The 2019 class isn't wrapped up just yet. National signing day is Feb. 6, but much of the 2019 group signed in December, and many schools have turned their attention to the 2020 class. That makes this a good time for us to look ahead a bit and see which programs are off to fast starts.
1. Alabama: They might have fallen short of another national title this past season, but the Tide continue to lead the pack on the recruiting trail. They currently hold the top classes for both 2019 and 2020. They have already landed double-digit commits in '20, and nearly all are ranked among the ESPN Jr. 300, including explosive edge rusher Chris Braswell, who is another big get out of Maryland for the Crimson Tide. Alabama is also having success close to home, with commitments from several top in-state targets, such as monster DT Jayson Jones.
2. LSU: When Ed Orgeron took over at LSU, he was expected to recruit well, and so far he has. Already he is looking to stack a top-10 2019 class with another in 2020. The class includes a pair of ESPN Jr. 300 QBs in Max Johnson and T.J. Finley, who is an in-state prospect with good athleticism, smooth delivery and nice upside. The Tigers also have secured multiple potential targets in the passing game, including rangy and physical WR Darin Turner. They even reached to California to land one of the top CB prospects in the nation, Elias Ricks.
3. Ohio State: This will technically be Ryan Day's first full class at the helm of the Buckeyes, and he is thinking big -- both figuratively and literally. The 2020 class is anchored by some key additions on the O-line, led by one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the class, Paris Johnson Jr., as well as tenacious and versatile OG Luke Wypler. The class has a national appeal to it, with commits from in-state as well as New Jersey, Washington, Texas and Arizona, with high school teammates QB Jack Miller and RB Darvon Hubbard.
4. Miami: Miami is once again among the fast starters on the recruiting trail. The question is whether new head coach Manny Diaz can sustain and finish with one of the top classes. Not surprisingly, the entire class is made up of in-state talent, with several projected along the defensive line, including Under Armour Future 50 camp standout Samuel Anaele. On offense, Bryan Robinson is a smooth, lengthy target with big-play ability.
5. Florida: The Gators have cultivated some early success in-state, especially with offensive weapons. Leonard Manuel is a big target who can win 50/50 balls and create mismatches. Jaquavion Fraziars is a nice-sized, rangy target as well. RB Keyvone Lee adds to that early haul of talent on offense. He can be a quick, shifty, versatile weapon.
6. Texas A&M: Jimbo Fisher has wasted little time elevating the Aggies' recruiting. A staple among the top classes for the 2019 cycle, he has this 2020 group near the top. The early success has been with in-state prospects on the offensive side of the ball, particularly on the offensive line. Nearly all their verbals thus far project to that unit. They have a big commitment outside of the big guys, though, in Demond Demas, who is among the top WR prospects in this class.
7. Oklahoma: The Sooners are already laying the ground work for a potential fourth straight top-10 class. This early group is led by ESPN Jr. 300 RB Jase McClellan, one of the top backs in the class. He is a fast, agile runner who could be a dangerous weapon in the Sooners' high-powered attack.
8. Georgia: The Bulldogs are looking to once again be in the mix near the top of the rankings. This early group features several big men who project to the defensive line. It also includes one of the premier OT prospects, Broderick Jones, a powerful and flexible prospect with the tools to help Georgia keep that O-line unit among the best in the nation.
9. Clemson: It should be no surprise to see the defending national champions among the fast starters. The Tigers have put an early emphasis on the trenches and currently own commitments from a pair of OLs out of Georgia, Paul Tchio and John Williams. Demonte Capehart is a key in-state ESPN Jr. 300 pickup on the defensive line.
10. Florida State: Despite some of its recent on-field struggles, FSU has landed some promising commitments for 2020, including LB Keyshawn Greene, a lengthy and explosive defender with a nice ceiling for development. Jadarius McKnight has the tools to be a very good safety because of his athleticism and toughness.