2020 College Football Recruiting Commitments

By Corey Long – @CoreyLong
Updated Oct. 29, 2020.

Follow @walterfootball for updates.

All prospects are part of the 2021 college football recruiting class unless otherwise specified.

August 19

OL Gunnar Hansen (Fort Lauderdale, FL) commits to Vanderbilt
It’s never a bad idea to take a flyer on an offensive line prospect from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The school has such a rich history of producing good offensive line prospects that Hansen (6-5, 305) was bound to have a Power Five program make him an offer.

Hansen is a decent run blocker with a legitimate mean streak. He’s also pretty young. Hansen’s 17 and won’t turn 18 for a few more months, so there’s plenty of time to develop him. Hansen has the size; he’s receiving good coaching in high school and plays against quality opponents in practice and on Fridays. It might take a couple years, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Hansen develops into a quality contributor.

Hansen’s player grade: C





August 17

QB Jalen Milroe (Katy, TX) commits to Alabama
After over a year of being committed to Texas, Milroe (6-1, 190), the No. 12 quarterback in the 2021 class, flipped to Alabama. The Crimson Tide were looking for an arm after Drake Maye backed out of his committed to Alabama for North Carolina.

Milroe is more of a pure dual-threat quarterback with the ability to run as a way to escape pressure and stay in the pocket, but also as a way to make big plays on the ground. He has a big arm and the ability to get the ball down the field and stretch out the defense. Milroe can complete the mid-level routes too. At times, however, he could show more touch with his passes and not always throw the fastball. Overall with Alabama going to more of a quarterback-friendly explosive offense, Milroe looks like a solid fit.

Milroe’s player grade: B+

WR Cameron Brady (Arlington, TX) commits to Ole Miss
Brady (6-2, 195) was committed to Central Florida for a couple of months, but he backed out of that commitment about a week before declaring for Ole Miss. Lane KIffin likes big, physical receivers who can dominate defensive backs on the intermediate routes and are tough to defend in the red zone. Check and Check. Brady not only has these traits, but he has a good first-step and enough top-end speed to be a factor in the vertical game to stretch out the defense. He has a good frame and a catch radius that makes him an inviting target.

Brady’s player grade: C+



CB Javon Bullard (Milledgeville, GA) commits to Georgia
Bullard (6-0, 185) is the first cornerback who the Bulldogs have taken in this class. He looks like a player who could contribute as a boundary corner and also possibly play some safety. Bullard returns kicks in high school and looks like he has some speed, although his acceleration isn’t anything impressive. He is good at tracking the ball on downfield throws while also keeping one eye on the quarterback. Bullard is a physical player who does honest work in run support. He is little stiff with the transition from backpedalling and flipping his hips.

Bullard’s player grade: C+

CB Maxwell Hairston (West Bloomfield, MI) commits to Kentucky
Kentucky adds some length and athleticism on the back end with the commitment of Hairston. He can run and has the ability to play tight coverage on a wide receiver and stay in their back pocket.

Hairston is very competitive and always up for the challenge of a one-on-one situation. He can play press coverage and keeps his eye on the football, although he can still get caught not looking at times. Hairston needs to continue to develop his ball skills, but has playmaking ability when he can generate a turnover. I think Hairston will also be able to contribute in the special teams return game.

Hairston’s player grade: B-

JUCO CB Kamal Hadden (River Rouge, MI) commits to Auburn
Hadden (6-2, 185) is one of the top junior college defensive backs in the nation and chose the Tigers over West Virginia and Texas Tech. He could play either cornerback or safety. Hadden had 21 tackles, eight pass breakups and three forced fumbles for Independence Community College. With junior college football suspended for the fall, Hadden is finishing up his classes and plans to enroll in January, and he will have four years to complete three years of eligibility.

Hadden’s player grade: B



August 16

LB Wil Schweitzer (Los Gatos, CA) commits to Notre Dame
Schweitzer (6-4, 215) committed to Nebraska in June, but later in the summer, rumors persisted that he could flip if Notre Dame offered. The rumors turned out to be true as Schweitzer flipped as soon as the Notre Dame offer came through. From an earlier evaluation: Schweitzer is a natural edge rusher, but his size will force some creativity to find places for him on the field. He has the quickness to be capable in coverage, but I think he lacks the experience to do it consistently. Schweitzer might not be big enough to put his hand in the ground, but he can definitely rush the passer.

Schweitzer’s player grade: C+

ATH Kamonte Grimes (Naples, FL) commits to Nebraska
Seeing where Grimes (6-2, 200) ends up on the field might be interesting. Physically, he looks like an outside linebacker, and that would make sense for Nebraska to fit that hole after recent de-commitment of Will Schweitzer. Grimes, however, wants to be a receiver … he would be a big receiver and would probably grow into a flex tight end. He can run, and on offense, he shows big-play potential and the skills to make tacklers miss in the open field.

Grimes is a good athlete, and right now, I think Nebraska is going to bring him in the program and see how it works out. My gut feeling is that Grimes will end up on defense.

Grimes’ player grade: C+

RB Roman Hemby (Bel Air, MD) commits to Maryland
Hemby (6-0, 195) is a power back who can move the chains and take on a heavy workload. He has adequate speed, but nothing special at the top end. Hemby is a strong, tough runner who tends to get stronger as he accumulates carries throughout the game. There isn’t much flash to Hemby’s game. He likes to go downhill and get through the first opening he sees. Once Hemby gets into a college weight programm he’ll get to over 200 pounds and be ever tougher to tackle.

Hemby’s player grade: C

Alex Okelo (Nashville, TN) commits to Michigan State
Okelo (6-5, 223) is a two-sport athlete who will likely narrow his focus to football once he gets to college. He has great length, long arms, a long reach and good footwork all from his days of playing basketball. Okelo is still learning a lot of the nuances of being a pass rusher after taking a couple of years off from playing football. He has natural athleticism and will need a lot of reps as a senior to find more comfort on the field and continue his development. Okelo has some raw tools that need to be developed over time.

Okelo’s player grade: C+

WR Skyler Bell (Watertown, CT) commits to Wisconsin
Bel (6-1, 187) chose the Badgers over offers from Rutgers, West Virginia and Iowa. He is a two-sport athlete with an impressive vertical leap, as shown by his basketball highlights and the way he can elevate to dunk the ball. Bell can line up on the outside or in the slot, but I think he’ll become more of an outside wide receiver over time. He runs good routes and focuses on doing the right things to get open and provide a welcome target.

Bell has good hands and is tough on the contested balls, which will make him an inviting option in the red zone. As Bell gets bigger in a college weight program, he should work out as a nice, physical outside receiver.

Bell’s player grade: C+

August 15

JUCO CB Khyree Jackson (Upper Marlboro, MD) commits to Alabama
Jackson (6-3, 195) attends East Mississippi College in Scooba, Miss. All of the SEC powers were in on Jackson, with Alabama eventually beating out Georgia, Oklahoma and Auburn and several other top programs for his services. He has great size and the ability to make an instant impact at cornerback or safety. Jackson should have three years of eligibility remaining.

Jackson’s player grade: B

S Sirad Bryant (Cordele, GA) commits to Georgia Tech
Bryant (6-1, 185) gives the Georgia Tech staff another big recruiting win, choosing the Yellow Jackets over a final group that included Ole Miss, Nebraska, South Florida and Tennessee. He has great size and length combined with some intriguing athleticism. Size has been the key for Georgia Tech’s recruiting under Geoff Collins – getting bigger athletes at nearly every position on the field.

Bryant has six interceptions as a junior, showing off his ball skills, and an ability to track the ball while playing in one of the deep safety roles. He’s big enough to be a factor on run defense as well. Bryant should be an early contributor once he gets in the program.

Bryant’s player grade: C+

OT Canon Boone (Dickinson, TX) commits to Virginia Tech
Boone (6-4, 280) is a physical player who looks like he could probably meaningful snaps as a guard or a right tackle. He doesn’t have the ideal height for tackle, but he has really quick hands and a good coordination that make him tough on the outside. Boone is big enough and strong enough to hold his own, and I think he has the tools to be a good drive blocker. In general, Boone is a tough competitor with a good nasty streak who can play well in space. He will have to continue get more aggressive with finishing blocks at the next level too.

Boone’s player grade: C+



DE Monkell Goodwine (Fort Washington, MD) commits to Alabama
Goodwine (6-4, 261) is the No. 12 defensive end in the 2021 class. With his size, it’s certainly a question if he’ll stay on the edge or make a move to the inside. In a three-man front, Goodwine could stay on the outside, although he’ll need to improve his play off the snap.

Goodwine has a good burst and can overpower smaller linemen. His biggest strength comes from effort, giving him the ability to maximize his output on every play. Goodwine is never out of the play; he’ll get into the backfield or track the play down from behind. He’s not a physical or athletic freak, but he has a quality skill set that will continue to be developed.

Goodwine’s player grade: B+

DE Marcus Burris (Texarkana, TX) commits to Texas A&M
Burris (6-4, 275) is the No. 11 defensive end in the 2021 class, but with a recent weight gain, he looks more like a defensive tackle at the next level. He is a physical player who gets off the snap well and makes his presence known at the point of contact. With an expected move to three-technique, Burris will have to be better at shedding blockers and backside pursuit. He has the strength and ability to be overpowering on every snap, but consistency is still an issue. Burris will want to make some improvements on his technique at the next level, where he won’t be every to win battles at the line on our strength alone.

Burris’ player grade: B+

WR Malik McClain (Daphne, AL) commits to Florida State
McClain (6-4, 195) has a big frame, is well-suited for an outside wide receiver and times around 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash that have been verified. He can stretch the field with ease and is dangerous on the nine routes. McClain possesses plenty of natural athleticism and ability, but he’s still pretty underdeveloped in terms of being a football player. He is going to have to learn how to run routes more efficiently and become more consistent with his hands. McClain does give an honest effort and is a willing blocker on the edge. He has a lot of tools, but he needs work and reps to become more of a physical threat as a receiver instead of just being a deep threat.

McClain’s player grade: B-



DE Raam Stevenson Jr. (Arlington, TX) commits to Washington State
Stevenson (6-3, 207) is an undersized rush end with pretty long arms and a nice burst to come off the edge. His long, lean frame should allow plenty of weight to be added. Stevenson is very twitchy, and he’s tough to for an offensive lineman to get a hold of. When he can avoid the contact coming off the edge, he has good closing speed into the backfield. Stevenson needs to add the strength and mass to fight off blocks. There is some upside and potential to Stevenson as a rusher on the weak side.

Stevenson’s player grade: C

WR Jaquez Smith (Atlanta, GA) commits to Indiana
Smith (6-1, 190) just missed the cut for the top-30 wide receivers, he’s right on the fringe and I would definitely say he is among the top 35 wide receivers in the nation. He is very good in short space and runs short quick routes that can get him in space to make plays after the catch. Smith’s size is good and he is functionally strong with the ability to break arm tackles and fight for extra yardage. He is a tough competitor that will initiate the contact rather than go out of bounds. Smith’s top-end speed isn’t anything special, but he is a high-volume pass catcher that will provide rewards with a increased opportunities.

Smith’s player grade: B




Aug. 14

WR Malcolm Johnson Jr. (Alexandria, VA) commits to Auburn
Johnson (6-1, 190) should project out to be a classic outside wide receiver. He has a good frame that should allow him to add 15-20 pounds, and he plays like a big receiver. Johnson likes to push defensive backs off when he comes off the snap and make them recover to stay with him. He is a good route runner who can break out on the short routes and offer a large catch radius.

Johnson can go deep as well and stretch the field. He appears even faster than his recorded 4.6 time. Johnson will go up and grab the 50-50 balls. He is going into an offense that is a good potential fit. Johnson has a shot to be a quality college wide receiver.

Johnson’s player grade: B-

Aug. 13

TE Keleki Latu (Carmichael, CA) commits to California
Latu (6-6, 208) is a lengthy athlete who plays a both ways, probably a little more on defense as a rush end. He’s going to have some developing to do as both a blocker and a pass catcher. Physically, Latu’s frame is excellent, and he’ll be able to pack on plenty of good weight.

California already has a top-15 tight end, Jermaine Terry, committed to the class, so Latu is likely going to redshirt in 2021 and prepare for playing down the road.

Latu’s player grade: C

TE Gavin Ellis (Hampstead, NC) commits Wake Forest
Ellis (6-4, 218) has good size and posted flashy numbers in high school when he played tight end and wide receiver. He didn’t have much going with his recruitment, with only a couple of schools making offers, so when Wake Forest came with an offer he committed quickly.

The Demon Deacons have two tight ends in this class, and both are pretty similar. Each tight end fits the book as combo types who play the position inline and have the pass-catching potential to play in the slot or get flexed out. Ellis will need work as a blocker, but as a pass catcher, I think there is a little upside.

Ellis’ player grade: C

DE Jacques Hunter (Valdosta, GA) commits to Vanderbilt
Hunter (6-3, 215) is a little undersized as a rush end, but he can get to the quarterback. Between being an inch or two too short and a lack of offseason camps, Hunter’s recruitment was probably hindered a little bit. His film, however, is solid, and he shows a nice burst coming off the ball. Hunter has a recorded 40-time of around 4.74, which puts him above average. I question how much weight Hunter can take because he doesn’t have exceptional length.

It’s possible Vanderbilt gets creative and uses him as more of a hybrid. Overall, Hunter is a nice find for the Commodores and he’s a natural pass rusher, which they need on the roster.

Hunter’s player grade: C+

OT Justin Pickett (Carmel, IN) commits to Duke
Pickett (6-6, 305) is an interesting case. He has been an interior lineman in high school, mostly playing guard on the strong side. But Duke is recruiting him as a tackle. His size would certainly indicate that he’s a tackle, but it’s rare to see an offensive line prospect move to the outside at the next level instead of the other way.

Pickett has good feet and moves well on the pulls. He can play in space, and that should help him with the move to tackle. Obviously, his size and length are things that can’t be taught. Moving Pickett to tackle is a good idea, and if he doesn’t take to it, the move back to guard should be easy, so it’s a low-risk move.

Pickett’s player grade: C+

Aug. 12

DE D’Marion Alexander (China Spring, TX) commits to Kansas
Alexander (6-5, 212) committed to Minnesota in April and decided to re-open his recruitment in late June with the thought that Kansas was making a major play at the defensive end. It took a couple of months for Alexander’s commitment to Kansas to become official.

From an earlier evaluation: Alexander needs to add mass to play the rush-end/linebacker position he is projected for. He is decent playing in space, but he could become more athletic and fluid in his movement. Alexander’s technique is something that will be developed, especially as he grows as a pass rusher.

Alexander’s player grade: C+

CB James Ziglor III (Kennesaw, GA) commits to Vanderbilt
Ziglor (5-11, 185) is a two-way player who is a star for arguably the top program in Georgia. He has been mostly recruited as a running back and a wide receiver, but Vanderbilt got the bead on Ziglor by recruiting him as a cornerback.

Ziglor has been more of an offensive player to this point but is expected to play full-time cornerback as a senior in high school to better adjust to his future position. He is also an All-State return specialist and is expected to be a major contributor on special teams.

Ziglor’s player grade: C+

DE Landryn Watson (Hutto, TX) commits to TCU
Watson (6-3, 232) is a good-looking prospect who should play on the end and provide some athleticism and versatility in the pass rush. He is a pressure player, and that has suited him well against the run, where he can get in the backfield or chase the play down from behind.

Watson doesn’t completely fit the physical build of a 4-3 defensive end, but he has the skill set. He is good at the first point of contact and wins battles with effort and pressure. It’ll be interesting to see how Watson looks with some development. I think he will provide some exciting opportunities as a pass rusher.

Watson’s player grade: C

Aug. 11

OT Mahamane Moussa (Indianapolis, IN) commits to Purdue
Moussa (6-5, 255) is a offensive line prospect who plays football and also does the strength events in track and field. I think he has a good chance to end up as a right tackle, but he could also kick inside to guard. His film is a mixed bag, but there is some potential.

Moussa plays with good effort and has footwork and athleticism to make plays in space. He has plenty of room to grow, both physically and with his technique. Moussa has a pretty good foundation though.

Moussa’s player grade: C

Aug. 10

TE Brock Bowers (Napa, CA) commits to Georgia
Georgia has had such a nice history with tight ends under Kirby Smart that it’s almost a given the program is going to snag a top prospect at the position in each class. Last year, it was Darnell Washington, arguably the top player at the position, and this year, it’s Bowers (6-3, 222), who we have as the No. 4 tight end in the nation.

Bowers has the speed of a wide receiver – reported 40 time at around 4.55 seconds – with great hands and playmaking skills. He is tough enough to do some work inline, but Georgia likes to do a lot of two-tight sets, and that will allow Bowers to be used as a wide receiver much more. Bowers has the ability to be a dynamic player at tight end and maintain Georgia’s recent trend of recruiting big talent at the position.

Bowers’ player grade: B+

S Corey Collier (Miami, FL) commits to Florida
Collier (6-2, 180), the No. 2-rated safety in the nation, commits to the Gators a day after his teammate Jason Marshall made a pledge to Florida. Collier’s pledge solidifies the Gators’ secondary class as one of the best in the nation under defensive backs coach Torian Gray.

I have heard some knocks on Collier about his speed, and apparently, he doesn’t time well. But at game speed, I’ve never seen Collier look out of place. He is a more of a traditional free safety who likes to play deep and track the football. He has excellent ball skills with five interceptions as a junior. Collier can play physical football, but I think that will become more of his game once he’s in college. Collier is a smart football player who has plus-level playmaking skills and a high upside.

Collier’s player grade: A

WR Chevy Brenson (St. Louis, MO) commits to Illinois
Illinois is super excited about Brenson (6-4, 192) and his long-term upside. The coaching staff compares him to former Illini wide receiver Geronimo Allison. And in terms of Brenson’s size and catch radius, I think it’s a fair comparison. I don’t see the second-gear speed in Brenson like I saw from Allison, but Brenson is still pretty young.

What I do like from Brenson is that he gets the football. He isn’t afraid to be a “big” receiver and bully around a defensive back to high point the ball. There is talk of Brenson playing more of a tight end role in college. I could definitely see the possibilities with Brenson as a flex tight end.

Brenson’s player grade: C+

OL Weston Franklin (Jesup, GA) commits to Georgia Tech
Franklin (6-4, 305) is the 18th commitment for Georgia Tech and one of its major targets for the offensive line. The Yellow Jackets are expected to take at least four offensive linemen, but Franklin was probably their biggest target in this cycle.

I think Franklin has the kind of run-blocking ability to get on the field fairly early at Georgia Tech. He uses his hands and his size well, displaying good leg drive and the tenacity to put the defender on his back. Franklin is not as good as a pass blocker, but he has good feet and provides a wide base that is difficult for the rush to get around.

Franklin’s player grade: B-

Aug. 9

CB Jason Marshall (Miami, FL) commits to Florida
Marshall (6-2, 180) is one of the elite cornerbacks in the 2021 class and a major commitment for the Gators, who don’t always have luck pulling talent out of Miami-Dade County. His length and ability to track and play the ball make him a dangerous threat for a turnover any time the ball goes in his direction. Marshall does not give an inch physically and should be even tougher in that area once he gets stronger and is asked to play more press coverage. Marshall can also dunk a basketball and has no problem getting up in the air to challenge taller receives on high passes.

Marshall is big enough to make plays in run defense when the opportunity presents itself. He moves well, is good on the backfield and flips his well. Marshall has everything the top programs are looking forward in today’s cornerbacks – length, ball skills, and agility.

Marshall’s player grade: A+

LB Donovan Stephens (Oklahoma City, OK) commits to Oklahoma State
Stephens (6-1, 208) chose Oklahoma State over Texas Tech and Boise State. He is a tackling machine, amassing over 125 tackles and four interceptions as a junior in high school. Stephens provides adequate defense against the run and the pass, plus plays at a high effort. He might not be elite in any one area, but he is solid across the board.

Stephens could play on the outside or the inside, although he’s good enough in coverage I think he deserves a shot on the outside. He should develop into a reliable player on the two deep.

Stephens’ player grade: C+

OT Josh Gesky (Manteno, IL) commits to Illinois
Gesky (6-5, 270) was starting to collect some offers, and it looked like Kansas might have had a bead on him until Illinois made its offer, as he jumped at the chance to stay in state. Gesky is a decent athlete who also takes part in track. He looked pretty lean as a junior but is reportedly around the 270-pound mark.

Gesky plays hard. On film you can see him battling for position as a pass blocker and trying to outwork the defender in run-blocking situations. Gesky looks like a future right tackle, but he has a big frame and I could see him adding the length that would make him perfect for left tackle.

Gesky’s player grade: C

Aug. 8

OL Rocco Spindler (Clarkston, MI) commits to Notre Dame
Notre Dame already had a commitment from the No. 4 offensive tackle in the 2021 class, Blake Fisher, and now the program is adding Spindler (6-4, 312), the No. 4 interior offensive lineman in the class. Those two prospects alone give the Fighting Irish one of the best offensive line classes in the nation.

Spindler has a wrestling background, which is one of my favorite supporting sports for an offensive lineman because it helps prospects develop functional strength and put people on the ground. Spindler moves well for a bigger lineman and can pull and play in space. He is technically sound and has a nice nasty streak. He will pair with Fisher to keep Notre Dame’s left side strong for years to come.

Spindler’s player grade: A-

OT Ryan Lengyel (Dallas, TX) commits to Baylor
Baylor had been the long-time leader for Lengyel (6-5, 277) until Texas came in with an offer in late July. Despite the Longhorns looking like they were going to snap up Lengyel, he stuck with the program that has been recruiting him the longest. Lengyel is the third offensive lineman in Baylor’s class, and he has the size and a frame of a future left tackle.

On film, Lengyel shows good hands and decent athleticism across the board. He needs to get stronger in his lower body and work on sustaining and finishing blocks more. Lengyel might need a full year in a college program to build strength and learn technique, but he has the potential to be a 2-year starter.

Lengyel’s player grade: C

WR Jacobi Moore (Gulfport, MS) commits to Mississippi State
Moore (6-2, 195) is the fourth wide receiver Mississippi State has taken in this class as head coach Mike Leach continues to overhaul the offensive personnel. He has good size and length with the speed to stretch a defense out and make big plays down the field. Making plays after the catch is important in Mike Leach’s offense and Moore has the ability to take a short pass, make a move and turn it into a big gain. Moore also returns kicks and punts in high school so his ability in the open field is already proven. He is big and physical enough to compete for contested balls and get up to grab 50/50 balls. Moore should be another weapon for Leach in the upcoming seasons.

Moore’s player grade: C+

S Devin Lemear (Manor, TX) commits to Baylor
Lemear (6-0, 168) committed to TCU at the start of the year and backed away from that pledge in the early spring as other programs began to come calling. Although Lemear isn’t the biggest safety out there, he plays like a heat-seeking missile, moving downhill and hitting anything in sight. He is a good tackler, but sometimes his aggression can work against him, especially when he is looking for the knockout hit.

Despite being a big hitter, Lemear’s coverage is better than expected. He can track the football and plays the pass honestly. He plays hard and plays with a purpose. Gaining size will be important to Lemear’s development and to keep up with his style of play.

Lemear’s player grade: C+

DE Derek Wilkins (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) commits to California
Wilkins (6-4, 252) looks like a promising defensive lineman who can provide some options whether he stays at end or plays the three-technique. California had to fight off Nebraska, UCLA and Stanford for Wilkins, and his skill set suggests he was worth the effort.

Wilkins is strong off the snap and at the point of contact. He gets up the field well, and he’ll track down the plays from the backside. Wilkins plays hard and plays to the whistle. He can come off the edge and use technique and strength to get to the quarterback, but I think his ability as an interior pass rusher is going to be more valuable at the next level. Either way, Wilkins provides versatility and the ability to get on the field early.

Wilkins’ player grade: B-

WR Jaden Alexis (Pompano Beach, FL) commits to Texas
Alexis (5-11, 187) is a playmaker who can line up on the outside or in the slot. He has very good speed, clocking under a 4.45. Alexis displays tremendous ability after the catch. He can take a six-yard pass, make a move and turn it into a 60-yard play. Alexis is one of those players who you figure out ways to get him the ball because he’s so explosive and is always a threat to score.

Alexis lacks the ideal height for an outside receiver position, but he has the skill set to line up there and stretch the defense. Alexis is still in the developing stages as a receiver, but as he becomes more consistent, he should be a big part of Texas’ offense in future years.

Alexis’ player grade: B

ATH Jordan Poole (Oakboro, NC) commits to N.C. State
Poole (6-0, 221) is a very explosive, twitchy athlete who plays running back in high school, but looks like he’ll get moved to defense in college. Poole could stay at running back because he has a lot of potential as a power back, racking up over 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns as a junior in high school.

Poole’s skill set would likely see him playing linebacker in college. He already has the size and the athletic makeup. Some elements of the position, like coverage, are things Poole will have to learn through reps, but his athleticism is on the high end, which makes his potential high. Poole is one of the best players in N.C. State’s class, regardless of position.

Poole’s player grade: B

Aug. 7

LB Prince Kollie (Jonesborough, TN) commits to Notre Dame
Kollie (6-1, 192) is listed as an outside linebacker, but I think he’s more of a linebacker/safety hybrid, and to be honest, I could see him going either way. He is definitely a player you want to put in or around the box because he is a tackling machine and a high-effort player who goes into the ball-carrier.

Kollie is a player who likes to go downhill. He’ll have to show more coverage skills this season and how well he can drop in coverage when needed. Kollie isn’t a sure thing, and the coaches will need to find a position for him, but I think he shows some good ability when he’s on the field.

Kollie’s player grade: B-

LB Jonah Elliss (Moscow, ID) commits to Utah
Slowly but surely, Utah is building its recruiting class. Ellsis (6-2, 210) is the eighth commitment for the Utes and the second linebacker in their class. Utah’s linebacker room needs a bit of a overhaul with this class, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Utes try to get a commitment from at least one, if not two, more linebackers.

I could see Elliss moving to the inside because he’s good at getting off blocks quickly and filling the gaps to make tackles. He probably doesn’t have the agility to play coverage on the outside, but he should be a reliable defender in the box.

Elliss’ player grade: C+

CB Brendan Toles (Oxford, MS) commits to Mississippi State
Toles was committed to Louisiana Tech when Mississippi State made its offer to him in early July. Once that offer was made committable, Toles (6-1, 175) decided to make the flip. He is listed as a cornerback, but he is more than likely going to play a safety position.

Toles is a decent tackler and shows the necessary skills to jump in on run support. He has good length, which might allow him to play some boundary cornerback in situations. Toles is a player with good length and some upside. He should provide some depth at defensive back.

Toles’ player grade: C

CB Jalon Williams (Grand Prairie, TX) commits to Boston College
Williams (5-11, 180) is another strong prospect in the secondary who is heading to Boston College. Eagles coach Jeff Hafley wanted a bigger, more athletic group in the secondary, and Williams fits the bill. He is a state qualifier in track, running the 100 meters under 11 seconds. Williams is smooth in coverage and moves with great fluidity. He transitions from the backpedal and does a good job at getting inside leverage that allows him to play the ball.

Williams can tackle, and he plays a physical game that should improve with more size and strength in college. I think Williams could be an early contributor in the secondary for the Eagles.

Williams’ player grade: C+

OT Tyler Magnuson (Minneapolis, MN) commits to Syracuse
Magnuson (6-5, 254) fits a lot of what Syracuse is looking for in its offensive line class – lengthy prospects who are a little underdeveloped physically but show good athletic traits. I think the thought process here is to find the more athletic linemen and trust the strength program to do its job.

Magnuson might not be ready immediately, but he has a good foundation and plays with a nice, aggressive mean streak. He can play in space and finish blocks. Magnuson is good off the snap and shows good lateral movement. Grabbing this prospect from Big Ten country is a nice win.

Magnuson’s player grade: C+

Aug. 6

DT Leonard Taylor (Miami, FL) commits to Miami
We have Taylor (6-4, 265) as the No. 2 rated defensive tackle in the nation behind Daron Payne. To be honest, I think any of the top-four defensive tackles have a legitimate right to the No. 1 spot. The bottom line is Taylor is an elite defensive line prospect who gives the Hurricanes coaching staff two of the top defensive players in the nation in their 2021 recruiting class.

Don’t try to block Taylor 1-on-1, because he’ll absolutely smoke the offensive lineman. Taylor’s first-step is so good, and he is so punishing at the point of contact, that it’s either death by bull rush or death by speed rush. Even if he doesn’t get to the backfield, he can ruin the play by taking away the middle or batting down footballs.

Taylor also has very good length for a defensive tackle and projects into a 300-pound defensive lineman. He has the traits that should make him comparable to the great Hurricane defensive linemen of the ’80s and ’90s and early 2000s.

Taylor’s player grade: A+

ATH Lu-Magia Hearns (Concord, CA) commits to California
Hearns (5-10, 160) had a ton of FCS offers, and eventually, Florida Atlantic came through with his first FBS offer. Then California gave Hearns his first Power Five offer after evaluating his film, and that was all the in-state prospect needed to see.

I think Hearns is an interesting fit for the slot or as a nickelback. He has speed and is very twitchy. I like the way Hearns moves – he’s very fluid and smooth. If Hearns is on offense, I could see him in a few roles … possibly in the slot with some packages for him in the backfield. Either way, I think he’ll be a contributor in the return game on special teams.

