CFB Recruiting 200: Top 200 Overall Recruits in Class of 2015
After thorough study using specific scoring criteria, Bleacher Report recruiting analysts Sanjay Kirpalani and Tyler Donohue have graded the top 200 players in the 247Sports Composite Rankings and provided in-depth analysis. As national signing day draws near, Bleacher Report provides a position-by-position breakdown of the best college football recruits. Today, we present the Overall Top 200.
The Class of 2015 is loaded with impressive talent. It's perhaps strongest on the defensive side of the ball, but there are still a great deal of offensive players who will be major household names.
Stud high school players from Florida, Texas and California dominate the top overall rankings, but nearly every state is represented in 247Sports Composite Rankings, which compile ratings listed by the major media recruiting services.
Some of the players in the top overall rankings will go on to make an immediate impact next season, while others will continue to develop and learn before getting their chance to shine.
This list provides a glimpse of college football's future stars and how they've arrived at this point. Continue on for our review of the rankings, complete with individual scouting reports and insight on each prospect.
Be sure to sound off in the comments below with your thoughts on overall rankings, scores and recruit projections.
Recruits 200-181
1 of 105
200. 4-Star CB Roney Elam, Newton (Newton, Texas
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Texas A&M
199. 4-Star DT Darvin Taylor, Thomas Dale (Chester, Virginia)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Florida State
198. 4-Star DE Austin Bryant,Thomas County Central (Thomasville, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Clemson
197. 4-Star DT Marquise Overton, Jenks (Jenks, Oklahoma)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Oklahoma
196. 4-Star TE C.J. O'Grady, Fayetteville (Fayetteville, Arkansas)
Bleacher Report Score: 80/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Arkansas
195. 4-Star S Ronnie Harrison, Florida State Univ. School (Tallahassee, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Alabama
194. 4-Star WR Miles Boykin, Providence Catholic (New Lenox, Illinois)
Bleacher Report Score: 75/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Notre Dame
193. 4-Star S Tyree Kinnel, Wayne (Dayton, Ohio)
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Michigan
192. 4-Star OLB Richard McBryde, Charles Henderson School (Troy, Alabama)
Bleacher Report Score: 85/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Auburn
191. 4-Star TE Jackson Harris, Columbia Central (Columbia, Tennessee)
Bleacher Report Score: 86/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Georgia
190. 4-Star ILB Cameron Smith, Granite Bay (Granite Bay, California)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to USC
189. 4-Star ATH Jaason Lewis,
188. 4-Star OT Sterling Jenkins, Baldwin (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Bleacher Report Score: 85/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Penn State
187. 4-Star WR Ryan Davis, Lakewood (Saint Petersburg, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 83/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Auburn
186. 4-Star TE Garrett Williams, The First Academy (Orlando, FL)
Bleacher Report Score: 83/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Clemson
185. 4-Star WR Blake Lynch, Gilmer (Gilmer, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 84/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Baylor
184. 4-Star OG Kyonta Stallworth, Detroit Martin Luther King (Detroit, Michigan)
Bleacher Report Score: 80/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Michigan State
183. 4-Star ILB Asmar Bilal, Ben Davis (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Notre Dame
182. 4-Star OT Keaton Sutherland, Marcus (Flower Mound, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 83/100
Recruitment Status: Committed To Texas A&M
181. 4-Star OG Jalin Barnett, Lawton (Lawton, Oklahoma)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Nebraska
Recruits 180-161
2 of 105
180. 4-Star C Tommy Hatton, St. Joseph Regional (Montvale, NJ)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to North Carolina
179. 4-Star WR J.F. Thomas, South Oak Cliff (Dallas, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 85/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to TCU
178. 4-Star CB Xavier Lewis, East St. John (Reserve, Louisiana)
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to LSU
177. 4-Star OLB Darrell Williams, Hoover (Birmingham, Alabama)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Auburn
176. 4-Star QB Zach Gentry, Eldorado (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Bleacher Report Score: 83/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Michigan
175. 4-Star OT Bobby Evans, Allen (Allen, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 84/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Oklahoma
174. 4-Star DE Fletcher Adams, Brandon (Brandon, Mississippi)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Mississippi State
173. 4-Star Anfernee Jennings,
Bleacher Report Score: 83/100
Recruitment Status: Alabama
172. 4-Star RB Kirk Merritt, Destrehan (Destrehan, Louisiana)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Oregon
171. 4-Star OLB Adonis Thomas, Central Gwinnett (Lawrenceville, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Alabama
170. 4-Star S Jaquan Johnson, Killian (Miami, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Miami
169. 4-Star WR Derrick Dillon, Pine (Franklinton, Louisiana)
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Florida
168. 4-Star S Jordan Colbert,Griffin (Griffin, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Auburn
167. 4-Star QB Jauan Jennings, Blackman (Murfreesboro, Tennessee)
Bleacher Report Score: 71/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Tennessee
166. 4-Star RB Nick Brossette, University Lab (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to LSU
165. 4-Star ATH Shawn Burgess-Becker, Monarch (Pompano Beach, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Alabama
164. 4-Star S Will Sunderland, Midwest City (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Bleacher Report Score: 86/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Oklahoma
163. 4-Star OLB Ben Humphreys, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, California)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Duke
162. 4-Star ILB Darrin Kirkland Jr. Lawrence Central (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Tennessee
161. 4-Star OT Ryan Bates, Archbishop Wood (Warminster, Pennsylvania)
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Penn State
Recruits 160-141
3 of 105
160. 4-Star CB Tyrek Cole, Miramar (Miramar, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to West Virginia
159. 4-Star WR Equanimeous St. Brown, Servite (Anaheim, California)
Bleacher Report Score: 83/100
Recruitment Status: Uncommitted
158. 4-Star OT Jerry Tillery, Evangel Christian Academy (Shreveport, Louisiana)
Bleacher Report Score: 84/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Notre Dame
157. 4-Star WR Jovon Durante, Miramar (Miramar, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to West Virginia
156. 4-Star S Larry Pryor, Sulphur Springs (Sulphur Springs, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Texas A&M
155. 4-Star RB Rodney Anderson, Katy (Katy, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 82/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Oklahoma
154. 4-Star ATH Stanley Norman, Junipero Serra (Gardena, California)
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Arizona State
153. 4-Star WR K.J. Hill, North Little Rock (North Little Rock, Arkansas)
Bleacher Report Score: 85/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Arkansas
152. 4-Star DE Shameik Blackshear, Bluffton (Bluffton, South Carolina)
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to South Carolina
151. 4-Star ILB Jahvoni Simmons, Ocean Lakes (Virginia Beach, Virginia)
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Virginia
150. 4-Star DE Chauncey Rivers, Stephenson (Stone Mountain, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Georgia
149. 4-Star C Fred Ulu-Perry, St. Louis (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Bleacher Report Score: 86/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to UCLA
148. 4-Star QB Sam Darnold, San Clemente (San Clemente, California)
Bleacher Report Score: 73/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to USC
147. 4-Star RB Desherrius Flowers, Vigor (Mobile, Alabama)
Blecher Report Score: 87/100
Recruitment Status: Enrolled at Alabama
146. 4-Star TE Hale Hentges, Helias (Jefferson City, Missouri)
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Alabama
145. 4-Star CB Rico McGraw, Ensworth (Nashville, Tennessee)
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Georgia
144. 4-Star WR Carlos Strickland, Skyline (Dallas, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 72/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Cal
143. 4-Star DT Hjalte Froholdt, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Arkansas
142. 4-star ILB Josh Smith, Oakland (Murfreesboro, Tennessee)
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Vanderbilt
141. 4-Star WR Darius Slayton, Greater Atlanta Christian School (Norcross, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Auburn
Recruits 140-121
4 of 105
140. 4-Star ATH Marcus Lewis, Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.)
Bleacher Report Score: 83/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to FSU
139. 4-Star WR John Burt, Lincoln (Tallahassee, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Texas
138. 4-Star OLB Josh Barajas, Andrean (Merrillville, Indiana)
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Notre Dame
137. 4-Star SDE Dre'Mont Jones, St. Ignatius (Cleveland, Ohio)
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Ohio State
136. 4-Star DE James Lockhart, Ennis (Ennis, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Texas A&M
135. 4-Star S Justin Dunning, Whitehouse (Whitehouse, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Texas A&M
134. 4-Star RB Malik Lovette, Redlands East Valley (Redlands, California)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Oregon
133. 4-Star CB PJ Mbanasor, Hendrickson (Pflugerville, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Oklahoma
132. 4-Star S Rashad Roundtree, Lakeside (Evans, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Georgia
131. 4-Star C Patrick Vahe, Trinity (Euless, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Texas
130. 4-Star WR Juwan Johnson, Glassboro (Glassboro, New Jersey)
Bleacher Report Score: 86/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Penn State
129. 4-Star OT Jack Jones, Oakland (Murfreesboro, Tennessee)
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Tennessee
128. 4-Star OT Keenan Walker, Chaparral (Scottsdale, AZ)
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Arizona
127. 4-Star CB Eric Lee, Valor Christian (Littleton, Colorado)
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Nebraska
126. 4-Star CB John Reid, St. Joseph's (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Penn State
125. 4-Star CB Garrett Taylor, St. Christopher's School (Richmond, Virginia)
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Penn State
124. 4-Star DT Adam McLean, Quince Orchard (Gaithersburg, Maryland)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Maryland
123. 4-Star RB Saquon Barkley, Whitehall HS (Whitehall, Pennsylvania)
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Penn State
122. 4-Star RB Eric Swinney, Sandy Creek (Tyrone, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Ole Miss
121. 4-Star DE D'Andre Walker, Langston Hughes (Fairburn, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Georgia
Recruits 120-101
5 of 105
120. 4-Star CB Frank Buncom IV, St. Augustine (San Diego, California)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Stanford
119. Jake Fruhmorgen, Plant (Tampa, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Enrolled at Clemson
118. 4-Star RB Jordan Scarlett, St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Florida
117. 4-Star WR Alex Ofodile, Rock Bridge (Columbia, Missouri)
Bleacher Report Score: 84/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Oregon
116. Jeffery Holland, Trinity Christian (Jacksonville, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Auburn
115. DE Clelin Ferrell, Benedictine (Richmond, Virginia)
Bleacher Report Score: 85/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Clemson
114. 4-Star DE Mekhi Brown, Carver (Columbus, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Alabama
113. 4-Star CB Shaun Crawford, St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Notre Dame
112. 4-Star RB Nyheim Hines, Garner (Garner, North Carolina)
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to North Carolina State
111. 4-Star DE Darian Roseboro, Lincolnton (Lincolnton, North Carolina)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to North Carolina State
110. 4-Star DE Prince Tega Wanogho Jr. Edgewood Academy (Elmore, AL)
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Auburn
109. 4-Star QB Travis Waller, Servite (Anaheim, California)
Bleacher Report Score: 82/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Oregon
108. 4-Star WR Van Jefferson, Ravenwood (Brentwood, Tennessee)
Bleacher Report Score: 80/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Ole Miss
107. 4-Star OG Matthew Burrell, C.D. Hylton (Woodbridge, Virginia)
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Ohio State
106. 4-Star CB Jordan Whitehead Central Valley (Monaca, Pennsylvania)
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Pitt
105. 4-Star OT Isaiah Prince, Eleanor Roosevelt (Greenbelt, Maryland)
Bleacher Report Score: 82/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Ohio State
104. 4-Star OT Toby Weathersby, Westfield (Houston, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to LSU
103. 4-Star OT Abdul Bello, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 86/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Florida State
102. 4-Star OG Josh Wariboko, Casady School (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to UCLA
101. 4-Star OT Chidi Valentine-Okeke, Faith Baptist Christian Academy (Ludowici, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to LSU
100. 4-Star DT Tim Settle
6 of 105
Height/Weight: 6’3”, 300 lbs
High School: Stonewall Jackson High, Manassas, Va.
247 Ranking: No. 13 DT/No. 100 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Committed to: Virginia Tech on Jan. 2, 2015
Similar to fellow Virginia natives and good friends Da’Shawn Hand andMatthew Burrell, Tim Settle was a nationally known quantity well before his senior season began.
After netting offers from a numbers of powers from coast to coast, his recruitment came down to Louisville, Oklahoma State, USC, Virginia Tech and Washington State.
Settle committed to the Hokies during the Under Armour All-American Game.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Settle is a powerful force in the middle, who is often too strong to be blocked with just one man. He uses his hands well to get off blocks and to lock on to blockers when he’s bull-rushing. He’s very athletic for his size, and he can also collapse the pocket on passing downs. If he can manage his weight and maintain his explosiveness, he can be a very productive defensive tackle in college.
-Sanjay Kirpalani
99. 4-Star CB Eric Glover-Williams
7 of 105
Height/Weight: 5'11", 165 lbs
High School: McKinley High, Canton, Ohio
247Sports Ranking: No. 12 CB/No. 99 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Committed to Ohio State on Aug. 25, 2013
The very first player Urban Meyer was able to land in Ohio State's 2015 class was Eric Glover-Williams back in August of 2013.
