Breaking down the 2014 football team recruiting rankings

The state of Texas is on top of the recruiting world, as Texas and Texas A&M boast the nation's top two classes, according to the 247Sports Team Recruiting Rankings.

With 14 and 10 commits, respectively, Texas and Texas A&M lead the nation in the number of verbal pledges, with plenty of room to grow.

Six uncommitted recruits from the Lone Star State are ranked in the Top 100 of the 247Sports rankings, so the schools could be going head-to-head for a number of key targets in the months ahead.

Led by standout quarterback Will Grier, Florida follows at No. 3 in the team recruiting rankings, while LSU and Tennessee round out the Top 5.



MaxPreps goes in-depth to break down the top classes in 2014 with a look ahead to the 2015, 2016 and 2017 recruiting classes.

1. Texas
Number of verbal commitments: 14
Key recruit: Demetrius Knox
Still on the board: Tony Brown
Next year's name to know: Soso Jamabo
2016 recruit to follow: Trevor Speights
For serious recruitniks only (2017): Lindell Stone

Texas is off to a hot start in the Class of 2014, leading the nation with 14 commits. As the recruiting cycle continues and other teams catch up in sheer number of recruits, it will be difficult for the Longhorns to hold on to the No. 1 spot. Still, this class has the foundations of a very strong haul, and the Longhorns are already advancing their efforts with the Class of 2015.

2. Texas A&M
Number of verbal commitments: 10
Key recruit: Hoza Scott
Still on the board: Clifton Garrett
Next year's name to know: Malik Jefferson
2016 recruit to follow: Bowman Sells
For serious recruitniks only (2017): Dillon Davis

Texas A&M is going head to head with its in-state rival, and doing great. The Aggies landed Scott and Nick Harvey, two of the premier players at their position, both of whom turned down Longhorn offers. Though all of its current commits are from Texas, Texas A&M is now operating on a national level and is in the mix for top out-of-state recruits such as Braden Smith (Kansas) and Qualen Cunningham (Arizona.)

3. Florida
Number of verbal commitments: 9
Key recruit: Will Grier
Still on the board: David Sharpe
Next year's name to know: Jacques Patrick
2016 recruit to follow: Xavier Gaines
For serious recruitniks only (2017): Marquis Mickens



In Grier, who threw for 837 yards in a single game last fall, Florida has perhaps the most productive quarterback in the country. It also landed a premier running back when Dalvin Cook flipped from Clemson. The Gators' 2013 recruiting class was loaded at linebacker and defensive back, so those positions may not be high on the priority list. No. 1 recruit Da'Shawn Hand is still in play, as is Lamont Gaillard. The Gators have had tremendous success looking north for linemen in the past, and this year will likely be no different.

4. LSU
Number of verbal commitments: 8
Key recruit: Edward Paris
Still on the board: Leonard Fournette
Next year's name to know: Garrett Thomas
2016 recruit to follow: Willie Allen
For serious recruitniks only (2017): Dylan Moses

The Class of 2014 is one that LSU fans have had circled on their proverbial calendars for a few years, given the depth of talent in the Bayou in this cycle. It's reminiscent of the 2011 class that featured in-state studs such as Anthony Johnson, La'el Collins and Jeremy Hill. Leonard Fournette, the nation's top running back, leads the way. He will likely be another LSU/Alabama battle, with most people thinking he lands in Baton Rouge. Offensive lineman Cameron Robinson and defensive back Laurence Jones are other national-caliber recruits LSU will look to keep near home.

5. Tennessee
Number of verbal commitments: 9
Key recruit: Jalen Hurd
Still on the board: David Cornwell
Next year's name to know: Rico McGraw
2016 recruit to follow: Jeremiah Jackson
For serious recruitniks only (2017): Isaiah Stokes

Butch Jones has done a great job in restoring excitement around the Tennessee program. In Hurd, he already has perhaps the cornerstone of his 2014 class in place. With Cornwell and a slew of receivers still possibilities, the Vols have the potential for a special class offensively. Todd Kelly, one of the nation's top defensive backs, is already in the fold, and linebacker Dillon Bates is nearly a lock. The depth of talent in the state appears to be improving, which bodes well for the Vols' recruiting in the class of 2015 and beyond.


