The must-get 2020 recruit for every Top 25 team

There are currently 159 uncommitted recruits remaining in the ESPN 300 -- plenty of highly talented prospects weighing their options. So even as recruiting classes take form, and foundations are laid, there are plenty of prospects for each program.

Of the uncommitted recruits, eight are five-stars, 22 are in the top 50, and 48 are top-100 recruits. There are many prospects who could make a big impact, so let's take a look at the most important Class of 2020 targets for the way-too-early top 25. Tom VanHaaren provides the reasons behind the chosen recruit, and Tom Luginbill gives us the scouting report.

No. 1 Clemson

Editor's note: Julian Fleming committed to Ohio State on May 31. Can the Tigers flip the No. 1-ranked receiver in the months to come?

Must-get: WR Julian Fleming
Size: 6-foot-2, 200 pounds
From: Catawissa, Pennsylvania/Southern Columbia
ESPN 300 rank: 4

The reason: The Tigers already have three five-star recruits committed, including the No. 2-ranked recruit overall. Fleming would put this class over the top for Clemson and help separate it some from Alabama's reach in the class rankings. On top of that, Fleming is an outstanding receiver and would be coming to campus as the current star receiver, Justyn Ross, would be entering his third season at Clemson. The timing would be ideal for Clemson to plug in another top receiver to help fill a void if Ross leaves. The staff is going to have to fend off Ohio State to land Fleming.

Scouting report: Tall, coordinated and speedy; good body control. Precise route-runner with quick feet and surge off the ball. Shifty and can accelerate on a straight line. Can get vertical. Excellent ball skills. Tracks deep ball, shows focus in a crowd. Shields ball from defenders. Good motor, smart, plays hard.

No. 2 Alabama

Must-get: RB Zachary Evans
Size: 6-foot, 200 pounds
From: Houston/North Shore
ESPN 300 rank: 1

The reason: Clemson and Alabama have been dancing around the No. 1 slot for this cycle, with Clemson making all the noise and getting all the attention -- especially after beating Alabama in the national championship game. Landing Evans, the No. 1-ranked recruit overall, would help Alabama remind people the Crimson Tide are still a (if not the) dominant force. It would also help restock the talent at running back and give Alabama another elite player in the backfield.

Scouting report: Somewhat of a bull in a china shop. Tall, upright runner with frame development upside. Runs with aggression and power. Easily gains momentum and gets downhill. Slashing runner with deceptive wiggle and ability to create space. Will surprise when forced to deviate and create. If he gets into the open field, he's a load. Speed grows on you. Very gifted.

No. 3 Georgia

Must-get: RB Kendall Milton
Size: 6-foot-1, 211 pounds
From: Clovis, California/Buchanan
ESPN 300 rank: 38

The reason: Milton is one of the top running backs in the country and has a top four of Alabama, Georgia, LSU and Ohio State. If Georgia can beat out those schools for one of the best prospects in the country, that would be a big win in and of itself. Add in that running back is a big need in this 2020 class for Georgia, and landing Milton would give the staff a perfect fit at the position.

Scouting report: Bigger, stronger and faster than this level of competition. Ideal measurable; tall, upright runner with good quickness and feet out of his stance. Glider type, more elusive than he is laterally sudden. Speed climber. Average vision; best when downhill with shoulders square. Not a great cutback identifier.

No. 4 Oklahoma

Must-get: RB Seth McGowan
Size: 5-foot-11, 201 pounds
From: Mesquite, Texas/Poteet
ESPN 300 rank: 138

The reason: Oklahoma has ESPN 300 running back Jase McClellan committed, but the coaches have had success with a rotation of backs in the past. Once these 2020 prospects get to campus, current running backs Trey Sermon and Kennedy Brooks will be a senior and junior, respectively, and Oklahoma will need to keep that position stocked with elite talent. We wouldn't argue if you think this pick could've gone to a defensive prospect -- someone like Justin Flowe, since improving the defense is a priority -- but maintaining an explosive offense is just as important.

Scouting report: Solid with good height; suited to be an inside zone runner with an aggressive style. Has good enough feet to maneuver between the tackles and find the open hole. He's a tailback/fullback tweener. Might not be a dynamic runner but is a load to handle.

