Tag: 2021 football recruiting

This big-time 4-star 2021 Florida football signee enrolls

After a transcript hangup, defensive lineman Tyreak Sapp has officially enrolled at the University of Florida.

Florida added the final pieces of its 2021 recruiting class to the roster on Friday, as four-star defensive lineman Tyreak Sapp officially enrolled in school and arrived on campus for fall camp. Mullen said last week when the team began camp that it was working to get Sapp into school, which was delayed due to a transcript hangup, according to 247Sports’ Blake Alderman.

He has apparently finished what he needed to enroll in the fall, and he’ll be with the Gators the rest of camp. A four-star recruit out of St. Thomas Aquinas and the No. 100 player on the 247Sports Composite, Sapp’s matriculation was crucial for Florida. He was the third-highest-rated recruit in the class.

Sapp has been committed to the Gators since December 2018, and he signed during the early signing period this cycle. A versatile defensive lineman with the ability to add weight to his frame, he could stay outside, where he primarily played in high school, or bulk up and move inside.

According to 247’s scouting report, the latter is more likely.

Stocky build with developed shoulders and large traps. Has the ability to add more mass in the lower half once in college. A youth football star that got snaps early on in his high school career because of his quick hands and quick feet. Uses a desired motor to get sideline to sideline and track down ball carriers. Has a chance to be a big end at the next level, but likely slides inside which means that he will need to improve his pad level as he tends to play high at times out on the edge. Should find his way into the backend of a Power 5’s defensive line rotation by year two or three and then eventually develop into a starter. NFL potential given athletic profile.

With the recruiting still lagging behind the nation’s elite teams, Florida can’t afford to let top recruits not make it to campus. Sapp’s arrival should be a sigh of relief for Gators fans, and his impact on the team could be felt immediately as a rotational depth player.

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This key Florida signee reportedly working to get into school

Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said that the team expects linebacker Tyreak Sapp to qualify, but he’s still yet to enroll.

The Florida football team began it’s fall camp on Friday, but one of the top players from its 2021 recruiting class is still yet to enroll: former St. Thomas. Aquinas defensive end Tyreak Sapp. At his press conference on Friday, Gators defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said that Sapp is still working to qualify academically, though he’s expected to join the team shortly, according to Gators Territory’s Nick De La Torre.

Sapp is a four-star recruit and the No. 100 player in the nation, per the 247Sports Composite. Though the Fort Lauderdale native probably won’t see much action as a true freshman in 2021, assuming he ends up on the team as expected, he will very likely play a major role in the defensive line rotation in the years to come.

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UF is no stranger to top players failing to qualify. It has failed to bring four-star recruits to campus in the last two recruiting classes, notably 2019 linebacker Diwun Black, who eventually enrolled at Florida after all as a JUCO transfer this summer.

The Gators beat out the Miami Hurricanes to land a commitment from Sapp, who also had offers from schools like Alabama and Ohio State. At 6-foot, 2-inches and 255 pounds, he already has great size to play the position and will only bulk up once he enters Florida’s strength program. Though he has the athleticism to play on the end, he likely projects as an interior lineman once he develops.

All indicators are that Sapp will be able to make it to campus, but until he officially enrolls in the school (which he was initially planning to do on Thursday) Gator nation will hold its collective breath.

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This key Florida signee reportedly working to get into school

Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said that the team expects linebacker Tyreak Sapp to qualify, but he’s still yet to enroll.

The Florida football team began it’s fall camp on Friday, but one of the top players from its 2021 recruiting class is still yet to enroll: former St. Thomas. Aquinas defensive end Tyreak Sapp. At his press conference on Friday, Gators defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said that Sapp is still working to qualify academically, though he’s expected to join the team shortly, according to Gators Territory’s Nick De La Torre.

Sapp is a four-star recruit and the No. 100 player in the nation, per the 247Sports Composite. Though the Fort Lauderdale native probably won’t see much action as a true freshman in 2021, assuming he ends up on the team as expected, he will very likely play a major role in the defensive line rotation in the years to come.

[exco_embed id=”e5869bc6-faf6-4b7a-8c06-b5610c96a8fe”]

UF is no stranger to top players failing to qualify. It has failed to bring four-star recruits to campus in the last two recruiting classes, notably 2019 linebacker Diwun Black, who eventually enrolled at Florida after all as a JUCO transfer this summer.

The Gators beat out the Miami Hurricanes to land a commitment from Sapp, who also had offers from schools like Alabama and Ohio State. At 6-foot, 2-inches and 255 pounds, he already has great size to play the position and will only bulk up once he enters Florida’s strength program. Though he has the athleticism to play on the end, he likely projects as an interior lineman once he develops.

All indicators are that Sapp will be able to make it to campus, but until he officially enrolls in the school (which he was initially planning to do on Thursday) Gator nation will hold its collective breath.

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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.

