Signing Day is still relatively far away for the best recruits in the country, and a lot can change between now and then. Numerous factors go into these young men’s decision, coaching changes, location, campus, and even the scheme. That all being said, it is certainly time to give our predictions of where the top 20 remaining recruits will sign.
1. Rashan Gary, DT, 5 Star
Synopsis– Gary may be the best player in the country, signed or unsigned. He is the complete package of strength, speed, and agility for a defensive lineman. Many big name schools are interested, but it appears that Auburn and Michigan are the front runners for his services. He still has a visit lined up with Georgia, Clemson and Notre Dame which could be determining factors.
Bold Prediction– Harbaugh and Michigan are too much for him to pass up; he signs his Letter of Intent with the Wolverines.
Other Candidates Auburn, Notre Dame, Alabama
2. Dexter Lawrence, DT, 5 Star
Synopsis: Another can’t miss defensive lineman prospect, Lawrence already possesses excellent pass rushing skills that should translate to the next level. Born in North Carolina, it appears he will be staying in state for his college choice.
Bold Prediction– Larry Fedora keeps him in his backyard and the Tar Heels land there next big time defensive tackles.
Other Candidates NC State, Wake Forest, Ohio State
3. Gregory Little, OT, 5 Star
Synopsis: Little has tremendous agility, strength and technique. He may be the perfect package when looking for an offensive tackle. Watching his tape, he is explosive off the ball and loves to finish his blocks downfield. He has a visit scheduled for this weekend with Alabama, although many SEC teams such as Auburn, LSU and Georgia are pining for his services.
Bold Prediction– Alabama continues to produce NFL offensive lineman, they land another one with Little.
Other Candidates Auburn, LSU, Georgia
4. Mique Juarez, OLB, 5 Star
Synopsis: The top rated linebacker, Juarez demonstrates both speed and power on tape. He had originally committed to USC, but with the controversy that surrounds that program, he decided to change his mind.
Bold Prediction– USC had him all lined up, but their mess opens the door for UCLA. Jim Mora needs to rebuild his defense, Juarez will be a good start.
Other Candidates Georgia, Oregon, California
5. Ben Davis, ILB, 5 Star
Synopsis: For those who don’t know, Davis is an absolute stud, who many scouts believe can play not only defensive end and outside linebacker, but possibly inside linebacker as well. He has multiple visits lined up and has already seen Georgia.
Bold Prediction- LSU doesn’t let him leave campus without committing the weekend of November 14.
Other candidates Georgia, Alabama, Florida State
6. Demetris Robertson, ATH, 5 Star
Synopsis: Another athlete who can do anything you ask him, which he has done over his high school career. Robertson has great hands and concentration, and is projected to be a Wide Receiver at the next level.
Bold Prediction– Numerous schools covet his services, but Urban Meyer and Ohio State nab him when he makes his official visit November 21.
Other candidates Georgia, Clemson, Stanford
7. Lyndell Wilson, OLB, 5 Star
Synopsis: Wilson is a middle linebacker who can play sideline to sideline, showing speed and awareness all over the field. His ability to both cover and tackle make him a sought out recruit by the likes of Alabama, Clemson and Florida.
Bold Prediction- Florida has had the slight lead on him as of late, but Kirby Smart and Alabama convince him to stay in state and he commits to the Crimson Tide.
Other candidates Florida, Clemson, Ole Miss
8. Nate Craig-Myers, WR, 5 Star
Synopsis: A wide receiver with ideal size, speed, and hands, Craig-Myers, predictably, is not only being recruited by in state schools such as Florida and Florida State. Out of state schools such as Auburn and Maryland have expressed interest as well.
Bold Prediction-The Gators have been recruiting him hard for quite some time; Craig-Myers stays in state with Florida.
Other candidates Florida State, Maryland, Auburn
9. Daelin Hayes, OLB, 5 Star
Synopsis: Hayes is a big, physical linebacker and the number 1 recruit in the state of Michigan. Whether his playing outside or in the middle, Hayes is a matchup nightmare for opposing offenses.
Bold Prediction- It is hard to believe that Harbaugh would let him slip out from under his nose, but Notre Dame picks him up, another stud for the Irish.
Other candidates Michigan State, Michigan, Oregon
10. Rahshaun Smith, OLB, 5 Star
Synopsis: Smith is listed at 6’2 and 226 pounds, plus he runs 4.5 40, so it goes to show you how talented the 2016 class that he is ranked this low. He is listed higher on most recruiting sites, based on those physical traits. Smith has played both offense and defense in high school, but will likely be an outside linebacker in college.
