Top Recruiters: Big 12
The 2015 recruiting cycle is in the books and programs across the country are celebrating their Signing Day hauls. Rivals.com examines the top recruiters from the Big 12 Conference.
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Big 12 Recruiter of the Year
Brian Jean-MaryClick Here to view this Link.
Landing five-star Malik Jefferson was a major recruiting win for Jean-Mary.
The Longhorns secured the top recruiting class in the Big 12 in large part thanks to Jean-Mary. In fact, he was the lead recruiter for the only five-star prospect to sign with a Big 12 program, Malik Jefferson. He was the also the primary recruiter for Anthony Wheeler and Cecil Cherry, and he gave an assist on three-star linebacker Cameron Townsend. Jean-Mary also led the way to inking four-star tight end Devonaire Clarington and three-star athlete Deandre McNeal, and he helped swing wide receiver Ryan Newsome to the Longhorns on Signing Day.
Other Top Big-12 Recruiters
Jarrett AndersonClick Here to view this Link.
TCU was just a few points shy of a playoff berth and had one of their best seasons under head coach Gary Patterson. The Horned Frogs signed a stout class of offensive linemen and a strong receiver group and Jarrett Anderson played a major role in making the class come together. Anderson was able to flip Sam Awolope and hold off a late push by Texas A&M and Texas, and he was also able to secure the talents of Dave Bolisomi late in the process. Getting Louisiana two-way lineman Jozie Milton to flip from South Carolina was also impressive. His work with receivers Jarrison Stewart and Jaelan Austin should be noted too..
Bill BedenbaughClick Here to view this Link.
Bedenbaugh was able to put together quite the offensive line class for Oklahoma. He went into Texas, Louisiana, California, and Mississippi for top talent and came away with two four-star prospects and a three-star. He was able to secure a commitment from Dominique Hearne early in the process. Then, he flipped early TCU verbal pledge Cody Ford before the season began, and California four-star Dru Samia committed shortly after Ford. Bedenbaugh also found success on the JUCO ranks in four-star Jamal Danley, who has the tools to be an early difference-maker for the Sooners.
Kendal BrilesClick Here to view this Link.
Baylor never gave up on Rivals100 quarterback Jarrett Stidham and Briles was a big reason he flipped from Texas Tech to Baylor in December. Briles also played a key role in landing a late October commitment from Houston-area four-star standout J.W. Ketchum. In addition to his late work, Briles was able to secure an early pledge from Waco Midway three-star Devontre Stricklin in January of 2014. He also nabbed the commitment of Jordan Tolbert over several top programs in May.
Joe Bob ClementsClick Here to view this Link.
The people in Stillwater are very excited about Oklahoma State's defensive line class and Clements played a big part in putting it all together. Clements led the way for late additions Louis Brown, who is slated for defensive end, and Rivals250 defensive tackle Darrion Daniels, who chose the Cowboys over Oklahoma, Iowa, and Texas Tech. Clements also identified Texas defensive tackle Taaj Bakari early in the process and wrapped up JUCO standout Motekiai Maile in June.
Andre ColemanClick Here to view this Link.
Kansas State does not receive much praise in the recruiting rankings, but there is no doubt Coleman put together a very strong group of prospects. He went to Georgia to grab Rivals250 cornerback Duke Shelley away from SEC country, and also picked up a commitment from his Tucker teammate and three-star linebacker Elijah Sullivan. Coleman was not done in Georgia with that pair, however, as he was also the lead recruiter for three-star standouts Kalin Heath and Isaiah Zuber. Then he headed west to secure the talents of Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Mitchell and Texas defensive back Johnathan Durham.
Reggie MitchellClick Here to view this Link.
A coaching change sent Kansas into hyper speed mode on the recruiting front and Mitchell helped set the pace. He was part of a small group of coaches who helped keep key members of the recruiting class in the fold in a time of uncertainty. One of the biggest holdovers was headliner and three-star quarterback Ryan Willis. Mitchell was also able to keep defensive tackle Jacky Dezir and running back Taylor Martin in the boat. Once the new staff was together, he played a key role in adding three-star defensive back Shaquille Richmond and JUCO running back Ke'aun Kinner, as well as defensive end Jace Sternberger out of Oklahoma and defensive back Tyrone Miller out of Michigan.
Jerry MontgomeryClick Here to view this Link.
Montgomery was working overtime for Oklahoma as he hit the road to secure signatures from top prospects from across the map. The biggest pickup was Canadian Rivals100 defensive tackle Neville Gallimore. Then, Montgomery went to Virginia to secure the services of Rivals250 linebacker Ricky DeBerry. Next was a trip to Mississippi. Three-star defensive end Gabriel Campbell grew up an Oklahoma fan, but Mississippi State and Ole Miss definitely made Campbell's decision tough. Montgomery was ultimately able to convince Campbell to choose the Sooners. Montgomery also had success closer to home as he landed three-star defensive end Kenneth Mann and Rivals250 defensive tackle Marquise Overton. He also played an assisting role in the recruitment of four-star defensive back P.J. Mbanasor.
JaJuan SeiderClick Here to view this Link.
West Virginia was able to go into Florida and Seider was a big reason why. He led the way in the Mountaineers' pursuit of Rivals250 standouts Jovon Durante and Tyrek Cole, as well as three-stars Kevin Williams and Jah'shaun Seider. Seider also hit the junior college ranks of Mississippi, where he was able to secure the services three-star defensive ends Larry Jefferson and Xavier Pegues, who have been standouts for Itawamba C.C.
Chris VaughnClick Here to view this Link.
Texas' recruiting haul at linebacker drew quite a bit of attention, but the defensive back position is also one of the Big 12's strongest in 2015. Chris Vaughn led the way in recruiting that group, with his biggest pickups coming just a week before Signing Day. Rivals250 defensive backs Kris Boyd and Holton Hill were big gets not only because of their talents but also because they gave the Longhorns big wins on the recruiting front over Texas A&M. Vaughn also paved the way for defensive back James Locke to flip from Oregon to Texas on Signing Day. He secured the talents of DeShon Elliott in March and went to Florida and was able to grab Rivals100 wide receiver John Burt and four-star safety DaVante Davis.
