State of the Union is back, with a major twist.
I would like to welcome you to the new era of the State of the Union. As in the past, it will still be the same Big Ten recruiting roundup we all know and love, but with a few new twists. If you've ever ventured onto one of the recruiting sites that we use as our basis for creating these charts, you've surely noticed that the rankings are more specific than just stars. In fact, 247, ESPN, and Rivals all grade on their own numerical systems. While stars make it easy for the casual follower to get the information they need to know, they can sometimes be misleading. For example, a four star player on 247Sports can range from an 89 to a 97. It is for this reason, that I have decided to give these ratings a facelift. From now on, this post will look at the actual numbers for the players, instead of stars (aside from Scout, they only do stars). So take a look, and enjoy the first look at our new Big Ten big board.
**As a quick point of reference, the BSD grade was created by normalizing all of the other rankings to the 247 mean and standard deviation. Therefore, it is technically possible for someone to grade out over 100, since 247's scale actually goes to 110. However, because 247 very infrequently ranks someone over 100, and ESPN infrequently ranks someone over 90 (they go to 100), it's unlikely to find someone over 100 in my rankings, unless they are one of the top seven, or so, recruits in the country. For example. Josh Sweat (Rivals- 6.1, 247- 99, Scout- 5, ESPN- 93) would grade out as a 101.21 on my scale. Hope that helps.**
Big Ten Recruiting Rankings
as of 12.30.2014
Team (# of Commits)
Avg. Rivals Ranking
Avg. 247 Ranking
Avg. Scout Ranking
Avg. ESPN Ranking
Rivals Team Rank
247 Team Rank
Scout Team Rank
Avg. Team Rank
B1G Rank
BSD Ranking
BSD Rank
Ohio State (24)
5.73
90.29
3.46
80.42
6
4
4
4.67
1
93.598
1
Penn State (20)
5.77
91.2
3.55
79.65
10
9
10
9.67
2
91.252
2
Michigan State (15)
5.7
88.2
3.4
77.87
33
28
29
30
4
88.518
3
Nebraska (13)
5.68
86.69
3.15
78.23
45
40
39
41.33
6
87.472
4
Wisconsin (25)
5.56
85.72
3.17
77.08
29
25
19
24.33
3
85.85
5
Northwestern (18)
5.55
85.06
2.83
75.39
43
42
38
41
5
84.669
6
Indiana (17)
5.54
85.56
2.76
75.31
48
49
53
50
9
84.618
7
Iowa (16)
5.53
85.19
2.88
75.5
57
56
44
52.33
10
84.589
8
Maryland (17)
5.55
84.65
2.82
75.12
52
45
50
49
8
84.459
9
Michigan (6)
5.7
87.17
3.67
79.17
96
90
68
84.67
14
83.845
10
Minnesota (18)
5.51
82.89
2.67
74.67
52
58
60
56.67
11
83.385
12
Illinois (20)
5.49
82.67
3
75.12
46
46
33
41.67
7
83.033
11
Purdue (24)
5.43
82.09
2.65
75.26
57
52
64
57.67
12
82.603
13
Rutgers (20)
5.44
81.76
2.7
74.85
56
61
61
59.33
13
82.094
14
You're probably confused. "Nick, what in the world is the BSD Rank?" Well, dear reader, let me explain.
When I realized that we could look at these rankings more specifically, I also realized that we could create a new way to look at them altogether. (FULL DISCLOSURE: I don't know how 247Sports computes their Composite rankings. They might do something similar to what I'm about to explain, but I have no way of knowing. Regardless, I assure you that the results are different, and you'll see why.) On the surface, there's no way to combine the Rivals grade (scale of 4.9-6.1), the 247 grade (scale of 79 and below-101), and the ESPN grade (scale of 50-100). Therefore, with the help of some good friends (thank you Kevin Furlong and Kevin Clancy), we developed a way to give each player a new BSD Grade. This grade is based off of the 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals grades (Scout was excluded due to a lack of a more exact system of rankings), valuing 247Sports and Rivals the most. I could go on for a long time explaining exactly how this grade is made, but I know not everyone wants that explanation. So if you're interested, shoot me an email (nick.polak.51@gmail.com), and I'd be happy to lay it all out for you. For now though, let's just look at the results.
* * *
#1 - OHIO STATE
Name
Pos.
