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NSD 2017: Winners and losers

National Signing Day is officially in the books, and while every coach will tell you he’s happy with his school’s class, we all know that’s not exactly the case.

But some programs did come away as clear winners, while others had rough days and fall into the losers category. Here’s a breakdown of the schools we think had the best - and worst – Signing Days.

MORE: Ohio State's Coombs named Rivals Recruiter of the Year | Bama takes team rankings title | National Signing Day Blog | Farrell Awards

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WINNERS

USC

The Trojans surprised many prognosticators, including those who cover the team, when they landed six commits ranked as four-stars or higher. Rivals100 wide receiver Joseph Lewis and Rivals100 defensive tackle Jay Tufele were the highlights on the day, but the additions of four-star offensive lineman Austin Jackson, athlete Greg Johnson, linebacker Levi Jones and tight end Josh Falo make the Trojans the envy of most programs.

Florida and James Robinson

James Robinson made national headlines over the weekend when he was cited for marijuana use while on an official visit from Ohio State. Then came word that not only would he not be a take for the Buckeyes, but several other schools backed out as well. As early as Wednesday morning it looked like Robinson would be forced to delay his decision because of the drama. But during the mid-afternoon word came that not only was Robinson suddenly a take for the Gators, but he had already signed his letter of intent and was officially announced as a signee. It capped a great day for the Gators, which also saw the additions of Brian Edwards, Tedarrell Slaton, CJ Henderson and Adarius Lemons, all players ranked as four-stars or higher.

Michigan

The Wolverines have been working hard to land prospects out of the Southeast ever since Jim Harbaugh took over as head coach, and this year that work paid off. The Wolverines not only landed five-star defensive tackle Aubrey Solomon out of South Georgia, but also reeled in Rivals100 wide receiver and Alabama native Nico Collins. The Wolverines are recruiting at an elite level, and Wednesday was another example of their progress under Harbaugh.

LOSERS

Jarez Parks

Jarez Parks was set to announce for Alabama in the late morning on Wednesday, but his plans changed when he learned he didn’t have room for him in the class. An emotional Parks addressed the students gathered in the Sebastian River High School and informed them that he would be delaying his decision.

Texas

K'Lavon Chaisson passed on the in-state Longhorns to attend LSU
K'Lavon Chaisson passed on the in-state Longhorns to attend LSU

It was a rough day for Tom Herman and Texas as the Longhorns missed out on three major targets in K’Lavon Chaisson (LSU), Chevin Calloway (Arkansas) and Stephan Zabie (UCLA). Herman was brought in to turn things around on the field, and if that happens during the 2017 season things will likely turn around on the recruiting trail. But after missing on five-stars like Marvin Wilson and Walker Little, and given the day they had on Wednesday, it was a rough stretch for Longhorn fans.

Kentucky

Five-star OL Jedrick Wills stuck with Alabama despite a late push from Kentucky
Five-star OL Jedrick Wills stuck with Alabama despite a late push from Kentucky

The Wildcats have made tremendous strides on the field, and that has been built on the back of solid recruiting, especially in Ohio and Kentucky. But Wildcats fans had to watch as five-star Jedrick Wills signed with Alabama despite being a regular at Wildcats games over the past few years. Wills was on campus this past weekend and many thought the school could pull off a late steal, but it never materialized. The Wildcats still finished with a great class and inside the top 25 of the Rivals.com team rankings, but Signing Day didn’t lead to any big additions to the school’s class.

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