Who's Next? Projecting what the future holds for the 2017 class
Recruiting, at its core, is about projections. And with National Signing Day 2017 in the books, Rivals.com makes a few final ones on what the future may hold for members of this class. Below is look at who might be next up in a number of traditional college football storylines.
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Who's the next Heisman Trophy contending running back?
There are two schools of thought here. Najee Harris is the No. 1 player in the Rivals100 and has incredible physical tools. He signed with Alabama and seems poised to become a star. On the other side of the coin sits Cam Akers, a Florida State signee that will play in the same offense that produced the electric Dalvin Cook. Both Akers and Harris have college-ready bodies, and the internal debate over which player would be ranked higher was fierce. The respective depth charts may help dictate which player shines brightest, but one of them contending for a Heisman Trophy is a good point.
Who's the next record-breaking Big 12 wide receiver?
Ranking averages and history dictate that Oklahoma will score one big hit with either Cedarian Lamb or Charleston Rambo. Both are Texas-based players that have the size and explosiveness necessary to follow the footsteps of the departed Dede Westbrook, who broke the school's single-game record of receiving in 2016. Oklahoma State commit LC Greenwood also has to be in the conversation simply because of the length he brings and the offense in which he will play.
Who's the next Group of Five coaching commodity?
There are options here. Memphis’ Mike Norvell landed the top class of any non-Power Five program and the Tigers could be one big season away from having to once again fight to keep their head coach. Tulsa head coach Philip Montgomery could also soon see his name linked to high-profile jobs.
Who's the next big-name quarterback to transfer?
There are options here as well. Alabama welcomes in two highly-regarded quarterbacks in Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones. History suggests that one of the two won’t finish his career in Tuscaloosa. Another interesting candidate for a mid-career transfer is Clemson commit Hunter Johnson. A talented prospect, Johnson will be followed by 2018 QB Trevor Lawrence, the top-ranked prospect in his class. Lawrence is seen as the type of player that can come and start for the Tigers from day one, so Johnson will have his work cut out for him if he hopes to win and retain a starting spot down the road.
Who's the next undersized playmaker?
Miami-bound wide receiver Mike Harley is one of the quickest, most dynamic players in this class. Hurricanes fans hope that Harley brings the versatility and quickness what they once hoped Sam Bruce would provide. Bruce departed the program this season and Harley, who happens to hail from the same high school, does some of the same things Bruce once did. Harley has the speed capable of turning short completions into big gains and may help out returning kicks.
Who's the next freshman sensation?
Michigan lost a pair of contributing wide receivers this year, and five-star Donovan Peoples-Jones is strolling onto the right situation at the right time to make a splash from the jump. Instant impact is usually at the intersection of timing and talent, and Peoples-Jones seems to be right in the sweet spot.