Top recruiting targets for reigning conference champions

The reigning champs in the Power Five conferences are expected to recruit off the hook in 2018. What recruit looms as the most important target for each conference winner? We have the answer.

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The best in-state wide receiver since Julio Jones? Ross could very well be that guy, and this could come down to Alabama and Auburn in the end. Nick Saban doesn’t want to lose any in-state kids he covets, and certainly not the No. 1 player in the state. Given the way Alabama is recruiting, there probably isn’t a “must get” guy in any class, but since Ross is such a big deal in state I’ll go with him.

You could make a case for running back Zamir White here as well, but Thomas is one of the state’s biggest names in years. He’s an explosive pass rusher and has been compared to Jadeveon Clowney, at least in stature, when it comes to South Carolina prospects. Yes, he’s out of state attending IMG Academy, but he said he will choose between Clemson and South Carolina in the end, so he’s a must-get.

Penn State already has commitments from some key in-state targets like Micah Parsons, Zack Kuntz and Nick Tarburton, and it is off to such a great start overall in the 2018 class, it’s not so easy finding that must-get guy. I’ll go with Scruggs, since it liked him early and he has been leaning Penn State’s way (or at least has had them near the top) for quite some time. As an in-state guy, they really want to keep him at home and could be battling Ohio State (his dream offer apparently), Michigan and Michigan State to do so. He’s not as highly-ranked as some others on this list, but he’s crucial to the class.

Brey Walker is a huge need and early commitment for the Sooners and a guy like Brennan Eagles is important, but after going all in on Marvin Wilson last year and coming up short, they need to get Trout badly. The efforts from the staff reflect that very clearly, as they have made him a priority and have his interest. After pulling Marquis Hayes out of Missouri last recruiting cycle, Trout would be huge for them as a one-two punch in back-to-back years.

The Huskies need wide receivers in a big way in the 2018 class, and there is no freaky in-state talent like Foster Sarell who is an obvious choice. So I’ll go with Spiker, who is just outside our Rivals100 and has excellent speed and a frame to grow on. With the success Washington has had in the passing game, recruiting wide receivers shouldn’t be hard, but recruiting out of state is never easy. Spiker’s early interest and talent makes him a must get.