The 2017 recruiting cycle is just getting started but already a bunch of Pac-12 programs are off to a hot start. Here is a look at some of those teams, who they’ve received commitments from and where they stand heading into the spring and summer:
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Arizona
Top commit: ATH Greg Johnson
Overview: Johnson was a huge pickup early in the process as the four-star from Los Angeles Augustus Hawkins can contribute on offense, defense or special teams. The timing of his decision was a surprise even to some closest to him and many other programs are not backing off. If Johnson sticks with the Wildcats then he could be a major contributor from the first day he steps on campus. Arizona has also landed a pledge from coach Rich Rodriguez’s son, Rhett, a quarterback at Tucson (Ariz.) Catalina Foothills.
Arizona State
Top commit: CB Jermani Brown
Overview: Brown committed to Arizona State while at Calabasas, Calif., and the commitment to the Sun Devils has stuck since his move to Midlothian, Va. Many other programs could get seriously involved with Brown once his senior season starts and the lure of staying East could play a factor, but for now he’s very committed to Arizona State. That’s big because Brown is an athletic, shutdown corner who could be a big-time player. ASU also has a longstanding commit from three-star LB Loren Mondy from Mansfield (Texas) Lake Ridge.
Oregon
Top commit: QB Ryan Kelley
Overview: The Ducks only have two commitments so far in the 2017 class, but both are big-time prospects and Kelley could be Oregon’s quarterback of the future. The four-star prospect was impressive at the Rivals Camp Series Presented by Under Armour in Southern California and he can make all the throws. Four-star defensive end Langi Tuifua jumped on an early Oregon offer and that’s big for the Ducks because he’s an athletic edge player who makes things happen.
Stanford
Top commit: QB Davis Mills
Overview: Oftentimes, Stanford waits until much later in the recruiting process to load up its class with top talent, but not in 2017. Mills is a huge pickup out of Norcross (Ga.) Greater Atlanta Christian. Then there is four-star tight end Colby Parkinson, who is an athletic pass catcher, and three-star tight end Tucker Fisk, a more physical blocker at that position. Four-star athlete Sione Lund out of Utah is a two-way prospect who could help in numerous ways. Stanford is loading up quickly which must be scary for the rest of the Pac-12.
UCLA
Top commit: DE Hunter Echols
Overview: UCLA has loaded up with a lot of talent early this recruiting cycle led by defensive ends Echols and fellow four-star Javaris Steward. Three-star linebacker Rahyme Johnson is super athletic and covers like a defensive back. Speaking of defensive backs, three-star Rhedi Short was really impressive at the Rivals Camp Series in Los Angeles a few weeks ago. The Bruins are off to a great start this cycle and have some big-time targets who could wait until much later to commit, so things are going well in Westwood.
USC
Top commit: RB Stephen Carr
Overview: Carr and fellow four-star cornerback Thomas Graham might be considered soft commits, but by all indications they’re sticking with the Trojans even though they’re taking visits (Carr goes to Michigan this weekend; Graham just got back from Notre Dame). Carr is a game-changer coming out of the backfield and Graham is super athletic at corner. USC also has a pledge from four-star safety Bubba Bolden out of powerhouse Las Vegas Bishop Gorman. The Trojans still have their pick of top prospects in the area and it’s a loaded group at many positions this recruiting cycle.
Washington
Top commit: CB Keith Taylor
Overview: Like Oregon, the Huskies only have two pledges at this point, but they’re both super talented and could be big-time contributors. Taylor is an absolute steal at defensive back. He locks up any receiver. With his length and athleticism, he could be a big-time corner or possibly move to safety and be a contributor there. Connor Wedington is one of Washington’s top prospects this cycle. He looked good at defensive back at the Pylon 7v7 in Las Vegas, but running back should be his primary position.
