Three class of 2017 recruits who could be headed to the Big Ten

As spring drills roll on, SI.com is breaking down three of the top prospects that could be headed to schools in each of the five major conferences. Today, we’re focusing on the Big Ten.

Author:
Chris Johnson
Publish date:
Mar 9, 2016

It’s been a little more than a month since the 2016 recruiting cycle wrapped up on National Signing Day, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start looking ahead to prospects in the class of 2017. As spring drills roll on, SI.com is breaking down three of the top prospects that could be headed to schools in each of the five major conferences. We’ve already looked at the ACC and the Big 12. Today, we’re focusing on the Big Ten. All rankings are from Scout.com.

Trevon Grimes

High school: St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
Height/Weight: 6’3.5’’/190 lbs
Position: Wide receiver
Position rank: 1
National rank: 7
Status: Uncommitted

Scout.com scouting report: “Sophomore Eval: Very smooth wide receiver who covers a lot of ground quickly with long strides. Sneaky fast and is a true vertical threat. More of a glider across the field and very graceful. Receives the ball very well and naturally. High points the ball and goes after it. Can improve strength and ability to get off press coverage. A true outside receiver with big-play ability. Ceiling is very high for Grimes.”

• JOHNSON: Key storylines for each Big Ten team entering spring practices

Dylan McCaffrey

High school: Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch, Colo.)
Height/Weight: 6’4.5’’/195 lbs
Position: Quarterback
Position rank: 3
National rank: 39
Status: Committed to Michigan

Scout.com scouting report: “McCaffrey has great bloodlines and is a tremendous talent. He's a pure pocket passer with good athleticism and a great feel for the game. He's the rare QB who can go under canter and take a drop, shows very good footwork and poise. He's a natural leader with the arm strength needed to make all the throws and is able to escape pressure and make a play with his legs. He projects as an elite high major prospect.”

GALLERY: BIG TEN PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2016

Big Ten players to watch in 2016

Brian Allen, Michigan State G

In his sophomore season, Allen was named second-team All-Big Ten and started at both left guard and center. He'll face bigger expectations in 2016 now that standout linemen Jack Allen and Jack Conklin are off to the NFL.

Saquon Barkley, Penn State RB

Barkley rushed for 1,076 yards and seven touchdowns as a true freshman at Penn State. He was the only true freshman to earn AP first- or second-team All-Big Ten honors.

J.T. Barrett, Ohio State QB

After splitting time with Cardale Jones last season, Barrett will finally have the quarterback position to himself for the first time since he helped get the Buckeyes to the national championship in 2014. He only threw for 992 yards and 11 touchdowns in all of last season after throwing for 2,834 yards and 34 touchdowns in ’14.

C.J. Beathard, Iowa QB

In his first full year as the starting quarterback, Beathard led Iowa to a 12–2 record, including appearances in both the Big Ten title game and the Rose Bowl. He threw for 2,570 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Dan Feeney, Indiana G

After earning All-America honors last fall, Feeney decided to return to Bloomington for the 2016 season. He has allowed just one sack in 37 career starts.

Desmond King, Iowa CB

The cornerback delighted Iowa fans by announcing he would return for his senior year after reigning in eight interceptions (second most in the FBS) and winning the Jim Thorpe Award during his junior campaign. His dominant 2015 season earned him consensus All-America honors in addition to a first-team all-Big Ten selection.

Jourdan Lewis, Michigan CB

Lewis was named to first-team All-Big Ten after recording 52 tackles and two interceptions last fall. He helped lead a Wolverines defense that ranked fifth in the country in yards allowed per play.

Will Likely, Maryland CB

The versatile senior from Maryland holds several Terrapins records, including most interception return yards in a season and single-game punt and kickoff return yards. He spent most of his time as a cornerback and returner, but he also started at wide receiver against Wisconsin. Big Ten coaches listed him first-team All-Big Ten as both a corner and returner, and he was an All-America punt returner.

Jabrill Peppers, Michigan LB

Peppers was named second-team All-Big Ten as an all-purpose performer last season, when he recorded 45 tackles, deflected 10 passes and was featured as a return man. Now the do-it-all performer is taking on a new role—linebacker, a switch from the defensive back role he filled last season.

Anthony Walker, Northwestern LB

The third-leading tackler in the Big Ten was a force for the Wildcats in 2015, finishing with 120 tackles and appearing in all 13 games. He added four sacks, one interception and one forced fumble en route to a first-team All-Big Ten selection. Walker led Northwestern to a 13th-ranked scoring defense and a 10–3 record despite the offense that averaged just 22.5 points per game.

Joshua Kaindoh

High school: IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
Height/Weight: 6’6’’/228 lbs
Position: Defensive end
Position rank: 6
National rank: 76
Status: Uncommitted

Scout.com scouting report: “Kaindoh is a freakish athlete, with a combination of size, length and burst. He gets up the field in two steps and has the speed to get around the edge. He is also effective dropping into coverage, and he can chase plays down from behind. Kaindoh has the strength to bull rush, but what stands out the most is his quickness, change of direction and pure speed in covering 10 yards with long strides.”