ACC Breakdown: Analyzing the July commitments

July has been a busy month on the recruiting trail, and we’re still only less than three-quarters of the way through the month. The ACC has picked up 23 new 2017 commitments in the 20 days since the beginning of the month. Check out how each team has done starting at the top of the ACC team recruiting rankings.

July commitments: Rivals250 safety Brian Edwards, three-star wide receiver Evidence Njoku, three-star offensive tackle Zalon’tae Hillery

Summary: After a successful Paradise Camp, the Hurricanes certainly have some momentum. Edwards, one of Miami’s highest-rated recruits, committed to Miami before the weekend. Hillery and Njoku were in Coral Gables for the Paradise Camp and made their commitments official on Sunday and Monday. Njoku’s brother, David, is heading into his redshirt sophomore season with the Hurricanes.

July commitments: Rivals100 running back Khalan Laborn

Summary: Florida State is only one spot behind Miami in the overall team rankings, and a commitment from Laborn has helped close the gap. Laborn had been considered a Florida State lean for a long time and has plenty of connections to the Seminoles. His former teammate is Levonta Taylor and he is close with players like Derrick Nnadi and many other from the Virginia Beach area.

July commitments: Rivals100 wide receiver Tee Higgins

Summary: Clemson will have a small class in 2017, but Higgins has been a major priority for months. The former Tennessee commit is a special talent that hopes to continue to help build Clemson’s “Wide Receiver U” reputation. After Rivals250 wide receiver Amari Rodgers, Higgins is the second wide receiver commitment Clemson has pulled from the Volunteer State.

July commitments: Four-star cornerback Tre Shaw, three-star running back Michael Carter, three-star outside linebacker Jeremiah Gemmel

Summary: North Carolina has had an exceptional July. All three of its newest commitments were at the Freak Show camp in June. Shaw brings a physical mentality to the Tar Heels’ secondary. Larry Fedora’s offense is a great fit for Carter, and he should see some time early in his career. Gemmel has a big frame and moves very well. He should develop into a major contributor.

July commitments: Three-star cornerback Mike Carter and strongside defensive end Ben Frye

Summary: Duke is quietly building a very solid recruiting class. The Blue Devils are clearly focused on replenishing their secondary. Carter is the fourth and highest rated defensive back in Duke’s 2017 class. Frye is the newest prospect to commit to Duke. He should bring good size to the Blue Devils’ defensive line.

July commitments: Three-star tight end John Kirven

Summary: Bronco Mendenhall didn’t have to look far for his newest commitment. Kirven goes to Woodberry Forrest School, which is just up the road from Charlottesville. He is listed as a tight end but will end up playing defensive end for the Cavaliers. Kirven has a big frame to fill out and is very athletic. His technique will improve a lot before he sees significant playing time.

July commitments: Three-star outside linebacker Dorian Etheridge, three-star safety Lyn Strange, three-star inside linebacker Kam Jones, cornerback Anthony Johnson

Summary: No team in the ACC has more 2017 July commitments than Louisville’s four. Etheridge had a good relationship with assistant Lonnie Galloway while he was at West Virginia, and that clearly carried over when Galloway went to Louisville. Jones will help Etheridge solidify the linebacker corps. Strange (6-foot-3) and Johnson (6-foot-2) will bring a lot of length to the secondary.

July commitments: None

Summary: N.C. State hasn’t gotten any 2017 commitments in July so far and that’s fine because coach Dave Doeren was expecting a small class this year. The Wolfpack had a big June, bringing in five pledges. The most recent commitment was from defensive end Deslin Alexandre.

July commitments: None

Summary: It has been a tough month for the Hokies. They were hoping to land a commitment from in-state Rivals100 running back Khalan Laborn, but he ended up committing to Florida State. Virginia Tech also lost their highest rated commitment in Rivals250 defensive end TyJuan Garbutt. Look for the Hokies to rebound as we head into official visit season.

July commitments: Quarterback Tate Haynes

Summary: Boston College picked up a commitment from Haynes just a few days ago and plan to use him as an athlete even though he is listed as a quarterback. He could end up on either side of the ball once he gets on campus, and Boston College fans should like the versatility he brings to the table.

July commitments: None

Summary: After a June full of commitments, July was bound to be slow for the Panthers. Pat Narduzzi has a good balance of offense and defense in Pittsburgh’s 2017 class. Its highest-rated prospect and longest-tenured commitment is from Rivals100 safety Paris Ford and the addition of Todd Sibley has Panthers fans optimistic.

July commitments: Three-star safety Kadeem Trotter, two-star outside linebacker Keirston Johnson, two-star athlete Ifeatu Melifonwu

Summary: Dino Babers and his staff are doing impressive things on the recruiting trail and have had a good start to July. Trotter and Johnson will help the new coaching staff build the foundation of the Syracuse defense. Melifonwu could excel on either side of the ball and that is extremely valuable to the Syracuse coaches as they try to put their best 11 players on the field.

July commitments: Two-star defensive tackle Tyler Williams, three-star inside linebacker Jeffery Burley, defensive back Avery Showell

Summary: Wake Forest’s coaching staff has been making steady progress over the last few seasons. So far in July they’ve focused on their defense. Williams and Burley will add size and athleticism to a front seven that needs an upgrade. Showell has good size and length, which will help make the secondary more effective.

July commitments: Three-star offensive lineman Zach Quinney

Summary: Georgia Tech’s offense is built on having an effective running game and Paul Johnson needs good offensive linemen to pave the way. Quinney fits that description. He will need time to develop once he gets on campus but he will likely play a major role later in his career.