No. 5 Ohio State

Must-get: OL Paris Johnson
Size: 6-foot-6, 280 pounds
From: Cincinnati/Princeton
ESPN 300 rank: 13

The reason: Johnson has been committed to Ohio State since last June but has been taking visits since Urban Meyer retired as head coach, quietly looking around. He has visited LSU and has seen Georgia and Alabama as well. Johnson would be a huge help as a pro-typical tackle, but he is also the top-ranked recruit in Ohio. New coach Ryan Day was able to sign Zach Harrison, the No. 1 in-state recruit in the 2019 class, but Meyer and his staff lost the top recruit in the state in 2018, when offensive lineman Jackson Carman chose Clemson. Keeping Johnson home would be a big win in recruiting and eventually on the field.

Scouting report: Tall, long, raw kid. Built like a big basketball player. Lean, athletic build. Wide wingspan. Continued mass is critical; huge upside on the edge as an OT. Unpolished athlete who needs to be coached and needs time in the weight room. Very high ceiling for development. Best days are ahead of him.

No. 6 Notre Dame

Must-get: OL Michael Carmody
Size: 6-foot-5, 267 pounds
From: Mars, Pennsylvania/Mars Area
ESPN 300 rank: 117

The reason: You can't have enough talented offensive linemen on your roster, and Notre Dame has made a name for itself pumping out elite linemen over the past few years. ESPN 300 tackle Tosh Baker is the only OL currently committed in the 2020 class, so adding Carmody would maintain consistency. It would also mean Notre Dame beat out the likes of Michigan, Penn State and Ohio State for his commitment -- a big deal.

Scouting report: A bit raw; good frame. Possesses height with solid bulk and still displays physical upside. Will need development as a basketball player who did not play football as a freshman. Has upside at OT. Displays adequate lower body flexibility and enough strength to control and steer defenders when gets locked on. Displays good lateral mobility and balance.

No. 7 Michigan

Must-get: WR A.J. Henning
Size: 5-foot-10, 175 pounds
From: Frankfort, Illinois/Lincoln-Way East
ESPN 300 rank: 105

The reason: If Michigan wants to really change its offense and move toward a "speed in space" scheme, as new offensive coordinator Josh Gattis has proclaimed, they need to continue adding fast prospects -- and Henning is lightning quick. He isn't the biggest receiver but fits the scheme and would add versatility. If the Wolverines can land Henning, it would also mean beating out Notre Dame for another ESPN 300 prospect after Michigan was able to get defensive end Braiden McGregor.

Scouting report: Marginal size. Scatback/slot type. Good speed and quickness. Good vision and decisive movements. Can exploit cutback. Tough to bring down. Not a power back but will fall forward and drive through arm tackles. Size and strength are concerns -- must get bigger and stronger.

No. 8 Florida

Must-get: DE Chantz Williams
Size: 6-foot-4, 220 pounds
From: Orange Park, Florida/Oakleaf
ESPN 300 rank: 58

The reason: You can never have enough top-end pass-rushers and Williams would give Florida an excellent option on the edge. He's versatile enough to stand up and drop back but could absolutely get to the quarterback and be disruptive. The staff landed Lloyd Summerall in the 2019 class, but the team needs more elite recruits to add to that defense.

Scouting report: Late bloomer who will continue to fill out to hold up in the front. Raw player who flashes very good physical tools but needs to continue developing; inconsistent. Displays some tightness and could improve running mechanics. Can improve hand usage, as he gets by on athleticism. Shows flashes of dominance and promising upside with upper-tier Power 5 potential.

No. 9 LSU

Must-get: OL Paris Johnson Jr.
Size: 6-foot-6, 280 pounds
From: Cincinnati, Ohio/Princeton
ESPN 300 rank: 13

The reason: LSU is after some big names in this class. The staff landed the 2019 No. 1 running back, John Emery, so that position isn't a huge concern. The coaches have not, however, landed a recruit similar to Johnson on the offensive line. LSU is very much trying to flip Johnson from Ohio State and recently hosted him on a visit in Baton Rouge. The Tigers have made him and his elite talent a priority.

Scouting report: Tall, long, raw kid. Built like a big basketball player. Lean, athletic build. Wide wingspan. Continued mass is critical; huge upside on the edge as an OT. Unpolished athlete who needs to be coached and needs time in the weight room. Very high ceiling for development. Best days are ahead of him.

No. 10 Oregon

Must-get: WR Johnny Wilson
Size: 6-foot-6, 220 pounds
From: Calabasas, California/Calabasas
ESPN 300 rank: 45

The reason: Oregon has landed 14 ESPN 300 recruits from the state of California in the 2018, 2019 and 2020 classes so far. That includes the 2019 top-ranked prospect both overall and in the state, defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux. Landing Wilson would be another huge addition from California for the Ducks, who are outrecruiting UCLA and USC in the Golden State.

Scouting report: Big, physical presence. Tall with a wide catch radius. Jump-ball mismatch. Elevates and makes plays on the 50-50 ball. Knows how to use his frame. Deceptive speed. Builds momentum. Size and arm length make him a vertical presence. Strong pass-catcher.

No. 11 Texas

Must-get: DE Alfred Collins
Size: 6-foot-5, 250 pounds
From: Bastrop, Texas/Cedar Creek
ESPN 300 rank: 114

The reason: Texas has some higher-ranked prospects still on their board, but losing Collins would be a big deal. He is an outstanding defensive lineman whom Texas has been prioritizing for quite some time. His mother played basketball for Texas in the 1990s, and Bastrop, Texas is less than 40 miles from Austin. Landing a highly rated local legacy would be great for the Longhorns in many ways.

Scouting report: He is a long, athletic and physical down defender, with good playing strength, speed and overall explosiveness. Has good upside to develop physically. Only going to get bigger and stronger. Best days are ahead of him.

No. 12 Texas A&M

Must-get: RB Seth McGowan
Size: 6-foot, 200 pounds
From: Houston/North Shore
ESPN 300 rank: 1

The reason: Texas A&M didn't make the cut for Zachary Evans, the No. 1-ranked recruit, and the top in-state prospect in Texas. That is a big hit to the potential of this class, especially since the Aggies don't have a running back committed (they did land ESPN 300 running back Isaiah Spiller in 2019). McGowan recently listed his top four with Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Georgia and USC, so the Aggies have a shot at landing a top-end running back in this class if they can reel in McGowan.

Scouting report: Solid with good height; suited to be an inside zone runner with an aggressive style. Has good enough feet to maneuver between the tackles and find the open hole. He's a tailback/fullback tweener. Might not be a dynamic runner but is a load to handle.

No. 13 Penn State

Must-get: DE Coziah Izzard
Size: 6-foot-3, 250 pounds
From: Hyattsville, Md./DeMatha Catholic
ESPN 300 rank: 148

The reason: Penn State is doing just fine, ranked No. 11 with five ESPN 300 commitments. But it's a far cry from the No. 4 class the Nittany Lions signed in 2018 with two five-stars and 13 ESPN 300 commitments. Penn State missed on its bigger, local targets with defensive tackle Bryan Bresee and wide receiver Julian Fleming, so landing Izzard would be a big get. He's from Maryland and is at a position of need, which makes him important in this class. Add in that he's ranked in the top 150 and was targeted by a ton of top schools and it's easy to see why Penn State would like him in this class.

Scouting report: Izzard is capable of being a disruptive presence in the trenches, as he can be explosive off the ball. He can use a nice blend of initial quicks and power to create problems as a pass-rusher, but he has also added size and strength and become better at taking on the run. With his build and physical tools, this is a D-lineman who can be versatile and well-rounded with continued development.

No. 14 UCF

Must-get: RB Marvin Scott III
Size: 5-foot-9, 195 pounds
From: Port Orange, Florida/Spruce Creek
ESPN rank: Three-star

The reason: Scott was committed to Wake Forest at one point, but decommitted in March. UCF is targeting him as well as Wake Forest, Nebraska and a handful of other programs, so it will take quite a bit to get the talented running back on board. Outside of landing a quarterback in this class, adding in a prospect similar to Scott would be a big deal for the coaching staff.

Scouting report: Possesses a strong, solid frame with some speed to generate big runs. Runs with good balance by keeping his legs underneath him on double cuts. Exhibits the ability to run through arm tackles with a strong wide running base. Downhill player.