Glover-Williams selected Ohio State over offers from Arkansas, Tennessee and West Virginia, among others.
As noted by Bill Kurelic of Bucknuts, he's a versatile prospect who excelled at both running back and corner during his prep career.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Glover-Williams is one of the more explosive athletes in this class, and his ability to create big plays in open space could mean he takes his snaps on offense in college. As a corner, he flashes great speed and instincts. He's more of an athlete playing corner instead of being a true corner at this stage. However, he has all the tools to develop into a solid defensive back at the next level.
-Sanjay Kirpalani
98. 4-Star WR Da'Vante Phillips
8 of 105
Height/Weight: 6'2", 204 lbs
High School: Miami Central High School; Miami, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 10 WR/No. 98 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 81/100
Enrolled at: Florida State
Da'Vante Phillips chose the Seminoles over his hometown Hurricanes on New Year's Eve 2014 and enrolled just a few days later. He follows in the footsteps of former teammate and friend Dalvin Cook, who starred at running back for the Seminoles as a true freshman.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Few members of this class rival his ability to catch the football in traffic. Phillips is a sure-handed target with excellent body control, allowing him to maintain momentum while snagging inaccurate pass attempts (24/25 for hands).
"Wherever I am on the field, I fight for the football," Phillips told me last summer. "I don't back down."
That mindset often shows up through a competitive streak that teammates should appreciate. Phillips doesn't project as the big-play weapon in a collegiate offense (23/30 for speed and agility) but should log plenty of starts as a reliable and feisty weapon.
— Tyler Donohue
97. 4-Star CB Kris Boyd
9 of 105
Height/Weight: 6'0", 181 lbs
High School: Gilmer High, Gilmer, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 11 CB/No. 97 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Committed to: Texas on Jan. 30, 2015
Kris Boyd is one of three corners from the Lone Star State ranked among the nation's top 10 corners.
His younger brother, Demarco, is a standout linebacker in the 2016 class.
Florida State was the primary threat to pull him away from his home state, but Texas beat out several in-state options for his pledge.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Boyd is a standout running back as well, and he brings an aggressive nature to the defensive side of the ball. In run support, he takes on blocks and is a sure tackler in space. He also displays great ball skills and athleticism in coverage.
-Sanjay Kirpalani
96. 4-Star CB Isaiah Langley
10 of 105
Height/Weight: 5'11", 170 lbs
High School: Foothill High; Pleasanton, California
247Sports Ranking: No. 9 CB/No. 96 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Committed to: USC on July 8, 2014
One of the biggest current commitments Steve Sarkisian has been able to land in USC's 2015 class is Isaiah Langley.
The 5'11", 170-pound California native selected USC in July over offers from Florida State, Georgia, Notre Dame, Oregon and UCLA, among others.
As Scott Schrader of FightOn247 notes, Langley has been one of the biggest recruiters for the Trojans during the 2015 cycle.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Langley is a two-way standout who could play running back or receiver in college as well. As a corner, he's a smooth athlete who plays bigger and faster than his listed measurables. His ball skills and his ability to stick to his receivers in man coverages jump out as traits that separate him as an elite corner in this class.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
95. 4-Star QB Drew Lock
11 of 105
Height/Weight: 6'3.5", 205 lbs
High School: Lee's Summit High School; Lee's Summit, Missouri
247Sports Ranking: No. 7 pro-style quarterback; No. 95 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 79/100
Committed to: Missouri on April 9, 2014
Drew Lock elected to follow in his father's footsteps. The son of a former Tigers offensive lineman, he selected the Tigers over offers from Michigan State, Ohio State and Tennessee.
Bleacher Report Analysis
I've been up-and-down when it comes to Lock's stock during the past year. I arrived at the Elite 11 finals last summer with limited expectations based on 2013 film study, but he appeared smoother in drills and seven-on-seven action than I anticipated.
However, further review of his 2014 tape failed to flash the kind of strides he must make from a technical standpoint. Lock lacks mobility beyond the pocket (3/10), so it's pivotal for him to maneuver effectively within a short area of space.
He routinely relies on a strong right arm (18/20), while sacrificing efficient lower-body work. His foot placement is still occasionally inconsistent when passes are released, and despite throwing for 2,679 yards and 28 scores as a senior, that lack of detail could spell disaster against SEC defenses if he doesn't clean things up.
— Tyler Donohue
94. 4-Star CB Mark Fields
12 of 105
Height/Weight: 5'11", 183 lbs
High School: William Amos Hough High, Cornelius, N.C.
247Sports Ranking: No. 10 CB/No. 95 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Committed to: Clemson on January 19
Mark Fields committed to South Carolina in March before reopening his recruiting process in December. He spurned the Gamecocks again by committing to their big rival, Clemson.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Fields is a polished corner who possesses great range and technique in pass coverage. When the ball is in the air, he attacks it like a receiver. He's a physical tackler in run support, and he has the instincts to also play safety.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
93. 4-Star RB Dexter Williams
13 of 105
Height/Weight: 6'0", 192 lbs
High School: West Orange High School; Winter Garden, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 11 RB/No. 93 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Committed to: Notre Dame
Bleacher Report Analysis
The first thing that stands out about Williams is his speed (18/20), as he rapidly accelerates once identifying daylight. Offensive linemen will love him due to his ability to find lanes and improvise when things go awry up-front (18/20 for vision).
I would expect Williams to tip the scales at 200-plus pounds in college, adding more bulk to his frame and power to his step. He already displays explosive tendencies, attacking the second level with excellent bend.
He can fall into a trap of moving east to west when the more efficient decision would be to rumble ahead and attempt to break through contact. Williams can get away with that method in high school but college defenders will bottle him up.
Despite a lack of pass targets at West Orange, I came away pleasantly surprised by how natural a receiving role came to him this summer at The Opening.
— Tyler Donohue
92. 4-Star DE Albert Huggins
14 of 105
Height/Weight: 6’3”, 283 lbs
High School: Orangeburg-Wilkinson High; Orangeburg, South Carolina
247 Ranking: No. 12 SDE/No. 92 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Enrolled at: Clemson
Albert Huggins earned offers from the likes of Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia and South Carolina in spring 2013.
However, his recruitment came down to Clemson and Georgia, with the Tigers earning his commitment last month.
He’s already enrolled at Clemson, where he figures to fight for playing time on a defensive line unit that graduated all four of its starters.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Huggins logged snaps as a defensive end in high school, and you can see the array of pass-rushing moves already in his game. He does of good job of shooting his hands into linemen on first contact, and he’s got great quickness coming off the ball. He’s athletic and powerful enough to be an immediate contributor to the Tigers defensive line.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
91. 4-Star DE Jashon Cornell
15 of 105
Height/Weight: 6’4”, 260 lbs
High School: Cretin-Derham Hall High; Saint Paul, Minnesota
247 Ranking: No. 7 SDE/No. 91 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Committed to: Ohio State on July 2, 2014
Jashon Cornell joined forces with linebacker Justin Hilliard in announcing his commitment to Ohio State, which helped jump-start a class that has since surged into the best class in the Big Ten and the No. 7 group in the country.
He selected the Buckeyes over Notre Dame and Michigan State, and as an early enrollee, he will participate in spring practice with the Buckeyes.
Cornell is the latest big-time prospect to emerge from Minnesota powerhouse Cretin-Derham Hall.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Cornell is another prospect with the physical capability to play right away in college. The fact that he’s an early enrollee will help him make the adjustment to the college level. He’s got the size, power and speed to be a force off the edge. He’s also versatile enough to slide inside and play tackle in certain sets. Overall, Cornell has the look of a prospect who can be an impact performer early in his career.
-Sanjay Kirpalani
90. 4-Star WR Daylon Charlot
16 of 105
Height/Weight: 6'0"/193 lbs
High School: Patterson High School, Patterson, Louisiana
247Sports Ranking: No. 9 wide receiver; No. 90 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 81/100
Committed to: Alabama
Bleacher Report Analysis
Charlot isn't necessarily an explosive playmaker, because he won't dazzle you with elite speed (12/15), but his toughness in traffic and reliable hands (23/25) make him a potential mainstay in any collegiate receiving rotation.
He fights to get open and isn't afraid to tussle with defenders in order to set an early tone in the matchup. Charlot needs to apply coaching lessons to his route running (15/20), as he tends to round off routes rather than finishing with sharp cuts that can create separation.
Charlot has excellent vision in the open field once he receives the ball, a trait which could lend itself well in the kick return game. He took a punt back for a score in the Under Armour All-America Game.
— Tyler Donohue
89. 4-Star C Tristen Hoge
17 of 105
Height/Weight: 6'4", 276 lbs
High School: Highland High School; Pocatello, Idaho
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 C/No. 89 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 84/100
Committed to: Notre Dame on Dec. 7, 2013
Tristen Hoge held several offers before the start of his junior season. Penn State, LSU, Stanford, Cal and Florida each saw enough evidence on his sophomore film to extend scholarships. He pledged to Notre Dame at the conclusion of the 2013 campaign, providing a cornerstone for Brian Kelly's class.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Hoge isn't exactly from a talent-laden region, but he certainly set himself apart from the pack in recent years. He demolished overwhelmed defenders, and there's substantial room for him to expand on his physical frame.
His ability to clamp down defensive linemen at the point of attack was apparent at The Opening, where Hoge exhibited consistent hand placement that gave him an early edge against elite opponents. He remains a work in progress from a physical standpoint and must do a better job bursting through his hips, resulting in a 7/10 grade in explosiveness.
— Tyler Donohue
88. 4-Star DE Natrez Patrick
18 of 105
Height/Weight: 6’3”, 259 lbs
High School: Mays High; Atlanta, Georgia
247 Ranking: No. 5 WDE/No. 88 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Committed to: Georgia on May 16, 2014
Natrez Patrick whittled his long list of offers down to Alabama and Georgia in the spring before committing to the Bulldogs. He held firm in that pledge and has already begun his college career by enrolling in Athens earlier this month.
Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State and Ole Miss were among the schools who offered Patrick.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Patrick is a player who has added some weight since I saw him last spring at the Atlanta Nike camp. He has a quick first step off the ball, and he already has a few pass-rush moves in his repertoire. He’s versatile enough to play at outside linebacker, which should give Bulldogs defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt a good bit of flexibility in utilizing his talents.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
87. 4-Star Joseph Wicker
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Height/Weight: 6’2”, 278 lbs
High School: Long Beach Polytechnic High, Long Beach, Calif.
247 Ranking: No. 6 SDE/No. 87 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Uncommitted: Considering UCLA, Arizona State, Arizona, Texas Tech and Oklahoma
Between Joseph Wicker and Iman Marshall, college coaches will be frequent visitors to the Poly High School campus over the next few weeks.
Wicker has already taken official visits to Texas Tech, Arizona State, Oklahoma and Arizona. His final visit will be a trip to UCLA on Jan. 23.
The Bruins and Sun Devils appear to be the main contenders for Wicker.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Wicker’s quickness is what makes him special. His first step is simply lethal. Wicker has enough power and strength to play some snaps at defensive tackle. However, he’s got enough ability as a pass-rusher to play defensive end in some looks. He’s also got a great motor and is strong enough to be a force at the point of attack.
-Sanjay Kirpalani
86. 4-Star ILB Ricky DeBerry
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Height/Weight: 6’3”, 240 lbs
High School: Atlee High; Mechanicsville, Virginia
247 Ranking: No. 2 ILB/No. 86 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Committed to: Oklahoma on Dec. 19
Ricky DeBerry ended a high-profile recruitment last month by choosing Oklahoma over the likes of Alabama, Michigan State, Ohio State, Tennessee and Texas A&M, among others.
The Sooners secured his first official visit back in September and it was enough to get the Virginia native to head to Norman.
Bleacher Report Analysis
DeBerry has the frame of a defensive end, and that’s a spot he frequented at the prep level. He’s got great burst off the line of scrimmage and great quickness in pursuit. If he can display the ability to stand up and drop into coverage, DeBerry would make a powerful combo of size and athleticism as an outside ‘backer.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
85. 4-Star TE Chris Clark
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Height/Weight: 6'6", 247 lbs
High School: Avon Old Farms; Avon, Connecticut
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 TE/No. 85 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Committed to: UCLA
Bleacher Report Analysis
Clark can consistently clear paths in the run game, earning a 17/20 grade for blocking. He also displays some of the softest hands of any receiver in this class, warranting a list-best score of 25/25 as a pass-catcher.
Despite being the main target in seven-on-seven action at a Nike camp event in New Jersey last April, Clark struggle to haul in a single pass as far as I saw. He gets off the line in a hurry, overmatches defensive backs with his size and can outmaneuver linebackers during intermediate efforts.
He isn't extremely agile (7/10) but displays a keen understanding of how to attack seams within the defense. Clark's well-rounded game lends itself well to early playing time at the university of his choice.
— Tyler Donohue
84. 4-Star CB Ykili Ross
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Height/Weight: 6'1", 175 lbs
High School: Poly High, Riverside, Calif.
247Sports Ranking: No. 8 CB, No. 84 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Ykili Ross had offers from elite powers such as Miami, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon and USC in the spring.
