National Signing Day 2020: Ranking Every 5-Star Recruit in the Class
Which 5-star prospect in the college football recruiting class of 2020 is the best of the best?
That's what we've set out to answer after looking at rankings from all of the major recruiting services, watching film and examining each prospect's opportunity to shine at their respective school.
According to the 247Sports composite rankings, 31 players hold the distinction of being a 5-star prospect this cycle. While not all of them will hit, many of them will be the stars of tomorrow.
Here we've ranked the nation's 5-star prospects based on ability, high school film and their potential for greatness.
Nos. 31-26
1 of 14
31. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR
Height/Weight: 6'1", 188 pounds
Status: Signed with Ohio State
College outlook: The Buckeyes' latest Lone Star State steal may not get the headlines given to classmate Julian Fleming, but he is a sturdily built receiver who should thrive going across the middle.
Smith-Njigba is physical enough to punish defensive backs, and even though he isn't a field-stretcher, he's a playmaker who played against quality high school competition. He should get some reps right away, as the Buckeyes will handle most everybody on their schedule.
30. Kayshon Boutte, WR
Height/Weight: 6'0", 180 pounds
Status: Signed with LSU
College outlook: Playing time should be available on the Bayou as the national champions look to reload. Much like with Ohio State and Smith-Njigba, LSU has a higher-rated pass-catcher in its 2020 class, but Boutte is a mismatch because of his speed and elite change-of-direction ability.
Boutte can get downfield and could develop into an immediate-impact weapon for the Tigers as they look to replace pass-catchers like Justin Jefferson and Thaddeus Moss.
29. Michael Mayer, TE
Height/Weight: 6'4", 232 pounds
Status: Signed with Notre Dame
College outlook: Mayer has the potential to step right in and start on an offense that could be elite but needs pass-catchers. The void Cole Kmet left will be large, but Mayer is a big-bodied tight end who has soft hands and can make plays in the passing game.
He's also a terrific blocker, and things like that will put him squarely in the mix right away in South Bend. Don't be surprised if he's a starter.
28. Jaylon Jones, S
Height/Weight: 6'1½", 190 pounds
Status: Signed with Texas A&M
College outlook: Jones is a ball-hawking safety who should complement Demani Richardson and could make the same type of instant impact for a defense that is full of young talent but still has gaps to fill. Texas A&M defensive coordinator Mike Elko has a history of developing players at Jones' position, so he should thrive.
Jones isn't the biggest hitter in the class, but he is big and long and tracks the ball well. He should be able to play a lot of different positions in the secondary for the Aggies.
27. Trenton Simpson, OLB
Height/Weight: 6'3", 224 pounds
Status: Signed with Clemson
College outlook: Simpson is a versatile outside linebacker who isn't quite as polished as many of the 5-star recruits at his position, but he may have a higher ceiling and will thrive under Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables.
He might wind up adding some weight and could become an elite edge-rusher in the mold of former Tiger Vic Beasley. It just depends on where the defending runners-up need him.
26. Demond Demas, WR
Height/Weight: 6'3", 182 pounds
Status: Signed with Texas A&M
College outlook: Demas is an outstanding athlete who was a champion long-jumper in high school, and he has all of the traits you look for in a pass-catcher.
He isn't the best route-runner yet, but his size, ball skills and leaping ability set him apart. He looks like a lot of the big-bodied targets the Aggies have produced in recent memory, and he should find a way into the rotation quickly in College Station.
Nos. 25-21
2 of 14
25. Dontae Manning, CB
Height/Weight: 6'0", 185 pounds
Status: Signed with Oregon
College outlook: The Kansas City native is a physical, fast cornerback who has one of the highest ceilings of anybody at his position in the class. He could thrive as a press-man cover corner who is athletic enough to play the field or boundary corner. He's also big and physical enough to play nickelback.
Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal should be able to move Manning all over the place in the secondary, and he could be a star right away, even in a young, talented backfield.
24. Noah Sewell, ILB
Height/Weight: 6'2", 266 pounds
Status: Signed with Oregon
College outlook: Sewell is a big-bodied second-level defender who runs extremely well for a player pushing 270 pounds. The only question is whether he can stay in the interior of the defense at that weight. If he gets into a college strength and conditioning program and trims down to 250 pounds, watch out.
