SoCon Class Rankings
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By David Butler
SouthernPigskin.com
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The Wofford Terriers have landed the top recruiting class in the SoCon for 2014.
No. 1 – Wofford
Commits: 19
Top Prospect: RB Chase Nelson
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Comments: Wofford gained ground on its competition within the SoCon this year. The school did not target a specific area, but choose to address a lot of different needs. Chase Nelson looks like he can come in and contribute right away. Nelson is a strong runner with a natural ability to hit the hole.
No. 2 – Chattanooga
Commits: 19
Top Prospect: LB Dale Warren
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Comments: The Mocs look to have their signal caller of the future in Penny Smith. Smith leaves high school with two consecutive national championships, as he amassed over 4,000 yards passing and 492 yards rushing in his prep career. Dale Warren brings defensive back speed to the table in a linebackerxe2x80x99s body. Warren will look to continue to show his abilities as a tremendous tackler, and his closing ability is next to none.0
No. 3 – VMI
Commits: 11
Top Prospect: LB Tony Richardson
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Comments: Tony Richardson has the skills to play outside linebacker as well as defensive end for VMI. As a Hunt Award Finalist, Richardsonxe2x80x99s skills are remarkable. VMI looked to address needs on both sides of the ball, and on paper, they seemingly have acquired some serious talent on the defensive side of the ball.
No. 4 – Samford
Commits: 10
Top Prospect: QB Devlin Hodges
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Comments: The Bulldogs wanted to address the offensive side of the ball because that is where their future talent was most lacking. The commitment from Michael Eubank was huge for Samford considering he has two years of eligibility left in the coffer. Also needing to find and sign some talent on the defensive front, the Bulldogs got defensive tackle Xavier Forest and linebacker Deion Pierre xe2x80x94 two players that can contribute the moment their cleats hit the field.
No. 5 – Mercer
Commits: 20
Top Prospect: DB LaMarkus Bailey
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Comments: Mercer hauled in an impressive 20 recruits for 2014. The Bears had gaps on both sides of the ball, and as they step up to bigger and stronger competition, Mercer wanted to address those needs. The SoCon is a competitive conference, and in order to compete, it needed highly touted recruits. Only time will tell if the Bears did enough, though. The star of the 2014 class is defensive back LaMarkus Bailey, who has the strength and the poise to provide stability to the Bearsxe2x80x99 defensive backfield.
No. 6 – Furman
Commits: 21
Top Prospect: WR Axe2x80x99lencio Graham
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Comments: The Paladins took the slow and steady approach to their 2014 recruiting, opting to tackle recruits on both sides of the ball. Axe2x80x99lencio Graham looks to be a true difference-maker for Furman, and he should step in right away and contribute. Grahamxe2x80x99s agility matched with a great pair of hands will likely pave the way toward many big offensive gains for the Paladins throughout the contests of the coming season.
No. 7 – The Citadel
Commits: 17
Top Prospect: OL Tristan Harlleroad
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Comments: Heading towards the next season, the Bulldogs’ major need was filling gaps on their porous offensive line. Thankfully, from some key recruiting, help is on the way for The Citadel. Hauling in Tristan Harkleroad will do wonders for an offensive line that hopes to get back to prosperity in 2014.
No. 8 – Western Carolina
Commits: 15
Top Prospect: WR/TE Brett Walker
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Comments: The Catamounts had serious needs on the offensive side of the ball. They addressed a huge need, hauling in Brett Walker, who can play either the wide receiver position or at tight end. In order to improve on the defensive side of the ball, Western Carolina addressed its defensive line by bringing in top prospects. The Catamounts hope that defensive end Kendall White can step in and contribute immediately.
No. 9 – East Tennessee State University
Commits: 45
Top Prospect: OLMatthew Pyke
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Comments: Hauling in a very impressive 45 recruits was just what the doctor ordered for ETSU. No position went undeveloped for the Buccaneers, who need to improve every position on the team. When a school brings in such a wealth of recruits, they will most likely see improvements in 2014 xe2x80x94 even as they escalate to the Southern Conference.
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