Class of 2016 storylines: Mid-Atlantic
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The University of Maryland is pitching their local recruiting efforts as "The
Movement" and many of the top players in the DMV are seriously considering the
Terps. Rivals100 quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr., Rivals100
offensive tackle Jauan Williams, Rivals250 offensive lineman
Terrance Davis, Rivals250 wide receiver Tino Ellis, Rivals250
defensive end Terrell Hall, Rivals250 wide receiver Trevon Diggs, four-star offensive lineman Richard Merritt, four-star
defensive lineman Ellison Jordan, linebacker Keith Simms and
offensive lineman Stephen Spanellis are just some of the highly rated
prospects in the DMV that include the Terps as one of their leaders.
Maryland already has commitments from Rivals100 linebacker Keandre Jones from Olney (Md.) Good Counsel and from three-stars Lorenzo Harrison and Darryl Turner, both from Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha.
There is a lot left to play out but many think a commitment from Haskins would
really open the floodgates for the Terps.
Penn State's fast start
Penn State ended with an impressive top 15 class in 2015 and the Nittany Lions
are already set up well for 2016. James Franklin and his staff have
already reeled in four four-star commitments, two in the Rivals100 and two in
the Rivals250. Defensive end Shane Simmons and running back Miles Sanders are some of the top ranked players at their position and defensive
back Lavert Hill and Jake Zembiec have a good chance at moving
up the rankings this offseason.
There are plenty of big fish left out there for Penn State to go after. They are
in good position for Rivals100 defensive end Ron Johnson, Rivals100
offensive linemen Michal Menet, Rivals100 offensive lineman Jauan Williams, Rivals250 offensive lineman Terrance Davis, Rivals250
defensive lineman Karamo Dioubate, Rivals250 defensive back Damar Hamlin and many others.
Wins and losses will play a bigger part in this recruiting class than they did
in the last one so it's important for the Nittany Lions to have success between
the white lines.
Running back state of mind
Kennedy McKoy
Over the last few years some great running back have called North Carolina home.
come to mind but the 2016 class is absolutely loaded. Rivals250 prospects
B.J. Emmons and Antonio Williams are the highest rated but
Jordon Brown and Robert Washington are also four-stars. Emmons
is already committed to Georgia, following in Gurley's and Marshall's
footsteps, while Williams has decided to take his talents up north to
Running backs C.J. Freeman and Tre Harbison are great
prospects and will be difference makers in college. Moe Neal and
Kennedy McKoy are electric with the ball in their hands and the schools
that get them will get players that can score from anywhere on the field.
Elijah Deveaux has already chosen to stay near home and play for the
Duke Blue Devils. Watch out for Johnnie Glaspie. He doesn't
hold many offers right now but look for him to blow up later this offseason.
Will coaching moves pan out?
Coaching changes are always hot button topics and there were a couple moves in
the Mid-Atlantic this offseason, none bigger than Pittsburgh bringing
in Pat Narduzzi. The effects of hiring Michigan State's former
defensive coordinator have already been felt on the recruiting trail. Offers
have been flying out every day and it has really gotten people talking.
Narduzzi's hiring should also impact the on the field product right away,
particularly on defense. Narduzzi's ability to create a scheme to hide
weaknesses in the defensive front will be tested but it is fair to say fans
should expect better play calling and more creative and deceptive packages. The
Panthers will have an explosive offense and the transfer of former
Tennessee Volunteer Nathan Peterman is something to keep an
eye on.
A pair of coordinator changes, one at North Carolina and one at
Rutgers, will also make waves this season. At North Carolina, Gene Chizik
was brought in to solidify a defense that ranked No. 117th in yards allowed per
game last season. Rivals100 defensive end Jalen Dalton and four-star
Mike Hughes will look to change that during their first season on
campus.
Ben McDaniels, brother of New England Patriots offensive coordinator
Josh McDaniels, was brought in to replace Ralph Friedgen as Rutgers' offensive
coordinator. There is no doubt McDaniels has his work cut out for him but if he
recruits a good 2016 class fans should be more than happy about the future of
their program.
Adam Friedman
Mid-Atlantic Recruiting Analyst
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