Update on 2020 QB Commits to American Athletic Conference
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The early signing period for college football is fast approaching with a short time frame of Dec. 20-22 giving seniors a chance to close the door on recruiting. With the urgency that may be felt by many players to get the process over and by college coaches seeking to get as close to a finished class as possible, there will be a lot of big holes to fill on various high-profile teams, even at quarterback. For those who do not sign early, the 2020 class closes effectively closes out on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020.
Most college football programs try to build a class around a signal caller, but that can be easier said that done; even SMU, going through a 10-2 season under head coach Sonny Dykes is without a Class of 2020 quarterback. Another program long known for turning out gun-slinging quarterbacks, Houston, has yet to land a verbal commit in this class.
Top to Bottom AAC Recruiting Breakdown
With Cincinnati slotted No. 19 nationally in the College Football Selection Committee Rankings supported by a 10-2 mark and an AAC East Divisional Title, the Bearcats lead the conference in recruiting, ranked No. 49 overall, gaining 16 verbal commitments that includes two four-stars; dual-threat Evan Prater and linebacker Jaheim Thomas.
The teams rounding out the Top 4, Tulane (19 commits), Central Florida (19), East Carolina (21), are close to a full haul if all holds as is. Memphis, South Florida, Temple, Tulsa, Navy and SMU round out the Top 10 with Houston and Connecticut playing catch-up to the pack. The Bearcats are the only AAC team with a four-star commitment thus far.
American Athletic Conference QB Commits
Cincinnati – Evan Prater – Wyoming (OH) – No. 10 dual-threat
Evan Prater TD celebration
Connecticut – Jonathan Senecal – Cegep Garnuea (QC) – No. 73 dual-threat
East Carolina – Mason Garcia – Carolina Forest (SC) – pro-style No. 18
East Carolina – Taji Hudson – Cedartown (GA) – No. 38 dual-threat
Temple – Matthew Duncan – Ashley Ridge (SC) – pro-style No. 62
Central Florida – Michael Wright – Woodward (GA) – No. 32 dual-threat
South Florida – Tate Rodemaker – Valdosta (GA) – pro-style No. 31
South Florida – Jordan Smith – Columbia (FL) – No. 28 dual-threat
Houston – no QB commits
Memphis – Keilon Brown – Zachary (LA) – No. 22 dual-threat
Navy – Aaron Swafford – Meigs County (TN) – No. 62 dual-threat
Navy – John Meagher – Oxford (MS) – No. 74 dual-threat
Navy – Isaiah Knowles – Seffner Christian (FL) – pro-style No. 111
Navy – Jayden Birchfield – Freedom (NC) – pro-style No. 129
SMU – no QB commits
Tulane – Michael Pratt – Deerfield Beach (FL) – pro-style No. 47
Tulane – Justin Ibieta – Metairie Park (LA) – pro-style No. 58
Tulsa – Roman Fuller – Decatur (TX) – pro-style No. 65
Top Recruit Spotlight
4-star Evan Prater is a true dual-threat leading his Wyoming (OH) team on a 28-game winning streak that ended in the semifinals against Clyde. Prater completed 63 percent of his passes in 2019 throwing for 1,729 yards with 21 scores and rushed 1,437 yards lighting up the scoreboard 27 times with his legs.
Photo credit: Underdog Dynasty; AAC Trophy
Photo credit: Twitter; Evan Prater TD celebration