Advertisement
football Edit

Stanford Signing Day Recruiting Blog: 2015

2015 National Signing Day has finally arrived, and Cardinal Sports Report is your home to keep track of all the latest happenings in the Cardinal's 2015 recruiting class.
Advertisement
This page will be updated throughout the day any time a letter of intent officially arrives at Stanford, or as developments merit.
2:00 p.m. Meeks closes the class
Meet Quenton Meeks @ShowtimeQM: http://t.co/kAzhOAMdHs #CardClass15 Central: http://t.co/xQFjC38HPA #NSD15 pic.twitter.com/RBLasg0xEg— Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) February 4, 2015
[db]Quenton Meeks[/db] 6-2/190, DB
Comment: Stanford offered Meeks a scholarship last spring, and he validated the Cardinal's choice with a terrific performance at their camp in June. Stanford was thought to be a frontrunner for much of Meeks' recruitment, but the four-star defensive back has a good relationship with Derek Mason (and family in the Atlanta area), so Vanderbilt emerged as a threat. He also enjoyed his official visit to Cal. But once Meeks was admitted to Stanford, the Cardinal became tough to turn down. He committed to Stanford in a ceremony at his high school that was broadcast by the website CampusInsiders.
Related Reading: Meeks in-depth on Stanford unofficial; Meeks talks Stanford official
One NLI today signed in Benin! ILB @b9llerb9rton will return from his LDS mission and join us in June. https://t.co/C1dHF5hbgV #cardclass13— Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) February 4, 2015
Stanford announces Reid's addition to the class
#CardClass15 signee #8 (6:09am) safety @justinreid_1 announced for Stanford! WATCH: https://t.co/Jflac46Ijn #NSD2015 pic.twitter.com/UC5tdo22OY- Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) February 4, 2015
Justin Reid 6-1/193, S
Comment: Though his last name is well known in football circles - Justin's older brother, Eric, was a first round pick of the San Francisco 49ers a few years back - Justin didn't emerge as a consensus top-tier prospect until his senior year of high school. A few months prior, he had an outstanding showing against elite competition at The Opening all-star showcase. Then, during the course of his senior year, he picked up offers from the likes of Stanford, Notre Dame, and LSU. Those three programs happened to be Reid's finalists, and the Cardinal managed to beat out the home-state school, as well as the Fighting Irish, to earn his commitment.
Related Reading: Stanford after another Reid; Reid talks Stanford offer
10:43 a.m. Louisiana safety Justin Reid commits to Stanford over LSU, Notre Dame
Three-star safety Justin Reid committed to the Cardinal over offers from many schools, including LSU and Notre Dame, in a ceremony at his high school.
Justin Reid picks #Stanford over #LSU pic.twitter.com/uIuuba1Y8h- Nick Hollingsworth (@NHollingsworth_) February 4, 2015
10:21 a.m. Utah pass rusher inks
OLB @gabereid90 may be hazardous to your health. WATCH #CardClass15 signee #22 (10:21am): https://t.co/8DDZjVuPxj pic.twitter.com/kjP5Rwtitk- Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) February 4, 2015
Gabe Reid 6-2/225, OLB
Comment: Reid received one of Stanford's earlier offers, picking up a Cardinal scholarship last February. He visited for a Junior Day, and again for a game this fall, and committed to the Cardinal a couple of days before National Signing Day. Stanford topped the in-state schools, Utah and BYU, for Reid's signature, overcoming proximity and very strong ties to BYU in the process. Stanford, led by Utah area recruiter Lance Anderson, has now signed one of Utah's top prospects for four straight years - Brandon Fanaika (2012), Sean Barton (2013), Dalton Schultz (2014) and Reid. Reid will serve a two-year church mission prior to the start of his Stanford career, so he is effectively a 2017 prospect.
