Top 2016 Recruits to Watch for in High School Football Playoffs
Postseason action has arrived for high school football programs in several states. Yearlong quests to become champions reach a new chapter as do-or-die playoff matchups command the spotlight.
For members of the 2016 graduating class, this is one final opportunity to compete alongside friends for hometown glory. College recruits considered premier playmakers are asked to bring their best as prep careers come to a close.
The title chase is underway across America in the coming weeks. Here's a peek at several 2016 prospects who hope to propel their team toward a trophy.
4-Star QB Brandon Peters
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High School: Avon (Avon, Indiana)
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 7 pro-style quarterback; No. 79 overall
Recruitment Status: Committed to Michigan
Brandon Peters has consistently elevated Avon throughout his career. He threw 21 touchdowns during each of the past two seasons, winning 14 total games in the process.
He's greatly exceeded that production as a senior, pushing Avon into the state semifinals after a second-round exit last fall. Peters, a 6'5", 205-pound Elite 11 finalist, has led the team to 10 wins and is now two more shy of a championship.
Avon eliminated a defending state champion for the second straight week last Friday when Peters fired a game-winning strike in overtime against Cathedral High School. It was his third touchdown toss of the contest, according to Paul Shepherd of the Indianapolis Star.
“I was thinking I need to go score for my team. Let's get this win and move on to the next one," he told Shepherd.
Peters has torched opponents for 2,803 yards, 35 touchdowns and just five interceptions this season, per MaxPreps. A showdown with Center Grove High School awaits this weekend.
5-Star RB Tavien Feaster
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High School: Spartanburg (Spartanburg, South Carolina)
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1 all-purpose back; No. 25 overall
Recruitment Status: Committed to Clemson
Tavien Feaster is among several top-tier prospects attempting to capture a second straight state title. The 6'0", 204-pound rusher provides Spartanburg with a dynamic backfield weapon.
His five multitouchdown games and 1,723 offensive yards through 11 contests are a result of highly effective play in different phases of the offense. Feaster averages 7.9 yards per carry, according to MaxPreps, and he's caught at least four passes in each of the past four games.
A touchdown grab in last weekend's win over Mann High School gives him nine scoring receptions this season. Feaster also has four 100-yard receiving outbursts this fall.
An elite blend of power, finesse and soft hands makes him the kind of talent that can carry his team to a title.
4-Star WR Tren'Davian Dickson
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High School: Navasota (Navasota, Texas)
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 22 wide receiver; No. 123 overall
Recruitment Status: Committed to Baylor
Tren'Davian Dickson set a national high school record with 39 touchdown receptions last season, leading Navasota through an unbeaten state title run. The 6'0", 171-pound playmaker aims to deliver a repeat performance this fall, as Navasota again enters playoff competition without a loss.
Dickson, who snagged 90 passes for 2,166 yards during a breakout junior campaign, is up to his old tricks. He caught three touchdowns last weekend in a win over Washington High School that clinched Navasota's sixth straight district championship, according to Tim Schnettler of the Eagle.
Dickson was dominant during the 2014 postseason, which he capped off with a 12-reception, four-score performance in the championship game. Another playoff journey begins Friday against Columbia High School.
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5-Star DE Oluwole Betiku
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High School: Junipero Serra (Gardena, California)
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1 weak-side defensive end; No. 10 overall
Recruitment Status: Offers include Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Florida, Florida State and USC
Los Angeles area powerhouse Junipero Serra High School is three years removed from its most recent state championship, with at least 10 wins in six of the past eight seasons. The team begins another postseason endeavor this weekend against Westlake High School, and defensive end Oluwole Betiku will be counted on to apply constant pressure.
He's been fantastic since picking up the sport as a junior. The 6'3 ½", 240-pound Nigeria native tallied 11.5 sacks last season and has 15 sacks through 10 games this fall, according to MaxPreps.