Hometown
High School
Height/Weight
Rivals Grade
247 Grade
Scout Grade
ESPN Grade
BSD Grade
Commit Date
Joshua Alabi
DE
Detroit (MI)
Cass Technical
6'5"/295
5.7
87
3
79
88.265
7/25/14
A.J. Alexander
TE
Burke (VA)
Lake Braddock
6'4"/220
5.6
90
3
80
88.616
9/12/14
Jerome Baker
ATH
Cleveland (OH)
Benedictine
6’2"/210
6.0
97
4
84
97.046
10/21/14
Rashod Berry
DE
Lorain (OH)
Lorain Digital
6'5"/230
5.7
86
3
75
86.749
10/22/14
Branden Bowen
OT
Draper (UT)
Corner Canyon
6’7"/330
5.6
87
3
80
87.416
11/23/14
Matt Burrell
OT
Woodbridge (VA)
CD Hylton
6'5"/302
5.9
96
4
84
95.517
11/17/14
Joe Burrow
DT-QB
The Plains (OH)
Athens
6'4"/205
5.6
88
4
80
87.816
5/27/14
Nick Conner
ILB
Dublin (OH)
Dublin Scioto
6’3"/225
5.9
91
4
80
92.401
6/17/14
Jashon Cornell
DE
Saint Paul (MN)
Cretin Derham Hall
6'4"/260
5.9
96
4
90
97.191
7/2/14
Carlton Davis
CB
Miami (FL)
Norland
6’1"/182
5.7
87
3
79
88.265
8/11/14
Jamel Dean
CB
Cocoa (FL)
Cocoa
6'2"/201
5.8
92
3
83
92.51
12/1/13
Kevin Feder
OT
Ramsey (NJ)
Don Bosco Prep
6’9"/305
5.8
86
3
76
88.157
6/22/14
Torrence Gibson
ATH
Fort Lauderdale (FL)
American Heritage
6’4"/200
5.8
96
4
90
96.062
11/3/14
Eric Glover-Williams
CB
Canton (OH)
McKinley
5’11"/165
5.9
95
4
83
94.838
8/25/13
Justin Hilliard
OLB
Cincinnati (OH)
St. Xavier
6’0"/225
6.0
98
4
90
99.12
7/2/14
Dre’Mont Jones
DE
Cleveland (OH)
St. Ignatius
6’5"/250
5.7
96
4
81
92.423
6/18/14
Mirko Jurkovic
OG
Bradenton (FL)
IMG Academy
6'5"/275
5.5
86
3
80
85.887
12/4/14
Liam McCullough
LS
Columbus (OH)
Worthingon Kilbourne
6'2"/230
5.2
78
2
69
76.233
6/10/14
Joshua Norwood
CB
Valdosta (GA)
Valdosta
5’10"/175
5.7
86
3
74
86.47
11/4/14
Grant Schmidt
OT
Sioux Falls (SD)
Roosevelt - 03
6’6"/275
5.8
87
3
80
89.673
6/9/14
Alex Stump
WR
Lakewood (OH)
St. Edward
6’3.5"/195
5.7
91
4
78
89.586
10/12/14
Denzel Ward
CB
Macedonia (OH)
Nordonia
5’11"/165
5.6
92
3
79
89.137
6/19/14
Michael Weber
RB
Detroit (MI)
Cass Technical
5’10"/205
5.9
94
4
82
94.159
12/10/14
Robert Landers
DT
Dayton (OH)
Wayne
6'2"/295
5.6
85
4
74
84.942
12/16/14
Notes: Ohio State's class, while actually grading out lower than Penn State's on 247, Rivals, and Scout in terms of the average recruit rating, is full of star power. Torrence Gibson, Justin Hilliard, Jashon Cornell, Matt Burrell, and Jerome Baker lead the way for this class, but there are plenty of intriguing guys ranked slightly lower, as well. Eric Glover-Williams is primed to be a stud in the secondary, Joe Burrow just had an extraordinary senior season, and Keven Feder might actually be half-giant. It's an extremely impressive class for the Buckeyes, and they even got a long snapper!
Visit Land Grant Holy Land for more on the Buckeyes.
* * *
#2 - PENN STATE
Name
Pos.
Hometown
High School
Height/Weight
Rivals Grade
247 Grade
Scout Grade
ESPN Grade
BSD Grade
Commit Date
Saquon Barkley
RB
Whitehall (PA)
Whitehall High School
5’11"/190
5.9
96
4
80
94.401
2/19/14
Ryan Bates
OT
Warminster (PA)
Archbishop Wood
6’5"/280
5.8
94
4
83
93.31
2/15/14
Manny Bowen
OLB
Barnegat (NJ)
Barnegat
6'2"/206
5.8
89
4
81
90.752
6/21/14
Ryan Buchholz
DE
Malvern (PA)
Great Valley
6’6"/240
5.8
88
3
76
88.957
2/24/14
Kamonte Carter
ATH
Gaithersburg (MD)
Gaithersburg
6'4"/235
5.8
88
4
79
89.794
2/15/14
Irvin Charles
WR
Haddonfield (NJ)
Paul Vi
6'4"/212
5.8
92
3
79
91.394
7/19/14
Jake Cooper
ILB
Warminster (PA)
Archbishop Wood
6’1"/220
5.6
93
3
77
88.979
2/24/14
Steven Gonzalez
OG
Union City (NJ)
Union City
6’3"/300
5.7
96
3
81
92.423
3/29/14
Jonathan Holland
TE/DE
Potomac (MD)
The Bullis School
6'4"/240
5.7
86
3
81
88.423
5/3/14
Sterling Jenkins
OT
Pittsburgh (PA)
Baldwin
6’8"/205
5.8
92
4
83
92.51
5/6/14
Juwan Johnson
WR
Glassboro (NJ)
Glassboro
6’4"/200
5.9
93
4
81
93.48
3/16/14
Daiquan Kelly
ATH
Union City (NJ)
Union City
6'2"/206
5.8
90
3
79
90.594
9/14/14
Jarvis Miller
S
Suffield (CT)
Suffield
6'2"/188
5.5
86
3
75
84.492
2/15/14
Ayron Monroe
S
Washington (DC)
St. John’s College
6’0"/195
5.6
89
3
78
87.658
5/10/14
Brandon Polk
WR
Ashburn (VA)
Briar Woods
5'9"/152
5.7
88
4
78
88.386
3/25/14
John Reid
CB
Philadelphia (PA)
St. Joseph’s
5’10"/180
5.9
94
4
82
94.159
8/8/14
Andre Robinson
RB
Harrisburg (PA)
Bishop McDevitt
5’9"/205
5.7
95
4
80
91.744
2/27/14
Tommy Stevens
Dual-QB
Indianapolis (IN)
Decatur Central
6'4"/200
5.7
88
3
77
88.107
11/10/14
Garrett Taylor
CB
Richmond (VA)
St. Christopher’s School
6'1"/195
5.9
96
4
83
95.238
11/30/14
Paris Palmer (JuCo)
OT
Scranton (PA)
Lackawanna C.C.
