25. OT Kiyaunta Goodwin (Charlestown, Indiana)
Status: Down to Michigan State, Alabama, Michigan, Kentucky, and Florida State
What To Like: Talk about massive. Goodwin is listed at 6-foot-8, 340 pounds. He’s been one of the fastest-rising prospects across the Midwest region. Programs from both the Big Ten and the SEC have been fighting for his services. While Goodwin is technically committed to Kentucky, that pledge seems shaky at best. Both Michigan schools are fighting doggedly to keep him close to home. The lure of Alabama and its development of offensive linemen is also quite real.
What To Improve Upon: There are naturally some concerns about weight and athleticism. When Goodwin latches onto a defender, it’s usually ‘game over’ for the helpless defensive end. However, Goodwin can be susceptible to the speed rush off the edge. He’ll have to continue working on his body.
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24. DB Kamari Wilson (Bradenton, Florida)
Status: Down to Georgia, Texas A&M, Florida State, and LSU
What To Like: Wilson is the type of tone-setting safety every program wants. He’ll run up and hit you in the mouth without thinking twice about it. Whether it’s in run support or on an unsuspecting receiver galloping over the middle of the field, Wilson won’t be bashful in laying the wood. This sort of physicality is what has teams all over the country drooling.
What To Improve Upon: While he’ll be a stud in crashing towards the line of scrimmage, there are some questions about Wilson in coverage. He’s the type of player who could struggle when asked to backpedal and flip his hips in space.
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23. QB Ty Simpson (Martin, Tennessee)
Status: Verbally Committed to Alabama
What To Like: In search of their next future Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, the Crimson Tide headed to Tennessee in order to nab Ty Simpson. The 6-foot-2 signal-caller is the son of a college coach. As such, he’s immensely nuanced in when to release the football. Simpson is very intelligent in making the proper reads, and calling an audible when need be. In terms of polish, he’s right up there with the very best in this class. Simpson is also a very good athlete — and has the mobility to be a major threat on quarterback-designed run plays.
What To Improve Upon: The only primary knock with Simpson is his arm strength. He won’t be Josh Allen making throws to all parts of the field on one leg through wind and snow. However, it is adequate enough to get the job done.
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22. DE Mykel Williams (Columbus, Georgia)
Status: Verbally Committed to Georgia
What To Like: In the wake of USC’s turmoil, Williams decommitted from the Trojans and opted to stay within his home state of Georgia. USC is expected to make a renewed effort with Williams now that Lincoln Riley is entrenched as the head coach. We aren’t sure if Williams will indeed make a return trip to Los Angeles or not. Kirby Smart certainly hopes not, as Williams is among the better defensive linemen in the Southeast region. He has a projectable frame where he can slot both inside and outside depending on the scheme.
What To Improve Upon: Williams is only scratching the surface on his potential. While he can play standing up in coverage, he’ll make some major money one day with his hand in the dirt. Considering Williams’ frame, rest assured he will retain his athletic ability while getting bigger and stronger.
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21. QB Conner Weigman (Cypress, Texas)
Status: Verbally Committed to Texas A&M
What To Like: Weigman has been a longtime commitment to the Aggies. You could say Weigman is a bit of a gunslinger in the pocket. He puts a ton of velocity on the football, and can throw the ball from all arm angles (hailing from his pedigree as a baseball player). Picture Baker Mayfield on the collegiate level…except with four more inches height-wise, and better scrambling ability.
What To Improve Upon: Weigman’s ability in making the big play can lead to some turnovers. There’s a confidence bordering on arrogance based on how he plays. However, as he gets older, he’ll likely manage these mistakes much better down the line.
Image Source: Houston Chronicle
20. QB Cade Klubnik (Austin, Texas)
Status: Verbally Committed to Clemson
What To Like: Continuing with the theme of elite high school quarterbacks going to Clemson, the Tigers poached a commitment from Texas native Cade Klubnik. At first glance, this kid is a ‘gamer’ in the best sense of the term. He hails from a high school known for producing high-level quarterbacks. He’ll enter the college game both polished and savvy in nature. A track athlete when not playing football, Klubnik is great with his feet when the play breaks down. He can also whip the ball with some pepper.