RELATED: J.T. Tuimoloau continues recruitment past National Signing Day

  1. Corona (Calif.) Centennial DE Korey Foreman — USC
  2. Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy OT JC Latham — Alabama
  3. Sammamish (Wash.) Eastside Catholic DE J.T. Tuimoloau — Unsigned
  4. Pickerington (Ohio) Pickerington North DE Jack Sawyer — Ohio State
  5. Fort Worth (Texas) All Saints Episcopal OT Tommy Brockermeyer — Alabama
  6. Gonzaga (Washington D.C.) QB Caleb Williams — Oklahoma
  7. Cochran (Ga.) Bleckley County OT Amarius Mims — Georgia
  8. Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas WR Dallas Turner — Alabama
  9. Steilacoom (Wash.) WR Emeka Egbuka WR — Ohio State
  10. Miami (Fla.) Miami Palmetto DT Leonard Taylor — Miami
  11. Bellevue (Wash.) Kennedy Catholic QB Sam Huard — Washington
  12. Denton (Texas) Ryan DE J’Tavion Sanders — Texas
  13. Fairfax (Va.) Robinson Secondary OT Tristan Leigh — Clemson
  14. Opa Locka (Fla.) American Heritage S James Williams — Miami
  15. Lititz (Pa.) Warwick OT Nolan Rucci — Wisconsin
  16. Bogart (Ga.) Prince Avenue Christian School QB Brock Vandagriff — Georgia
  17. Pinson (Ala.) Pinson Valley CB Ga’Quincy McKinstry — Alabama
  18. Bellaire (Texas) Episcopal OG Donovan Jackson — Ohio State
  19. Houma (La.) Terrebonne DT Maason Smith — LSU
  20. Opa Locka (Fla.) Miami Central ILB Terrence Lewis — Maryland
  21. DeSoto (Texas) DT Shemar Turner — Texas A&M
  22. Hopewell (Va.) RB TreVeyon Henderson — Ohio State
  23. Belleville (Mich.) DT Daymon Payne — Alabama
  24. Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy QB J.J. McCarthy — Michigan
  25. Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy OLB Xavian Sorey — Georgia
  26. Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy WR Jacorey Brooks — Alabama
  27. Philadelphia (Pa.) St. Joseph’s Prep QB Kyle McCord — Ohio State
  28. Miami (Fla.) Miami Palmetto CB Jason Marshall — Florida
  29. Lafayette (La.) Lafayette Christian Academy S Sage Ryan — LSU
  30. Rocky Mount (N.C.) DE Keeshawn Silver — North Carolina
  31. Matthews (N.C.) Weddington RB Will Shipley — Clemson
  32. Suwanee (Ga.) North Gwinnett OLB Barrett Carter — Clemson
  33. Garland (Texas) Lakeview Centennial RB Camar Wheaton — Alabama
  34. Dallas (Ga.) Paulding County OLB Smael Mondon — Georgia
  35. Orem (Utah) OT Kingsley Suamataia — Oregon
  36. Philadelphia (Pa.) St. Joseph’s Prep OLB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. — Clemson
  37. Texarkana (Texas) Texas High DE Clayton Smith — Oklahoma
  38. Katy (Texas) Tompkins DE Tunmise Adeleye — Texas A&M
  39. Gilbert (Ariz.) Mesquite QB Ty Thompson — Oregon
  40. Menlo Park (Calif.) Menlo-Atherton WR Troy Franklin — Oregon
  41. West Bloomfield (Mich.) RB Donovan Edwards — Michigan
  42. Plant City (Fla.) WR Mario Williams — Oklahoma
  43. Denton (Texas) Ryan ATH Billy Bowman — Oklahoma
  44. Valrico (Fla.) Bloomingdale WR Agiye Hall — Alabama
  45. Cypress (Texas) Cy-Fair RB LJ Johnson — Texas A&M
  46. Aledo (Texas) WR JoJo Earle — Alabama
  47. Loganville (Ga.) Grayson QB Jake Garcia — Miami
  48. Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei OLB Raesjon Davis — USC
  49. Saint Louis (Mo.) DeSmet Jesuit CB Jakailin Johnson — Ohio State
  50. 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.”

RELATED: Five-star DE J.T. Tuimoloau is the top remaining unsigned 2021 recruit

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.

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.

Five-star DE J.T. Tuimoloau is the top remaining unsigned 2021 recruit

Meet J.T. Tuimoloau: the top remaining unsigned 2021 recruit.

With Korey Foreman ending his recruitment with a commitment to USC over the weekend, there is a new top remaining unsigned 2021 recruit.

Meet five-star Sammamish (Wash.) Eastside Catholic defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau. The 6-foot-4.5, 277-pound defensive lineman is the No. 3 recruit in the class of 2021 according to 247Sports and the 24th highest-ranked recruit since 2000.

He is also the biggest fish left in the sea this recruiting cycle.

Tuimoloau has always intended to sign his National Letter of Intent in February, forgoing the Early Signing Period to make a decision on the traditional National Signing Day. When it comes time for him to commit, Tuimoloau will choose between a group of finalists featuring Alabama, Ohio State, Oregon, USC and Washington.

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 247Sports’ Brandon Huffman.

Wherever he winds up, Tuiomoloau will ascend to the college ranks with the chance to make an instant impact. Originally the top recruit in the class of 2021, Tuiomoloau is 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, making 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.”