The foundation for recruiting success during the December signing window often is laid in the spring, when on-campus visits are taken, shortlists created and verbal commitments made.
The Hotline is delighted to provide Pac-12 fans with a dive into the process through the eyes and ears of Brandon Huffman, the Seattle-based national recruiting analyst for 247Sports.
Huffman will relay news and insight into the latest developments and cast an eye ahead to upcoming events that will shape the 2022-23 recruiting cycle.
The following information, in his words, was provided to the Hotline on July 18 …
Recently, 247Sports updated its top-247 rankings for the high school class of 2023, and the Pac-12, as we know it now, will be home to the top two receivers in the country.
Atop the ranking is five-star USC commit Zachariah Branch from Las Vegas, who remains No. 1. He’s followed by five-star Jurrion Dickey, from San Jose, who moves up to the No. 2 spot and is committed to Oregon.
Branch took an official visit to Texas A&M in the latter part of June and said that was to get to know the coaches in case they work with him in the NFL. He said he remained solid to USC and even predicted that a linebacker would be committing to the Trojans.
Sure enough, that happened on Monday when four-star prospect Tackett Curtis from Many, La. committed to USC, giving the Trojans a much-needed top-247 linebacker.
*** Speaking of Oregon …
In addition to Dickey becoming the No. 2 receiver in the country, Ducks quarterback commit Dante Moore became the No. 2 overall player in the country behind quarterback Arch Manning.
The five-star passer is now the highest-rated recruit to commit to Oregon in the top-247 era — a big win that continues to resonate for the Ducks.
*** Oregon State got a commitment last weekend from Jalen O’Neil, an unrated safety from Texas, continuing to show the Beavers want to recruit the Lone Star State under Jonathan Smith.
*** Washington has a unique geographical look to its recruiting class and that continued with two more out-of-region commitments.
One is Curley Reed, a four-star cornerback from Lake Charles, La. and the highest-rated player in UW’s class so far.
The other is three-star defensive lineman Elinneus Davis, from Moorhead, Minn.
They join a class that includes players from Texas, California, Minnesota, Washington, South Dakota and Colorado.
Coach Karen DeBoer continues to cast a wide net.
*** Lastly, Arizona added a really nice pickup from three-star offensive tackle Elijha Payne. He’s the No. 7 player in Nevada and committed last week.
Support the Hotline: Receive three months of unlimited access for just 99 cents. Yep, that’s 99 cents for 90 days, with the option to cancel anytime. Details are here, and thanks for your support.
*** Send suggestions, comments and tips (confidentiality guaranteed) to pac12hotline@bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716
*** Follow Huffman on Twitter via @BrandonHuffman and support @AveryStrongDIPG
*** Follow me on Twitter: @WilnerHotline
*** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference, and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference.