National Signing Day – Syndication Server

Five-star LB Harold Perkins commits to LSU

Five-star Cypress (Texas) Cy Park linebacker and top 10 class of 2022 recruit Harold Perkins has committed to LSU on National Signing Day.

Perkins picked LSU over Florida and Texas A&M. Florida is thought to be the runner-up to land Perkins despite his commitment to Texas A&M during the Under Armour All-American Game at the beginning of January.

Perkins’ commitment to Texas A&M wasn’t all that much of a commitment in hindsight. He made it clear at the time of his announcement that he was going to continue taking visits and kept his options wide open all the way until National Signing Day. Perkins took an official visit to Florida on Jan. 21 and was at LSU for an official visit on Jan. 28.

LSU was able to land Perkins despite a late-cycle coaching change that saw Brian Kelly leave Notre Dame for Baton Rouge. Perkins, a Louisiana native, took the change as an opportunity to take a fresh look at LSU. He ultimately liked what he saw and felt comfortable enough to commit to the Tigers.

Perkins is the No. 8 recruit in the class of 2022, according to the 247Sports Composite and has been compared to Jacksonville Jaguars star linebacker Myles Jack. His scouting report reads:

Put together well with a lean, athletic build. Not overly long but good height and has some space to add mass in college. Dynamic two-way player with big-play ability with the ball in his hands and as an attacking defender. Legitimately could be a high-major running back prospect in addition to elite linebacker recruit. Outstanding tester in a combine setting (4.49 40 prior to junior season). Athleticism jumps off the screen. Flashes home run-hitting speed as a ball carrier that translates to broad pursuit range on defense. Displays consistent back-side chase-down athleticism. Fluidity shows in running back touches and in redirecting ability on defense. Often plays from the edge but also plays off the ball. Lines up at receiver, running back, and wingback for a wing-T offense. Easy athleticism that makes tough plays look less challenging than they really are. Size will dictate an off-ball role in college, but flashes impressive dip and pass-rush feel off the edge. Generally a sure tackler who can provide the big hit. Honing coverage technique will enhance positional and situational flexibility as a defender. Gets over-aggressive at times and can run himself out of position. Good play strength relative to size but will still need added mass and strength as he progresses to the next level. Size and average length could become an issue against big, athletic tight ends at the next level. Nevertheless, among the top prospects in Texas for his class and one of the top linebackers nationally. Possesses the potential to become a multi-year impact starter at the high-major level with long-term early-round NFL Draft upside.

[lawrence-related id=101492461]

Five-star DL Shemar Stewart commits to Texas A&M

Five-star defensive lineman and top 10 class of 2022 recruit Shemar Stewart has committed to Texas A&M on National Signing Day.

Five-star Opa Locka (Fla.) Monsignor Pace defensive lineman and top 10 class of 2022 recruit Shemar Stewart has committed to Texas A&M on National Signing Day.

Stewart picked the Aggies over Georgia and Miami. The 6-foot-6, 272-pound defensive lineman took official visits to Georgia on Jan. 21 and Miami on Jan. 28, but Texas A&M still managed to win out after hosting him for an official visit in October.

Stewart was once considered an LSU lean early in his recruitment. The Tigers didn’t factor into the equation at the end of the day, though, as the coaching change in Baton Rouge led Stewart to look elsewhere.

Stewart is the No. 10 recruit in the class of 2022 and is the top prospect in Florida, according to the 247Sports Composite. His scouting report reads:

