Erick Smith, Marshon Lattimore with Damon Webb (right)After a busy start to the dead period, the Big Ten recruiting scene has slowed as the All-American games near. With the NFL coaching carousel heating up, many eyes are on PSU's Bill O'Brien. His departure would make things interesting on the recruiting front.
Coincidentally, Penn State was the only Big Ten school to add a commitment in the last seven days. With the slow recruiting week, there was no movement in our rankings. The Nittany Lions moved ahead of Michigan in Rivals.com's rankings, giving them B1G's second best recruiting class.
Ohio State is expecting a busy week with decisions coming from four-stars Marshon Lattimore and Erick Smith. The Buckeyes have long been the leaders for the duo from Cleveland-Glenville. There has been some recent buzz surrounding five-star defensive back Tony Brown and the Buckeyes, but I am sticking with my prediction of Brown to LSU.
Now, on to the rankings.
14. Minnesota
The Gophers are hoping for a strong finish of four-star Frank Ragnow and three-stars Melvin Holland Jr., Craig James, Rodney Smith, and perhaps two to three other prospects. Minnesota also continues to pursue Ohio three-star linebacker Tegray Scales, a prospect I have long been high on.
Four-star Gopher commitment Jeff Jones is planning to visit Florida. Losing a long-time four-star commitment would be disappointing.
Commitments: No new commitments this week.
Visitor news: Dead Period.
13. Indiana
Former Tennessee commit and four-star wide receiver Dominique Booth is planning to decide sometime around Jan. 7, with Indiana being a strong candidate to receive his pledge. Booth would be a rare four-star signing for the Hoosiers and would instantly help out on offense for Kevin Wilson.
Wilson is also hot after three-star Iowa State decommitment Tommy Mister. Many are expecting the three-star running back prospect to commit to IU in mid-January.
Commitments: No new commitments this week.
Visitor news: Dead Period.
12. Illinois
The Fighting Illini were quiet after landing a few junior college prospects two weeks ago. Most of the remaining targets for Illinois are of the two-star variety. Tim Beckman will need to win next season, as his seat is already warm.
Commitments: No new commitments this week.
Visitor news: Dead Period.
11. Purdue
With 18 prospects in the fold, three more prospects seems to be the magic number for the Boilermakers. Purdue is focused on the trenches for the remainder of their recruiting class and three-star tackle A.J. Allen could be the top target. Darrell Hazell is expecting to host one more big visit weekend in hopes of finishing out his second recruiting class strong.
Commitments: No new commitments this week.
Visitor news: Dead Period.
Jalen Tabor surprisingly eliminates Maryland10. Maryland
Maryland was once considered the leader for five-star corner Jalen Tabor, but in surprising news, he named a final two of Alabama and Arizona. This is a huge blow to the Terps recruiting class. Some have began to speculate that Alabama plans to hire his high school coach, since many thought he was a Maryland lock.
Randy Edsall was already on the hot seat and missing out on a few top recruits recently will not help his case. Damian Prince is becoming even more important for the Terrapins.
Commitments: No new commitments this week.
Visitor news: Dead Period.
9. Iowa
Four-star offensive lineman Brian Wallace has narrowed his choices down to Alabama and Arkansas. Many thought the Hawkeyes had a good chance until his recent trip to Alabama. Iowa is looking to take at least two more prospects with offensive tackle being a priority. Who Kirk Ferentz closes with will greatly depend on the late official visits.
Commitments: No new commitments this week.
Visitor news: Dead Period.
8. Rutgers
Rutgers' once promising recruiting class has fallen a part with eight decommitments. Some of their fans are even worried that Greg Schiano to Penn State would absolutely destroy their recruiting efforts. Kyle Flood and company will look to finish strong after the dead period is lifted, but it's hard to predict how their class will wrap up.
Commitments: No new commitments this week.
Visitor news: Dead Period.
Nebraska looking to flip Coltin Gerhart from Arizona State7. Northwestern
Despite an ugly season, Northwestern was able to keep their 2014 class together, as one NU recruiting expert discussed. Not only did they keep their 2014 class together, Pat Fitzgerald was able to land two four-star prospects that many previously felt were long shots.
The Wildcats are expecting to sign a small class, so their class could already be finished.
Commitments: No new commitments this week.
Visitor news: Dead Period.
6. Nebraska
Three-star running back Corey Avery plans to visit Nebraska in January and the Huskers could be the favorite for his commitment. Bo Pelini and staff have been pursing multiple prospects committed elsewhere including three-star Arizona State QB commitment Coltin Gerhart. The dual-threat signal caller has a 100% crystal ball to Nebraska.
Commitments: No new commitments this week.
Visitor news: Dead Period.
