College Programs Scrambling Over the 17 Remaining Top-Rated Class of 2021 Players
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
With two weeks left until National Signing Day (Feb. 3), the window of opportunity for some college football teams to make a jump in the recruiting rankings is narrowing. Of the Top 100 Class of 2021 recruits still left on the board without a public commitment, only five remain. A glimmer of hope for those still desiring a big recruiting haul, there are four-star players outside the Top 100 undeclared.
If there is a scholarship left to give, with a hope and a prayer college teams are making a last-minute pitch to the 17 available top-end recruits. That strategy may work for some players, but not for the highest rated prospect left on the recruiting trail in five-star Washington defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau. The Eastside Washington standout announced on Dec. 16 a Top 5 of USC, Oregon, Alabama, Ohio State, and Washington.
Of the 359 players rated as a four-star in this year’s class, the list has dwindled down to 16. The bulk of the unsigned and uncommitted players atop the boards reside in California (3), Louisiana (3), Florida (3), and New Jersey (2).
There is always the possibility of a big flip, but there are only two ranked in the Top 100 that are unsigned: Lakeview (TX) running back Camar Wheaton (No. 26), an Alabama verbal, and USC receiver commit Ceyair Wright out of Loyola in Los Angeles. The next highest rated player on the board is receiver Quaydarius Davis. The Skyline (TX) four-star is ranked No. 105 with a pledge to the Kansas Jayhawks.
The most recent change of heart that stirred the recruiting world was when four-star Mater Dei outside linebacker Raesjon Davis reopened his process. Davis, ranked as the nation’s fourth best outside backer, committed to the LSU Tigers on Jan. 1, 2020, but revisited his 23 total reported offers on Dec. 21. LSU still has a shot at landing Davis. On Jan. 17, the Southern California native listed a Top 5 of LSU, USC, Ohio State, Oregon, and Vanderbilt.
Top 100 2021 Commits Undeclared (5)
DE J.T. Tuimoloau – Eastside Catholic (WA) – 5-Star – ranked No. 3
RB LJ Johnson – Cy-Fair (TX) – 4-Star – ranked No. 40
OLB Raesjon Davis – Mater Dei (CA) – 4-Star – ranked No. 45
DT Tywone Malone – Bergen Catholic (NJ) – 4-Star – ranked No. 61
WR Brian Thomas Jr. – Walker (LA) – 4-Star – ranked No. 79
Undeclared 4-Stars Outside the Top 100 (12)
DB Terrion Arnold – John Paul II (FL) – ranked No. 106
WR Destyn Hill – Edna Karr (LA) – ranked No. 113
RB Byron Cardwell – Morse (CA) – ranked No. 183
LB Trevin Wallace – Wayne County (GA) – ranked No. 230
DT George Rooks – St. Peters (NJ) – ranked No. 259
RB Ke’Travion Hargrove – Ruston (LA) – ranked No. 261
ATH Charles Montgomery – Armwood (FL) – ranked No. 267
ATH Titus Mokiao-Atimalala – James Campbell (HI) – ranked No. 302
WR Jordan Mosley – McGill Toolen (AL) – ranked No. 303
OG/DL Josh Simmons – Helix (CA) – ranked No. 304
DE Davon Townley – North Senior (MN) – ranked No. 325
DT Savion Collins – Miami Pametto (FL) – ranked No. 329
Photo credit: RNG; Rasejon Davis