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6. Florida State
Number of verbal commitments: 8
Key recruit: Kain Daub
Still on the board: Damian Prince
Next year's name to know: Derwin James
2016 recruit to follow: Keith Gavin
For serious recruitniks only (2017): Demarcus Lindsey



After extremely impressive recruiting classes in 2011 and 2012, Florida State took a small step backwards last year, but closed strong (see: Matthew Thomas, Jalen Ramsey) and still finished in the Top 10. Landing Daub, previously committed to LSU, gave the Seminoles an impact linebacker. Jimbo Fisher and staff will likely focus on the trenches in this recruiting cycle after landing just three offensive linemen in 2013. Prince will be a high priority. Looking toward 2015, Florida State may have the best group of early commits, with Top 10-caliber recruit Derwin James and fellow MaxPreps Sophomore All-American De'Andre Johnson, whose seventh-grade brother Tyreke may be getting an offer from the 'Noles soon.

7. Ohio State
Number of verbal commitments: 7
Key recruit: Damon Webb
Still on the board: Raekwon McMillan
Next year's name to know: Torrance Gibson
2016 recruit to follow: Nicholas Bosa
For serious recruitniks only (2017): Connor Heyward

Clearly, Urban Meyer and his staff have a much different recruiting approach than Jim Tressel. Rather than filling its ranks with Buckeye State natives and pursuing a few nationally elite prospects, Meyer (and Director of Player Personnel Mark Pantoni) seem to be taking the opposite approach: recruit at a national level while targeting elite recruits from Ohio. So far, it's paid off. The Buckeyes have a solid class that features that likes of Webb, plucked from Michigan pipeline Cass Tech, tackle Kyle Trout and defensive lineman Dylan Thompson. The Buckeyes are well-positioned with McMillan and fellow elite recruit Jamarco Jones. They have recruited New Jersey especially well, and have a shot to land Jabrill Peppers, Quenton Nelson and Garrett Dickerson.

8. Michigan
Number of verbal commitments: 6
Key recruit: Drake Harris
Still on the board: Jabrill Peppers
Next year's name to know: Damien Harris
2016 recruit to follow: Ostell Martin
For serious recruitniks only (2017): Joshua Ross

This is a class that Michigan fans are excited about, and with very good reason. The Wolverines have already addressed a major need in landing Harris, who has a legitimate claim to being the nation's finest overall athlete. But right now, the Class of 2014 has an extremely high ceiling. The Wolverines will be a serious player for Peppers and are in the thick on the Da'Shawn Hand hunt. They're favored for Malik McDowell and have at least an outside chance at Adoree' Jackson, John Smith and Andrew Brown. Landing just two of those recruits would be enormous for Brady Hoke and staff. Harris, who might prove to be the nation's top running back in 2015, is a heavy Michigan lean.

9. Ole Miss
Number of verbal commitments: 8
Key recruit: Andy Bauer
Still on the board: Nyles Morgan
Next year's name to know: Malik Dear
2016 recruit to follow: Octavious Cooley
For serious recruitniks only (2017): Juawan Treadwell



It would be next to impossible for Ole Miss to come close to matching last year's historic haul, as the Rebels closed with a class that boasted arguably the nation's top recruit at four positions. With the Magnolia State being short on elite recruits this cycle, Ole Miss will once again look beyond its borders, as it did in landing premier tackle Andy Bauer out of St. Louis. Hugh Freeze should have an easier time recruiting in-state in the future. The Class of 2015 looks strong in Mississippi, as Dear is just one of several national-caliber recruits. Cooley was downright dominant and perhaps the nation's top freshman receiver last fall. Treadwell, whose older brother Laquon was a huge pickup for Ole Miss in 2013, appears to be one of the most impressive incoming freshmen nationally.

