Must-get recruits heading into National Signing Day

The term “must-get recruits” isn’t always popular with college football and recruiting fans. But the reality is there are must-get recruits for programs in every cycle. With less than 24 hours until letters of intent can be signed, On3 takes a look at 10 must-get recruits from around the country. Some of these recruits will not sign on Wednesday, but they are still important targets for top programs.

Five-star CB Denver Harris

On3 Consensus ranking: No. 17
The Skinny: Denver Harris of Houston (Texas) North Shore is a must-get recruit for the Texas Longhorns. He has always been. The recruitment began as Alabama, LSU, Texas and possibly Texas A&M. And now it’s come down to Texas vs. Texas A&M for recruiting bragging rights on the top corner prospect in the Lone Star State. Harris and family made a one-day official visit to Texas A&M Sunday. But the Aggies don’t know for sure if they will get him. Texas assistant Jeff Banks has done very well with the mom and older brother. Harris will sign on Wednesday with either the Longhorns or Aggies.

Five-star OT Josh Conerly Jr.

On3 Consensus ranking: No. 22
The Skinny: Simply put, Josh Conerly Jr., the local star tackle from Seattle (Wash.) Rainier Beach, is a must-get recruit for the Washington Huskies. The competition is stiff with Michigan being a serious player. Alabama is also in the mix. A late offer by Miami‘s Mario Cristobal could potentially shift the recruitment. With Conerly not likely to sign until February, Washington head coach Kalen Deboer has a true battle on his hands.

Five-star DL Shemar Stewart

On3 Consensus ranking: No. 7
The Skinny: Five-star DL Shemar Stewart of Opa Locka (Fla.) Pace is a must-get recruit for Miami. He has been leaning toward Texas A&M for weeks. The 6-foot-5, 270-pounder made another unofficial visit to College Station over the weekend. The recruitment of Stewart for Jimbo Fisher potentially hit a snag with Stewart not expected to sign until February. That gives Cristobal plenty of face-to-face time with the local product in the last half of January.

Five-star Plus+ DL Walter Nolen

On3 Consensus ranking: No. 2
The Skinny: Walter Nolen of Powell (Tenn.) High is a must-get recruit for the Tennessee Volunteers. And everyone knows it. The Texas A&M commitment was on campus once again over the weekend after making an official visit to Tennessee on Dec. 3. Texas A&M is in a fight to get Powell to sign on Wednesday. Tennessee would like nothing more than to see Powell push back to February. This is a good ole’ fashioned SEC recruiting war coming down to the wire.

Five-star S Jacoby Mathews

On3 Consensus ranking: No. 33
The Skinny: The LSU Tigers need some positive momentum quickly. Jacoby Mathews, a four-year starter at Ponchatoula High, can do that. He is a must-get recruit for Brian Kelly. The problem is, Mickey Joseph and Corey Raymond have departed from the LSU program. Joseph played for Mathews’ head coach in high school. Enter Texas, as Longhorns assistant Terry Joseph also played for Hank Tierney in high school. Then there is Alabama. Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Pete Golding is from very close to Ponchatoula and has serious ties in this recruitment. LSU’s Frank Wilson has his work cut out for him on this one. Mathews said Tuesday he won’t sign until February. He was originally scheduled to announce his decision on Jan. 2 at the Under Armour All-America Game.

Four-star RB TreVonte’ Citizen

On3 Consensus ranking: No. 67
The Skinny: TreVonte’ Citizen of Lake Charles (La.) Prep is a must-get recruit for the Auburn Tigers. LSU’s Brian Kelly made an in-home last week with the one-time LSU verbal. The Bengal Tigers are working overtime to try and keep Citizen home with Le’veon Moss committed to Texas A&M. With Tank Bigsby hitting the portal, the recruitment of Citizen for Auburn became much more important. Bryan Harsin needs a big win on Wednesday, period.

Five-star Plus+ CB Domani Jackson

On3 Consensus ranking: No. 5
The Skinny: Everyone understands Lincoln Riley will clean up in-state with offensive prospects. But it’s the defensive side of the ball that Riley and staff have to keep the best at home. That alone makes Domani Jackson, of Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei, a must-get recruit for the Trojans. And by the way, he has always been a must-get recruit in this cycle. The competition is Nick Saban. With Donte Williams remaining on staff at USC, the Trojans’ chances have gone up in the last 48 hours.

Four-star DL Khurtiss Perry

On3 Consensus ranking: No. 75
The Skinny: Auburn needs a big win in-state on signing day. And for that reason, Khurtiss Perry of Pike Road (Ala.) Pike Road has entered must-get territory for Harsin. Perry has been chalked up to Alabama for months behind the scenes, but Auburn has made a late move. This is one of those recruitments that is tough to truly have a solid grasp on. But On3 knows how much Auburn needs to pull the upset.

Four-star S Zion Branch

On3 Consensus ranking: No. 50
The Skinny: USC not only has to win in-state on top defensive talent under Riley but also has to own Las Vegas. The earlier USC can win some big battles on defense under Riley, the more the perception will become reality of where the program is headed on both sides of the ball. The competition for Zion Branch of Las Vegas (Nevada) Bishop Gorman is Ohio State and Oklahoma. And that would add to the message sent by Riley and staff if they can win out.

Four-star DL Nyjalik Kelly

On3 Consensus ranking: No. 100
The Skinny: Nyjalik Kelly of Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Dillard is a must-get recruit for Cristobal. Under Cristobal at Miami, keeping the best home will always be the No. 1 goal. And no better way to send a message than to beat out Florida State for a high-end defensive lineman from Broward County. Kelly will announce his decision on Wednesday with the Hurricanes trending.