Several of the top recruits in the 2024 ESPN 300 showcased their talents in weeknight games before they take the field as college football players on Saturdays. Among the standout performances, recruits committed to Oklahoma, Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Alabama put on a show.
The Oklahoma Sooners had a fruitful week, securing a commitment from Nigel Smith II, a talented defensive end from Melissa High School in Texas. Smith, ranked No. 101 overall, becomes the ninth ESPN 300 recruit for head coach Brent Venables and the Sooners.
#Sooners recruit David Stone gets his big hand on the ball, picks it off and houses it for 96 yards to give IMG a 20 point lead in the 3rd quarter. #OU #inpreps #BoomerSooner pic.twitter.com/NHW3HqxmlZ
— Indiana Preps (@IndianaPreps) September 9, 2023
One recruit who stayed true to his roots is Stone, an Oklahoma City native who currently plays at IMG Academy in Florida. Stone, ranked No. 6 overall in the 2024 class, committed to the Sooners on August 26. His dominant performance against Ben Davis High School in Indiana showcased his skills as a defensive tackle, including an impressive 94-yard pick-six.
Another highly sought-after recruit is Hudson, a five-star wide receiver ranked No. 13 overall. Despite being the highest-ranked prospect in the 2024 ESPN 300 yet to commit, Hudson displayed his exceptional talent in a game between Lake Belton High School and Red Oak High School in Texas. He caught three passes for 149 yards and a touchdown, solidifying his status as a top recruit with offers from prestigious programs like Texas, Alabama, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech.
5 ⭐️ WR Micah Hudson and QB Eli Mascarenas are already in sync for Lake Belton 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/pIMbYGFkB9
— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) September 8, 2023
In Ohio State’s 2024 class, Smith is one of two ESPN 300 receivers. The talented wide receiver from Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Florida showcased his skills with a touchdown against Bergen Catholic High School in New Jersey. Ohio State’s recruiting class, featuring 14 ESPN 300 pledges, is currently ranked second in the country.
Carr, from Saline High School in Michigan, is a linchpin for Notre Dame’s recruiting class, which is ranked 14th according to ESPN. Carr threw three touchdown passes and ran for another in a victory over Ann Arbor High School, highlighting his potential as a quarterback.
Touchdown Chaminade Madonna.
Bailey 40 yard pass to Jeremiah Smith.
1001 left in first.
Bailey 6-6 on drive.
PAT good.
Lions 7
Bergen Catholic 0 pic.twitter.com/UjN5tT57kN— Varsity Aces (@VarsityAces) September 8, 2023
Mbakwe, the No. 4 overall prospect in the 2024 cycle, displayed his versatility by excelling as a cornerback and quarterback for Clay-Chalkville High School in Alabama. His standout performance included a long touchdown run and a touchdown pass to fellow ESPN 300 member Mario Craver.
Lastly, Graham, a standout wide receiver from New Haven High School in Indiana, impressed with his performance against Leo High School. Graham’s contribution in terms of receptions, yards, and touchdowns has been key for the Bulldogs.
These standout performances from top college football recruits emphasize the depth of talent and the bright future ahead for colleges like Oklahoma, Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Alabama. As the recruits prepare to transition to the college level, football fans can expect great things from these promising players.
