Signing Day Blitz: Ranking the Pac-12
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Rivals.com ranks the Pac-12 recruiting classes coming out of National Signing Day.
State
Headliner: Quarterback Max Browne has the ability, the moxie and the intelligence to pick up the offense this spring, and he has a chance to start as a freshman.
Sleeper: Is there a sleeper in a class of four- and five-stars? Steven Mitchell could have a huge impact in the slot with so many talented players outside at receiver.
Overview: The positive news is that USC still has five five-star prospects in this class, four are already on campus and the remaining four-star prospects are outstanding players who could earn early playing time. The bad news is that USC could have had a historic class and it ended up outside the top 10 because of so many de-commitments. Browne, five-star safeties Leon McQuay III and Su'a Cravens and five-star defensive tackle Kenny Bigelow could see the field soon. Nico Falah stuck with USC at the last minute instead of flipping to Washington, Oregon or UCLA.
Headliner: Arguably no quarterback throws a nicer ball than Troy Williams. He has an outstanding arm and great accuracy. In a deep quarterback group, he could compete.
Sleeper: Azeem Victor didn't get a lot of publicity because he wasn't at a ton of national events, but his film is very good and reports are he can play with anybody.
Overview: There was a chance that Washington could pull off a major coup by landing the Robinson brothers. Even though that didn't happen, the Huskies have to be thrilled with their class. Damore'ea Stringfellow stayed. Jermaine Kelly turned down USC and Oregon. Williams could be a special player. Joe Mathis, Marcus Farria and Elijah Qualls bring immediate talent to the defensive line. Washington's staff has a reputation for being nonstop on the recruiting trail. and it paid off again.
Sleeper: OK, so a four-star prospect isn't exactly a sleeper, but when you are working with the type of blazing speed that Devon Allen possesses, there's no ceiling what you can become.
Overview: This class should be better. It's not bad by any stretch, but it should be even better. The rumors surrounding Chip Kelly for most of the season hurt the Ducks' recruiting, but they made up for some of that by closing strong on signing day. Not only did the new Oregon staff protect the wandering-eyed Robinson twins down the stretch, it also stole four-star defensive end Torrodney Prevot and signed former California tackle commit Cameron Hunt. The Ducks were one of signing day's big winners, but you can't help but wonder "what if?"
Headliner: The knock on Jared Goff is his consistency, and that's a good knock to have as a high schooler. The 6-foot-4 quarterback has all the physical tools he'll need.
Sleeper: Johnny Ragin III is a physical linebacker with plus speed and a solid frame. He really came into his own during his senior season.
Overview: The coaching change hurt California. You don't have to squint hard when viewing the Golden Bears' commitment list to deduce that much. There's limited depth at work and the top of the class, while not awful, isn't stunning. Sonny Dykes did land a capable quarterback in Goff and a difference-maker in the secondary in the form of Darius Allensworth. Not awful, not stellar, not much different than you'd expect considering the circumstances.
Headliner: Chans Cox is one of the top prospects in the state of Arizona and didn't wilt against top competition at the Army All-American Bowl. He chose ASU over Notre Dame and a host of other programs.
Sleeper: Linebacker Antonio Longino missed a chunk of his junior college season with a leg injury. The situation limited his exposure and cooled the recruiting buzz.
Overview: Arizona State lost quarterback Joshua Dobbs to Tennessee on signing day and didn't have time to court a replacement. Other that, though, the program suffered no serious hits. The biggest victory the Sun Devils scored with this class is Cox, whose commitment reflects the new coaching's staff focus on in-state talent. Overall, there are some nice pieces here, even if the group lacks a wealth of star power. Twins Viliami Latu and A.J Latu possess the frames and skill-sets to develop into true prizes down the road.
Headliner: Quarterback Anu Solomon had a meteoric rise through the rankings as a senior for a reason, and he is a perfect fit for Rich Rodriguez's offense.
Sleeper: Maurice Lee is an undersized running back who runs with shocking power and impressive vision.
Overview: The Wildcats' class is heavy on linebackers, some of whom may be converted to safeties. It also features four running backs. You get the feeling that the Arizona staff's first priority was to upgrade the level of athlete on the roster and let the position chips fall where they may. Utah-based Logan Stott is a massive offensive guard who has the footwork and attitude to be coached into a star. The class isn't one for the record books by any means, but if the goal of recruiting is to upgrade your talent, the mission was accomplished.
Headliner: Cornerback Dashon Hunt is a pure cornerback with some polished skills. He's is a steal for an Oregon State program that traditionally relies on undiscovered talent and junior college players to upgrade talent.
Sleeper: Juco tackle Edwin Delva became a recruiting commodity late in the cycle because coaches love his motor, his build and his long arms.
Overview: There's little pop at the top, but the Beavers' small class has some semblance of depth. It's solid throughout and doesn't include a lot of filler. Oregon State's haul features a focus on defense and is made up of capable athletes, many of whom can help the program right away. Signing five junior college prospects is done with intent, after all.
Headliner: Andre Lewis has outstanding size and impressive speed. He's a junior college transfer, so he's mature and knows he has limited time to make his mark.
Sleeper: Conner Manning has a unique throwing motion, but it works for him. He put up monster numbers in high school and could be a perfect fit for the Utes.
Overview: Lewis is the highest-rated prospect in this class, but there are a bunch of three-star prospects who could be immediate contributors. There are a good number of junior college recruits, including Devontae Booker, Tevin Carter, Sese Ianu and many others who could excel. Lowell Lotulelei has a big reputation and a familiar name for Utes fans. Brandon Cox offers a dual threat at quarterback, where Manning is more of a dropback passer. Both could offer the offense something special.
Headliner: Quarterback Tyler Bruggman could be a perfect fit for Mike Leach's offense. A flip to ASU on signing day was an unfounded rumor.
Sleeper: Paulo Lepua probably didn't get the respect he deserved on the high school level. He has a tremendous motor and backs down to no one.
Overview: After the rumors about Bruggman were debunked, everything was smooth sailing for the Cougars. They landed some serious talent. Daquawn Brown is a fantastic athlete at cornerback, Lepua is underrated at defensive tackle and the Washington State staff loves both players from American Samoa -- defensive tackle Daniel Etuale and defensive end Emmitt Su'a-Kalio. Running back Gerard Wicks could be special down the road.
Headliner: Peter Kalambayi could have played in the SEC or the ACC, but the big linebacker stuck with Stanford.
Sleeper: Austin Hooper could play tight end or defensive end. He has a lot of athleticism and was extremely well coached in high school.
Overview: Last recruiting cycle, Stanford had the Pac-12's top-rated class, but this year was drastically different and it was expected to be. Only 12 players signed, but there were four four-stars, including Kalambayi. Quarterback Ryan Burns and wide receiver Francis Owusu could be a lethal connection, and defensive back Sean Barton is a nice addition. The class is small, but everyone in it could be a contributor. Three-star recruits Dave Bright and Thomas Oser are nice additions to the offensive line.
Headliner: Sefo Liufau has the ideal build for a pro-style quarterback. He doesn't possess a rocket arm but is accurate on most routes.
Sleeper: Gunnar Graham has some weight to add, but his frame can handle it. If he retains his footwork while he adds size in college, he'll be a nice piece to the puzzle up front.
Overview: There's no soft way to say this: it's not good. And, yes, it really is that simple. Colorado's class isn't totally void of talent, but the scramble of a coaching change combined with the program's recent history has taken its toll. The bright spot in an otherwise dark cycle for the Buffs is the fact that the school has seemingly made some inroads in talent-rich California. A good lot of this year's class hails from the Golden State. There's something to be said for that.
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