No. 15 Washington

Must-get: OL Geirean Hatchett
Size: 6-foot-4, 278 pounds
From: Ferndale, Washington/Ferndale
ESPN 300 rank: 164

The reason: Hatchett has narrowed his list to Ohio State, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Stanford and Washington. He is the No. 2-ranked recruit in the state of Washington, and the top in-state prospect, Sa'Vell Smalls, seems unlikely to join Washington's class. So keeping Hatchett home and landing one of the best prospects in the state at a position of need would be a big win.

Scouting report: Needs to add more mass but good height and frame. Displays excellent range and balance. Effective pulling and blocking downfield. Displays ability to come off low and push defenders back, but better blocker on the move at this stage, and needs to work on pad level and hand placement. Plays OG in his high school system but displays agility, balance and size to transition to tackle in college. Very good prospect.

No. 16 Utah

Must-get: TE Alex Lines
Size: 6-foot-4, 230 pounds
From: Gilbert, Arizona/Higley
ESPN rank: Three-star

The reason: This might seem like a strange pick since Utah only recently offered Lines, but he is a talented tight end who has started to earn more interest as the recruiting cycle continues. Coach Kyle Whittingham brought in offensive coordinator Alex Ludwig and the offense is going to need weapons to sustain recent successes. Tight ends will be a priority for Ludwig, and Lines would be an excellent addition for Utah, which did not land a tight end in the 2019 class.

Scouting report: Tall with adequate bulk whose frame should continue to develop. Doesn't display top-end speed to be consistent vertical threat, but long strider with good balance and size to occasionally challenge the seam. Solid hands though can seem to fight the ball bit a times.

No. 17 Stanford

Must-get: OL Chad Lindberg
Size: 6-foot-6, 325 pounds
From: League City, Texas/Clear Creek
ESPN 300 rank: 144

The reason: Pulling Lindberg away from Texas might be difficult for Stanford, but the weight of a Stanford offer is always a factor. Stanford doesn't offer many prospects because of stringent admission requirements, so just having the offer is a big deal. A big, mauling offensive line has been a staple at Stanford for years and the staff already has ESPN 300 tackle Myles Hinton committed in this class. Landing someone such as Lindberg would add a similar-sized tackle to the mix and help bolster the future offensive line.

Scouting report: Good height and frame; looks to still have physical upside. Demonstrates very good functional strength and a tenacious demeanor. Displays good knee drive and lower body power once engaged, though can work to improve pad level. Displays good balance and lateral mobility.

No. 18 Auburn

Must-get: LB Phillip Webb
Size: 6-foot-4, 203 pounds
From: Sugar Hill, Georgia/Lanier
ESPN 300 rank: 25

The reason: This one was up for debate, because Auburn still has quite a few of its top targets on the board. Webb was the pick, though, because he is an outstanding linebacker prospect who would add a ton of athleticism to the Auburn defense. If Auburn were able to land him, the coaches would be getting the No. 5 recruit in Georgia and would have beaten a ton of SEC opponents to add him to their roster.

Scouting report: Long and athletic with good first three-step, burst and acceleration off the edge. He uses minimal stride to track the target. The future is bright for this smart, tough and athletic OLB. He will only get better with additional growth.

No. 19 Washington State

Must-get: LB Sav'ell Smalls
Size: 6-foot-3, 227 pounds
From: Burien, Washington/John F. Kennedy
ESPN 300 rank: 9

The reason: It's going to take a lot for Washington State to get Smalls, considering how highly ranked he is and how many top programs are after him. He keeps listing the Cougars in his top group, though, and he is the No. 1-ranked recruit in the state. Washington State has said Smalls could play linebacker or running back, though most schools have offered at just linebacker.

Scouting report: Rare, unusual measurables and skill set for a young player. Shows flashes of active hands. Agile, shows good body control and coordination for this stage. Explosive in his initial step and good range and ability to close well. Plays on both sides, moving around the D-line and shows ball skills and comfort as a tight end. Excellent prospect.