Hearns’ player grade: C

DE A.J. Campbell (Akron, OH) commits to Vanderbilt
Campbell (6-4, 230) looked like a light, fast-twitch edge rusher when I first saw his film. He’s not very big on the frame, and I think that was what probably kept his recruiting slow. Then I saw some updates in which he had transformed his body and added about 30 pounds. That transformation got him on the radars of several FBS schools during the spring and summer, with Vanderbilt making its offer in the spring.

Campbell had over 10 sacks at a lighter weight last year. He simply caused havoc off the edge. As a senior, Campbell will try to round himself out into more of a defensive end who can put his hand in the ground. Campbell looks like a high-ceiling prospect who could make a mark in the SEC with a couple years of development.

Campbell’s player grade: C+

OL Michael Myslinski (Jacksonville, FL) commits to Texas
Myslinski (6-2, 280) is about the ideal size for a future prospect at center. He has NFL lineage, as his father Tom Myslinski played for the Tennessee Titans and is currently the strength and conditioning coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Mike Myslinski is well-coached, and you can see the areas where he shows great technique and a grasp of the fundamentals. He can get off the snap well, and he’s athletic enough to get to the second level.

I think a key for any successful interior lineman is going to be aggressive play, and Myslinski has a nice little edge to him. I can see why Texas pursued him as its top center prospect. Myslinski should be a multi-year starter.

Wilson’s player grade: B-

Aug. 5

OT Kyle Long (Florissant, MO) commits to Maryland
Long (6-6, 307) was originally committed to Central Michigan, but Maryland made its offer a while back and he seemed like a candidate for a flip. He made drastic improvements in his game from his sophomore to his junior seasons, especially with strength.

Long plays with a nice edge. He is aggressive at the point of contact and battles well in the trenches. Long is a decent athlete and has the ability to play in space, but I would like to see him improve his footwork and overall athleticism. He will take a couple of years of development, but Long has a good foundation.

Long’s player grade: C+

RB Antario Brown (Savannah, GA) commits to South Carolina
Brown (5-11, 205) is a big, athletic running back with a good lower body and speed much better than you would expect for a bigger back. He is a legitimate 11.05-11.10 guy in the 100-meter dash and is tough to catch in the open field. Brown likes to do different things in the backfield; he is an active receiver out of the formation and big enough to stay back and pass protect. He is very good north and south and he runs with enough power to get through arm tackles and use forward lean to get extra yardage.

Brown will need to improve his vision and lateral quickness as a senior. He has the potential to be a complete, three-down running back.

Brown’s player grade: B

TE Jack Witmer (Cypress, TX) commits to Virginia
Witmer (6-6, 227) is a rarity in today’s recruitment – a classic-style inline tight end who actually plays in an I-formation type of offense in high school. Most inline tight ends have to be developed a bit, but Witmer already has regular experience in a running offense.

Witmer has a big frame and plenty of length. He doesn’t catch the ball much as top running back L.J. Johnson – ranked No. 8 in the nation – dominates the offense. Witmer shows that he can be a good physical blocker with good technique. He’ll have to get more pass-catching reps in college to see if he can be more than an additional tackle.

Witmer’s player grade: C+

CB Kameron Grays (Eight Mile, AL) commits to Kansas
Grays (6-1, 195) had a lot of top-end offers going into this recruiting cycle, but most of the early programs that made offers, like Auburn, Tennessee and Florida State, started to cool off on him as the summer went on, leaving him in flux. Indiana and Kansas made offers in August, however, and Grays jumped on the opportunity at Kansas.

Grays has good size to be a boundary corner. He is going to be a guy who will want to play press and get close to the receiver. He is not a speed guy, so physicality will be the way he gets the job done. A move to safety later in his career appears likely.

Grays’ player grade: C+

LB Ja’Corey Hammett (Miami, FL) commits to West Virginia
Hammett (6-3, 205) is a big, athletic linebacker. It is hard to say if he’s going to stay on the outside or if he’ll put on weight that forces a move to the inside. Defensive end could also be a possibility for him, especially because he shows a good burst off the snap.

Hammett plays with great effort and comes from a program that demands high effort – Miami Northwestern High. He has shown to be a game changer on special teams and is used as a kick blocking specialist in high school. Hammett is a high-ceiling prospect who has the potential to be a star at the next level if he continues to develop properly.

Hammett’s player grade: B

Aug. 4

OT Gabe Cavazos (Lake Cormorant, MS) commits to Mississippi State
Mississippi State coach Mike Leach is an offensive line coach before anything else, and he wants offensive linemen who are athletic and nasty, not necessarily in that order. Cavazos (6-5, 295) is a prospect with good size and good length. He has very quick feet and can move to the outside and get out in space.

Cavazos, however, wants to squash defensive linemen, and many of his clips are him finishing blocks with authority and putting guys on their butts. He has good size and is built well, so he should be able to put a little more weight on and keep his athleticism.

Cavazos’ player grade: C+

JUCO TE Austin Jarrard (El Dorado Hills, CA) commits to Oklahoma State
Jarrard (6-3, 245) is one of the higher-ranked junior college tight ends in the nation. He has a little bit of receiving skills and can work the middle of the field, but he has the ability to be a very good inline blocker. He had 26 receptions for 310 yards and three touchdowns in his freshman season at American River Community College in California. With no junior college football in California this fall, Jarrard should have three years of eligibility remaining.

Jarrard’s player grade: C+

Aug. 3

CB Isaiah Johnson (Playa Del Ray, CA) commits to Arizona State
Johnson (6-2, 180), the eighth-ranked cornerback in the nation, was a top target for the Sun Devils staff, and his commitment gives them a centerpiece for the defensive side of the recruiting class. Johnson is a big, long physical cornerback whp can play press coverage and get nasty with a wide receiver, plus he can run – he is recorded in the 4.50-4.55-second range.

Johnson is smooth with his movements and can break on the football quickly. He also has real ball skills and even better instincts. Johnson will put on size, I think he can get 15 pounds heavier easily, and once he gets that strength on him, I expect great things. With Johnson’s size, there’s going to be the opportunity to play him at safety in some situations, but he’s a good, big cornerback.

Johnson’s player grade: A-

OL Jared Wilson (Clemmons, NC) commits to Georgia
Wilson (6-4, 320), who comes in at No. 21 on the Top-25 interior offensive linemen in the nation, is another big body to add to the haul that is the Georgia offensive line class. He was committed to Georgia once before, but Wilson flipped to North Carolina in April only to flip back.

From an earlier evaluation: “Wilson moves exceptionally well, much better than I expected for a big lineman. He plays with the correct pad level and has good lower body strength. On the inside, Wilson is going to pull a lot because he has quick feet and good lateral movement. Wilson could also move to center.”

Wilson’s player grade: B+

OL Bryce Goodner (Athens, TN) commits to Virginia Tech
Goodner (6-3, 300) is a classic mauling type of interior offensive guy. He is definitely a guard, but I think he could play center in a pinch. He is a better run blocker at this stage, he plays with a nice little nasty streak and Goodner is quite the battler on the inside. There isn’t anything flashy about his play and Goodner will need to improve his footwork and get stronger. I like this fit for the prospect and the program. Goodner is a no-frills offensive lineman that should be a good program guy.

Goodner’s player grade: C

QB Drew Carter (Portland, OR) commits to Colorado
Carter (6-3, 195) is an intriguing prospect, a two-sport athlete who could really be a player to keep an eye on in future seasons once he is focused on one sport and gets college level coaching. He’s a very good athlete who has been active on the basketball circuit, and much of his athleticism transfers over well.

Carter also has some natural quarterback skills. He can use his feet and throw on the run outside for the pocket. He looks to throw on the roll out and will have to work on staying in the pocket and setting his feet a little more.

Carter can’t make every throw right now, but he has the arm strength to be able to do it once he works on his mechanics. There’s a lot of potential here, and Carter has a real shot to be a major player in college football with the right breaks.

Carter’s player grade: B-

KS Josh Bryan (Chatsworth, CA) commits to Colorado
Bryan (6-1, 185) is considered the nation’s top-rated kicking specialist by at least a few services. Chris Sailer’s kicking website rates Bryan No. 1 overall and gives him a six-star rating. From the Sailer Kicking website: “Josh is simply a phenomenal high school kicking prospect. A great athlete with big time college potential. He hit a par ball on field goals off the ground. He gets big-time lift on his ball and has range from 60+ yards.”

Bryan’s player grade: B

Aug. 2

DT Marquis Robinson (Milton, FL) commits to Auburn
Robinson (6-3, 300) comes in as the No. 21-ranked defensive tackle in the country. The Tigers already have Lee Hunter, the seventh-ranked defensive tackle in this class. Robinson is a strong interior pass rusher. He is good off the snap and has quick hands that can deflect blockers as he gets in the backfield.

Robinson gets doubled teamed often and shows the ability to get off the double teams and get in on the play. He is a big body who has plus-level athleticism and the quick-twitch burst that makes for a potentially dominating defensive lineman.

Robinson’s player grade: B+

CB Duce Chestnut (Camden, NJ) commits to Syracuse
Chestnut (5-11, 180) has pretty good size. He’s going to play closer to the line of scrimmage and work out more as a boundary corner who can defend the perimeter and the short spaces. Chestnut has some physicality to his game. He doesn’t get bodied up easily by bigger wide receivers. Chestnut has good speed, but he is a little stiff, especially with lateral movement and change of direction. There are a few things to be developed, but Chestnut has a chance to be a regular starter in time.

Chestnut’s player grade: C

LB/DE Patrick Hisatake (Portland, OR) commits to California
Hisatake (6-4, 238) is a big outside linebacker, and I think he’s going to have his hand in the ground and play a traditional defensive end in college. He has some experience at making plays in space, but as Hisatake has put on size, his future on the defensive end is clearer.

Hisatake has a good motor; he figures out a way to get in on the play often. Hisatake is ctive off the snap as a stand-up edge rusher, which should translate well to his eventual move to defensive end. Hisatake has a good first-step and some quick-twitch movement. I think he has a future as a pass rusher.

Hisatake’s player grade: C+

WR Bryce Stephens (Oklahoma City, OK) commits to Arkansas
Arkansas has pulled some solid prospects out of Oklahoma this cycle, adding that state to its usual recruiting base of Texas and the mid-South area. Stephens (6-0, 170) proved to be a tough recruiting battle, as Arkansas had to hold off Oklahoma State and the surging Texas A&M.

Speed is Stephens’ game, and he’s a big-play machine out there. Stephens has averaged about 25 yards per touch between rushing and receiving in high school. I think he can develop into a top-end outside wide receiver. He’ll need more seasoning and consistency with running routes and just becoming more than a big-play guy. But the tools are there for Stephens to be a very good college football player.

Stephens’ player grade: B

CB Cameron Bergeron (Albany, GA) commits to Duke
Bergeron (5-11, 180) provides a few options in the secondary. He could play cornerback, probably in the boundary, nickelback or safety. He looks like he’s good in press coverage, and I think his skill set would make him good in off-man coverage as well.

Bergeron has some size to him and shows some physical play from time to time, especially in defending the run. He plays a little too far off the man at times and gives up a lot of space. Bergeron moves pretty well, possessing quickness going north and south and the ability to flip over his hips well.

Bergeron’s player grade: C+

LB KC Ossai (Conroe, TX) commits to Arizona
Ossai (6-1, 220) had some Group of Five options, but when Arizona informed the linebacker that his offer was committable, he jumped to the Pac-12 program. He plays on the outside in high school and is used as a stand-up pass rusher in many situations.

Ossai probably doesn’t have the burst to be a rush end at the next level, so I see a move to the inside where he can play in the box and be a line of defense against the run. Ossai has decent speed in pursuit, but he’s going to need work in coverage, even in short spaces.

Ossai’s player grade: C

Aug. 1

CB Damond Harmon (Highland Springs, VA) commits to Oklahoma
Harmon (6-1. 175) made the top-30 cornerbacks in the latest update, coming in at No. 28 overall. He has great length and is quick off the ball, is very smooth in the way he runs and transitions, and flips his hips well. Harmon likes to play close to his man and get in his face on press coverage, but he could be stronger and add more of a physical element to his game. He has pretty good instincts and ball skills. Harmon is especially tough on the 50-50 balls, where his length will come into play. He plays with integrity and honors his commitment to run defense. Harmon will come up on the line and defend the run when it’s necessary.

Harmon’s player grade: B

S Kendal Daniels (Beggs, OK) commits to Texas A&M
Daniels (6-4, 185) comes in as the No. 6 safety in the nation on the most recent rankings update. He has exceptional length, a long wingspan and is a strider who covers a lot of ground. Daniels is a good athlete who has a basketball background as well.

Daniels fits in best playing the deep middle because he can track the ball well and shows good field awareness to patrol his area. Once Daniels gets into a college strength program, he’s going to fill out his frame and play that linebacker/safety hybrid role. He has good speed too, especially in coming north and south and making a play close to the line of scrimmage. Daniels has all the tools and provides a lot of scheme versatility with his ability to play in the box, play over the deep middle or even do coverage work as an outside linebacker.

Daniels’ player grade: A-

JUCO OT Cade Parrish (Logan, UT) commits to Arizona
Parrish (6-5, 300) is currently finishing up at Snow College in Utah. He received his offer from Arizona in July and committed about a month later. Other FBS offers he received included Hawaii and Liberty. With no junior college football this fall, Parrish should have three years of eligibility remaining.

Parrish’s player grade: C

QB T.J. Lewis (Brunswick, GA) commits to Louisville
Louisville had to beat out Georgia Tech, Central Florida, Virginia Tech and Coastal Carolina to secure the commitment of Lewis (6-4, 185). Lewis is more of a running quarterback, and that led programs to recruit him as more of an athlete than a quarterback. Louisville is looking at him to play quarterback, but he will have to develop more as a passer.

Lewis is a dangerous runner on the field, but he doesn’t run to buy time; he runs to make big plays. There’s certainly an attractive element to Lewis’ mobility and figuring out how to use him at quarterback, but I wonder if he can make the improvements as a passer to stay at the position. As an athlete, Lewis would get a higher grade.

Lewis’ player grade: C

S Maurice Freeman (Chesapeake, VA) commits to Indiana
Freeman (6-0, 190) is a solid defensive back who should find a home as a defender in the box. I could see Freeman possibly growing into a linebacker as well. He has played both positions in high school.

Freeman is a physical player who can come up to the line of scrimmage and play tough against the run. He plays a downhill game and can deliver the big hit. Freeman will have to learn how to be more consistent in coverage, even in short spaces. As of now, he is primarily a run-stopping safety who could grow into an inside linebacker.

Freeman’s player grade: C

DE Tobechi Okoli (Kansas City, MO) commits to Auburn
Okoli (6-5, 255) is a big, good-looking defensive lineman who will likely play the strong side at the next level. He’s not a natural, quick-twitch pass rusher, but Okoli can get to the quarterback from the strong side and gets off the ball pretty well.

Okoli is a raw talent who is picking up football at a pretty good pace. He needs to improve his movement and defense against the run. He certainly has exciting tools and natural ability. Okoli has a high ceiling and is worth taking a flyer on.

Okoli’s player grade: C+

DE Myles Williams (Mission Hills, CA) commits to California
Williams (6-3, 250) had several Pac-12 programs after him, including Colorado State, Washington State and Arizona State. He gives California a defensive lineman who could stay on the edge, or possibly move inside and play three-technique, where I believe his pass-rushing ability should translate well to the interior. Williams is a quick off the snap and shows a great initial burst. He is a physical player and can push an offensive lineman off his base if he can’t get around the edge.

Williams’ player grade: C+

OT Joshua Sales (Brownsburg, IN) commits to Indiana
Sales (6-6, 295) was one of the bigger in-state targets for Indiana and gives the Hoosiers a big commitment, choosing the program over Michigan State, Kansas and Nebraska. He is built well with a good lower body and has added some much-needed upper body strength. Sales carries his weight extremely well and looks lean and agile. He also displays good footwork that shows off some of his basketball background. Sales continues to improve in other areas as well, showing better balance and quicker hands. He still has to grow more physical and more aggressive at finishing his blocks, but he is heading in the right direction.

Sales’ player grade: B-

July 31

WR Andrel Anthony (East Lansing, MI) commits to Michigan
The Wolverines pull Anthony (6-2, 175) out of Michigan State’s backyard, and he becomes the fourth pass catcher Michigan has taken in this recruiting cycle. Anthony should project as an outside wide receiver in future years. He is a technically sound receiver who gets in and out of his breaks consistently.

Anthony has a good frame and a catch radius that will make him a friendly target for a quarterback. He is a little light on the frame right now, but I could see him growing into a big wide receiver. Anthony can get down field, but I’m not completely sold on his top-end speed. It’s an area that he can still improve upon.

Anthony’s player grade: B

TE Mitchell Evans (Wadsworth, OH) commits to Notre Dame
Evans (6-7, 237) had a major surge in recruiting offers around the official start of the summer. Notre Dame made its offer to him on July 2, and less than a month later the program earned his commitment over Pittsburgh, Florida State, Central Florida and several others.

Evans is an athlete who offers a lot of options. He plays both quarterback and tight end in high school, showing off the ability to run out of the backfield as well as run routes and attack defenses. He is a basketball player also, so his footwork and conditional are above average.

Evans is still learning the tight end position – he’ll have to show advancement as a blocker to be an every-down player at the position. But Evans is prospect with a lot to offer and a great athletic foundation to draw from.

Evans’ player grade: B

DE Jibran Hawkins (Lawrenceville, GA) commits to Ole Miss
Slowly but surely, Lane Kiffin is building a class at Ole Miss that he hopes can get the Rebels off to a good start. Hawkins (6-3, 242) is a well-built prospect who looks like a future run stopper on the strong side. But in Ole Miss’ defensive scheme, he might be used more for his linebacker skills.

Hawkins isn’t a natural outside linebacker, but he can move and get around the field. He has a decent first-step, but I wouldn’t call him a natural pass rusher. Hawkins is a piece on the defensive line who can do a few different things. He has versatility and can be utilized in a key role on three- or four-man fronts.

Hawkins’ player grade: B-

WR Tsion Nunnally (Santa Rosa, CA) commits to Washington State
Things got pretty hairy for Washington State in its recruitment on Nunnally (6-2, 187) when rival Washington extended an offer to the projected outside wide receiver a couple of weeks ago. But the Cougars still landed their top target at wide receiver and earn a big win for new coach Nick Rolovich.

Nunnally might be one of the real hidden gems in this class, as he didn’t have a chance to really showcase his abilities without a normal offseason. He’s a big receiver who plays on the outside and, on film, he shows good long speed to get down the field and stretch a defense vertically. Nunnally gives Washington State a prospect who can provide the big plays in their high-volume passing offense.

Nunnally’s player grade: B

DE Tre’von Marshall (Stockbridge, GA) commits to Mississippi State
Marshall is listed at 6-foot-4, 233 pounds, but he has the length of a player over 6-foot-6. He has some explosion and the ability to create havoc in the backfield.

Mississippi State is going to run primarily three-man fronts, and Marshall shows some of the short-space strength necessary to handle the double teams that defensive ends in three-man fronts face from time to time. Marshall can be a little reckless at times and overrun the play, but coaches will appreciate his effort, and even if he makes a mistakes, he will continue chasing after the play.

Marshall’s player grade: C+

S Dink Jackson (Melbourne, FL) commits to Ole Miss
I had a chance to see Jackson (6-1, 173) in a game last season, and he played well. He looks as if he’s listed a little bigger than he is, but Jackson has a good frame and the programs that projected him as a safety/outside linebacker-hybrid type probably aren’t too far off. He is the No. 17-ranked safety in the nation.

Jackson’s speed is outstanding. He’s a verified 11-second guy in the 100-meter-dash. Jackson also plays all over the field in high school – quarterback, wide receiver, cornerback, safety. He plays a physical game, and I think he’ll really shine once he gets into a college strength program and we can see him as a 200-plus-pounder, rather than a slightly underweight defensive back. Jackson can drop in coverage, but he’s better in short spaces rather than playing the deep middle. He offers a lot of athletic potential.

Jackson’s player grade: B+

DE Cole Nelson (Alpharetta, GA) commits to Virginia Tech
Nelson (6-3, 235) saw his recruitment really take off in the past month when Syracuse, Kansas, Illinois and Houston extended offers. Virginia Tech, however, was the school to look out for since it made its offer back in February, and Nelson eventually made the decision to be a Hokie.

Nelson can really get to the quarterback. He has a good first-step and a rip move, but I wouldn’t necessarily say he is a fast-twitch player. But Nelson moves well enough; he’s not too stiff, and he plays with awareness to stop the run. Nelson has to show a little more in pursuit, especially when chasing plays that get out of the backfield. I think Nelson can compete to be a starter after a few years.

Nelson’s player grade: C+

P Connor Weselman (Atlanta, GA) commits to Stanford
Weselman (6-4, 190) has a five-star designation and is the sixth-ranked punter in the nation according to Kohl’s kicking website. The website says, “[Weselman] had some huge punts at the [Kohl’s National Scholarship Camp] with multiple 5.0 hang times. His leg strength and frame will help him in college.”

Weselman’s player grade: C+

July 30

CB Damarius McGhee (Pensacola, FL) commits to Tennessee
McGhee (6-1, 165) is a very good two-way athlete. I had him ranked just outside of the top wide receivers in the nation, but Tennessee is looking at him to play cornerback.

McGhee offers a lot of options and, when watching his film, he is one of those players who seems to do everything for his team in high school. He is a wide receiver and a return specialist. He will play on defense and take on the top cover assignment.

McGhee is just a natural playmaker who has the tools to be successful wherever he is on the field. As a cornerback, his length and speed will be a major strength. He can play the football well and has natural instincts for the position.

McGhee’s player grade: B

DT Desmond Watson (Seffner, FL) commtts to Florida
The Armwood High program has sent several prospects to Florida over the years, with varying levels of success. Watson (6-4, 368) is being recruited as a nose guard, but I wonder if he wouldn’t work out better as an offensive guard. For starters, he’ll probably have to get down into the 340-pound range to play in college.

Watson does exactly what a space eater is supposed to do. He can take on multiple blockers and has the quickness on the interior to get rid of them. Watson has good upper body strength – he throws discus and shut put in track – and he is good at the point of contact. Again, I think a move to the offensive line might be the best fit in the future, but either way the Gators are getting for big body in their class.

Watson’s player grade: C+

ATH Kaylin Moore (Westlake Village, CA) commits to Colorado
Moore (6-0, 180) is being recruiting as a defensive back. He has played a few different positions, but safety is probably the best long-term fit. Moore can offer a few options at safety. He’s big enough and will gain the size necessary to play in the box and close to the line of scrimmage.

Moore has some speed, but I’m not sure if his top-end speed will allow him to play situational cornerback. He could, however, work out as a deep safety because he tracks the ball well.

Moore’s player grade: C

July 29

OL Dietrick Pennington (Cordova, TN) commits to Clemson
Pennington (6-5, 330) is the ninth-ranked interior offensive lineman in the nation. He’s big enough to where he could play guard or right tackle. Clemson is recruiting at such a high level that it has the luxury of moving a big man like Pennington to the inside.

Pennington plays on the defensive line too, so he’s experienced both sides of the trenches. He’s a technically sound football player, although maybe one of the bigger criticisms of Pennington is that he’s too technical and could be a little more aggressive. But Pennington is a great athlete and carries his weight well. He is strong on his base, with good footwork and strong hands.

Pennington’s player grade: B+

RB Logan Diggs (Metairie, LA) commits to Notre Dame
Notre Dame is always in the market for a bigger back, and Diggs (6-0, 195) fits that bill. But he adds a lot of flash to go with that power. On one carry, Diggs will show his potential to wear down a defense and break through arm tackles, while on the next carry, he’ll make a jump cut and run across the field, showing his speed and agility.

My favorite part of Diggs’ game is that he knows when to be flashy and when he has to simply down his pad down and fight to get the necessary yards for a first down or get in the end zone. Diggs was Notre Dame’s top target at the position, and he looks like a good fit for the offense – a power-speed combo back who can catch passes and run with power.

Diggs’ player grade: B

LB Andrew Booker (Cincinnati, OH) commits to Maryland
Booker (6-2, 218) will be joining his brother, Anthony, on the Maryland roster after making a commitment to the Terrapins. I think Booker will find a home as an inside linebacker. He is a pretty good form tackler, and playing on the defensive end in high school, he has shown some ability to get to the quarterback and cause negative plays. I am a little concerned about his overall speed and athleticism, which is why I think he’ll stick to working out as a box defender in college.

Booker’s player grade: C

July 28

DT Payton Page (Greensboro, NC) commits to Clemson
Page (6-4, 355) is the No. 6-rated defensive tackle in the nation. He is a mountain of a prospect, but he has quick feet and hands and good explosion off the snap. Page is strong and can get a good push off the ball even when he is facing double teams.

Clemson has some promising defensive ends on the roster and others in its current recruiting class, so a big body like Page to push the pocket and take on multiple blockers will keep the Tigers’ defensive line humming for another few years. He is running a little heavy right now, but I expect he’ll trim down a little when he gets into the Tigers’ strength and conditioning program.

Page will be a strong run stuffer and a guy who can make the quarterback feel the heat in the pocket. He is another one in a long line of impressive defensive line prospects for the Tigers.

Page’s player grade: A-

WR Darell Jones (Coffeyville, KS) commits to Kansas State
Jones (5-11, 165) didn’t have much going for him on the recruiting trail other than an offer from Eastern Michigan, but Kansas State extended an offer in late June, and it took just a couple of phone calls for Jones to join the Wildcats’ 2021 class.

Speed is going to be Jones’ ticket in college. He has a “camp verified” 40-yard time of under 4.4. Even if that number is disputed, anything close to the that range is going to be tough to catch. Jones should be able to contribute in the slot and likely be part of the kick and punt return teams.

Jones’ player grade: C

DE Ja’Quez Harvey (Los Angeles, CA) commits to Arizona
Several Pac-12 programs got in on the recruitment of Harvey (6-4, 250) as the summer went on, and Arizona ended up getting his commitment over Washington State and Arizona State. I think Harvey is a good fit as a traditional defensive end in a four-man front. He has good size and a frame that should allow him to put on even a few more pounds.

Harvey has a nice burst on the ball, and he shows good effort in backside pursuit to track down plays in the open field. Nothing too flashy from Harvey, but he’s a solid prospect who gives good effort.

Harvey’s player grade: C+

WR Malik Nabers (Lafayette, LA) commits to Mississippi State
Nabers (6-0, 185) is the next name who Mike Leach will add to his recruiting class as part of building the wide receiver room. This is a good, consistent wide receiver who isn’t a burner, but a good pass catcher with some ability to make someone miss and add yards onto a short/intermediate pass.

Nabers is still a developing prospect at wide receiver. He has the athleticism to make plays on 50-50 balls and make tough catches. Nabers is the type of guy who should do well in a high-volume pass attack. He is a tough player who works hard and is willing to block and do the other things Leach asks of his receivers.

Nabers’ player grade: C+

S Trevor Woods (Katy, TX) commits to Colorado
Woods (6-1, 190) put up some super flashy numbers as a junior in high school and showed he can be productive at different levels on a defense. His eight sacks came primarily from blitzing or lining up as a stand-up rusher, and it shows the possibilities of Woods playing in the box or possibly at outside linebacker if his size and athleticism fit in the role.

Woods offers a lot as a prospect whether he stays at strong safety or moves into a linebacker role. He is a playmaker and someone who can elevate the talent of the defensive backfield.

Woods’ player grade: C+

LB Rickey Smith (Orlando, FL) commits to Purdue
Smith (6-1, 195) is being recruited as a safety/linebacker hybrid, but I think he’s going to grow into a full-fledged off-ball linebacker. He has the arm length and off-the-snap burst to be an interesting option as a stand-up pass-rush specialist.

Smith is a little rough in coverage, and I think he’ll find more comfort playing downhill and trying to make plays closer to the line of scrimmage. He should fill out physically, but will need some seasoning to develop into a player who can stay on the field.

Smith’s player grade: C

DT Damian Ilalio (Manhattan, KS) commits to Kansas State
Kansas State stays local and gets a quick commitment from Ilalio (6-0, 270), who is a little undersized, but an interesting prospect who the Wildcats staff will try to work in as a three-technique. Ilalio doesn’t play against the best competition in high school, but he does do a good job of being a dominant player at times. He has a wrestling background and plays with a high motor on the field. I don’t know if Ilalio is a starter in college, but he could be a good program guy and provide depth on the defensive line.

Ilalio’s player grade: C-

July 27

TE Gunnar Helm (Englewood, CO) commits to Texas
Helm (6-5, 230) is a pretty good looking, albeit slightly raw, tight end prospect with good length and a nice catch radius. At this stage, Helm is more of a flex tight end who has plus-level receiving skills and good physical traits you want to see from a big receiver. He’s tough after the catch, and I think that toughness is going to shine as he develops as a blocker.

Helm’s ability to block for the run is going to be what eventually decides if he is a three-down player or not. I definitely see some potential here after some experience and time in the strength program.

Helm’s player grade: B

DE Thomas Davis (Valdosta, GA) commits to Miami
Davis (6-0, 238) plays a lot of edge in high school and has considerable first-step explosiveness, but I think he’s going to end up as an inside linebacker at the next level because of his height. He has been a productive sack guy in high school and could be effective as a blitzer.