He committed to the Trojans at the U.S. Army All-American Game.
Even if he takes scheduled visits to Arizona State and Oregon in January, expect him to stick with the Trojans.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Ross starred as a two-way athlete in high school, with most of his damage coming as a receiver on offense. That background on offense is evident in his ball skills when he lines up at corner. He's got great short-area quickness and he's great at attacking the ball in the air when he's in coverage. He's a naturally smooth athlete that should be able to make the transition to corner, with the concentration on one position sure to help him develop at that spot.
-Sanjay Kirpalani
83. 4-Star RB Mark Walton
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Height/Weight: 5'10", 179 lbs
High School: Booker T. Washington High School; Miami, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 10 RB/No. 83 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Committed to: Miami on Sept. 29, 2013
Mark Walton was originally a member of the 2016 class, but after reclassifying, he'll arrive in Coral Gables a year ahead of schedule. His commitment came as a sophomore, and despite substantial interest from Louisville, Florida and West Virginia, Walton remains on track to become a 'Cane.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Walton, who wrapped up his Booker T. Washington career with MVP honors in the state title game, would have been in the mix as the No. 1 overall 2016 running back had he remained in the class. Regardless, I graded him out as a top-eight talent among players with an extra year of high school game experience.
Despite being younger than his class counterparts, Walton already has a college-ready physique. He's a balanced runner who fights through tackles and flashes fleet feet in the open field.
His scores for power and agility add up to 32/35, a better mark for that blend than any player on this list. Walton's key areas of improvement will occur in vision and straight-line speed, two elements that will be immediately aided during intensive work with a collegiate coaching staff.
— Tyler Donohue
82. 4-Star Arden Key
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Height/Weight: 6’5”, 230 lbs
High School: Hapeville Charter High, Lithonia, Ga.
247 Ranking: No. 4 WDE/No. 82 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Committed to: LSU
Bleacher Report Analysis
Key is an intriguing prospect due to his length and the physicality he plays with. He’s aggressive off the line of scrimmage, and he’s already developed a nice blend of moves and power to his game. His frame can hold some added muscle, and he has a ton of upside heading into college.
-Sanjay Kirpalani
81. 4-Star ATH Ray-Ray McCloud III
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Height/Weight: 5’9”, 175 lbs
High School: Sickles High; Tampa, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 7 ATH/No. 81 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Committed to: Clemson on July 28, 2014
Ray-Ray McCloud had a horde of offers from powers around the country, but he elected to join good friend and fellow receiver Deon Cain in committing to Clemson.
McCloud chose the Tigers over Florida and UCLA among others. However, he’s scrapped plans to enroll early at Clemson and will now take visits to his other two previous finalists and another potential visit to Alabama in January, according to GatorBait's Luke Stampini (subscription required).
Bleacher Report Analysis
I’ve spoken with a number of sources familiar with McCloud’s recruitment who feel he could be an elite corner at the college level if he chose to play there full time. As a slot receiver, McCloud could create mismatches in space. He’s a good fit for Clemson’s offense, assuming he sticks with his original commitment—although it’s tough to discount Florida until he signs on the dotted line.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
80. 4-Star CB Holton Hill
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Height/Weight: 6'2", 184 lbs
High School: Lamar High; Houston, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 7 CB/No. 80 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Committed to: Texas on Jan. 30, 2015
Holton Hill is a rangy corner prospect who considered Texas, Baylor, LSU, Texas A&M and Florida State. He elected to commit to the Longhorns with fellow 4-star defensive back Kris Boyd.
During his senior season, Hill showed off his ball-hawking instincts by snaring an astounding 11 interceptions.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Hill is a big corner who is capable of matching up on the outside against the bigger receivers prevalent in today's game. He flashes great ball skills, and as his 2014 interception total indicates, he has great instincts when the ball is in the air. With his size, he's also comfortable shedding blocks and being an aggressive tackler in run support.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
79. 4-Star QB Ricky Town
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Height/Weight: 6'3", 206 lbs
High School: St. Bonaventure High School; Ventura, California
247Sports Ranking: No. 6 pro-style QB/No. 79 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 85/100
Committed to: USC on Jan. 25, 2014
Ricky Town initially committed to Alabama before his junior season and remained a member of the Crimson Tide class for several months. He flipped to the Trojans shortly after Steve Sarkisian accepted the head-coaching position at USC.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Town, once considered the top overall 2015 prospect by 247Sports analysts, slipped a bit in national rankings after relatively average efforts at the Elite 11 finals and The Opening. His football intelligence (19/20) and arm strength (18/20) supersede a lack of ideal mobility (5/10), though there's room for growth in the pocket.
He will occasionally take an unbalanced approach while firing passes downfield, lifting his back foot rather than pushing off to harness full force. These instances are outliers when compared to his overall body of work in terms of mechanics.
There are times when Town appears somewhat robotic in the pocket, and his delivery isn't always as effortless as other top contemporaries. An opportunity to polish his skill set through countless drills at USC should have him ready to rise up as a starting contender by 2016.
— Tyler Donohue
78. 4-Star RB Michael Weber
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Height/Weight: 5'9.5", 219 lbs
High School: Cass Technical High School; Detroit, Michigan
247Sports Ranking: No. 9 RB/No. 78 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to: Ohio State on Dec. 10, 2014
Michael Weber committed to Michigan last summer, giving the Wolverines a top in-state target to build around; however, he developed second thoughts as the situation eroded for Brady Hoke in Ann Arbor and decommitted in November.
Offers swiftly arrived from Alabama, Notre Dame and Georgia, but his allegiance switched to the Buckeyes less than three weeks later.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Weber is well suited for the nasty, winter-weather games that await him in Big Ten territory. He's a classic fit for when it's time to implement a ground-and-pound attack, pummeling through defenses with the highest-rated power in this class (19/20).
His style of rushing won't fool defenders, but that's OK. Weber, who rushed for 2,268 yards and 29 touchdowns, will leave his fair share of opponents gasping for air after violent collisions. He inflicts punishment more than he receives it, which you cannot say about a lot of backs.
"I have the mindset to be better than my opponents by the time we get to the fourth quarter," Weber told Bleacher Report during U.S. Army All-American Bowl festivities. "I hit them hard when they're tired. I'm a closer."
I rated Weber much higher than he appears in 247Sports' composite rankings. If he can incorporate a greater level of agility and acceleration—elements Weber can work to develop in college—it wouldn't be surprise to see him emerge as the most productive member of this group.
— Tyler Donohue
77. 4-Star RB Chris Warren
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Height/Weight: 6'2", 240 lbs
High School: Rockwall High School; Rockwall, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 8 RB/No. 77 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Committed to: Texas
Bleacher Report Analysis
It's difficult to project where a player like Warren ultimately fits on a collegiate roster. His immense size would serve him well at outside linebacker or even as an edge-rusher, but his career at the next level likely begins in the offensive backfield.
Warren, who rushed for 2,329 yards and 34 scores as a senior, is a load to bring down. He blends above-average power (17/20) with solid speed (17/20) for an athlete of his stature.
I believe he has the makings of an effective H-back, capable of blocking, rushing and catching the ball out of the backfield. There are serious ball-security concerns that must be addressed before he takes on an expansive role, as Warren allows the football to flail away from his body far too often in traffic.
— Tyler Donohue
76. 4-Star ATH Torrance Gibson
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Height/Weight: 6’4”, 200 lbs
High School: American Heritage High; Fort Lauderdale, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 6 ATH/No. 76 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Committed to: Ohio State on Nov. 3, 2014
Torrance Gibson’s recruitment took many twists and turns before he announced his commitment to Ohio State in November.
His insistence on playing quarterback—something the Buckeyes were comfortable with—pushed some teams away.
He chose the Buckeyes over Auburn, Central Florida and Tennessee among others.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Gibson is clearly a special athlete with the ball in his hands. As a quarterback, he can be a special talent with a little grooming in the right system. He’s adept at extending plays and creating big gains with his legs. As a passer, he’s clearly not ready to beat teams from the pocket. He needs work on his accuracy. However, he’s also been a consistent winner at the prep level, which speaks to his leadership qualities. Overall, with a little seasoning, he could be a good fit for Ohio State’s offense.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
75. 4-Star RB Johnny Frasier
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Height/Weight: 5'10", 229 lbs
High School: Princeton High School; Princeton, North Carolina
247Sports Ranking: No. 7 RB/No. 75 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Committed to: North Carolina State on Jan. 24, 2015
Florida State secured a commitment from Johnny Frasier in August, but he never shied away from other programs. Visits to North Carolina State, Duke and Tennessee followed and he eventually flipped to the Wolfpack.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Frasier is arguably the most scintillating athlete on this list, presenting a legitimate scoring threat each time he touches the ball. He's one of just two prospects in this ranking who scored 20/20 in terms of speed.
His agility (15/15) is also special and puts him in position to exploit seams within the defense. Frasier averaged more than 11 yards per carry as an upperclassman, per MaxPreps, rushing for 5,308 yards and 78 scores.
He's also an adept receiver, evidenced by 46 catches for 826 yards and eight touchdowns through the air since 2013. Given his physical frame and skill set, Williams fits the mold of an every-down back.
— Tyler Donohue
74. 4-Star OLB Anthony Wheeler
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Height/Weight: 6’2”, 225 pounds
High School: Skyline High, Dallas, Texas
247 Ranking: No. 7 OLB/No. 74 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Committed to: Texas on Jan. 2
Anthony Wheeler had offers from Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas, among others, but his recruitment came down to the annual participants in the Red River Shootout.
Wheeler committed to Texas during the Under Armour All-America Game.
As Jeff Howe of Horns247 notes, he adds to a deep crop of linebackers who are heading to Austin as part of the 2015 cycle.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Wheeler excels in run support, as he has a knack for diagnosing plays and flying to the ball in pursuit. He’s great at shedding blocks and also packs a punch when he tackles. His skill set seems to favor him playing inside at the college level, especially considering his movements are not as fluid in pass coverage.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
73. 4-Star ATH Brian Cole
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Height/Weight: 6’2”, 190 lbs
High School: Heritage High; Saginaw, Michigan
247Sports Ranking: No. 5 ATH/No. 73 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Committed to: Michigan on July 26, 2014
Brian Cole collected a ton of offers before his junior season began. He also took a number of unofficial visits before committing to Michigan over Michigan State, Ohio State, Tennessee and Wisconsin among others.
In the wake of the saga surrounding Brady Hoke, Cole took visits to Wisconsin, Purdue and Nebraska.
However, the hiring of Jim Harbaugh firmed up his pledge, and he will enroll in Ann Arbor in January, per Clint Brewster of Wolverine247.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Cole is a physical defender in the secondary, especially when he’s coming up and getting involved with run support. In pass coverage, he displays good range and speed in getting from the hash to the sideline. He’s athletic enough to play corner, but his size and physicality are a great fit at safety.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
72. 4-Star DT Neville Gallimore
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Height/Weight: 6’3”, 330 lbs
High School: Canada Prep Football Academy; St. Catharines, Ontario
247 Ranking: No. 11 DT/No. 72 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Committed to: Oklahoma on Jan. 3, 2015
Neville Gallimore is the first international player to earn an invitation to the U.S. Army All-American Game, per Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports.
The Ottawa native had offers from schools such as Auburn, Florida State and Ohio State before committing to Oklahoma during the U.S. Army All-American Game.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Gallimore is a raw prospect, but his size and athleticism are undeniable. While he can overpower players on the prep level, he will have to focus on staying low off the snap and getting a quicker burst coming off the line of scrimmage. However, in terms of upside, he has as much as any prospect in the 2015 cycle.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
71. 4-Star QB Jake Browning
35 of 105Height/Weight: 6'2", 185 lbs
High School: Folsom High School; Folsom, California
247Sports Ranking: No. 5 pro-style quarterback/No. 71 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 82/100
Enrolled at: Washington
Jake Browning considered several West Coast offers before committing to Washington and freshly hired head coach Chris Peterson on March 31, 2014. Other Pac-12 contenders included Cal, Washington State and Utah.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Browning, who broke the all-time high school career record with 229 touchdown passes and tied a single-season mark with 91 scoring strikes in 2014, is the most decorated quarterback prospect ever from a statistical standpoint. His efforts were aided by desirable football intelligence (20/20) and impressive precision (22/25).
He attempted 33 passes per contest as a senior, but limited his turnover total to just seven interceptions in 16 games. Browning seems to grasp which chances are worth taking and which are ill-advised.
His physical attributes aren't extraordinary, warranting scores of 14/20 for arm strength and 4/10 for mobility. Still, his success rate and smarts seem to set the stage for a strong run as a multiyear college starter.
— Tyler Donohue
70. 4-Star WR Trent Irwin
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Height/Weight: 6'1.5", 189 lbs
High School: Hart High School; Newhall, California
247Sports Ranking: No. 8 WR/No. 70 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 86/100
Committed to: Stanford on Jan. 6, 2015
Trent Irwin surprised many when he pledged to the Cardinal over Arizona State, where longtime friend and 4-star quarterback Brady White is headed. He also holds offers from UCLA, Penn State, Texas Tech and Washington, among others.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Irwin is the player you want on the receiving end of a fourth-down toss because of his consistency as a pass-catcher. He boasts the best hands (25/25) I saw on the recruiting trail during this cycle, plucking balls out of the air away from his body.
