The 2015 edition of the ESPN Junior College 50 debuts today with Auburn running back commitment Jovon Robinson topping the list. Here are the top 10 trends from the rankings:
10. Oklahoma loading up
Bob Stoops has used the junior college ranks well during his time in Norman, Oklahoma, including many key players on national championship and Big 12 title teams. In 2015, it's more of the same with a trio of ESPN JC 50 prospects committed in No. 12 and wide receiver DeDe Westbrook, cornerback William Johnson (No. 13) and offensive lineman and No. 37 Jamal Danley. All are expected to make an immediate impact on the Sooners.
9. Returning home
A number of 2015 junior college prospects are set to return to the universities they first signed with or committed to out of high school. Among that group are Auburn wide receiver Jason Smith and running back Jovon Robinson, Georgia offensive tackle DeVondre Seymour, Missouri running back Chase Abbington, Baylor offensive tackle Maurice Porter, South Carolina defensive end Dante Sawyer and LSU safety Jeremy Cutrer.
8. South Carolina getting well
Last year it was Tennessee that made the most of the junior college opportunities. This year, along with OU, South Carolina is taking that crown. The Gamecocks have glaring needs at defensive end, and Steve Spurrier has help coming in Marquavius Lewis and Dante Sawyer, with Lewis set to arrive in January. South Carolina is also set to lose one, if not both starting offensive tackles, and mammoth Paris Palmer is being counted on to push for a starting job next season.
7. Second-chance QB
The lone quarterback on the list is Chad Kelly, at No. 28. The former Clemson quarterback and nephew of Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly was dismissed from the Tigers program last spring while in the midst of battling for the starting job. Kelly resurfaced at East Mississippi Community College this season and has been terrific. He made a visit to Indiana last weekend, and the Hoosiers have offered. Virginia Tech has also offered, with programs such as Ole Miss, Texas, LSU and others showing interest.
6. Hampton fits in
USC has one of the top wide receiver corps in the country, with star Nelson Agholor, freshman JuJu Smith and George Farmer. That talented trio will be joined by De'Quan Hampton next season. Hampton, a 6-foot-4 former Compton (California) Dominguez product, will bring a different type of target to the program. He'll be able to bring down contested jump balls with high-point ability and playing strength.
5. Ole Miss scores the big flip
Tony Bridges, No. 8 in the rankings, appeared headed to Auburn for a number of months, but there was always the chatter about a possible flip to Ole Miss. On Nov. 21, the 6-1 cornerback officially flipped to the Rebels following a visit to Oxford, Mississippi, for the Ole Miss-Auburn game. With Senquez Golson headed to the NFL after this season, Bridges is expected to report in January and push for a starting spot immediately.
4. Florida State's fight for Jones
The highest-ranked defensive lineman on the list is South Carolina native D.J. Jones. While Jones has been a pledge to Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher since late July, programs have never given up on the tackle prospect. South Carolina received an official visit from the "soft commitment" in September, but it is late charges by Auburn and Ole Miss that have Florida State hanging on with a final decision expected Dec. 5 and Dec. 17 the initial signing date for midyear junior college transfers.
3. One-and-done
Defensive end and No. 5-ranked Marquavius Lewis is the strongest possibility. His combination of size and athleticism, along with his physical maturity, will help speed up his transition, as will going through spring practice at South Carolina. He is expected to be an immediate starter for the Gamecocks and then have the opportunity to head to the NFL.
2. Tennessee's fight for Kamara
When former ESPN 300 running back Alvin Kamara transferred from Alabama and decided to play at Hutchinson Community College, it was a near lock he would return to the SEC with someone other than the Crimson Tide. The speedy, 210-pound playmaker committed to Tennessee in Junes, and while he remains a pledge to the Volunteers, the home-state Georgia Bulldogs and others are attempting to make a late run at the Norcross High alumni. Kamara was on campus in Knoxville, Tennessee, for the Vanderbilt game and will make an official visit in December before enrolling in January.
1. Running back tops the list
The No. 1-ranked prospect on the list is running back Jovon Robinson. The former Auburn signee was ruled ineligible by the NCAA due to a grade change on his high school transcript that forced him to enroll at Georgia Military Academy, where he rushed for more than 3,000 yards in two seasons. While Auburn has freshman Roc Thomas, Peyton Barber and incoming freshman Kerryon Johnson at running back, Robinson is the best bet to start and be a huge contributor in Gus Malzahn's offense in 2015. Robinson is set to enroll at Auburn in December and compete in the spring.