6’4", 275
3
4
4
3
11/27/2013
Lockhart, Robert
WR
Raymond, MS
Hinds CC
6’1", 185
3
3
3
3
11/16/2013
Mosley, Trai
DB
Pflugerville, TX
Hendrickson
5'10", 171
3
3
3
3
6/14/2013
Newell, Peyton
DE
Hiawatha, KS
Hiawatha
6’3", 280
3
4
4
3
8/30/2013
Pierson-El, Demornay
ATH
Alexandria, VA
West Potomac
5'9", 174
3
3
3
3
6/15/2013
Stewart, Larenzo
RB
Klein, TX
Klein Oak
5'6", 165
3
3
3
3
7/5/2013
Stoltenberg, Mick
DE
Gretna, NE
Gretna
6'5", 250
3
3
2
3
6/15/2013
Tolbert, Jariah
WR
New Orleans, LA
Edna Karr
6’3", 185
2
3
3
3
1/9/2014
Walton, Jaevon
LB
New Orleans, LA
Edna Karr
6’0", 230
3
2
3
3
11/16/2013
Observations: The Huskers seemed inexplicably low on this list for a nationally-known power, and that has somewhat since been corrected. They’ve picked up nine verbals in the past five months (Cockrell, Gates, Jones, Kalu, Keels, Lockhart, Newell, Tolbert, and Walton), including the #1 player in the state of Nevada in Gates, who chose Nebraska over half of the Pac 12 and much of the Big 12. They also flipped Jones from Purdue in December, Walton from Louisiana-Lafayette, and Lockhart from Miami (where he had been enrolled in 2012).
RUTGERS
Name
Position
Hometown
High School
Height/Weight
Rivals grade
247 grade
Scout grade
ESPN grade
Date Committed
Applefield, Marcus
OT
Weeki Wachee, FL
Weeki Wachee
6’6", 280
3
3
3
3
12/13/2013
Bedell, Donald
DE
Rumson, NJ
Fair Haven
6'4", 229
2
3
3
3
6/20/2013
Behr, George
TE
Woodbury, MN
East Ridge
6'5", 230
2
2
2
2
6/14/2013
Blacknall, Saeed
WR
Manalapan, NJ
Manalapan
6’3", 205
4
4
4
4
8/10/2013
Boggs, Andre
CB
Avon, CT
Avon Old Farms
5’11", 175
NR
3
2
3
10/24/2013
Cole, Tariq
OL
Long Beach, NY
Long Beach SHS
6’6", 375
2
3
3
3
10/1/2013
Gopre, Sidney
LB
Neward, NJ
Weequahic
6'1", 210
3
3
3
3
3/4/2013
Hampton, Saquan
DB
Hamilton, NJ
Nottingham
6'2", 187
3
2
3
3
3/7/2013
Heeman, Zack
OL
Flanders, NJ
Mt Olive
6'8", 265
2
3
3
3
3/15/2013
Herron, Justin
OL
Potomac, MD
Bullis School
6'5", 285
3
3
3
3
5/16/2013
Hicks, Joshua
RB
Palmetto, FL
Palmetto
5'10", 180
3
3
3
3
10/25/2012
Hogan, Joshua
DE
Franklin Lakes, NJ
Ramapo
6'5", 225
2
3
3
3
6/28/2013
Kraut, Jacob
RB
Neptune Beach, FL
Fletcher
5'11", 240
3
2
3
3
6/20/2013
Lister, Logan
TE
Katy, TX
Katy
6'5", 240
3
3
3
3
6/16/2013
Lott, Kamren
DB
Jacksonville, FL
First Coast
5'10", 180
3
3
3
3
5/23/2013
Martin, Robert
RB
Harrisburg, PA
Harrisburg
6'0", 191
3
3
3
3
6/14/2013
Nelson, Justin
LB
Wayne, NJ
DePaul Catholic
6'1", 245
3
3
3
3
2/27/2013
Russell, Brandon
LB
Fort Lauderdale, FL
University School
6'1", 205
2
NR
2
3
6/19/2013
Webb, Jacquis
OL
Rochester, NY
Gates Chili
6'5", 310
2
3
3
3
4/6/2013
Wharton, Isaiah
CB
Kissimmee, FL
Gateway
6’1", 185
2
2
NR
2
1/22/2014
Wiafe, Eric
DT
New Berlin, NY
Milford Academy
6’4", 240
3
3
3
2
11/20/2013
Wilkins, Kevin
OL
Montvale, NJ
St Joseph’s
6’3", 295
3
2
3
3
10/8/2013
