There is never a sure thing in recruiting, but as we get closer to National Signing Day here are 10 prospects we’re calling “Can’t-Miss” prospects - players who have such tremendous ability we expect them to have a phenomenal career in the coming years.
MORE: NSD storylines for top teams | Farrell on 2017 | Live Signing Day show
Following in a long line of successful Alabama running backs, Harris is already on the Tuscaloosa campus gearing up for a big career with the Crimson Tide. The top-rated prospect in the 2017 class is a 6-foot-3 man-child who will probably only add muscle and mass to an already impressive frame. The five-star can run between the tackles, has the speed and elusiveness to get outside and is a phenomenal pass-catcher out of the backfield. He picked Alabama over Michigan and others.
Wilson has all the skills and potential to be the next star defensive tackle in college football. The former top-rated prospect, who sits at No. 2 in the final rankings, has tremendous size, skill and want-to up the middle. He’s violent with his hands, incredibly powerful and agile and wants to prove he’s the best player on the field every snap. LSU, Oklahoma, Florida State, Ohio State and USF round out his top five.
Want to see an incredible senior season highlight film? Turn on Akers’. Even though he’s playing quarterback, his speed, vision and athleticism are on full display, and it shows why he could follow in the footsteps of Dalvin Cook as the next big-time running back at Florida State. Akers was in discussion for the top-rated running back spot, especially after he had a solid Army game. With his size and playmaking ability, Akers has the chance to be an incredible addition to the Seminoles’ offense.
Huge, mean, tough and going to Alabama. The Crimson Tide continues to churn out exceptional offensive linemen, and Leatherwood could be next in line. He has massive shoulders and he moves his feet well, plus the five-star loves to dominate defensive linemen. Smaller ones, he eats up. Bigger ones, he usually overpowers. Leatherwood plays with a mean streak necessary for the SEC and with some technical work could be the next big-timer in Tuscaloosa.
Little is anything but what his last name suggests. He’s 6-foot-8, more than 300 pounds and committed to Stanford, a school that prides itself on its power running game and ability to keep the quarterback in the pocket. Little will have plenty of opportunities to showcase his abilities, whether at right or left tackle, in run and pass blocking. He’s technically sound, has great arm extension and rarely, if ever, gets beaten because Little is so massive he swallows most defensive linemen up. The five-star picked Stanford over in-state Texas and others.
The top-rated prospect in Michigan and the No. 1 receiver nationally is going to play for the Wolverines, and he has the ability to make an immediate impact. Peoples-Jones is an excellent pass catcher and an explosive playmaker who could really stretch the field in Michigan’s offense. Peoples-Jones has a great, physical frame so he won’t be handled by many cornerbacks in the Big Ten. Couple that with tremendous athleticism and Jim Harbaugh could have a star in the making. Michigan State, Ohio State, Florida and Florida State rounded out his top five.
Okudah is the top-rated safety in the Rivals.com rankings, but he has also shown the ability to play cornerback and be a lockdown guy there who can play on an island. At corner, Okudah’s length and speed help him against taller receivers where he can go up and compete for the deep ball. At safety, the five-star has shown great athleticism, playmaking ability and the talent to come down and lay a big hit. Ohio State has pumped out defensive backs to the NFL recently, and Okudah will get his chance as well. Oklahoma and Florida State were the other finalists.
Off the field, Davis is affable, friendly and pleasant. On it, the five-star offensive guard loves to mash defensive linemen into the ground and – let’s just say – he sometimes plays through the whistle. That toughness, plus his massive size, should help him get on the field early at Ohio State, and it should help him battle some of the best in the Big Ten. Davis played offensive tackle at powerhouse St. John Bosco, which speaks to his athleticism and light feet, but his strength and power do not go unnoticed. Michigan, Notre Dame, Alabama and the local schools were all involved.
The top-rated strong-side defensive end had an impressive week at the Army All-American Bowl and then absolutely dominated at the Polynesian Bowl, where he got into the backfield at will and applied pressure whenever he wanted to. Iowa is getting a major talent in Epenesa, who didn’t play elite talent much in high school but has shown without question at the all-star events that’s one of the best players in the country. Epenesa is no nonsense, tough and gets the job done.
Young is a versatile defensive end who has proven he can play with his hand in the ground or standing up in space, and that’s why he was so coveted by Ohio State, Maryland, Alabama and many other programs. The five-star Buckeyes commit has excellent inside and outside moves, he’s explosive off the line and his awareness has gotten so much better over the last year. What Young has also done is get much stronger in the lower half, and that has allowed him to be more powerful while keeping his athleticism.