His average speed and agility (23/30 combined) can make it difficult at times to gain a quick release, but Irwin remains unfazed when faced with the task of contesting for the ball in tight quarters. He set California records with 285 career catches and 5,268 receiving yards.
"He's an unbelievable receiver who always understands how to approach every situation," White told me after their final season together at Hart. "Trent is the kind of guy a quarterback can trust when he gets in trouble."
— Tyler Donohue
69. 4-Star DT Jacob Daniel
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Height/Weight: 6’4”, 310 lbs
High School: Clovis North High; Fresno, California
247 Ranking: No. 10 DT/No. 69 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Committed to: USC on May 13, 2014
After receiving a number of offers over the course of 2013, Jacob Daniel committed to Washington in November 2013 to then-Huskies head coach Steve Sarkisian.
When Sarkisian bolted for USC a month later, Daniel decommitted from Washington before eventually committing to USC.
Daniel has been a solid commit to the Trojans since then.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Daniel is a powerful defender at the point of attack. He has great strength and often requires a double-team. He’s more effective versus the run at this point, but he’s athletic enough to push the pocket on passing downs. His best fit may be as a nose in a 3-4 scheme.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
68. 4-Star CB DeChaun Holiday
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Height/Weight: 6'3", 195 lbs
High School: Mission Hills High; San Marcos, California
247 Ranking: No. 6 CB/No. 68 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to: UCLA
Bleacher Report Analysis
During the spring, I spoke with a staff member at a Pac-12 school who told me Holiday was the best safety prospect in the country. While I don't know if I'd go that far, one thing that stands out is how fluid he is in coverage. He played corner a lot in high school, and he could thrive as a big corner at the next level. His versatility, size and ball skills make him an elite prospect.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
67. 4-Star QB Brady White
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Height/Weight: 6'0.5", 180 lbs
High School: Hart High School; Santa Clarita, California
247Sports Ranking: No. 4 pro-style QB/No. 67 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Committed to: Arizona State on May 2, 2014
Brady White, a three-year starter at Hart, pledged to the Sun Devils over fellow finalists Cal and Oregon. Penn State also emerged as a potential landing spot leading up to his decision.
Bleacher Report Analysis
White is a savvy leader who possesses an accurate arm (22/25) and overlooked mobility (8/10). His dropback is consistent and precise, leading him through the same motions on a repetitive basis.
Despite a lack of elite physical stature, White is able to get the ball downfield with velocity and touch. His development in a collegiate weight room should further enhance these traits and make him more battle-ready as he takes on blitzes.
He's a quiet, natural leader who responded well to any adversity at The Opening and in U.S. Army All-American Bowl action.
"Quarterback is exactly where I wanted to be from the beginning," he told me this summer. "I wanted to be the guy who leads the offense and has a big impact on the game. I was blessed with the ability to sling the ball at a young age, and I've worked to get better year after year. I take pride in that."
His skill set and demeanor remind me of former Boise State star Kellen Moore. He threw for 66 scores as an upperclassman.
— Tyler Donohue
66. 4-Star DE Jonathan Ledbetter
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Height/Weight: 6’4”, 265 lbs
High School: Tucker High; Tucker, Georgia
247 Ranking: No. 5 SDE/No. 66 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Committed to: Georgia on Aug. 16, 2014
Jonathan Ledbetter committed to Alabama last January before ultimately flipping to Georgia in August, according to Charles Power of BamaOnline.
His older brother, Joseph, enrolled at Georgia in August as a tight end after playing two seasons of college basketball at Division II Pfeiffer University (North Carolina).
Ledbetter is one of seven recruits who are already in Athens as early enrollees, according to Gentry Estes of Dawgs247.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Ledbetter was unstoppable in one-on-one drills when I saw him at the Atlanta Nike camp last March. He’s unique in that he’s athletic enough to play defensive end, but his best position may be inside as a defensive tackle. He’s great at penetrating gaps and causing havoc in the backfield. As an early enrollee, expect him to contribute to the Dawgs defensive line rotation next fall.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
65. 4-Star OG Richie Petitbon
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Height/Weight: 6'4", 301 lbs
High School: Gonzaga College High School; Washington, D.C.
247Sports Ranking: No. 5 OG/No. 65 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 85/100
Committed to: Alabama on April 4, 2014
Richie Petitbon picked the Crimson Tide after several campus visits to other colleges. He journeyed to an array of universities throughout his junior year, including Virginia Tech, Penn State, Boston College and Maryland, where his father played college football.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Set to become a third-generation Division I football player, Petitbon possesses in-game intelligence and uses it to exploit opponents. He displays excellent anticipation in various settings, an attribute that really shined at The Opening when Petitbon was asked to pass-protect in one-on-one situations
He doesn't waste steps and moves downfield with a purpose while spearheading the rushing attack. I worry about his ability to initially counter top-tier SEC defensive linemen in short-yardage situations due to a level of strength (16/20) that's still developing.
— Tyler Donohue
64. 4-Star QB Deondre Francois
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Height/Weight: 6'1", 195 lbs
High School: IMG Academy; Bradenton, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 pro-style QB/No. 64 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 83/100
Committed to: Florida State on July 31, 2014
Deondre Francois, who was coached in high school by former Seminoles star quarterback Chris Weinke, pledged to Florida State last summer after weighing offers from Oregon and Auburn. New Florida coach Jim McElwain aims to make a late push for the in-state standout by hosting him on campus for an official visit in late January.
Bleacher Report Analysis
You won't find a stronger throwing arm (20/20) in this recruiting class. That aspect of his game stood out on previous game film and shined this summer at The Opening, where even America's most elite receivers seemed overwhelmed at times by the zip on Francois' passes.
He's still working to augment that power with increased accuracy (20/25), and there's room for development when it comes to pocket presence (6/10). Francois commands respect for his flamethrower arm but needs to do a better job of setting a strong base behind center as he surveys the field.
Francois, who threw for 1,294 yards, 17 touchdowns and four interceptions as a senior, offers enough mobility to salvage a broken pass play and provides offensive coordinators with an opportunity to implement designed runs.
— Tyler Donohue
63. 4-Star ILB Leo Lewis
43 of 105Height/Weight: 6'3", 225 lbs
High School: Brookhaven High School; Brookhaven, Mississippi
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 ILB/No. 63 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Committed to: Mississippi State
Bleacher Report Analysis
It may be a down year in terms of quantity at inside linebacker, but Lewis is a potential game-changer for the lucky school that lands him.
He has the athleticism and instincts to play inside or outside. He's quicker than the typical inside linebacker and is equally effective against the run and the pass. He's also a ferocious hitter.
Overall, Lewis has the attributes to be an excellent middle linebacker at the next level.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
62. 4-Star TE Aliz'e Jones
44 of 105Height/Weight: 6'4.5", 218 lbs
High School: Bishop Gorman High School; Las Vegas, Nevada
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 TE/No. 62 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Committed to: Committed to Notre Dame Jan. 15
Aliz'e Jones earned considerable collegiate attention while serving as on offensive catalyst during three straight state title runs at Bishop Gorman. Originally committed to UCLA for quite some time, Jones flipped his choice to Notre Dame.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Jones is another "hybrid" target who worked predominately at wide receiver during high school. Typically split out wide, he showed off reliable hands (24/25) while snagging 76 passes for 1,501 yards and 23 touchdowns as an upperclassman.
He isn't a pass-catcher primed to burn defensive backs vertically on a regular basis, but sharp route running (18/20) and impressive burst set the stage for him to routinely exploit the seam 10-15 yards downfield. Jones is physical, fights for positioning and understands how to attack space in the defense.
His most impressive plays often occur on crossing patterns, which he often punctuates with sizable gains after the reception. Jones must essentially learn how to handle blocking duties from scratch, but his prowess as a receiver should bode well for early development with 5-star UCLA quarterback commit Josh Rosen.
— Tyler Donohue
61. 4-Star ATH Jerome Baker
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Height/Weight: 6’2”, 210 lbs
High School: Benedictine High; Cleveland, Ohio
247Sports Ranking: No. 4 ATH/No. 61 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Committed to: Ohio State on Oct. 21, 2014
Jerome Baker surprised many in recruiting circles when he committed to Florida in July over home-state power Ohio State.
However, in the wake of Will Muschamp’s demise with the Gators, Baker flipped his pledge to the Buckeyes in October.
He’s been solid in his commitment since that point.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Baker has the athleticism to play running back in college, but his ceiling is higher as an outside linebacker. He displays a tenacity in being physical at the point of attack. He also has the speed and agility to make plays as a pass-rusher and in coverage. He will need to bulk up, but he has the tools to wreak havoc as a weak-side linebacker in college.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
60. 4-Star S Marvell Tell
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Height/Weight: 6'2", 188 lbs
High School: Crespi High; Encino, California
247 Ranking: No. 4 S/No. 60 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Committed to: USC on Jan. 3, 2015
Marvell Tell narrowed a lengthy list of choices to USC, Oregon and Texas A&M before selecting the Trojans during the U.S. Army All-American Game.
He appears to be a solid pledge, and his commitment may be the launching point for another strong class by Steve Sarkisian and his staff.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Tell's biggest strength appears to be his sure tackling in open space. He has a great ability to close on a play quickly once he diagnoses it. He's got the athleticism and instincts to be a big-time player. However, he's a little lean and will need to bulk up to play at a high level in college.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
59. 4-Star RB Larry Scott
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Height/Weight: 6'2", 228 lbs
High School: Hubbard High School; Hubbard, Ohio
247Sports Ranking: No. 6 RB/No. 59 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Committed to: Michigan State on July 10, 2014
The race for Larry Scott's services came down to a pair of conference rivals, as Ohio State and Michigan State took turns hosting him on campus. He opted to wrap things up last summer with a pledge to the Spartans.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Before we get to everything I admire about Scott, it's important to address his most glaring shortcoming at this stage. Scott must focus on fine-tuning his ball-carrying technique because he graded out worst among this group in ball security (11/15).
That's an issue that is sure to be harped on in East Lansing, but there's already a lot to like about what Scott brings to the table. He's among the country's most powerful runners (18/20) and doesn't miss many holes during the course of a game.
There's also a nimbleness to his approach that clashes with his typical rushing style, and he catches defenders by surprise. I'm also convinced Scott will continue making strides as a legitimate receiver when his number is called in the passing game.
He fits in perfectly with what Michigan State aims to do each week, and with some refinement, he should be able to eventually carry the load when winter weather demands a strong ground game.
— Tyler Donohue
58. 4-Star S Jamal Peters
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Height/Weight: 6'2", 206 lbs
High School: Bassfield High; Bassfield, Mississippi
247 Ranking: No. 3 S/No. 58 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Committed to: Mississippi State on July 18, 2014
Jamal Peters narrowed a lengthy list of suitors to 10 schools in the spring, with Mississippi State, Florida State and LSU taking the top three spots in his list, according to Chris Nee of Noles247.
He committed to Dan Mullen and the Bulldogs in July. However, the recent departure of defensive coordinator Geoff Collins to Florida has the Seminoles and the Tigers—and potentially the Gators—lurking and hoping to steal Peters on signing day.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Peters is a physical freak, and he's an intimidating defender when he has a ball-carrier or receiver lined up in his sights. At this stage, he's a little raw—especially in pass coverage. However, his physical gifts and athleticism make him one of the top safeties in the country.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
57. 4-Star DE Jalen Dalton
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Height/Weight: 6’5”, 235 lbs
High School: West Forsyth High; Clemmons, North Carolina
247 Ranking: No. 3 WDE/No. 57 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to: North Carolina on Nov. 13, 2014
Jalen Dalton whittled down a long list of suitors to a pair of ACC programs in North Carolina and Virginia Tech. He committed to the homestanding Tar Heels in November and is scheduled to be an early enrollee in Chapel Hill.
The Under Armour All-American also played basketball in high school.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Dalton’s quickness jumps out on film. He’s extremely athletic, and his length helps him be an effective tackler in open space. He needs to get stronger and be more physical at the line of scrimmage, but he’s got all the tools to be a force at defensive end for the Tar Heels in the years to come.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
56. 4-Star ATH Donte Jackson
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Height/Weight: 5’11”, 175 lbs
High School: Riverdale High; New Orleans, Louisiana
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 ATH/No. 56 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to: LSU on Jan. 21, 2015
One of the prospects who made a statement during the postseason All-American game circuit was Donte Jackson, as noted by Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports.
Jackson solidified his standing as a corner and showed why schools such as LSU, Georgia and USC battled it out for his commitment. He ended up with the home-state Tigers.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Regardless of where he lines up at, Jackson is simply a blur on film due to his speed and agility. As a corner, he’s naturally loose with his hips, and he has the closing speed to cover for most of his mistakes. He’s a missile in pursuit, and he plays bigger than his size. He’s separated himself as one of most talented prospects in the 2015 class regardless of position.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
55. 4-Star OT Drew Richmond
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Height/Weight: 6'5", 310 lbs
High School: Memphis University School; Memphis, Tennessee
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 OT/No. 55 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Committed to: Tennessee
Bleacher Report Analysis
He provided some highlight blocks during the three-day stretch in Beaverton and appeared to implement new lessons he learned from instructors.