Observations: What was once a very impressive class for the Scarlet Knights has become very much less than that over the last few months. While the overall number on the class is exactly the same, that doesn’t mean there’s been no movement—far from it; this class has seen an equal number of commitments and decommitments (six) since August, without even a Head Coaching change to blame. Rutgers has added Applefield, Boggs, Cole, Wharton, Wiafe (originally part of the 2013 class), and Wilkins, but has lost Kiy Hester (to Miami), Jonathan Hilliman (to Boston College), Adonis Jennings (to Pitt), Pete Mokwuah (to Notre Dame), Tyler Wiegers (to Iowa), and David Njoku, who hasn’t committed to another school but has PSU in his final few. The kicker here, for Rutgers, is that four of these decommits were from New Jersey, and a fifth was from nearby New York—not so good for keeping quality talent in-state. An add-on is the possible potential for losing Blacknall to Penn State’s recent courting of the NJ receiver; the crystal ball rankings on 247 (including the prediction of our own Nick Polak) have recently done a 180, with PSU heavily favored to flip the 4* now that Franklin’s made a strong push for him.
INDIANA
Name
Position
Hometown
High School
Height/Weight
Rivals grade
247 grade
Scout grade
ESPN grade
Date Committed
Baker, Delroy
OL
Ocala, FL
West Port
6'6", 275
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
6/21/2013
Barwick, Michael
DT
Cincinnati, OH
Summit Country Day
6'0", 291
3
3
3
3
6/2/2013
Booth, Dominque
WR
Indianapolis, IN
Pike
6’0", 205
4
3
4
4
1/7/2014
Carovillano, Nick
DE
Cincinnati, OH
St Xavier
6’4", 245
3
3
3
3
7/19/2013
Clark, Donovan
DB
Fort Wayne, IN
South Side
5'11", 171
3
3
3
3
7/2/2013
Conyers, Jermane
DE
Rossville, GA
Ridgeland
6’3", 290
2
3
3
3
7/19/2013
Diamont, Alexander
QB
Los Angeles, CA
Venice
6'2", 170
3
2
2
3
6/12/2013
Fields, Tony
CB
Tallahassee, FL
Amos P. Godley
5'11", 185
3
3
2
3
1/22/2014
Fuchs, Jordan
TE
New Berlin, NY
Milford Academy
6’6", 235
3
3
2
3
12/18/2013
Gardner, Timothy
OT
New Berlin, NY
Milford Academy
6’5", 310
4
2
3
3
12/19/2013
Harris, J-Shun
WR
Fishers, IN
Fishers
5’8", 165
3
2
3
3
7/10/2013
Herron, DeAndre
OL
Council Bluffs, IA
Iowa Western CC
6'5", 325
3
3
3
3
6/8/2013
Keel, Coray
WR
Snellville, GA
South Gwinnett
6’3", 190
2
3
3
3
9/30/2013
Martin, Wes
OL
West Milton, OH
Milton Union
6'3", 295
2
2
3
3
6/17/2013
Mister, Tommy
ATH
Chicago, IL
St Rita
6’2", 205
3
3
3
3
1/18/2014
Moore, Airius
LB
Dayton, OH
Beavercreek
6’1", 215
3
3
3
3
10/17/2013
Redding, Devine
RB
Cleveland, OH
Glenville
5’10", 210
3
3
2
3
10/20/2013
Scales, Tegray
LB
Cincinnati, OH
Colerain
6’2", 215
3
3
4
3
1/19/2014
Smith, Waynedriko
CB
Maitland, FL
Orangewood Christian School
6’0", 160
NR
3
2
3
1/19/2014
Walker, Zeke
S
Cayce, SC
Brooklyn Cayce
6’3", 200
2
3
NR
NR
1/20/2014
Willis, Dameon
LB
Cleveland, OH
St Ignatius
6’0", 209
3
3
3
3
10/2/2013
Yarbary, Willie
DE
Augusta, GA
Richmond Academy
6'2", 270
2
2
3
3
6/19/2013
Observations: The Hoosiers have done quite well for themselves since we last checked in. They picked up a dozen commits in Booth, Fields, Fuchs, Gardner, Keel, Mister, Moore, Redding, Scales, Smith, Walker, and Willis; Booth is arguably one of their best commits in years, turning down 8 SEC schools and half of the rest of the B1G to go to Bloomington. They also flipped Gardner, who was a four (!!) time committed player who had originally enrolled at Ohio State as a part of the class of 2013, but was dismissed last year after an encounter with police. He had spent the fall semester enrolled at the same prep school as PSU enrollee Chasz Wright, amongs others in the 2014 Big Ten classes.