No. 20 Nebraska

Must-get: OL/DL Nash Hutmacher
Size: 6-foot-4, 295 pounds
From: Chamberlain, South Dakota/Chamberlain
ESPN rank: Three-star

The reason: Nebraska has a need at defensive tackle, and though Hutmacher is listed as an offensive lineman, Nebraska would use him as a big defensive tackle. He has the size and it just feels as if a 295-pound lineman from South Dakota would be a mauler, doesn't it? It's not a flashy pick, but that's what recruiting is under Scott Frost. It's more substance than flash and finding the right fits.

Scouting report: Good height with thickly built frame. Physical upside might be limited but already has ideal type size and excellent strength. Displays good knee drive and can put current competition on skates. Displays some tenacity and finishing toughness. Displays adequate lateral mobility for size. High school OT who might end up fitting better as interior OL at the FBS level.

No. 21 Wisconsin

Must-get: LB Nick Herbig
Size: 6-foot-2, 202 pounds
From: Honolulu/Saint Louis
ESPN 300 rank: 257

The reason: Wisconsin has linebacker Cole Dakovich committed in the class, but Herbig is a big-time target who could follow in line with the excellent linebacker development at Wisconsin. Herbig could bring a pass-rush element and would fit in perfectly with Jim Leonhard's defense. Wisconsin has to battle Washington and a few other schools.

Scouting report: High-motor athlete who performs until the whistle. He is adept at using his eyes, feet and hands to react while on the run to effectively gain position to finish versus the run and pass.

No. 22 Syracuse

Must-get: LB Tirek Austin-Cave
Size: 6-foot-1, 199 pounds
From: Cherry Hill, New Jersey/Camden Catholic
ESPN rank: Three-star

The reason: Syracuse has some big targets on its board, and would love to land a prospect like Jalen Berger. But maybe more realistically, Austin-Cave would be a big get for the staff. His commitment is more likely than Berger's and the Syracuse staff is after him heavily.

Scouting report: He is a smart, tough and athletic LB. He can urgently get from sideline to sideline to effectively execute zone and man technique. He possesses good upside with some time left to improve measurables and position skills.

No. 23 Iowa

Must-get: DE Sean McLaughlin
Size: 6-foot-6, 225 pounds
From: Frankfort, Illinois/Lincoln-Way East
ESPN rank: Three-star

The reason: Iowa has a proven system of finding the right fit and the right prospects for its program, especially on defense. McLaughlin would add a big body in at defensive end. A.J. Epenesa is entering his third season in 2019 and is going to be a highly projected NFL draft candidate. If he decides to leave early, Iowa will need someone to eventually replace that spot and while its system doesn't typically involve early playing time, McLaughlin is someone who could eventually develop into an excellent player along the defensive line.

Scouting report: Still developing. Might not have ideal Power 5 skill set just yet. Big growth potential and needs investment and a redshirt year. Has terrific height and tools to mold.

No. 24 Army

Must-get: DL Col. George Washington
From: Westmoreland County, Virginia
ESPN 300 Rank: Not ranked

The reason: Washington has outstanding leadership qualities and would be a big help to the Army defense, especially holding the line up front. If Army were to land Washington, he probably would be an early contributor and could be a versatile threat on offense or defending any attack on the home turf. There isn't much competition to secure a commitment from Washington since he has such a deep passion for Army's virtues, but that doesn't make a commitment less valuable.

Scouting report: Blue-collar guy. Tough, hard-nosed player that is always charging forward. Lacks great bulk and strength, but compensates with heart and dedication to his craft. Big motor and wins the little interior battles.

Editor's note: Col. George Washington is, sadly, not real. At least for the 2020 class. Army recruits first and foremost for the Army itself, and its football team comprises those recruits.

No. 25 Mississippi State

Must-get: WR Lideatrick Griffin
Size: 5-foot-10, 170 pounds
From: Philadelphia, Mississippi/Philadelphia
ESPN 300 rank: 248

The reason: Griffin had been committed to Mississippi State but decommitted in the beginning of May. It is typically difficult to get a decommitment back in the class, but Griffin has Mississippi State in his new top five along with Ole Miss, Auburn, Tennessee and Southern Miss. He is an electric player that would give the coaches an excellent option at wide receiver in Joe Moorhead's offense.

Scouting report: Undersized, but very productive on both sides of the ball. WR/CB candidate with good change of direction, instincts, hips and competitive top end speed. Lean build. Not a big target on offense, but good ball skills and focus to make adjustments.