Every signing day there are recruits that are overshadowed by other members of their recruiting class for various reasons. Some prospects unshaken commitments to their schools keeps them off the radar while other prospects are overlooked because of the other talent on their school's commit list or other headline names in the region.
Here’s a look at five overlooked commitments who could end up outshining the recruits who will be the talk of the town on Wednesday.
Norman (Oklahoma) North quarterback John Kolar
Committed to Oklahoma State
Rank: No. 72 in ESPN 300
Why he’s overshadowed: Because he wants to be. Kolar didn’t make an event out of his recruitment. He picked OSU in March and went through the remainder of the recruiting cycle without even a murmur about any indecision.
Why he could make a big impact: With sophomore-to-be Mason Rudolph standing between him and major playing time, an immediate impact from Kolar is unlikely. Yet, he’s the No. 3-ranked pocket passer in the nation with the ability to become a star in the Cowboys offense. Other ESPN 300 prospects like Baylor signee Jarrett Stidham and Texas signee Malik Jefferson have gotten the headlines, but Kolar could have as big an impact during his career as any player in the Class of 2015.
Longview (Texas) running back Ja’Mycal Hasty
Committed to Baylor
Rank: No. 262 in ESPN 300
Why he’s overshadowed: Hasty is looking up at 20 running backs in the RecruitingNation rankings, yet he has the potential to be as productive as any of those higher-ranked players, particularly in Art Briles' offense. In addition, Hasty picked Baylor early in the recruiting cycle while other in-state running backs became household names while taking their time making a choice.
Why he could make a big impact: Hasty combines terrific open-field ability with excellent speed. He could be a major headache when combined with the Bears’ exceptional receivers and talented quarterbacks with his quickness and big-play ability.
Honolulu (Hawaii) Farrington defensive tackle Breiden Fehoko
Signed with Texas Tech
Rank: No. 51 in ESPN 300
Why he’s overshadowed: Fehoko would have been a household name if he played his high school football in Texas, and his unwavering commitment to Texas Tech didn’t spark the speculation that makes elite prospects become "program saviors" in the eyes of fan bases. He’s highly-regarded by recruiting analysts and college programs alike, but he hasn’t gotten the attention of other ESPN 300 recruits like Texas’ Malik Jefferson or Oklahoma’s PJ Mbanasor.
Why he could make a big impact: His talent is unquestioned, and the Red Raiders would love to have an anchor to build their revamped defense around. It wouldn’t be a shock to see Fehoko become one of the Big 12’s top defenders, and Tech needs that type of impact defender if the Red Raiders hope to turn things around under Kliff Kingsbury.
Lakeland (Florida) Victory Christian linebacker Cecil Cherry
Committed to Texas
Rank: No. 20 inside linebacker, No. 105 in Florida
Why he’s overshadowed: The Longhorns have three ESPN 300 linebackers on their commit list, making it easy to overlook Cherry. Alabama, Ohio State and Auburn join Texas on his offer list, a sign of his supreme talent. But Jefferson, Cameron Townsend and Anthony Wheeler will garner the bulk of the headlines on Wednesday.
Why he could make a big impact: Cherry looks like a ideal prospect for Charlie Strong’s defense. He’s athletic, aggressive and will bring a physical presence to the field. Cherry has the talent to end up being as good as any Big 12 linebacker signed on Wednesday.
Stone Mountain (Georgia) Stephenson receiver Isaiah Zuber
Committed to Kansas State
Rank: No. 124 in Georgia, No. 161 receiver
Why he’s overshadowed: Georgia is a talent-rich state, making it easy for a talent like Zuber to be overlooked. A three-star prospect who picked KSU over offers from Virginia Tech, Boston College and others, Zuber could become a key playmaker in the Wildcats' offense.
Why he could make a big impact: Zuber doesn’t bring exceptional size or blazing speed to the table. But his quickness is a major asset, and the Wildcats have a habit of finding quality receiving prospects who might not have the ideal measurable, but can be developed into productive playmakers.
