Biggest gets in 2015: West
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McKenzie did not play one down in his senior season of high school because of transfer rules, yet he's one of the most important signees in the West. That speaks to McKenzie's showing at the Army All-American Game, his dominance especially in practice, and the need the Vols have for massive interior defensive linemen.
McKenzie was all Rocky Top essentially throughout his recruitment. He fills an immediate need in Tennessee's defense. Having an impact in the SEC at defensive tackle might be a difficult task, but if anyone can accomplish that feat it's McKenzie, who, at 6-foot-4 and 310-plus, already has a NFL-ready body. He's ferocious, tough and motivated and so McKenzie could be a special pickup for the Volunteers as they attempt to climb the SEC ladder.
3
WR
Newhall (Calif.) Hart
Irwin was genuinely torn between going to Arizona State and Stanford before the five-star receiver settled on the Cardinal. When he made his decision in early January, the Cardinal's coaching staff was thrilled -- and for good reason.
Irwin is a fantastic route runner, has excellent hands, is athletic, smart, determined and he's a kid who will take to coaching and then go out on the field and deliver. The five-star has never been average at any event Rivals.com has covered over a multi-year period and he should be an immediate target in Stanford's offense. The Cardinal is looking for playmakers and Irwin can do it both ways -- chipping the ball down the field in the pass game or going long for big-time gains. Turning down the opportunity to play with high school teammate and close friend four-star QB Brady White at Arizona State must have been tough, but Irwin should be a fixture in Stanford's offense for many years.
4
OLB
Salt Lake City (Utah) Brighton
With the Trojans losing captain Hayes Pullard to graduation and looking for a complement to versatile star Su'a Cravens on the defense, Masina was the ideal candidate for position coach Peter Sirmon.
USC loaded up at the linebacker spot in the recruiting class, signing five-star prospects Porter Gustin and John Houston, as well as midyear enrollee Cameron Smith, but Masina might be the most refined and game-ready of the four. The 6-foot-3, 231-pound linebacker has the speed and aggressiveness to play outside, and the toughness and power to line up on the inside in that 3-4 front. He might also get some looks at tight end, given a lack of depth at the position. Making the commitment even more resounding was the fact that the Trojans beat out division rivals UCLA and Arizona State.
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TE
Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman
The Fighting Irish worked tirelessly to flip Jones from his longtime commitment to UCLA -- and for good reason. Jones, a 6-foot-5, 220-pound prospect, could be considered the most athletic tight end in the 2015 class. He moves well for his size and has reliable hands, as well as a knack for running crisp routes.
Jones has played a difficult schedule throughout high school, so he won't shy away from the bright lights. He also cited a desire to be a hybrid of sorts at the next level, with opportunities to line up out wide but also put his hand in the dirt in some offensive formations near the red zone. Notre Dame figures to give Jones the chance to make an immediate impact.
Blair Angulo
West Recruiting Analyst
Adam Gorney
West Recruiting Analyst
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