Mountain West Conference: 2020 National Signing Day College Football Recruiting Overview
Posted by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2019 college football season in the Mountain West was as exciting as it gets with a three-team race in the Mountain and a three-team race in the West for top divisional honors. Boise State rolled to a 12-1, 8-0, season in the Mountain with Hawaii claiming the West finishing 10-5, 5-3. The conference showed out in the post-season with a 4-2 record overall seeing San Diego State, Hawaii, Air Force, and Wyoming win their matchups. Based on how National Signing Day has gone for the MWC, fans can expect more of the same for years to come.
Boise State – Recruiting Ranking – No. 65
Per the 247/Sports rankings, Boise State is leading the MWC field with 19 commits, ranked 65th overall. Of the 19, 18 are considered three-star players. Top to bottom, the class has a lean towards defense with 10 designated to that side of the field. The big “get” for the Broncos was receiver LaTrell Caples. Caples pushed aside 16 other offers from SEC and ACC programs alike to sign with Boise State. The defense is bolstered by tackles Herbert Gums and Divine Obichere while the secondary gets an upgrade with safety Semaj Verner and corner Donovan Clark.
UNLV – Recruiting Ranking – 74
The Rebels have been the toast of the conference on the recruiting trail since mid-December. After the dismissal of five-year head coach Tony Sanchez, former Oregon Ducks offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo has brought a spark to Vegas. The Rebels have jumped from 115th nationally in the recruiting rankings to No. 74 with the addition of 13 players. Of the 24 in the haul, 22 are considered three-star recruits. This class fills needs on defense and upgrades speed and athleticism at the skill positions. Quarterback Doug Brumfield heads to town with heavy expectations, but he has great talent around him in receiver Kyle Williams, tight end Alex Lines. The defense got two heavy-hitters in end LeShaun Bell and linebacker Brennon Scott.
Colorado State – Recruiting Ranking – 102
The Rams kicked into high-gear after the early signing period going from eight signees to 17. That jump pushed CSU up the rankings 21 spots landing at No. 102. The class may not have the headline grabbers in other hauls, but the team addressed needs in the trenches acquiring five offensive and four defensive linemen. The top-3 recruits will put their hand in the dirt on the line of scrimmage; defensive tackle James Mitchell, guard Owen Snively, and defensive end Casey Irons.
Air Force – Recruiting Ranking – 106
The Falcons overwhelm on the recruiting trail with their exception to sign more than 25 recruits in a class. In this year’s haul, Air Force has 32 headed to Colorado Springs to help the squad improve upon the 11-2, 7-1, 2019 season. The Falcons went heavy with linemen, nine on offense and seven on defense, and in the secondary with 11. There are some fantastic talents in the mix, especially safety Lincoln Tuioti-Mariner, center Wesley Ndago, linebacker Alec Mock, and defensive end Blaker Burris.
San Diego State – Recruiting Ranking – 108
The Aztecs are perhaps the most puzzling college football team in the land when it comes to recruiting. The program wins, and wins against Power 5 Conference teams, but does not push their recruiting like a P5 program as they could. Of the 15 commits, 14 are rated as three-stars, and the list of talent signed is better than advertised. The focus has been on defense early landing Mater Dei linebacker Kobah Fuamatu, Nevada linebacker Vai Kaho, and Anaheim corner Cassius Savage. The offense landed two great linemen, Nevada’s Joey Wright and Chico’s (CA) Aidan Finney.
Wyoming – Recruiting Ranking – 111
The Cowboys are another winning program in the MWC, and they attack the recruiting trail with the mindset to win. Wyoming had nine commits ahead of the early signing period and are now at 23 total, 18 three-star players. Top players to watch out for in the 2020 class, guard Nofoafia Tuiafono, tight end Colin O’Brien, and quarterback Gavin Beerup.
San Jose State – Recruiting Ranking – 114
The Spartans are another MWC that has added a wealth of athleticism and speed to the roster on defense. Five defensive backs and three linebackers are set to lineup for the Spartans highlighted by safety Jalen Apalit-Williams and corner Mikale Greer. The defense also scored a big win landing JUCO defensive tackle Jay Kakiva (6-4, 325). Pair Kakiva with freshman Soane Toia, an upgrade has been added to the roster. Watch out for running back Shamar Garrett out of powerhouse program De La Salle.
Utah State – Recruiting Ranking – 116
The Aggies have 17 players committed, 11 considered three-star players. The defense is getting a big boost with two JUCO early enrollees, corner Xavion Steele and end James Hansen. Speed has been a focus in the class with four defensive backs and three receivers inked. The addition of Texas running back John Gentry and JUCO receiver Justin McGriff brings more fire power to the offense. Tight end Broc Lane and safety Bowen Fjord have great potential.
Fresno State – Recruiting Ranking – 119
Based on the talent of the 14 signed NIL, if this was a full class of 25 at the same rate, this would be one of the higher achieving hauls in the MWC. Offensive linemen Joseph Church and Julian Polendo have the opportunity to be three-year starters once into the system. The tight end duo of Rory Hanson and Matt Lowe adds a presence to the line as an extra blocker and a target in the passing game. Corners Kamron Forest and CJ Jones have played against the best of the best in California’s 7v7 circuit, they will bring swagger to the Bulldogs secondary.
Nevada – Recruiting Ranking – 121
With the push by UNLV down south, that puts more pressure on the Wolf Pack to keep the northern Nevada kids in the area. Some staff changes may have slowed the recruiting process, but Nevada has 17 commits, with 14 three-star players. Two standouts to watch for are cornerback Micah Gardner and receiver/defensive back Isaac Jernagin.
New Mexico – Recruiting Ranking – 124
The Lobos focused on the offense bringing in five receivers and four offensive linemen. Getting a quality center is not easy to come by, but New Mexico was able to land three-star Fort Bend Busch’s Leke Asenuga. Lining up next to Asenuga for years to come is mountainous guard Jermarques Bailey (6-5, 340). Elijah Queen was on a loaded Narbonne High School (LA) roster having his talents overshadowed with the ball being spread around. He is big (6-4.5, 191) and fast; watch for Queen to be a featured go-to guy on third downs and in the red zone.
Hawaii – Recruiting Ranking – 126
After the program’s seventh 10-win season in school history, it was tough seeing head coach Nick Rolovich head to Washington State. But the remaining staff has kept together a solid recruiting haul consisting of 16 commitments, 10 three-star players. The Rainbow Warriors were able to keep six in-state kids while pulling five from California and three from Texas. Instant help should come from Blinn JUCO defensive tackle Kemon Smith. Four of the two-star rated players are junior college transfers that should help bring veteran leadership to the team while filling holes from graduated players; safety Sterlin Ortiz, receiver Zion Bowens and corners Jalen Perdue and Camerson Lockridge.