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The SEC again will be big winners on junior college national signing day Wednesday — and with other junior college prospects who are unable to sign until February and enroll over the summer.
The 2016 class is headlined by strong haul from the Tennessee Volunteers, including Jonathan Kongbo, the top junior college prospect in the nation based on the 247Sports’ composite rankings.
RELATED: Previewing JUCO signing day
Here’s a look at some of the top JUCO players in the nation and where they have committed.
Jonathan Kongbo, DE, 6-6, 265, Arizona Western College, 5-stars (Committed to Tennessee): The nation’s top JUCO player could be a one-and-done at the FBS level, but if he pans out like expected he will be one of the top players on the edge in 2016. Kongbo will not sign until February and has continued to look at other programs.
Mark Thompson, RB, 6-2, 225, Dodge City Community College, 4-stars (Committed to Florida): Florida’s offense needs a big back who can pair with Kelvin Taylor and Jordan Scarlett to give the Gators plenty of options in the backfield.
Future Gators. #GatorNation #MyPromise ????
Won't happen again next year.
@Rick_Wells3 @stone_forsythe @StillDat_ pic.twitter.com/aX6S2bx2k3
— Mark Thompson (@InMarkWeTrust) November 29, 2015
Charles Baldwin, OT, 6-5, 315, ASA College, 4-stars (Committed to Alabama): The Crimson Tide often look to the junior colleges to find depth in the trenches and Baldwin fits the mold of the big bodies they like to bring in who can line up at right tackle or either guard position.
Javon Wims, WR, 6-4, 215, Hinds Community College, 4-stars (Committed to Georgia): The Bulldogs hope Wims can be the red-zone presence they haven’t had since A.J. Green. With his size and speed Wims will be able to stretch the field and give the young quarterbacks a good target.
Natereace Strong, RB, 6-1, 210, Hinds Community College, 4-stars (Committed to Missouri): A tough, aggressive runner who should be able to move the chains for the Tigers if not break a couple of big runs a game.
Alexis Johnson, DT, 6-4, 300, Fort Scott Community College, 4-stars (Committed to Tennessee): A thick interior player that will take on a lot of double teams and let the edge rushers do their thing. Johnson can also get after the passes when needed.
Tate Leavitt, OT, 6-6, 300, Hutchinson Community College, 3-stars (Committed to Kentucky): Here’s a versatile blocker that can lineup at either tackle or guard position and be a capable performer. Will be a valuable asset to Kentucky’s line in 2016.
John Franklin, QB/ATH, 6-0, 185, East Mississippi Community College, 3-stars (Committed to Auburn): Franklin was a member of Florida State’s 2014 recruiting class as a quarterback and is probably a better fit for Auburn’s offense. Could also move to receiver or defensive back depending on the depth chart.
David Luafatasaga, OLB, 6-3, 225, Arizona Western College, 3-stars (Committed to Mississippi): A scheme versatile linebacker that can play inside or outside and even jump into pass coverage when needed. Long arms and athleticism will make him a good matchup against tight ends in the slot.
Dre Massey, WR, Holmes Community College, 5-11, 185, 3-stars (Committed to Florida): Massey will give the Gators an immediate burst of speed in the slot and has the ability to turn short passes into long gains. A much needed big-play presence in the Gators offense.
Corey Long is a freelance writer for SaturdayDownSouth.com. Follow Corey on Twitter @CoreyLong.
