Breakdown of Top Ranked Uncommitted Class of 2017 California Recruits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The 2017 recruiting class is nearing decision day with February 1 looming large. Even for players verbally committed to a favorite school, last minute pitches from college coaches in need could sway even the firmest of commitments leaving all recruiting classes tenuous at best. In the state of California, USC, Washington, Oregon, Stanford, Nebraska, and UCLA have laid claim to some of the top players in the nation – but there is still a lot of top talent left on the board promising to make some programs very happy on National Signing Day.

The following is a list of some of the top players uncommitted in the Golden State along with the schools that could be in the running.

Uncommitted Class of 2017 California Recruits

WR Joseph Lewis, 6-1.5, 204, Hawkins High School, Los Angeles, CA – 5-Star

Lewis was a standout in all three phases of the game for Hawkins High School during the 2016. Although limited to seven games, the speed burner was a difference maker while on the field returning six punts for 179 yards and tallied 61 tackles, 36 solo, with two interceptions returned for a total of 68 yards. Where Lewis could have the biggest impact at the next level is at wide receiver. The 6-1.5, 204 pound, athlete stood out averaging a robust 26.4 yards per reception with 21 passes caught covering 555 yards with seven scores.

Over 30 colleges have offered Lewis with Nebraska (Oct. 1), Oregon (Oct. 8), Oklahoma (Nov. 12), Arizona State (Dec. 3), and USC (Jan. 27) able to secure official visits. The Trojans get the most important visit, the last one, but the first one to the Cornhuskers might be the one to beat for USC.

Lewis is one of six California talents rated as a five-star (247Sports). All other in-state talents have committed; DE Jaelan Phillips – UCLA, RB Najee Harris – Alabama, RB Stephen Carr – USC, CB Darnay Holmes – UCLA, OG Wyatt Davis – Ohio State.

RB Greg Johnson, 5-10, 185, Hawkins High School, Los Angeles, CA – 4-Star

Wondering why the Hawks went 13-1 in 2016? They were loaded with top next level talent, in addition to Joseph Lewis opposing defenses had to try to stop Greg Johnson’s ground attack. Johnson is an every down kind of back rushing for 1,377 yards off 122 carries with 13 touchdowns and caught 17 passes for 364 yards with three more scores.

Johnson was a one-time commit to Arizona (March 1) but opened his recruitment back up on Dec. 4. The 5-10, 185 pound, talent is pushing 30 total offers. Official visits have been taken to Nebraska (Oct. 22) and Notre Dame (Dec. 9) with upcoming trips to Oregon (Jan. 20) and USC (Jan. 27). Jan. 27 will be a big day for USC, the staff, and a very hopeful fan base.

CB Deommodore Lenior, 5-10.5, 190, Salesian, Los Angeles, CA – 4-Star

Salesian is another Los Angeles area team that was gifted with special talent in 2016, especially on the defensive side of the ball. In addition to next level talents on offense in quarterback Robbie Blosser and receiver Urael Blackshear, the defense was stocked with UCLA 2017 defensive end commit Rahyme Johnson and cornerback Deommodore Lenior.

Lenior was a three-way star for the Mustangs securing 25 passes for 663 yards with seven scores while returning seven kickoffs for 187 yards and seven punts for 229 yards. Lenior could play on both sides of the ball at the college level but his future appears to be as a corner where he had 52 tackles, one interception, and three passes defended with few quarterbacks testing him out in 2016.

Oregon had Lenior’s commitment but lost him on Nov. 29. The Ducks could be back in play under new head coach Willie Taggert. Lenior took an unofficial to Eugene on Jan. 15. Nebraska welcomes the 5-10.5, 190 pound, star on Jan. 20 with Mississippi State and USC reportedly getting his next visits the weekend of Jan. 27.

TE Josh Falo, 6-4, 216, Inderkum, Sacramento, CA – 4-Star

Of the Top 25 tight ends in the nation, only two remain uncommitted, Oklahoma City’s Nick Robinson (6-4, 210) and Sacramento’s Josh Falo. Both are four-star recruits placing an even bigger importance on where the players may land come National Signing Day.

Falo was a two-way player for Inderkum High School but really showed out at tight end in both the running and passing game. Falo can hold his own as a blocker and can stretch defenses in the passing game ending his senior year with 21 receptions for 410 yards with eight touchdowns, second best stat totals on the Tigers squad.

Colorado got the Under Armouar All-American on Oct. 14 for an official visit and USC hosted the in-state talent on Jan. 13. Oregon will get the last visit on Jan. 28.

WR Michael Onyemaobi, 6-1, 187, Chaparral, Temecula, CA – 3-Star

Michael Onyemaobi is one of those players that has been a standout on under .500 teams who has helped his recruiting stock at off-season camps. In 2015, Chaparral posted a 3-7 mark but their speedy receiver still had a solid season with 13 receptions for 198 yards with three scores in stats posted from seven games played. In 2016, the Pumas went 2-8 with their three-star recruit being limited to 18 receptions for 314 yards and two scores in stats from six games played.

In mid-May 2016, the Temecula product committed to Cal but decommitted from the Bears on Jan. 18. An official visit has been taken to Washington State (Dec. 9) and UNLV (Jan. 13). Nebraska and TCU have made late runs at Onyemaobi with the Horned Frogs hosting him on Jan. 20 and the Cornhuskers on Jan. 27. Fans will have to wait until National Signing Day to see where Onyemaobi will play his college ball. As of Wednesday, Jan. 18, Onyemaobi will make his announcement live on Fox Sports.

Keep An Eye On 4-Stars

The remaining top California four-star recruits left on the board are Buena Park cornerback Elijah Gates (5-10, 170) and Cathedral receiver Jamire Calvin (5-9.5, 150). Both are undersized but quick as lightening. Gates has 20 reported offers from teams like Cal, Michigan, Notre Dame, UCLA, Colorado, Utah, TCU, and Nebraska. The Ducks hosted him on an official on Nov. 11.

Calvin also has his pick of schools nearing 40 reported offers. Nebraska (Sept. 2), Oregon State (Oct. 8), Washington State (Dec. 2), and Notre Dame (Dec. 9) have each hosted Calvin. The Beavers received a commitment from Calvin on Jan. 7 which was short-lived lasting just 10 days. Nebraska maybe the team to beat for the Los Angeles area talent.

All the excitement and anticipation leads to National Signing Day, on Wednesday, Feb. 1.

Photo credit: USA Today High School Sports; Greg Johnson (left) and Joseph Lewis (right) receiving U.S. Army All-American honors.