Looks like a grown man out on the edge. Was mistaken by one recruiter for a college senior when he was a high school freshman because of his size. A legit 6-foot-4, pushing 6-foot-5. Added over 20 pounds of mass to his frame between junior and senior seasons. Still room, however, to get bigger as he’s a tad on the leaner side. Owns one of the longest reaches out of any pass rusher in the entire 2022 cycle with a wingspan that stretches well over 80 inches. Uses that length to his advantage. Has shown on tape that he’s capable of wining both inside and outside. Initial burst allows him to quickly work his way into the backfield. Does a nice job of keeping his feet moving while feeling out a situation. Powerful enough at the point of contact to walk back an offensive tackle and flush out a pocket. Not much of a finesse player at this stage in the development, but can execute a dip or rip to get around different obstacles. Tends to play with a high pad level, which can result in missed tackles. Has the foot speed to hawk down ball carriers, but needs to play through the whistle on a more consistent basis and be a difference-maker outside the hashes if he’s going to reach his full potential. Must also get more flexible. Burst onto the scene as a sophomore when he totaled 15 sacks facing stiff competition week in and week out down in South Florida. Nagging shoulder and knee injuries, however, derailed a majority of his junior season. Rare physical traits and elite testing numbers suggest that he could blossom into an all-conference type of player at a Power 5 program and eventually an early pick in the NFL Draft if everything comes together. Has a chance to remain out edge, but future might be as an interior pass rusher as his body is starting to trend that way.

[listicle id=101492434]

National Signing Day Final Tracker: Where the Top 50 recruits signed

USA Today High School Sports takes a look at where the Top 50 prospects in the class of 2021 signed.

With National Signing Day in the books, it’s time to take a look at where some of college football’s elite recruits landed.

Top recruit Korey Foreman decided to stay home and sign with USC, while J.T. Tuimoloau, the No. 3 recruit in the class of 2021 according to 247Sports’ industry-generated composite rankings, has yet to settle on a school. Other than Tuimoloau, every other top recruit signed either during the Early Signing Period or on National Signing Day Wednesday, marking the beginning of what figures to be storied college football careers.

Without further ado, here is a look at where each Top 50 recruit signed.

Corona (Calif.) Centennial DE Korey Foreman — USC
Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy OT JC Latham — Alabama
Sammamish (Wash.) Eastside Catholic DE J.T. Tuimoloau — Unsigned
Pickerington (Ohio) Pickerington North DE Jack Sawyer — Ohio State
Fort Worth (Texas) All Saints Episcopal OT Tommy Brockermeyer — Alabama
Gonzaga (Washington D.C.) QB Caleb Williams — Oklahoma
Cochran (Ga.) Bleckley County OT Amarius Mims — Georgia
Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas WR Dallas Turner — Alabama
Steilacoom (Wash.) WR Emeka Egbuka WR — Ohio State
Miami (Fla.) Miami Palmetto DT Leonard Taylor — Miami
Bellevue (Wash.) Kennedy Catholic QB Sam Huard — Washington
Denton (Texas) Ryan DE J’Tavion Sanders — Texas
Fairfax (Va.) Robinson Secondary OT Tristan Leigh — Clemson
Opa Locka (Fla.) American Heritage S James Williams — Miami
Lititz (Pa.) Warwick OT Nolan Rucci — Wisconsin
Bogart (Ga.) Prince Avenue Christian School QB Brock Vandagriff — Georgia
Pinson (Ala.) Pinson Valley CB Ga’Quincy McKinstry — Alabama
Bellaire (Texas) Episcopal OG Donovan Jackson — Ohio State
Houma (La.) Terrebonne DT Maason Smith — LSU
Opa Locka (Fla.) Miami Central ILB Terrence Lewis — Maryland
DeSoto (Texas) DT Shemar Turner — Texas A&M
Hopewell (Va.) RB TreVeyon Henderson — Ohio State
Belleville (Mich.) DT Daymon Payne — Alabama
Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy QB J.J. McCarthy — Michigan
Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy OLB Xavian Sorey — Georgia
Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy WR Jacorey Brooks — Alabama
Philadelphia (Pa.) St. Joseph’s Prep QB Kyle McCord — Ohio State
Miami (Fla.) Miami Palmetto CB Jason Marshall — Florida
Lafayette (La.) Lafayette Christian Academy S Sage Ryan — LSU
Rocky Mount (N.C.) DE Keeshawn Silver — North Carolina
Matthews (N.C.) Weddington RB Will Shipley — Clemson
Suwanee (Ga.) North Gwinnett OLB Barrett Carter — Clemson
Garland (Texas) Lakeview Centennial RB Camar Wheaton — Alabama
Dallas (Ga.) Paulding County OLB Smael Mondon — Georgia
Orem (Utah) OT Kingsley Suamataia — Oregon
Philadelphia (Pa.) St. Joseph’s Prep OLB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. — Clemson
Texarkana (Texas) Texas High DE Clayton Smith — Oklahoma
Katy (Texas) Tompkins DE Tunmise Adeleye — Texas A&M
Gilbert (Ariz.) Mesquite QB Ty Thompson — Oregon
Menlo Park (Calif.) Menlo-Atherton WR Troy Franklin — Oregon
West Bloomfield (Mich.) RB Donovan Edwards — Michigan
Plant City (Fla.) WR Mario Williams — Oklahoma
Denton (Texas) Ryan ATH Billy Bowman — Oklahoma
Valrico (Fla.) Bloomingdale WR Agiye Hall — Alabama
Cypress (Texas) Cy-Fair RB LJ Johnson — Texas A&M
Aledo (Texas) WR JoJo Earle — Alabama
Loganville (Ga.) Grayson QB Jake Garcia — Miami
Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei OLB Raesjon Davis — USC
Saint Louis (Mo.) DeSmet Jesuit CB Jakailin Johnson — Ohio State
Tallahassee (Fla.) John Paul II Catholic S Terrion Arnold — Alabama