Richmond does a great job at the point of contact, rolling his hips and punching through the defender (15/15 for power). He was a little overanxious at times, which cost him, but it was an impressive performance overall.
He seemed to take better angles than what showed up on game tape, but of course there's a big difference between drills and live-game action when linebackers enter the equation. Richmond is ridiculously strong for a high school student and can get away with some mistakes by simply overpowering his opponent.
His reach in pass protection is solid but not spectacular (21/25). It would be interesting to see how Richmond would adapt to playing guard if asked to make that transition in college.
The outlook here is that he would benefit from a year on the sidelines, cleaning up his technique and building even more strength. Whenever Richmond is deemed ready to take on a starting role, he has plenty of promise.
— Tyler Donohue
54. 4-Star OG Lester Cotton
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Height/Weight: 6'4", 325 lbs
High School: Central High School; Tuscaloosa, Alabama
247Sports Ranking: No. 4 OG/No. 54 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Committed to: Alabama on Feb. 1, 2014
Lester Cotton committed to Alabama as a junior and has remained a steadfast member of Roll Tide Nation ever since. Due to proximity, he's likely visited campus more than any member of the current Crimson Tide class. Prior to pledging, he fielded offers from the likes of USC, Auburn and Ole Miss.
Bleacher Report Analysis
No one graded higher in terms of "strength" than Cotton during our evaluation. He earned 20/20 in that facet, and it carries over into run blocking, as he bludgeons opponents with brute force and directs the flow of traffic in the trenches.
Aside from overbearing physicality, Cotton carries himself well in pass protection. He maintains excellent balance and keeps foes off-kilter by dishing out a devastating punch at the onset. Cotton could command early collegiate reps, regardless of the deep roster at Alabama.
— Tyler Donohue
53. 4-Star DT Shy Tuttle
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Height/Weight: 6’3”, 320 lbs
High School: North Davidson High; Lexington, North Carolina
247 Ranking: No. 9 DT/No. 53 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Committed to: Tennessee on Sept. 26, 2014
Shy Tuttle garnered offers from most SEC and ACC schools during his recruitment, but his decision was eventually narrowed down to North Carolina and Tennessee.
He chose the Vols in late September, and he is already enrolled in classes and will compete for a spot in the defensive line rotation in the spring.
Bleacher Report Analysis
At 320 pounds, Tuttle was a man-child on the high school level. He takes on blocks and has the power to bull rush his way into the backfield. He’s athletic enough to make plays where he has to move laterally. It would be beneficial if he used his hands more as a weapon to disengage blocks. Overall, he has the skill set to be an immediate contributor for the Vols.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
52. 4-Star OG Javon Patterson
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Height/Weight: 6'2", 290 lbs
High School: Petal High School; Petal, Mississippi
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 OG/No. 52 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Committed to: Ole Miss on Nov. 20, 2014
Ole Miss secured a pledge from Javon Patterson late in the 2014 season, fending off a slew of fellow SEC contenders. The Rebels were joined by Auburn, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi State in a crowded pursuit. He narrowed down that top five during the final stages of an expansive decision-making process.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Patterson is prepared to push for playing time with just a few minor improvements. His solidly built physique appears equipped to handle the rigors of collegiate competition, and he utilizes a valuable technique that augments those physical tools.
He fires out of his stance and uproots opposing linemen with proper hand placement and powerful hips, earning a 9/10 score in explosiveness. Though Patterson spent high school snaps at tackle, he was often utilized as a pull-blocker and should continue to grow in that department moving forward.
— Tyler Donohue
51. 4-Star RB Taj Griffin
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Height/Weight: 5'10", 175 lbs
High School: McEachern High School; Powder Springs, Georgia
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 all-purpose RB/No. 51 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Enrolled at: Oregon
Taj Griffin elected to travel across the country, joining Pac-12 champion Oregon. He enrolled early, providing him with an opportunity to rehab a torn ACL with the Ducks' professional training staff.
Bleacher Report Analysis
The Oregon offensive attack is an ideal landing spot for Griffin, who looked every bit as fast as his 40-yard dash time (4.31 seconds) last summer at The Opening. He can score from anywhere on the field, meaning the Ducks are likely to utilize him beyond the backfield.
I don't believe he's a 20-carry back in college, but there are other ways to get Griffin the ball. Expect him to see time in the slot and fielding kicks on special teams, a role he flourished in during high school.
"I'm all about making the big play," he told me in July. "The plays that can change a game and help my team."
Griffin is one of just two players on this list who graded out 35/35 on the combination of speed and agility, though his recovery from knee surgery is certainly worth monitoring. Added physicality would be a major step forward for this scintillating playmaker.
— Tyler Donohue
50. 4-Star DT Breiden Fehoko
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Height/Weight: 6’3”, 290 lbs
High School: Farrington High; Honolulu, Hawaii
247 Ranking: No. 8 DT/No. 50 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to: Texas Tech on April 14, 2014
It’s a family affair with Breiden Fehoko and Texas Tech. According to Daniel Paulling of Wreckem247 (subscription required), his older brother Sam is a graduate assistant for the Red Raiders, while another brother, V.J., played linebacker for Tech.
Fehoko chose the Red Raiders in April over offers from Alabama, Ole Miss and Oklahoma, among others.
He’s already in Lubbock as an early enrollee and will compete in spring practice for a spot in the defensive line rotation.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Fehoko is one of the more explosive players in this class. His first step off the ball is paralyzing for offensive linemen. He’s 290 pounds yet moves like he weighs 250. He’s still a little on the raw side, so improving his technique and expanding his arsenal of moves will be critical to his development.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
49. 4-Star OLB John Houston
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Height/Weight: 6’3”, 211 lbs
High School: Junipero Serra High; Gardena, California
247 Ranking: No. 6 OLB/No. 49 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Uncommitted: Considering USC, Oregon, Arizona State, Miami, Oklahoma
John Houston has a visit to USC remaining on his itinerary for January.
He’s already made official visits to Oregon, Miami, Arizona State and Oklahoma.
The Trojans—who have signed standouts such as Marqise Lee, Robert Woods and Adoree' Jackson from Junipero Serra High School in recent years—are the presumed favorite to land Houston.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Houston is a rangy linebacker with excellent speed from sideline to sideline. He’s a sure tackler in open space and he’s comfortable in pass coverage because of his length and athleticism. He’s a little light at 211 pounds, but if he can add some weight while maintaining his explosiveness, he can be a top-flight defender in college.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
48. 5-Star WR Preston Williams
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Height/Weight: 6'4", 191 lbs
High School: Lovejoy High School; Hampton, Georgia
247Sports Ranking: No. 6 WR/No. 48 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 84/100
Committed to: Tennessee on Sept. 21, 2013
Preston Williams pledged to the Volunteers during the early stages of his junior season, but things simply continue to heat up in his recruitment. Visits to Georgia and Auburn are sure to add drama during the final push toward signing day.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Williams reaches his top-end speed (13/15) in minimal strides, separating himself from talented, tall receivers who take a while to build momentum off the snap. It's an invaluable asset in getting open, but it also becomes a factor after the catch, when he can take it to the house if allotted space.
His stature allows him to shrug off feeble tackle attempts and keep churning toward the end zone. He has the potential to wreak havoc on short-yardage slant routes when the quarterback hits him in stride.
Williams doesn't always appear focused on the football as he's looking to turn upfield, leading to occasional lapses and drops. Though he caught 23 fewer passes in 2014 than in his junior year, Williams tallied a career-best 18 touchdown receptions.
— Tyler Donohue
47. 4-Star OLB Roquan Smith
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Height/Weight: 6’2”, 205 lbs
High School: Macon County High; Montezuma, Georgia
247 Ranking: No. 5 OLB/No. 47 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Uncommitted: Considering Georgia, Ole Miss, LSU, USC, UCLA
Roquan Smith is one of the nation’s top defenders still weighing his options.
The Georgia native has official visits scheduled in January with LSU, Ole Miss and UCLA.
USC is also in the mix, but it would be a shock to see him land anywhere other than Georgia on signing day.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Smith’s athleticism really stands out when watching his tape. He’s listed at 205 pounds, but he plays more physical than his size indicates. He has great short-area burst and takes good pursuit angles when moving laterally. He’s also comfortable dropping into coverage as a pass-defender. Although you would like to see him add a little size, Smith has the tools to be an elite outside linebacker in college.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
46. 4-Star RB Derrius Guice
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Height/Weight: 5'10.5", 213 lbs
High School: Catholic High School; Baton Rouge, Louisiana
247Sports Ranking: No. 5 RB/No. 46 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Committed to: LSU on May 31, 2014
Derrius Guice committed to his hometown team while attending the Tigers' "Bayou Picnic," giving head coach Les Miles a pair of top-tier local running backs. Nick Brossette, No. 18 on this list, is also onboard.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Guice belongs in the discussion as America's most high-impact freshman in 2015, and I can't wait to see what he can do while paired up with Class of 2014 phenom Leonard Fournette. His attitude sets the tone for the way he plays, and you pick up on that immediately during a conversation.
"I'm not an ordinary back," he told Bleacher Report in December. "I've worked to improve different parts of my game, from footwork to catching passes. I think I'm going to be a big part of a nasty backfield at LSU."
Guice an exceptional downfield receiver and caught a pair of touchdown passes to earn MVP honors at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. His ability to stutter-step opponents out of position is special and frees him up to do damage with elite speed.
Far from just flash, Guice also seems to relish contact. He has all the makings of a three-down back, but he won't deal with the pressure to take on that task as long as Fournette is around.
— Tyler Donohue
45. 4-Star QB Brandon Wimbush
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Height/Weight: 6'2", 205 lbs
High School: St. Peter's Prep; Jersey City, New Jersey
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 dual-threat QB/No. 45 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 85/100
Committed to: Notre Dame on Oct. 7, 2014
Brandon Wimbush spent several months serving as a catalyst for Penn State's recruiting class, but the situation changed midway through his senior season. He traveled to South Bend for an official visit in early October and flipped his commitment to the Fighting Irish just a few days afterward. His offer list also features Miami, Alabama, Maryland and Boston College.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Nobody on this list flashes a stronger arm than Wimbush, who consistently put zip on the ball at the Elite 11 finals in July. There were times when top-tier receiver prospects showed visible pain after catching his darts, making him the only prospect in this group to earn a 20/20 rating for arm strength.
Asked to carry a heavier load for his high school squad this season, Wimbush showed leadership qualities en route to a state championship. He threw for a career-high 3,187 yards and 37 scores, adding 723 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground, per NJ.com.
His deep-ball precision steadily improved as an upperclassman, and Wimbush seems to firmly understand how to incorporate footwork into his approach.
— Tyler Donohue
44. 4-Star S Deionte Thompson
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Height/Weight: 6'2", 181 lbs
High School: West Orange-Stark High; Orange, Texas
247 Ranking: No. 2 S/No. 44 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Committed to: Alabama on Feb. 23, 2013
Deionte Thompson attended Alabama's Junior Day back in February 2013.
When he earned an offer on that trip, he immediately committed and became the first pledge of what is now the nation's top class.
He remained firm in that commitment and enrolled early in Tuscaloosa this January.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Thompson is a flat-out playmaker, as evidenced by the fact that he had 11 interceptions over the course of his sophomore and junior seasons. He was also a standout receiver during his prep career, which illustrates his ability to attack the ball in the air when he's on defense. His range and athleticism should fit well in Nick Saban's secondary.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
43. 4-Star ATH Kerryon Johnson
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Height/Weight: 6’0”, 200 lbs
High School: Madison Academy; Madison, Alabama
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 ATH/No. 43 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to: Auburn on April 15, 2014
Kerryon Johnson narrowed his focus to Alabama, Auburn and Florida State before selecting the Tigers in April.
He’s been a solid pledge. However, as noted by Keith Niebuhr of Auburn Undercover (subscription required), Johnson will take a visit to Alabama in January.
Despite that visit, all signs still point to him landing on the Plains next fall.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Johnson can play safety or receiver at the collegiate level. But it’s running back where he can be an elite talent. He’s an aggressive runner who has great vision and breakaway speed. He’s also an established threat as a receiver. With his versatile skill set, he’s a weapon that Gus Malzahn can use to gain favorable matchups against defenses.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
42. 4-Star WR Damarkus Lodge
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Height/Weight: 6'2.5", 190 lbs
High School: Cedar Hill High School; Cedar Hill, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 7 WR/No. 42 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 85/100
Committed to: Ole Miss
Bleacher Report Analysis
Lodge made the most of his two seasons as a full-time starter, securing offensive MVP honors in consecutive state title games and racking up 47 touchdown receptions since 2013.
Lodge's ability to gain separation in a variety of ways makes him a major deep-ball threat (14/15 speed). He adjusts well to the trajectory of a pass and smoothly makes improvisational adjustments to get underneath the ball.