Davis shows good movement in all directions and some sideline-to-sideline ability. His movement should help him with shedding blockers as a linebacker. He is a bit of a physical marvel who could be used in a few areas, but linebacker or potential stand-up rush specialist seem like Davis’ best fits.

Davis’ player grade: B-

DE Gaven Haselhorst (Hays, KS) commits to Kansas State
Kansas State was Haselhorst’s first Power Five offer – and first FBS offer of any kind – and he committed to the Wildcats just a few days later. He’s listed as a defensive end, but the 6-foot-1, 222-pounder is going to be a linebacker and probably an interior linebacker. He can run pretty well in pursuit, but Haselhorst is a step slow coming off the snap, which might explain his lack of recruiting traction. There’s room for Haselhorst to grow and potentially play strong-side end, but I think he’ll be a guy who can play the run in between the tackles and provide a snaps as a capable second-level defender.

Haselhorst’s player grade: C-

July 26

DE Eric Gentry (Philadelphia, PA) commits to Arizona State
Gentry (6-6, 211) has impressive length, I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets to 6-foot-7 or 6-foot-8 when he finishes growing. He is A fast-twitch player who will be coming off the edge and possesses a good first-step. Gentry can fire off the snap and has the ability to stay at a good level to get around the offensive tackle. He’s light on the frame and really can’t get around offensive tackles when he’s engaged with them.

Gentry has good athleticism; he plays more of an outside linebacker role in high school and will drop into coverage. I think he’ll do less of that in college and just focus on pass rushing and being a disruptor in the backfield. Herman Edwards has filled the Arizona State roster with length guy, quick-twitch guys like Gentry, and from my vantage point, you can’t enough pass rushers.

Gentry’s player grade: B-

OL Kalan Ellis (Honolulu, HI) commits to Syracuse
Wow, talk about a culture shock. It’s a rare day when I evaluate a prospect heading from Hawaii all the way to Syracuse. I hope Ellis (6-5, 305) likes snow.

I like Ellis’ game on film, where he displays good lower body strength and leg drive. He is a kid who definitely doesn’t miss time in the weight room. Ellis is more athletic than I expected; he can get to the second level consistently and shows a lot of fundamental skill as a run blocker playing on the outside. I think he can play at guard or right tackle in college and be effective. Ellis has a some real potential to be a multi-year starter.

Ellis’ player grade: C+

ATH Jordan Grier (Ellenwood, GA) commits to Indiana
It seems like every program on the eastern half of the mainland is dipping into the Peach State for corners and safeties. I had a friend tell me this might be the best year for secondary prospects in the history of the state.

Grier (6-0, 185) is more of a safety than a cornerback, and I think he could provide snaps at both safety positions. He has good instincts and closing speed. Grier will come up quickly from the defensive backfield to get a hit on a running back. He can drop in coverage in the deep middle and patrol the area.

Grier is a no-frills type of player. There is nothing flashy here, but he gets is done.

Grier’s player grade: C+

OT Marcus Mbow (Milwaukee, WI) commits to Arizona State
It’s the same thing with Arizona State’s recruiting class at all positions – length, length, length. I’m convinced the Sun Devils will be the longest team in the nation in a couple of years.

Mbow (6-6, 300) continues that commitment to length. He is being recruited as a tackle and looks like he could be a natural at the position. Mbow likes to put defensive players on the ground, which is fun and looks good on a highlight reel, but I would like to see him take out a few more guys at the second level.

Still, Mbow is big, physical and aggressive. He shows signs of being a punishing blocker in the run game. The footwork is just all right and will improve as he gets more time at tackle.

Mbow’s player grade: C+

ATH Da’Wain Lofton (Fort Worth, TX) commits to Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech won a pretty intense recruiting battle with Mississippi State for Lofton (5-10, 172), who looks like he’ll play on offene at the next level. Lofton can do some work in the slot or on the outside. He is fast enough to get vertical as long as he gets a good jump off the ball.

Lofton has good hands and seems to specialize at working in the open spaces and has some ability to make things happen after the catch. He plays bigger than his size and will battle for 50-50 balls. Lofton is a good, tough competitor and fits the overall style of Virginia Tech football.

Lofton’s player grade: C+

DT Damon Payne (Belleville, MI) commits to Alabama
Payne (6-3, 300) is at the top of the line when it comes to defensive tackles in this class, ranked No. 1 among all defensive tackles. He is a big, athletic body who moves well and has the strength expected of a top-end football prospect up front. Payne possesses a good burst off the snap with a solid array of interior pass-rushing moves that allow him to get in the backfield quickly.

Payne’s initial strike at the point of contact will get an offensive lineman’s attention. He is super active with his movement in the trenches, always trying to get past the block and in on the play. All the great defensive tackle prospects are excellent in backside pursuit, and Payne is no different. He’s never out of the play.

Payne plays on both sides of the ball in high school, and I think that’s made a big difference in how he functions as a defensive lineman. He knows what to look for and how to get around it. Payne looks like the next in a long line of NFL-quality defensive lineman at Alabama.

Payne’s player grade: A+

WR Brashard Smith (Miami, FL) commits to Miami
Smith (5-8, 177) is an absolute speed demon who can change a game with one touch in the slot. He is one of the fastest players in this recruiting cycle. Smith’s ability to play the slot on one play and go downfield on a nine route on the next play reminds me a little of Santana Moss.

Smith is extremely difficult to handle in space with his agility and is a sound wide receiver. He knows how to get open and get in the eyes of his quarterback. Smith will also be a difference-maker in the return game, especially on punts. Smith is stronger than his size would indicate and is a hard worker in all aspects of the game.

Smith’s player grade: B+

OL Kimo Makaneole (Niceville, FL) commits to Florida State
The Seminoles have been trying to rebuild their offensive line for a few years now, and it’s come with mixed results as the program hasn’t really tried to throw numbers at the problem. That being said, Makaneole (6-4, 280) is a player I’m pretty high on and I think he might be the best offensive line prospect coming into the program since Dontae Lucas.

Makaneole is a good athlete who is good in space and aggressively goes after the second-level defender. Makaneole is good with his hands, very aggressive as a run blocker, and seems to be pretty strong with his initial contact. His footwork is a little off base, and he’s going to have to work on his balance, but overall, this is a good offensive line building block for the Seminoles.

Makaneole’s player grade: B-

S Placide Djungu-Sungu (Arlington, TX) commits to Duke
Djungu-Sungu (6-0, 175) is another prospect out of the Dallas Metroplex area heading to Duke. The Blue Devils staff has put a little more focus on Lone Star state, and it paid off here. Djungu-Sungu appears to have more length than his listed height. He plays the role of a safety and a cornerback and will occasionally take on receivers one-on-one.

I think Djuegu-Sungu will probably fit best as a deep safety. He can track the ball pretty well and has good instincts when it comes to closing in on the play.

Djungu Sungu’s player grade: C

DE Ja’Marian Peterson (New Orleans, LA) commits to Arizona
Peterson (6-2, 240) became a hot name in the early summer when a ton of FBS offers came his direction including Ole Miss, Illinois and Central Florida. Peterson is a bigger defensive end who is probably going to play on the strong side with his hand in the ground, but he could grow even more and get kicked inside to play three-technique. He’s strong with contact off the snap and is pretty good with run defense.

Peterson isn’t necessarily a dynamic player, but he’s consistent and seems to be in the right place to make the play. I would like to see a little more pass rush ability out of him for a higher grade.

Peterson’s player grade: C

July 25

Ryan Lange (Pittsburg, CA) commits to California
Lange (6-6, 330) choose California over several other FBS offers, mostly on the West Coast, with Arizona State, USC and a few others in his final group. Lange is the fourth offensive lineman California has taken in this class, and he will likely be the last.

Lange has had the luxury of overwhelming much of his high school competition because of his size. He shows good vision, plus his footwork isn’t bad for a big guy and he can slide a little. As a run blocker, Lange shows his best work – he is a natural mauler. Lange is a little more technical and maybe a little too careful with his pass blocking. He could improve his athleticism and get a little more aggressive on blocks, but he is a solid prospect.

Lange’s player grade: B-

Winsome Frazier (West Palm Beach, FL) commits to Iowa State
Iowa State hasn’t dipped into Florida to recruit as much with this class as the coaching staff has in the pass. Frazier (6-2, 185), however, looks to be one of the Cyclones’ better recruits from the cycle. He is a multi-sport athlete who was part of a state championship team at Miami Northwestern last year before moving about 70 miles north.

Frazier has very good length and can run. His size and athletic ability should give him plenty of options on defense. Frazier can play either safety position; he has the length to be a cornerback on the boundary as well. He can also be a box defender because of his size. Frazier is the type of player who has generally done well at Iowa State.

Frazier’s player grade: B-

DeVonte Wilson (Quincy, FL) commits to Kansas
Wilson (6-3, 180) was originally committed to Ohio, but backed away from that pledge when Kansas started showing interest. He committed once the Jayhawks extended him an offer. He has exceptional length and might end up playing safety in the long run.

Wilson is very aggressive in coverage. He is a physical player who likes to use his length and size to push wide receivers off their routes. I think he’ll have to improve his top-end speed to run with some of the wide receivers in the Big XII. Wilson, however, can play anywhere in the secondary and should raise the overall talent for Kansas.

Wilson’s player grade: C

OT Austin Barry (Riverside, CA) commits to Arizona State
Barry (6-6, 265) was the target of a recruiting battle between Arizona State and UCLA. Both schools were considered the leaders at various times before Arizona State eventually won out.

Barry looks like the left tackle of the future with his big frame. He has natural upper body strength and is very good in the pass blocking game. Barry moves his feet well, moves well in space, and can be aggressive when it comes to getting to the second level to take on a linebacker.

Barry carries his size well, and I think he will easily get to 300 pounds. He has average length though, which could be a problem. If he improves the other aspects of his game, however, arm length won’t be as big of an issue.

Barry’s player grade: C+

S Corey Coley Jr. (Jacksonville, FL) commits to Maryland
Maryland has had Coley (6-1, 175) as one of its major targets for several months. Coley is decent in coverage, but he’s probably going to be more effective in zone coverage over man once he gets to college.

Coley is a very good tackler with good instincts. He can play off the receiver and close in on the play quickly either to cause separation between the receiver and the ball or make a play on the ball himself. Coley is not afraid to play close to the line of scrimmage and get after the run either.

I think Coley can be more aggressive in going after turnovers. He only had one interception as a junior. Coley is another player who can probably line up in multiple positions around the secondary and make an impact.

Coley’s player grade: B-

July 24

OL Jake Slaughter (Ocala, FL) commits to Florida
Slaughter (6-4. 300) originally committed to Florida State in the spring but backed away from that commitment to play for the rival Gators. From his original evaluation: Slaughter is the top center in Florida. He’s solidly built, from the bottom up and has a strong lower body and leg drive. Slaughter can get down the field on pulls and has decent feet. His pass protection is pretty good as well. Slaughter plays with leverage and has a solid base. He does a lot of things right and could be a multi-year starter.

Slaughter’s player grade: B

DE/DT Elliot Donald (Pittsburgh, PA) commits to Pittsburgh
Donald (6-2, 260) is rated as the fourth-best defensive tackle in the nation, although he could easily slide to the outside and be an edge rusher because of his length. His uncle is current NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Aaron Donald.

Elliot Donald is a very athletic prospect with an endless motor and desire to get in the backfield. The biggest strengths in his game are his technique and his interior pass-rushing moves, which are aided by his quick, strong hands. Donald has speed to get around the edge as well.

Wherever he lines up in on the defensive line, Donald is going to get into the backfield and create havoc. This is one of bigger recruits for Pittsburgh in recent memory because Donald has incredible upside and NFL potential.

Donald’s player grade: A

TE Shield Taylor (Alexandria, LA) commits to Stanford
Taylor (6-4, 237) has shown a lot as a receiving threat to this point, but I think he has great versatility to offer Stanford’s offense because of his skill set. Taylor has a significant presence as a run blocker, and he’s good enough at it to be able to contribute early in his tenure. He can play on the line or line up as an h-Back and block from that position.

Taylor is pretty athletic and plays several sports in high school. He has very good feet and decent enough speed that I believe he can develop as a pass catcher. If Taylor can line up at three positions as a tight end, he should be a steal for Stanford and what it does on offense.

Taylor’s player grade: C+

OL Zachary Barlev (Plainfield, IL) commits to Illinois
Barlev (6-4, 292) flipped from Bowling Green to Illinois. The Illinois staff actually made their offer to Barlev much earlier in the year but needed to wait for some information to come back on a hip injury that he suffered while wrestling.

Illinois is looking at Barlev as a center. He has been wrestling longer than he’s been playing football, which shows in the film. Barlev moves well and has got some leg strength. He can finish blocks and use his hands pretty well. There’s some upside there.

Barlev’s player grade: C

LS Rocco Underwood (Lake Mary, FL) commits to Florida
Underwood (6-4, 220) is listed as a tight end, but he will be the Gators’ primary long-snapper recruit in this class. According to the Rubio Long Snapping website, Underwood is the top-rated long snapper in the nation and was given a six-star ranking by the website. The website further states: “[Underwod] makes everything looks effortless. Moves well on his feet and is a pure athlete. Easily could hold the top spot for a long time if he continues to focus on snapping as hard as he can, with confidence and keeping the same release point.”

Underwood’s player grade: C+

JUCO Fred Thompkins (Paso Robles, CA) commits to Washington State
Thompkins (6-0, 235) played at City College of San Francisco and was one of the team’s top performers on defense. He finished the 2019 season with 90 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and six sacks.

Thompkins is one of the top linebackers prospects out of junior college this cycle and received nationwide interest. With the California JUCO season postponed, there’s an opportunity for Thompkins to graduate in January and have three years of eligibility at Washington State.

Thompkins’ player grade: B

DT Ryan Williams (Pearland, TX) commits to Colorado
Williams (6-5, 260) is a potential defensive line depth guy who Colorado is taking a bit of a flyer on in hopes of taking advantage of his size and upside. He looks good off the snap and has the ability to create some havoc. Williams looks like he could be a larger defensive end in a 3-man front or move around a little bit on the interior in a 4-man front.

Williams might’ve been an interesting prospect to monitor if the normal college football offseason takes place with summer camps. As it is, Williams lacks experience and really needs to get as much as he can out of his senior year to give me a better idea of how this could work out for Colorado.

Williams’ player grade: C-

July 23

DE Byron Turner Jr. (New Orleans, LA) commits to Florida State
Turner (6-3, 235) has a big frame and long arms, with the capability to provide snaps as a stand-up rusher or put his hand in the ground. I think he’s better as a run stopper right now than a pass rusher, but Turner has tools to improve as in that area.

Turner plays hard, battles to get into the backfield and is tough coming off the snap. He needs to improve his explosive step to really round out as a pass rusher because he’s a little stiff and sometimes gets caught flat footed. There’s some potential there for Turner with his versatility and ability to play the run.

Turner’s player grade: B-

DE Christian Burkhalter (Spanish Fort, AL) commis to Oregon
Oregon goes all the way to the southeast to pull Burkhalter (6-5, 232), showing the reach of the Pac-12 program once again. Burkhalter is long and can run. He can get in the backfield quickly, and he’ll track down a play from behind with good speed on the pursuit. Burkhalter has a good frame and natural explosive speed that projects out well as a pass rusher in the future.

Burkhalter is pretty raw right now, but he makes up for it with his motor and effort on the play. Burkhalter is aggressive, at times a little too aggressive, but more times than not, he’ll make the play. He still has some improvements to make, but with Burkhalter’s ability to run, I could easily see him being a situational outside linebacker.

Burkhalter’s player grade: B

KS Edward Czaplicki (Charlotte, NC) commits to Arizona State
Czaplicki (6-1, 180) is rated as the No. 3 kicker and the No. 9 punter in the nation, possessing a five-star designation in both areas according to Kohl’s Kicking website. Arizona State is recruiting him as a punter.

Kohl’s states, “[Czaplicki] has one of the quickest legs we have seen in the 2021 class. He is very mature athletically and able to produce kickoffs and punts that other good players cannot.”

Czaplicki’s player grade: B-

OT Isaia Glass (Queen Creek, AZ) commits to Arizona State
Glass (6-5, 248) follows a legacy as his father, Paul, played for the Sun Devils in the late 1990s. Shockingly, Glass is the first in-state commitment for Arizona State, as Herm Edwards and his staff have chosen to build more of their class with southeast and midwest prospects.

Glass has a big frame and plenty of room to pack on weight. He has good feet and is good off the snap at the point of contact. Glass has good hands as well, and it’s clear he’s been coached well. Once he adds mass and strength from being in a college weight program, Glass should project as a FBS-quality tackle.

Glass’ player grade: C

July 22

CB Adrian Huey (Nashville, TN) commits to Kentucky
It seemed like Huey (5-10, 160) was a pretty heavy Mississippi State lean until Kentucky made an offer in late June and jumped to the front of the line. Huey has the size of a nickelback, and I expect to see him playing in a lot of sub packages and lined up against the slot. Huey has good quickness and the ability to keep up with the smaller, quicker receivers. His change of direction is very good, as are his ball skills.

Huey is an aggressive player; he’ll jump routes off instincts if he thinks the quarterback is telegraphing his passes too much. He is a very active player who should project out as an inside cornerback.

Huey’s player grade: B-

KS Cameron Little (Moore, OK) commits to Arkansas
Little (6-1, 185) is ranked as the No. 2 kicker in the nation and the No. 5 punter in the nation according to Kohl’s Kicking website. He had offers from Colorado, Navy, Nevada, Army and a host of others.

Kohl adds “[Little] has more upside in college as a kicker, but his punting is very impressive. He seems to enjoy and thrive in competitive situations. He is one of the very best in the 2021 class.”

Little’s player grade: B

DE Omarion Fa’amoe (Salt Lake City, UT) commits to Oregon State
Fa’amoe is a big-bodied defensive lineman who should provide some versatility across the line. He has a good skill set. Fa’amoe is tough to move off his base. He can get low and get in positions to help against the run. He has some pass-rushing ability, but it’s an area I think he can produce more when he learns better technique. Fa’amoe has a good motor and looks to be a prospect who is going to give a good effort.

Fa’more’s player grade: C

CB Chance Tucker (Encino, CA) commits to Notre Dame
Tucker (6-1, 170) was a bit of a late-riser in terms of his recruitment, but a lot of powerhouse programs came on board as the spring progressed and he was one of the few prospects who seemed to have his recruiting profile elevated this summer despite the lack of a true offseason of camps and workouts. He has good length and is a nice pickup as the third cornerback in Notre Dame’s class.

Tucker is active with his hands, both in knocking the wide receiver off his route and in playing the ball in the air. He has some speed, but I don’t know where his top-end speed is and if he can run with some of the more explosive wide receivers who Notre Dame will face in the future.

Tucker’s player grade: B-

RB Malachi Thomas (Hartwell, GA) commits to Virginia Tech
Thomas (6-0, 180) has the potential to be a big, strong back who can carry the ball 25-30 times a game. He is coming off of a tremendous junior season in high school when he had over 1,900 rushing yards and over 2,500 yards from scrimmage.

Thomas doesn’t have breakaway speed, but he gets stronger with more carries and becomes tougher to bring down. He can run through arm tackles and doesn’t shy away from contact. Thomas will bring a physical presence to Virginia Tech’s running game over time.

Thomas’ player grade: B-

July 21

ATH James Williams (Fort Lauderdale, FL) commits to Miami
Williams (6-5, 220) is the top-rated outside linebacker in the nation and a major game-changer in the 2021 recruiting class. The Hurricanes surprised many when they beat out long-time favorite Georgia. Williams is a player who has produced at all three levels in high school. He started as a free safety and now plays some as a box defender, some in coverage and some snaps up on the line as a rush end.

It’s hard to pinpoint an exact position for Williams in college. When Miami recruited Greg Rousseau, he was a safety, and he grew into being the top pass rusher going into the 2021 NFL Draft. I could see Williams following a similar path, although I think he’ll see the field earlier and will probably start out as an outside linebacker.

Williams’ player grade: A+

CB Malik Williams (Buford, GA) commits to Nebraska
Williams (6-0, 185) continues Nebraska’s successful trend of recruiting in Georgia. He is the third player from the Peach State to commit to Nebraska during this cycle.

Williams has good length and plays a nice aggressive game. His top-end speed is a big question mark, and I don’t know how well he’d fit into a scheme where he has to play a lot of man and single coverage. But as a zone cornerback and someone who can play on the boundary, Williams is a good tackler and should project as a solid program guy.

Williams’ player grade: C

OT Larson Workman (Ganado, TX) commits to Kansas
Workman (6-5, 260) is a good-looking lineman with a big frame and very good length. He looks like he could grow into a 6-foot-6, 6-foot-7, 300-pounder on the left side. Kansas was his first and only Power Five offer, and that came in the early summer.

Workman is pretty raw, but he moves well and plays with a good motor. I think an offseason in which he could’ve hit a lot of summer camps and learned from college coaches would’ve done him well. As it is, Kansas is taking a flyer on a lineman with size and hoping to develop him. It might take a couple of years.

McMillon’s player grade: D+

July 20

WR Marcus Burke (Jacksonville, FL) commits to Florida
Florida has generally done well recruiting players out of Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville, one of the better talent-producing programs in Florida. Burke (6-3, 180) has the size of a classic outside receiver. He can get separation up top and looks to have very good top-end speed.

Burke is big in size, but not particularly physical. He is very agile and shows great ability to change direction. Burke has terrific hands and shows a knack for making the tougher catches look pretty easy. He is an above-average route runner and understands where the sticks are.

Burke’s player grade: B

CB Robert Regan (Orange, CA) commits to Arizona State
Regan (5-10, 170) seems to project out as more of a nickelback at the next level. He doesn’t have great verified top-end speed, but there’s plenty of short-space quickness and good instincts to make up for some of that. Regan plays some tough high school competition and has plenty of film going against receivers that will be playing in college. He is a competitor and one of those players who figures out how to get it done whether he has to run or get physical.

Regan looks like he’ll be a good program kid who will primarily play the nickel but has to willingness to jump in where he’s needed.

Regan’s player grade: C+

WR Tyrese Johnson (New Orleans, LA) commits to Arizona
Johnson (6-1, 185) is a big receiver who has the frame to get much better and more physical when he gets into a college strength program. He can go up and catch the ball at the highest point. Johnson will fight for the 50-50 balls and shows to be a tough guy to cover in general.

It’s hard to tell his top-end speed, but when Johnson achieves separation, the defensive back has a hard time chasing him down. Johnson has a high ceiling, and I think he could turn out to be a recruiting gem for the Wildcats in this class.

Johnson’s player grade: B

OL Lyndon Cooper (Carrolton, GA) commits to N.C. State
Cooper (6-3, 310) is a big body who is playing tackle in high school, but he’s going to kick inside and probably project as a guard on the strong side. He has played all across the line and shows great versatility as a Swiss-army knife type of lineman who will provide snaps at different positions in a pinch.

Cooper is a physical player who is pretty strong. His initial punch and the way he gets off the snap is good. Cooper shows nice leg drive and will finish blocks when the opportunity presents himself. He’ll have to continue to work at getting to the second level on blocks with more consistency. There’s some upside with Cooper, and he should be a future starter on the interior.

Cooper’s player grade: C+

OL Dylan Jemtegaard (Yeim, WA) commits to California
Jemtegaard (6-4, 285) had been the object of a tough recruiting battle between some of the mid-major programs on the West Coast, but then California came in with his first Power Five offer and jumped to the head of the line. He has some versatility because he’s played tackle in high school and can move around a bit on the offensive line.

Jemtegaard has to get stronger and more athletic at the next level. He could work out as a guard or a center. He might never start, but Jemtegaard could work out as a “sixth” lineman who can come in and fill a hole on the line in a pinch.

Jemtegaard’s player grade: C-

LB Sebastian Sagar (Loganville, GA) commits to Georgia Tech
Sagar (6-4, 210) is new to Georgia High School football after playing in the northeast at Bergen Catholic in New Jersey and Erasmus Hall in New York. He is a downhill player who likes to find the gaps he can attack and get into the backfield.

Sagar will be listed as an outside linebacker but will probably be used more as a rush end. He is a good enough at getting off blockers that there’s a potential chance Sagar could play some inside linebacker as well. Sagar is pretty good off the snap, but he’s a little stiff in his movement overall and needs to improve with changing direction.

Sagar’s player grade: C+

July 19

CB Jordan Hancock (Suwanee, GA) commits to Ohio State
This is a big flip. Hancock, the No. 5-ranked cornerback in the nation, shifts from the top of the ACC to the top of the Big Ten. From an earlier evaluation: On film, Hancock’s closing speed is among the best I’ve seen. When it looks like he’s too far off the route, he can just dart back in and make a play on the ball. He plays bigger than his size and once he adds on mass in college, his style of play will be that of a bigger cornerback who is equally adept at coverage and tackling. Hancock can run well, he moves with fluidity, and he can flip his hips and change direction well.”

Hancock’s player grade: A-

OL Terrence Ferguson (Fort Valley, GA) commits to Alabama
There are three things guaranteed: Death, Taxes, and Alabama recruiting top-flight offensive line prospects. The Crimson Tide have shown they will go coast-to-coast to find the best of the big uglies and develop them into high draft picks.

Ferguson (6-4, 300) looks like he’s going to be another one in the machine. An exceptional run blocker, possibly the best run blocker on film in this class. Ferguson has strong hands and a great initial punch off the snap. He is a finisher.

Ferguson is nasty and plays with mean intentions. He is a very good athlete, and that bodes well to his potential as a pass blocker. Ferguson could play guard or possibly center. He might have the length to play right tackle as well. Whatever Ferguson plays at on the line, he has the potential to be a good one.

Ferguson’s player grade: A

CB Prophet Brown (Elk Grove, CA) commits to USC
Brown (5-11, 185) comes in at No. 18 in our rankings for top cornerbacks, but he’s a two-way guy who could easily end up on offense at the next level. He is extremely fast, owning a 100-meter dash time that’s under 11 seconds. He’s going to have to learn more of the technique that comes with playing cornerback if that is where he is going to play at in college.

Brown can run with anyone and is fluid in movement and change of direction. If he plays on offense, there’s great potential as a bigger slot receiver. As with any great athlete, get him on campus and figure out what to do with him.

Brown’s player grade: B+

LB Moses Oladejo (Elk Grove, CA) commits to California
Oladejo (6-2, 220) is a two-way player who I think would be a very interesting fit as a flex tight end, but California is recruiting him to play linebacker, and his skill set certainly fits the position. He is good off the edge and has natural pass-rushing ability. Olajedo is a big linebacker in high school, his 220-pound listing looks like it’s about 8-10 pounds lower than his body size says.

Oladejo is a very tough, physical and aggressive. He can get in the backfield or track down the play from behind. Oladejo will bring a lot of scheme versatility with his ability to match up with receivers, play the run and get in the backfield.

Oladejo’s player grade: B

DT Aden Kelley (Thomas, OK) commits to Oklahoma State
Kelley (6-3, 275) entered into the new defensive tackle national rankings at No. 23 overall. A very strong player with big arms and the strength to fight off the double team consistently. Kelley is a powerhouse, very tough off the snap and can knock a lineman silly with his initial shot at the point of contact. He also plays basketball, which has allowed him to develop good footwork.

Kelley is explosive off the ball and tough to handle on the interior. Once he learns more pass-rushing moves, I could see him as a future all-conference type of performer. Kelley is one of the better defensive line recruits Oklahoma State has pulled in recent memory.

Kelley’s player grade: B+

TE Christian Pedersen (San Mateo, CA) commits to Louisville
Pedersen (6-5, 235) is another nice out-of-state pickup for Louisville, which has shown that it will recruit outside of their base under second-year coach Scott Satterfield. He has been a very good blocker in high school so far. Pedersen’s high school has a run-dominated offense, and he’s a big part of their success with the way he can get after it on blocking.

Word is that Pedersen was showing himself to be a very promising receiver during the west coast 7-on-7 events before the pandemic hit. Without football in California until the spring, I think Pedersen might need to play a senior year if he can and not enroll early. But even as a blocker, he’s going to fill a need for the Cardinals.

Pedersen’s player grade: C+

DE Gharin Stansbury (Franklin, LA) commits to Arizona State
Stansbury (6-5, 218) fits what Arizona State has been big on recruiting since Herman Edwards and Marvin Lewis took over the talent roster. Stansbury has exceptional length is a quick-twitch athlete. The offer sheet for Stansbury wasn’t super impressive, although both Kansas and Houston were in the mix, and he’s a pretty raw football player overall.

But Stansbury can rush the passer and can create havoc. He had 10 sacks as a junior in high school by just coming off the edge and beating the lineman when he could. Stansbury needs to learn how to fight off blocks much better, but the expectation is that will come with size and teaching.

Stansbury’s player grade: C

ATH James Jackson (Roanoke, VA) commits to Virginia
Jackson (6-3, 205) plays some wide receiver and a few roles on defense. On offense, he’s more of a possession type of receiver who will have some upside as a tight end, because he’s physical and can run. On defense, Jackson is a linebacker who will also play some rush end.

Jackson is probably a good fit as an outside linebacker because he can rush the passer and he shows enough running ability to be good in short coverage. Jackson is a good fit for Virginia, because he’s technically sound and plays with assignment and gap integrity.