6'8"/305
5.9
91
4
80
92.401
12/12/14
Notes: Around the middle of November, Nittany Lion fans thought the sky was falling. Since then, Franklin and the staff have picked up commitments from Garrett Taylor, who becomes the highest rated recruit in the class, and Paris Palmer, the number one Junior College offensive tackle. However, the strength of Penn State's class lies in the consistency of their rankings. They might not have anyone ranked at the same A+ level that many of Ohio State's recruits sit at, but the Penn State class is full of guys around the A/A- minus level, which is exactly what they needed to help rebuild a depleted roster.
Visit our Penn State recruiting page for more information on the Nittany Lion recruits.
* * *
#3 - MICHIGAN STATE
Name
Pos.
Hometown
High School
Height/Weight
Rivals Grade
247 Grade
Scout Grade
ESPN Grade
BSD Grade
Commit Date
Justice Alexander
DE
Macedonia (OH)
Nordonia
6’6"/236
5.5
87
3
75
84.892
6/21/14
Josh Butler
CB
Mesquite (TX)
West Mesquite
5’11"/175
5.8
88
4
79
89.794
7/21/14
Felton Davis III
WR
Highland Springs (VA)
Highland Springs
6'3"/175
5.7
89
3
76
88.228
7/21/14
Kaleel Gaines
WR
Frostproof (FL)
Frostproof
6'0"/175
5.7
84
3
77
86.507
8/4/14
Tyler Higby
OT
Houston (TX)
The Kinkaid School
6'4"/286
5.7
86
3
79
87.865
7/30/14
Brian Lewerke
Pro-QB
Phoenix (AZ)
Pinnacle
6’3"/180
5.8
88
3
81
90.352
4/19/14
Noah Listermann
OT
Cincinnati (OH)
Winton Woods
6’7"/293
5.7
86
3
76
87.028
6/1/14
Grayson Miller
OLB
Georgetown (KY)
Scott County
6’2"/195
5.6
86
3
78
86.458
6/19/14
Larry Scott
RB
Hubbard (OH)
Hubbard
6’0"/205
6.0
96
4
83
96.367
7/10/14
Tyson Smith
CB
West Bloomfield (MI)
St. Mary’s
5’11"/175
5.5
87
4
76
85.171
12/4/13
Kyonta Stallworth
OG
Detroit (MI)
Detroit Martin Luther King
6’4"/275
5.8
93
4
81
92.352
8/7/13
Tyriq Thompson
OLB
Detroit (MI)
Detroit Martin Luther King
6’1"/220
5.6
88
4
76
86.7
8/6/14
Khari Willis
ATH
Jackson (MI)
Lumen Christi
6'0"/189
5.6
86
3
74
85.342
6/14/14
Darrell Stewart
ATH
Houston (TX)
Nimitz
6'0"/170
5.6
87
3
78
86.858
11/23/14
Raequan Williams
DT
Chicago (IL)
Gordon Tech
6’4"/280
5.9
92
4
79
92.522
12/19/14
Notes: Michigan State has an interesting class here. Not only did they pluck a stud running back right out of Ohio, but they have a nice southern presence. Although the kids they pulled out of Texas aren't the highest ranked kids in the state, it's still important to maintain those relationships with coaches that can generate highly ranked kids at a greater rate than coaches in the north can. The aforementioned Larry Scott should be able to step in and help continue the recent string of running back success for Sparty.
Visit The Only Colors for more on the Spartans.
* * *
#4 - NEBRASKA
Name
Pos.
Hometown
High School
Height/Weight
Rivals Grade
247 Grade
Scout Grade
ESPN Grade
BSD Grade
Commit Date
Avery Anderson
ATH
Colorado Springs (CO)
Pine Creek
6'0"/170
5.8
88
4
80
90.073
2/2/14
Carlos Davis
DE
Blue Springs (MO)
Blue Springs
6’2"/260
5.7
89
4
80
89.344
3/1/14
Khalil Davis
DT
Blue Springs (MO)
Blue Springs
6'2"/260
5.8
89
3
77
89.636
3/1/14
Michael Decker
OG
Omaha (NE)
Omaha North
6’4"/285
5.6
86
3
77
86.179
4/9/14
Kevin Dillman
ATH
Denton (TX)
Guyer
6'4"/220
5.5
86
3
79
85.608
4/5/14
Christian Gaylord
OT
Baldwin City (KS)
Baldwin
6’6"/275
5.7
90
3
78
89.186
2/3/14
Reuben Jones
DE
Lakeland (FL)
Lake Gibson
6’3"/223
5.7
83
3
78
86.386
11/15/14
Eric Lee
CB
Littleton (CO)
Valor Christian
6’0"/175
5.9
93
4
82
93.759
2/1/14
Nekyle Lundie
WR
Stone Mountain (GA)
Stephenson
6'2"/215
5.6
84
3
76
85.1
8/8/14
Stanley Morgan
WR
New Orleans (LA)
St. Augustine
6'0"/185
5.8
87
3
81
89.952
11/7/14
DaiShon Neal
DE
Omaha (NE)
Central
6'6"/229
5.6
84
3
75
84.821
4/9/14
Aaron Williams
S
Atlanta (GA)
Carver
5’11"/183
5.6
88
3
78
87.258
5/15/14
Tyrin Ferguson
OLB
New Orleans (LA)
Edna Karr
6’2.5"/205
5.6
80
2
76
83.5
12/6/14
Notes: Nebraska is a school that could still make a late splash, as teams with new head coaches often do. Still though, Pelini's comments along with current player reactions could not have left the best impression on their targeted recruits. The Huskers have a nice class for now, and Eric Lee is a name to remember, but there is probably a lot of movement still ahead for Mike Riley and his staff.
