Ten teams off to fast starts in the 2020 class
Craig Hauburt
ESPN INSIDER
The first time the 2020 class can sign is well more than a year away, but that doesn't mean prospects haven't already begun to make commitments. While the recruiting calendar has changed and the process in many ways has accelerated, recruiting remains a marathon and not a sprint. While much is still to be decided, some classes are already beginning to try to lock up talent. Here is a look at the initial top 10.
When it comes to recruiting, it is rare to see Ohio State with a class not among the top-rated, so despite being in the early stages of the 2020 cycle it's no surprise to see the Buckeyes already with a strong group. They have a verbal commitment from ESPN Junior 300 quarterback Jack Miller and recently added his high school teammate, RB Darvon Hubbard. Both prospects have to be among the happiest commits in this Buckeyes class because it also includes three of the top O-line prospects -- in-state OT Paris Johnson Jr., OT Jake Wray and tenacious OL Luke Wypler out of New Jersey.
2. Miami
No one can accuse Mark Richt of being a procrastinator, as he has the Hurricanes off to another fast start. All hailing from in-state, the Hurricanes lead the way with the most overall verbal commits thus far in the 2020 class with nearly all falling inside the ESPN Junior 300. The class is anchored by several defensive line commits, including Tre'von Riggins and Willie Moise. The class is led by one of the top young CBs, Henry Gray.
3. Alabama
Alabama's 2018 class came together slowly, and as a result had many asking what was wrong. The answer to that is simply nothing. The Crimson Tide may have finished that cycle at No. 6 but currently sit atop the class rankings for 2019 and also are near the top of the pack for 2020. They have already landed a handful of commitments ranked in the initial ESPN Junior 300, led by DT Jayson Jones, who is a massive, strong prospect with great potential in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Offensively, the class already includes Dazalin Worsham, a fluid and quick-footed receiver, and Carson Beck, a promising QB out of Florida.
4. Oklahoma
While Oklahoma is assembling one of the top classes for 2019, it is also off to strong start for the following cycle. Continuing to work to stockpile offensive weapons, this 2020 class is led by one of the more talented RBs in Jase McClellan, who possesses an excellent blend of quick feet, vision and speed. He is joined by another promising RB prospect in Jaylan Knighton out of Florida as well as Drew Sanders, a big versatile athlete.
5. Notre Dame
Offense is leading the charge for Notre Dame's start to the 2020 class. In addition to a pair of Junior 300 tight ends, Kevin Bauman and Michael Mayer, the Irish also have landed a commitment from pocket passer Drew Pyne, who lacks ideal measurables but is a polished passer with a quick release.
6. LSU
The Tigers have already landed the top-rated QB in Louisiana, T.J. Finley, a lengthy, strong-armed passer who shows promising upside. Complementing him in this class are a pair of ESPN Junior 300 wide receivers, Darin Turner and Kris Abrams-Draine.
7. Auburn
The Tigers have found early success at Troup County High School in Atlanta, with a pair of commitments from WR Kobe Hudson, who displays the tools to create big plays after the catch, and DT Andy Boykin, who possesses a nice blend of length and explosiveness.
8. Texas A&M
Jimbo Fisher has wasted little time making a splash at his new home, as the Aggies currently have the No. 2 class for 2019 and are also off to a good start for the next cycle. That '19 class is led by five-star OT Kenyon Green, and looking to continue to bolster their offensive trenches with the 2020 group, all three of the Aggies' current commits are ESPN Junior 300 offensive linemen.
9. Florida State
Willie Taggart seemed to be a good fit for Florida State, with the ability to cultivate success on the recruiting trail. While it's still early in his tenure, he is showing signs that is the case. The Seminoles have landed some in-state commitments, including one from rangy OLB Keyshawn Greene and quick, tough and athletic DB Jadarius McKnight.
10. Michigan
The Wolverines have consistently been within the top-10 classes under Jim Harbaugh, and while it's still early they are already in that mix for 2020. The class is led by in-state CB Andre Seldon Jr., who is quick and aggressive and can be a productive weapon in the return game. Denver Warren could be a stout addition to Michigan's defensive trenches, as he is a strong, wide body.