J.T. Tuimoloau continues recruitment past National Signing Day

Five-star defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau did not sign a national letter of intent on National Signing Day.

National Signing Day 2021 is in the books, but the top-remaining uncommitted recruit remains available for the taking.

Five-star Sammamish (Wash.) defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau did not sign with a school Wednesday and is expected to wait until at least April to make a decision. Tuimoloau, the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2021 according to 247Sports, is picking between Alabama, Ohio State, Oregon, USC and Washington.

“[Tuimoloau], on the early signing period, named his final five of Alabama, Ohio State, Washington, Oregon and USC,” 247Sports’ Brandon Huffman said on The Dan Patrick Show. “So you have three Pac-12 schools relatively close to home, one being the hometown Huskies, another being Oregon which is just down the road, USC where his family is largely from Southern California, then you have the two teams playing for the National Championship. And it’s really been those two teams out in front for him, Alabama and Ohio State.”

Washington was the first school to offer Tuimoloau in early in his star-studded recruitment. The Huskies have pulled some big commitments out of their own backyard in recent years, but Ohio State seems to have a slight advantage over the field when it comes to securing Tuimoloau’s services, as his 247Sports Crystal Ball currently reads heavily in favor of the Buckeyes.

“Coach Larry Johnson and the history he has had with putting defensive lineman in the league really sticks out to me and I have always had a close relationship with Gee Scott,” Tuiomoloau said of Ohio State, per Huffman.

Wherever he winds up, Tuiomoloau will ascend to the college ranks with the chance to make an instant impact. Polished as a pass rusher and run stopper, He also possesses a high football I.Q, plays with an endless motor and is a freak athlete. All of those traits make him a prospect any coaching staff around the country would love to get their hands on.

“Powerful, athletic and nimble, with room to still add significant weight at the next level,” Huffman said in his scouting report of Tuiomoloau. “Has lined up on the edge, mixing with hand down while also standing up. Elite pass rusher, who can mix a variety of moves with pure strength to shed his blockers. Can drop into coverage against running backs, receivers and tight ends and has the athleticism and ball skills to be a force in coverage. Has even played safety.

“Could be a top tight end prospect if he focused on offense, with natural pass-catching skills, ability to track the ball and high point it and run after the catch. Also a high-major basketball player, averaging nearly a double-double in prep career. As he continues to add weight and strength, figures to be among the elite pass-rushers at the next level. Projects as an instant impact Power 5-starter and a Top Ten overall draft pick.”

National Signing Day: Top 100 DT Tywone Malone commits to Ole Miss

Four-star Bergen Catholic (N.J.) defensive tackle Tywone Malone committed to Ole Miss to play both football and baseball Wednesday.

