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10 College Football Recruits To Watch In 2017 Class
Here are 10 college football recruits to watch in the 2017 recruiting class. From Dylan Moses to Dylan McCaffrey, you'll want to keep an eye on these prospects.
February 5, 2016
Ten college football recruits to watch in the 2017 class. Fans will want to keep an eye on the recruitment of these top prospects.
Wait, you thought it was over? Oh, come on, guys … that was just the end of the 2016 recruiting cycle.
It’s time to give the 2017 recruiting class an early look and reset our brains for yet another topsy-turvy recruiting cycle. Sure, staring at these stars isn’t as comforting, and you still might end up with kaleidoscope eyes about halfway through it all. But it’s never too early to prepare yourself for the names to keep tabs on for next year’s class.
Below are 10 uncommitted recruits to keep an eye out for in 2016, leading up to National Signing Day in 2017.
2017 Recruits To Watch
1. Dylan Moses
Ranking: 5-star, No. 1 Athlete, No. 2 Overall
Considering
At 6-foot-2 and 220 lbs, Dylan Moses re-defines the idea of an athlete. He could easily become a dominant running back at the next level, but as he says, he loves to hit people and can be just as good of an inside linebacker. Moses flies to the ball and has superb vision, patience and timing — both when he’s the ball carrier and when he’s seeking to destroy one.
2. Trevon Grimes
Ranking: 5-star, No. 1 Wide Receiver, No. 4 Overall
Considering
While he may not be blazingly quick, Trevon Grimes is indeed the real deal. He has the size at 6-foot-3, 190 lbs and hands to be an extremely reliable red zone threat — the kind of wide receiver you tell to go get the football. Obviously, like most young wide receivers, he needs to work on his route running and consistently catching the football with his hands instead of his body, but Grimes has excellent body control and an instinct to hunt for yards after the catch.
3. Foster Sarell
Ranking: 5-star, No. 2 Offensive Tackle, No. 8 Overall
Considering
Foster Sarell is a big, big dude. At 6-foot-6 and 300 lbs that may be an understatement. He has an explosive nature off the ball and strikes with a lot of power when he blocks down. His hand placement is solid, leveraging himself well with a strong grip on defenders’ chest plates. When chipping to the second level, Sarell can smell the fear of the linebackers. He finishes blocks with a nasty nature, too. He’ll need to fine tune the footwork in pass protection, but the biggest question mark is the level of competition he’s playing against in Graham, Wash.
4. Austin Jackson
Ranking: 5-star, No. 3 Offensive Tackle, No. 9 Overall
Considering
Austin Jackson has a natural feel for being a “hog.” Put him in the trench and watch him go to work. Jackson’s athleticism jumps off the screen, and it’s easily his best attribute, which allows him to play both sides of the ball. As an offensive tackle, though, he needs to improve his footwork and technique. Jackson is a vicious blocker capable of leveling linebackers in the running game, but he needs more reps in pass protection to round out his game.
5. Anthony Hines
Ranking: 5-star, No. 1 ILB, No. 16 Overall
Considering
If there’s one thing you want to see in a linebacker, it’s that he has the size to play the position. Anthony Hines doesn’t have to worry about that as a 6-foot-3, 220-pound athlete. Hines times snaps well and knifes through offensive lines to make plays in the backfield. He has a knack to locate the ball and, more importantly, get to it. Hines needs to improve his pass coverage ability, but if there’s one thing he can do, it’s inflict pain as a bruising hitter.
6. Jeffrey Okudah
Ranking: 5-star, No. 1 S, No. 18 Overall
Considering
Here’s some goode news on Jeffery Okudah, he has experience playing cornerback. So, his man coverage skills should come along nicely. Aside from top-notch speed and acceleration, Okudah has a vital tendency for playing the safety position: He forces turnovers. Not only does he pry at the ball, but he doesn’t give up on plays either, often coming from across the field to make something happen.
7. Stanford Samuels III
Ranking: 4-star, No. 3 CB, No. 20 Overall
Considering
When it comes to Stanford Samuels III, the son of former Florida State defensive back Stanford Samuels, you have to like what you see on film. He shows a lot of promise at the cornerback position. The hands and the hips need some work, but it’s not like he’s far off by any means. One thing to realize about Samuels is his fiery, competitive nature. He’s eager to join the hit party and make a play on the ball.
8. Haskell Garrett
Ranking: 4-star, No. 2 Defensive End, No. 21 Overall
Considering
When watching Haskell Garrett play the defensive end position, there’s one thing that comes to mind: playmaker. Garrett isn’t a speed rusher. He isn’t a physically imposing, bully of a pass rusher. He’s just an all-around talent. Garrett fills running lanes well. He can drop back in coverage, which can allow defensive coordinators to mix up their blitz packages. Plus, he never gives up on a play, and that’s a valuable trait for a defensive end because even when the offensive line thinks he’s out of the play, he’s not.
9. Dylan McCaffrey
Ranking: 4-star, No. 3 Quarterback, No. 39 Overall
Considering
Does the last name ring a bell? That’s right, Dylan McCaffrey is the younger brother of Christian McCaffrey, a.k.a. the star all-purpose back for the Stanford Cardinal and Heisman Trophy candidate. Their father, Ed McCaffrey, is a Stanford alumnus and Pro Bowl wide receiver. Dylan’s 6-foot-5, 195 lbs and looks every bit the part of a complete quarterback. He has the touch, the footwork, the mechanics and a rocket arm. Plus, he’s accurate, and that’s difficult to teach.
10. Greg Johnson
Ranking: 4-star, No. 5 Athlete, No. 51 Overall
Considering
The technique and footwork need to be molded somewhat, but Greg Johnson is as explosive an athlete as you’ll find in the 2017 recruiting class. The burst and accelaration make it extremely difficult for defenders to track him down, which gives him the home-run ability. His hands are good enough to make him a pass-catching threat out of the backfield, and he’s even been put in some situations where he’s lined up wide. He’s from Los Angeles, and we all know the Trojans like to add athletes. But Johnson will have plenty of opportuntiies to expand his horizons.
Note: Scout rankings and ratings used in this article.