I'd like to see Lodge do more with the football after he pulls in the pass, but he simply isn't physically mature enough at this stage to consistently shrug off tacklers in pursuit of extra yardage. We could potentially see him utilized as a punt returner.
— Tyler Donohue
41. 4-Star OLB Porter Gustin
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Height/Weight: 6’5”, 240 lbs
High School: Salem Hills High; Salem, Utah
247 Ranking: No. 4 OLB/No. 41 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to: USC
Bleacher Report Analysis
Gustin is a supreme athlete who also played quarterback for his high school team. He’s raw on the defensive side of the ball, but he has all the tools—size, athleticism, speed and agility—to be a force as a linebacker. He’s versatile enough to play inside or outside linebacker, but his development as a pass-defender will likely determine his eventual landing spot at the next level.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
40. 4-Star RB Jacques Patrick
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Height/Weight: 6'1.5", 230 lbs
High School: Timber Creek High School; Orlando, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 RB/No. 40 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Enrolled at: Florida State
Jacques Patrick kept the nation guessing on his eventual destination for a while, but he finally revealed his decision to become a Seminole in late October during an All-American jersey presentation. He committed to Florida State over fellow finalists Florida, Alabama, Ohio State and Texas A&M.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Patrick, who finished his career ranked fifth all time among Florida rushing yardage leaders, is an absolute load to tackle. His combination of power (19/20) and vision (18/20) set the stage for him to gain 7,922 yards on the ground at Timber Creek, per Chris Hays of the Orlando Sentinel.
A strong lower body and consistent pad level allow him to shed tackles with frequency. His arsenal also includes an effective stiff arm for good measure.
"I like being physical," he said during a break at The Opening. "If I'm getting it done, that opens things up for other players."
Patrick won't run past defensive backs or juke them out of their shoes, but that's simply not his game. Given his track record and physicality, his collegiate career is likely to include multiple efforts of 25 carries or more.
— Tyler Donohue
39. 4-Star RB Ronald Jones II
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Height/Weight: 6'0", 185 lbs
High School: McKinney North High School; McKinney, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 4 RB/No. 39 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Committed to: USC on Jan. 2, 2015
Ronald Jones joined an impressive USC Trojans class by announcing his intentions at the Under Armour All-America Game. The decision occurred less than three weeks after he decommitted from Oklahoma State and visited Notre Dame.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Jones loves to get downhill and has the short-area quickness make it happen in a hurry. He's a one-cut-and-go talent who operates smoothly out of the backfield and anticipates his next steps, earning a grade of 18/20 for vision.
While Jones' game certainly isn't based on power (15/20), he's strong enough to work through arm tackles and often picks up an extra chunk of yardage after contact. Coaches should appreciate his penchant for getting narrow in the trenches as he navigates through traffic.
Jones, who surpassed 2,000 rushing yards during each of the past two seasons, would be aided by bulking up his lower body. Diligent work with collegiate athletic trainers could set the stage for him to emerge as a workhorse runner in Los Angeles.
— Tyler Donohue
38. 4-Star QB Jarrett Stidham
68 of 105Height/Weight: 6'4", 195 lbs
High School: Stephenville High School; Stephenville, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 dual-threat QB; No. 38 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Committed to: Baylor on Dec. 21, 2014
Jarrett Stidham provided a late surprise in the 2015 recruiting cycle, swapping allegiances from one in-state squad to another. He backed out of a long-term verbal pact with Texas Tech in mid-December before pledging to Baylor. His list of options also included Oregon and Notre Dame.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Stidham transitioned from wide receiver to quarterback as a junior, quickly ascending up national rankings as a top-tier passer. He earned an Elite 11 finals invite following his first varsity season behind center and was one of the best performers.
He carved up star-studded defensive units in seven-on-seven settings, exciting onlookers to the point where multiple national analysts told me they believed he may be the best overall quarterback in this class. I have some qualms with that assessment, and it starts with less-than-elite downfield arm strength.
However, I grade out his accuracy higher than any member of this list (17/20), and he does an outstanding job buying time in and out of the pocket. Stidham, who racked up 7,337 total yards and 94 touchdowns in two years as a starter, could certainly become the best of the bunch if his progression continues in college.
— Tyler Donohue
37. 4-Star OG Maea Teuhema
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Height/Weight: 6'4.5", 340 lbs
High School: Keller High School; Keller, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 OG/No. 37 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Committed to: LSU on Feb. 5, 2014
Maea Teuhema flipped from Texas to LSU last national signing day, when older brother Sione did the same and signed with the Tigers. He's also reciprocated interest from Oklahoma and UCLA during late stages of his recruitment.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Brute force is a staple of Tuehema's style and high school opponents ended up on the ground more often than not when matched up against him. He earned a 20/20 score for strength and that's a factor in his effectiveness as a run-blocker (37/40).
Tuehema could be quicker off the snap, but he makes up for that lack of explosiveness with a devastating punch. Once his running back has a lane to work with, Tuehema typically makes his way to the second level and targets a linebacker.
His pass-blocking prowess isn't quite as up to par, effected by his lack of ideal pop at the start of a play. Tuehema looks a bit top-heavy while dealing with edge-rushers and disengages from opponents a early at times, even while the passer is still working within the pocket.
— Tyler Donohue
36. 4-Star DE Kyle Phillips
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Height/Weight: 6’4”, 250 lbs
High School: Hillsboro High; Nashville, Tennessee
247 Ranking: No. 4 SDE/No. 36 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Committed to: Tennessee on Jan. 3, 2015
Kyle Phillips narrowed his list of choices to LSU, Ole Miss and Tennessee before heading to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
He chose the Vols during the game and put on a show the entire week that resulted in him jumping up to a 5-star ranking in the latest batch of 247Sports rankings, according to Barton Simmons of 247Sports.
Phillips has already enrolled at Tennessee.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Phillips is a handful to deal with coming off the edge. He’s already got good size. He has long arms and good quickness off the ball. He’s also stout in run support and can set the edge because of his strength. With him being an early enrollee, he has a chance to make an early impact as a pass-rusher next fall.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
35. 5-Star OLB Osa Masina
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Height/Weight: 6’4”, 230 lbs
High School: Brighton High; Salt Lake City, Utah
247 Ranking: No. 3 OLB/No. 35 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Committed to: USC on Jan. 23, 2015
Osa Masina is another talented linebacker who is still available heading down the stretch toward signing day.The Utah native strongly considering Pac-12 schools such as Arizona State, UCLA and Utah before choosing the Trojans.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Masina flashes great instincts and the ability to diagnose run plays. He also has some pass-rushing skills as an edge-rusher and he’s adept at blitzing from a variety of angles. He’s got the versatility to play either inside or outside. If he can prove to be effective in coverage, he will likely end up playing on the outside.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
34. 5-Star OLB Justin Hilliard
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Height/Weight: 6’0”, 225 lbs
High School: St. Xavier High; Cincinnati, Ohio
247 Ranking: No. 2 OLB/No. 34 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Committed to: Ohio State on July 2
The foundation for Ohio State’s 2015 class was laid when Justin Hilliard and Jashon Cornell committed to the Buckeyes on the same day in early July.
Hilliard selected the Buckeyes over Notre Dame, Iowa and Michigan, among others.
He’s been one of the key cogs in helping the Buckeyes build a class rated as the best group in the Big Ten.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Hilliard plays with an aggressive mentality on every snap. He’s physical at the point of attack and he takes blocks head-on, showing the ability to disengage himself and flow to the ball in short order. He shines as a blitzer and has decent pass-rush skills coming off the edge on passing downs. He’s another versatile talent who complements fellow Buckeyes ‘backers such as Jerome Baker and Raekwon McMillan well in Columbus.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
33. 5-Star QB Kyler Murray
73 of 105Height/Weight: 5'10", 180 lbs
High School: Allen High School; Allen, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 dual-threat QB/No. 33 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Committed to: Texas A&M on May 28, 2014
Kyler Murray followed in his father's footsteps to College Station. Kevin Murray was a star Aggies quarterback in the 1980s and earned induction into the Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame. Oregon, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Clemson also pursued Kyler, but Kevin Sumlin managed to secure the key in-state target.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Murray arguably accomplished more at the high school level than any member of this recruiting class. He finished 42-0 as a three-year starter, completing each season with a state title.
The son of an accomplished college quarterback, he looks incredibly comfortable while surveying the situation downfield, meriting a 10/10 rating for pocket presence. Murray is the most fleet of foot in a quality collection of dual-threat playmakers, evidenced by 4,139 career rushing yards and 65 scores on the ground.
It's hard to compare any of his contemporaries in terms of leadership. Murray led back-to-back double-digit comebacks in the second half of playoff games this season, making a series of improvisational plays along the way.
His size may concern some and he didn't exactly set the world on fire in All-American action, but Murray is my No. 1 overall quarterback prospect. An elite combination of pedigree and technique sets the stage for a compelling college career.
— Tyler Donohue
32. 5-Star RB Soso Jamabo
74 of 105Height/Weight: 6'2.5", 210 lbs
High School: Plano West High School; Plano, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 RB/No. 32 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to: UCLA
Bleacher Report Analysis
It's fair to say no offensive playmaker's stock soared more in recent months than Jamabo, who doubled his junior season production with 2,279 rushing yards and 44 touchdowns. He started the fall considered a top-10 talent at running back and finished it atop national rankings.
Jamabo may not be my No. 1 guy on this list, but he undoubtedly warrants consideration. His size overwhelms opponents and is augmented by outstanding agility (14/15) and speed (17/20).
His prowess as a pass-catcher is also worth noting, and Jamabo showed off that facet of his game last summer at The Opening. He collected 51 passes during the past three seasons, resulting in 959 yards and seven scores.
He's an upright runner who picks up momentum quickly and runs through half-hearted tackle attempts. I believe there's room for growth from a power standpoint (15/20), but this is a young man who continues to improve exponentially and should take steps forward across the board during his college career.
— Tyler Donohue
31. 5-Star RB Damien Harris
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Height/Weight: 5'11", 205 lbs
High School: Madison Southern High School; Berea, Kentucky
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 RB/No. 31 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to: Alabama on Jan. 9, 2015
A surprise to some, Harris spurned his home state and will head further south to play for the mighty Crimson Tide. Alabama is known for producing top tier running backs, and there is no doubt Harris will be next in line as one of the best to play the position for Nick Saban.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Unique anticipation is what separates Damien Harris from multiple running backs who feature comparable measurements. He never looks lost on a rushing attempt, even when blocking efforts break down; he earned a 19/20 for vision.
Harris has the ability to reverse field in open space and essentially create his own rushing lane, though those opportunities will be much tougher to come by in college. Upon identifying a point of attack, he exploits it with elite burst and square pad level.
He operates with admirable ball security and should only continue to improve as a receiver. Harris, who rushed for 6,717 yards and 111 touchdowns in high school, will be squarely in the mix to secure early reps during his first collegiate training camp.
— Tyler Donohue
30. 5-Star CB Minkah Fitzpatrick
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Height/Weight: 6'1", 198 lbs
High School: Saint Peter's Prep; Jersey City, New Jersey
247Sports Ranking: No. 5 CB/No. 30 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Committed to: Alabama on April 19, 2014
Nick Saban identified Minkah Fitzpatrick as one of the elite prospects in the 2015 cycle early in the process, and his diligence in recruiting the New Jersey native paid off when he committed to the Tide in April.
However, Florida State has continued to pursue Fitzpatrick—who officially visited Tallahassee in October—after his commitment, but his pledge to the Tide appears to be solid.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Fitzpatrick is an elite athlete who has the skill set to play receiver in college. However, his package of size and athleticism at corner is what makes him a special prospect. He hits like a linebacker in run support and has the hips of an offensive skill player. He'll fit in well at a place like Alabama that has players with the prototypical NFL body types at every position.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
29. 5-Star DT Daron Payne
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Height/Weight: 6’2”, 325 lbs
High School: Shades Valley High; Birmingham, Alabama
247 Ranking: No. 7 DT/No. 29 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Committed to: Alabama on Jan. 2, 2015
Daron Payne was another player whose recruitment came down to in-state rivals Alabama and Auburn.
Payne committed to the Tide during the Under Armour All-America Game, but he hasn’t ruled out taking another visit to Auburn before signing day.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Payne’s game is all about strength and power. I saw him at the Birmingham Nike camp last spring, and he put on a show in one-on-one drills, where multiple linemen ended up on their rear ends after trying to slow him down. He’s an ideal fit as a run-stuffing nose in a 3-4 scheme.
-Sanjay Kirpalani
28. 5-Star ATH Terry Godwin
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Height/Weight: 6’0”, 168 lbs
High School: Callaway High; Hogansville, Georgia
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 ATH/No. 28 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to: Georgia on Jan. 18, 2014
Terry Godwin had a number of offers entering 2014 before he committed to Mark Richt and the Georgia Bulldogs.
However, Godwin has taken numerous visits since then to places such as Alabama and Auburn. He will still use all of his officials—with visits to the Tide, Tigers and Texas A&M coming in January.