Jackson’s player grade: C+

July 18

S Donovan McMillon (Canonsburg, PA) commits to Florida
McMillon (6-2, 195) is a big safety prospect who is strong against the run and should work out as a very good defender in the box. The Gators are looking to rebuild part of their secondary, as their experienced safety depth is expected to take a hit after the upcoming season.

McMillion actually has skills that should work out well in coverage because he can track the football and shows plus-level ball skills. But he is most comfortable playing downhill and being physical at the point of contact. McMillion is a good tackler who uses his body and wraps up well. He could possibly grow into a linebacker depending on how much weight his frame can hold.

McMillon’s player grade: B

ATH Marques Buford (Cedar Hill, TX) commits to Nebraska
Buford (6-0, 185) has moved around a little bit already. He started his high school career in Bolingbrook, Illinois and also played for Oakdale Prep school before moving to Texas and playing at Trinity Christian, a small program that has a few top-level FBS prospects. Buford made his name going through the camp circuit last year and turning a lot of heads.

Buford is a quick-twitch athlete who is likely to end up at cornerback. He has very good feet and reacts well to the play. Buford just needs more snaps and experience in real-game settings.

Buford’s player grade: C+

TE Erin Outley (Little Rock, AR) commits to Arkansas
Outley (6-4, 250) got an offer from Michigan late in the process that made some around the Arkansas program question whether the Razorbacks were still the frontrunners, but eventually the in-state prospect came through. Florida State and Penn State were other programs that Outley mentioned during the recruiting process. He was very productive as a junior with almost 50 receptions and over 700 yards.

Outley is a big, complete tight end who can line up as a flex player with his receiving skills or be moved inline as a blocker. He provides a big target as a receiver and a lot of potential as a blocker. Overall, Outley has significant upside and potential to be among the best tight ends in the class.

Outley’s player grade: B+

OL Xavier Castillo (Baltimore, MD) commits to Vanderbilt
Castillo (6-5, 323) is originally from Kissimmee, Florida and played high school football at Osceola High before leaving for St. Frances Academy. He is a big guard who could possibly work out as a center as well. From a size and length standpoint, Castillo could also work out as a right tackle, which should allow him the opportunity to train at several positions.

Castillo has had plenty of experience going against speed rushers from the St. Frances program, so he is battle tested. He’ll need to work a little more on improving his pass protection and consistency against speed rushers.

Castillo’s player grade: B-

ATH Shawn Munnerlyn (Columbus, OH) commits to Rutgers
There’s been some debate about where Munnerlyn (6-5, 200) will end up in college. I think he could eventually work out as an outside linebacker or a stand-up rush end, even possibly a true defensive end who puts his hand in the ground. Munnerlyn has a huge frame that could easily take another 50 pounds. Others think he’ll end up at tight end and be used as more of a flex option.

Regardless, Munnerlyn is an explosive athlete with great speed and length. This has been Rutgers’ mantra this recruiting cycle – get long, explosive athletes and let them fit where they may. Munnerlyn provides considerable upside on either side of the ball.

Munnerlyn’s player grade: C+

DE Trevion Stevenson (Hampton, VA) commits to North Carolina
Stevenson makes his second flip of this recruiting cycle, backing away from his commitment to Pittsburgh and shifting to fellow ACC program North Carolina. Previously, Stevenson (6-3, 215) was committed to Old Dominion. From an earlier evaluation: He makes a lot of plays in the backfield, has pretty good anticipation and comes off of the snap well. Most of his splash plays came against the run, so it’s hard for me to determine his abilities as a pass rusher.

Stevenson’s player grade: C+

July 17

OT Tommy Brockermeyer (Fort Worth, TX) commits to Alabama
Brockermeyer (6-6, 293) is rated the No. 1 offensive tackle in the nation and one of the top-10-overall prospects in the nation. He and his brother, James, both committed to the Crimson Tide despite being legacy recruits to Texas where their father, Blake, played at in the ’90s and their older brother, Luke, currently plays. There was no controversy with this recruiting decision – at the end of the day the twin brothers just preferred Alabama.

Tommy Brockermeyer is just a beast on the field. He dominates the run game with his ability to put defenders on the ground. He has the perfect frame to play tackle and is an above-average athlete who can move in space and get to the outside on the lead. He can play with his hand in the ground and still jump out quickly into pass protection. His missed his junior year with an injury, so hopefully Texas will play high school football this season. Brockermeyer isn’t a “can’t miss” prospect, but he’s one of the best in the nation.

Brockermeyer’s player grade: A+

OL James Brockermeyer (Fort Worth, TX) commits to Alabama
Brockermeyer (6-3, 275) is the fifth-ranked interior offensive lineman in the nation. He committed to the Crimson Tide over Texas along with his brother, Tommy. Their father, Blake, played at Texas in the ’90s and went on to a career in the NFL. James Brockermeyer appears like he’ll be a great fit at center, although there’s always a possibility of a move to guard.

Brockermeyer is strong at the point of contact, and when he gets his hands on the defender, they are usually going to the ground. Brockermeyer is fundamentally sound and smart to the game, which is no surprise considering he’s in a football family – older brother Luke is a linebacker at Texas. James Brockermeyer isn’t quite the athlete his brother is, but he might have better feet and looks very comfortable in pass protection.

Brockermeyer’s player grade: B+

CB Clinton Burton Jr. (Baltimore, MD) commits to Boston College
If anyone would’ve put money on a top prospect flipping from Boston College to Florida, it was not that risky of a bet. The Gators are a currently a top-10 program and at the top third of the SEC. But flipping from Florida to Boston College – that’s much more unlikely. Burton (5-11, 175), however, does his own thing, and the No. 9 cornerback in the nation gives Boston College one of its biggest recruiting wins in recent memory and a massive feather in the cap for Jeff Hafley.

Burton is of average height, but he has a good frame and should get bigger in college. He loves to play the physical game. Burton will hand fight; he’ll try to jam; and he’ll do anything he can to get a wide receiver off his route and out of his game. Burton displays great instincts and quickly reacts to the football. He has very good long speed but will need to improve his ability to change direction.

Buford’s player grade: B+

OT Logan Taylor (Alexandria, VA) commits to Virginia
Taylor (6-8, 290) is a natural fit at left tackle. Virginia had to work to keep this in-state prospect from North Carolina. He has long arms and a big frame and actually moves pretty well for his size. Taylor can get to the outside and lead the pack in the run-blocking game. His pass protection is sufficient. I would like to see Taylor improve his base a little more and get his bend down to a proper level. He has good leg strength and a pretty decent leg drive. He is not a stiff player at all, I see good hip flexibility. Taylor could be more of a finisher. The Commonwealth of Virginia might will not play high school football until the spring, and Taylor needs to play more and gain experience.

Taylor’s player grade: B-

LB Jamari Buddin (Belleville, MI) commits to Penn State
Buddin’s (6-2, 218) style of play gives me the impression he’ll spend more time on the inside once he gets to college. He can cover and has the ability to go sideline-to-sideline, but he looks most comfortable going downhill and trying to knock the tar out of the ball-carrier.

Buddin plays with bad intentions and likes to get in the backfield, whether he’s blitzing and going after the quarterback or trying to blow up a running back. His aggressive game gets him in trouble sometimes, but that’s bound to happen. Coaches are going to love Buddin’s motor and his desire to make the play. He is longer than his height would have you believe and will provide a few scheme options.

Buddin’s player grade: B

DE Jabari Ishmael (Miami, FL) commits to Miami
Ishmael (6-5, 205) is a long, lean prospect to come off the edge. He is two-sport athlete who also plays basketball. Currently, Ishmael is mostly a specialist, but he’s provides a ton of potential and upside as a pass rusher. He is still learning the game, and with football in Miami-Dade County in limbo, it’s uncertain whether he’ll get some much-needed snaps this season.

Ishmael is good on the outside and even showed some basic coverage instincts when he played linebacker. I am very eager to see what kind of prospect Ishmael will grow into once he puts the necessary weight on to be a full-time defensive end. He has a very high ceiling.

Ishmael’s player grade: B

WR Junior Alexander (Burien, WA) commits to Arizona State
Alexander (6-3, 192) is a big, outside receiver with good hands who can run solid routes and knows how to fight for separation. He’s not much of a speed receiver – I would say Alexander has average top-end speed – but he is sound in a lot of areas.

Alexander is a tough player and makes tough catches in tight spaces with defenders all around him. Some improvments in speed could take Alexander to the next level and put him among the top wide receivers in the nation. As he is, Alexander is a very reliable possession receiver who knows where the sticks are and will catch the contested balls.

Alexander’s player grade: B-

DT Solomon Wright (Vlan, OK) commits to Arkansas
Wright (6-0, 275) is a little stout and sawed off for the position, especially playing in the SEC, but he makes up for some of his physical limitations with a great motor and a knack for disrupting and blowing up plays at the line of scrimmage. He is very good off the snap and at the point of contact.

Wright isn’t a space filler by nature, he is trying to get into the backfield to force a sack or negative plays in the running game. He gets low and has good strength in short spaces. Even against bigger interior offensive linemen, Wright is a handful to deal with. He will have to show he can compete against a higher level of competition, but there is some potential there to be a rotational defensive lineman who can provide playmaking ability from the interior.

Wright’s player grade: C+

OT Luke Eckardt (Richmond, IL) commits to Arizona
Eckardt (6-7, 265) was committed to Northern Illinois until Arizona flipped him. He’s a good-sized tackle who is a bit of a developmental project. He will have to add weight and more functional strength while also improving his athleticism. Currently, Eckardt brings more to the table as a run blocker than a pass protector. He is an above-average finisher. Eckardt will have some work to do in order to play at the Pac-12 level. He’s a player who will need a couple of years of development.

Eckardt’s player grade: C-

ATH Caleb Johnson (Greenville, TX) commits to Oklahoma
Johnson (5-10, 171) is a solid two-way prospect who could play slot/nickel corner, but I think he’ll probably end up on offense. He’s an extremely fast prospect, with a recorded time of a 10.58 in the 100-meter dash.

Johnson is fast on the football field too and goes from his initial burst to top speed very quickly. He is dynamic in situations where he can work in space or run after the catch. Johnson also shows great potential in the return game. If Johnson moves to defense, he’ll have inherited ball skills, but he will need to show more instincts in coverage.

Johnson’s player grade: B-

LB Timar Rogers (Deland, FL) commits to Mississippi State
Rogers (6-2, 195) commits to the Bulldogs a couple of weeks after his high school teammate, Myzel Williams, committed to the same program. Rogers is a raw, quick-twitch athlete who just finds things to do on the football field. He can play safety, cornerback or linebacker. He’ll even play some rush end when he’s needed. On offense, he will play quarterback, running back and wide receiver.

I love players like Rogers because they can make an impact at multiple positions. His length, frame, and general skill set make him a fit for either safety or outside linebacker. I think he’ll eventually grow into being an outside linebacker and will be a player who will get to the football every time.

Rogers’ player grade: B-

DT Tyas Martin (Jacksonville, AR) commits to Colorado
Colorado continues to recruit far and wide outside of its normal recruiting foothold to find players. Martin (6-3, 315) is a big body who can be plugged right in the middle of the defensive line. He originally committed to Virginia Tech in April before opening up his recruitment a couple months later. From an earlier evaluation: Martin looks like a natural fit at nose guard and could probably play a little three-technique too because of his ability to rush the passer from the inside. He is a little nasty and a battler on the inside. I like his ability to defend the run and fill up space in the middle.

Martin’s player grade: B-

July 16

OL Owen Prentice (Seattle, WA) commits to Washington
Prentice (6-3, 285) is arguably the best offensive line prospect in the state of Washington, if not all of the Pacific Northwest. He could play either guard position or end up at center.

Prentice seems to do everything well on the field. He is a good athlete who can move laterally on the pull as well as downhill. Prentice has very good strength, both upper and lower body. He is a very good run blocker who shows good leg drive and finishing strength. Prentice is tough offensive line prospect who has the chance to see the field pretty early in his career.

Prentice’s player grade: B+

RB Stevie Rocker (Tucson, AZ) commits to Arizona
Rocker (6-0, 185) is listed as a running back, but he’s shown some promising ability as a wide receiver with his hands and his ability to get open. He has ideal size for either position. As a running back, Rocker can run between the tackles, and he does a good job of showing patience to wait for his blocks to set up and the vision to find the right path. He is more of a downhill runner and isn’t particularly physical, but he won’t shy from contract either. Rocker could end up at either position in the future, and he would provide some upside as an offensive skill player.

Rocker’s player grade: C+

S Tyrin Taylor (Cornelius, NC) commits to Colorado
Taylor (6-2, 175) comes from the William Amos Hough High School program that has produced several defensive backs, including four FBS prospects in the 2021 recruiting cycle alone. Taylor is the tallest and longest of the bunch, and a move to safety seems likely over the long run.

Taylor, however, isn’t a stiff tall cornerback; he can move and shows good fluidity in the way he can transition from his backpedal and open up his hips. With Taylor’s size, he can also play the boundary and help out with run support up on the line of scrimmage. He looks like a nice find for the Buffaloes.

Taylor’s player grade: B-

July 15

ATH Tommi Hill (Orlando, FL) commits to Arizona State
Hill (6-1, 185) is a player who I thought would’ve gotten a lot more traction around the southeast with a normal offseason camp schedule, but this year that didn’t happen, helping Arizona State to land a prospect who I believe to be a steal for the secondary.

Hill has the ball skills of a cornerback but the physical attributes that work better as a safety. He can run and has some long speed, but playing both of the safety positions would maximize his vision and ability to cover more space. Hill is capable against the run, and that will provide the option for him to play on the boundary or as a safety in the box. He still has room to grow physically and in coverage.

Hill’s player grade: B

OT William Reed (Sammamish, WA) commits to California
Reed (6-5, 255) is a long-time basketball player who is continuing to make the transition. He already shows good footwork and athleticism. Reed can move laterally and get out in space easily. Reed already shows a good understanding of the fundamentals and proper technical. He’ll see to continue to fill out his body frame and get more physical and stronger while he does it.

Reed is missing a bit of a nasty edge that he will need to develop. Overall, he grades out as a solid right tackle prospect who offers good natural abilities and upside.

Reed’s player grade: B-

July 14

LB Kendrick Blackshire (Duncanville, TX) commits to Alabama
Alabama continues a strong run with commitments, notching Blackshire (6-2, 245), the No. 11 inside linebacker in the nation. Most Alabama inside linebackers are big in stature and have a foundation of versatility. Blackshire is no different, as he’s already at 245 pounds and plays on the defensive line and off the edge in high school. He can run and is very good at chasing down the play in pursuit, but he could probably be a little better laterally.

Blackshire focuses on the ball-carrier and racked up over 100 tackles as a sophomore. He is obviously very physical and is a tough guy to hold on a block. Blackshire is more inside linebacker than a inside/outside guy because he lacks the experience in coverage. His tackling should make him most comfortable as an inside linebacker.

Blackshire’s player grade: B+

DE Rene Konga (Ottawa, Canada) commits to Rutgers
Konga (6-4, 245) was going to play at the Clearwater Academy International in Clearwater, Florida this fall, but at last report, he decided to re-classify for the 2020 recruiting class, which would allow him to enroll at Rutgers in the fall and possibly suit up for the Scarlet Knights if the Big Ten plays in the winter/spring months. Konga is a two-sport athlete and shows a great motor with the ability to run and create havoc on the football field. He is a quick-twitch prospect who probably could’ve used another year of high school, especially at a good spot like the CAI, but I think he has a lot of tools that can be coached and and legitimate upside.

Konga’s player grade: C+

CB Trey Washington (Trussville, AL) commits to Ole Miss
Washington (6-0, 185) was a big target for Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss. He plays both sides of the ball in high school, which has helped with his ball skills and anticipation/instinct when it comes to man coverage. He also possesses ideal size and length for cornerback.

Washington can play a little physically. He likes to be in man coverage, although I think for the long term, he’s probably going to be better mixing more zone coverage into his game. I like Washington’s upside. He is big enough to play on the outside and a decent enough tackler to work in the boundary as well.

Washington’s player grade: B-

S Jaden Hicks (Las Vegas, NV) commits to Washington State
Hicks (6-1, 191) is a defensive back who looks pretty good off the hoof and plays for Bishop Gorman, one of the top high school programs in the nation. Hicks proved to be a ball hawk as a junior, notching seven interceptions. His size would make you believe he is a box defender, but he shows plenty of comfort sitting in coverage and tracking the ball in space. He isn’t afraid to break off of his role in center field to provide help for the corners, especially in the red zone.

Hicks shows the aggressive side as well and will come up to the line of scrimmage quickly to play the outside run or defend against bubble screens. I really like this match between Hicks and Washington State and think he is one of the best defensive players the program has landed in this cycle.

Hicks’ player grade: B-

WR John Paul Richardson (Missouri City, TX) commits to Oklahoma State
Richardson (6-0, 180) is the son of former Texas A&M quarterback and 1991 top-10 Heisman finalist, Bucky Richardson. The older Richardson eventually started some games for the Houston Oilers in 1994 as the organization tried to replace Warren Moon. The younger Richardson is a solid wide receiver who been pretty productive in high school. He had almost 700 receiving yards as a junior and has played for one of the bigger schools in the Houston, Texas area.

Richardson is mostly a possession receiverwhothat can move the chains, but he has moments where his breakaway speed and ability in space can surprise. For a high-volume passing offense like Oklahoma State, I can see where Richardson fits in well.

Richardson’s player grade: C

WR Tray Curry (Cleveland, TN) commits to Virginia Tech
Curry (6-4, 210) ending up at Virginia Tech is a bit of a surprise. He had a ton of SEC offers and interest, plus he seemed like he was interested in playing for an SEC program, with Kentucky seeming to be the school to beat. Curry is a good catch for Virginia Tech, as he is a big, physical outside wide receiver.

The Hokies lost the commitment of Latrell Neville earlier in the summer, so Curry fits a big need. He’s a good athlete too and wins contested 50-50 balls. Curry is strong and has strong, big hands. He can catch short passes and break tackles to turn up the field. I think Curry has potential to be a No. 1 wide receiver for Virginia Tech in the next couple of years.

Curry’s player grade: B

DE Jayden Gray (Haslet, TX) commits to Iowa State
Gray (6-3, 238) was committed to North Texas until early June. He can play with his hand on the ground or in a stand-up role. I don’t think Gray is natural pass rusher, but rather probably more of a containment end who will play tough against the run. He’s a pretty strong player and does well to get off blocks as quickly as he can.

Gray is pretty good at the initial point of contact, but he’s a step slow coming off the snap and generally needs to work on his explosion off the ball and agility. If Gray can provide more of a threat to get to the quarterback, he’ll find himself on the field a lot more.

Gray’s player grade: C-

July 13

WR Adonai Mitchell (Antioch, TN) commits to Georgia
Mitchell (6-3, 185) committed to Ole Miss back in April and backed away from that pledge the day before he officially flipped to Georgia. The move had been in the works for the past few days. From his earlier evaluation: “Mitchell really came on in his junior season, catching 50 passes for almost 800 yards and 11 touchdowns. Many of his catches were short passes where he made a move and then jetted down the field, showing great agility and some breakaway speed. Mitchell is blessed with size and length, which shows on one of his film clips where he gets up to grab a ball in the end zone over double coverage.”

Mitchell’s player grade: B

QB Shedeur Sanders (Cedar Hill, TX) commits to Florida Atlantic
Normally, we don’t evaluate players who commit to Group of Five schools unless it’s a very special case. Sanders, the No. 14-ranked quarterback in the nation, always had a good relationship with Florida Atlantic head coach Willie Taggart, and I thought there was a good chance Sanders would have been in Florida State’s 2021 recruiting class had Taggart stayed there.

Sanders doesn’t play against the highest level of competition in Texas, but he’s a winner and has two state championships to his name already. He’s a good athlete with agility and elusiveness to make something out of a broken play. Sanders throws a good ball and is particularly accurate throwing down the field on the run. His eyes are always where they need to be. The ball comes off Sanders’ hand well, but the structure of his release could improve. I think Sanders should be able to light up defenses in Conference USA.

Sanders’ player grade: B+

JUCO S Trustin Oliver (Parker, CO) commits to Colorado
Oliver (6-3, 200) is a prospect who originally signed with Colorado in 2019 but had to go to junior college and has spent the past year at Iowa Western Community Colllege after originally starting out at Copiah-Lincoln College in Mississippi. Oliver has grown about 25 pounds heavier than he was coming out of high school. He should have three years of eligibility when he gets to Colorado.

Oliver’s player grade: C

JUCO DT Nijel McGriff (Jacksonville, FL) commits to West Virginia
McGriff (6-2, 285) has played defensive end and defensive tackle at Northwest Mississippi Community College. Memphis, Maryland and Florida Atlantic had also extended offers to him. McGriff had 27 tackles and two sacks last season in 11 games with Northwest. It’s uncertain if McGriff will play for Northwest Mississippi if the team continues to plan for a spring season. If McGriff can get enroll at West Virginia in spring, he’ll have three years of eligibility.

McGriff’s player grade: C+

TE J.T Byrne (Carmel, CA) commits to Oregon State
Byrne (6-6, 235) had several FCS and Ivy League offers until Oregon State came coming along. and he committed to the Pac-12 program immediately. He’s a big body who will probably spend more time being an extra offensive lineman in the run game and part of jumbo sets than any sort of wide receiver threat. He has pretty good strength, and once he gets another 20-25 pounds on his frame, Byrne will probably be a regular in situations where his blocking is needed.

Byrne’s player grade: C-

JUCO DE Daniel Robledo (Tucson, AZ) commits to Missouri
Robledo (6-5, 280) is currently at East Los Angeles College. He is widely considered the top defensive junior college defensive lineman in the 2021 recruiting cycle. Robledo chose Missouri over offers from Boise State, Maryland, UCLA and several others. He had 35 tackles, nine tackles for loss and four sacks in his freshman season.

Missouri has four defensive ends committed this cycle with Robledo and Shemar Pearl coming in from the junior college ranks and expected to add immediate depth. Robledo should have three years of eligibility assuming California junior colleges will not play football this year.

Robledo’s player grade: B

LB Jaylin Alderman (Valdosta, GA) commits to Louisville
Alderman (6-1, 215) is the 20th commitment for Louisville during this cycle, and the Louisville coaching staff has done a ton of recruiting in Georgia with very good success. If you look at the 13 defensive commitments in Louisville’s class, the majority of the recruits are from Georgia, Florida or North Carolina.

Alderman isn’t going to blow anyone away with his athleticism, but he has a nose for the football and is willing to get after the ball-carrier. Alderman is a tackling machine and a standout player at one of the historically great programs in the southeast.

Alderman’s player grade: C

LB Dylan Hazen (The Woodlands, TX) commits to Wake Forest
Wake Forest surprised some by beating out Illinois and Arizona for Hazen (6-1, 220), who had a solid list of programs interested in him. He is one of the faster linebackers in this recruiting cycle, having a recorded 100-meter time of 11.04 seconds. His speed is really noticeable when he’s going north-south more so than laterally, but he can get to most spots pretty quickly.

Hazen is especially good in pursuit and chasing the play down from behind, whether its in the backfield or the open field. He had 17 tackles for loss and six sacks as a junior. Hazen has some work to do in a lot of areas, but you can’t teach his speed and he plays with a good motor.

Hazen’s player grade: C+

July 12

DE George Wilson (Virginia Beach, VA) commits to South Carolina
Wilson (6-5, 211) is a talented two-sport athlete who has received Division I offers in both football and basketball. He has long arms and a good frame that he should be able to pack plenty of weight once he is fully committed to football.

Wilson is a standup EDGE guy who will probably have to get used to putting his hand in the ground more at the collegiate level. He is an extremely explosive, quick-twitch player who shows a quick burst off the snap and the ability to get around blockers. He has a good motor and closing speed in pursuit. Wilson can run and plays with a lot of energy. His high-end athleticism should serve him well as he develops into a college football player.

Wilson’s player grade: B

ATH Logan Kraut (Santa Rosa, CA) commits to Arizona
Kraut (6-2, 195) is probably going to project out as a linebacker. He has played some strong safety and some linebacker in high school. Kraut has also played some offense as a wide receiver, but he is definitely going to be a defender who makes his impact in the box whether he is playing a safety/linebacker hybrid role or if he grows into being middle linebacker.

Kraut can run a little and is a big body that has a physical aspect to his game. Arizona is looking to rebuild at the linebacker position, and Kraut could help with the depth there.

Kraut’s player grade: C

LB Greg Penn III (Hyattsville, MD) commits to LSU
Penn (6-1, 225) is a good-looking linebacker on the field. He plays a physical and strong game. Moving downhill is where Penn really shows off his skill set. He can fight through the blocks and close in on the ball-carrier quickly. Penn displays good natural instincts, so he can diagnose the play as it develops and make the right decision on how to blow it up. He can also blitz from the middle of the line as a stunt guy or on the outside.

Penn is excellent against the run, but questionable agains the pass. He doesn’t look comfortable with his backpedal or at dropping into coverage. Penn should find snaps early in his career in run situations and on short yardage while he improves his ability in space.

Penn’s player grade: B

ATH Jonas Sanker (Charlottesville, VA) commits to Virginia
Sanker (6-2, 195) committed to Boston College just last month, but decided to flip to the in-state Cavaliers. From an earlier evaluation: “I think Sanker’s long-term best fit is playing at the outside linebacker position. He has some length and some quick-twitch athleticism to him, so he can play in space and drop into coverage against backs and tight ends. Sanker has foot quickness and can go sideline to sideline. He displays speed in pursuit, but not the kind of downfield speed that would allow him to play cornerback.

Sanker’s player grade: C

July 11

DE Keanu Williams (Clovis, CA) commits to Oregon
Williams (6-5, 285) is a big defensive end, but he’s going to likely make his mark on the interior as time goes on. What stands out with Williams is the leg strength and how strong he is off the snap. He plays with an established base and is nearly impossible to move off his block. Williams can shed blocks pretty quickly and shows the patience and technique to take on double teams and get past them. He is pretty good in pursuit and in chasing down the play from behind.

Williams doesn’t take a lot of plays off and shows the hunger you like to see from defensive linemen when they are going after the ball-carrier. Williams is physically ready to play in college and should see early snaps on the end and at defensive tackle.

Williams’ player grade: B+

LB Isi Etute (Virginia Beach, VA) commits to Virginia Tech
Etute (6-3, 208) looks like a potential in-state steal for the Hokies. I really like his length ,and he’s playing at a much higher weight than he did last season. He is built to be a hybrid type of linebacker who will also double as a stand-up rush end on passing downs. Etute is a little more of an inside linebacker than an outside linebacker because coverage will be an issue.

Etute is a quick-twitch athlete who can flow from space-to-space immediately, and he will grow into a defender who can play in the box. He has to work on a few things, most notably tackling and getting off blocks quicker. But Etute is a good program and scheme fit.

Etute’s player grade: B-

OT Ethan Mort (Venice, FL) commits to Central Florida
I don’t do a ton of evaluations from prospects who commit to G5 programs, but Mort (6-6, 275) is a big tackle prospect who I certainly think was worthy of playing at a Power Five school and had plenty of P5 offers. I remember seeing Mort at a weightlifting meet when he was a sophomore, and he was one of the strongest kids there.

Mort has a good frame without any bad weight on him. Most of the linemen from the Venice program are well-conditioned because the team plays fast. His length is about what you’d expect for a 6-foot-6 player. He could play left tackle or the right side. Mort is a very good run blocker with enough athleticism to grow into a suitable pass protector.

Mort’s player grade: B-

DE Jonathan Jones (McKinney, TX) commits to Missouri
Jones (6-4, 235) is the latest commitment for Missouri and head coach Eli Drinkwitz. The new Tigers staff has put together a pretty good class for their first time out. Jones is a balanced defensive end. He can get to the quarterback even though I wouldn’t say he’s a natural pass rusher. Jones is pretty good against the run and plays with integrity. He is good in pursuit and a decent tackler.

Thereare not too many bad things about Jones’ game. He’s not an elite type of prospect, but he’s a solid prospect with potential to be a good program kid who will play a lot of snaps and do what the coaches ask.

Jones’ player grade: C+

S Kamren Kinchens (Miami, FL) commits to Miami
Kinchens (5-11, 200) is a bigger safety prospect who likes to patrol center field and capitalize on mistakes made by the quarterback. He showed himself to be a ball hawk as a junior, snagging nine interceptions. Kinchens plays in one of the most competitive football recruiting hotbeds in the nation and is constantly competing against top wide receivers. He is a high IQ player who can read the play and defend the passing lanes.

Kinchens’ size also gives him the ability to be a solid defender in the box, where he can help out against the run. He has a good physical aspect to his game. Kinchens possesses some speed, but he could get faster. This is a solid in-state pickup for the Hurricanes.

Kinchens’ player grade: B

July 10

WR Xavier Worthy (Fresno, CA) commits to Michigan
Worthy (6-1, 165) might be a little light on the frame right now, but his speed is something else. He is one of the more dynamic speed receivers in this recruiting class and a major commitment for Michigan, a program that really needs more speed on offense to compete at the top of the Big Ten.

Worthy should be able to provide immediate help on special teams as a returner and has the long speed and hands to get early reps at wide receivers as he adds weight and strength. Worthy’s ability to run after the catch puts him in special company. It’s not all speed with Worthy either. He can run routes and has some defined technical aspects to his game.