Visit Corn Nation for more on the Huskers.
* * *
#5 - WISCONSIN
Name
Pos.
Hometown
High School
Height/Weight
Rivals Grade
247 Grade
Scout Grade
ESPN Grade
BSD Grade
Commit Date
X’zaviae Ausborne
CB
Dallas (TX)
South Oak Cliff
5'10"/170
5.4
78
3
77
80.722
6/6/14
Elu Aydon
DT
Pago Pago (AS)
Samoana
6'2"/315
5.4
85
NR
74
82.685
10/27/14
Zack Baun
ATH
Milwaukee (WI)
Brown Deer
6'3"/205
5.5
83
3
78
84.129
10/25/14
Davon Crookshank
RB
Missouri City (TX)
Fort Bend Marshall
5’10"/195
5.5
88
3
78
86.129
7/20/14
Jon Dietzen
OT
Seymour (WI)
Seymour
6’5"/345
5.6
88
4
79
87.537
5/4/14
David Edwards
TE
Downers Grove (IL)
Comm Dist 99 - North
6'7"/245
5.6
87
3
79
87.137
6/18/14
Kevin Estes
OT
San Marcos (CA)
San Marcos
6’6"/275
5.7
95
3
77
90.907
8/15/14
Jordan Griffin
ILB
Seffner (FL)
Armwood
6’0"/207
5.6
84
3
75
84.821
10/25/14
Nate Howard
DE
Saint Louis (MO)
Ladue Horton Watkins
6'5"/225
5.5
89
3
76
85.971
6/15/14
Andrew James
WR
Fort Lauderdale (FL)
Westminster Academy
5’10.5"/162
5.5
84
3
79
84.808
3/11/14
Austin Kafentzis
DT-QB
Sandy (UT)
Jordan
6’1"/200
5.6
89
3
80
88.216
6/18/13
Brandyn Lee
WR
West Hills (CA)
Chaminade
6'1"/175
5.5
84
3
78
84.529
6/15/14
Sam Madden
OT
Barnegat (NJ)
Barnegat
6’7"/345
5.7
92
3
79
90.265
6/15/14
David Moorman
OT
Pinckney (MI)
Northville
6'5"/275
5.7
86
4
79
87.865
5/7/14
Chris Orr
ILB
DeSoto (TX)
DeSoto
6'0"/215
5.4
80
3
74
80.685
6/14/14
Kyle Penniston
TE
Santa Ana (CA)
Mater Dei
6'5"/232
5.8
90
3
80
90.873
2/17/14
David Pfaff
DE
Thiensville (WI)
Homestead
6’2.5"
5.4
84
3
73
82.006
5/20/14
Jake Pickard
DE
Millburn (NJ)
Millburn Senior
6'6"/231
5.4
84
3
75
82.564
7/31/14
Olive Sagapolu
DT
Santa Ana (CA)
Mater Dei
6’3"/295
5.6
84
3
74
84.542
10/27/14
Dominic Sheppard
OLB
Miami (FL)
Gulliver Prep
6’2"/225
5.7
86
3
77
87.307
7/29/14
Nick Thomas
ILB
Bradenton (FL)
IMG Academy
6'2"/222
5.5
85
3
78
84.929
6/12/14
Takadrae Williams
CB
Dallas (TX)
South Oak Cliff
6'1"/170
5.4
83
3
77
82.722
6/6/14
TJ Griffin
CB
Virginia Beach (VA)
Ocean Lakes
5’9"/180
5.6
79
3
78
83.658
11/18/14
Titus Booker
RB
Grayslake (IL)
Grayslake Comm North
5’11"/172
5.5
85
4
73
83.534
11/15/14
Jordan Stevenson
RB
Dallas (TX)
South Oak Cliff
5’8"/185
5.8
91
4
80
91.273
12/11/14
Notes: The best part of Wisconsin's pickup of Paul Chryst as their head coach, is the familiarity factor. Recruits know that Wisconsin is about running the football, and playing defense. Nothing illustrates that more than Jordan Stevenson's commitment, which happened while the Badgers were without a coach. Despite that fact, Stevenson and everyone else in America knows that the Badgers will always run the football. Chryst should be able to get Wisconsin into the discussion a bit more for Pennsylvania recruits in the years to come, but that's not something we'll necessarily see this year. One thing to love about this class though? Thirteen recruits from the combination of Florida, Texas, and California.
Visit Bucky's 5th Quarter for more on the Badgers.
* * *
#6 - NORTHWESTERN
Name
Pos.
