2015 Recruits Who Are Having Subpar Senior Seasons

Great expectations don't always equate to anticipated results on the football field. Unforeseen circumstances and supporting casts can ultimately dictate how an athlete's season develops, for better or worse. 

The 2015 recruiting class is packed with talented prospects capable of taking over games and delivering their respective squads to victory. Some of these players have dealt with downswings in production this season, and although they still possess plenty of potential to turn things around moving forward, things haven't quite turned out as planned in 2014. 

We reviewed the season so far for several standout recruits, pinpointing those still searching for sustained stretches of top-level performances. Here's a look at potential college stars who still have plenty to prove as seniors.

4-Star RB Jordan Scarlett (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)

Credit: 247Sports

Jordan Scarlett stole headlines earlier this year when he transferred from University School to St. Thomas Aquinas High School, switching allegiances between a pair of standout southern Florida programs. The 5'11", 210-pound playmaker left behind a squad that used him as a central offensive focal point in past seasons.

He rushed for nearly 2,900 yards and 50 touchdowns between his freshman and junior campaigns, adding close to 300 yards through the air, per MaxPreps. Scarlett tallied 11 games of 100-plus rushing yards during that span, emerging as a top collegiate prospect in the process. 

He created more noise this summer, flipping his collegiate commitment from FAU to Miami on national television while attending The Opening, an invite-only football showcase held at Nike's world headquarters in Oregon. 

Things started strongly at St. Thomas Aquinas, as Scarlett rushed for three touchdowns in a season-opening victory over American Heritage. However, his effectiveness in the ground game has sputtered at times since. 

He was stifled, along with the rest of his squad, in a 24-7 loss to New Jersey powerhouse Don Bosco Prep. Scarlett has scored just three touchdowns since his August debut, receiving limited carries along the way.

Part of the issue is smaller portions of playing time during blowout wins and the fact he shares snaps with former Maryland running back pledge Deltron Sands. Still, his progress in the St. Thomas Aquinas backfield remains worth monitoring.

4-Star WR DaMarkus Lodge (Cedar Hill, Texas)

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DaMarkus Lodge dismantled defenses throughout his junior season, helping deliver a state championship to Cedar Hill High School. Though the team remains among Texas' top programs in 2014, the dynamic receiver has been more of a decoy than a difference maker. 

Lodge, who caught 71 passes for 1,256 yards and 21 touchdowns last year, is far off that pace. The 6'2.5", 190-pound playmaker has just 12 receptions for 249 yards through five games, per MaxPreps.

He finished the 2013 campaign with offensive MVP honors in the state championship game. Though his statistical totals have tailed off, Lodge's five touchdown receptions provide evidence he remains a force to be reckoned with as another postseason run nears.

He decommitted from Texas A&M last month, reopening a recruitment that features suitors from across the country. Lodge has since visited USC and Ole Miss.

Cedar Hill will look to get him more involved in the downfield attack in weeks ahead, as he'll be counted on to help carry the program toward another title.

4-Star DE Jeffery Holland (Jacksonville, Florida)

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Jeffery Holland has been a mainstay along the defensive front for talent-laden Jacksonville powerhouse Trinity Christian Academy, and he secured 12.5 sacks en route to the state championship last season, per MaxPreps.

During the past two seasons, he totaled 60 tackles, including 25.5 for loss. Holland, a versatile 6'2", 230-pound athlete, tallied 17 total sacks during that span, emerging as one of the most feared pass-rushers in Florida.

However, his journeys to the quarterback have been less frequent this fall. Holland has just two sacks at this stage, dealing with consistent double-team blocking schemes along the way.

As offensive game plans target him more than ever, he's been limited to eight total tackles. Holland and his squad remain on track to reach the playoffs, but as the season progresses and big plays become more imperative, Trinity Christian Academy needs Holland to reinforce his relentless pass-rushing reputation.

4-Star RB Desherrius Flowers (Mobile, Alabama)

Alabama is loaded in the offensive backfield and is always searching for its next star running back. Desherrius Flowers, who hails from the same area as current Crimson Tide rusher T.J. Yeldon, has the physical makeup of a top-tier SEC playmaker.

However, Flowers has struggled to string together a successful senior campaign that many viewed as a possible breakout opportunity. The 6'1", 212-pound prospect has dealt with an ankle ailment he suffered during a season-opening loss and simply doesn't look as dominant as his high ceiling suggests.

Though he's continued to compete, premier performances have been difficult to come by. Flowers hasn't managed to break out for a 100-yard game this fall, though it certainly isn't entirely his fault.

Vigor head coach Ashley Johnson voiced frustration following a 14-7 loss last week, citing issues up-front. 

"We didn't open up enough running lanes, and we have to be able to do that," Johnson told Stephen Newhouse of AL.com.

The team is 2-3, and Flowers has yet to gain any semblance of rhythm before his arrival in Tuscaloosa next semester. He rushed for 2,022 yards and 24 scores during the past two seasons.

4-Star ATH Stanley Norman (Gardena, California)

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Stanley Norman is another sensational talent who transferred prior to his senior season. The 6'0", 180-pound prospect moved from Culver City High School to Junipero Serra High School, joining a recruit-heavy roster.

He's made a difference but hasn't emerged as a consistent star on a team filled with them. Norman tallied 900 total offensive yards and seven touchdowns as a junior, per MaxPreps.

He averaged nearly 19 yards per reception in 2013, picking up another nine per rushing attempt. Norman was also a dangerous punt returner, averaging approximately 20 yards on special teams opportunities.

His role has been far less expansive this season, as he's been almost exclusively utilized as a receiver. Norman continues to display big-play ability with 14 receptions for 262 yards but has scored just once through six contests.

5-Star ATH Torrance Gibson (Plantation, Florida)

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Torrance Gibson set out to show he can shine as a passer this season, aiming to prove several prognosticators wrong in the process. His senior campaign has provided a mixed bag of results to this point.

The 6'4", 200-pound playmaker is considered a potential collegiate wide receiver but hopes to remain behind center at the next level. He's consistently made that clear during his recruitment process.

"I'm a quarterback," Gibson told me this summer. "The teams I'm still considering see me as a quarterback and that's where I plan to play."

However, after leading American Heritage High School to a state title in 2013, his numbers have dropped. Former teammate Sony Michel is now a freshman running back at Georgia, adding increased importance to Gibson's role on the defending champs.

He's completing just 51 percent of his passes for American Heritage, which now sits at 3-2. Gibson has thrown for 695 yards and five touchdowns.

Teams have targeted him in the run game, and those measures appear effective through more than a month of action. He's gained 189 yards and three scores on the ground, averaging 4.6 yards per carry (down from 9.8 in 2013).

Gibson rushed for 1,032 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2013. He also threw for 1,864 yards and 19 touchdowns. 

His first collegiate campaign is likely to come at quarterback, but there are still significant strides to be made. Gibson remains a rare talent who considers Ohio State, Oklahoma and Arizona among top contenders.

Recruit ratings and statistics courtesy of 247Sports unless otherwise noted.