5. Michigan State
It shouldn't come as too much of a surprise that Michigan State is trending for four-star Malik McDowell. Numerous insiders, including Steve Wiltfong, have switched their prediction to the Spartans for the one-time Michigan "lock." Ohio State is also expecting to get a late visit from the four-star defensive end prospect.
It will be interesting to see if Michigan State moves in on Penn State quarterback commit Michael O'Connor if Bill O'Brien heads to the NFL. The Spartans could decide to pursue another QB after long-time commit Chris Durkin flipped to Virginia Tech.
Commitments: No new commitments this week.
Visitor news: Dead Period.
4. Wisconsin
The Badgers could be in for a huge recruiting weekend with a pair of upcoming announcements. Five-star running back Joe Mixon is deciding between Wisconsin, UCLA and Oklahoma. While a lot of people seem to think he will commit to UCLA, it doesn't seem like any insiders are very confident with their predictions. Wisconsin is also battling for four-star Jamil Kamara, although Virginia has long been thought of as the favorite.
Commitments: No new commitments this week.
Visitor news: Dead Period.
Ohio State could reenter the picture for Mike Gesicki 3. Penn State
The Nittany Lion commits are keeping a close eye on the Bill O'Brien situation. Four-star tight end Mike Gesicki would most likely open up his recruitment and Ohio State could be a factor. O'Brien reportedly told Thomas Holley he would be staying in Happy Valley, but multiple NFL insiders have refuted that claim.
If Bill O'Brien stays in Happy Valley, the Nits should finish with a very highly rated class. If he bolts, all bets are off.
Commitments: Despite the questions about Bill O'Brien's future, Penn State landed a commitment from three-star offensive tackle Chasz Wright. The prep school prospect was set to enroll at Temple before flipping to the Nittany Lions.
Visitor news: Dead Period.
2. Michigan
Wolverine fans are melting down after being blown out by Kansas State. Things aren't going much better on the recruiting trail as of late. Da'Shawn Hand shocked Michigan by selecting Alabama and now it appears they could be close to losing Malik McDowell, as well.
Commitments: No new commitments this week.
Visitor news: Dead Period.
1. Ohio State
The Buckeyes are the favorite to land Marshon Lattimore and Erick Smith during the Army All-American game on Jan. 4. The O'Brien situation is one that Ohio State fans should be closely monitoring, as Mike Gesicki could be back in play for Ohio State. He was one prospect that the staff really felt they missed on. Urban Meyer and staff will surely finish off this recruiting class strong.
Commitments: No new commitments this week.
Visitor news: Dead Period.
Rankings Overview
| No. | School | Commits | Scout ★ AVG | Rivals ★ AVG | 247 ★ AVG | ESPN ★ AVG | Overall ★ Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ohio State | 19 | 3.84 (7) | 3.79 (3) | 3.84 (2) | 3.79 (5) | 3.82 |
| 2 | Michigan | 16 | 3.56 (19) | 3.44 (20) | 3.63 (14) | 3.75 (11) | 3.60 |
| 3 | Penn State | 19 | 3.26 (23) | 3.28 (19) | 3.26 (17) | 3.44 (24) | 3.31 |
| 4 | Wisconsin | 25 | 3.12 (18) | 2.96 (22) | 3.04 (27) | 3.12 (31) | 3.06 |
| 5 | Michigan State | 19 | 3.16 (28) | 3.00 (31) | 3.05 (32) | 3.33 (40) | 3.14 |
| 6 | Nebraska | 19 | 3.11 (35) | 3.05 (34) | 3.05 (37) | 3.21 (NR) | 3.11 |
| 7 | Northwestern | 15 | 3.07 (43) | 3.14 (53) | 3.20 (41) | 3.36 (34) | 3.19 |
| 8 | Rutgers | 23 | 2.87 (37) | 2.80 (43) | 2.96 (42) | 2.96 (NR) | 2.90 |
| 9 | Iowa | 18 | 2.94 (40) | 2.78 (51) | 2.94 (48) | 3.12 (NR) | 2.95 |
| 10 | Maryland | 13 | 2.92 (59) | 3.25 (63) | 3.00 (52) | 3.31 (NR) | 3.12 |
| 11 | Purdue | 18 | 2.56 (62) | 2.59 (59) | 3.00 (55) | 3.00 (NR) | 2.79 |
| 12 | Illinois | 18 | 2.54 (64) | 2.75 (58) | 2.89 (56) | 3.05 (NR) | 2.81 |
| 13 | Indiana | 16 | 2.81 (57) | 2.61 (57) | 2.88 (66) | 3.00 (NR) | 2.83 |
| 14 | Minnesota | 13 | 2.69 (65) | 2.77 (66) | 2.85 (67) | 3.00 (NR) | 2.83 |
Number in parentheses is national rank