Hometown
High School
Height/Weight
Rivals Grade
247 Grade
Scout Grade
ESPN Grade
BSD Grade
Commit Date
Jordan Thompson
DT
Cincinnati (OH)
LaSalle
6’3"/250
5.6
87
4
77
86.579
5/2/14
Jared Thomas
OC
Indianapolis (IN)
Cathedral
6’4"/255
5.7
88
3
78
88.386
6/27/14
Joe Gaziano
DE
Westwood (MA)
Xaverian Brothers
6'4"/242
5.7
89
3
74
87.67
4/15/14
Trent Goens
DE
Chino (CA)
Chino Hills
6'3"/245
5.7
85
3
78
87.186
4/14/14
Simba Short
S
Concord (CA)
De La Salle
6’2"/210
5.5
88
3
77
85.85
5/15/14
Cameron Green
WR
Lincolnshire (IL)
Adlai Stevenson
6'2"/195
5.6
85
3
78
86.058
6/24/14
Nathan Fox
ILB
Houston (TX)
Clear Lake
6'2"/230
5.6
85
3
78
86.058
4/11/14
Tommy Vitale
OLB
Wheaton (IL)
Wheaton Warrenville South
6'2"/220
5.6
85
3
76
85.5
4/12/14
John Moten
RB
Saint Louis (MO)
John Burroughs School
6’0"/188
5.5
86
3
77
85.05
4/13/14
Adam Lemke-Bell
OT
Oak Park (IL)
River Forest
6’5"/255
5.6
85
3
77
85.779
5/31/14
Charlie Fessler
WR
Erie (PA)
Cathedral Prep
6'4"/195
5.5
85
3
76
84.371
6/23/14
Zach Allen
DE
New Canaan (CT)
New Canaan
6'5"/235
5.6
86
3
74
85.342
4/15/14
Jelani Roberts
WR
Baltimore (MD)
Gilman
5’8"/153
5.5
83
2
73
82.734
6/23/14
Alonzo Mayo
CB
Baltimore (MD)
Gilman
5’10"/172
NR
84
2
67
78.11
10/3/14
Andrew Otterman
OG
Morristown (NJ)
Delbarton School
6'4"/285
5.3
82
2
73
80.077
6/7/14
Lloyd Yates
DT-QB
Oak Park (IL)
River Forest
6’1"/180
5.5
84
3
74
83.413
7/17/14
Jacob Murray
S
Coppell (TX)
Coppell
6’1"/194
5.3
79
2
74
79.156
7/24/14
Grant Perry
WR
Bloomfield Hills (MI)
Brother Rice
6'0"/185
5.6
85
3
76
85.5
12/8/14
Notes: Northwestern can't help but be overjoyed with this class so far. Coach Fitzgerald has done a fantastic job over the years with this program, but it will take a few years of sustained, very high level success to turn the Wildcats into a major player in Big Ten recruiting. That being said, he's doing a great job with his 2015 class, including two names that might sound familiar to Penn State fans. Charlie Fessler (Erie, PA), is someone who took a Penn State visit in the summer and had a little bit of interest from the staff. Cameron Green is someone who told me he had some Penn State interest a while back, but that interest never amounted to much. Both players have the potential to cause some trouble for defenses, and Charlie Fessler already has that feel of someone who will seem like they've been playing in college for the last 65 years.
Visit Inside NU for more on the Wildcats.
* * *
#7 - INDIANA
Name
Pos.
Hometown
High School
Height/Weight
Rivals Grade
247 Grade
Scout Grade
ESPN Grade
BSD Grade
Commit Date
Leon Thornton
WR
Lombard (IL)
Montini Catholic
6’2"/190
5.7
85
3
80
87.744
6/11/14
Brandon Knight
OT
Noblesville (IN)
Noblesville
6’5"/270
5.7
88
3
77
88.107
6/22/14
Nicholas Westbrook
WR
Lake Mary (FL)
Lake Mary
6’3"/190
5.6
87
2
77
86.579
8/16/14
Hunter Littlejohn
OG
Powell (OH)
Olentangy Liberty
6’4"/267
5.5
86
3
75
84.492
6/18/14
Simon Stepaniak
OT
Hamilton (OH)
Ross
6'4"/287
5.5
86
3
74
84.213
5/3/14
Jacob Robinson
DE
Westfield (IN)
Westfield
6’4"/230
5.5
85
3
75
84.092
5/9/14
Austin Dorris
TE
Shadyside (OH)
Shadyside
6'5"/220
5.5
83
3
71
82.176
6/23/14
Joey Belden
DE
Avon (IN)
Avon
6'3"/250
5.5
81
3
74
82.213
6/18/14
Omari Stringer
S
Crete (IL)
Crete-Monee
6'4"/208
5.6
83
2
75
84.421
6/30/14
Andre Brown
Dual-QB
Decatur (GA)
Columbia
6’0"/187
5.4
79
3
75
80.564
8/13/14
Isaac James
ATH/WR
Carmel (IN)
Carmel
5’11.5"/180
5.6
88
3
75
86.421
12/14/14
Tyler Green
S
Hyattsville (MD)
DeMatha Catholic
6'3"/195
5.7
90
3
75
88.349
12/14/14
DaVondre Love
OG
Saint Louis (MO)
Affton
6’7"/290
5.4
NR
2
NR
80.72
12/14/14
Mike Majette
Dual-QB
Woodbridge (VA)
Woodbridge
5’11"/195
5.5
89
3
74
85.413
12/14/14
Austin King
Pro-QB
Alpharetta (GA)
Alpharetta
6'3"/193
5.5
85
3
78
84.929
12/15/14
Jonathan Crawford
S
Largo (FL)
Largo
6'2"/175
5.5
87
3
77
85.45
12/18/14
Donavan Hale
WR
Largo (FL)
Largo
6'3"/200
5.4
87
2
73
83.206
12/18/14
Notes: The recruiting world was #TalkinBoutTheHoosiers on December 14th, as they not only grabbed four new commits, but they flipped two of them. Mike Majette chose to flip from Maryland to Indiana, and Tyler Green decided to drop his Buckeye colors for Hoosier colors (which are almost the same, so that's pretty easy). When Tommy Stevens flipped to Penn State, things weren't looking great for the Hoosiers class, but they've rebounded nicely. They could use an influx of defensive players though, so look for the staff to push for that side of the ball as Signing Day approaches.