Bold Prediction- If Maryland had a more stable situation and it was a guarantee that Interim Head Coach Mike Locksley was staying, then Maryland would be the likely choice. There is uncertainty surrounding them, however, and Clemson swoops in get his Letter of Intent.
Other candidates Maryland, Clemson, Oregon
11.Mecole Hardman Jr. ATH, 5 Star
Synopsis: Hardman is listed as athlete for his position, and with good reason. He can play corner, safety, wide receiver or running back. He has already been clocked at a 4.48 40, and is only going to get faster.
Bold Prediction- Butch Jones and Tennessee are quietly building strong recruiting classes each year, Hardman signs with them.
Other candidates Georgia, Michigan, Ole Miss
12. Caleb Kelly, OLB, 5 Star
Synopsis: Kelly has all the traits to become an excellent edge rusher/outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. He also possesses the speed and awareness that should make him successful wherever he ends up.
Bold Prediction- Oklahoma is able to nab him when he visits there later this month.
Other candidates Michigan, Notre Dame, Oregon
13. Isaac Nauta, TE, 5 Star
Synopsis: Nauta is an ideal target for schools in need of a tight end. He has the size, speed and hands to help any offense in their game plan. Unlike many tight ends in this new era of football, Nauta also is a great blocker, meaning he can stay on the field for all three downs.
Bold Prediction- TCU and their high powered offense get his commitment when he visits over Thanksgiving weekend.
Other candidates Florida, Georgia, Michigan
14. Shavar Manuel (Defensive Tackle 5 Star)
Synopsis: A five star prospect, Manuel has tallied over 50 sacks in his High School career which is not quite over. On tape his handwork and awareness really standout, showcasing that he will make an impact right away.
Bold Prediction- LSU lands another top 20 recruit.
Other candidates Georgia, Ohio State, Tennessee
15. Kareem Walker (Running Back 5 Star)
Synopsis: Watching Walker on tape, he is very similar to Eddie Lacy, explosive and physical between the tackles. He runs low and decisive, making it extremely difficult to tackle him.
Bold Prediction- Auburn needs its next Cadillac Williams, Walker provides it for the Tigers.
Other candidates Arizona State, Clemson, Michigan
16. Nigel Knott (Defensive Back 4 Star)
Synopsis: Knott’s strength, speed, awareness, and hip movement are what make him a popular target for schools such as Oregon, Alabama and Ole Miss. Knott has narrowed his list down in recent weeks but is still very much up in the air on his decision.
Bold Prediction- Alabama has been high on him for quite some time, and they end up getting his Letter of Intent.
Other candidates Oregon, Ole Miss, California
17. Derrick Brown (Defensive Tackle 4 Star)
Synopsis: Brown has deceptive speed off the ball, which showed with his 17.5 sacks as a junior. Still growing into his size, he really loves the game and it shows when you watch him always hustling to the football.
Bold Prediction- Georgia is high on his list, but this could be subject to change if the Bulldogs run Mark Richt out of town.
Other candidates Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee
18. Brandon Jones (Safety 4 Star)
Synopsis: The second rated safety in the country, Jones loves to hit, totaling 95 tackles as a Junior. He also has a nose for the football which is why both Texas and Texas A&M have sought his services.
Bold Prediction- The Aggies, with new defensive coordinator in John Chavis, are too much for him to pass up.
Other candidates Texas, Oregon, LSU
19. Drake Davis (Wide Receiver 4 Star)
Synopsis: Another IMG Academy product, Davis projects to be an elite receiver in the NCAA. Running a sub 4.4 40, Davis can play both inside and outside for the receiving position, making him an SEC favorite.
Bold Prediction- Ole Miss lands another under the radar recruit.
Other candidates Duke, Florida State, Maryland
20. Wole Betiku (Defensive End 4 Star)
Synopsis: Betiku has a tremendous motor and may be the most underrated recruit in the country, which is saying a lot considering he is ranked in the top 20. Betiku is still new to the sport only playing for two years, but already displays relentless pass rushing skills similar to Demarcus Ware and JJ Watt.
Bold Prediction- Brian Kelly nabs another defensive stud and Betiku commits to Notre Dame.
Other candidates Florida, Florida State, Penn State