What To Improve Upon: Klubnik is so good from an improvisational standpoint that he sometimes takes risks on the high school level which will be punished when in college. Of course, all of that stuff will be worked upon as he continues to mature and gain experience.
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19. OL Josh Conerly (Seattle, Washington)
Status: Down to Washington, Michigan, and USC
What To Like: Conerly is the best lineman on the West Coast — and for good reason. He’s a natural tackle with terrific bend and good feet. This comes from his days as a basketball player. Conerly essentially is down to three schools. He’s raved about his time visiting Michigan. Many think the Wolverines are in the prohibitive driver’s seat for him. However, USC — a school he’s visited on his own time a handful of times this year — is set to make a major push. Lying in the weeds is hometown Washington. New head coach Kalen DeBoer is immensely charismatic as a coach and recruiter. Some feel as if Conerly has been looking for a reason to stay home the entire time. Now with stability in Seattle, the Huskies can make a major statement by earning his commitment.
What To Improve Upon: Based upon his long, athletic frame, Conerly does need to get both stronger and bigger to deal with the rigors of the college football trench warfare. If he stays healthy, you’re looking at a potential future first-round pick.
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18. DB Jaheim Singletary (Jacksonville, Florida)
Status: Verbally Committed to Georgia
What To Like: After nearly a year of being committed to Ohio State, Singletary changed his mind — opting instead to stay in the Southeast and pledge to Georgia. The long and lengthy corner had his pick of offers from all over the country. Singletary is one of the most talented players in the northern part of Florida. He’s great at pressing receivers at the line of scrimmage, though he also has the fluidity to track backwards in coverage. Singletary’s raw instincts are among the best in the class. Over three years on the varsity level, he’s reported to have broken up over 20 passes and nabbed 10 interceptions.
What To Improve Upon: At 170 pounds soaking wet, Singletary will obviously have to pack on the pounds to play in college at a high level. This includes also garnering strength when combating the likes of receivers that may outweigh him by 20-25 pounds (if not more).
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17. DE Jeremiah Alexander (Alabaster, Alabama)
Status: Verbally Committed to Alabama
What To Like: Rarely will you see a 5-star Alabama native on the defensive side of the football end up anywhere other than in Tuscaloosa. Alexander is the type of guy you see in the NFL today. He’s a total pass rushing specialist — where he pins his ears back on third down and gets after the quarterback. Alexander’s get-off is sublime — as is his hand placement when shucking bigger players. He is also quite proficient in getting around the edge by his usage of leverage.
What To Improve Upon: Alexander’s frame is a bit maxed-out at this point. He won’t be putting on too much more weight. Additionally, he may be a bit stiff in terms of dropping in coverage. However, none of that will matter when he’s getting Nick Saban multiple sacks a game.
Image Source: The Athletic
16. DB Will Johnson (Grosse Pointe, Michigan)
Status: Verbally Committed to Michigan
What To Like: Jim Harbaugh had a big fish sitting in his backyard. With Ohio State and others lurking, he knew he had to strike. Johnson is a 5-star prospect for a reason. At 6-foot-3, he projects as one of the best corners in the entire country. Possessing this sort of size is clearly unique for his position. However, Johnson’s wingspan — coupled with his mechanics — makes him a special player. It’s no surprise he’s a basketball player, as Johnson’s shown the ability to high-point a football when battling with a receiver downfield. Expect him to play right away once he enrolls in Ann Arbor.
What To Improve Upon: At his size, it’s unrealistic to have Johnson chase smaller slot receivers. Being a a boundary corner makes the most sense when he’s tasked with jockeying for position with bigger pass-catching threats. If his speed stays the same/worsens, you could one day see him move to safety.