NORTHWESTERN
Name
Position
Hometown
High School
Height/Weight
Rivals grade
247 grade
Scout grade
ESPN grade
Date Committed
Anderson, Auston
RB
Plano, TX
West
5'9", 180
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
5/9/2013
Anoa’i, Hamilton
LB
Gardena, CA
Junipero Serra
6’3", 205
2
3
3
NR
12/20/2013
Dickerson, Garrett
DE
Oradell, NJ
Bergen Catholic
6’4", 240
4
4
4
4
12/8/2013
Doles, Tommy
OL
Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids Christian
6'5", 240
3
3
3
3
5/3/2013
Hall, Nate
WR
Sylvania, OH
Sylvania Southview
6'2", 201
2
3
2
3
6/17/2013
Hance, Blake
OL
Jacksonville, IL
Jacksonville
6'6", 260
3
3
3
3
5/16/2013
Jackson, Justin
RB
Carol Stream, IL
Glenbard North
5'11", 180
4
4
4
4
5/14/2013
Oxley, Ben
OL
Avon Lake, OH
Avon Lake
6'6", 260
3
3
3
3
4/6/2013
Prather, James
LB
Memphis, TN
Memphis University School
6’4", 235
2
3
2
NR
1/16/2014
Quiero, Cameron
LB
Oradell, NJ
Bergen Catholic
6'1", 210
3
3
3
3
4/4/2013
Thorson, Clayton
QB
Wheaton, IL
Wheaton North
6'4", 197
4
4
3
4
3/17/2013
Vault, Solomon
ATH
Gaithersburg, MD
Gaithersburg
5'10", 190
3
3
3
4
4/18/2013
Westphal, Parrker
CB
Bolingbrook, IL
Bolingbrook
6’0", 186
4
4
4
4
12/20/2013
Wyatt, Fred
DT
Lawrence, KS
Free State
6'4", 250
3
3
3
3
5/28/2013
Observations: What was shaping up to be the Wildcats’ best recruiting class in a number of years has taken a bit of a dip in the ensuing months. They did gain commitments from four new members of the class of ’14 (Anoa’i, Dickerson, Prather, and Westphal), but they also lost the verbals of three others: DB Jordan Thomas (to Oklahoma), ATH Dareian Watkins (to Wisconsin), and LB Noah Westerfield, who just decommitted on January 16.