Related Reading: Reid talks Stanford offer; Reid recaps Cardinal official
Five-star WR Trent Irwin is announced
California's all-time receiving leader @trenton_4 is #cardclass15 signee #21 (9:07am). WATCH: https://t.co/YSLvp48vY8 pic.twitter.com/ADdv3IfMEi- Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) February 4, 2015
Trent Irwin 6-2/191, WR
Comment: Irwin's early-January commitment to Stanford over Arizona State gave the Cardinal its first five-star since the 2012 class, and its first five-star wide receiver in the 14-year history of the Rivals.com rankings. Irwin should make an impact on the field sooner than later. He's widely considered to be one the most polished and college-ready receivers in the 2015 class, if not the single most polished and college-ready wideout. Irwin does not have elite top-end speed, but he might be the best route runner in the class and he has terrific hands. And, as he showed time and again on the camp circuit and in games, he can get open against any corner, at any time, in any place on the field.
Related Reading: Irwin in-depth; Parent's Perspective: Trent Irwin
9:33 a.m. Coveted DB Buncom signs
#CardClass15 signee #20 (9:33am) CB @BeastNamedFrank, more than a name. WATCH: https://t.co/WlbrjO1nbC #DBU #NSD2015 pic.twitter.com/McjezHrtMR- Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) February 4, 2015
Frank Buncom IV 6-2/190, DB
Comment Stanford was thought to be the heavy favorite for Buncom ever since they offered him a scholarship following his sophomore year of high school. Turned out those suspicions were correct. Buncom committed to the Cardinal in a ceremony at his high school last week. In a post-commitment interview, he admitted that in the months following his Stanford, offer, he compared all of his college options to the Cardinal to see if any had more to offer. Ultimately, he concluded that they didn't. Buncom likely projects as a cornerback for the Cardinal, but he has the versatility to play nickel, safety, or potentially even wide receiver.
Related Reading: Buncom recaps Stanford unofficial; Buncom in-depth on decision
8:49 a.m. Top RB Scarlett target makes it official
Beast RB @cam_scarlett11 w/ 4,831 career AP yards is #cardclass15 signee #19 (8:49am)! WATCH: https://t.co/2zTpe6sl2g pic.twitter.com/iMCV1jVdfp- Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) February 4, 2015
Cameron Scarlett 6-1/210, RB
Comment: Stanford identified Scarlett early in the recruiting cycle as a top running back target, and the Cardinal recruited him as heavily as any prospect in the class - David Shaw personally recruited the four-star back. The Cardinal views Scarlett as a back in the Tyler Gaffney mold, and was thrilled when he announced his verbal commitment to Stanford in mid-December. Scarlett is recovering from a torn ACL, so it's somewhat unclear when, exactly, he will make his Cardinal debut, but there are high hopes for Scarlett on The Farm.
Related Reading: 2015 Introduction: Cameron Scarlett; Scarlett on Stanford offer
Big Day for UCLA
UCLA is off to a huge Signing Day start. The Bruins picked up commitments from four Rivals 100 prospects: five-star running back Soso Jamabo, four-star offensive lineman Josh Wariboko, arguably the nation's top tight end (Chris Clark) and top linebacker (Roquan Smith). In so doing, the Bruins bypassed Stanford and moved into the top 10 of the Rivals.com recruiting rankings. The Bruins did lose receiver Ryan Newsome to UCLA.
8:09 a.m. San Diego sackmaster is in
18 sacks + 18 TFL his senior season. WATCH #cardclass15 signee #17 (8:06am) @CaseyToohill: https://t.co/LlLediixOm pic.twitter.com/4gphAESaFX- Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) February 4, 2015
Casey Toohill 6-4/221, OLB
Comment: Toohilll emerged on Stanford's radar after a strong showing at the Cardinal's June camp. He picked up a Stanford offer in late July, and committed to the Cardinal a week or so later on an unofficial visit to the school. Toohilll should play outside linebacker in the Cardinal's 3-4 defense, and Stanford hopes he will provide a pass rush threat off the edge. Toohill received a bump in the final Rivals.com rankings after he produced a strong senior season that included nearly 20 sacks and nearly 20 tackles for loss.
Related Reading: Toohill recaps Stanford camp; Toohill talks Stanford commitment
7:55 a.m. Mammoth Bay Area OT Dreyer inks
Six-foot-EIGHT tackle @Jack_H_Dreyer bends & moves. WATCH #cardclass15 signee #16 (7:55am): https://t.co/sno50cWYsT pic.twitter.com/UWhppAOmnB- Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) February 4, 2015
Jack Dreyer 6-8/295, OT
Comment: The lone offensive tackle prospect out of Stanford's four offensive line signees, Dreyer, like several other 2015 Cardinal signees, made a strong impression at the school's camp following his junior year of high school. The Serra High School standout impressed at Stanford's Junior camp, was invited to the program's July camp, and impressed then, as well. As a result, the Cardinal extended Dreyer a scholarship offer in August, and he committed on the spot. As one might expect is the case for a prospect of his size, Dreyer is still raw, and will likely need a season or two to acclimate to college football before making an impact. But he has the physical tools - including impressive balance and agility for a player of his size - to develop into a very good player.
