Welcome to The Crootletter (sign up to get this in your inbox every morning!). I'm Bud Elliott, SB Nation's National Recruiting Analyst, and in this space I'll be sharing news, rumors and musings on the world of college football recruiting.
I'm turning my attention to the class of 2017, but there is still a five-star uncommitted from the class of 2016: Demetris Robertson of Savannah (Ga.) Christian.
Robertson wants to go to Stanford, but has not gained admission. Alabama, Georgia, Georgia Tech and Notre Dame continue to pursue the elite athlete, and Georgia has the geography on its side. Robertson's commitment could change the top 15 and even the top five.
Dylan Moses, the No. 1 player in the class of 2017 spoke to ESPN about his top schools. Interesting that the Baton Rouge native did not mention the LSU Tigers.
"Alabama, Texas, Georgia, Florida, UCLA and USC are still my top schools," Moses said. "Alabama is still my leader because they are more structured. They have very good discipline over there so they get their kids doing what they have to do. I like their strength program, coach [Scott] Cochran, coach [Nick] Saban. It’s just a really great coaching staff over there and I just really feel comfortable there."
I am not a fan of early recruiting rankings. They are incomplete at best, and are not Gospel. Moses is a really good player, but I am not convinced that he is the no-doubt No. 1 player. He is, however, the most well-known 2017 recruit, and we've been covering him since he received offers entering his eight-grade year.
Here are the other nine 2017 recruits to know for now.
Quickly
UNC landed four-star receiver Ryan Jones, of Charlotte (N.C.) Mallard Creek over offers from Tennessee, Oklahoma, Clemson and about 15 more schools.
This breakdown of Tennessee'srecruiting opponents is excellent, and not just for Vols fans.
Ohio State signed another top-five class and could easily do the same again. Here's a look at where the Buckeyes stand.
Virginia Tech had a quiet National Signing Day, but over the weekend the Hokies convinced a four-star defensive end to stay in state.
Here's the latest in Michigan recruiting. Jim Harbaugh shows no signs of slowing down.
Is Cal recruiting at a level that allows the Bears to compete for Pac-12 titles? I don't think anyone other than Cal fans expect the Bears to do that. The Bears are recruiting at a level that should allow them to make bowl games more often than not.
One high school could be crucial to the efforts of Maryland in 2017.
Ole Miss has established itself as a premier recruiter. Here are 15 top targets on the Rebels' radar.
Think Auburn doesn't use Cam Newton's stardom in recruiting? Think again.
NC State fans are lamenting that they are in the division with powers FSU and Clemson. Indeed, FSU and Clemson signed 31 four- and five-star players, while the rest of the ACC inked 19 combined.
Baylor and TCU are the most improved recruiting teams over the last several seasons. They serve as a reminder of just how hard it is to move up in recruiting.