IOWA
Name
Position
Hometown
High School
Height/Weight
Rivals grade
247 grade
Scout grade
ESPN grade
Date Committed
Ellis, Mick
K
Lucas, TX
Lovejoy
5'10", 182
2 stars
2 stars
3 stars
3 stars
7/8/2013
Embry, Jalen
CB
Detroit, MI
King
5’11", 180
3
3
3
3
10/6/2013
Harris, Terrence
DE
Paramus, NJ
Paramus Catholic
6’2", 240
2
2
3
3
7/16/2013
Hesse, Parker
ATH
Waukon, IA
Waukon
6’3", 205
2
3
3
3
11/26/2013
Hilliard, CJ
RB
Cincinnati, OH
St Xavier
5'11", 185
3
3
3
3
6/6/2013
Jackson, Josh
DB
Corinth, TX
Lake Dallas
6’1", 175
2
2
3
3
8/22/2013
Joly, Marcel
DB
Forestville, MD
Forestville High
5’11", 180
3
3
2
3
9/23/2013
Jones, Jyaz
DB
Dallas, TX
South Oak Cliff
6'1", 180
2
4
3
3
6/14/2013
Kidd, Dillon
K
Torrance, CA
El Camino College
6’1", 210
2
NR
2
3
1/9/2014
LeGrand, Lucas
OL
Dubuque, IA
Dubuque Senior
6'5", 260
3
3
3
3
4/3/2013
Mends, Aaron
LB
Kansas City, MO
Winnetonka
6’1", 204
3
3
2
3
8/17/2013
Nelson, Matt
TE
Cedar Rapids, IA
Xavier High School
6'7", 249
3
3
3
3
6/27/2013
Niemann, Ben
ATH
Sycamore, IL
Sycamore
6’3", 185
2
2
3
3
7/20/2013
Outsey, Jameer
LB
Somerset, NJ
Franklin
6'3", 210
3
3
3
3
6/21/2013
Render, Keegan
OL
Indianola, IA
Indianola
6'3", 310
3
2
3
3
6/22/2013
Scheel, Jay
ATH
LaPorte City, IA
Union
6'1", 170
4
4
3
4
1/20/2013
Smith, Markel
RB
Saint Louis, MO
St John Vianney
5'11", 210
3
4
4
3
11/5/2013
Truitt, Omar
ATH
Washington, DC
St John's College High
5'11", 185
3
3
3
3
6/3/2013
Wiegers, Tyler
QB
Franklin, MI
Detroit Country Day
6’3", 190
4
3
3
4
12/20/2013
Observations: The Hawkeyes have picked up an additional seven commits in this class since last we posted (Embry, Hesse, Jackson, Joly, Kidd, Smith, and Wiegers, who flipped to Iowa from Wisconsin). They haven’t lost any additional commits, but are the only school on this list to boast not one—but two!—kickers in their class of 2014. Only Kirk Ferentz, guys.
MARYLAND
Name
Position
Hometown
High School
Height/Weight
Rivals grade
247 grade
Scout grade
ESPN grade
Date Committed
Adams, Nate
LS
Phoenix, AZ
Greenway
6’2", 213
2
2
2
2
12/19/2013
Aniebonam, Jesse
DE
Olney, MD
Good Counsel
6’5", 240
4
4
4
4
8/20/2013
Burke, Tyler
LB
Coatesville, PA
Coatesville Area Senior
6'4", 240
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
6/25/2013
Christie, Sean
OT
Medford, NY
Patchogue-Medford
6’5", 280
2
3
2
3
12/15/2013
Gray, Andrew
TE
Chardon, OH
Chardon
6'4", 215
3
2
3
3
6/15/2013
Grey, Derwin
OT
Fork Union, VA
Fork Union Military Academy
6’4", 291
4
4
4
4
6/15/2012
Kulka, Brett
DE
Edinboro, PA
General McLane
6'5", 230
3
2
2
3
6/24/2013
Mazyck, Larry
OL
Council Bluffs, IA
Iowa Western CC
6’8", 340
3
3
3
3
8/25/2013
Moore, Brendan
OL
Austin, TX
Westwood
6'4", 270
3
3
2
3
6/25/2013
Noil, Jordan
WR
Norcross, GA
Norcross
6’3", 176
3
2
3
3
10/1/2013
Shaw, David
DT
Spring Grove, PA
Spring Grove
6'5", 276
2
2
3
3
6/2/2013
Ulmer, William
QB
Washington, DC
St John's College High
6'1", 190
3
4
3
4
4/25/2013
Winfree, Juwann
WR
Englewood, NJ
Dwight Morrow
6’2", 180
4
4
4
4
9/23/2013
Woods, Josh
S
Owings Mills, MD
McDonogh
6’3", 180
3
3
3
3
11/18/2013
Observations: The Terps’ first class to play all four years in the Big Ten isn’t bad, especially with the return of Derwin Gray (originally a Class of ’13 UMD commit, who ended up at Christian Hackenberg’s alma mater for a year before enrolling this month). In addition to Gray, Maryland got seven other commitments in this class since our last outing (Adams, Aniebonam, Christie, Mazyck, Noil, Winfree, and Woods), but lost two either directly (RB Johnathan Thomas) or indirectly (OL Jared Cohen) to the Nittany Lions; the offer from PSU caused Cohen to reopen his recruitment, despite the new staff’s cooling on the lineman.