Related Reading Dreyer talks Stanford commitment; Dreyer updates senior season
Just a few members of the Maihen family showed up to support @AustinMaihen66 on #NationalSigningDay @StanfordFball pic.twitter.com/wFUZVKaGOj- SM Eagles Football (@SMFootballTeam) February 4, 2015
Shout out to all the new @StanfordFball signees. It's not a 4 year decision it's a lifetime decision! #NerdNation- Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) February 4, 2015
Can't believe it's been 7 years since I signed my LOI to play football at Stanford #timeflies congrats to all the new commits #StanU- Chase Thomas (@CTcard44) February 4, 2015
7:28 a.m. Wash LB inks
David DeCastro approves of Bellevue ILB @mubranch20! WATCH #cardclass15 signee #15 (7:28am): https://t.co/9J4c5Z0cp9 pic.twitter.com/IggIAgrDPC- Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) February 4, 2015
Mustafa Branch 6-0/225, LB
Comment: When Washington linebacker Mustafa Branch was unable to fully participate in Stanford's summer camp due to injury - he was still recovering from a torn meniscus - it appeared that Branch's shot at earning a Stanford offer may have been dashed. However, the two sides kept in touch, and the Cardinal ended up extended an offer in late September, a few days after inside linebackers coach Peter Hansen took in one of Branch's high school games. He committed to Stanford a few hours after receiving the offer. Branch projects as an inside linebacker in Stanford's 3-4 scheme.
Related Reading: Branch explains Stanford commitment
7:21 a.m. Ohio FB heads West
Four-star LB @RWilliams_6 = Stanford's next fullback. WATCH #cardclass15 signee #14 (7:21am): https://t.co/9J4c5Z0cp9 pic.twitter.com/5JKkmsaagg- Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) February 4, 2015
Reagan Williams 6-3/235, FB
Comment: Williams, the No. 2 fullback in the country in the final Rivals.com recruiting rankings, earned a Stanford offer after a solid performance at the Cardinal's summer camp, and committed to David Shaw and co. shortly thereafter. Williams' recruitment was infused with some late drama with Jim Harbaugh and Michigan offered last month, but after taking visits to both schools Williams decided to stick with the Cardinal.
Related Reading: Williams reflects on Stanford commitment: Williams sticking with Stanford
7:09 a.m. Calif. OL Maihen lucky No. 13
It can get nasty in the OC w/ guard @AustinMaihen66. WATCH #cardclass15 signee #13 (7:09am): https://t.co/IBazjMmJH6 pic.twitter.com/sYqMgDFXhd- Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) February 4, 2015
Austin Maihen 6-5/285, OL
Comment: Maihen was on Stanford's recruiting radar dating back to the summer after his sophomore season when he participated in one of the Cardinal's camps. He elevated his stock in Stanford's eyes after a strong performance at camp after his junior year, and received an offer from the Cardinal in early November. After that, it was just a matter of time (and, more critically, gaining admission to the university) before the three-star lineman switched his commitment from Washington State. Maihen learned that he had been admitted to Stanford in mid-January and he committed immediately thereafter.
Related Reading: 2015 Introduction: Austin Maihen; Maihen talks Cardinal commitment
7:02 a.m. Athletic specialist Bailey signs
#CardClass15 signee #12 (7:02am) long jumped 21-4 as a HS soph. WATCH our punter Jake Bailey: https://t.co/O9BkmVxUE3 pic.twitter.com/la9DbKdIxG- Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) February 4, 2015
Jake Bailey 6-2/185, P/K
Utah FB is signee No. 11
He's the hammer, you're the nail. Fullback @HHeimuli is signee #11 in #CardClass15 - WATCH: https://t.co/06ZI0mMTwR pic.twitter.com/ijzUJjlksK- Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) February 4, 2015
Houston Heimuli 5-11/220, FB
Comment: Another summer camp standout, Heimuli picked up a Stanford offer a few weeks after impressing the Cardinal at their July Saturday Night Lights camp. Heimuli does not have a great offer list, and he is a bit shorter than many of Stanford's other fullbacks, but the Cardinal thinks he has the talent to be a productive player in their offense. Heimuli is a member of the LDS church and plans to serve a two-year mission before enrolling at Stanford, so he is effectively a 2017 recruit.