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15. ATH Malaki Starks (Jefferson, Georgia)
Status: Verbally Committed to Georgia
What To Like: Two words: Positional versatility. Starks is a two-way player for his high school team — functioning as both a quarterback and as a safety/linebacker. If that wasn’t enough, Starks has legitimate track speed. He was clocked reportedly with a 10.5 100-meter dash time. You can play him anywhere on the field — something Kirby Smart can’t wait to tap into. All of the major SEC programs offered Starks before he decided to stay home.
What To Improve Upon: Specializing. Starks will most likely be a defensive player on the next level. He’ll be an incredibly fast (though undersized) linebacker. Duly, he can function as a bigger safety. It’ll be interesting to see where he ultimately ends up.
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14. OL Kelvin Banks (Humble, Texas)
Status: Verbally Committed to Oregon
What To Like: Mario Cristobal prides himself on building a team from the inside out. A former OL coach himself, he wants his Oregon teams to physically punish the opposition by dominating the line of scrimmage. In order to do that, he has to go out and lure top talent to Eugene. Dipping into Texas, Cristobal got the commitment of Banks. The jumbo OL has the size to play right from the jump. He’s also versatile enough to play both inside and outside — something Cristobal relishes when recruiting offensive linemen. Oregon beat a host of very good programs for Banks’ services.
What To Improve Upon: Banks is more of a run blocker than he is an elite pass protector. He’ll have to work on his feet in order to become better when left out on an island as a tackle. Regardless, there’s a lot to like about Banks and his game.
Image Source: Scout
13. DB Denver Harris (Houston, Texas)
Status: Down to Texas, Alabama, LSU, and Texas A&M
What To Like: Harris represents the new age corner. He’s 6-foot-1 with long arms and good size. NFL and college teams alike enjoy their corners having the ability to press at the line of scrimmage while still possessing the skill-set to combat taller receivers. Harris is — as you would expect — very good when it comes to ball skills. He’s a very physical player, and often punishes smaller receivers. All four schools appear even at this point. Keep an eye on LSU…the Tigers could be a sleeper based upon their “DBU” moniker.
What To Improve Upon: The only major knock on Harris is his lack of elite athletic ability. Compared to the average high school player, Harris is in the 99th percentile. However, there are long-term questions as to whether he’ll stick at the position. We could see him ultimately move to the safety spot down the road.
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12. OL Devon Campbell (Arlington, Texas)
Status: Down to USC, Alabama, Texas, and Oklahoma
What To Like: Campbell has visited all four schools officially — with the Texas official coming in November. In all actuality, the Longhorns really need to win this recruitment. As we saw this season, Steve Sarkisian’s offensive line was battered and dominated much of the year. Campbell gives the team a much-needed jolt up front. He’s a road-grader at guard, and serviceable at tackle. He can play both at a decently-high level.
What To Improve Upon: Campbell’s limited by his average height and length. On the professional level, it makes sense for him to kick inside as a guard. If he’s asked to play tackle, Campbell could struggle against longer athletes. If he’s able to play his natural position, Campbell can be a very good player.
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11. LB Harold Perkins (Cypress, Texas)
Status: Down to LSU, Oregon, Texas A&M, and Texas
What To Like: Perkins is a rangy linebacker from the Greater Houston area. LSU was thought to be a big player — though we don’t know what the appointment of Brian Kelly will do to his recruitment. Oregon might be too far away, which means Texas and Texas A&M could be the last two standing for his services. Perkins is a phenomenal athlete, and some testing had him running a sub-4.5 40-yard-dash at 215 pounds. With his combination of aggressiveness and athleticism, Perkins has the ability to be an all-conference player one day.
What To Improve Upon: There are times where Perkins sometimes relies far too much on his athleticism. Technique can take a back seat when he pursues the ball carrier. Duly, there have been some reported questions as to Perkins’ length (which could cause him issues against tight ends and bigger receivers in coverage).