PURDUE
Name
Position
Hometown
High School
Height/Weight
Rivals grade
247 grade
Scout grade
ESPN grade
Date Committed
Barron, Kirk
OL
Mishawaka, IN
Marian
6'2", 294
2 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
6/15/2013
Bentley, JaWhaun
DE
Hyattsville, MD
DeMatha
6’2", 245
3
3
3
3
12/7/2013
Blough, David
QB
Carrollton, TX
Creekview
6'1", 187
3
3
3
3
6/15/2013
Cason, Tim
DB
Clarkston, MI
Clarkston
6’0", 181
3
3
3
3
10/7/2013
Cobbs, Simmie
WR
Oak Park, IL
River Forest
6’4", 205
3
3
3
3
10/17/2013
Colmery, Will
DE
La Grange Park, IL
Nazareth Academy
6’5", 235
3
3
2
3
11/1/2013
Hart, Trae
ATH
Dallas, TX
First Baptist Academy
5'10", 155
2
3
3
3
5/3/2013
Herdman, Cole
TE
Oakton, VA
Flint Hill School
6’4", 225
2
2
2
3
12/16/2013
Jenkins, Juan
S
Gainesville, FL
Gainesville
5'11", 200
3
3
2
3
12/15/2013
Jones, Keiwan
DT
Dunnellon, FL
Dunnellon
6’2", 265
2
2
2
3
12/9/2013
Knox, Dexter
RB
Fairburn, GA
Creekside
5'9", 200
2
3
2
3
12/17/2013
McGehee, Austin
K
Pine Bluff, AR
Pine Bluff
6'1", 200
2
2
3
3
6/28/2013
Patterson, Martesse
OT
Columbus, OH
Marion-Franklin
6’5", 290
2
3
3
3
12/15/2013
Phillips, Gregory
WR
Lithonia, GA
Arabia Mountain
5'11", 180
2
3
2
3
6/24/2013
Roberts, Brandon
CB
Valdosta, GA
Lowndes
6’0", 185
2
3
3
3
12/10/2013
Robinson, Gelen
DE
St John, IN
Lake Central
6'1", 231
4
3
3
3
6/24/2013
Wiley, Ladarius
WR
Los Angeles, CA
Cathedral
6’1", 185
3
3
3
3
12/17/2013
Yacoobi, Bearooz
OT
Dearborn, MI
Dearborn
6’5", 250
2
2
3
NR
1/19/2014
Observations: The Boilermakers have come on strong, adding a dozed commits in the past five months: Bentley, Cason, Cobbs, Colmery, Herdman, Jenkins, Jones, Knox, Patterson, Roberts, Wiley, and Yacoobi. Lineman Denzel Ward, a high school teammate of PSU’s Michael O’Connor, decommitted from Purdue in December; other than that, the Boilers haven’t had much negative news. With more class space left, though, look for some strong push to increase the class in the next eleven days.
ILLINOIS
Name
Position
Hometown
High School
Height/Weight
Rivals grade
247 grade
Scout grade
ESPN grade
Date Committed
Allegretti, Nick
OL
Frankfort, IL
Lincoln Way East
6'4", 280
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3/11/2013
Allison, Geronimo
WR
Council Bluffs, IA
Iowa Western CC
6’3", 130
3
3
3
3
7/25/2013
Crouch, Chayce
QB
Newark, OH
Newark Catholic
6'4", 215
3
3
3
3
5/2/2013
Cvijanovic, Peter
OL
Great Barrington, MA
East Coast Prep
6’5", 285
3
2
2
3
10/7/2013
Domer, Matt
RB
Chicago, IL
Mount Carmel
6'0", 180
3
3
3
3
7/2/2013
Dudek, Mike
WR
Naperville, IL
Neuqua Valley
5'11", 175
3
3
3
3
4/3/2013
Fotu, Joe</