Buckeyes, Bruins top 2017 CB classes

Rivals.com has spent the last two weeks breaking down each position to see which school did the best on National Signing Day 2017.

Today, we take a look at the programs that finished the cycle with the best hauls at cornerback

TOP 10 CLASSES BY POSITION: QB | RB | WR | TE | OL | DT | DE | LB

Signees: Kendall Sheffield (four-star), Amir Riep (four-star), Marcus Williamson (four-star), Shaun Wade (five-star)

Analysis: The Buckeyes loaded up on talent at the position, highlighted by five-star Wade, an early commitment that stuck with the Buckeyes for two years. Wade is expected to see the field early and with his versatile skillset he could be used at corner or safety. The same goes for Sheffield, a former Alabama signee and JUCO product. After getting lost in the shuffle in Tuscaloosa, he should come in looking to make up for lost time. Add in Riep and Williamson, a pair of four-stars, and the Buckeyes' haul at the position is very impressive.

Signees: Elijah Gates (four-star), Darnay Holmes (five-star), Quentin Lake (three-star), Jaylan Shaw (three-star)

Analysis: The Bruins didn’t have to look far to find some of the nation’s best cornerbacks in the 2017 class and they did a good job of keeping the quartet close to home. The biggest recruiting win was obviously landing five-star Holmes, who was in the conversation for the top overall player at the position from start to finish. Gates, a four-star, is also someone who is expected to have a major impact with the Bruins and his track record of impressive performances at marquee events lends credence to that. Add in high three-stars Shaw and Lake, and UCLA’s success at the position is among the best in the country.

Signees: DJ Brown (three-star), Donovan Johnson (four-star), Lamont Wade (five-star)

Analysis: Anytime you sign the No. 1 player at the position it almost guarantees you a spot on this list and that’s exactly what the Nittany Lions did in landing Wade. The five-star corner is one of the most physical players to come along at the position in recent years and while he doesn’t fit the new prototype height-wise, he’s a pure cover corner who should thrive in Happy Valley. Johnson, a four-star, was undervalued by some teams in the Big Ten but the Penn State coaches believe he has a chance to be a star. Brown was plucked from the heart of SEC country and Nittany Lions fans are hoping he’s a steal.

Signees: Marco Wilson (four-star), Shawn Davis (three-star), CJ Henderson (four-star)

Analysis: The Gators have been pumping out NFL defensive backs over the past few years and this year’s class represents the chance to restock the cupboard at the position. Wilson enters the picture hoping to take over for his older brother Quincy, who left early for the NFL draft after three impressive years in Gainesville. He will come in with high expectations but has the ability to live up to them. Henderson was pursued by schools from coast-to-coast and his late decision to commit to the Gators was a major recruiting win. Add in three-star Davis and some versatile commits who might start out at corner like Kadarius Toney and it’s one of the strongest in the nation at the position.

Signees: Ameer Speed (three-star), Latavious Brini (three-star), William Poole (four-star)

Analysis: Much like other positions for the Bulldogs, their haul actually might be more impressive if players designated as athletes were included in the mix. Poole, a one-time five-star, is the headliner of the class and his early commitment to Georgia helped trigger a great overall start to the class. Speed and Brini, a pair of high three-stars from Florida, were key late adds at a position of need. The aforementioned athletes that are likely to start on defense, include three-star athletes Eric Stokes and Tray Bishops. Both players have seen action on both sides of the ball and could be used at corner for the Bulldogs.

Signees: Justin Broiles (four-star), Tre Brown (four-star), Tre Norwood (three-star)

Analysis: The Sooners signed three true cornerbacks in the class, highlighted by the four-star duo of Broiles and Brown. When it came to rankings stock, Broiles saw his skyrocket in the final rankings period after having a terrific week at the Under Armour All-America Game. Sooners fans are hoping he carries over that play to Norman, where he’s likely to have a chance to crack the lineup early in his career. Brown is a speedy corner who should be a good fit in the pass-heavy Big 12 and three-star Norwood is a player the Oklahoma coaches think can develop into a contributor.

Signees: Cheyenne Labruzza (three-star), Terrell Bailey (four-star), Shawn Shamburger (three-star)

Analysis: The Vols dipped into Louisiana to nab two of their three commitments at the position in Labruzza and Bailey. Early work by the Vols coaches paid dividends with both players, including four-star Bailey, who was overlooked by some programs around the Southeast. Labruzza has high upside and the Vols held off a late charge from LSU to keep him in the class. Meanwhile, Shamburger comes from Georgia powerhouse program Colquitt County and flew under the radar until Tennessee pushed for his commitment. The trio might not be flashy but the overall talent helps the Vols land on this list.

Signees: Keisean Nixon (three-star), Kaleb Chalmers (three-star), Tavyn Jackson (three-star)

Analysis: The Gamecocks need immediate help at the cornerback position and are hoping that this year’s signees can bring them some. JUCO products Chalmers and Nixon will come in with high expectations and it will be interesting to see if they crack the lineup. Chalmers is a former Clemson signee and player. He left the Tigers for junior college before signing with the Gamecocks, adding another interesting wrinkle in the schools' already storied rivalry. Defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson is known for his ability to spot talent at defensive back and three-star Jackson was one of his top targets in the state of Florida. The one player that could put this group into elite status is four-star athlete Jamyest Williams, who the Gamecocks like at cornerback but is also an explosive offensive player.

Signees: Alex Woods (three-star), Kenny Bennett (three-star), Fofie Bazzie

Analysis: The Terrapins surprised many with their 2017 class and cornerback was a key position of emphasis. The Terps ended up signing three three-star prospects and the depth at the position was enough for them to make the list. Bennett, a Philadelphia product who narrowly missed four-star status, highlights the group. The 6-foot-2, 192-pound prospect fits the new mold for what coaches look for in cornerbacks and his size and strength should serve as a major asset. Joining him is high school product Bazzie, another long, rangy defender. Add in JUCO signee Woods and the Terrapins have an impressive group of versatile defenders.

Signees: LeAnthony Williams (four-star), A.J. Terrell (five-star)

Analysis: The Tigers signed just two players at the position but made sure they were good ones. Terrell is an athletic freak listed at 6-foot-2 and 170 pounds with legitimate track speed and impressive cover skills. He was one of the prime targets for the Tigers and landing him out of the Atlanta area over Florida and Georgia shows the type of recruiting muscle Clemson now has. Williams, another Atlanta-area product, is a Rivals250 prospect who starred on one of the state of Georgia’s top programs. He’s a physical defensive back who plays the ball well and is an asset in run support as well. They are close friends and expect to be a major part of the Tigers' defense for years to come.