Visit Crimson Quarry for more on the Hoosiers.
* * *
#8 - IOWA
Name
Pos.
Hometown
High School
Height/Weight
Rivals Grade
247 Grade
Scout Grade
ESPN Grade
BSD Grade
Commit Date
Ryan Boyle
Dual-QB
West Des Moines (IA)
Dowling Catholic
6’2"/205
5.5
89
3
75
85.692
3/26/14
Drew Cook
ATH
Iowa City (IA)
Regina
6'5"/205
5.5
86
2
80
85.887
2/26/14
James Daniels
OC
Warren (OH)
Warren G Harding
6’4"/204
5.8
86
4
79
88.994
7/31/14
Adrian Falconer
WR
Leesburg (FL)
Leesburg
6'1"/189
5.4
84
2
76
82.843
6/21/14
Karan Higdon
RB
Sarasota (FL)
Riverview
5’10"/190
5.7
90
3
78
89.186
10/28/14
Jack Hockaday
S
Maroa (IL)
Maroa-Forsyth
6’1"/205
5.5
81
3
75
82.492
3/29/14
Justin Jinning
OLB
The Colony (TX)
The Colony
6'2"/200
5.4
78
3
76
80.443
6/23/14
Jacob Newborg
OG
Inwood (IA)
West Lyon
6’3"/270
5.5
87
3
77
85.45
8/31/13
Emmanuel Ogwo
WR
Mesquite (TX)
Horn
6’0"/170
5.5
80
2
77
82.65
7/30/14
Landan Paulsen
OG
Moville (IA)
Woodbury Central
6’4.5"/265
5.6
89
4
75
86.821
3/2/14
Levi Paulsen
OT
Moville (IA)
Woodbury Central
6'5"/265
5.6
88
4
76
86.7
3/2/14
Brady Reiff
DE
Parkston (SD)
Parkston
6'3"/215
5.4
88
3
74
83.885
4/24/14
Jerminic Smith
WR
Garland (TX)
South Garland
6'1"/175
5.6
85
2
72
84.384
11/3/14
Michael Slater Jr
ATH
Chesterfield (MO)
Parkway Central
6'2"/240
5.4
84
3
71
81.448
10/15/14
Nate Vejvoda
TE
New Lenox (IL)
Providence Catholic
6'5"/210
5.5
82
3
72
82.055
7/26/14
Brett Waechter
OT
Hartley (IA)
Harley-Melvin-Sanborn
6’5"/265
5.5
86
2
75
84.492
6/11/14
Notes: Iowa's 2015 class should prove to be a very solid one, when all things are said and done. It comes as no surprise that the Hawkeyes were able to bring in a good group of linemen, including the younger brother of Reilly Reiff, as well as the Paulsen twins. Karan Higdon is the other big name to watch on the offensive side of the ball. Expect the Hawkeyes staff to recruit the defensive side of the ball hard in the closing month before National Signing Day. Props to the staff for doing a nice job of locking down the in-state talent, grabbing six of the state's top ten players.
Visit Black Heart Gold Pants for more on the Hawkeyes.
* * *
#9 - MARYLAND
Name
Pos.
Hometown
High School
Height/Weight
Rivals Grade
247 Grade
Scout Grade
ESPN Grade
BSD Grade
Commit Date
Jameel Cook
S
Missouri City (TX)
Ridge Point
6'0"/181
5.4
83
3
75
82.164
6/20/14
Jahrvis Davenport
WR
Tampa (FL)
Robinson
5'10"/180
5.5
83
3
74
83.013
6/20/14
Isaiah Davis
ATH
Alexandria (VA)
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes
6’1"/210
5.4
82
3
73
81.206
8/12/14
E.J. Donahue
OG
Frederick (MD)
Linganore
6’5"/335
5.6
90
4
77
87.779
10/26/13
Keiron Howard
DT
Oxon Hill (MD)
Potomac
6’4"/295
5.7
84
3
72
85.112
6/8/14
Ty Johnson
RB
Cumberland (MD)
Fort Hill
5’10"/178
5.6
87
2
77
86.579
6/8/14
Ulric Jones (JuCo)
DE
El Dorado (KS)
Butler C.C.
