Five teams that still have recruiting work ahead of them
The vast majority of players signed Wednesday, but there is still work to be done heading into February. Here is a look at five teams that still have some work to do to finish out their recruiting classes.
RELATED: Storylines to follow as the Late Signing Period approaches
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NSD COACH INTERVIEWS: Stanford's Troy Taylor | Rutgers' Greg Schiano | Maryland's Mike Locksley | Florida State's Mike Norvell | USF's Alex Golesh | Michigan State's Mel Tucker | Louisville's Jeff Brohm | Illinois' Bret Bielema | Virginia Tech's Brent Pry | Wisconsin's Luke Fickell | Clemson's Dabo Swinney | Georgia Tech's Brent Key | Cal's Justin Wilcox | Nebraska's Matt Rhule | Indiana's Tom Allen | Penn State's James Franklin | Texas Tech's Joey McGuire | Arizona's Jedd Fisch | Virginia's Tony Elliott | Florida's Billy Napier | Kansas' Lance Leipold | Arizona State's Kenny Dillingham | Vanderbilt's Clark Lea
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MORE NSD: The Gorney Awards | Team rankings breakdown
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1. USC
Coach Lincoln Riley’s club had a quiet signing day on Wednesday but a lot more good news could come through the all-star events - and especially in February. The biggest target is No. 1 tight end Duce Robinson from Phoenix Pinnacle, who is choosing among USC, Texas and Georgia.
Speedster Rodrick Pleasant decided to wait until February, but the Trojans are considered the clear frontrunner, with Oregon and others possibly in the mix. If Robinson goes someplace else, which is certainly possible, the Trojans are also focused on four-star tight end Walker Lyons. The Folsom, Calif., standout has Utah high on his list, but the former Stanford commit is looking at the Cardinal again and USC is right there, too.
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2. TEXAS
Adding four-star outside linebacker Tausili Akana on signing day was nice, but the Longhorns could be in store for a lot more. As of this writing, four-star receiver Deandre Moore had not signed yet, but Texas is still the expected destination. The big fish would be Duce Robinson as Texas seems to be gaining ground heading into February, especially because of his relationship with five-star quarterback Arch Manning.
Four-star athlete Jelani McDonald commits in January and Texas is the favorite. Other possibilities include Tyler Scott and Mikal Harrison-Pilot, although TCU looks to be in the best position there.
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3. AUBURN
Auburn was one of the biggest winners on signing day as the Tigers flipped numerous prospects, landed some really talented players the day before and they have lots of momentum heading into the offseason. The Tigers might not be done, either, as four-star Jeremiah Cobb still needs to sign (which is expected), Tyler Scott is high on the list and Jamarion Wilcox didn’t sign yet, so he’s still available. Kentucky is considered the favorite, but the Tigers are a contender for the four-star running back.
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4. KENTUCKY
Jamarion Wilcox decided not to sign on Wednesday, and while Kentucky is still considered the frontrunner to land him, until he actually signs with the Wildcats there is still work to be done. He would be a huge addition to coach Mark Stoops’ recruiting class because he’s one of the best running backs in this entire class as Kentucky looks to hold off Auburn, Clemson and Ohio State.
The Wildcats can also be a real option for four-star defensive tackle Kendrick Gilbert, who remains committed to Purdue but decided not to sign.
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5. COLORADO
Rome wasn’t built in a day and the rebuild in Boulder won’t be done in 24 hours, either. Signing day was fine, but the Buffaloes are hardly getting blockbuster high school prospects so far, save for four-star Dylan Edwards. Colorado got great news late Wednesday night when former No. 1 Travis Hunter announced he would be heading to play for coach Deion Sanders as well.
More transfers will be coming. Marquee commits are nice, but Colorado has to build depth along the offensive and defensive lines, and the next few months could be used for those purposes instead of chasing Cormani McClain, Hykeem Williams and other pipe dreams. Four-star receiver Omarion Miller could be one to watch.