Worthy’s player grade: B+

CB Dreyden Norwood (Fort Smith, AR) commits to Texas A&M
Norwood (6-0, 175) is an athlete playing quarterback in high school who is expected to make the transition to defensive back when he gets to college. He is a great playmaker; he can run, and he is electric out in the open field. It’s hard to tell how good Norwood will be at cornerback because he has no film at the position, but his athletic skill set is very promising. He’ll have to get stronger and add weight to his frame while going through the learning process of playing the position.

Texas A&M has one of the top secondary classes in the nation, so the coaches could afford to take a flyer on a top-flight athlete like Norwood and see what happens. If cornerback doesn’t work out, I think Norwood could easily be a wide receiver.

Norwood’s player grade: B

JUCO Demeco Roland (Broken Arrow, OK) commits to Texas Tech
Roland (6-3, 300) was part of a state championship team at Broken Arrow High School back in 2018. He is a pure gap-plugging run stopper who received limited snaps at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas. He had a sack and one and a half tackles for loss as a freshman. Depending on the status of junior college football in 2021, Roland could have three or possibly four years of eligibility remaining.

Roland’s player grade: C+

LB Jayhvion Gipson (Houston, TX) commits to Washington State
Gipson (6-1, 200) had a nice spring with his recruitment, getting a handful of FBS offers, including a few Power Five programs. Gipson can play some snaps along the edge and do some pass rushing, but he is more of an off-ball linebacker who wants to work in space. He can cover the open field, drop back in coverage and go sideline-to-sideline.

Gipson is probably more of a big free safety than a natural outside linebacker right now. He offers some versatility with sub packages because he can line up as an additional defensive back,

Gipson’s player grade: C+

July 9

CB Chase Lowery (Frisco, TX) commits to Arkansas
If the Razorbacks are going to rebuild, they will have to do a good job of recruiting in Texas. Lowery (6-0. 180) becomes the fourth player from Texas to commit to Arkansas. He has a good ideal size for a cornerback. Lowery grades out pretty well with his ball skills and his ability to react well to the play and read passing lanes. He has put on some good size in the past year and can physically match up with outside receivers. Lowery’s speed is a bit of question mark. I think he’s probably going to have more success in zone coverage than playing in man.

Lowery’s player grade: C

OL Josh Kreutz (Wilmette, IL) commits to Illinois
Illinois not only landed a solid in-state prospect in Kreutz (6-2, 260), but a prospect with amazing genetics. His father, Olin Kreutz, was one of the best centers to ever play football. He was a former All-American at Washington and a six-time Pro Bowler with the Chicago Bears. The younger Kreutz credits his father for much of his training and development, and it comes through on film, as Kreutz is very technically sound and active with his hands. His strength comes from his lower body, and he has plenty of room to add size and get close to the 290-pound range as he gets involved in a college strength and conditioning program.

Kreutz’s player grade: B

OT Charlie Patterson (Roswell, GA) commits to Virginia
Patterson (6-6, 275) has good length and a good frame. He plays right tackle in high school, and that looks like the ideal position for him. The quality of competition is a little underwhelming, so Patterson should look good week to week, and he does. He’s good at the point of contact and does pretty well with the hand fighting. Patterson shows some ability to move in space and get out in front as a lead blocker in the run game. He is strong enough to beat most of the competition he plays in high school, but Patterson will have to get stronger in the lower body and work on his base and playing with leverage at the next level.

Patterson’s player grade: C+

DE Joey Petersen (Eldridge, IA) commits to Iowa State
Petersen’s older brother, Zach, already plays for the Cyclones, so it was only a matter of time from when the younger Petersen was offered an official scholarship until he would commit. Joey Petersen (6-3, 200) is listed as a defensive end, but he does a lot of things in high school and plays on both sides of the line. He’s undersized and probably not quick enough to play on the edge in college, so it’s possible the coaching staff at Iowa State is looking at Petersen as a linebacker or a position on offense like tight end.

Petersen’s player grade: C-

WR Keontez Lewis (East St. Louis, IL) commits to UCLA
UCLA went into the Midwest and beat out Missouri, Illinois, Nebraska and several other programs for Lewis (6-2, 185). He looks really good off the hoof, possessing legit height and weight. Lewis might not have long speed, but he has some quickness and does a good job at breaking off his routes rapidly and getting in front of the defensive back. He is very technically sound with strong hands. Lewis is a high IQ player; he knows with the chains are and he knows how far he needs to run his routes to get there. He’ll get even bigger in college and be a very reliable receiver in those short and intermediate routes.

Lewis’ player grade: B-

July 8

ATH Kadarius Calloway (Philadelphia, MS) commits to Alabama
Calloway (6-0, 210) was committed to Mississippi State for about nine months before making the flip to Alabama. From an earlier evaluation: “Calloway is a big athlete who could play wide receiver, safety or possibly linebacker. He is good enough on both sides of the ball to where there will be a legitimate discussion of where he could play at in college. Calloway’s skill set and physicality seem to be best suited to be somewhat of a safety/linebacker hybrid as a box defender who can play close to the line of scrimmage, but offer the versatility to drop back in coverage.”

Calloway’s player grade: B

WR Jacob Gill (Raleigh, NC) commits to Northwestern
Gill (6-0, 170) received plenty of interest from Group of Five programs, but when Northwestern extended an offer, he considered it a game changer and made the immediate pledge. Gill is a little light on the frame right now, but he could grow into a wide receiver who will line up on the outside and occasionally provide some plays in the slot. He is good in space, which is important for the Wildcats’ offense. Gill will not play football as a senior, citing health concerns. He plans to enroll early at Northwestern.

Gill’s player grade: C

LB Jamon Dumas-Johnson (Baltimore, MD) commits to Georgia
One of the several top-end prospects at St. Frances Academy, Dumas-Johnson (6-1, 232) is a linebacker who could provide snaps in the middle of off the ball. His quickness and ability to move laterally and change direction can come as a bit of a surprise given how big he is. Dumas-Johnson is a strong run defender and certainly brings a major physical aspect when he’s playing against the run. Dumas-Johnson has good vision and can fight through blockers to isolate himself on the ball-carrier. Dumas-Johnson can run very well and has proven himself to be capable in coverage.

Dumas-Johnson’s player grade: B

LB Kalen Villanueva (Falls Church, VA) commits to Illinois
There are some amazing, eye-catching photos of Villanueva on Twitter showing how he transformed his body from being a skinny 150-pound freshman into a 6-foot-1, 212-pound linebacker. Villaneuva’s hard work got Illinois’ attention, and the Illini gave him his first scholarship offer from a Power Five program.

Villanueva has played in the secondary during high school, moving from cornerback to safety over time. Illinois is looking at him as an outside linebacker. He checks off a lot of boxes as an athlete. Villanueva can run and is very good in pursuit. He shows the ability to be an attacking player at times. I still think he’s learning how to use his size and skill set, so the transition to off-ball linebacker might take a while. But there’s a lot of upside there and Villanueva is going to an intriguing player to follow over the next 3-4 years.

Villanueva’s player grade: B-

July 7

CB Lardarius Webb Jr. (Jackson, MS) commits to Nebraska
Webb (5-10, 171) received his first Power Five offer from Nebraska and quickly committed soon after. He comes from a football background. Webb’s father, Lardarius Sr., played college football at Nicholls State and spent nine seasons with the Baltimore Ravens from 2009-2017.

Webb Jr. has the size of a nickelback, but he has long arms and could probably match up with some receivers on the outside. He has had very little recruiting traction, so Nebraska is clearly trusting its evaluations on Webb. From the film, it looks like he has good game speed and instincts. His background and upbringing have probably helped his football IQ.

Webb’s player grade: C+

July 6

OT Joe Alt (Minneapolis, MN) commits to Notre Dame
Alt (6-7, 255) is a developing tackle who has played tight end and also plays basketball. I love offensive tackles with basketball backgrounds because their footwork is generally much smoother and lighter, plus they have better lateral movement.

Alt moving from tight end is also intriguing because he has long arms and a big frame. He played a lot of inline tight end in high school, so he’s a pretty good blocker already. Alt needs experience more than anything, and with the reps will come more comfort in using his hands and pass protection, etc. He has good balance and decent lower body strength. Alt bends well, and his blocking as a tight end shows that he understands how to use leverage to win battles. It might take a couple years, but Alt has some good upside.

Alt’s player grade: B-

RB Montrelll Johnson (New Orleans, LA) commits to Arizona
Arizona has hit a lot of regions for this recruiting class and earned a commitment from Louisiana prospect Johnson (5-10, 187) over Kansas, Arkansas, South Alabama, North Texas and others. Johnson has ideal size for a running back, especially once he completely fills out. He is a smart back who understands how to read his blocks and choose the path that gets the most yards.

Johnson isn’t a big back, but he will fight for yards and has a good forward lean. He can run in between the tackles and shows good explosive speed getting to the hole. Overall, Johnson is at worst a rotation back, but if can show more receiving skills, he could be an every-down player.

Johnson’s player grade: C+

July 5

JUCO S Ben Langston (The Woodlands, TX) commits to Iowa State
Langston is currently at Blinn College in Brenham, Texas. He chose Iowa State over Missouri. Langstro had a strong freshman season at Blinn and finished with 52 tackles, four interceptions and a forced fumble. With junior college football likely on hold this year, Langston could have three years of eligibility remaining when he gets to Iowa State.

Langston’s player grade: C

WR Jabez Tinae (Burien, WA) commits to Washington
Tinae (6-1, 190) is one of the more technically and fundamentally sound wide receiving prospects in this recruiting class. He is a smooth route runner who gets in and out of his breaks cleanly and understands how to read the field and find the open spaces.

Tinae isn’t the fastest wide receiver in the class, which is all right, because he’s very smart and understands how to be productive through skill. That isn’t to say Tinae doesn’t have good athleticism because he does, and he has great hands and the ability to battle for the contested passes. Tinae could be a high-volume pass catcher with some big-play ability.

Tinae’s player grade: B

July 4

QB Caleb Williams (Washington, DC) commits to Oklahoma
Williams, the No. 2-rated quarterback in the nation, hopes to continue the amazing run of quarterbacks to come through Oklahoma over the past 20 years. He can do pretty much everything you want a quarterback in the current era of football.

Williams is a dual-threat option with reported speed around the 4.55-4.6 range. He has a big arm and can launch the ball down the field, yet he also shows the ability to put touch on the intermediate passes and has grasped speed control. The ball comes off his hands extremely well. Williams is comfortable in the pocket and can make all the throws, but when the play gets off schedule and he has to start moving, that’s when defenses should be scared. He will dart through an opening and is a big-play threat with his feet. Williams can also buy time in the backfield and keep his eyes on his receivers as they break off their routes. Williams is a big-time player with a skill set very comparable to the last three starting quarterbacks at Oklahoma – Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray and Jalen Hurts.

Williams’ player grade: A+

CB Tyreek Chappell (Philadelphia, PA) commits to Texas A&M
Texas A&M goes a little bit outside of its normal recruiting area to grab Chappell (5-11, 176), who is one of the top-20 players in Pennsylvania. He’s making the switch from wide receiver to defensive back, so there will be some adjustments.

Chappell is a smooth runner. He looks fluid with his movements and the way he opens up and flips his hips. Everything is done pretty seamlessly. With his receiving background, Chappell has plus-level ball skills. His skill set and length will allow him to play on the outside. Chappell is comfortable playing man coverage and being stuck on an island. He is a good natural football player who seems to be up for the challenge of what he’s asked to do.

Chappell’s player grade: B

WR Keon Coleman (Opelousas, LA) commits to Kensas
Coleman (6-4, 183) is the type of player Kansas will need to land every so often under Les Miles if the Jayhawks want to get in a spot to be bowl-eligible down the road. He is a legitimate No. 1 receiver and a top-200 type of player in the nation. Coleman has a chance to be among the top wide receivers nationally in the next rankings update. He was a monster on the field as a junior with a whopping 1,143 yards and 22 touchdowns on just 35 catches. Coleman’s 32.6 yards per catch has to be up there among the nation’s best for the amount of volume he had.

Coleman is explosive off the line and a long strider who can stretch the field vertically. He is a tremendous athlete with length and height to challenge for contested deep balls. Coleman is a little raw in some of the mechanics of being a wide receiver, but he is a top-level athlete who should get on the field early.

Coleman’s player grade: B+

LB D.J. Fryar (Stellacoom, WA) commits to Arizona
Fryar (6-3, 207) saw his recruitment get busy in the past few weeks, but an opportunity to play in the Pac-12 was too much for him to pass on, with the middle linebacker chosing the Wildcats over Fresno State and Boise State. Fryar has played a lot of running back in high school, but he’s going to project out as a defender who will primarily play in the box. Fryar is going to be a key defender against the run and someone who can shoot gaps and cover in short spaces.

Fryar’s player grade: C

CB Latrell McCutchin (Austin, TX) commits to Oklahoma
McCutchin (6-1, 178) is the 10th-ranked cornerback in the nation and one of the top defensive prospects out of Texas. He has the size and the length to offer some options in the secondary, especially in sub packages.

McCutchin has some natural cover skills and does a good job reading and reacting to the play, plus he tracks the ball very well. His length is difficult for outside wide receivers to handle at times, and McCutchin is difficult to complete 50-50 balls on. He did not play as a junior after suffering a knee injury, and with football in Texas up in the air, McCutchin could miss two seasons. While his development as a football player might be on hold for a year, McCutchin’s athleticism and upside are hard to ignore.

McCutchin’s player grade: B+

DT T.J. Sanders (Marion, SC) commits to South Carolina
Sanders (6-5, 278) is an active defensive lineman who can play all across the front for the Gamecocks. His natural position is outside, and while Sanders is a bigger defensive end, he’s not short on quickness and the ability to chase down plays in pursuit. I think he’ll end up playing more of the interior as his career in college progresses.

Sanders has some natural ability that could be developed into an interior pass rusher and playmaker. He is good with his hands and quick off the ball and tough to block at the point of contact. Sanders is a big in-state pickup for South Carolina

Sanders’ player grade: B

TE Erik Olsen (Littleton, CO) commits to Colorado
Olsen (6-5, 230) had some pretty impressive interest from programs like Notre Dame, Washington, UCLA and Stanford, but he decided to stay close to home and give head coach Karl Dorrell a big in-state commitment. He is a big, tough athlete who will project as a combo tight end with the lower body strength and mentality to line up inline as a blocker and the receiving skills to provide plays in the passing game. Olsen is most effective when he can work the seams. He is a physical player as both a blocker and a wide receiver. Olsen is one of the top prospects in Colorado and staying home is a big nod to a new coaching staff.

Olsen’s player grade: B

LB Martez Thrower (Rochelle, GA) commits to Kentucky
Thrower (6-1, 210) is a physical linebacker who is a little bit of a throwback in terms of the way he plays. He goes downhill and likes to deliver punishing hits. Thrower plays on the outside and on the inside in high school as a junior. He has an attacking style which explains his 14 tackles for loss. Thrower has that natural quickness and is very explosive off the snap. At times, he can get a little too aggressive and run himself out of the action, but his recovery isn’t bad. As Thrower grows as a player, he’ll reel himself in a little bit and become even more effective.

Thrower’s player grade: C+

CB D.J. Harvey (Chatsworth, CA) commits to Virginia Tech
It’s rare for the Hokies to go across the country to locate a recruiting target, especially in the secondary, but they are high on Harvey (5-11, 171), who has a game that fits well in what we’ve seen from defensive backs at Virginia Tech over the years. Harvey isn’t necessarily a big cornerback, but he’s physical and wants to beat up wide receivers with hand fighting and bodying them up along the sidelines and taking them out of the play. He is an explosive player with good speed. Harvey also plays a lot of wide receiver, which shows in the way he’s able to play the ball and anticipate the movements of the guys he’s covering. This is a solid pickup for the Hokies as a prospect and a scheme fit.

Harvey’s player grade: C+

WR Isaiah Brevard (Southaven, MS) commits to Oregon
In recent years, few programs have had more success getting recruits from the other side of the country than the Ducks. Brevard (6-4, 200) is a little different than many of the wide receivers who we have come accustomed to seeing at Oregon. He is a big-body, physical specimen at the position. He looks like the bigger receivers we’re used to seeing at LSU, like Dwayne Bowl or Michael Clayton. Brevard should easily be able to reach 210-220 pounds and maintain his skill level. He is aleady strong, although he could be even stronger.

Obviously, Brevard’s a tough matchup for most defensive backs because they can’t compete with the size. He is going to be a major threat in the red zone, especially on fade routes and throws where he can get up and grab the ball out of the air.

Brevard’s player grade: B+

LB Jackie Marshall (Reserve, LA) commits to Baylor
Marshall (6-1, 230) is a player who Baylor head coach Dave Aranda has probably been looking at since his days as the defensive coordinator at LSU. Marshall is an interesting player and is projected to be a middle linebacker, but he currently plays off the edge and does a pretty good job.

Marshall is decent at a lot of areas. He is a decent rusher and decent in pursuit, but not great at any one thing. I think Marshall’s future might be at three-technique. It’ll depend on his frame and how much weight it can carry, but I think he could be a 280-pound player who could provide better-than-average athleticism and pass-rushing ability on the inside.

Marshall’s player grade: C+

WR Latrell Neville (Missouri City, TX) commits to Nebraska
Neville (6-3, 192) is a good-looking prospect off the hoof. His numbers worry me a bit though. Neville plays at wide receiver and in the backfield a little bit, but he doesn’t have the touches you would expect at this point. That could be a situation where his high school team doesn’t have the players to get him the ball or something else.

On film, Neville looks like he’s an adequate receiver who knows how to make himself a big, inviting target. He is still not fundamentally sound as a wide receiver and tends to let the ball catch him instead of vice versa. Neville isn’t necessarily fast, but he’s a long strider and strong enough to break a tackle after a catch. There’s some upside here, but Neville needs to be developed.

Nevillie’s player grade: C

DE Keanu Koht (Vero Beach, FL) commits to LSU
Koht (6-4, 215) should develop into a hybrid type of player who will come off the edge as a defensive end and put his hand in the ground or operate as a stand-up pass rusher. He has very good length, better than his height would even indicate.

Koht is quick-twitch athlete with great explosion off the snap and sudden, quick movements that help him get around the corner quickly. He plays with a level of integrity against the run and reads running plays pretty well. Koht knows how to attack the ball-carrier and has the motor to chase down plays in pursuit. He can run well and has some attributes to drop in coverage as an outside linebacker and operate in space.

Koht’s player grade: B

OT Garrett DiGiorgio (Phelan, CA) commits to UCLA
One of my friends who works on the discovery and scouting side in the college football recruiting industry told me that UCLA coach Chip Kelly loves length at the tackle positions. He’ll take a flyer on an undeveloped player who is 6-foot-7 over a more finished, refined product who is 6-foot-4. DiGiorgio (6-7, 288) fits the bill as a lengthy offensive tackle prospect. He joins Thomas Cole, another 6-foot-7 prospect, as the second offensive tackle UCLA has taken in this class.

Cole is a little further ahead than DiGiorgio in my opinion, but DiGiorgio is a tough, strong kid who can tear a defensive lineman up in the run game. He has a real nasty streak and plays with a chip on his shoulder. He has a lack of experience in pass protection and he’s just an average athlete. That being said DiGiorgio is good enough to get on the field and develop into a starter.

DiGiorgio’s player grade: C

WR J. Michael Sturdivant (Flower Mound, TX) commits to California
California has been searching for a real No. 1 wide receiver for a few years, a player who could really define their offense. It’s possible that Sturdivant (6-3, 191) could be that guy. He certainly has the talent to eventually become a top guy. He has a big frame, and I think he’ll round out as a 205-pound wide receiver.

Sturdivant knows how to make himself an open target, and he’s pretty good when it comes to making big plays after the catch. He proved himself to be a high-volume pass catcher during his junior season in high school, when he had almost 90 catches for over 1,100 yards. There is tremendous upside with Sturdivant, who is a good bet to be in the upcoming top wide receiver rankings.

Sturdivant’s player grade: B+

TE Fredrick Seabrough (Swainsboro, GA) commits to N.C. State
N.C. State was the first program to make offers to the Seabrough brothers, and the Wolfpack coaching staff stayed on the brothers until they finally received a pledge. Fredrick Seabrough has been part of a state championship basketball team with his brother, and they are both excellent basketball players. That athleticism has transferred well to the football field.

Fredrick Seabrough (6-4, 218) can run and shows some of that basketball acumen the way he boxes out defenders to get open and catch passes. He’s going to put more weight on and improve as a blocker, which will add the ability for Seabrough to line up inline.

Seabrough’s player grade: C+

TE Cedric Seabrough (Swainsboro, GA) commits to N.C. State
Cedric Seabrough (6-4, 222) is probably a little bit better of a wide receiver than his twin brother, but they are pretty similar across the board and I’m curious to see what kind of sets the offensive staff at N.C. State creates to use both of these athletes. Seabrough, like his brother, is an excellent basketball player, and in both of their cases, that ability on the hardwood translates itself on the field.

Cedric Seabrough has the frame to easily get to 240-250 pounds, and as he gains upper body strength and improves as a blocker, he’ll be able to line up on the line and be flexed out.

Seabrough’s player grade: B-

July 3

WR Chris Hilton (Zachary, LA) commits to LSU
Hilton (5-11, 170) doesn’t have the size of a traditional outside wide receiver, so I think he’ll move around on the field quite a bit. He is a natural mismatch with tremendous speed, which is verifiably in the 4.45 range. Hilton can run the deep routes and stretch the field. He has little problem getting separation off the line and is dangerous in space, where his ability to make big plays after the catch is highlighted.

Hilton, the No. 13-ranked wide receiver in the nation, is a state champion in the high jump, and he will show off that ability to use his 37-inch vertical to battle for 50-50 footballs. He is so graceful jumping up to grab high balls that it looks like he’s air walking at times. In the history of great wide receivers to come through LSU, Hilton certainly has the potential to be one of them.

Hilton’s player grade: A-

DT Bernard Gooden (Montgomery, AL) commits to Wake Forest
Gooden (6-1, 280) looks like a good scheme fit to play in the middle of that Wake Forest defensive line. Although Gooden has been a recruiting target for the Demon Deacons over several months the staff didn’t extend a scholarship offer until late June.
,br> Gooden is a worker on the field. He fights through blockers and double teams to get to the backfield. Gooden is a solid performer against the run and will chase down ball-carriers in pursuit. He is a player who will fight until the whistle. Gooden might be a little undersized to be a nose guard, but he has decent upper body strength.

Gooden’s player grade: C

ATH Jamier Johnson (Pasadena, CA) commits to Texas
Johnson (5-11, 170) is a two-way player who could honestly pan out at cornerback or wide receiver at the next level. Oregon and Ohio State were both heavily in the picture for Johnson at one point, but Texas waited them out and earned Johnson’s commitment. It seems like Texas has been recruiting him as a cornerback, but that could change depending on how the rest of the Longhorns’ class shakes out.

Regardless, Johnson is a very good athlete with natural coverage abilities. He can play on an island against the No. 1 wide receiver and hold his own without many issues. Johnson plays hard. He can run with the speed receivers and get physical with the bigger ones.

Johnson’s player grade: B

QB Justin Lamson (El Dorado Hills, CA) commits to Syracuse
Syracuse goes all the way to the other side of the country to recruit Lamson (6-2, 210), a big quarterback who is still learning the position but has shown a nice early grasp of what to do. Lamson was a safety when he started playing high school football and has since moved to quarterback. You wouldn’t know he hasn’t been playing quarterback for years because he has a great throwing motion. The ball comes off of Lamson’s hands well and he has a good, sound release.

Lamson’s athletic background makes him a threat to pull up and run, but he also shows relatively good pocket awareness. With high school football in California up in the air, it could be difficult for Lamson to get the reps he really needs to continue to improve. I still like some of the upside Lamson has however.

Lamson’s player grade: C

July 2

LB Christopher Paul Jr. (Cordele, GA) commits to Arkansas
Paul (6-1, 235) committed to Nebraska in mid-March, but eventually backed away from that pledge in June and flipped to the Razorbacks while considering Minnesota and a return to Nebraska. From an earlier evaluation: Paul is going to be a middle linebacker in college, and he has shown to be a tackling machine so far in high school. He had over 150 tackles as a junior. Paul is a physical player who can run and plays with a lot of effort. He can diagnose a play quickly, and when he has the chance to lay in a big hit, he doesn’t miss.

Paul’s player grade: C+

RB Caleb Berry (Lufkin, TX) commits to Washington
Berry (6-0, 205) is a bigger back and a fit for the type of hard-nosed offensive scheme that has come to define Washington over the past several years. He has some speed and big-play ability, but with his size, he’s expected to be a power back who can run through arm tackles and wear down defenses. Berry is more of a north-south runner, and when he gets downhill and gathers up a head of steam, he can put together the big plays. I would like to see more development in being a receiver and helping out on pass protection for Berry to be a complete back.

Berry’s player grade: C+

WR Derwin Burgess Jr. (Riverdale, GA) commits to South Carolina
There were a lot of programs interested in Burgess (5-11, 181), but without summer camps, he kind of faded for several schools that wanted to see him work out. South Carolina, however, held out a spot for Burgess and got his commitment.

Burgess has some versatility as a receiver. He can do some work on the outside, but he’s probably best suited in the slot and doing some things on the perimeter. Burgess has spent time as a running back and wide receiver in high school. I expect he can also provide something on special teams as a return specialist. Burgess seems to be willing to do whatever it takes to get touches.

Burgess’ player grade: C+

July 1

RB Demie Sumo (Willingboro, NJ) commits to N.C. State
Sumo (6-0, 200) brings a really diversified skill set to the next level, and I think he’s the type of player who N.C. State head coach Dave Doeren has been looking for over the past couple of years. Sumo’s receiving ability, both out of the backfield and lining up in the slot, is really what makes him a higher-end prospect in a class full of guys who can just run the football.

Sumo’s size gives him the ability to also stand in on pass protection and makes him a three-down player. He can do the things needed from a bigger running back. Sumo has the vision to run between the tackles and get to the outside. But it’s the versatility, especially as a receiver, that’s going to be Sumo’s calling card in college.

Sumo’s player grade: B-

DE Dallas Turner (Fort Lauderdale, FL) commits to Alabama
Turner is ranked as the No. 12 outside linebacker in the nation, but it’s likely he’ll be re-ranked as a defensive end during the next rankings period. He’s longer than his 6-foot-4 height would have you believe, and he can use that length and his hands to explode off the edge.

Turner is a high-motor player who is either racing into the backfield or trying to chase down the play from the backside. He is a big-time athlete and has played at all three levels in high school already, so he can bring the coverage skills of a safety to the linebacker/standup edge-rusher position and offer more versatility and scheme fit. Turner is very comfortable dropping back in coverage. I would like to see him read the run a little better and add some more moves to his pass-rush repertoire.

Turner’s player grade: B+

WR Deamikkio Nathan (Grand Prairie, TX) commits to Utah
Nathan (6-0, 183) is a physical wide receiver who has a game based more on power and positioning than speed. He is explosive off the snap and good after the catch, but his long speed is a question mark. Everything Nathan does is physical, whether it’s hand fighting with a defensive back or blocking downfield. He plays wide receiver and running back in high school, so some of that physical nature comes from the toughness of playing in the backfield. Utah is a team that prides itself on toughness and physicality, and Nathan is a perfect fit for the program’s style of football.

Nathan’s player grade: C+

DE Jatius Geer (Hones Path, SC) commits to Syracuse
Syracuse has found a few players like Gear (6-5. 255) this recruiting cycle. Players who I believe would’ve been much more recruited during a normal offseason with summer camps. Geer didn’t have many FBS offers, and surely some of them were based on him working out over the summer, but Syracuse stuck with him and earned the commitment over Temple and Kansas State, among others.

With Syracuse going to a three-man front, a bigger defensive end like Geer are what is needed to fight through more double teams and get in the backfield to make plays. Geer is an energy guy. He attacks the quarterback and gets off the ball well. Geer will have to play under more control on a three-man front to improve his defense against the run.

Geer’s player grade: C+

WR Simeon Price (Pensacola, FL) commits to South Carolina
Price (5-11, 194) is a unique offensive athlete who plays a lot of roles for his high school, whether it’s wide receiver or running back or even taking some snaps at quarterback. South Carolina has made an effort to recruit some wide receivers who have more than one dimension to their game. There’s no guarantee Price will play offense at South Carolina, as he has several attributes that could make his best long-term fit in the secondary as a safety.

Wherever Price plays, he is a bit of a playmaker and a tough kid who will play hard and do what’s asked of him. He is good with the ball in his hands, but also shows the willingness to be a downfield blocker or pass protector.

Price’s player grade: C+

S Kaleb Edwards (Dacula, GA) commits to Georgia Tech
Duke and Louisville were also among the programs hoping to land Edwards (6-0, 195), but he decided to stay home and committed to Georgia Tech. Edwards has experience around most of the positions in the secondary. As a coverage player, Edwards is best suited to play on the inside as a nicke back and be a zone guy in short spaces. He’s a big, thick built safety who should be able to jump in the box and get close to the line of scrimmage to play against the run.

If Edwards continues to grow, I could see more linebacker duties in his future as well. He is a tough, no-nonsense sort of player who gets the job done for one of the top programs in Georgia.

Edwards’ player grade: C+

June 30

CB Tony Grimes (Virginia Beach, VA) commits to North Carolina
Grimes (6-0, 180) was the No. 1 cornerback in the 2021 recruiting class, but he signed a letter of intent with the Tar Heels and re-classified himself as a 2020 prospect because the upcoming Virginia high school football season was canceled/delayed. His move will be reflected in the upcoming rankings adjustment.

