College football recruiting roundup: Programs hit the final homestretch before Signing Day
Nebraska makes a last-second push, James Franklin’s the gift that keeps on giving at Penn State, and Miami runs the gauntlet of emotion.
Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Boston College
The Eagles picked up a commitment from kicker Will Mahar out of Rochester, N.Y.
Florida State
The Seminoles are receiving visits from Ermon Lane and Dexter Wideman, among other top prospects.
Miami
Miami had a so-so day. We'll start with the good news, as four-star quarterback Brad Kaaya decided to shut down his recruitment and reaffirm his commitment to the Hurricanes, despite a late push from Boise State. The bad news -- JUCO defensive tackle Michael Wyche decommitted from the Hurricanes due to an obscure ACC rule regarding his eligibility.
Wake Forest
Dave Clawson and the Demon Deacons have picked up another 2014 commitment, in the form of Arkansas linebacker Zack Wary, who was previously thought to be a lock to the Razorbacks.
Big Ten
Maryland
The Terps’ class can generally be considered “fine”, considering its small size, but nabbing blue-chip prospect Damian Prince would improve it significantly. Testudo Times takes a look at exactly how much.
Ohio State
The Buckeyes have added a walk-on at quarterback, in St. Xavier (Ohio) player Nick Tensing.
Nebraska
The Huskers might be making a late push for Blake McClain, a former Florida State commit who is back on the market after the Seminoles apparently ran out of spots and asked him to grayshirt. The three-star defensive end from Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. is also reportedly considering South Carolina.
Nebraska also extended an offer to Norcross, Ga. quarterback prospect AJ Bush, and are trying to flip East Carolina commit Markell Boston.
Penn State
New coach James Franklin brought yet another recruit from his former program, as former Vandy commit Amani Oruwariye announced he will play at Penn State. The three-star safety also held offers from Michigan State, Arizona, Nebraska, Virginia, and a host of others.
Big 12
Oklahoma
The Sooners have made the final three (and maybe final two) for consensus four-star wide receiver Michiah Quick. Notre Dame and UCLA appear to be all that stands in the way of the Sooners and the Fresno, Calif. prospect.
Oklahoma also picked up a commitment in three-star defensive tackle Courtney Garnett, a New Orleans prospect who had previously pledged to Texas.
Texas
Charlie Strong is working on flipping three-star offensive tackle Elijah Rodriguez, who is currently committed to Colorado. Texas has secured an official visit for him this weekend, and an offer could be coming.
Burnt Orange Nation asks: Could Texas be a landing place for former USC quarterback Max Wittek? The infrequent Trojans starter plans to use the graduate transfer rule to get one more season away from Southern Cal.
Texas Tech
Kilff Kingsbury has done a solid job with his first class as the Red Raiders’ head coach, and Viva the Matadors reviewed the commitments on the offensive side of the ball.
Pac-12
Arizona State
The Sun Devils will host six recruits for official visits this weekend, including five players who are either uncommitted or have made a verbal commitment elsewhere. Among those visitors: Four-star defensive end Deondre Clark, who is currently committed to LSU and former USC defensive end commit Austin Maloata.
California
Cal had hoped that former Stanford commit Nifae Lealao might be leaning their way, but it now looks like the four-star defensive end will follow former Cardinal defensive coordinator Derek Mason to Vanderbilt. Also, California has begun their pursuit of a 2015 quarterback. California Golden Blogs has more.
Oregon State
The Beavers picked up a pair of commitments Wednesday: JUCO defensive back Demarlon Morris, who picked Oregon State over Utah, Cal, and Wisconsin, and offensive lineman Robert Olson out of Eden Prairie, Wis. Olson brings a two-star rating but an offer sheet that includes Kentucky, Air Force, and Nevada.
SEC
Kentucky
It’s not often that Kentucky is busy beating Alabama at something, unless it’s basketball. Today, though, the Wildcats emerged victorious on a different field, winning the commitment of 4-star defensive tackle Matt Elam.
Dawg Sports took a closer look at their committed scholarship kicker, William Ham, as well as defensive end commit Keyon Brown, offensive line commit Isaiah Wynn and tight end commit Jeb Blazevich.
MWC
Boise State
The Broncos landed three-star linebacker Kaleb Hill Thursday morning, beating out Vandy and Colorado for the Texas-based outside ‘backer.
MAC
Buffalo
UB Bull Run took a look at the Bulls’ two wide receiver commitments in the 2014 class.
