Breaking down the 2014 football team recruiting rankings

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.