Grimes has great size; he is bigger than most cornerbacks and has sufficient length. He is smooth in coverage, with great speed and fluid movement. Grimes is technically sound too. He transitions very well from the backpedal and knows how to stay on the hip of the receiver. He can run for days and has no problem covering the deep routes or going across the field. Grimes is also a form tackler who will play with integrity against the run. This is the biggest recruiting win for North Carolina in years and the best defensive back prospect to come through the program since Dre Bly.

Grimes’ player grade: A+

WR Christian Lewis (Pleasant Grove, AL) commits to Kentucky
Lewis (6-3, 190) is an outstanding athlete. He plays basketball as well and can jump and dunk. Lewis had a great junior season in high school with over 70 receptions for nearly 1,400 yards and 20 touchdowns. He is Kentucky’s 12th verbal commitment of the 2021 recruiting class and the fourth wide receiver in the class. Kentucky is trying to bolster its wide receiver group and overall passing game after quarterback injuries forced the prgoram to be a single-wing team last year.

Lewis has the size and game to fit in as an outside receiver. He can jump and battle for contested balls. Lewis is a good strider who has the ability to stretch a defense vertically.

Lewis’ player grade: B-

ATH Jaylin Smith (Mission Hills, CA) commits to USC
Smith, one of the top-50 prospects in California, chose the Trojans over offers from Oregon, Clemson, Alabama and Washington. Smith (5-11, 182) could probably do a couple of different things on the field to bring value, but I think he’ll eventually settle in as a corner/safety. He could line up on the outside or possibly provide some snaps as the boundary corner, where he could help against the run. From a coverage standpoint, Smith would be best as a nickelback, plus he can play the nickel and both safety positions.

Smith is a tough player who plays with a chip on his shoulder. He goes after the ball-carrier aggressively. In coverage, Smith is more comfortable playing off man and using his instincts to react to the play.

Smith’s player grade: B

RB Dylan Betts-Pauley (Hoover, AL) commits to Vanderbilt
Betts-Pauley (6-0, 212) is the second running back Vanderbilt has taken in this recruiting class. He’s going to be the bigger back who will do much of his damage in the Commodores’ power running game. Betts-Pauley isn’t a speedster, but he isn’t slow by any means. He is tough to bring down with an arm tackle and has some ability to cut and work in space. If Betts-Pauley can improve his hands and show that he will be a threat in the passing game, he will have a chance to be a three-down back at Vanderbilt.

Betts-Pauley’s player grade: C+

June 29

CB Devonta Smith (Cincinnati, OH) commits to Alabama
Smith committed to Ohio State on March 16 and backed away from the commitment on June 25. He has now flipped to Alabama. It’s ironic that both Alabama and Ohio State are embroiled in a battle for the nation’s top-rated recruiting class. For now, Smith (6-0, 185) is going to put all his chips in with the Crimson Tide.

From an earlier evaluation: Smith has emerged as one of the top players from the powerhouse LaSalle program in Cincinnati, so he’s playing against some of the best competition in the Midwest. He has good speed and has added size to his frame, making him project as more of an outside corner than a slot.

Smith’s player grade: B

OT Charles Armstrong (Bradenton, FL) commits to Arizona State
Arizona State goes across the country to grab Armstrong (6-5, 275) to help build its offensive line class. Manatee High School has a rich history of sending players to college since the early 1980s, and I’ve always found the players who play in that Bradenton/Sarasota area to be pretty tough kids.

Armstrong is a nice-looking run blocker. He gets on top of his man and quickly gets him to the ground. Armstrong is definitely more of a run blocker than a pass blocker at this stage, and I could see him kicking inside to guard if necessary. As a pass blocker, Armstrong needs to be better with his bend and stronger with his leg. He needs to learn how to play with leverage. Armstrong has some tools and some upside.

Armstrong’s player grade: C

S Myzel Williams (Deland, FL) commits to Mississippi State
Williams (6-0, 190) is the second player from Deland High School to commit to Mississippi State, joining linebacker prospect Timar Rogers. Williams is a great athlete and does a lot of things on the field for his high school. He has played everywhere in the secondary and also spent time at wide receiver and quarterback. I like him as a combo safety.

Williams can play in the box and defend the boundary and short side, as well as play as the high safety in some coverage packages. He can run well too, and that’s going to give him a lot of versatility in the Bulldogs’ defensive scheme. This is a pretty good fit overall. I think Williams has a lot of good football ahead of him.

Williams’ player grade: C+

DT Siaosi Finau (Renton, WA) commits to Washington
Finau (6-2, 280) is a bit of a mystery. Washington is his only known scholarship offerm and depending on where you lookm his size ranges from 230-300 pounds. He is moving from tight end to the defensive line. His film is decent.

Finau is an aggressive two-way lineman who can move across the field as both a blocker in space and a defensive player in pursuit. Washington has two higher-end defensive line prospects committed, and many times a program will take a local player it likes as future depth who can be developed within the program. Finau is probably going to become a three-technique or a nose guard and provide additional depth at the position.

Finau’s player grade: C-

S Elijah Sabbatini (Biloxi, MS) commits Ole Miss
Sabbatini (6-1, 190) is just the fifth prospect to give a verbal commitment to Ole Miss as we hit the midway point of the busiest recruiting stretch of the season. He is talented two-way player who can move around in the secondary and also plays wide receiver and will work in as a punt returner as well. Sabbatini has the size and the length that are important for defensive backs to be successful in the SEC.

On film, Sabbatini is a hard-working defender who seemed to be in on every tackle. He finds his way to the football and shows the ability to make plays in space. Sabbatini is a competitor, which comes through on film.

Sabbatini’s player grade: C+

June 28

OT Gage Pitchford (Sharpsburg, GA) commits to Vanderbilt
Pitchford (6-6, 290) is a good-looking tackle prospect who has a near-perfect frame and the arm length you want from the position. He is strong and doesn’t seem to have a lot of bad weight on him. Pitchford will be a 3-year starter at one of the larger programs in Georgia, so he brings the experience that will help him see the field earlier.

Pitchford can move pretty well, much like a guy who is smaller. I would like to see more toughness and nastiness on his film, but he has a good grasp of the technical aspects. Pitchford bends well enough, but could be lower. If Pitchford ramps up the aggressive a few notches, he could be a steal.

Pitchford’s player grade: B-

RB Ricky Parks (Tampa, FL) commits to Utah
Parks (5-11, 190), the No. 18-ranked running back in the nation, has a nice build and a good natural running style. He has some good speed, albeit not breakaway speed. Where Parks really impresses me is with his balance and his vision, as he can turn a five-yard gain into an eight-yard gain when he lowers his shoulder and leans forward. He is the type of running back who will reward the team that can give him the ball 20-plus times a game.

Parks runs with some power, but I believe he’ll really turn it up at the next level when he gets bigger and stronger in a college program. He also has the ability to catch out of the backfield and should prove to be effective in open space. Parks should do well in the Pac-12.

Parks’ player grade: B

June 27

WR Theodore Knox (The Woodlands, TX) commits to Mississippi State
Knox (5-10, 171) is the type of player who will really be able to do damage in a Mike Leach offense. He has the size of a slot and the makeup of a catch-and-run wide receiver with the ability to make plays in space and big plays out in the open field. Knox has a recorded 4.42 in the 40-yard dash from 2019, and on film, his straight-line speed shines through. He is not a bad route runner at all and can stretch the field in the vertical passing game as well.

Clearly, Knox is a little small right now for the SEC, so he will have to put on some weight and keep his speed. But he’s a player who can work the perimeter game and the short game and give Mississippi State more playmakers.

Knox’s player grade: C+

JUCO DE Alex Navarro-Silva (Chino, CA) commits to Arizona
Navarro-Silva played his freshman year as part of a California JUCO championship team at Riverside Community College in Riverside, California. He notched 40 tackles and 2.5 sacks as a freshman. Navarro-Silva is the Wildcats’ 11th commitment of the recruiting cycle. With junior college football moving their season to the spring, it’s undetermined if Navarro-Silva will play for Riverside in the spring and what his eligibility status is.

Navarro-Sliva’s player grade: C+

June 26

TE Colby Powers (Spring, TX) commits to Arizona
Powers (6-4, 235) is being listed as a tight end although he’s playing quarterback for his high school. He compiled over 1,500 total yards in his junior season as a quarterback. The coronavirus pandemic has limited the camp opportunities, so Powers hasn’t had a lot of offseason work at another position. Without much to go on, Powers definitely has the size and he can run a little. Whether he’ll be an inline guy or more of a flex guy. Clearly, he is a developmental project.

Powers’ player grade: C

DT Byron Murphy II (DeSoto, TX) commits to Baylor
I’m pretty high on Murphy (6-2, 270), and I’m not alone, as he’s rated as the No. 4 defensive tackle in the state of Texas by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football and is a possibility to appear in the next defensive tackles rankings with the pre-fall evaluations come out. Murphy was very productive as a junior and really got on the map with almost 100 tackles and 12 tackles for loss for one of the top programs in the state.

Murphy is a hard worker up front who doesn’t take many plays off. He goes after the football and has the power to bully his way into the backfield. Murphy is quick off the ball and good with his hands. He shows some interior pass-rushing skills that can be developed further at the next level. Baylor continues to do well with in-state prospects.

Murphy’s player grade: B

S Aubrey Burks (Auburndale, FL) commits to Indiana
Auburndale, located in Polk County, Florida, has had a nice run of players going into college in the past few years. Derwin James played at Auburndale for three years before moving to Haines City as a senior. Running back Artavis Pierce had a solid career at Oregon State and will be in camp with the Chicago Bears.

Burks (5-11, 180) is a versatile safety who was willing to play all three levels in high school, lining up at defensive end and linebacker. He is a natural playmaker who is always around the football. Burks is athletic and can make plays in space. He can run well enough to be comfortable dropping him back in coverage. This is a very good pickup for Indiana.

Leary’s player grade: B-

June 25

WR Cristian Dixon (Santa Ana, CA) commits to Michigan
Dixon (6-2, 188) reminds me a little more of the outside wide receivers Michigan was known for in the earlier part of the 21st century, like Braylon Edwards and David Terrell. Dixon is a big athlete who should get over the 200-pound mark as he continues to fill out his frame.

Dixon is a physical receiver on the outside and plays with his size in mind. He can beat up smaller defenders, but he also has the ability to catch anything and stretch the field. Dixon is going to become a No. 1 wide receiver who can run a pretty complicated route tree with it’s all said and done. He can go down the field for the deep pass, but he can also be a yards-after-the-catch guy and run the slants, square ends and post routes. Dixon is a very good prospect.

Dixon’s player grade: B+

TE Terrance Ferguson (Littleton, CO) commits to Oregon
This player is not to be confused with top interior offensive line prospect Terrence Ferguson, this Ferguson is a solid tight end, more of a wide receiver than a blocker at this point. With the tight end position, it’s about being big and being able to run. Ferguson (6-5, 232) checks off both boxes and is a pretty good receiver on top of that. He can line up inline and sneak down the seams for big gains, catching linebackers and safeties off guard.

Ferguson is going to be a threat in the red zone and on third downs. He has good hands and has some fluidity in his movement. He’ll have to do more on the physical end as a blocker to become a complete prospect.

Ferguson’s player grade: B-

RB B.J. Harris (Chattanooga, TN) commis to Missouri
Harris (5-10, 190) is the second running back Missouri has taken in its recruiting class, joining Taj Butts. I would say Harris is more of the all-purpose type of player. He can catch the ball out of the backfield and make some plays in the passing game.
,bR> Harris is built like a good pass protector with good hands and a strong lower body, so I think he’ll become a guy who Missouri can rely on in passing situations. Harris is elusive and pretty good in space. He is a good scheme fit for what Missouri will do on offense.

Harris’ player grade: C+

LB Derrveron Maxwell-Black (St. Petersburg, FL) commits to Pittsburgh
It seemed like Pittsburgh and Illinois were the two schools that Maxwell-Black was looking at the hardest, and when Illinois took another inside linebacker about a week ago, it was clear where Maxwell-Black was going.

Maxwell-Black is a high-energy player who is always running around the field and chasing after the ball=carrier. He will come in the backfield on a blitz and get to the outside in pursuit. Maxwell-Black is a solid tackler and has decent form. He’s a prospect who is going to get out on the field and work. Maxwell-Black can run and has good natural instincts. He’s going to find a way on the field and likely become a major voice on the field for the coaches.

Maxwell Black’s player grade: C+

CB Elisha Lloyd (San Marcos, CA) commits to Washington State
Lloyd (5-10, 175) is a total speedster who chose the Cougars over offers from Utah, Kansas State and Boise State. He is one of the fastest players on the West Coast and should not have a problem covering the more elusive and shifty wide receivers in the slot. He missed his sophomore year in high school with an MCL injury. but had a solid bounce-back season at Mission Hills High School as a junior.

Lloyd’s not going to be as physical as other nickelbacks, but he’s a competitive player who believes he can cover anyone one-on-one. In the high-volume passing world of the Pac-12, Lloyd will see plenty of work.

Lloyd’s player grade: C+

June 24

OT Garrett Dellinger (Clarkston, MI) commits to LSU
LSU pulls Dellinger (6-6, 276) from Big Ten country, beating out home-state school Michigan along with Ohio State and Penn State. One of the better athletes playing offensive line in this class, Dellinger absolutely looks the part; he moves like a good athlete and he has a good base and good footwork and shows good agility getting out to lead on plays. Dellinger is probably best suited as a right tackle, although he could certainly play on the left side. He’s a talented prospect who check a lot of the boxes.

I think Dellinger could be a little more of a dog in the trenches though. A little more head banging to go with his high level of skill would likely lead to a ratings bump. Overall, Dellinger has a great foundation from which to build with.

Dellinger’s player grade: B+

JUCO TE Koby Gross (Pittsburg, CA) commits to Florida State
Florida State seems to be taking every tight end it can find in hopes of making up for one of the most underperforming offensive lines in the nation. There’s no expectation of Gross becoming any sort of wide-receiving threat, and his film shows that he isn’t much of a receiver. Gross seems like a decent athlete, but he’s a hard-working blocker. His blocking film is solid even though I don’t think the competition is very good.

Whether Gross can push around ACC defenders remains to be seen, but if he’s tough enough to hang in there, he’ll give the Seminoles another blocking option for an offense that will be doing a ton of double-tight sets for the next 2-3 seasons.

Gross’ player grade: C-

OT Jackson Carsello (Northbrook, IL) commits to Northwestern
Carsello (6-4, 255) represents one of my favorite style of offensive linemen – the Swiss-army knife. He is listed as an offensive tackle, but his length isn’t good enough to play on the left side and is above average for the right side. However, Carsello shows traits of being able to move inside to guard and gets off the ball well enough for me to think he could even get some training at center.

Carsello will probably get most of his work at guard. He has good leg drive and plays with a bit of a chip on his shoulder. He’s a little small right now, but that’s all right because he can grow and gain good upper body strength in the process.

Carsello’s player grade: C+

June 23

S Tyler Hibbler (St. Louis, MO) commits to Missouri
Hibbler (5-11, 185) has many of the traits I like to see from a safety who is going to spend a lot of time in the box and playing run defense. He can run well and even do some work in coverage, especially on a short field where he can use his hands and be a little more physical.

Hibbler likes to bring the heat when he makes stops, and I think he’ll continue to get bigger and more physical in college. He can run with tight ends, but I have questions about his speed when it comes to covering backs in the slot and making the right decisions in space. Hibbler has plenty to offer, but he has to be put in the right places to be effective.

Hibbler’s player grade: B-

RB Gabe Ervin (Buford, GA) commits to Nebraska
Nebraska has made some inroads in Georgia, and Ervin represents the second prospect from the Peach State who has verbally committed to the Cornhuskers in this recruiting cycle. I’m not sure what’s happened with Nebraska running backs in the past decade, but Ervin (6-0, 200) looks the part of what I expect to see from a back at Nebraska.

Ervin has good size and is a explosive out of the backfield, but he also runs with some power and toughness. Ervin runs through arm tackles and knows when to lower his shoulder. He fits the identity of a bigger back who runs between the tackle. Ervin is built well in the lower body and has great balance. I think he’s much better than some of the rankings suggest.

Ervin’s player grade: B

LB Jackson Hamilton (Roswell, GA) commits to Louisville
Hamilton (6-0, 205) is the third prospect Louisville has pulled from the state of Georgia in the past week and fourth overall. He is a player can probably play in the middle or off the ball. He’s a guy who likes to hit and likes to play downhill when the opportunity arises. I had questions about Hamilton’s ability in space, but on his film, he made a great adjustment to intercept a wheel route that really got my attention.

Hamilton is good with reading the play and reacting with aggression. Obviously, that can lead to the occasional mistake, but more times than not, it works out for Hamilton. I think he’s guy who can play snaps at both linebacker spots and provide some versatility.

Hamilton’s player grade: B-

June 22

LB Matthew Weerts (Batavia, IL) commits to Arizona
Weerts (6-1, 212) is a classic-style middle linebacker. There is not much flash to his game, it’s about getting downhill and attacking the football. Weerts is a tackling machine and comes from a solid program in the Midwest where he’s been well coached. His speed is probably a big question, but Weerts seems to be fine going north-south, although it’s hard to time if he can work in space or provide any ability to cover. He looks like a solid, physical player who will do his job.

Weerts’ player grade: C

WR O’Mega Blake (Rock Hill, SC) commits to South Carolina
Blake is the fourth wide receiver South Carolina has taken during the cycle. The Gamecocks have mostly gone for bigger bodies, and Blake, at 6-foot-2, 190 pounds is no exception. Blake comes from the South Pointe program in Rock Hill, South Carolina, the same program that Jadeveon Clowney played at. I like players from that area of South Carolina, and I’ve found Rock Hill to be a good place to recruit from.

Blake had a big junior season with 50 catches for 1,019 yards and 14 touchdowns. He is a good athlete who will likely play quarterback this fall. Blake does what a good outside receiver should do, catch the back-shoulder routes and stretch the field vertically. He looks good off the hoof as well. This is a solid in-state pickup for the Gamecocks.

Blake’s player grade: B-

WR Demetrius Cannon (St. Louis, MO) commits to Louisville
Louisville was in the final group for Cannon and South Carolina prospect O’Mega Blake. Blake chose to stay home and play for the Gamecocks, while Cannon came through for the Cardinals. They are similar players and graded similarly. Blake is probably a better athlete while Cannon (6-2, 200) is bigger and a more natural wide receiver.

Cannon plays like a big, outside receiver who can produce in the red zone and knows how to move the chains. He is decent in space, but his top-end speed is just above average. Cannon has the ability to be a high-volume pass catcher who can run routes and work hard.

Cannon’s player grade: C+

OT JonDarius Morgan (Birmingham, AL) commits to South Carolina
Morgan (6-4, 305) gives the Gamecocks their second commitment of the day, and he has the ability to give South Carolina some different options on the line. He has longer arms that his height would suggest, and while I don’t think left tackle is an option, right tackle is definitely a possibility and a likelihood. Morgan moves well and is much lighter on his feet than I expected. He’s a pretty aggressive run blocker who likes to drives guys back and finish them on the ground. I think Morgan has potential to fit in at guard or tackle.

Morgan’s player grade: C

CB Ricardo Hallman (Fort Lauderdale, FL) commits to Wisconsin
Wisconsin has had success in south Florida over the years, like when Charlie Partridge coached with the Badgers and recruited the area, bringing talent like James White and Sojourn Shelton to the Big Ten. Hallman (6-0, 180) reminds me a big of a bigger version of Shelton. He plays the game with physicality in mind and is vicious with his hands. Hallman is a very solid tackler in space and can play on the boundary and help with the run defense. He is confident in coverage and looks good in press-man coverage. Hallman has great instincts and and ball skills. He is a player who does a lot of things well and should project as a multi-year starter.

Hallman’s player grade: B

June 21

ATH Wall Latu (Spanaway, WA) commits to Washington
Latu (6-2, 220) is a pretty versatile athlete who primarily plays fullback/running back and strong safety in high school. I think he’ll probably move up a level to middle linebacker in college. He is definitely a guy who you want to put in the box and let defend a short space with the freedom to charge downhill and make plays at the line of scrimmage.

Latu is athletic enough to play cover in space, although I think there are some limitations to what he could cover. Latu is a big hitter, and he’s a tough prospect who will deliver the blow on either side of the ball. I think Latu could start his career on offense and eventually move to full-time defense depending on depth.

Latu’s player grade: C+

LB Dameon Wilson (Kings Mountain, NC) commits to Missouri
Missouri is putting together a top-25 class in Eli Drinkwitz’s first season at the helm. Wilson (6-1, 211) is another solid prospect, a projected middle linebacker who is a tackling machine and a player who will shoot the gaps and try to generate negative plays out of the backfield. Wilson is a north-south player who can get to the football quickly and provide quality defense against the run. He has decent speed, but his ability to work in space and cover in a big question mark. Wilson will be a productive player as an in-the-box linebacker who can play close to the line of scrimmage and be physical.

Wilson’s player grade: C+

CB Jordan Young (Tampa, FL) commits to Florida
Young (6-0, 185) is going to be a versatile piece in the secondary because I believe he can play safety or corner, with the ability to roam center field as a deep safety on one play, guard a bigger outside receiver on another play and still play in the box, close to the line of scrimmage as a strong safety on another play. It is hard to say where Young projects best for the future. He can run pretty well and is competitive, plus technically sound.

Young is going to do well playing and learning under Florida’s defensive backs coach Torrian Gray. Young is an aggressive, competitive defensive back who will do what it takes to get on the field.

Young’s player grade: B

OT Thomas Cole (San Luis Obispo, CA) commits to UCLA
Cole (6-7, 262) is the 10th prospect to commit to UCLA during this recruiting cycle. He has great length and a wide wingspan that should be very difficult for even the best speed rushers to get around untouched. Cole also play basketball, so his footwork and lateral movement are pretty solid. He is still learning how to play offensive line after starting out as a tight end. Cole doesn’t shy away from contact, however, and isn’t afraid to mix it up in the trenches. He is good off the ball and shows some toughness with a little bit of a nasty streak. This is a solid recruiting win for Chip Kelly and the UCLA coaching staff.

Cole’s player grade: B

S Sean Brown (Cornelius, NC) commits to N.C. State
Brown (6-1, 185) comes from a great program at William Amos Hough High School, where they have sent a ton of defensive backs to FBS programs over the past 5-10 years. Brown fits in the mold of a very versatile safety with some natural coverage skills. He’s long and can capably play as the deep safety, but he also is quick enough to cover the slot and big enough to play in the box and provide additional help against the run. Brown is a plus-level athlete. He should continue to improve his coverage and take on some outside wide receiver challenges in the future. Brown is going to be a big, physical, athletic safety at the next level.

Brown’s player grade: B

ATH Javin Burke (Cleveland, TN) commits to Virginia
Burke (6-0, 200) is the sort of athlete you find today as football in the back seven become more position less than in the past. Although there are some cornerback traits in Burke’s skill set, I think he’s going to be a better long term playing one of the safety positions or possibly as an off-ball linebacker.

Burke is a quarterback in high school and shows his athleticism playing as more of a running threat in the backfield. Making the move to defense will probably take some time as Burke will have to learn coverages and tackling among the other fundamentals.

Burke’s player grade: C+

CB Kani Walker (Douglasville, GA) commits to Louisville
Louisville has been successful at recruiting a lot of length to play in future secondaries. Walker (6-2, 190) is no different with his length and long arms to help cover outside receivers. He originally committed to Boston College in late March but backed away from that pledge a while ago.

Walker is a natural fit at the boundary corner and in positions where he can cover short spaces and play a little more of a downhill attacking game. He should also find roles as a strong safety or additional box defender when Louisville goes into sub packages.

Walker’s player grade: C

June 20

DE Quintin Somerville (Scottsdale, AZ) commits to Michigan
Somerville (6-1, 235) is an active body off the edge. He obviously doesn’t have the height or length to be a traditional defensive end, but Michigan had a similar player in Josh Uche and figured out different ways to make him effective as a edge and box defender.

In order for that to work, Somerville has to be able to run, which he can definitely do. He had a ridiculous 29 tackles for loss as a junior in high school. Somerville uses leverage to get in the backfield and consistently makes plays in the backfield through rush or pursuit. He’ll have to diversify his skill set a little and be more reliable in coverage, but Somerville is a good scheme fit for what Michigan does on defense.

Somerville’s player grade: B-

OL Almarion Crim (Adamsville, AL) commits to Duke
Crim (6-3, 280) is a good-sized lineman who is listed as a tackle, but he’s going to be an interior guy at the FBS college level. He is a developmental player on the line, someone who will have to work his way up from special teams and get better at several aspects.

Crim has good hands and generally puts out good effort on the field despite being undersized as a tackle. He will have to get stronger and work on his balance and footwork. He tends to come off the snap a little awkwardly and gives up leverage. Crim is a player who will try to work his way up the depth chart and into a position to get snaps.

Crim’s player grade: C

OL Noah Bolticoff (Rose Hill, KS) commits to TCU
Bolticoff (6-5, 260) is a lineman who could project out as a tackle or a guard, and he potentially offers a ton of versatility with the ability to play multiple spots. Bolticoff has plenty of room to add mass to his frame and gain the upper-body strength needed to compete at the next level.

Bolticoff is a pretty balanced lineman, and his pass-protection film is decent. He clearly understands utilizing a strong base and plays with some leverage. Bolticoff is good off the snap, but he could be a little nastier with his blocking and a better finisher. Bolticoff needs to be more aggressive at the point of contact, and that should help his run blocking.

Bolticoff’s player grade: B-

LB Zachary Lovett (Rockledge, FL) commits to Missouri
Lovett (6-2, 218) provides Missouri with its 13th commitment of the recruiting cycle and is another solid commitment for the new coaching staff led by Eli Drinkwitz. I would say Lovett is one of the better linebackers to come from Florida this cycle. He is a prospect who can run for days and lay out some big hits.

I think Lovett provides some outside/inside flexibility. He can drop back in the coverage a little bit and occasionally be used as an edge rusher. Lovett can also play in the box, close to the line of scrimmage. He is a sideline-to-sideline type of player who goes after the ball-carrier.

Lovett’s player grade: B

DE Maurice Heims (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) commits to Washington
Heims (6-5, 238) made commitment fo Washington on his 18th birthday, giving the Huskies their 10th commitment of the current recruiting cycle. Heims is from Hamburg, Germany and is part of the the Premier Prospects International recruiting group under former CFL player Brandon Collier. Heims eventually made the move to California as junior to play high school football.

Heims is a high-effort player with natural athleticism and the ability to get to the quarterback. He has great length for the position and is a quick-twitch athlete who can fire off the ball. There is still a lot of work to do with technique and fundaments, but he has plenty of raw talent and a high ceiling.

Heims’ player grade: C+

DE Travali Price (Lincolnton, NC) commits to N.C. State
Price (6-4, 260) was arguably N.C. State’s biggest defensive target in this recruiting class, and it’s easy to see why. He is an athlete who has dynamic off-the-snap quickness off the edge, especially for his size, and he’s also a hoss who can blow up offensive linemen at the point of contract. I think that comes more from his initial burst than the strength that Price will eventually gain in a college program. He checks off many of the boxes, especially with backside pursuit and making plays in the backfield.

Price had over 20 tackles for loss as a junior in high school. He will need more work with his hands and in some of the more technical aspects of the game, but Price is a good-looking big athlete who projects as a potential game-changer on the defensive line. His brother, Jayden Tate, will be joining him at N.C. State as a long snapper.

Price’s player grade: B+

S Joriell Washington (Fort Myers, FL) commits to Illinois
Illinois has been able to recruit in Florida well behind the efforts of former USC support staffer Keynodo Hudson, and Washington (6-2, 180) is the fourth prospect from the Sunshine State to commit to Illinois this cycle. Washington is a good coverage safety; he can run well and cover a lot of ground with his length. He has plus-level ball skills and instincts. He knows how to track the ball in the air and make a positive play for the defense. Washington can also play on the boundary and provide additional help in the box. He’s an athlete and a solid football player who will give the Illini coaching staff plenty of options.

Washington’s player grade: B-

OL Wes Hoeh (Glen Ellyn, IL) commits to Syracuse
Hoeh (6-4, 252) had a lot of interest from mid-major programs and a couple of Ivy League schools. Eventually Syracuse made an offer to him, and he quickly committed to the ACC school. Hoeh can play tackle in high school, but he will have to kick inside for college. Even though Hoeh is a little undersized, he plays hard, is tough and has some good short-space strength. His footwork is solid, and he gets his hands on blockers quickly. Hoeh tends to play a little high, and when he does, he gets in a lot of trouble and can be pushed off balance. He will have to work on his bend and adding more upper body strength in college.

Hoeh’s player grade: C

QB Clay Millen (Snoquaimie, WA) commits to Arizona
Clay Millen (6-3, 185) is the son of former NFL quarterback Hugh Millen. I definitely remember hearing Hugh Millen’s name and seeing him on numerous NFL rosters, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen Hugh Millen take a snap. I watched some of Clay Millen’s film, and hopefully, I will watch him take snaps in the future. He has a live arm; the ball just jumps off his hands, and he can fire it.

Millen threw for over 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns in his first year as a starter in high school. He is more athletic than you would think, and it shows when he has to improvise a little. Millen does the technical things you would expect from a quarterback who likely learned from his father.