Four-star Bergen Catholic (N.J.) defensive tackle Tywone Malone committed to Ole Miss to play both football and baseball Wednesday afternoon.

Malone picked Ole Miss over a group of finalists consisting of Florida State, Rutgers, Tennessee, Texas A&M and USC. Each school was in contact with Malone on both the football and baseball said leading up to National Signing Day, but Malone’s relationship with both Ole Miss coaching staffs won out at the end of the day.

An injury cut Malone’s senior season at Bergen Catholic, but the mammoth 6-foot-4, 305-pound defensive tackle starred as a junior, recording 54 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Malone also starred on the diamond as a first baseman for the Crusaders and will continue his baseball career in the SEC at the position.

Malone is the No. 62 recruit, No. 6 defensive tackle and top prospect in New Jersey in the class of 2021 according to 247Sports. His scouting report reads:

Big-framed defensive lineman with good height and length. Measured 34-inch arms as a sophomore and an 80-inch wingspan as a junior. Also owns college-ready mass with build to fit multiple fronts. Experience inside and on the edge vs. good high school competition. Flashes impressive strength-to-power ability as a stout bull rusher. Length and strength foster stack-and-shed ability vs. the run. Keeps his eyes forward and locates the ball well. Somewhat of a short-strider who redirects adequately relative to size. Generally quick off the ball. Strong tackler who arrives with purpose. Two-sport athlete who plans to play football and baseball in college. Pad level is adequate but can show more consistency in that department. Tools-laden defensive lineman who will need to expand move set and overall nuance. Legitimate high-major D-line prospect who could become multi-year impact starter with a real shot at reaching the NFL Draft.

National Signing Day: Top 50 RB LJ Johnson signs with Texas A&M

Top 50 Cy-Fair (Texas) running back LJ Johnson signed with Texas A&M on Wednesday afternoon.

Top 50 Cy-Fair (Texas) running back LJ Johnson signed with Texas A&M on Wednesday afternoon, bringing an end to a recruitment that featured plenty of twists and turns.

Johnson ultimately picked Texas A&M over Texas, who was perceived to be the favorite at multiple points throughout his recruitment. Johnson has already graduated from high school and intended to have a decision made during the Early Signing Period so he could enroll in the spring semester at his school of choice, but will now focus on training and preparing for his summertime arrival at Texas A&M. Johnson held a whopping 40 offers at the time of his commitment, with Georgia and LSU factoring into his recruitment alongside Texas and Texas A&M.

Johnson dominated in his senior season at Cy-Fair, earning offensive MVP honors in his district after rushing for 1,262 yards and 20 touchdowns to go along with 14 receptions for 255 yards and three scores. According to 247Sports’ Brian Perroni, he is Texas A&M’s highest-rated running back commit and first five-star tailback since it landed Trey Williams in the class of 2022.

Johnson is the No. 45 recruit, No. 4 running back and No. 9 prospect in Texas in the class of 2021 according to 247Sports. His scouting report reads:

Solidly built with naturally lower center of gravity to provide for prototypical running back stature. Combines impressive big-play ability with high-volume grind. Consistently shows good lateral foot quickness and can make defenders miss in the hole. At his best as a downhill hole-puncher with one-cut explosiveness. Run leverage is good and compounded by functional strength, particularly in the lower body. Verified top-end speed with a 4.42 40 that dates to sophomore year. Promising block-following instincts and vision. Displays consistently good contact balance with strength to run through arm tackles. Also flashes an effective stiff-arm. Rushing production noticeably dropped from junior to senior year, including yards per carry (9.4 to 7.1). Run-finishing urgency not as consistent as junior performance, but pass-catching reps ticked slightly upward. No doubt one of the nation’s top 2021 running backs. Should become a multi-year impact starter and likely possess an early-round NFL Draft ceiling.

National Signing Day: Four-star DE Davon Townley commits to Penn State

Four-star Minneapolis (Minn.) North defensive end Davon Townley committed to Penn State on Wednesday morning.