10. Miami
Number of verbal commitments: 6
Key recruit: Kc McDermott
Still on the board: Ermon Lane
Next year's name to know: Jordan Scarlett
2016 recruit to follow: Sam Bruce
For serious recruitniks only (2017): Alec Sinkfield

The outcry about Al Golden's inability to keep South Florida kids home has certainly subsided with Miami's 2014 class. It already has commitments from top lineman Kc McDermott and running back Joseph Yearby, who decommitted from Florida State. Yearby's former coach, Telly Lockette, is now at USF, so the Canes will continue to have stiff competition on the recruiting front. Lane, perhaps the country's top receiver, remains a top target along with Khairi Clark, one of the top defensive tackles in the class. Long thought to be a Miami lock, it appears that youth football phenom Sony Michel will land elsewhere.


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11. Notre Dame
Number of verbal commitments: 6
Key recruit: Sam Mustipher
Still on the board: Nathan Starks
Next year's name to know: Jashon Cornell
2016 recruit to follow: Erik Swenson
For serious recruitniks only (2017): London Lewis

Whereas past Notre Dame recruiting classes have loaded up on the defensive line, it is the offensive line that looks most impressive for the Fighting Irish. Mustipher is an impressive pull, joining St. Ignatius standout Jimmy Byrne. Notre Dame is in good shape for Quenton Nelson and has a shot to land Braden Smith. Given the thinning depth at the position, Notre Dame will look to take multiple receivers this cycle. It should land Starks, who loved his trip to South Bend, and remains in the hunt for Elijah Hood. In 2015, it will look to tap into its pipeline to Cretin-Derham Hall, which has produced Michael Floyd and James Onwaulu, to bring in stud defensive end Cornell, who one Big Ten coach compared favorably to Aldon Smith. Rising sophomore JoJo Garcia, a two-way lineman, could also end up being a Notre Dame target.

12. Louisville
Number of verbal commitments: 9
Key recruit: Reggie Bonnafon
Still on the board: Darius West
Next year's name to know: George Brown
2016 recruit to follow: Thad Moss
For serious recruitniks only (2017): Alonzo Booth



Ranked No. 11, Louisville is in position to finish strong. A solid season on the field, along with a possible Heisman-contending season from quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, could help make Louisville an even more attractive destination for recruits. Locking up Bonnafon early was key. Playing for the state's top program, he's been a backup for two seasons. Look for him to have a breakout campaign in 2013.

13. Vanderbilt
Number of verbal commitments: 7
Key recruit: K.J. Carta-Samuels
Still on the board: Josh Malone
Next year's name to know: Donovan Sheffield
2016 recruit to follow: Gabe Angel
For serious recruitniks only (2017): Giovanni Hightower

James Franklin has some recruiting momentum after finishing with the No. 26-ranked class last year and winning major recruiting battles to land Zach Cunningham, Jordan Cunningham and DeAndre Woods. This year's class already has two capable quarterbacks in Carta-Samuels and Elijah Staley. Malone is a superb receiver who has attracted national attention. Luring him to Nashville would be a coup, but it's not out of the question. Vanderbilt has other skill players within its sights, including fellow receiver Dominique Booth. Running back Jonathan Hilliman has the Vols in his Top 10. Though the odds might be against the Commodores, landing his teammate, ‘13 defensive back Tre Bell, certainly helps.

14. Rutgers
Number of verbal commitments: 8
Key recruit: Justin Nelson
Still on the board: Saeed Blacknall
Next year's name to know: Minkah Fitzpatrick
2016 recruit to follow: Sonny Abramson
For serious recruitniks only (2017): Elijah Barnwell

Once again, Rutgers' biggest challenge is keeping elite in-state players home. New Jersey's 2014 class is strong, but its top recruit, Jabrill Peppers, is all but certain to leave the state. Blacknall, Quenton Nelson, Kiy Hester and Gerald Owens are all more realistic possibilities. Landing Adonis Jennings would help continue to develop the school's ties to local recruit factory Timber Creek. To his credit, Kyle Flood has made a deliberate effort to target homegrown kids early, as demonstrated by offers to Abramson, Jarrett Guarantano and blue-chip lineman Rashan Gary.

