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On the eve of National Signing Day, it’s time to look at a few players by position who are flying under the radar compared to sought-after targets garnering most of the buzz.
RELATED: The SEC’s must-have prospects
Quarterback
Kyle Shurmur, four-star, Vanderbilt commit: Considering the issues the Commodores faced under center last season, it’s easy to project this Pennsylvania native as a player who could step into the program and compete for early playing time. Shurmur will benefit from a redshirt freshman season and has the ideal build (6-4, 215) and skill set to become a factor perhaps as early as 2016. Despite his four-star status, Shurmur didn’t receive many offers.
Running backs
Mon Denson, three-star, South Carolina commit: One of two incoming ballcarriers in this class for the Gamecocks, assistant coach Everette Sands picked up Denson out of Georgia, a state that has been ripe for recruiting at South Carolina under Spurrier. He packs a punch at 5-11, 215 pounds and is one of the Gamecocks’ most underrated commits.
Tae Crowder, two-star, Georgia commit: The Bulldogs flipped Crowder from Georgia Southern on Monday, a player who provides depth to a well-established backfield in Athens. Scouts have labeled Crowder as a ‘ poor man’s Todd Gurley’ due to his violent running nature.
Wide receivers
Justin Johnson, three-star, Mississippi State commit: A product of Alabama state power Hoover, Johnson will eventually blossom into a tough cover on the outside in the SEC at 6-4, 205 pounds with good hands and great speed.
Kalif Jackson, three-star, Florida commit: In need of a rangy threat in the first year of Jim McElwain’s wide-open offense in Gaiensville, Jackson fits the bill as a 6-foot-5 target — ideal in red zone situations. He’s an early enrollee who will participate in spring practice and hope to learn a few things on technique from Florida’s top returning wideout Demarcus Robinson.
Offensive line
Tyler Carr, three-star, Auburn commit: This 6-foot-5, 310-pound guard has tremendous upside and should transition nicely into Auburn’s uptempo system as an early enrollee. The good news for Carr? The Tigers are loaded in the backfield which should make his job that much easier as an interior blocker.