Sewell should pair with classmate Justin Flowe to provide a formidable interior linebacker corps for the Ducks in the near future.
23. Rakim Jarrett, WR
Height/Weight: 6'0", 208 pounds
Status: Signed with Maryland
College outlook: Jarrett is a silky smooth, big-bodied wide receiver who is perfect for the slot but can also stretch the field despite not having ideal height. He could have been a force for LSU, but he ultimately provided one of the biggest shockers of the cycle when he elected to stay home and play for head coach Mike Locksley at Maryland.
Jarrett is a Deebo Samuel- or Dez Bryant-type player who can do a lot of different things with the ball in his hands. The Terrapins should make him a centerpiece of the offense right away, partly as a recruiting tool but mostly because he's just that good.
22. Jalen Carter, DT
Height/Weight: 6'3", 301 pounds
Status: Signed with Georgia
College outlook: The Bulldogs have done an exceptional job recruiting every position the past few years, but Carter is a next-level talent who will enter into a quality opportunity in Athens, where there aren't a lot of players of his caliber on the interior of the defensive line.
He is a force at the point of attack and is also a dynamic athlete who already looks like an NFL-caliber prospect. He's going to make a lot of plays over the next few years for defensive coordinator Dan Lanning.
21. Demarkcus Bowman, RB
Height/Weight: 5'9", 191 pounds
Status: Signed with Clemson
College outlook: Bowman is a legit burner in the mold of former Tigers home run hitter C.J. Spiller or Arkansas' Felix Jones. He isn't the biggest runner, but he is big enough and compact enough to be an every-down back.
Bowman will benefit from getting a year in a college weight program while Travis Etienne finishes his eligibility, but he could take over as Clemson's primary back in 2021. He has the all-around potential to be a quality playmaker right away and a star down the road.
Nos. 20-16
3 of 14
20. Broderick Jones, OT
Height/Weight: 6'5", 298 pounds
Status: Committed to Georgia
College outlook: Jones, one of the nation's top linemen, has committed to Georgia but hasn't signed yet and is still open to other schools such as Auburn and Arkansas. The Bulldogs need him to make it official with all of the losses they've suffered along the offensive front.
Jones is a polished, college-ready exterior lineman who projects better as a right tackle but is big and agile enough to play both sides. He's powerful and is a true tackle who would be a huge pickup for anybody, but after officially visiting UGA this past weekend, he tweeted that he's still committed.
19. Drew Sanders, ATH (LB)
Height/Weight: 6'5", 232 pounds
Status: Signed with Alabama
College outlook: Alabama stole a few prospects from the Oklahoma Sooners during this past recruiting cycle, including Sanders. He has the intelligence, athleticism and ability to step right in and help rectify the Crimson Tide's middle linebacker problem.
Sanders won't have to start in 2020, as Dylan Moses and Joshua McMillon will be back to fortify that spot for Alabama, but Sanders should get plenty of mop-up time, learn on the job and be an impact player from his sophomore season onward. He has big-play ability as a do-it-all 'backer.
18. Chris Braswell, WDE
Height/Weight: 6'3", 220 pounds
Status: Signed with Alabama
College outlook: Sticking with the Tide, Braswell may be the best of Alabama's outside linebackers. Though he's listed as a weak-side defensive end, he can do a lot of different things from each of the first two levels to get after quarterbacks.
Braswell is a dynamic athlete who has the unique ability to get after the passer off the edge due to his elite first step or slide back into coverage, disrupting potential passes to running backs or tight ends. He has one of the highest ceilings of any prospect in the class.
17. Sa'vell Smalls, WDE/OLB
Height/Weight: 6'4", 244 pounds
Status: Signed with Washington
College outlook: Smalls could be a sideline-to-sideline outside linebacker for the Huskies who shouldn't be too much of a liability in coverage. But much like Trenton Simpson, he might thrive coming off the edge and getting after quarterbacks.
He's the type of next-generation defender coaches love because they can move him all over the field and get him where he can make the largest impact. Look for Smalls to do that right away in 2020.
16. Will Anderson, WDE
Height/Weight: 6'3", 230 pounds
Status: Signed with Alabama
College outlook: Anderson is one of the many players with similar size, speed and build that the Crimson Tide signed as they look to reload the second level and pass-rushing linebackers that were weak leaks in 2019. He is a legit edge-rusher who could add some weight and play with his hand down.
