So I’ve decided to start a new weekly column focusing on the big recruiting news in college football. It’s an idea I’ve been thinking about lately and was spurred on by a certain recent commitment. I should let you all know I went to Indiana for undergrad and Michigan for grad, so I might gush over recruits to those schools. Each week I’ll bring in noteworthy news, updates, etc on recent and past commitments that are making headlines. If there are any programs you want me to include or look at in these articles, leave a comment.
Gunner Kiel
6’4” 220 lbs
Pro-style QB
Columbus, IN
Commitment: Indiana
In what is being called one of the biggest recruiting upsets in recent memory, QB Gunner Kiel committed to Indiana. Why is such an upset? Kiel is considered among the top QBs in the nation, Rivals has him at #1, ESPN at #2, and many had him going to one of the big programs, like Alabama, Oklahoma or Notre Dame. However, the proximity to home, the opportunity to play with his brother, and the chance to make IU more then a basketball school were what mattered most to Kiel. New IU coach and former Oklahoma OC Kevin Wilson scored big and this might help in attracting more recruits.
Chris Black
5’11” 170 lbs
Wide Receiver
Jacksonville, FL
Commitment: Alabama
Yet another player from the football treasure trove that is the state of Florida, Black is rated as #3 WR, 29th overall by ESPN, as well as #7 WR, 57th overall by Rivals.com. He doesn’t have the size of some of the bigger WRs in the class, but he more then makes up for it with his speed and burst off the line. He can also make defenders miss with his ability to change directions quickly, in addition to the aforementioned speed. He’s headed to a good program under Saban, and Black will have no shortage of opportunities to excel as a receiver or as a return man.
Alex Carter
6’0” 193 lbs
Cornerback
Ashburn, VA
Commitment: Stanford
Carter will definitely be going out-of-state, as he will go coast to coast from his home state of Virginia all the way across the country to Stanford. Rivals.com’s #3 CB, 62th overall and ESPN’s #15 CB, 114th overall, is going to a program on a big upswing, regardless of the departure of Harbaugh and has a chance to be a big contributor down the line. He’s a versatile defensive back, and some have suggested he’ll move to safety at the college level. Possesses good coverage skills and has the closing ability if he does get beat. Adding some bulk and upper body strength will improve his press ability and positioning against bigger wide receivers.
DJ Humphries
6’5” 265 lbs
Offensive Tackle
Charlotte, NC
Commitment: Florida
Regarded as the best Offensive tackle in the nation by both Rivals and ESPN, with the former putting him at 3rd overall and the latter 7th overall. He is very athletic and has the look and moves of a defensive end. This gives him the ability to hold up charging D-linemen on pass plays and push them back on running plays, though he is a better pass blocker. Has a good motor that he uses to get downfield and throw out additional blocks after the initial one. Could use some development time, but has huge upside.
Jovon Robinson
6’1” 218 lbs
Running Back
Memphis, TN
Commitment: Auburn
Robinson travels just down the road, so to speak, to join Auburn. Rivals’ #12 RB, 132nd overall and ESPN’s #20 RB joins fellow RB commit TJ Yeldon on the Tigers. Both backs have the skills to succeed, but may also end up in a two back system. Robinson does show the workhorse, every down ability to surpass Yeldon, but has a few things lacking. While he doesn’t have top end speed or elusiveness, he does have the quickness needed to make defenders miss and make the cuts needed to bust out a long run. He also possesses the size potential to power his way through the tackles.