6’6.5"/283
5.5
83
3
68
81.339
11/10/14
Gus Little
ILB
Fredericksburg (VA)
Massaponax
6’3"/230
5.5
86
2
77
85.05
6/19/14
Will McClain
OT
Middletown (MD)
Middletown
6'5"/290
5.5
80
3
74
81.813
6/24/14
Ellis McKennie
OG
Owings Mills (MD)
McDonogh School
6'4"/310
5.7
83
2
77
86.107
5/28/14
Adam McLean
DT
Gaithersburg (MD)
Quince Orchard
6’2"/290
5.9
93
4
83
94.038
12/4/14
D.J. Moore
ATH
Philadelphia (PA)
Imhotep Institute
6’0"/180
5.8
85
3
77
88.036
7/2/14
Darnell Savage
CB
Bear (DE)
Caravel Academy
5'10"/172
5.5
87
3
72
84.055
6/23/14
Gage Shaffer
Pro-QB
Ridgeley (WV)
Frankfort
6’7"/205
5.4
84
2
79
83.68
6/7/14
Mbi Tanyi
DE
Richmond (TX)
Bush
6’2.5"/247
5.4
82
3
73
81.206
6/12/14
Brett Zanotto
ILB
Murrysville (PA)
Franklin Regional
6'0"/215
5.5
84
2
75
83.692
6/19/14
Mason Zimmerman
OC
Whitehouse (OH)
Anthony Wayne
6'5"/275
5.4
83
3
74
81.885
6/15/14
Notes: Maryland's 2015 class is an interesting one. The commitment of Adam McLean was huge for them for many reasons, one of them being his ability to recruit. However, McLean's recruiting prowess has only really shown up for the 2016 class thus far, with the commitment of four star linebacker Keandre Jones. Of course, there's still time for plenty to change before National Signing Day, and it will. Personally, I'll be listening for news about McLean recruiting while at the Under Armour All-America game (he won't be participating, due to his injury). The Terps have some high-upside players to go along with McLean, in guys like DJ Moore, EJ Donahue, and Ty Johnson. Donahue in particular is someone who has a bright future ahead of him at UMD, and could be a starter on the offensive line for a long time.
Visit Testudo Times for more on the Terrapins.
* * *
#10 - MICHIGAN
Name
Pos.
Hometown
High School
Height/Weight
Rivals Grade
247 Grade
Scout Grade
ESPN Grade
BSD Grade
Commit Date
Brian Cole
ATH
Saginaw (MI)
Heritage
6’2"/190
5.9
97
4
82
95.359
7/26/14
Andrew David
K
Massillon (OH)
Washington
5’9"/165
5.3
75
3
75
77.835
6/24/13
Tyree Kinnel
S
Dayton (OH)
Wayne
6’0"/205
5.8
90
4
81
91.152
6/11/14
Alex Malzone
Pro-QB
Bloomfield Hills (MI)
Brother Rice
6’1.5"/200
5.8
88
4
80
90.073
5/12/14
Grant Newsome
OT
Trenton (NJ)
The Lawrenceville School
6'6"/290
5.8
92
4
81
91.952
6/11/14
Jon Runyan Jr.
OT
Philadelphia (PA)
St. Joseph’s
6’4"/276
5.6
81
3
76
83.9
6/25/13
Notes: This class is going to get very interesting, very quickly with the arrival of Jim Harbaugh at Michigan. It's a little too early to tell exactly which recruits they'll be targeting, but the comments coming from recruits at this week's all star games have been positive so far. There's no doubt that the class will start to fill up rapidly before NSD, but Michigan fans looking for a bevy of five stars to commit for 2015 will likely be disappointed. 2016 will be a different story, but for now, Harbaugh and his new staff need to get to work just filling out the rest of the class. They do have some great pieces already in place though, with Grant Newsome, Brian Cole, and Alex Malzone. And a kicker! #B1G
Visit Maize 'N Brew for more on the Wolverines.
* * *
#11 - MINNESOTA
Name
Pos.
Hometown
High School
Height/Weight
Rivals Grade
247 Grade
Scout Grade
ESPN Grade
BSD Grade
Commit Date
Shannon Brooks
RB
Jasper (GA)
Pickens County
5'11"/196
5.6
84
2
73
84.263
9/11/14
Almonzo Brown
WR
Suwanee (GA)
North Gwinnett
6'2"/214
5.5
84
3
76
83.971
8/21/14
Ray Buford Jr.
ATH
Southfield (MI)
Southfield
6’1"/195
5.6
84
3
75
84.821
8/21/14
Alonzo Craighton
S
Geismar (LA)
Dutchtown
6’2"/184
5.4
81
2
77
81.922
10/31/14
Nick Connelly
OT
Red Wing (MN)
Red Wing Senior
6’6.5"/265
5.5
82
3
72
82.055
6/24/14
Demry Croft
Dual-QB
Rockford (IL)
Boylan Central Catholic
6’5"/187
5.6
88
3
73
85.863
6/30/14
Bronson Dovich
OT
Akron (OH)
Archbisop Hoban
6'6"/300
5.5
84
3
74
83.413
6/18/14
Jonathan Femi-Cole
RB
Aurora (ON)
St. Andrew’s College
6’0"/220
5.6
77
3
74
81.742
7/19/14
Kiante Hardin
CB
Webb City (MO)
Webb City
5’10"/164
5.3
84
2
72
80.598
10/14/14
Jacob Huff
S
Bolingbrook (IL)
Bolingbrook
5'10"/205
5.5
80
2
76
82.371
6/5/14
Julian Huff
ILB
Bolingbrook (IL)
Bolingbrook
5'11"/225
5.4
78
2
75
80.164
6/5/14
James Johannesson
RB
Fargo (ND)
South
6'1"/210
5.5
82
2
73
82.334
8/22/14
Quinn Oseland
OT
Springfield (IL)
Sacred Heart Griffin
6’6"/310
5.6
87
3
76
86.3
8/13/14
Ace Rogers
CB
Council Bluffs (IA)
Iowa Western C.C.