Given that he’s still giving other schools a chance, Godwin’s recruitment will be worth monitoring until signing day.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Godwin is a dynamic player with the ball in his hands. As a receiver, he has the rare ability to explode in and out of his cuts, and he has the type of top-end speed that can take the top off of a defense. He will need to work on his route running and technique when he gets to college. With his elusiveness in space and toughness in tight areas, Godwin is a shifty playmaker who is a threat to take it the distance every time he touches the ball.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
27. 5-Star WR Tyron Johnson
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Height/Weight: 6'1", 191 lbs
High School: Warren Easton High School; New Orleans, Louisiana
247Sports Ranking: No. 5 WR/No. 27 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Committed to: LSU on Jan. 2, 2015
Tyron Johnson kept the Tigers guessing deep into his recruitment process, but the team's diligence paid off when he became the latest New Orleans playmaker to declare LSU as his destination during Under Armour All-American Game festivities.
Johnson also considered Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Georgia and Auburn.
Bleacher Report Analysis
He makes every catch you can ask of a No. 1 target and understands how to finish off plays. His speed (14/15) and agility (15/15) allow him to become a scoring threat on every reception.
He looks natural at just about everything, gaining separation on underneath routes and along the sidelines. Johnson works well in tight areas and snags the ball like he owns it.
Johnson also excels as a kick returner, as evidenced by his stellar highlight reel.
— Tyler Donohue
26. 5-Star OG Chuma Edoga
80 of 105Height/Weight: 6'3", 280 lbs
High School: McEachern High School; Powder Springs, Georgia
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 OG/No. 26 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Committed to: USC on April 21, 2014
Chuma Edoga chose the Trojans over in-state Georgia last spring, representing a big step forward for USC coach Steve Sarkisian as he looks to reignite the program's national reach. He spent an official visit with the Bulldogs in November, but never wavered in his pledge to the Trojans.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Edoga is an unbelievable athlete along the offensive front. He primarily played tackle in high school and flashes borderline tight end speed, allowing him to get downfield as a lead blocker.
His ability to spearhead rushing convoys 30 yards away from the line of scrimmage is special, earning him a position-best 39/40 score for run-blocking. Edoga is the most explosive lineman on this list, jolting out of his stance with a purpose and punishing those who stand in the way.
There's room for physical growth on his frame, particular the lower body. Added strength down low would help him set a stronger base in pass protection, where he can still be beaten with an elite power-rush move.
— Tyler Donohue
25. 5-Star WR Christian Kirk
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Height/Weight: 5'10", 191 lbs
High School: Saguaro High School; Scottsdale, Arizona
247Sports Ranking: No. 4 WR/No. 25 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Committed to: Texas A&M on Dec. 17, 2014
Christian Kirk spent significant time touring campuses, including trips to Auburn, UCLA and USC. His decision ultimately came down to Arizona State and the Aggies, where 5-star quarterback and friend Kyler Murray is also headed.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Kirk became a jack-of-all-trades juggernaut at Saguaro, leading the team to consecutive state title victories as an upperclassman. He rushed for 800-plus yards as a junior and then doubled that output as a senior, adding 126 total receptions for 2,370 yards and 34 scores during that span.
He was among the most dominant figures this summer at The Opening, where he carved up elite defenders with precise route-running (18/20) and surefire hands (25/25). Kirk can take on a variety of roles in College Station, including kick returner, and is difficult to pigeonhole into one position.
"I just want an offensive coordinator who is open to me playing every wide-receiver position on the field," Kirk told me this summer. "When a guy tells me 'We want you here in the slot,' and they don't want to move me anywhere else, that's not what I'm looking for. I may not be 6'3", but I want to be a true wide receiver who stretches the field."
— Tyler Donohue
24. 5-Star DT Christian Wilkins
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Height/Weight: 6’4”, 290 lbs
High School: Suffield Academy; Suffield, Connecticut
247 Ranking: No. 6 DT/No. 24 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Committed to: Clemson on Jan. 5, 2015
Christian Wilkins ended a hotly contested recruitment when he committed to Clemson earlier this month.
The Tigers were a surprise choice, with many in the recruiting community suspecting that Notre Dame, Ohio State and Penn State were the primary players for Wilkins, who had a strong performance during the week of the Under Armour All-America Game, which took place Jan. 2.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Wilkins is a supreme athlete who also played defensive end in high school. The quickness and pass-rushing ability he’s displayed off the edge gives him the type of versatility rarely found in 290-pound defensive linemen. His biggest adjustment to college will be to add strength in order to be stout at the point of attack against run plays.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
23. 5-Star DT Rasheem Green
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Height/Weight: 6’5”, 275 lbs
High School: Junipero Serra High; Gardena, California
247 Ranking: No. 5 DT/No. 23 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Uncommitted: Considering USC, Oregon, Arizona State and Miami
Rasheem Green joins John Houston as elite defensive talents to emerge from powerhouse Junipero Serra High School just south of Los Angeles.
Green has already taken official visits to Oregon, Miami, Arizona State and Oklahoma, with his final visit going to USC and Arizona State later in January.
The Trojans are considered the favorites to land Green.
Bleacher Report Analysis
What makes Green special is that he can go through or around offensive linemen with equal effectiveness. He’s got a lean frame that could stand to add weight, and he’s versatile and talented enough to play defensive end in passing situations. Overall, he’s a freakish talent with tremendous upside heading into college.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
22. 5-Star OT Mitch Hyatt
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Height/Weight: 6'5", 270 lbs
High School: North Gwinnett School; Suwanee, Georgia
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 OT/No. 22 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Enrolled at: Clemson
Mitch Hyatt pledged to the Tigers on national signing day in 2014, spurning an offer from in-state Georgia. He visited Auburn in October but ultimately landed at Clemson and enrolled early.
Bleacher Report Analysis
He's athletic enough to compete against speedy pass-rushers, who hardly ever beat him to the corner in pass protection (24/25). Several standout defensive ends attempted to blow by his outside shoulder at The Opening but ended up being halted in their tracks.
There doesn't seem to be much wasted weight on Hyatt's physical frame, so it's probably safe to project him as playing closer to 290 pounds in college. This will make him sturdier against bull-rush efforts and add to his arsenal as an elite offensive tackle.
He takes coaching tips very well and utilizes them immediately. Hyatt is a technician with his footwork and dishes out an effective first punch at the point of attack to gain leverage.
No offensive lineman is more fundamentally sound on every snap. As Hyatt continues to mature physically, he has the makings of a multiyear All-Conference selection.
— Tyler Donohue
21. 5-Star QB Blake Barnett
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Height/Weight: 6'4.5", 200 lbs
High School: Santiago High School; Corona, California
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 pro-style QB/No. 21 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Enrolled at: Alabama
The Crimson Tide landed Blake Barnett despite growing belief that he was headed to Oregon. His initial commitment occurred last November, when Barnett pledged to Notre Dame. He paid a visit to the Ducks after decommitting but eventually chose Alabama in June.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Barnett took over as the starter at Santiago as a junior and quickly accrued heavy recruiting interest. His elite blend of size and speed is savored by collegiate offensive coordinators, and he displays a deep understanding of how to dissect defenses.
His natural leadership skills were on display at The Opening, where many elite recruits gravitated toward him. He teamed up with future Crimson Tide teammate Calvin Ridley to win a seven-on-seven tournament title and stole the show with Elite 11 MVP honors.
His most pivotal improvements will occur in downfield accuracy, as defenders are still often able to disrupt the location of those attempts. Barnett may also be the best of this group when it comes to firing passes while rolling out, adding a new wrinkle to Lane Kiffin's attack in Tuscaloosa.
— Tyler Donohue
20. 5-Star CB Kendall Sheffield
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Height/Weight: 6'0", 181 lbs
High School: Fort Bend Marshall High; Missouri City, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 4 CB/No. 20 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to: Alabama on Jan. 2, 2015
Kendall Sheffield is one of the top prospects in the hotbed of the state of Texas.
The 6'0", 181-pounder was coveted by the likes of Texas A&M, Alabama and Florida State, as noted by Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports.
Sheffield committed to the Crimson Tide at the Under Armour All-America Game, and his pledge gives Nick Saban another huge victory from a secondary standout from the Lone Star State.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Speed is the name of the game with Sheffield, who may be the nation's fastest corner prospect. His athleticism is off the charts in situations where he has to jump or move in quick bursts to recover on plays when he's beaten off the line or out of a receiver's break. He's also displayed a willingness to take on blocks in the run game, and he's a sound tackler in open space. Overall, Sheffield is one of the nation's elite athletes in the 2015 cycle.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
19. 5-Star WR Deon Cain
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Height/Weight: 6'1.5", 194 lbs
High School: Tampa Bay Tech; Tampa Bay, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 WR/No. 19 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Committed to: Clemson on May 30, 2014
Despite visits to Miami and LSU, Deon Cain remains steadfast in his commitment to Dabo Swinney and the Tigers. Florida, Tennessee, Ohio State and Alabama also extended offers along the way.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Much like 2014 Texas A&M signee Speedy Noil, Cain is a successful high school quarterback who deserves consideration as one of the top receiver targets in his class. He's blown away competition at star-studded events like The Opening and the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, in which Cain caught and threw a touchdown.
"It's big because I'm showing what I can do at receiver in pads instead of just shorts and a t-shirt," Cain told me after an All-American practice. "Even though I didn't play the position for my high school team, I can become the guy at Clemson and be one of the nation's best receivers."
He possesses massive hands (24/25) that help him corral poorly placed passes. When his speed (13/15) and release (18/20) are paired with more nuanced route-running, Cain could certainly develop into the Tigers' next star receiver.
— Tyler Donohue
18. 5-Star WR George Campbell
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Height/Weight: 6'3", 184 lbs
High School: East Lake High School; Tarpon Springs, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 WR/No. 18 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 85/100
Enrolled at: Florida State
George Campbell was one of several standout prospects to decommit from Michigan during the past year. He eventually landed with the Seminoles following a September announcement, spurning offers from the likes of LSU, Florida and Clemson.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Campbell was clocked at 4.36 seconds in the 40-yard dash at The Opening as a junior and returned to dazzle with elite athleticism last summer. His top-end speed (15/15) is frightening when combined with a long physical frame.
The knock on Campbell has always been suspect hands, but he's put in plenty of time to change that narrative. Based on senior film, I've elevated his hands grade from 18/25 to 22/25, a testament to a concerted effort to refine his technique.
The practice reps paid off on the field, as Campbell posted a career-high 62 receptions for 880 yards and 12 touchdowns, per MaxPreps.
— Tyler Donohue
17. 5-Star DE Keisean Lucier-South
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Height/Weight: 6’4”, 208 lbs
High School: Lutheran-Orange County High; Orange, California
247 Ranking: No. 2 WDE/No. 17 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Committed to: UCLA on Nov. 22, 2014
Keisean Lucier-South picked up his first offer from UCLA back in the spring of 2013.
After a whirlwind recruitment that saw him take official visits to Michigan, Oklahoma and Oregon, Lucier-South committed to the Bruins in November.
According to Steve Lorenz of Wolverine247 (subscription required), Lucier-South was among the first targets to hear from new Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh. But he reiterated that he’s firm in his pledge to UCLA.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Lucier-South is a rangy pass rusher whose length is disruptive on the edges. He’s sudden with his movements, and he can make plays sideline to sideline because of his speed. He has the size and athleticism to potentially play as an outside linebacker, particularly in the role that Anthony Barr thrived in for the Bruins.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
16. 5-Star DE Canton Kaumatule
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Height/Weight: 6’7”, 290 lbs
High School: Punahou High; Honolulu, Hawaii
247 Ranking: No. 3 SDE/No. 16 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Committed to: Oregon on Nov. 1, 2014
Canton Kaumatule had a relatively low-key recruitment before he visited Oregon in late October.
He left Eugene as a Ducks commit and joined the program officially earlier this month as an early enrollee.
Kaumatule, who hails from the same high school that produced President Barack Obama, was the initial top overall prospect in the 247Sports rankings released in May 2013, according to Gerry Hamilton of 247Sports.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Kaumatule has prototypical NFL size for a 3-4 defensive end. However, he’s athletic enough to go around offensive linemen or power through them with his strength. His length causes problems also, as he can swat passes down effectively. He figures to be a solid candidate to replace Ducks defensive end Arik Armstead if he chooses to leave early for the NFL draft.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
15. 5-Star CB Tarvarus McFadden
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Height/Weight: 6'3", 198 lbs
High School: American Heritage High; Fort Lauderdale, Florida
247 Ranking: No. 3 CB/No. 15 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Committed to: Florida State on Oct. 31, 2014
Tarvarus McFadden selected Florida State over Georgia and LSU in late October.
However, he still may take visits in January, including one to Athens, as noted by Chris Nee of Noles247 (subscription required).
McFadden and Ohio State pledge and 4-star athlete Torrance Gibson led American Heritage to back-to-back 5A state titles.