Related Reading: 2015 Introduction: Houston Heimuli; Heimuli recaps Stanford visit
6:20 a.m. NJ LB Fox makes it official
Back in Jersey! Welcome #cardclass15 signee #10 (6:20am) OLB @J_Fox15. WATCH: https://t.co/bcONHqt0SV CC: @CoryBooker pic.twitter.com/PRofOkX3WD- Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) February 4, 2015
Jordan Fox 6-3/218, OLB
Comment: Fox emerged on Stanford's radar after a very strong performance at the Cardinal's summer camp in June. He was offered shortly after the camp concluded, and Stanford rose to the top of Fox's list. The three-star linebacker worked diligently on gaining admissions to Stanford throughout the year. He finally got word that he had been admitted to the school a few days before taking his official visit to The Farm in mid-January. All went according to plan on the trip, and Fox committed to the Cardinal a little more than a week after returning home.
Related Reading: Fox talks Stanford offer; Fox on Stanford commitment
Much-needed DL inks
Meet Wesley Annan @NiiAnnan_56: http://t.co/YW0nZWnEzV
#CardClass15 Central: http://t.co/xQFjC38HPA
#NSD15 pic.twitter.com/ZzWJC2mEGY- Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) February 4, 2015
Wesley Annan 6-5/285, DT
Comment: Stanford had long been one of Annan's top college choices, and a few months after he impressed the Cardinal with a solid performance at their summer camp, the defensive tackle received a Stanford offer. It didn't take Annan long to accept - he committed within hours of receiving the offer. Annan should play his college football around 300 pounds, and as such, is the biggest defensive lineman the Cardinal has signed since the 2012 class.
Related Reading: Annan talks Stanford commitment; Official visit report: Wesley Annan
6:02 a.m. Ferocious hitter Edwards signs
He's coming for you with bad intentions, #cardclass15 signee #7 (6:02am) safety @Ben_Edwards_. WATCH: https://t.co/D2eMtKNNZ2 #NSD2015- Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) February 4, 2015
Ben Edwards 6-0/196, S:
Comment: Considering the competition and the geography (Edwards lives in Florida), signing Edwards might be the Cardinal's best recruiting job of the 2015 class. Stanford offered the four-star defensive back in the summer following his sophomore year of high school. But while Edwards included the Cardinal in his initial top five, he made a pair of commitments - first to Ohio State, then to Auburn - before his senior year. Stanford re-emerged in Edwards' recruitment in a major way following his second decommitment. He named the Cardinal his leader over summer, and after retaking the ACT/SAT multiple times, committed to Stanford in late December. He earned admission to the school a few weeks later.
Related reading Edwards on Stanford commitment: Edwards on Stanford admissions
6:01 a.m. Speedy N.C. back joins the class
Blink, and you might miss running back @Blovee_23. WATCH #cardclass15 signee #6 (6:01am): https://t.co/QSFh6J2xwZ pic.twitter.com/lsZfnlYGiu- Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) February 4, 2015
Bryce Love 5-10/180, RB
Comment: Love was offered by the Cardinal after his sophomore year of high school. He took three visits to campus - one for Junior Day last spring, one for the Utah game this fall, and one for the official visit earlier this month. Love is known for his speed - he clocked a 4.4 40-yard dash at The Opening and is an accomplished sprinter. Along with Christian McCaffrey, Love should give the Cardinal a sizable dose of speed out of the backfield for years to come.
