TCU Recruiting: Frogs look to finish strong

With National Signing Day just weeks away, it's officially crunch time as schools across the country try to close the recruiting season on a high note. For TCU, the goal is to add a few more big names to what is arguably the best recruiting class in school history.

Here's the list of current commitments (rankings, ht./wt. from 247Sports).

With eight members of the 2016 class already on campus (Williams, Simmons, Boesen, Gaynor, Chambers, Olonilua, Wooten, and Lynn), four of whom are JUCO transfers, there's serious potential for an immediate impact from this class.

Of course, this is in addition to transfers John Diarse, a wide receiver from LSU, and Benjamin Banogu, a defensive end from Louisiana Monroe. Diarse will be immediately eligible, as he's a graduate transfer (with TWO years to play), while Banogu will be required to sit out a season, after which he will have two years to play.

Some big names to take note of on TCU's commit list are defensive ends Sci Martin and Isaiah Chambers, and defensive tackle Ross Blacklock. These three, along with JUCO transfer Matt Boesen, restock the TCU defensive line with an insane amount of talent. However, it'll be a tough battle to keep Martin and Chambers, as Alabama is making a hard run at Martin, while Chambers made his way to Austin this past weekend to visit the Longhorns.

On the offensive side of the ball, Sewo Olonilua and Brennen Wooten are already on campus and learning the ins and outs of the Meacham & Cumbie playbook. Not to mention, JUCO transfer Taj Williams and early enrollee Isaiah Graham are also already on campus and bonding with new teammates. Williams could have an immediate impact as the Frogs look to try and find someone to fill Josh Doctson's massive shoes.

Currently, 247Sports has TCU's class ranked as the No. 20 class in the country, No. 2 in the Big 12, for 2016. TCU's class isn't finished, though, and they'll be hosting quite a few big names over the next several weekends as they try to close out the class of 2016 on a high note. Here's who you should keep an eye on as we get closer and closer to signing day (links take you to each player's HUDL film).

Kyle Porter, RB, 4-Stars, Katy, Texas

Porter is one of the most impressive running backs yet to commit, as 247Sports has him rated as the No. 11 running back in the class. He's down to three schools: TCU, Texas, and Arkansas, and he just visited TCU this past weekend (the weekend of the 15th).

Porter also has visits to Texas (Jan. 22) and Arkansas (Jan. 29) scheduled, and it's likely we won't hear a decision from him until signing day. He's an incredibly strong runner, and he's not afraid of contact. He also has great hands coming out of the backfield, making him a legitimate offensive weapon in a variety of ways.

Tyrie Cleveland, WR, 4-Stars, Houston, Texas

Cleveland has been on TCU's radar for quite a while now, and also visited Fort Worth this past weekend. Although he's currently committed to Houston, the thought is that he'll flip somewhere prior to signing day. Texas A&M, Arkansas, and Florida are all in the mix for the 6-2 wide receiver, and he's got visits scheduled to Arkansas (Jan. 22) and Florida (Jan. 29) left after this weekend.

Cameron Lewis, S, 4-Stars, Monroe, Louisiana

Lewis is currently committed to LSU but he has an official visit to TCU scheduled for January 29th, the weekend before signing day. The 6'1" safety also played quarterback for his high school, flashing incredible athleticism on both sides of the ball. While it's hard to imagine Lewis flipping to TCU, the fact that he's taking an OV just days before signing day has to elicit even the slightest bit of hope from TCU fans.

Willie Allen, OT, 4-Stars, New Orleans, Louisiana

TCU is locked in a battle with LSU to land Allen's services, and either team would benefit greatly from bringing the 6'7", 300 pound offensive tackle. Simply put, Allen swallows up defensive linemen with his size, great hands, and solid footwork.

Trayvon Mullen, CB, 4-Stars, Pompano Beach, Florida

A 6'1" corner with excellent speed, Mullen is currently an LSU lean, but did take an official visit to TCU back in November. Trayvon is an Army All American who holds over 30 offers from across the country. Tall, rangy, and possessing great instinct, he is equally adept at pass coverage as run support. With a top five of TCU, LSU, FSU, Clemson, and Louisville, the Florida native is keeping his options open up until signing day, but would be a huge get for Gary Patterson and his defense.

Jared Mayden, CB, 4-Stars, Sachse, Texas

The former Oregon Duck commit reopened his commitment a couple weeks ago (just after the Alamo Bowl in fact, go figure), and with over 40 offers to choose from, his phone has likely been buzzing nonstop since. While most seem to think he will end up at LSU or Alabama, he includes Florida, Florida State, Michigan, Ohio State, and UCLA among his top options. Oklahoma is making a late push for the four star, but TCU still has an outside chance to get back in the hunt.

DeAndre Christmas-Giles, DT, 3-Stars, New Orleans, Louisiana

Christmas in February? Frog fans are certainly hoping so. The massive DT out of Louisiana, and one time Tennessee commit, reopened his recruitment in December after receiving offers from Texas and LSU. Though the Tigers are the leaders for the in-state stud, TCU has certainly been gaining steam since Christmas-Giles official visit in early December. With an official visit to Baton Rouge over the long weekend, it might not be long before he makes his choice, and prying him away from Les Miles may be too tall a task.

Audie Omotosho, WR, 3-Stars, Plano, Texas

The 6'2" receiver has been on TCU's radar since the summer, but didn't receive his formal offer until this past month. While he doesn't have eye-popping stats, pre se, he grades out somewhere between three and four stars depending on your preferred service, and has excellent measurables. He has proven himself a great leader on and off the field - serving as Plano East's senior class president this year. With over 30 offers and rising interest, lead recruiter Sonny Cumbie is battling against UCLA and OSU to pry the top target away. Though Omotosho has yet to take an official visit to TCU, there could be one in the works before signing day - he recently visited OSU and has four OVs remaining.

Lucas Niang, OG, 3-Stars, New Caanan, Connecticut

For some reason, this is the name that I'm waiting to see commit. After hanging out with early-enrollee QB Brennen Wooten in San Antonio for the Alamo Bowl, it appears that moment may come soon, as he is predicted by most to sign with the Frogs. At 6'6" and nearly 300 pounds, Niang is a big body on the offensive line who isn't afraid to get physical, possesses good footwork, and projects to be a very good tackle or possibly excellent guard. With Miami and Georgia hot on his heels, the Frogs have some work left to do, but his OV was a success and he seems very fond of Fort Worth.

Darius Anderson, RB, 3-Stars, Rosenberg, Texas

Anderson led George Ranch High School to a Texas State Championship at the 5A level this past fall, rushing for 246 yards and two touchdowns in the championship game. He ran for over 200 yards in the final four playoff games for George Ranch. I would encourage you to stop down and watch his HUDL film.

Anderson made an official visit to TCU over the weekend (weekend of the 15th), along with Kyle Porter, Tyrie Cleveland, and a handful of TCU commits.