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10. DL Gabe Brownlow-Dindy (Lakeland, Florida)
Status: Verbally Committed to Oklahoma
What To Like: Despite hailing from Florida, Brownlow-Dindy committed to Oklahoma. Both of his parents reportedly attended the university — thus giving the Sooners an edge. Of course, this was before Lincoln Riley left for USC. We think OU will still be a major player in his recruitment (though Texas A&M is lurking). Brownlow-Dindy is very much in the mold of a Geno Atkins. He’s not overly big. However, Brownlow-Dindy is a phenomenal athlete for a defensive tackle. He’s terrific in garnering leverage at the line of scrimmage. From there, he bolts past interior linemen with elite quickness.
What To Improve Upon: Weighing only 280-ish pounds, Brownlow-Dindy may be susceptible in the run game early in his career. He’ll likely put on weight — though he must be careful not to sacrifice the quickness he possesses (which is arguably his best trait). Brownlow-Dindy will also have to rely upon technique far more as opposed to just rushing by weaker opponents.
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9. OT Zach Rice (Lynchburg, Virginia)
Status: Verbally Committed to North Carolina
What To Like: This guy has a chance to eventually be the best player from this class. North Carolina warded off efforts from Alabama, Notre Dame, and Ohio State for the Virginia native. Though Rice has a massive frame, he’s also light on his feet. This stems from his experience as a basketball player. Rice is excellent from a lateral quickness standpoint. At 6-foot-6, he’s an ideal tackle prospect. From a versatility standpoint, he can play on the right or the left. Rice’s collective length also helps when latching onto defensive linemen.
What To Improve Upon: Rice must continue to get physically stronger. While he could do a very respectable job on the D1 level right away, there are times where his pad level remains a bit high. Of course, these issues in technique likely will be cleaned up once he gets to college.
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8. DL Shemar Stewart (Opa Locka, Florida)
Status: Down to Texas A&M, Miami, and Georgia
What To Like: Stewart is a pass rushing extraordinaire from South Florida. He notched 13.0 sacks as a senior in a very competitive region of the country. He has the ability to play as a DE in both a 3-4 and a 4-3 (which is a big reason why Stewart is so highly thought of). Based upon how he develops physically, Stewart could ultimately become the perfect 3-4 defensive end. He’s big and strong at the point of attack, and plays with a real edge. Miami is the hometown school — though Texas A&M has a ton of momentum heading down the stretch.
What To Improve Upon: There are a few areas of concern. Stewart has a history of various injuries stemming from high school play. Duly, he could stand to improve upon his quickness off the snap. Neither of these are deal-breakers on Stewart’s immense upside as a player. However, they are noteworthy nonetheless.
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7. LB C.J. Hicks (Dayton, Ohio)
Status: Verbally Committed to Ohio State
What To Like: Hicks is ranked as the No. 1 high school prospect in the state of Ohio. As such, there was no way Ryan Day and the Buckeyes were going to let him end up anywhere else. Hicks represent the prototype LB in today’s game. He’s got elite athleticism which enables him to cover speedier/smaller players in space. Hicks can drop in coverage and function as essentially a jumbo safety. Then, his bread-and-butter involves attacking the line of scrimmage. He blitzes like a madman, and can even put his hand in the dirt as a rushing end.
What To Improve Upon: Hicks — understandably so — is still looking like a baby deer. He’ll easily throw on 30 pounds once he gets into a fully-fledged college conditioning program. He still may be effective in spurts as a first-year player. However, Hicks must continue to get stronger.
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6. WR Luther Burden (East Saint Louis, Illinois)
Status: Verbally Committed to Missouri
What To Like: Burden is an absolute monster. He plays the game like a basketball player — which isn’t a surprise since he’s also quite good as a hooper. Despite being 6-feet tall, he plays the game bigger than he actually is. You can line Burden up on the perimeter, though he also excels in the slot/on returns. With his leaping ability, Burden seems like an obvious target in red-zone situations. Mizzou did exceptionally well in getting Burden to stay close to home. He’ll immediately come in and impact the depth chart.
What To Improve Upon: Burden’s top-end speed could stand to improve a bit. He’s also not the cleanest route runner when getting in and out of his breaks. Regardless, we’re pretty much nit-picking here.