Arizona coach Kevin Sumlin has been looking for the next Johnny Manziel since he recruited the last one. I won’t put that kind of pressure on Clay Millen, but I see the similarities in skill set. He’s going to get a rankings bump in the pre-Fall rankings.

Millen’s player grade: B

June 19

S Kamar Wilcoxson (Stone Mountain, GA) commits to Florida
Wilcoxson (6-2, 185) played in the secondary at Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain, Georgia before transferring to IMG Academy at the beginning of the year. He previously committed to Tennessee on April 27.

From an earlier evaluation: Wilcoxson brings a lot of versatility to the back end. He has shown the ability to play cornerback and safety, and he’ll likely do both in college. Wilcoxson is a very good athlete who has excellent speed and length. He also has a good skill set for a cornerback and plus-level ball skills.

Wilcoxson is a competitor who plays with a chip on his shoulder. On one play, he can be a corner who will match up with bigger receivers, and on the next, he will be playing deep safety and patrolling the middle. He is the 16th-ranked safety in the class.

Wilcoxson’s player grade: B+

OT Jacoby Jackson (Arlington, TX) commits to TCU
Jackson (6-6, 325) is a big, mauling offensive line prospect who provides TCU with a legacy commitment, joining his father, former Horned Frogs running back Cedric Jackson. As a run blocker, Jackson looks like a good one. He has some serious short-area strength and big, strong hands that can push around defenders when he gets engaged. Jackson is strong at the point of contact and good with finishing his blocks. He struggles quite a bit in pass protection. Jackson doesn’t have the footwork to handle speed rushers and plays a little bit high. He needs to learn how to play with leverage and show that he has the athleticism to play on the edge.

Jackson’s player grade: B-

CB Jaylin Davies (Santa Ana, CA) commits to Oregon
Davies (6-1, 171) is the 12th-ranked cornerback in the nation and gives Oregon another high-end blue-chipper from California to add to the roster. He has gret size and length for the position, and he can play on the outside even though his downfield speed is still a question mark. Davis is good is 50-50 ball situations and can outjump wide receivers to make a play on the ball. Despite being a little small on the frame right now, Davies has good tackling skills and is more than willing to play on the boundary and be a part of the run defense. He will need to get stronger to continue to battle with receivers on the outside. Davies is a tough competitor with an excellent skill set.

Davies’ player grade: B+

S Omar Burroughs Jr. (Savannah, GA) commits to Kansas
Burroughs (5-9, 155) transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida from Savannah (GA) Christian School in January of 2019. He proved to be quite the ball hawk when he joined IMG and had four interceptions in a single game as a junior. Size and speed – reportedly 4.75 in the 40-yard dash – are obvious question marks for Burroughs. He’s not likely big enough to play on the outside. But Burroughs could be effective as a slot corner and very effective playing in zone, where his ability to read the play and anticipate the pass would be well served.

Burroughs’ player grade: C+

June 18

ATH Keli Lawson (Stephens City, VA) commits to Virginia Tech
I think it’s safe to say that a big athlete like Lawson (6-4, 200) could’ve benefitted greatly from a normal offseason and summer camp schedule. As it stood, his recruitment basically came down to Virginia Tech and Virginia since both schools probably got to see him.

Lawson is a big athlete with a track background who has length and some downhill speed, but it is hard to say what he projects as. He plays linebacker and seems capable there, although he might be a little too stiff to be used in space at the next level. I think he’ll end up as a defensive end or a tight end. Lawson is a prospect who has some potential and looks good off the hoof. He is worth taking a flyer on.

Lawson’s player grade: B-

S Dakota Mitchell (Winter Park, FL) commits to Florida
Mitchell (6-0, 185) committed to LSU on March 19 and backed away from that commitment on June 12. He then committed to Florida a week later.

From an earlier evaluation: “Mitchell does a good job of dropping into coverage and then making a play on the football or the ball-carrier. He also plays wide receiver in high school, which helps his ball skills. Mitchell can run, and without a reliable time on record, he looks like he can run around a 4.6 or better. He is a physical player on defense and plays a big, physical game. He is quick and shifty on offense, lending to the idea he could play on either side of the ball.

Mitchell’s player grade: B

JUCO DE Shemar Pearl (Plano, TX) commits to Missouri
Pearl (6-5, 235) has played at Garden City Community College in Kansas. He had 22 tackles, seven tackles for loss and two sacks playing in a reserve role as a freshman. This is Pearl’s second commitment to Missouri. He was going to be part of the Tigers’ 2019 recruiting class before grades forced him to take the junior college route. Baylor and Texas Tech were also in play.

It’s uncertain if Pearl will play for Garden City this season because he may be January enrollment. If that’s the case, Pearl should have three years of eligibility plus a redshirt season.

Pearl’s player grade: B

OL Michael Gonzalez (Monroe, NC) commits to Louisville
Gonzalez (6-4, 287) is the third offensive lineman to pledge to the Cardinals and their 15th commitment for their 2021 recruiting class. He’s a high school tackle who will kick inside to guard. It’s a good natural fit for Gonzalez because I think he can step in early and be a capable run blocker.

Run blocking is where Gonzalez shines. He is strong on the initial punch and gets nasty mixing it up in the trenches. Pass blocking is a work in progress for him. Gonzalez tends to get his feet mixed up, and he doesn’t appear to be very athletic out on the edge when it comes to handling speed rushers.

Gonzalez’s player grade: C+

S T.J. Quinn (Valdosta, GA) commits to Louisville
Louisville goes back-to-back, as Quinn (6-1, 195) pledgeed to the Cardinals for their second commitment of the day and 16th overall. His father, Terry Quinn, also played for the Cardinals in the early ’90s. T.J. Quinn is a good-looking player to add to the secondary. He is projected as a free safety, but I could see him playing either safety position.

Quinn is very good against the run. He can come up close to the line of scrimmage and be a very physical presence on the defense. He is athletic enough to drop in coverage, but he doesn’t have the top-end speed to run with backs out of the backfield. Quinn is going to be more productive as a deep safety monitoring center field. He comes from a strong program at Lowndes High School and is the definition of South Georgia tough.

Quinn’s player grade: B

ATH Devrin Weathers (Webb City, MO) commits to Kansas State
Weathers (6-1, 190) is a big athlete who could project at a few positions on the field. He is a running back in high school and a productive one at that, rushing for well over 1,000 yards as a junior.

Weathers has pretty good burst and shows good speed going down the field. I think he’s going to stay at running back or end up at wide receiver, for what it’s worth. Safety is also a possibility depending on Kansas State’s depth there, but there isn’t much on Weathers’ film for me to speak on what kind of a defensive player he could be. Weathers has very good size and an ideal frame for running back and should be able to see the field at that position.

Weathers’ player grade: C+

June 17

ATH Garner Wallace (Pickerington, OH) commits to Northwestern
Wallace (6-5, 185) is listed as a safety, but I’m curious about where he’ll really end up. He is a basketball player and has basketball quality length and a big frame. He could certainly end up at safety or outside linebacker. Wallace could also play on offense as an outside wide receiver or, defending on how he fills out, play tight end. He is a three-sport athlete and seems like one of those players who does many things well and could be quite a surprise on the field once he narrows his focus to a single sport. Wallace, however, has some developing to do.

Wallace’s player grade: C+

DE Nathan Rawlins-Kibonge (Portland, OR) commits to Oklahoma
It’s rare for a player to make such an impression in his first year of organized high school football, but Rawlins-Kibonge (6-7, 240) has talent and athleticism that just jump off the film. It’s easy to see why so many programs have been after him on the recruiting trail.

Rawlins-Kibonge has a significant basketball background and could very easily be a major prospect in that sport. In his first year playing on the defensive line, Rawlins-Kibonge looked like the next big thing with 28 tackles for loss. Rawlins-Kibonge has explosive speed and quickness for days. He’s extremely raw and will have to learn more fundamentals and technique, but those can be taught. The upper-level athleticism, quick-twitch movements, size and natural energy are things that can’t be taught. Rawling-Kibonge has a ways to go, but the potential is off the charts with him and he’ll likely be in the top-25 defensive end rankings for the pre-fall evaluation.

Rawlins-Kibonge’s player grade: B+

OT Jordan Davis (Fairburn, GA) commits to South Carolina
South Carolina has to get new prospects in the offensive line room. Davis (6-5, 285) is the first offensive lineman to commit to the Gamecocks during this recruiting cycle. He projects out to be a right tackle or possibly a guard at the next level.

Davis is a bit of a downhill blocker, which projects out well for run blocking. He has to get better at the point of attack and work on his flexibility. Davis will have to learn how to bend properly and use leverage to assist his blocking. His upper-body strength will also need to improve. Davis is a bit of a project with good size and good hands. It might take a little while for him to develop into an every-down lineman.

Davis’ player grade: C

LB Gavin Barthiel (Lakeland, FL) commits to Georgia Tech
Barthiel (6-2, 200) is a player who has come along nicely in the past year, showing improvement from his sophomore to his junior year in several areas and developing the skill set and size to become a Power Five prospect. He could play either inside or outside linebacker. Inside is probably a better long-term fit for him.

Barthiel is a good tackler, as he tackles to form and can be physical, although he doesn’t try to force the big hit. He can play in space and drop back in coverage a little, giving him the ability to monitor the middle of the field.

Barthiel’s player grade: C+

QB Tahj Bullock (Jersey City, NJ) commits to Virginia Tech
Bullock (6-4, 220) fits the mold of several quarterbacks we’ve seen come through the Virginia Tech program in the past 15-20 years. He has tremendous physical talent with a big arm. Bullock can also extend plays and make plays with his feet.

Bullock has been very productive at the high school level thus far, but his passing needs to continue to develop. The ball leaves his hand a little late, and that affects his accuracy. Bullock can make the throws down the field, but the throws that require touch and accuracy are the ones he’ll need to improve to be successful at the college level. Virginia Tech has often had success with quarterbacks who have shaky accuracy, so I think he’ll definitely have a chance to showcase his skills for the Hokies.

Bullock’s player grade: B-

LB Dylan Rosiek (Tarpon Springs, FL) commits to Illinois
Illinois continues to recruit aggressively in Florida, especially the Tampa/St. Petersburg area, which is where the program found Rosiek (6-1, 205) after a standout junior season. Rosiek did it all for East Lake High when it came to making plays on defense. He had over 110 tackles last season and showed the ability to attack the football and force turnovers – six forced fumbles. Rosiek is going to play in the middle, where he can move downhill and get after the ball-carrier. He is good in pursuit, but he’ll need to work on changing directions and getting more active sideline to sideline.

Rosiek’s player grade: C

June 16

WR Christian Leary (Orlando, FL) commits to Alabama
It must be disheartening to Dan Mullen, Manny Diaz and Mike Norvell to watch four of the top-rated wide receivers in Florida heading to out-of-state programs. Leary (5-9, 190) is one of the fastest wide receivers in the nation and projects to be extremely dangerous in the slot for college ball.

Leary is electric with the ball in his hands. He can play the outside and get downfield, is extremely productive as a catch-and-run receiver, and can also make plays on the perimeter with jet sweeps or in special teams as a returner. Really wherever Leary fits in on the field, he’s going to be productive. He’ll have to improve some of the technical aspects of the game, especially with his route running. In terms of playmaking ability, Leary is one of the best in the class and a guarantee to make the top-25 wide receiver rankings on pre-fall update.

Leary’s player grade: A-

OT Devon Manuel (Arnaudville, LA) commits to Arkansas
Manuel (6-8, 300) is a huge offensive tackle prospect. He is a mauler at the high school level against competition that is usually overmatched.

Manuel is stronger than I expected and has a good leg drive. As a pass protector, Manuel is so long with a huge wingspan that any defender trying to get around him is going to have a tough time. He just takes up a lot of space. It is not a surprise that Manuel is also a basketball kid, and he moves pretty well even though he has a tendency to shuffle his feet. The upside with Manuel is tremendous, and Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman knows how to develop offensive linemen. I wouldn’t be surprised if Manuel develops into something special.

Manuel’s player grade: B-

CB Derrick Edwards (Miami, FL) commits to Louisville
Edwards (5-11, 184) is a talented two-way player who can play any position in the secondary or possibly play on offense as a wide receiver. On one of the most talented teams in the region, Edwards still manages to stand out because he makes a difference on the field.

Edwards is a ball hawk who has plus-level ability at tracking the ball and is aggressive at jumping on a poor throw from a quarterback. Edwards has the ability to be a game breaker, and if he ends up in the secondary, I believe he’ll be the Cardinals’ best cornerback in a short period of time.

Edwards’ player grade: B+

TE/OT Austin Weiner (Gardner, KS) commits to Kansas State
Weiner (6-7, 245) is still pretty young in his football development, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him grow into an offensive lineman. Right now, he’s a tight end who can move pretty well and shows some nice athletic traits. Weiner moved from Georgia, where he played a couple of games for Milton High School in Alpharetta.

It’s hard to project what Weiner will be based on his lack of football time, but he’s an athlete with a basketball background, and for Kansas State, he was worth taking a flyer on.

Weiner’s player grade: C-

DE Brayden Wood (Boulder, CO) commits to Kansas State
Wood (6-2, 265) is a husky defensive lineman who could either play on the end in three-man fronts or slide to the middle in a four-man front. He plays with good explosive speed and has the ability to make flash plays in the backfield. Wood is strong enough to fight off blocks and double teams to get in on plays as well. He is all effort on the field and many of his film clips show him running down the field or across the field to try to get to the play. Wood is one of those guys who just makes plays.

Wood’s player grade: C+

June 15

CB Ishmael Ibraheem (Dallas, TX) commits to Texas
Ibraheem, the No. 21-ranked cornerback in the nation, is one of two in-state targets who made a verbal commitment to Texas. He’s trending up as a prospect. Ibraheem (6-1, 177) has the length that you love to see in cornerbacks. He has long arms, long legs and should fill up to be an impressive looking player off the hoof.

Ibraheem can run and has the speed to keep up with the wide receivers he will face in the Big XII. He is big enough to be physical on the outside, but he’ll have to show those traits more. Ibraheem is strong in coverage, especially when teams try to go deep on him. He can track the ball well, and his anticipation skills are above average. Ibraheem tackles a little high, which is a bit of a problem. He has some work to do to be considered an elite type of defensive back, but he has some great tools to develop.

Ibraheem’s player grade: B+

S J.D. Coffey (Kennedale, TX) commits to Texas
Coffey, the No. 7-ranked safety in the nation, is the second commitment to Texas in the day and helps bolster their secondary class. Coffey (6-0, 185) is a combo safety and will likely provide many snaps at both safety poisons before it’s all said and done. He has almost 200 tackles and 15 interceptions in his first three years of high school. Coffey has better ball skills than most safeties in this class and really excels at playing as the deep center and controlling the deep middle of the field. He is a physical tackler and will be better suited against run defense as he continues to put on weight. Coffey has a high ceiling and will bring a lot of options to secondary with the ability to play both safety positions and the likelihood of growing into a hybrid safety/linebacker role.

Coffey’s player grade: A-

TE Hudson Wolfe (Savannah, TN) commits to Tennessee
Wolfe (6-6, 242) is the second tight end prospect that has committed to Tennessee in the 2021 recruiting class and it’s likely the Volunteers are done at the position. Wolfe is a big-body athlete that projects out to be an excellent blocker and inline tight end. He has plenty of room on his body to grow and provides a big target in the pass receiving game. Wolfe is much more comfortable when he’s blocking and trying to push a bunch of defenders off the ball. He can catch passes and does it very well. I don’t think Wolfe will be counted on as a high-volume receiver, but he’s capable of it. Wolfe is a physical tight end that will be a great asset as an inline tight end.

Wolfe’s player grade: B-

TE Landen King (Humble, TX) commits to Auburn
King (6-5, 208) committed to Texas in late April and backed away from that commitment on May 22. From a previous evaluation: King is one of the most talented pass-catching tight ends in the 2021 recruiting class. He hasn’t shown much as a blocker so far and even though he has the frame to put on considerable size. King can be used all over the field as an offensive weapon. He can line up outside, in the slow and in the backfield as an H-Back. There aren’t too many linebackers that will be able to run with him. King should be VERY effective in Gus Malzahn’s offense and gets a slight grade bump up.

Bryant’s player grade: B-

P Wilson Berry (Melbourne, Australia) commits to Kentucky
Kentucky, like many programs around the nation, tapped the ProKick Australia program for Berry, who will come into eventually replace Max Duffy, a 2019 Ray Guy Award winner and also an alumnus of the ProKick Australia program. Berry is 22 and will have four full years of eligibility. He comes from an Aussie Rules football background. Berry has tons of American ties. His father works at IMG Academy in Florida and his brother also lives in the United States.

Berry’s player grade: B

ATH Jayden Johnson (Cedartown, GA) commits to South Carolina
Johnson (6-2, 202) is a big athlete with some decent upside. He is likely find his best long-term prospects on defense be it as a safety or a linebacker. If Johnson can stay at safety, which is certainly possible, he has excellent size and length for the position and if he grows into being a linebacker, he’s an ideal fit to play in the box. He is playing some quarterback in high school and while it’s clear he’s more of an athlete in the backfield, it’ll be interesting to see how his skills can translate on defense. As a developmental prospect, Johnson is intriguing and he should make big strides learning under Will Muschamp and Travaris Johnson.

Johnson’s player grade: B

S Dalton Johnson (Katy, TX) commits to Arizona
Arizona has picked up the pace in June, with Johnson (5-10, 180) as the program’s fourth commitment of the month. Johnson is most comfortable as a downhill player. The early clips on his film are him aggressively coming up to the line of scrimmage to make stops against the run game.

Johnson isn’t big, but he plays like a big player. He can tackle very well and doesn’t go too high. Johnson is good in pursuit and knows how to stretch plays out to the edge. For coverage, I don’t see the ball skills, but he’s good at reading and reacting to the throws. Johnson tries to separate a receiver from the ball more than he tries for interceptions.

Johnson’s player grade: C

OL Jackson Anderson (Mineola, TX) commits to Colorado
Anderson (6-4, 290) is a two-way lineman who appears better suited to play a guard position in college, although he could also find his way on the field as a defensive tackle. On the offensive side, Anderson plays tackle in high school, but he’s going to kick inside to guard in college. He is a natural run blocker, a road grader who is good off the snap and aggressive at the point of contact. Anderson has good bend and can move defenders off the ball. He is a tough finisher with a nasty streak. Nothing about Anderson is flashy, but he is going to be a solid program player and provide good snaps on the interior offensive line.

Anderson’s player grade: C+

DE Kevon Garcia (Houston, TX) commits to Arizona
Garcia (6-2, 215) is an undersized pass rusher who Arizona will probably try to convert into more of an outside linebacker and a stand-up pass rusher. He has a good speed rush to get outside the tackle, but Garcia’s size keeps him from breaking off blocks. Garcia will have to bulk up and add upper body strength in college. The pass-rushing ability is a nice skill to have, but Garcia will have to add much more to his game to be anything more than a situational player.

Garcia’s player grade: C-

LB Isaiah Pipkin (Wake Forest, NC) commits to Arizona State
Pipkin (6-6, 210) has basketball-level length for the linebacker position, and I could easily see him growing his frame and becoming more of a defensive end and putting his hand in the ground. That’s the role he has in high school, but occasionally, Pipkin will drop back and cover the passing game in short spaces.

Pipkin is extremely raw and will need to find his spot on the feel to be developed. But under the tutelage of Herman Edwards and Marvin Lewis, I’m sure they will find a way for this long, athletic defender to get on the field.

Pipkin’s player grade: C

June 14

WR Patrick Bryant (Jacksonville, FL) commits to Illinois
Illinois has created several little pockets of pipelines around Florida, which is starting to pay off with better prospects committing and a better product on the field. Bryant (6-2, 185) is a player who has worked hard and added 20 pounds over the past 12 months to look the part of a future outside wide receiver.

Bryant can run very well and stretch the field vertically. He knows how to use his body to shield off defenders and make catches in traffic. Bryant shows great awareness in the red zone and knows how to expand his catch radius to help out his quarterback. He is continuing to show improvements in his route running and ability to set up defensive backs.

Bryant’s player grade: B

ATH Cole Batson (San Clemente, CA) commits to Arizona
If Batson (6-3, 188) continues to grow and put on weight like he has in the past year, he’ll likely have a greater chance of projecting as an outside linebacker than a safety. I actually believe that outside linebacker will eventually be Batson’s primary spot because he can run pretty well, somewhere in the 4.6-4.7 range, has exceptional length and has the ability to tackle in space. Initially he’ll be more of a coverage outside linebacker-hybrid player than one who could double as a stand-up rush end, but with proper snaps and development, I could see Batson contributing as a pass rusher as well.

Batson’s player grade: C+

June 13

WR Isaiah Newcombe (Queen Creek, AZ) commits to UCLA
Newcombe (6-1, 181) comes from pretty good stock. His father, Bobby Newcombe, was a quarterback for Nebraska at the end of the 20th century, where he backed up Scott Frost and eventually made a move to wide receiver. Isaiah Newcombe will be making his move to wide receiver much earlier.

Newcombe is pretty good in space for a bigger receiver and understands a lot of the technical aspects of route running. He is fast enough to stretch the field vertically and beat single coverage down the field. He can also work as a possession receiver and use his size to move the chains forward. I think Newcombe is a little underrated and a better recruit than his website rankings suggest.

Newcombe’s player grade: B-

OT Tyler Needham (Philadelphia, PA) commits to Rutgers
Needham (6-4, 270) gives Rutgers another versatile body for the offensive line, an area where head coach Greg Schiano has to significantly upgrade the talent to compete. Needham can grade out at any of the positions on the interior or right tackle, which might be his best fit as he fills out his frame.

Needham shows a lot of promising skills for future success up front. He is aggressive, but he’s also a smart player who understands how to win battles with leverage. Needham is good off the snap and at the point of contact. He shows the technique to be equally adept at run blocking or pass blocking. He is a decent athlete as well. Needham will need to continue to get stronger and continue to be consistent with his base and balance. He will fill a hole on the line somewhere for Rutgers.

Needham’s player grade: C+

WR Romello Brinson (Miami, FL) commits to Miami
Give some credit to Miami head coach Manny Diaz. Despite coming off of a 6-7 season, he has decided to try to recruit with the heavyweights and is having some real success. Brinson, the No. 24-ranked wide receiver in the nation, is a great combination of size and speed. Coming from the storied Miami Northwestern program, he’s a very competitive prospect who goes head to head against some of the best competition in the state.

Brinson (6-2, 178) is still very much growing into his frame and should round as an impressive-looking big receiver when it’s all said and done. He is tough and shows that toughness by his willingness to make catches in traffic and over the middle with a safety bearing down on him. Brinson is still pretty raw in some areas, but overall, he’s a quality prospect and a great local win for the Hurricanes.

Brinson’s player grade: B+

CB Dyson McCutcheon (La Puente, CA) commits to Washington
McCutcheon (5-10, 176) is a terrific athlete who comes from a real football family and is willing to do anything on the field to help his team win. He plays some running back, wide receiver and defensive back in high school, but he’ll likely shift to defense full time in college.

McCutcheon is starting to develop his skills at the right time. He is showing the speed and fluid movement to become a man-coverage cornerback. McCutcheon has plus-level ball skills and plays with a serious chip on his shoulder. He still has to improve his physical play and show he can run with a speed wide receiver on long routes. Still, I like where McCutcheon is trending.

McCutcheon’s player grade: B-

OT Austyn Kauhi (Honolulu, HI) commits to Syracuse
Kauhi (6-5, 265) has decided to go far, far away from home and head to the East coast from Hawaii to play for Syracuse, which was his only offer from a Power Five program. Kauhi has the look of a tackle with with length and will eventually grow into a 300-pound tackle. He seems to have some natural athleticism and doesn’t seem to have any bad weight. Kauhi will finish blocks and has a little more upper body strength than I expected to see. It might take a couple of years, but Kauhi has a chance to see the field regularly.

Kauhi’s player grade: C

June 12

WR Tony Franklin (Mento Park, CA) commits to Oregon
Franklin (6-2, 171) is the first of two legitimate blue-chip prospects to commit on June 12th. The third-rated wide receiver in the nation, Franklin gives Oregon its biggest commitment of the 2021 recruiting cycle and signals that the program is recruiting at a cut above the rest when it comes to the Pac-12.

If the rankings were just based on explosive speed, length and, pure upside, Franklin would probably be the best prospect in the nation. He’s a little underdeveloped, however, compared to many of the top wide receivers in previous classes. Franklin needs to add some more technique to his route running and also add more mass to his frame to match up better with physical cornerbacks. Despite that, Franklin is a big-time player and a threat to take it to the house every time he gets his hands on the ball. He’s a top-end prospect with NFL upside.

Franklin’s player grade: A

OT J.C. Latham (Bradenton, FL) commits to Alabama
Alabama is starting to go on a big run with recruiting and is teetering on having a top-10 class with several months to go. Latham (6-6, 305) is the third-ranked offensive tackle in the nation, and this is a big recruiting win as Latham is from Waukesha, Wisconsin and was thought to be a lean to Ohio State for several months.

I’ve actually had to chance to see Latham up close, and he is a LONG 6-foot-6, possessing a huge wingspan and big hands. He is a good-looking prospect off the hoof with pretty lean mass and an athletic build. Latham has a basketball background, which shows in his quick feet and ability to move laterally.

Latham is playing at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida and will face some of the top competition in the nation. He is technically sound, but he is also a little nasty and shows an eagerness to finish blocks and put defenders on the ground. I feel like Latham is going to be one of the special ones and someone that will be mentioned early in our 2024 NFL Mock Drafts.

Latham’s player grade: A

S Fatuvalu Iosefa (Milliani, HI) commits to California
Fatu Iosefa will join his older brother Muelu at California and will be in the same conference with his other brother Jordan, who is a linebacker at USC. Fatu Iosefa (6-0, 175) has been listed as a cornerback and a safety, but I don’t think he has the foot speed to be anything other than a situational cornerback in the Pac-12.

Iosefa has good size. and if he can put some weight on, I think he can provide some options at both safety positions. He’s probably a little more comfortable on the boundary and playing into the action, but Iosefa is serviceable in space as well. He will give California some options on the back end.

Iosefa’s player grade: C

DE/DT Jahvaree Ritzie (Kernersville, NC) commits to North Carolina
Ritzie (6-4, 271) is another big in-state win for Mack Brown and the Tar Heels. Ritzie is a powerhouse. He is a state champion in the shot put and has incredible strength in his hands. He can move offensive linemen out of the way with hand fighting alone.

Ritzie is a quick-twitch athlete who can move extremely well at 270 pounds and should be just as effective in the 290-pound range. He can play on the inside or the outside, with the ability to play on the outside in three-man fronts and provide a strong inside rush as a three-technique on four-man fronts.

Ritzie is currently ranked the No. 20 defensive end in the nation, but he is likely to get a bump and possibly a position switch to defensive tackle in the pre-fall rankings. He is a tough player who will not be contained one on one. Ritzie possesses major upside.

Ritzie’s player grade: A-

RB A.J. Green (Tulsa, OK) commits to Arkansas
Arkansas is putting together one of the better running back classes in the nation. The Razorbacks already have the commitment of athlete/running back Rocket Sanders and now add Green, a speedster with very good size.

Green is a track guy who has run under 10.40 in the 100-yard dash and under a 21.50 in the 200-yard dash, so the ability to make a big play is always evident. He doesn’t necessarily run with as much power as I’d like to see, but he is tough to tackle.

Green spends a little too much time looking to go wide and find open field instead of running at pad level and using his body and forward lean to make position plays. He’ll develop more natural running back skills in college, and I believe he can become a major threat out of the back field.

Green’s player grade: B

OT Logan Nobles (Jenks, OK) commits to Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State’s recruiting surge continues, as Nobles is part of a group of four commitments in the past two days. Nobles (6-6, 260) is a good-looking player off the hoof with long arms and a good frame that isn’t carrying much bad weight right now.

Despite having the perfect look of a pass protector, Nobles is currently much more of a road grinder who grades out above average with his run blocking. He can be nasty with the run blocking too, playing to the sound of the whistle. As a pass protector, Nobles has to work on his football, balance and pad level. He plays too high, which disturbs his balance. Nobles needs to improve at the point of contact as well.

Nobles’ player grade: C+

ATH Cam Smith (Denton, TX) commits to Oklahoma State
The biggest question with Smith (6-1, 168) is where to play him. I think he can offer more as a wide receiver for the short term. He has plenty of experience at the position and put up monster numbers as a junior in high school with over 75 catches, 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns. He can stretch the field vertically and has plus-level ball skills.

In the longer term, Smith might be an intriguing option in the secondary as a safety who can occasionally match up at cornerback. He has really good length to match up with those long Big XII wide receivers. Smith shows natural instincts and ball-tracking skills for the secondary.

Smith’s player grade: C+

June 11

QB Lucas Coley (San Antonio, TX) commits to Arkansas
Coley (6-0, 200) is a little undersized as a quarterback, but he’s the type of fit who Razorbacks offensive coordinator Kendal Briles likes because he’s a great match for RPO concepts. Coley has the most important trait a quarterback can have in that role – he can throw on the run and do it pretty accurately. Coley likes moving around in the pocket, and he’s always a threat to make a play with his legs.