If he doesn't stick on the outside, look for him to spend a year or two working out and getting bigger before blossoming into an elite SEC defender and high NFL draft pick.
Nos. 15-11
4 of 14
15. Darnell Washington, TE
Height/Weight: 6'7½", 261 pounds
Status: Signed with Georgia
College outlook: Washington is one of the most intriguing players in this year's class. He's massive, has huge hands that are soft and catch passes easily, and he's fast enough to be a force in the passing game.
He could be a red-zone force right away, but he'll have to improve his blocking and route-running skills to max out his potential. Either way, he has a high ceiling.
14. Gervon Dexter, DT
Height/Weight: 6'6½", 286 pounds
Status: Signed with Florida
College outlook: Dexter is a massive, exciting prospect who is stepping into the perfect opportunity to get immediate reps and make a difference right away. The in-state prospect marked a huge recruiting victory for Florida head coach Dan Mullen.
Dexter has the ability to be an all-around defender who can get after quarterbacks from the middle of the line, be a space-eater against the run and be one of the nation's top defenders. He's that good.
13. Bijan Robinson, RB
Height/Weight: 6'0", 200 pounds
Status: Signed with Texas
College outlook: Robinson could wind up as the best overall running back in this class, and it's a quality year for ball-carriers. The versatile playmaker can excel in the passing game, run between tackles and turn it up a notch when he gets to the second level.
His 247Sports profile compares him to New Orleans Saints standout Alvin Kamara, and it's going to be fun watching new Texas offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich move him around and find creative ways to get him the ball. He could be utilized much like J.K. Dobbins was last year at Ohio State.
Robinson will team with Jordan Whittington to give the 'Horns a quality 1-2 punch.
12. Zachary Evans, RB
Height/Weight: 5'11", 200 pounds
Status: Uncommitted (Georgia, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Texas A&M)
College outlook: Whichever program lands Evans is going to get a future star if everything comes together for him on and off the field. Though he signed with Georgia before asking for (and receiving) an exit from his national letter of intent, he could still wind up in the SEC.
UGA reportedly is still in the mix, along with Ole Miss, Tennessee and Texas A&M. Evans' final visit is up in the air. He's a big-bodied player who can accelerate to the next level and should be an every-down back right away. He's the complete package.
11. Elias Ricks, CB
Height/Weight: 6'2", 192 pounds
Status: Signed with LSU
College outlook: The next great LSU cornerback may not have the upside of Derek Stingley Jr., but Ricks is still an elite playmaker in his own right. He is lanky and fast and plays the ball well, allowing him to be a force in press-man coverage.
Ricks is the top-rated cornerback on some sites, and he will rein in his aggressive mentality, take his lumps on the field and could step right in and replace Kristian Fulton. He has the ability to start immediately and will have a big career under defensive backs coach Corey Raymond and new defensive coordinator Bo Pelini.
10. Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State Offensive Tackle
5 of 14
Height/Weight: 6'7", 290 pounds
Status: Signed with Ohio State
College outlook
The biggest can't-miss offensive line prospect in the 2020 recruiting cycle committed to Ohio State early in the process and stayed firm despite overtures from other top programs around the nation.
Paris Johnson Jr. is a phenomenal athlete for a player his size and possesses the perfect frame to be a blind-side blocker at left tackle. He is the total package, blessed with agility and great at the point of attack to help curb edge-rushers.
It isn't out of the question for him to be firmly in the rotation from the moment he steps on campus. Johnson won't have to come right in and start at left tackle since Thayer Munford is holding down that spot, although he could shift to the right side and wait his turn.
Regardless of when Johnson gets on the field, he's going to be a force once it happens and will be hard to keep out of the lineup. Like most young offensive linemen, a year in the weight room to add strength and bulk will help tremendously, but Johnson is ready to make an impact right now.
9. Jordan Burch, South Carolina Defensive Lineman
6 of 14
Height/Weight: 6'5", 275 pounds
Status: Committed to South Carolina
College outlook
Embattled South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp's job-security issues didn't harm him too much on the recruiting trail, as evidenced by his landing one of the nation's top players in defensive lineman Jordan Burch.