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5. DL Travis Shaw (Greensboro, North Carolina)
Status: Verbally committed to North Carolina
What To Like: Massive nose tackles do not grow on trees. Despite interest/scholarship offers from pretty much every school in the SEC, Shaw spurned those universities in favor of in-state program North Carolina. He is the future anchor of this defensive line. Shaw gobbles up space like PacMan — and has the stature (6-foot-6, 330+ pounds) to take on a double team with ease. Having an elite talent in the middle is beyond integral for any defense. By drawing the attention of multiple players, Shaw can enable linebackers and others to flood into the backfield (thus stopping the run and rushing the passer).
What To Improve Upon: Despite possessing ridiculous athleticism, the Tar Heels likely won’t want Shaw to put on much more weight. They still want him to maintain his flexibility and agility in tight spaces.
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4. DB Domani Jackson (Santa Ana, California)
Status: Down to Alabama and USC (as of Dec. 1)
What To Like: Jackson is a freak of an athlete. At 6-foot-1 and a chiseled 190 pounds, he was clocked at 10.25 in the 100-meter dash. Due to his size, he’s not the type of defensive back who will shy from contact. On the contrary — Jackson is more than willing to come up and smack ball carriers towards the line of scrimmage. He’s also got the size to combat bigger receivers — and has the physicality to deal with them, also.
What To Improve Upon: Jackson’s high school season ended due to a knee injury. As such, he’ll still be somewhat in recovery mode upon entering college. While USC is the local school, Alabama brings the allure of stability, National Championship competitiveness, and a penchant for developing elite defensive backs. Also to note: Jackson was once committed to USC before exploring other options in the wake of Clay Helton’s dismissal.
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3. WR Evan Stewart (Frisco, Texas)
Status: Verbally committed to Texas A&M
What To Like: Stewart isn’t the biggest receiver in world (6-foot, 175 pounds). However, he is eerily reminiscent of the receivers coming out of Alabama in recent years (Jaylen Waddle, Henry Ruggs, DeVonta Smith, Jameson Williams, John Metchie). We’re talking about a smooth, explosive receiver who accelerates off the line of scrimmage with ease. The type of guy with track speed, high-level intelligence, and terrific competitive nature. Jimbo Fisher will love using Stewart as a potential No. 1 in his offense.
What To Improve Upon: As is the case with most receivers, Stewart will have to bulk up. He’s got a bit of a skinny frame. When being checked at the line of scrimmage by bigger, more physical corners, he could struggle early. Still, Stewart is a dynamic talent.
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2. DL Walter Nolen (Powell, Tennessee)
Status: Verbally committed to Texas A&M
What To Like: Nolen was hotly pursued by every major program in the Southeast. After visiting the likes of Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, and Michigan, Nolen decided to take his talents to College Station (where Jimbo Fisher is assembling a potentially all-time class). At 6-foot-4 and 325 pounds, Nolen certainly is big enough to make an impact right way. What separates him from most players at his position is his combination of short-area quickness and violence. When we talk about violence, we’re speaking about hand placement/the pop he gets when engaging onto an offensive lineman. In terms of quickness, the term ‘dancing bear’ would be applicable to Nolen.
What To Improve Upon: The only real area we’d be cautious about is conditioning. Nolen is already a large man, and the natural progression of a teenager is to mature physically as they get older. Fortunately, he’ll have the benefit of working with a professional strength and conditioning staff.
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1. DB Travis Hunter (Suwanee, Georgia)
Status: Verbally committed to Florida State
What to Like: Hunter has been the consensus No. 1 prospect nationally for upwards of a year. Simply put, the Georgia native possesses every trait you’d like in a developmental corner. The length is there — along with a frame to put good weight on. Hunter is cat-quick with terrific deep speed. He can flip his hips and turn in coverage, and also has the ball skills to be a big-time interception guy in college.
What To Improve Upon: Hunter does have a slender frame. He’ll need to gain both weight and strength before dominating on the next level. However, all of the talent is there for him to be a big-time player.
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