Betiku provides a menacing presence off the edge, erupting for 4.5 sacks in an Oct. 30 victory over Alemany. The former UCLA commit collected 48 tackles for loss in his first 21 varsity contests.
4-Star QB Jalen Hurts
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High School: Channelview (Channelview, Texas)
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 5 dual-threat quarterback; No. 202 overall
Recruitment Status: Committed to Alabama
The stock seems to be rising for Crimson Tide commit Jalen Hurts, who has provided some incredibly impressive performances this season. The 6'2", 208-pound playmaker suits up for his 2015 playoff debut this weekend against Lone Star State powerhouse Manvel High School.
Hurts, who pledged to Alabama in June, dazzled during a loss to La Porte High School last week. He totaled seven touchdowns in the 55-49 defeat, according to Brian Perroni of 247Sports.
As usual, Hurts wreaked havoc as both a passer and runner. He completed 19 throws for 358 yards and three scores, adding 132 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
His abilities also shined during Channelview's most recent win, an Oct. 30 victory over Sterling High School. Hurts racked up 331 total yards and six scores in that contest, according to Brian Stumpf of StudentSports.com.
He enters postseason play with 13 offensive touchdowns in the past eight quarters.
4-Star RB Sean McGrew
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High School: St. John Bosco (Bellflower, California)
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 6 all-purpose back; No. 303 overall
Recruitment Status: Committed to Washington
Speedster Sean McGrew previously played second fiddle to 5-star St. John Bosco quarterback Josh Rosen during a 2013 state title run. Now the 5'8", 175-pound prospect spearheads a team that hasn't suffered a loss since last season's California Southern Section championship game.
McGrew, who committed to the Huskies over UCLA in May, is averaging 9.9 yards per rushing attempt this season, per MaxPreps. He has six 100-yard efforts on the ground, including five in the past six games.
His ability to contribute as a receiver (42 catches since 2013) enhances McGrew's role in the attack. If St. John Bosco claims its second title in three seasons, you can bet he'll play a pivotal factor in the process.
McGrew has 5,195 rushing yards and 79 total touchdowns dating back to his sophomore campaign.
5-Star CB Levonta Taylor
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High School: Ocean Lakes (Virginia Beach, Virginia)
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1 cornerback; No. 7 overall
Recruitment Status: Committed to Florida State
Seminoles pledge Levonta Taylor is arguably the nation's most scintillating player regardless of position. He's a game-changer in all three phases of football for reigning state champion Ocean Lakes High School, which enters the postseason unbeaten.
Taylor, a 5'11", 182-pound talent, has six nonoffensive scores as an upperclassman. Since the start of his junior season, he's returned three interceptions to the end zone and taken back three kickoffs for scores, according to MaxPreps.
Ocean Lakes also implements him on offense, where he's compiled 310 total yards and five touchdowns in 2015. Taylor, who runs a sub-4.4 in the 40-yard dash, is a momentum-altering athlete capable of changing his team's fortunes at any time.
5-Star QB Jacob Eason
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High School: Lake Stevens (Lake Stevens, Washington)
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 2 pro-style quarterback; No. 5 overall
Recruitment Status: Committed to Georgia
Prized passer Jacob Eason aims to punctuate his high school career with a state championship before enrolling early in Athens. A competition for the Bulldogs' starting job likely looms, but the 6'5", 205-pound prospect has a chance to seal a sensational senior season first.
Lake Stevens is undefeated through nine regular-season matchups and its playoff opener, a 61-10 victory over Tahoma last weekend. Eason completed 23 of 35 pass attempts in the contest, according to MaxPreps, resulting in 291 yards and five touchdowns.
It was the team's 10th consecutive win by at least a 28-point margin. Eason has posted career-best totals across the board this fall, compiling a 70 percent completion rate and 34 scoring strikes.
Lake Stevens battles Issaquah High School in the second round, where Eason's junior campaign concluded.
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