Three-Point Stance: Key commits, breakout QBs, title droughts

MORE: Risers and sliders in the updated 2018 Rivals100

Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell’s Three-Point Stance is here with a look at last week's top commitments, a few quarterbacks who could take a step forward this season and a breakdown of five teams that could end lengthy national title droughts this season.

Another busy week of commitments with some big ones, so let’s take a look at the most important pledges that have been made since last Wednesday.

1. WR Manuel Allen, Louisville – This is Allen’s third commitment after previous ones to USC and Nebraska, so who knows if this will stick, but he brings dynamic offensive ability and speed to a Louisville team that knows how to utilize wide receivers.

2. DE Charles Moore, Mississippi State – A huge 2019 commitment, Moore is a future star in the SEC with great pass rushing ability. And for the Bulldogs to keep him home, at least early on, is huge.

3. DE Azeez Ojulari, Georgia – A hybrid who will grow into an every down defensive end, he’s raw but very athletic. You have to love Ojulari's work ethic and motor.

4. WR Kearis Jackson, Georgia – Jackson has speed and he’s powerfully built, so he’s not easy to tackle. This kid is built like a running back and will only get thicker and stronger.

5. OT TJ Bradley, Maryland – A plug-and-play offensive lineman is exactly what the doctor ordered for Maryland, a team that needs immediate help at a few positions and can always use big, athletic guys up front.

6. CB Stanley Garner, Kentucky – A talented defensive back from Florida with length is a home run get for Kentucky and puts him higher on this list than some others ranked ahead of him. These are crucial commitments for the Wildcats.

7. WR Josh Vann, South Carolina – Vann is an excellent route runner, elusive after the catch and should make an immediate impact in Columbia as a slot receiver who can gain yards after the catch.

8. ATH Matthew Hill, Auburn – Hill will start off as a wide receiver at Auburn but he’s a skilled defensive back as well so his versatility is key to this class. It doesn’t hurt he’s from Georgia as well, a huge recruiting territory for the Tigers.

9. OT Rafiti Ghirmai, Texas – Texas lands another key offensive lineman in this class and Tom Herman continues to be a regular on this weekly list, something Charlie Strong couldn’t do.

10. TE Chigoziem Okonkwo, Maryland – The Terps land two on the list and Okonkwo is athletic enough to impact early and stretch the field.

Last week I mentioned five big-time quarterback stars from the 2016 season that I felt could take a step back, so how about being less of a Debbie Downer and naming a few quarterbacks who could break out this season?

1. Brandon Wimbush, Notre Dame – How can a guy with five passing attempts be No. 1 on this list over others who have started college games? Call it a hunch, but he’s going to be great at Notre Dame.

2. Will Grier, West Virginia – At Florida, Grier was starting to show flashes of greatness. He could put up massive numbers in the wide-open West Virginia offense.

3. Shea Patterson, Ole Miss – Patterson showed flashes of brilliance last season but also has some rough moments. But he has the “it" factor and the weapons to have a great season if the running game comes around.

4. Jacob Eason, Georgia – Many were critical of Eason last year and the knock on him is a lack of downfield vision, but as a true freshman, he threw twice as many touchdowns as interceptions. He takes a big step forward this year.

5. Jarrett Stidham, Auburn – I’ve already stated that the hype surrounding Stidham is too much and he won’t reach the lofty expectations many are projecting. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t think he’ll have a good year. Auburn remains run-heavy on offense and he becomes a great complement as an efficient passer.

It’s been a long time since some programs have won a national title but it’s a little surprising to me it’s been so long for teams like USC and others. Here are five teams that have a chance, even if it’s an outside one, to break a long stretch between titles in 2017.

1. USC – Can you believe USC hasn't won a national title since 2004? Now if Sam Darnold can break in some new receivers and the offensive line can hold up, the Trojans can make a run this year. It won’t be easy for Darnold to repeat the success he had last year, but if he does and the defense improves as expected, USC could be the playoff representative from the Pac-12.

2. Penn State – Trace McSorley was another quarterback on my list of guys who could (not necessarily will) regress, but Penn State has the ingredients to make a run at the national title and possibly take one home for the first time since 1986.

3. Oklahoma – The Sooners are in good shape to make another run at a national title - their first since 2000 - if Baker Mayfield is complemented by some new weapons and the defense can improve. The biggest question is if a young, first-year head coach like Lincoln Riley avoid enough rookie mistakes.

4. Michigan – The Wolverines haven't won a national title since 1997 and, with so many experienced players missing from the roster this year, a run in 2017 is unlikely. However, Jim Harbaugh can surprise many people and they are in a division where wins over Penn State and Ohio State could make them a lock for the playoff.

5. LSU – The most recent winner on this list, LSU won a national title in 2007, which isn’t that long ago. The problem is Alabama, but if the Tigers can get past the Tide, watch out.