6'1"/210
5.5
85
3
78
84.929
12/3/14
Antonio Shenault
CB
Roselle (IL)
Lake Park
5’11"/175
5.5
81
3
72
81.655
7/19/14
Ted Stieber
OL
Akron (OH)
Hoban
6'6"/290
5.5
83
3
74
83.013
6/18/14
Jaylen Waters
ILB
Copperas Cove (TX)
Copperas Cove
6’1.5"/229
5.5
81
3
77
83.05
7/21/14
Tyler Moore
C
Houston (TX)
North Shore
6’4"/310
5.5
87
3
77
85.45
12/16/14
Notes: The Gophers haven't quite translated their on-field success to the recruiting world, just yet. After another season or two of challenging for the Big Ten West crown, they should start to be able to get into the conversation with more big time recruits. They're making do with what they have for now. Demry Croft is very athletic, and was one of the QB's Penn State reached out to following the departure of Brandon Wimbush. Quin Oseland and recent pick up, Tyler Moore, should both find themselves in the starting five on the line consistently in their careers.
Visit The Daily Gopher for more on the Golden Gophers.
* * *
#12 - ILLINOIS
Name
Pos.
Hometown
High School
Height/Weight
Rivals Grade
247 Grade
Scout Grade
ESPN Grade
BSD Grade
Commit Date
Connor Brennan
OG
San Francisco (CA)
City College of San Francisco
6'4"/290
5.3
76
3
NR
77.898
12/7/14
Dre Brown
RB
Dekalb (IL)
De Kalb
6’0"/195
5.7
87
4
74
86.87
3/7/14
Desmond Cain
CB
Delray Beach (FL)
American Heritage B/D
5’10"/180
5.5
86
3
73
83.934
11/5/14
Reggie Corbin
RB
Washington (DC)
Gonzaga
5'10"/190
5.4
81
3
74
81.085
5/27/14
Andrew Davis (JuCo)
TE
Coucil Bluffs (IA)
Iowa Western C.C.
6'6"/220
5.6
82
3
75
84.021
6/1/14
Henry Enyenihi (JuCo)
RB
Sacramento (CA)
Sacramento City College
6'0"/220
5.5
78
3
74
81.013
7/3/14
Jordan Fagan
OT
El Cajon (CA)
Grossmont College
6'6"/280
5.5
NR
3
NR
83.541
12/10/14
Jimmy Fitzgerald
Pro-QB
Champaign (IL)
Centennial
6’3"/205
5.5
83
3
78
84.129
2/1/14
Zach Heath (JuCo)
OC
Sacramento (CA)
American River C.C.
6’4"/285
5.3
NR
3
73
79.244
7/1/14
Julian Jones
ATH
Atlanta (GA)
Westlake
6'3"/205
5.4
80
3
72
80.127
12/7/14
Zeke Martin
OT
Medina (OH)
Medina
6'5"/280
5.4
83
3
73
81.606
6/18/14
Sam Mays
WR
Houston (TX)
The Kinkaid School
6’3.5"/181
5.6
89
3
75
86.821
7/6/14
Gabe Megginson
OT
Jacksonville (IL)
Jacksonville
6’5"/295
5.7
88
4
81
89.223
4/25/14
A.D. Miller
WR
Dallas (TX)
Bishop Dunne Catholic
6’3"/175
5.6
84
3
79
85.937
7/5/14
Patrick Nelson
S
Chicago (IL)
Hales Franciscan
5’11"/196
5.7
81
3
76
85.028
6/25/14
Caleb Reams
TE
Gurnee (IL)
Warren Township
6'3"/220
5.5
81
3
75
82.492
8/9/14
Adam Solomon
OT
Indianapolis (IN)
Bishop Chatard
6’6"/290
5.5
88
3
75
85.292
5/31/14
Justice Williams
OLB
Frisco (TX)
Wakeland
6'3"/202
5.5
80
3
77
82.65
9/24/14
Frank Sumpter
CB/S
Cleveland (OH)
Glenville
6’1"/180
NR
82
2
NR
82
12/15/14
Ainslie Johnson
TE
Norwalk (CA)
Norwalk
6’2"/235
5.2
79
2
73
77.749
12/15/14
Notes: The 2015 Illinois class, is the one that I think is most likely to outperform their rank. Not only do they have stud lineman Gabe Megginson, but they have a strong group of above average prospects, with Adam Solomon, AD Miller, Sam Mays, and Dre Brown. Those four plus Megginson could very well be the core of the Illini offense for years to come, and should provide Beckman with some decent weapons to work with.
Visit The Champaign Room for more on the Fighting Illini.
* * *
#13 - PURDUE
Name
Pos.
Hometown
High School
Height/Weight
Rivals Grade
247 Grade
Scout Grade
ESPN Grade
BSD Grade
Commit Date
Markus Bailey
OLB
Hilliard (OH)
Hilliard Davidson
6’1"/205
5.5
82
3
78
83.729
7/13/14
Tyshawn Brown
WR
Atlanta (GA)
Mays
6'0"/180
5.5
86
2
73
83.934
8/4/14
Andy Cheif
S
Southlake (TX)
Southlake Carroll
6'0"/185
5.3
78
2
77
79.593
6/10/14
Jeff Christian
CB
Cincinnati (OH)
Colerain
5'11"/175
5.6
NR
3
77
86.266
12/9/14
Wyatt Cook
ILB
Owings Mills (MD)
McDonogh School
6’3"/225
5.5
88
3
78
86.129
7/1/14
Evyn Cooper
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