By Mike Lilly
With the adaptation of the 12-team playoff coupled with watching two teams-Michigan with 38 three-stars and Washington with 49 three-stars on their rosters, depth and roster management have become paramount in winning a championship. Here are four players from the recruiting trail who could help your team in the quest to win a national championship in the years to come:
DB Onis Konanbanny
Columbia, SC
The 6’2″, 170 lb. corner currently holds 34 offers, including offers from Tennessee, Michigan, Oregon and North Carolina. Konanbanny did not move to The U.S. from Europe until 2022, growing up in France.
- In 2023, Konanbanny’s junior season, he transferred to Heathwood Hall Episcopal, where he got snaps at DB and WR. He recorded 22 tackles (2 TFL) while also deflecting 11 passes and recovering 2 fumbles.
- Konanbanny has most recently taken visits to Florida State, NC State, and North Carolina (his second visit). Konanbanny would be a fantastic addition to any class with tremendous athletic upside. UNC seems to have a slight edge early.
DL Trajen Odom
Cary, NC
The 6’5″, 265 lb. defensive lineman currently holds 30 offers, including Florida State, Miami, Georgia and most recently Ohio State.
- Odom is versatile, seeing snaps from all positions on the defensive line. In 2023, his junior campaign, he recorded 54 tackles (22 TFL), 4 sacks, and 1 forced fumble in 10 games.
- Odom is currently scheduled to be at Miami’s junior day on January 27th. I would anticipate Odom to receive a generous bump in recruiting rankings as we get further along in the 2025 cycle, given the increase in activity of his recruitment. Miami could have the lead here.
More Sports News
LB Weston Port
San Juan Capistrano, CA
The 6’2″, 225 lb. linebacker currently holds 33 offers, including offers from Ohio State, North Carolina, Auburn, and recently, Texas A&M
- In 2023, his junior campaign, Port recorded 128 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions in 13 games, seeing most of his snaps at outside linebacker.
- Port was also the starting shooting guard for the San Juan Hills basketball team in his sophomore season, showing his athletic upside.
- Port currently remains uncommitted with his most recent visit an unofficial visit to Duke last year. Watch out for A&M here with Mike Elko having an established relationship.
DL Stephon Shivers
Humboldt, TN
The 6’5″, 355 lb. defensive lineman holds 13 offers, including offers from Georgia, Auburn, Tennessee, and most recently Oregon.
- Shivers primarily saw snaps on the interior defensive line. He is also on the Humboldt basketball team, playing center.
- Shivers currently remains uncommitted, with his most recent visits being to Tennessee and Mississippi State. I would expect more activity in his recruitment as he picks up more offers. The Vols are in good shape early.