15. Texas Tech
Number of verbal commitments: 9
Key recruit: Justin Stockton
Still on the board: Trey Quinn
Next year’s name to know: Kyler Murray
2016 recruit to follow: Luke Termin
For serious recruitniks only (2017): Seth Agwunobi



Highlighted by Stockton, this class is dominated by offensive skill players right now. In Quinn, it has a chance to land another one. He seems open to considering out of state schools, and according to his father, spent two days in Lubbock this spring. He’d flourish in Tech’s offense. D.J. Gillins recently decommitted, but with Patrick Mahomes jumping on board, it’s not a huge loss, especially with the Red Raiders targeting Murray in 2015. Currently, only two commits hail from outside of Texas. Last recruiting cycle, Tech landed three players from Georgia, establishing ties that would be well-worth maintaining.


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16. Virginia Tech
Number of verbal commitments: 6
Key recruit: Marshawn Williams
Still on the board: Da'Shawn Hand
Next year's name to know: Jaason Lewis
2016 recruit to follow: Eric Kumah
For serious recruitniks only (2017): Malcolm Sumler

Virginia Tech is in a somewhat similar position to LSU: it is a banner year for in-state talent but no top recruit will be a shoo-in. Hand, the nation's No. 1 overall recruit, makes sense at Virginia Tech, given his seriousness in academics and his interest in engineering. Quin Blanding has already given a pledge to rival Virginia, so the Hokies need to buckle down on remaining targets. Virginia Tech landed top recruit J.C. Coleman from Smith in 2012 and would love to secure a pledge from current Smith star Andrew Brown. Without hitting on at least a few top in-state recruits, a Top 20 finish in the recruiting rankings seems unlikely.

17. Boston College
Number of verbal commitments: 7
Key recruit: Thaddius Smith
Still on the board: Jonathan Hilliman
Next year’s name to know: Christian Wilkins
2016 recruit to follow: Cameron Chambers
For serious recruitniks only (2017): Michael Silva

Steve Addazio has been a jolt of excitement for a Boston College fan base desperately in need of some good news on the recruiting front. Smith is a dynamic receiver whose stock is on the rise. North Jersey private schools have fed Boston College for years, and Hilliman could be next. As the only Jesuit college or university playing at the FBS level, Boston College would be wise to tap into its sister high schools for talent. The likes of St. Ignatius, DeSmet, St. Joseph’s Prep, St. Peter’s Prep and St. Xavier (which produced former Eagles linebacker Luke Keuchly) could provide a more-than-adequate foundation for the Eagles’ recruiting classes each year.

18. Michigan State
Number of verbal commitments: 6
Key recruit: Enoch Smith Jr.
Still on the board: Michael O'Connor
Next year’s name to know: Michael Weber
2016 recruit to follow: Lawrence Gordon
For serious recruitniks only (2017): Corey Malone Hatcher



With the success on the recruiting trail displayed by the Midwest triumvirate of Michigan, Ohio State and Notre Dame, the success of Michigan State is somewhat overlooked. The Spartans have a commitment from talent factory Cass Tech in linebacker Deon Drake. Mark Dantonio has made a deliberate effort to improve Michigan State’s relationship with the school -- especially important given the loaded Class of 2015 that the school will boast next year. The Spartans were the first to jump on 2016 stud Gordon. Landing him or fellow 2016 standout Matt Falcon would be a big victory over in-state rival Michigan.