Bleacher Report Analysis
McFadden is a jumbo-sized corner who moves like a player who is five inches shorter and 30 pounds lighter. His height serves him well in one-on-one battles against bigger receivers. However, given his unique size, I'd like to see him use his hands and press receivers more at the line of scrimmage. Overall, he's an intriguing prospect with a high ceiling on the college level.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
14. 5-Star DT Daylon Mack
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Height/Weight: 6’0”, 330 lbs
High School: Gladewater High; Gladewater, Texas
247 Ranking: No. 4 DT/No. 14 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Committed to: Texas A&M
Bleacher Report Analysis
Some may view Mack’s lack of height as a negative. However, he uses his low center of gravity to get under blocks and then his power to drive through linemen on his way into the backfield. He’s too quick for bigger linemen and too strong for lean ones. Overall, he’s an explosive player and one who should be able to be dominant early in his college career.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
13. 5-Star DT Terry Beckner Jr.
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Height/Weight: 6’4”, 293 lbs
High School: East Saint Louis High; East Saint Louis, Illinois
247 Ranking: No. 3 DT/No. 13 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to: Missouri
Bleacher Report Analysis
Beckner is an overpowering force up front, simply swallowing blockers because of his size and strength. Beckner can play defensive end in a 3-4 scheme, where he’s more of an edge-setter in the run game. But, he has some pass-rush skills in his arsenal. However, his size and ability to penetrate makes him tougher to defend when he lines up at defensive tackle. His potential at that spot is much greater in the long-term.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
12. 5-Star QB Josh Rosen
94 of 105Height/Weight: 6'4", 205 lbs
High School: St. John Bosco; Bellflower, California
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 pro-style QB; No. 12 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Enrolled at: UCLA
Josh Rosen spent a visit at Michigan in mid-March, less than a week before he committed to the Bruins. Tennessee, Duke, Cal and Vanderbilt each offered scholarships by the end of his sophomore year.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Rosen looks like a potential program-changer behind center, commanding respect as an elite passer and leader. He threw for 6,386 yards and 68 scores as an upperclassman, showing off the best accuracy (24/25) of anyone on this list.
Rosen's impeccable footwork also stands out, resulting in the lone 10/10 grade for pocket presence among this group.
His ability to handle pressure and step up in the pocket provides glimpses of potential college stardom. Rosen convinced me he's the real deal during "pocket conflict" drills at the Elite 11 finals, as he smoothly maneuvered away from oncoming pressure before reestablishing his platform and finding a downfield target.
Rosen's expectations, like those of UCLA faithful, are sky-high.
"I'd love to take snaps on opening day," Rosen said. "I'm going to work as hard as I can to make that happen."
— Tyler Donohue
11. 5-Star WR Calvin Ridley
95 of 105Height/Weight: 6'0", 170 lbs
High School: Monarch High School; Pompano Beach, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 WR/No. 11 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Committed to: Alabama on April 19, 2014
Calvin Ridley committed to the Crimson Tide along with high school teammate Shawn Burgess-Becker while both players attended Alabama's Spring Game action. Miami and Florida State have never called off the hunt, but he appears on track to compete in Tuscaloosa.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Ridley, already 20 years old, has an advantage in physical maturation, an edge which showed up en route to overall MVP honors at The Opening. Even the most elite defensive backs struggled to stay with him in coverage, a credit to his route-running (19/20) and release (20/20).
His quickness (14/15) is coupled with sheer physicality, including a vicious stiff-arm Ridley unveils from time to time. The game film is filled with highlight plays, and he is clearly ready for a new challenge.
It awaits him at Alabama, where offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin is looking to fill the mighty-big shoes left behind by NFL-bound receiver Amari Cooper. Ridley will be counted on immediately to help pick up some of the slack.
"Calvin is pretty incredible, isn't he?" 5-star Alabama quarterback and early enrollee Blake Barnett asked me last summer. "He's such a talented receiver. ... I can't wait to get to work with him in Tuscaloosa."
— Tyler Donohue
10. 5-Star OLB Malik Jefferson
96 of 105Height/Weight: 6’3”, 215 lbs
High School: Poteet High; Mesquite, Texas
247 Ranking: No. 1 OLB/No. 10 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Committed to: Texas on Dec. 19
Malik Jefferson represents the biggest victory for Charlie Strong on the recruiting trail since he’s been in Austin.
Jefferson and DeAndre McNeal—his prep teammate and 4-star athlete—both chose Texas over Texas A&M and UCLA, among others.
Jefferson won the 2014 high school Butkus Award as the nation’s top prep linebacker.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Jefferson’s versatility sets him apart as the nation’s premier linebacker in the 2015 class. He’s explosive in pass-rushing situations and he stands out in pass coverage due to his ability to match up with speedy offensive skill players. He’s physical in run support and flashes great instincts in reading his keys. Overall, Jefferson has the tools to be a potential instant-impact performer for the Longhorns next fall.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
9. 5-Star DE Josh Sweat
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Height/Weight: 6’5”, 240 lbs
High School: Oscar Smith High; Chesapeake, Virginia
247 Ranking: No. 1 WDE/No. 9 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Committed to: Florida State on Dec. 10, 2014
Josh Sweat whittled his extensive list of offers down to a final five of Florida State, Georgia, Ohio State, Oregon and Virginia Tech. He joined fellow defensive lineman Darvin Taylor as Virginia natives who committed to the ‘Noles.
Sweat is one of three 5-star prospects who have already enrolled in Tallahassee, according to Josh Newberg of Noles247.
Bleacher Report Analysis
When it comes to traits such as speed, power, size and athleticism, not many players can match the package of attributes Sweat possesses. In fact, he’s the most athletic defensive end I’ve seen since Jadeveon Clowney.
He’s a blur off the edge, and he can overpower linemen with his strength. He’s athletic enough to play tight end or outside linebacker at the next level, but he’s at his best when he’s harassing quarterbacks.
Given Florida State’s problems with its pass rush last year, Sweat has a chance to make an immediate impact next fall, provided he returns full strength from a knee injury that cost him the majority of his senior season.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
8. 5-Star CB Kevin Toliver II
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Height/Weight: 6'2", 185 lbs
High School: Trinity Christian Academy; Jacksonville, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 CB/No. 8 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Committed to: LSU on Nov. 4, 2012
Kevin Toliver II has been pegged as one of the nation's best prospects in the 2015 class since he was a sophomore.
In fact, he committed to LSU more than two years ago and will enroll in Baton Rouge in January despite schools such as Florida State, Ohio State, Virginia Tech and UCLA still aggressively pursuing him.
He was the catalyst on a state title-winning team with more than 10 players who have offers from Power Five schools.
Bleacher Report Analysis
My first glimpse of Toliver came in a camp setting where he was practically unbeatable in one-on-one drills. When I saw him in action this season, my first thought was that he looked like the prototype corner you would draw up if you were to start from scratch. He excels in jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage, with few receivers able to recover from the immediate disruption of their routes. He's going to a place in LSU that has prided itself on being physical and playing man-to-man coverages, which suits his skill set perfectly.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
7. 5-Star DE CeCe Jefferson
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Height/Weight: 6’2”, 275 lbs
High School: Baker County Senior High; Glen Saint Mary, Florida
247 Ranking: No. 2 SDE/No. 7 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Uncommitted: Considering Florida, Ole Miss, Alabama, Florida State and Auburn
Florida has been the perceived favorite for CeCe Jefferson since the beginning of his recruitment, as evidenced by his Crystal Ball page. However, fellow SEC powers Alabama and Ole Miss have made moves for Jefferson, with the elite pass-rusher recently naming the Rebels as his leader, per Barton Simmons of 247Sports.
Despite that proclamation, it will be a shock if he lands anywhere other than Gainesville on national signing day.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Jefferson is an appealing prospect because he has the athleticism to play outside linebacker or defensive end. As an end, his first step off the ball is as quick as any player in this class. He’s adept at shedding blocks and being a sure tackler in the run game. His versatility is what makes him one of the elite pass rushers in this class.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
6. 5-Star DT Kahlil McKenzie
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Height/Weight: 6’3”, 354 lbs
High School: Clayton Valley High; Concord, California
247 Ranking: No. 2 DT/No. 6 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Committed to: Tennessee on July 10, 2014
Kahlil McKenzie had offers from a number of the nation’s top programs after spring 2014.
He committed to Tennessee over Arizona, Oklahoma and Wisconsin.
He is the son of Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie, who is also a Tennessee alum.
Bleacher Report Analysis
When it comes to sheer size, no prospect in the 2015 class is more physically imposing than McKenzie. He’s got NFL size and is still athletic enough to move laterally. He’s extremely strong and was simply unblockable on the high school level. In college, McKenzie will command double-teams because of his ability to penetrate gaps.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
5. 5-Star S Derwin James
101 of 105Height/Weight: 6'2", 201 lbs
High School: Haines City Senior High; Haines City, Florida
247 Ranking: No. 1 S/No. 5 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Committed to: Florida State on Feb. 25, 2012
Perhaps no member of the 2015 class committed to a school earlier than Derwin James, who pledged to Florida State nearly three years ago as a sophomore.
James has been one of the biggest recruiters for the 'Noles since then, and he's helped FSU build a class currently rated No. 2 in the country.
He enrolled early at FSU this January.
Bleacher Report Analysis
James is another freakish athlete who brings the wood as a hitter in run support. He closes on ball-carriers and receivers in a hurry and explodes through his tackles. In pass coverage, he shows great sideline-to-sideline speed and the instincts necessary to become an elite safety at the college level. Overall, he's one of the most gifted athletes in the 2015 cycle.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
4. 5-Star CB Iman Marshall
102 of 105Height/Weight: 6'1", 190 lbs
High School: Long Beach Poly High; Long Beach, California
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 CB/No. 4 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Uncommitted: Considering USC, Florida State, LSU, Notre Dame, Michigan, UCLA
To be the top prospect in the state of California, in what is a loaded year for the state, illustrates how freakish of a prospect Iman Marshall is.
"Biggie," as he's nicknamed, is one of the nation's most coveted uncommitted prospects left in the 2015 cycle, with USC trying to keep him home and away from the likes of Florida State, LSU and Notre Dame, among others.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Marshall is the total package at corner. He packs a punch when he's making a tackle, and he flashes great quickness and instincts when he's in coverage. He's versatile enough to match up against slot receivers on the inside or play bigger receivers on the outside. Marshall is also a candidate to provide big plays on special teams, which makes him a candidate to be an instant impact performer as a freshman next fall.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
3. 5-Star DE Byron Cowart
103 of 105Height/Weight: 6’4”, 250 lbs
High School: Armwood High; Seffner, Florida
247 Ranking: No. 1 SDE/No. 3 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Committed to: Auburn
Bleacher Report Analysis
Cowart is another freakish talent who has NFL measurables in traits such as size, speed and athleticism. He plays with strength and power at the point of attack, and he has lethal quickness off the ball. He’s another guy with the agility and instincts necessary to play outside linebacker, but he’s truly special with his hand in the dirt. Regardless of where he lands, Cowart has the tools to be an impact player right away.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
2. 5-Star OT Martez Ivey
104 of 105Height/Weight: 6'5.5"/275 lbs
High School: Apopka High School; Apopka, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 OT/No. 2 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Committed to: Florida
Bleacher Report Analysis
He performed like a man among boys at The Opening, which speaks volumes since he was competing against the country's top defensive linemen. There's been substantial growth in his game since a junior season that featured more raw strength than airtight fundamentals.
We witnessed an elite athlete really coming into his own in Oregon. Ivey, looking more like a lean basketball forward than a lumbering lineman, makes up ground at a startling pace.
His footwork and slide step put him in position to cut off angles against even the most elite pass-rushers, earning a 24/25 grade for lateral quickness. Ivey won the clash against top-ranked defensive end Josh Sweat on multiple occasions, though he did concede some battles versus the nation's No. 1 weak-side defensive end.
He displays elite reach with a wingspan college coaches covet. He can still afford to make strides when it comes to pad level, but there appeared to be improvement in that department this past season.
Ivey projects as a top-end NFL draft pick down the line.
— Tyler Donohue
1. 5-Star DT Trent Thompson
105 of 105Height/Weight: 6’3”, 313 lbs
High School: Westover High; Albany, Georgia
247 Ranking: No. 1 DT/No. 1 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Committed to: Georgia on Aug. 12, 2014
Trent Thompson was another prospect who had a national offer list before fall 2013.
He committed to his longtime favorite, Georgia, over Alabama, Auburn, Clemson and Florida State.
He’s taken trips to Alabama and Auburn during the fall, and it’s not out of the question that he won’t use any of his official visits during January, with the Tide and Tigers aiming to get him on campus before signing day.
However, according to Jake Rowe of Dawgs247, Thompson has stated his intent to stick with the Bulldogs.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Thompson is the total package at defensive tackle. When I saw him live this past season, he took over a game that was close at halftime and changed it by beating double- and triple-teams while creating havoc.
He’s a powerful force that can overpower linemen, and he packs a punch that ball-carriers feel when he hits them. Georgia is in a spot where it needs him to come in ready to play right away, and he’s one of the rare talents who possesses the ability to be dominant in the SEC immediately.
— Sanjay Kirpalani
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