The Columbia, South Carolina, product stayed home rather than heading to one of the nation's top schools. Though he hasn't signed scholarship papers yet, he appears to be locked in with the Gamecocks.
That's huge news for a program in desperate need of playmakers all over the field and with a huge void left in the middle of the defensive line with likely first-round pick Javon Kinlaw heading to the NFL. Burch has the potential to step in and star.
Burch is the kind of player who can do a lot of different things and be disruptive while doing all of them. He is a big-bodied force who could shore up the center of the line from a tackle position, is athletic enough to come off the edge, can get after quarterbacks and can even play a little linebacker.
Burch is going to do a little bit of everything for Muschamp, who will get him on the field right away.
8. Myles Murphy, Clemson Defensive End
7 of 14
Height/Weight: 6'5", 260 pounds
Status: Signed with Clemson
College outlook
There's nothing wrong with being ranked the eighth-best player in the nation. But in Myles Murphy's case, that's a shade lower than most of the top recruiting services have him.
Murphy has immense ability and is going to be a huge part of a loaded Clemson line moving forward. He is a limited second-level defender, which is where some project him. But if he stays at defensive end, he's going to be a fun player to watch develop, and he could make a Clelin Ferrell-type impact down the road.
Murphy is a quality playmaker who is already physically ready to step into the rotation at Clemson and make plays. But considering how deep the Tigers are along the defensive front, he may not have to, especially if Xavier Thomas returns to the pass-rushing form of his freshman year.
With the Tigers routinely dominating opponents, Murphy may get a lot of on-the-job training in 2020, where he can showcase his skill set. He's a clear multiyear starter for Clemson and should play in the NFL one day.
He just isn't one of the elite pass-rushers the Tigers have boasted in recent memory.
7. Kelee Ringo, Georgia Cornerback
8 of 14
Height/Weight: 6'2", 205 pounds
Status: Signed with Georgia
College outlook
The Georgia Bulldogs have a bunch of young, exciting, versatile playmakers in the secondary, but they don't have anybody who can do the things Kelee Ringo can.
Ringo is a next-level player who can slot in at any of the positions in the secondary. He's big and physical enough to play safety but possesses the speed and ball skills to be a shutdown cornerback. He should play one-on-one with receivers because he has the ability to shut down half of the field.
Ringo is long-armed, blessed with quick-twitch ability that makes him a fluid playmaker and can do damage once the ball is in his hands. He also is a big hitter who can help in the run game..
He jumps out on film the way that Jim Thorpe Award winner and longtime NFL All-Pro Eric Berry once did, and he's the same type of fearsome competitor. He's as close to a can't-miss defensive back as you can get.
6. Justin Flowe, Oregon Inside Linebacker
9 of 14
Height/Weight: 6'2", 225 pounds
Status: Signed with Oregon
College outlook
In a banner year for linebackers, Oregon signee Justin Flowe is the best of the bunch. He's an all-around star who is going to be impossible for the Ducks to keep on the sidelines, even though they have a bunch of young playmakers all over the field on defense.
Flowe has the same type of first step and nose for the ball that California tackle machine Evan Weaver does, but Flowe is a far better athlete. He seems to be a natural-born leader who takes a lot of pride in his craft and is a tireless worker.
The thing that jumps out about Flowe on film is, well, everything. He's a force against the run, is a sure tackler and is fast and bouncy enough to be a terrific defender in coverage. With guys like classmate Noah Sewell and underclassman Mase Funa around him, Flowe will have a lot of young talent to develop alongside.
Oregon also has 2019 No. 2 overall prospect Kayvon Thibodeaux coming off the edge, too.
The Ducks have a bright future that will start in 2020, and Flowe will be at the center of it all as an inside linebacker who could win a starting job right away and stay there.
5. Julian Fleming, Ohio State Wide Receiver
10 of 14
Height/Weight: 6'2", 199 pounds
Status: Signed with Ohio State
College outlook
When your 247Sports profile comparison is Julio Jones, you're heading into college with huge expectations.
That's what incoming Ohio State freshman Julian Fleming is facing. And he's perfectly capable of saddling those expectations and building his own impressive resume with the Buckeyes.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is losing a lot of receiving production in K.J. Hill, Austin Mack and Binjimen Victor. While Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson are returning, Fleming can be a No. 3 receiver right away and is talented enough to work his way up the depth chart and eventually become a top target for Justin Fields.