19. TCU
Number of verbal commitments: 6
Key recruit: Justin Twine
Still on the board: Braden Smith
Next year's name to know: Nathan Elliott
2016 recruit to follow: DeOnte Williams
For serious recruitniks only (2017): Anthony Hines III

Amid the intense recruiting battles between Texas and Texas A&M, TCU has still been able to piece together a Top 15 recruiting class so far. Certainly, there are plenty of recruits to go around in the Lone Star State, but there are dozens of teams fighting for a piece of the pie. However, TCU is starting to look elsewhere. Smith, from Kansas, has an older sister who attends TCU, so the Horned Frogs have familiarity, and perhaps comfort, on their side. Landing him would be a major boost to the class. Adding Curtis Luper to the staff should aid in efforts to recruit in SEC territory.

20. Alabama
Number of verbal commitments: 4
Key recruit: Bo Scarborough
Still on the board: Lorenzo Carter
Next year's name to know: Mekhi Brown
2016 recruit to follow: Shane Simmons
For serious recruitniks only (2017): Camaron Spence

It's odd seeing Alabama at any spot but No. 1, but a rise up the rankings is all but a matter of time. Carter, arguably the country's top defensive lineman, hails from the same school as Class of 2013 recruit Alvin Kamara, who picked the Tide over a host of other offers. They're all but assured to land Marlon Humphrey, who is near the top of a loaded class of cornerbacks. As he's made a habit of doing, Nick Saban will push to land Louisiana's top recruit: Leonard Fournette. Scarborough, when 100 percent healthy, is as impressive physically as any running back in the country. Ditto for Brown, among defenders in the Class of 2015.


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Three more to watch



USC
Number of verbal commitments: 3
Key recruit: Jordan Poland
Still on the board: Adoree' Jackson
Next year's name to know: David Sills
2016 recruit to follow: Brandon Burton
For serious recruitniks only (2017): Nathan Tilford

Offensive linemen are the hallmark of the current Trojans class, though the Trojans were dealt a major blow when Hamilton standout Casey Tucker decommitted. With UCLA's return to prominence as well as the rise of several recruiting powers in the Midwest that have a keen eye toward the west, USC is no longer an automatic lock for the region's top players. It will have to fight to land Jackson and fellow defensive back John Smith. The Trojans would love to dip into NorCal to land Joe Mixon. However, fellow Bay Area standout Keller Chryst is probably heading to Stanford. Burton could be the next big thing at Serra, a school that has been especially kind to the Trojans on the recruiting trail.

North Carolina
Number of verbal commitments: 6
Key recruit: Caleb Henderson
Still on the board: Elijah Hood
Next year's name to know: Darian Roseboro
2016 recruit to follow: Antonio Williams
For serious recruitniks only (2017): Aapri Washington

The strength of this class is clearly Henderson, one of the country's top quarterbacks, though Hood would be another premier recruit if he decides to stay in-state. Last year, 10 of the school's 17 recruits hailed from out of state, so the Tar Heels are accustomed to recruiting beyond their borders. Led by Williams, the state has an unusually impressive group of rising sophomore running backs include Mississippi State commit Robert Washington, Benny Lemay and Cade Carney.

Wisconsin
Number of verbal commitments: 4
Key recruit: Craig Evans
Still on the board: Gerald Owens
Next year's name to know: Austin Kafentzis
2016 recruit to follow: Ben Bredeson
For serious recruitniks only (2017): Grant Breneman

Wisconsin has done a good job solidifying both sides of its future lines so far in the Class of 2014, but currently, the class is devoid of any skill players. That would change if the Badgers can land Owens, a punishing back who perfectly fits the profile of a Wisconsin running back. At 6-2, 230 pounds, he rushed for 1,701 yards and 26 touchdowns. However, the most intriguing recruit on the Badgers' board is Kafentzis, the high school version of Johnny Manziel who will likely finish his career as one of the most decorated high school football players ever. Kafentzis has strong ties to Gary Anderson dating back to his days at Utah State. He is visiting Madison this weekend for their spring game and could be back again in June.