Must-get recruits in the 2022 football recruiting cycle

In each recruiting cycle, there are must-get recruits for programs.

The reasons are many.  It can be a great in-state player that must be kept away from out-of-state foes, a big-time prospect that is a legacy, a new coach at a school that needs to grab serious momentum and many more. 

Whatever the reason may be, must-get recruits are paramount in a constant battle of perception in recruiting. 

On3 has identified 10 must-get recruits in the 2022 football recruiting cycle.

Marvin Jones Jr., EDGE, Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage

The No. 1 ranked prospect in the 2022 class is a must-get for Florida State. Sure his father is one of the top players in program history, but the Seminoles need to flip the script. The competition to land him is Alabama, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Ohio State and Miami. Jones has been to Miami multiple times and is close to assistants Jess Simpson and Mike Rumph. The good news for Seminoles fans is that FSU is currently slated to get the last visit following Alabama in November. The once potent recruiting force in Tallahassee simply has to keep the Jones family in Garnet and Gold. If FSU is to return to being a top 10 program, this can not be the latest one that got away.

Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy, DT, Lakeland (Fla.) Lakeland

While it’s difficult to call a recruit from Lakeland High a must-get recruit for Oklahoma, On3 is doing just that. Not only are both of the 6-foot-2, 280-pounder’s parents from Oklahoma, but he was also been a fan of the Sooners growing up. Only Clemson can come close to reaching the level of love Brownlow-Dindy has for the Sooners. The latest national recruit out of Sunshine State power Lakeland High has made official visits to Texas A&M and Ohio State. The Aggies are making a serious run. The Sooners will receive a visit in September, and trips to Clemson and Florida are possible. With the move to the SEC and the Sooners needing to continue to add difference makers on defense, this was a simple choice. 

Shemar Stewart, DL, Miami (Fla.) Monsignor Pace

Miami has done an admirable job of winning key battles close to home under Manny Diaz. In the 2022 cycle, the Hurricanes must get recruit is five-star defensive lineman Shemar Stewart. Stewart was on campus in Coral Gables three times in June and the Canes have some momentum. The competition is fierce with Georgia, Ohio State, Texas A&M and Clemson in the mix. The Bulldogs have had considerable success in south Florida, while the Aggies are trying to become a force in the Sunshine State. 

Evan Stewart, WR, Frisco (Texas) Liberty 

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian knows the program needs to keep adding elite speed and playmakers. That makes five-star Evan Stewart an easy choice as the must-get for the Longhorns. The road to sign the two-sport star that will clean up in NIL is not easy. Both Alabama and Florida are considered serious threats. LSU and Texas A&M will continue chipping away. Texas will need to look terrific on the field this season to win out here, even with the move to the SEC. 

Quency Wiggins, DL, Baton Rouge (La.) Madison Prep 

The 6-foot-6, 270-pounder with an 85-inch wingspan wasn’t on the radar a year ago. Now, he’s a must-get recruit for LSU in the 2022 cycle. Even in the SEC region, this level of talent on the defensive line doesn’t grow on trees. And when the competition is Alabama, Texas and Auburn, the Tigers must keep Wiggins home. Good news for LSU fans, Ed Oregon and staff covet Wiggins and the Tigers are expected to get the last visit. 

Brenen Thompson, WR, Spearman (Texas) Spearman

Texas A&M has added terrific talent under Jimbo Fisher with three-straight top-10 classes. If there is one position the Aggies need to address to take the next step, it is wide receiver. That makes Brenen Thompson a must-get recruit in the 2022 cycle. Thompson’s 10.4-second 100-meter speed has the likes of Texas, Oregon, Alabama and Clemson charging hard. 

Devon Campbell, IOL, Arlington (Texas) Bowie

Campbell is a second must-get recruit for Texas, but that is expected with a first-year head coach trying to bring a national power back. Combined with the main competition being Oklahoma, and IOL Devon Campbell is an easy pick as a must-get recruit for the Longhorns. With the move to the SEC happening in short order, the Longhorns must win key trench battles. In the 2021 class, Texas lost out on every elite offensive line prospect. Alabama, LSU and USC are working to play spoiler to the Red River Showdown on the trail. 

Antonio Williams, WR, Irmo (S.C.) Dutch Fork

Winning big in state has been tough on South Carolina in recent years. That alone makes Antonio Williams a must-get recruit. Add in that the Gamecocks need big-time playmakers, and it adds another key layer of importance. The competition will be tough with Lane Kiffin’s powerful offense on the prowl in Oxford. Auburn and Georgia are also in the mix. 

Tyreese Fearbry, EDGE, Pittsburgh Perry Traditional Academy

After the talented EDGE prospect decommitted from Penn State, he instantly became a must-get recruit for Pittsburgh. Keeping this level prospect home is difficult for the Panthers, so they simply can’t miss now with a second chance. The Panthers are up against it, however. Kentucky has been surging, and Auburn also received a June official visit. 

Caden Curry, DL, Greenwood (Ind.) Center Grove

Indiana doesn’t often show up on the must-get recruits list, but that has changed. Tom Allen has the program ascending, and now the expectations have increased. Enter defensive tackle Caden Curry. Curry has been nationally recruited for well over a year and would be a huge win for the Hoosiers. Beating out SEC and ACC powers for Curry would be another step in the right direction for the program. A top-25 recruiting class in Bloomington not on the hardwood could become a reality with Curry.