Wilson is an elite athlete who was a basketball star in high school and can do it all. He is a high-jumper, a smooth route-runner, can go up and get the ball in traffic and possesses an unseen gear that enables him to separate from defensive backs within the route and after he catches the ball.
4. D.J. Uiagalelei, Clemson Quarterback
11 of 14
Height/Weight: 6'4½", 246 pounds
Status: Signed with Clemson
College outlook
Clemson's recruiting brand is the strongest in the nation right now, ahead of Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State. The Tigers proved that by going across the country and landing the heir to Trevor Lawrence's throne, pulling D.J. Uiagalelei from St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, California.
You won't get to see him play much in 2020 unless he wins the backup job as a true freshman and shines behind Lawrence in garbage time. But he'll be at the helm of the Tigers before long.
Uiagaleleli is a big, strong-armed signal-caller who is built like former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper or then-Oakland Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell. He's sneaky athletic and can make any throw.
Uiagaleleli doesn't look like he's pushing 250 pounds at all and moves well in the pocket. He could have the highest ceiling of any player in this class, and he may be a bit too low here. He seems to be ticketed for stardom soon.
3. Arik Gilbert, LSU Tight End
12 of 14
Height/Weight: 6'5", 253 pounds
Status: Signed with LSU
College outlook
This is higher than all of the recruiting services have him, but tight end/wide receiver Arik Gilbert is a generational talent at the position who will be an elite college pass-catcher and a first-round NFL pick.
If you aren't high on Gilbert, you must not have watched a lot of film from his state championship senior season at Marietta High School. Elite Tennessee quarterback commitment Harrison Bailey was throwing him the ball, and fellow LSU signee BJ Ojulari was wreaking havoc on defense.
Gilbert won't wow anybody with his speed as a receiver, but if he moves inside to tight end, he'll be a matchup nightmare nobody can guard. He could fill right in for Thaddeus Moss or play outside, and he could have 800-plus receiving yards as a true freshman if LSU can find someone to get him the ball.
Gilbert is going to do big things for the Tigers and was a major recruiting victory over Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and others. He's going to be a force as LSU rebuilds with its eye on another title.
2. Bryce Young, Alabama Quarterback
13 of 14
Height/Weight: 5'11", 183 pounds
Status: Signed with Alabama
College outlook
In the case of Alabama signal-caller Bryce Young, big talent comes in small packages. But given the success of undersized quarterbacks like Drew Brees, Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray, size doesn't matter anymore.
Young has been compared to at least two of that trio, and he's a dynamic playmaker who hails from a football powerhouse in Mater Dei that is known for producing top-shelf quarterbacks.
Young has a big arm for such a small frame, and he is a wizard out of the pocket. Though he isn't blazing fast, he is plenty athletic enough to make plays with his feet, and he has all the tools to be special as early as 2020. He won the MVP of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, and his game should translate well to college.
With returning quarterbacks Mac Jones and Taulia Tagovailoa vying to replace Tua Tagovailoa, Young will be involved in a difficult position battle. Jones has proved he can win while leading the Tide, but Young is a generational playmaker who may be tough to keep off the field.
This will be a fun battle right away. For Young to be ahead of Uiagalelei here, he has to have unique ability.
1. Bryan Bresee, Clemson Defensive Tackle
14 of 14
Height/Weight: 6'5", 290 pounds
Status: Signed with Clemson
College outlook
Defensive lineman Bryan Bresee is the top-ranked player in the 247Sports composite, and the other recruiting services adore him as well. He's the complete package as an interior defender, even if he seems a bit limited off the edge.
Bresee can impact the game in a variety of ways, but his strength and moves at the point of attack stand out among his peers. He has terrific football acumen, and though he hasn't played against top-tier high school competition, he has all of the traits to be an instant-impact star.
With defensive coordinator Brent Venables mentoring him, Bresee will be far too good to keep off the field right away, even with a defensive line as deep and talented as Clemson's.
His 247Sports profile likens him to Ndamukong Suh, who was one of college football's brightest stars during his time at Nebraska. With better coaching and better players around him, Bresee has immense upside.
All recruiting information via 247Sports.
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