The 2019 class is officially on the clock and with the early Signing Period just about nine months away and the first opportunity for prospects to take official visits coming this spring, it’s time for recruiting fans from across the country to start familiarizing themselves with the class of 2019.
We at Rivals.com are here to help. Starting today and continuing over the next two weeks, we will introduce the top five players at each position in the class. Today we take a lot at pro-style quarterbacks.
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Early contenders: Auburn (committed), Notre Dame, Clemson
Breakdown: Coming off of an undefeated season and a state championship, Nix elected to end his recruitment early when he committed to the Tigers last month. The 6-foot-2 prospect had offers from schools all over the country, including Clemson and Notre Dame. As an Alabama native, it’s hard to imagine seeing him backing off his pledge and he’s already embracing his role as lead recruiter for the Tigers 2019 class.
Early contenders: Washington (committed), Notre Dame, Oregon State
Breakdown: Another player who ended his recruitment early to commit to an in-state school, Morris has been committed to the Huskies since July 2017. Prior to that he was high on the board of several schools, including the Irish. Morris was injured at the end of his junior season but is expected to be 100 percent in plenty of time for next fall. The only potential wildcard in his recruitment is Oregon State, where former Huskies offensive coordinator Jonathan Smith is now the Beavers' head coach.
Early contenders: Michigan, Ohio State, Arkansas, TCU, Arizona, among others
Breakdown: Gunnell had been committed to Texas A&M for quite a while before Kevin Sumlin’s departure and Jimbo Fisher’s arrival in College Station led to second thoughts. Gunnell backed off his commitment earlier this month and seems wide open as we head into the spring. With several new coaches at new places, Gunnell figures to take his time before making another commitment. With Chad Morris now at Arkansas and Gunnell’s family ties to the school, the Hawgs could be the team to watch.
Early contenders: Minnesota, Oregon State, Colorado, Boise State, Tennessee, among others
Breakdown: Several schools are doing their best to woo Bachmeier, who has already taken several visits. Minnesota and coach P.J. Fleck made Bachmeier an early priority and the fact that he’s already visited Minneapolis on his own dime shows just how interested he is in the school. But can the Gophers lure him away from the numerous Pac-12 programs recruiting him? And where does wildcard Tennessee factor in after an offer from the new staff? Bachmeier’s recruitment could take plenty of twists and turns over the next few months.
Early contenders: South Carolina, Clemson, Florida, Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia, among others
Breakdown: Howell’s recruitment has exploded over the past month, with major program after major program extending offers. Both the Gamecocks and Tigers have been constants in his recruitment for quite a while, as has North Carolina, but it appears he is keeping all options open heading into some spring visits. Ohio State seems like the school that could change everything and if and when he visits Columbus could be a telling sign.
