Breaking down the 2014 football team recruiting rankings

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.