Four-star Minneapolis (Minn.) North defensive end Davon Townley committed to Penn State on 247Sports’ National Signing Day Show Wednesday morning.

Townley picked Penn State over an offer list that featured nearly 20 contenders for his services, including Arizona, Arizona State, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington.

“Penn State is the right choice because I’ve built the strongest relationship with these coaches over time,” Townley told 247Sports’ Allen Trieu.

Townley did not play football until his junior year of high school, but quickly rose to stardom on the gridiron thanks to a 6-foot-6, 220-pound frame that allowed him to wreak havoc on defense and frequently get to opposing quarterbacks. The COVID-19 pandemic shortened Townley’s senior season, but he was still able to register 42 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks, while adding five catches for 149 yards and two touchdowns while playing tight end.

Townley is the No. 321 recruit, No. 19 strong-side defensive end and No. 3 prospect in Minnesota in the class of 2021 according to 247Sports. His scouting report reads:

Very long, but lean right now. Needs to bulk up and get stronger in college. Very good, fluid athlete. Runs well, can pursue and shows explosiveness as a basketball dunker. For being under-weight right now, he plays a physical game. Plays with attitude and intensity. Gets off the ball well and shows discipline in setting the edge. Has not fully concentrated on football yet and needs to work on technique and general polish, but upside is huge. Lower floor, but ceiling is that of a Power Five starter and potential Sunday player.

National Signing Day: Four-star DE Davon Townley commits to Penn State

Four-star Minneapolis (Minn.) North defensive end Davon Townley committed to Penn State on Wednesday morning.

Four-star Minneapolis (Minn.) North defensive end Davon Townley committed to Penn State on 247Sports’ National Signing Day Show Wednesday morning.

“Penn State is the right choice because I’ve built the strongest relationship with these coaches over time,” Townley told 247Sports’ Allen Trieu.

Townley is the No. 321 recruit, No. 19 strong-side defensive end and No. 3 prospect in Minnesota in the class of 2021 according to 247Sports. His scouting report reads:

Very long, but lean right now. Needs to bulk up and get stronger in college. Very good, fluid athlete. Runs well, can pursue and shows explosiveness as a basketball dunker. For being under-weight right now, he plays a physical game. Plays with attitude and intensity. Gets off the ball well and shows discipline in setting the edge. Has not fully concentrated on football yet and needs to work on technique and general polish, but upside is huge. Lower floor, but ceiling is that of a Power Five starter and potential Sunday player.

Where each state’s top-ranked recruit signed during the Early Signing Period

USA Today High School Sports takes a look at where each state’s top-ranked 2021 recruit signed during the Early Signing Period.

Last month, USA Today High School Sports unveiled its top 100 football recruiting ranking for the class of 2021. With the Early Signing Period now in the books, it’s now time to take a deeper look at the crop of prospects ascending to the college ranks in the coming months and where they will be continuing their careers.

With talent spanning from the east coast to the west coast, USA Today High School Sports takes a look at where the top-ranked recruit in each state according to the industry-generated 247Sports Composite Rankings signed during the Early Signing Period. With no recruits ranked in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, those states were excluded from the list.

Now, let’s get to it! Here’s where the top-ranked recruit in each state is set to play their college football.

Each ACC football program’s highest-rated 2021 commit

USA Today High School Sports takes a look at each ACC football program’s highest-ranked 2021 commit.

Last month, USA Today High School Sports unveiled its top 100 football recruiting ranking for the class of 2021. With the beginning of the early signing period now only three days away, it’s now time to take a deeper look at the crop of prospects ascending to the college ranks in the coming weeks months.

After starting out with the SEC and then jumping to the Big Ten, it’s time to take a look at each ACC football program’s top-ranked 2021 commit, according to 247Sports. Let’s get right into it.

Note: List is subject to change pending the outcome of the early signing period and decisions of currently uncommitted recruits. Notre Dame is included at the bottom of this list due to its participation in the ACC this college football season.