Related Reading: Love on Stanford offer; Love details Stanford commitment
5:43 a.m. late addition Tyler signs
Welcome WR @jtyler1596 and his 8,681 total yards to #CardClass15! WATCH signee #5 (5:43am): https://t.co/UemmK57MZe pic.twitter.com/uQG73mlj8p- Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) February 4, 2015
Jabiari Tyler WR, 5-8/170
Comment: Tyler was the last of the 2015 signees to receive a Cardinal scholarship offer. Stanford offered him on the morning of January 21st. He committed about eight hours later, after getting word that he had been admitted to the school. Tyler emerged on Stanford's radar after a strong performance at their summer camp. There are questions about Tyler's size, but the Cardinal hopes they aren't enough to prevent him from being a weapon as a slot receiver and on special teams.
Related Reading: 2015 Introduction: Jabiari Tyler; Stanford commitment a dream come true for Tyler
5:20 a.m. four-star Wilson makes it official
Welcome road grader and #CardClass15 signee #4 (5:20am) OG @MiltonOL77 to the Farm! WATCH: https://t.co/Zg1yOTZ9TQ pic.twitter.com/Y5rw5e4c3X- Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) February 4, 2015
Nick Wilson OG, 6-2/286
Comment: Wilson was one of the first 2015 offensive linemen to receive a Stanford offer, and the Cardinal vaulted towards the top of Wilson's leaderboard shortly thereafter. A Junior Day visit to The Farm last March cemented Stanford's status as Wilson's favorite, and he committed to the Cardinal on July 4th. Wilson was a powerful blocker for his Milton High School squad, and Stanford hopes his abilities will translate will as a guard on the college level.
So excited to spend the next 4 years of my life at the amazing Stanford University! 🌲 pic.twitter.com/hFwItNrulZ- Nick Wilson (@MiltonOL77) February 4, 2015
Related Reading: Wilson has a leader; Inside the commitment: Nick Wilson
South Carolina Gatorade POY is No. 3
Card catch S.C. Gatorade POTY wide receiver @jjarcega_22, signee #3 in #cardclass15! WATCH: https://t.co/dGFUjSbEXr pic.twitter.com/fMkBFy4Mup- Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) February 4, 2015
J.J. Arcega-Whiteside 6-4/205, WR
Comment: Arcega-Whiteside picked up a Stanford offer last spring, and the wideout committed to the Cardinal a few months later following an unofficial visit to The Farm. Also a talented basketball player who was offered by a few schools for his talents on the hardwood, Arcega-Whiteside was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in South Carolina following a terrific senior season. Arcega-Whiteside is not a burner, but he's an extremely productive player with terrific size and ball skills.
Related Reading: Arcega-Whiteside talks Stanford commitment; Big weekend for Arcega-Whiteside
4:19 a.m. Stanford lands Dylan over SEC powers
DE @Dylan_Jackson79 (4:19am) joins the #partyinthebackfield! WATCH #CardClass15 signee #2: https://t.co/NAU1VFqk1Y pic.twitter.com/nbLl5FVRqp- Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) February 4, 2015
Dylan Jackson 6-6/250, DE
Comment: He was committed to Tennessee at the time, but defensive end Dylan Jackson took notice when Stanford offered him a scholarship early last summer. He quietly took an official visit to the school for the USC game, and after he opened up his recruitment in December, the Cardinal were considered among his frontrunners. The competition was stiff, however. A number of schools closer to home came calling, and Stanford had to overcome the distance factor to land Jackson's commitment, which they eventually did. Stanford compared Jackson to Henry Anderson during the recruiting process, and the Cardinal hopes he will thrive as a defensive end in their 3-4 scheme like Anderson did.
Related Reading: Jackson talks Stanford commitment
4:11 a.m. Chaffin first to sign
Welcome to #CardClass15 signee #1 center @B_Chaffin65 (4:11am)! WATCH: https://t.co/4jZOFi7KQi #gostanford pic.twitter.com/7XcXo2382N- Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) February 4, 2015
Brian Chaffin OC, 6-2/285
Comment: Chaffin had been on Stanford's radar throughout the spring, and the Under Armour All American picked up a Cardinal offer in late-April after Stanford swung by high school during the spring evaluation period. With an offer in hand, Chaffin took an unofficial visit to The Farm in early June. He committed to the Cardinal about a week later. Chaffin will play center at Stanford, and should be in the mix to replace Graham Shuler when Shuler departs a few years from now.
Related reading: Chaffin talks Stanford offer; Chaffin reflects on decision
Advertisement