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.