The ball comes off of Coley’s hand pretty well. His arm strength isn’t on the higher end of the scale though. Coley is more of a short passer and a guy who you want to surround with receivers who can work in space. I could see Coley getting on the field after a couple of years to refine his skills.

Coley’s player grade: C+

RB Anthony Tyus II (Portage, MI) commits to Northwestern
Tyus (6-0, 204) looks like a classic Big Ten running back based on his size and his tougher, power-running style. He isn’t a speedster, but I would hardly call him slow. Tyus is the type of running back who will reward the team that sticks with him and gives him a lot of carries down the stretch of a game.

I expected to see a little more stiffness out of Tyus than I did. He can open up well and moves with more fluidity than you would think. Tyus does have the ability to work in space, and he can catch passes out of the backfield. He gives teams both a power option in the running back and some versatility in a spread.

Tyus’ player grade: B-

QB Xavier Ward (Corona, CA) commits to Washington State
Ward (6-1, 195) is listed as a dual-threat quarterback, but in reality, I see him more in the style of the quarterbacks who Washington State coach Nick Rolovich had when he was at Hawaii – guys who are quick rhythm passers. Ward has a nice arm; he can get the ball off his hands quickly and shoot it down the field. He’s good with passes in the middle of the field.

I think Ward needs some improvements on his velocity, and the lack of sideline throws on his clips might confirm that. He can move a little, but I don’t see a player who is comfortable throwing on the run, and that’s fine in Rolovich’s offense because it’s a quick-passing scheme. I think Ward is a nice fit for Rolovich and the new direction for Washington State.

Ward’s player grade: C+

QB Donavan McCulley (Indianapolis, IN) commits to Indiana
McCuley (6-5, 195) checks in as the 21st-ranked quarterback in the nation. He has a big frame, and it’ll be curious to see where he ends up size wise. I could see him at 220 pounds or more. At that size, if McCulley can maintain his athleticism, we’re looking at a player with legitimate NFL upside.

Not only does McCulley throw well on the run, but he makes tough throws on the run. Sometimes the passes will make you gasp, but they usually yield positive results. He has played behind an average offensive line in high school, so throwing on the run is a way of life. I would like to see what his arm strength will top out at when he can pass from more of a traditional form. This is a major in-state get for Indiana head coach Tom Allen. McCulley has some real star potential.

McCulley’s player grade: B+

DE T.J. Bollers (Tiffin, IA) commits to Wisconsin
When I looked at Bollers (6-3, 245), I saw a player who had some upside at tight end or defensive end. It looks like he’ll settle in on the defensive side of the ball, and I could definitely see him as a player who will put his hand in the ground as a defensive end.

Bollers has a good step off the snap and very good timing when it comes to getting around the corner. He doesn’t have elite length, so I could also see him packing on more weight to give Wisconsin pass-rush options on the interior. Bollers needs to be more consistent with his hands and technique. He is a tough, physical prospect who works hard.

Bollers’ player grade: C+

LB Will Schweitzer (Los Gatos, CA) commits to Nebraska
Schweitzer (6-4, 205) is probably going to have to find a place on the field. He is a natural edge rusher and does it very well. Schweitzer has the quickness to be capable in coverage, but I think he lacks the experience to know how to do it consistently.

Schweitzer looks like a situational pass rusher who will have to be put in different places to make an impact. I’m not sure if he’s a natural outside linebacker. Once Schweitzer fills out, we’ll know more. He might not be big enough to put his hand in the ground. That being said everyone’s looking for pass rushers, which Schweitzer can definitely do.

Schweitzer’s player grade: C+

WR Blaine Green (Allen, TX) commits to Oklahoma State
Making a verbal commitment to Oklahoma State became a family affair when Blaine Green (6-1, 200) joined his twin brother, Bryson, in pledging to the Cowboys. Blaine Green stepped up a top wide receiver at the highly regarded Allen program when he had one 50 catches for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior. He’s going to be a big, physical outside receiver.

Blaine Green plays a physical game and isn’t afraid to overpower smaller defensive backs. He can get to the sticks and get a first down on a third-and-medium. Green’s speed isn’t breakaway, but’s he has some catch-and-run ability. Overall, Green is a big, legitimate outside receiver who will play all three downs.

Green’s player grade: B-

WR Bryson Green (Allen, TX) commits to Oklahoma State
The other half of the Green twins, Bryson Green (6-0, 200), should fill up the final touches of Oklahoma State’s wide receivers’ class. Both of the Green twins have similar games. Blaine Green is a pure outside receiver, but Bryson Green can be a little more versatile and makes catches over the middle in traffic a lot more – at least on film.

Bryson Green is much more physical in his overall game, especially with downfield blocking. He gives tremendous effort on blocking, and it’s easy to tell he takes pride in that part of his game. Bryson Green doesn’t have breakaway speed, but he’s tough after the catch and will fight for extra yardage.

Green’s player grade: B

June 10

QB Joey Labas (Broadview Height, OH) commits to Iowa
Labas (6-4, 192) is an interesting case. He committed to Ball State back in early May and de-committed from the Cardinals shortly after Iowa extended an offer to him. Labas committed to the Hawkeyes a week later.

There isn’t a whole lot of film on Labas. He missed his sophomore year with a broken hand, before returning as a junior and throwing for over 2,300 yards and 20 touchdowns. Labas took advantage of what he could in prospect camps before the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down. He has a nice release and can move around pretty well. His arm strength looks sufficient. Overall another year of high school football at full health will be a good thing for Labas.

Labas’ player grade: C+

ATH Sam Jackson (Naperville, IL) commits to Purdue
Jackson (5-11, 175) committed to Minnesota on April 22 and was recruited to play for the Golden Gophers as a wide receiver. From his earlier evaluation: “Jackson is listed as a quarterback, but it looks like he’ll be a wide receiver at the next level or possible a defensive back. He is one of the more explosive athletes in the Midwest. Jackson can provide a lot as a slot receiver if he takes some time to learn the position. He is a unique player with the ball in his hands, and that’s why he’s generally being recruited as an offensive athlete.”

Jackson’s player grade: C+

CB Demarko Williams (Atlanta, GA) commits to Ole Miss
Looking at Williams’ film, he is one of those players who always manages to be in the right place at the right time. He is a natural cornerback who moves freely and fluidly.

Williams comes out of his stance strong and has no problems with adjusting and changing directions. He has decent ball skills and shows a knack for creating turnovers. Williams is a little small and can have problems with bigger wide receivers, but he shows great comfort in man coverage. His instincts and ability to be around the football are high. Williams had a lot of action in recruiting, and it’s easy to see why. He might match up best against the slot in college, but he is a tough competitor in the defensive backfield.

Williams’ player grade: B-

RB Deshun Murrell (Centreville, AL) commits to UCLA
Murrell (5-11, 185) will go cross-country and leave SEC country to play for UCLA. He had a monster season in high school, rushing for over 2,000 yards and over 30 touchdowns. Murrell claims speed of around 4.3 in the 40-yard dash. I’m not going to confirm that from watching film, but he is a legitimate home-run threat at running back.

When Murrell gets into the open field, he will not be caught from behind. Murrell is a one-cut-and-go sort of running back who doesn’t waste time in the backfield. He runs with more power than you would expect and doesn’t shy away from contact. Murrell is a tough running back who isn’t flashy but has produced flashy numbers. He is the type of player who a rebuilding program like UCLA should be looking for.

Murrell’s player grade: B-

June 9

S/LB Caden Fordham (Jacksonville, FL) commits to N.C. State
Fordham is listed as a safety, but at 6-1, 220 pounds, he’s a big safety and I feel like he’ll eventually find his way to playing middle linebacker. Technically, he’s a linebacker in high school, but they call him a “hybrid”.

Fordham is a decent athlete and provides a lot of versatility for his high school by playing on both sides of the ball and on the return team. If Fordham is going to stick at safety, it’ll be playing in the box and up on the line of scrimmage. He has good straight-line speed, but not the sort of lateral movement or fluidity it takes to work against athletes in space. Fordham is a tough kid and a physical player who will lay in a good hit.

Fordham’s player grade: C+

ATH Jonas Sanker (Charlottesville, VA) commits to Boston College
Sanker (6-2, 195) is a good-looking prospect who has the ability to line up at a few different places on defense. I think Sanker’s best long-term fit is playing at the outside linebacker position.

Sanker has some length and some quick twitch to him, so he can play in space and drop into coverage against backs and tight ends. He also demonstrates some foot quickness and can go sideline to sideline. Sanker has speed fpr pursuit, but not the kind of downfield speed that would allow him to play cornerback.

Sanker’s player grade: C

RB Caleb McDowell (Leesburg, GA) commits to South Carolina
McDowell (5-10, 172) reminds me a little of a former Gamecock Ace Sanders, and McDowell, much like Sanders, played several sports on both side of the ball and special teams in high school before settling in as a wide receiver and punt returner for the Gamecocks.

McDowell is a little taller and probably doesn’t have the breakaway speed that Sanders had, but they have similar competitive minds and will do anything on a football field. I think McDowell can provide good snaps as a running back and especially as a third-down back who can catch out of the backfield, and at slot receiver.

McDowell’s player grade: B

OL Bryson Estes (McDonough, GA) commits to Florida State
Florida State’s offensive line has been awful over the past couple of years, and while Estes (6-3, 290) doesn’t necessarily fill the Seminoles’ biggest holes, those of offensive tackle, he gives the program another solid body who can play center or guard. It’s a little tougher to evaluate Estes without camps because he plays in one of the smaller classifications in Georgia and overpowers much of his competition.

Estes moves extremely well though and is definitely athletic enough to be effective in zone blocking. He also wins battles with leverage and establishes a good base. Estes projects as a multi-year starter at guard or center.

Estes’ player grade: B-

WR Ezavier Staples (Long Beach, CA) commits to UCLA
Staples (6-2, 180) gives the Bruins another big body in the wide receiver room. For as much as Chip Kelly’s offense is known for quick perimeter athletes, he’s had plenty of success with bigger outside wide receivers who work the sidelines.

Staples is pretty young in football, having only played one season of varsity football. He is a very good athlete and shows natural football instincts that should only improve with time. Staples has good straight-line speed and can stretch the field vertically. He needs time and seasoning, but there is some real upside there.

Staples’ player grade: C+

LB Trevin Wallace (Jesup, GA) commits to Boston College
Wallace (6-2, 221) is a projected middle linebacker who chose the Eagles over offers from N.C. State, Illinois and Arkansas. He shows a lot more athleticism than I expected and even plays some wide receiver for his high school.

Wallace shows sudden quickness and the ability to work sideline to sideline. He’s going to end up in the middle and has some film snaps there where he shows good timing and the ability to shoot some gaps and get into the backfield. Wallace is an active and aggressive body on defense.

Wallace’s player grade: C+

June 8

ATH Rahiem Sanders (Rockledge, FL) commits to Arkansas
There were four programs going after Sanders (6-2, 210), but the versatile athlete, nicknamed “Rocket”, wanted to go where he could play running back and get the football, so he chose Arkansas over Florida State, South Carolina and Missouri.

Sanders is a tough prospect to pin down to one position. He’s built like a running back, with a thick lower body, but he shows a lot upside as a wide receiver or as linebacker on defense. But he doesn’t want to be an “offensive athlete”, he wants to be a running back and Arkansas will play the power style of football Sanders wants.

Sanders is good at several things, not great at any one thing, so his development as a running back will take some time. He needs to learn how to stay at pad level and use his size to battle for extra yards and create forward lean. There’s plenty of potential for Sanders at running back once he’s able to focus on that position.

Sanders’ player grade: B

RB Trevion Cooley (Knightdale, NC) commits to Louisville
Louisville has had some very good running backs in recent years, from Bilal Powell to Michael Bush to Eric Shelton. Cooley (5-11, 205) looks like a potential star and a player with legitimate NFL upside who should be able to crack the Top-25 rankings at his position in the pre-fall update.

Cooley has ideal size for running back and real speed, clocked at 4.45-4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Get Cooley in the open field and it is game over. He has a dynamic combination of speed and power. Cooley shows the ability to run in traffic and find openings in tight places. He is a high-volume, legitimate No. 1 running back for any offense. If Cooley improves a little as a pass catcher, he would be the total package.

Cooley’s player grade: B+

OT Tomas Rimac (Brunswick, OH) commits to West Virginia
Rimac (6-6, 275) is a tackle prospect who is still very much growing into his frame. He’s put on about 35-40 pounds over the past couple of years and is hoping to play his senior season at around the 290-pound mark. He played a lot of defensive end when he was younger before making more of a focused move to the offensive line.

Rimac has some good upper-body strength and participates in field competitions like the discus throw. At this stage, Rimac is more of a run blocker than a pass protector, but he has the longer arms and the body style to eventually work out at tackle. He needs more snaps and development to reach his potential, but the tools are there.

Rimac’s player grade: C+

JUCO LB Navonteque Strong (Forest, MS) commits to Mississippi State
Strong (6-1, 230) represents Mississippi State’s second foray into the in-state junior-college system, where the Bulldogs get several prospects from on a yearly basis. Strong was a tackling machine for Mississippi Gulf Coast College in Perkingston, Mississippi with over 100 yards and 17 tackles for loss with eight sacks. He is widely considered among the top-15 junior college prospects nationally.

Strong’s player grade: B

DE Viliami Pouha (South Jordan, UT) commits to Utah
The Pouha name means a lot in Utah’s football program. Vili Pouha (6-2, 235) will walk in the footsteps of his father, Sione Pouha, who played for the Utes and played seven seasons in the NFL as a nose guard for the New York Jets. The younger Pouha has a much different build at this stage and is going to project as more of an end than an interior guy.

Pouha is good off the snap and has both a nice outside charge and an better-than-average inside rush. He is full of surprises and likes to set offensive linemen up to guess where he’s coming from. Pouha plays with gap integrity and understands the importance of setting the edge. He has more upside than the rankings suggest.

Pouha’s player grade: B-

June 7

CB Omarion Cooper (Lehigh Acres, FL) commits to Florida State
Cooper (6-0, 165) has good length for a quarterback and continues to get bigger and grow more into his frame. He is a good man cornerback who enjoys being in one-on-one coverage situations. I’m not certain about Cooper’s top-end speed, but I like his flexibility and the way he can change directions and his transitional movement. Cooper can go up and grab the football and shows some upside as a playmaker. He has played against some very good competition and accounts for himself well. Florida State’s defensive backs class lacks playmakers up to this point, and Cooper fills in some of that hole.

Cooper’s player grade: B

DT Evan Branch-Hayes (San Francisco, CA) commits to Arizona
Branch-Hayes (6-2, 270) has been lightly recruited and quickly jumped on Arizona’s offer, which was his only offer from an FBS program. He has a pretty wide body, and I think Arizona is going to take a serious look at Branch-Hayes as a nose guard and a player who can play at 300-plus pounds. Branch-Hayes is a decent fit as a situational nose guard and run stopper, depending on how he holds weight. He doesn’t have much upside as a interior pass rusher.

Branch-Hayes’s player grade: D+

ATH Makale Smith (Oklahoma City, OK) commits to Oklahoma State
Smith (6-0, 165) is a good athlete. He plays football and basketball in high school and goes both ways on the football field. He could play wide receiver or in the secondary in college, with the general consensus believing that he’ll end up at cornerback.

Smith has some skills at wide receiver that should be able to cross over to the defensive side of the ball. He has good ball skills and tracks the ball well down the field. His speed shows up on offense, where he can stretch the field vertically. It’s hard to tell what kind of lateral movement Smith has, but with his basketball skills, we can assume he can move laterally and change direction well.

Smith’s player grade: C+

LB Donovan Ezeiruaku (Williamstown, NJ) commits to Boston College
Ezeiruaku (6-2, 205) plays for one of the better teams in New Jersey and proved to be a jack-of-all-trades for his high school, playing some wide receiver, some tight end and finding roles on defense at linebacker and on the edge. He is a long 6-foot-2, so there’s potential for him to find a role as a stand-up rush end. But he probably can’t play that role every down. Ezeiruaku will have to develop skills to be a consistent outside linebacker. His coverage ability hasn’t really been tested, and he’s not strong enough to handle offensive linemen once they get their hands on him. Ezeiruaku is going to need a redshirt year for sure, and from there, we’ll see how he develops.

Ezeiruaku’s player grade: C

June 6

LB Seth Malcom (Tabor, IA) commits to Nebraska
Malcom plays 8-man football in high school, making it a little more difficult to project those skills to the 11-man game. The 8-man variety is played with a lot of space, so Malcom (6-3, 190) should be comfortable dropping back and seeing the whole field. He was a man among boys athletically, however, so he will have to show that he can produce against a much higher level of competition.

Malcom has the length and the measurable to play on the outside, but depending on how he grows and how comfortable he is in coverage, Malcom’s future spot could be in the middle and playing up on the line of scrimmage. Malcom has some athletic upside and a skill set that will need to be developed.

Malcom’s player grade: C+

WR Kaden Prather (Germantown, MD) commits to West Virginia
I like what West Virginia is doing with its recruiting at offensive skill. The Mountaineers coaching staff has tried to get away from the style of West Virginia players we became used to seeing over the past 15 years. Head coach Neal Brown wants more size and physical players.

Prather (6-3, 206) is a true future No. 1 wide receiver who has a big body and a wide catch radius. He is very strong and knows how to use his size to bully his way down the field. Prather is dangerous when he’s matched up against a smaller cornerback. He will compete for the 50-50 balls and isn’t afraid to catch the ball in traffic. Prather is explosive off the snap and has legitimate 4.6-second speed that allows him to stretch the field and get separation on long vertical routes.

Prather’s player grade: B+

WR Jaden Bray (Norman, OK) commits to Oklahoma State
Bray (6-3, 200) will be leaving Sooner country to play college football in Stillwater after committing to the Cowboys over offers from Baylor and Arkansas. He has been a big-play machine in high school, hauling in 11 touchdowns and averaged over 23 yards per catch.

Right away, Bray’s size and length show up on film. He plays a big wide receiver’s game and creates mismatches. Bray is tough on contested passes. He will elevate to get the 50-50-balls and is willing to catch the ball in traffic. Bray is good in short areas, especially the red zone. He can work the sidelines well and adjusts well to the back-shoulder throw. Bray’s speed probably isn’t top notch, but he’s fast enough to get attention.

Bray’s player grade: B-

CB Ryan Barnes (Gaithersburg, MD) commits to Notre Dame
Barnes (6-2, 185) is a big cornerback who will give Notre Dame some real options against bigger receivers. He can play the boundary and assist with run defense as well. Barnes is physical in every aspect of the game. He wants to jam receivers off the line and take them off their routes. Barnes is going to have to work on his ball skills more. He has good anticipation and identifies the passing lanes but could be more aggressive when it comes to playing the ball and generating turnovers. Barnes’ top-end speed might be an issue at the next level. He is going to be better in zone than being on an island. Barnes has a lot of upside as he continues to grow as a football player.

Barnes’ player grade: B

ATH Khalil Anderson (Atlanta, GA) commits to Pittsburgh
Anderson (5-11, 178) becomes the 16th commitment for Pittsburgh during the 2021 recruiting cycle, choosing the Panthers over offers from Kansas State and Michigan State. Anderson is a ball hawk and got on the radar after a strong junior season in which he recorded seven interceptions.

Anderson has good length and very good anticipation. He goes after the turnover, and when it works out, he has the ability to make a play with the ball in his hands. Of course, aggression has its downside, so Anderson will occasionally get caught trying to overextend himself to make a play. Still, it’s much easier for a coach to ask a player to dial back some of the aggression than teach a passive player to be aggressive.

Anderson’s player grade: C+

June 5

WR Troy Stellato (Fort Lauderdale, FL) commits to Clemson
Stellato (6-0, 171) is a speedster at the wide receiver position. He has been clocked in the 4.4-4.45-second range in the 40-yard dash and plays against some of the best competition in the nation down in Broward County, Florida. Stellato is likely going to project out to the slot, and he specializes in situations where he can get in space and make plays after the catch.

Stellato can make the tough catches and shows toughness that is bigger than his listed size. While Stellato seems like a good fit for the slot, he will need to be more refined with his route running and be able to shake tighter man coverage. Stellato appears to be a good fit for Clemson’s multi-faceted spread offense, which can line him up all over the field.

Stellato’s player grade: B+

TE Lake McRee (Austin, TX) commits to USC
USC’s efforts recruiting in Texas have paid off a little in this cycle so far, and McRee (6-4, 215) gives the Trojans another recruit from the Lone Star State. He chose USC over Auburn, with Purdue, Penn State, LSU and Washington also making up his final group.

McRee didn’t play in 2019 after tearing his ACL in the fall. What he showed as a sophomore was the ability to be a big wide receiver who could line up on the outside, in the slot and in the backfield as an h-back. McRee was heavily involved in the passing game and carved out a role in the red zone. He is a big target who can work the seams. McRee has a little film playing inline, but nothing that would let me assess his blocking skills, especially after missing a year with an injury. USC will lose three tight ends after this coming season, so McRee will help fill some depth holes on the roster.

McRee’s player grade: B-

QB Kajiya Hollawayne (San Jacinto, CA) commits to UCLA
Chip Kelly has got to get some momentum going at UCLA through the play of his quarterbacks. Hollawayne (6-2, 200) gives the Bruins an exciting in-state prospect with the dual-threat skills that can be developed in Kelly’s offense.

Hollawayne really showed his chops as a passer when he threw for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns as a sophomore. His passing numbers dropped last season, but the junior rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Hollawayne can really move, with his 40-yard-dash time clocking between 4.5 and 4.6. He is a spotty passer with a big arm though. Speed control is a major issue, and that affects his accuracy. Hollawayne takes chances as a passer and a rusher, which explains his higher number of turnovers. The upside is there, but Hollawayne will need to be coached up.

Hollawayne’s player grade: C+

S Stephon Hall (Monaca, PA) commits to Pittsburgh
Hall (6-1, 168) becomes the 15th commitment for the Panthers in the 2021 recruiting cycle. The recruiting battle included ACC foes Boston College and Syracuse.

The length is what you really like from Hall, who plays a lot of deep safety and plays with an aggressive nature despite being a little light on the frame. Many of Hall’s highlights are him charging from the deep safety spot and helping with run defense. Hall is a willing tackler and not afraid to get in the mix. Clips on his pass coverage are limited. He has very good closing speed and speed in pursuit. His ball skills are decent. They are nothing great, but he takes advantage of bad plays. There’s some upside there.

Hall’s player grade: C+

JUCO DT Isaiah Coe (Flossmoor, IL) commits to Oklahoma
Coe (6-3, 305) is one of the top-rated defensive linemen in the junior college ranks and should help fill an immediate need for defensive line depth at Oklahoma. One of the big reasons the Sooners have often found the end of the road in the college football playoff semifinal is their inability to match up on the defensive line with the teams from the SEC, ACC and Big Ten. Coe had a dominant freshman season at Iowa Western College in Council Bluffs, Iowa, collecting 13 tackles for loss and six sacks.

Coe’s player grade: B+

ATH Trenten Howland (Joliet, IL) commits to Indiana
Howland (6-2, 215) is a big, intriguing athlete who looks like he could be a heck of a prospect as an outside linebacker. Indiana, however, has other ideas and will try Howland out at running back.

Howland is a natural big back who is difficult to bring down with one guy and nearly impossible to stop with an arm tackle. He only gets stronger with more carries, as he can weaken a defensive line early to break off bigger gains later in the game. Howland can run at pad level and tries to deliver the blow at the end of a run. If running back doesn’t work out for Howland, I think his skill set could translate to outside linebacker or possibly defensive end.

Howland’s player grade: B-

CB Zxaequan Reeves (Cocoa, FL) commits to Missouri
Reeves (6-2, 180) is another solid prospect to come from the storied Cocoa program, one of the most successful championship programs in Florida. Reeves had some other FBS offers like Pittsburgh and West Virginia, but he wanted to play in the SEC and jumped on the Missouri offer.

Reeves is a good athlete who plays a lot of positions in high school. He can be in the backfield on one play and out wide on the next. Defensively, he’ll play snaps at safety, linebacker and cornerback. I think he has the potential to be an effective big cornerback who can physically match up with the bigger receivers in the conference. He will challenge any pass that comes in his direction.

Reeves’ player grade: B

OL Eli Richey (Greensboro, AL) commits to Georgia Tech
Just a couple of days after West Virginia extended an offer to Richey (6-4, 290), the hulking interior lineman decided to stick with his favorite and commit to Georgia Tech. Richey plays tackle in high school, but he’ll move to the inside in college. He is more of a guard playing tackle in high school with his style of drive blocking and overall comfort in the run-blocking game.

Rickey is a decent athlete; he can move laterally and be useful on pulls. He has a nasty streak, especially when it comes to finishing blocks. Like most linemen coming out of high school, Richey will have to continue to get stronger in the upper body.

Richey’s player grade: C+

June 4

CB Nate Evans (Virginia Beach, VA) commits to N.C. State
Evans (6-1, 175) is a flip to the Wolfpack from Tennessee after he committed to the Volunteers about eight months ago. Evans will be returning for his senior season of high school football this fall after missing the 2019 season with an injury.

Evans was one of the more highly regarded cornerback prospects after his sophomore season. He grades out high as a coverage player, and the hope is that Evans is fully recovered from his injury and hasn’t lost his speed or ability to move laterally and change directions. Evans has plus-level ball skills as well from playing wide receiver.

Evans’ player grade: B-

June 3

OL Koli Faaiu (Bothell, WA) commits to Utah
Utah’s class is growing slowly, as Faaiu (6-4, 313) is just the fourth commitment for the Utes in the 2021 recruiting class. He’s the first offensive lineman in their class.

Faaiu is a powerhouse, and more than that, he’s a big man who can move and shows both great short-area strength and movement. He plays both tackle and guard in high school and regularly pulls to the other side of the line. He is a bulldozer in run-blocking situations, and when Faaiu gets his hands on a defender, they aren’t going anywhere fast. Faaiu is impressive at the point of attack and delivers a mean initial punch. He wins a lot of battle with sheer power right now, so he’ll have to get technically better. He brings a lot of upside to an already strong offensive line group at Utah.

Faaiu’s player grade: B-

DE Mike Jarvis (Medford, NJ) commits to Wisconsin
Jarvis (6-5, 255) has the length and size that he could contribute early in his college career. I think he’s a perfect fit as a defensive end in an 4-3 defense.

Jarvis has a pretty good first-step and does a good job at trying to gain leverage on the outside blocker to get around the edge. Leverage is important for Jarvis because he’s still gaining strength and can’t just overpower every offensive lineman. Jarvis has been coached well, and he does the things that coaches like to see at this level – he doesn’t take himself out of plays and sticks to his assignments. I would like to see Jarvis make more plays in pursuit, but overall, I think he’s a quality prospect and should provide plenty of snaps on the line for Wisconsin.

Jarvis’ player grade: B-

WR Jacolby George (Fort Lauderdale, FL) commits to Miami
George (5-11, 175) took his game to another level during his junior season, showing the ability to be a big-play guy. He can take a short hitch pass, make a move and go to distance, plus he has improved his route running quite a bit.

George has plus-level ball skills and made some highlight-reel catches in his early career. Although George isn’t necessarily a big receiver, he’s strong and will not back down from bigger defensive backs. As George has physically grown bigger, he has worked his way from a likely slot role in college into a player who can line up on the outside as well.

George’s player grade: B+

WR Michael Jackson (Las Vegas, NV) commits to USC
Jackson (6-0, 198) is built a little like a big running back with thick legs and a strong lower body. He fits in well as a physical wide receiver who can work the middle of the field and sidelines for gains. Jackson has enough speed to gain separation thanks to his track background and strong time (11.44) in the 100-yard dash. Jackson, however, makes more of a dent with running sharp routes and generating open space to get one-on-one victories that way. He also has solid hands and is more than willing to use his physical style of play to get to contested balls. He projects a solid No. 2 wide receiver.

Jackson’s player grade: B

OL Danijel Miletic (Bensheim, Germany) commits to Virginia Tech
Miletic (6-3, 285) is originally from Serbia and is part of the PPI Recruits, which identifies some of the top college football prospects out of Europe. There isn’t much to go on with Miletic when it comes to identifying the competition he is going up against.

Miletic is physically strong and looks college-ready in terms of upper body strength. He will need to improve his leg drive and continue to learn how to play with leverage and establish his blocking base. More than anything, Miletic is going to need some time to get adapted to the college game and the competition he’ll be facing at this level.

Miletic’s player grade: C

S Alan Wright (Atlanta, GA) commits to Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt is looking to add at least three or four defensive backs to the roster through the 2021 recruiting cycle. Wright (6-0, 182) provides some versatility as either boundary cornerback or a safety.

Wright has plus-level ball skills and seems pretty comfortable playing in zone. He can read passing lanes and knows when to jump a route to make plays on the football. Wright could play some deep safety, and he also has the size to play in the box and move up closer on the line of scrimmage. He can also cover the slot in space or get on the field as a nickelback. Wright plays solidly in several areas and will be able to fit in wherever he’s needed in the secondary.

Wright’s player grade: B-

LB Zephaniah Maea (Henderson, NV) commits to Colorado
Maea (6-1, 230) is a classic middle linebacker prospect who comes from one of the better programs in the Las Vegas area. He has some ability to go sideline to sidelines. Maea is a physical tackler, and he could probably improve his form a little bit. His coverage is a question mark, and even though he won’t be asked to cover too much, Maea will have to prove that he can run with receivers who come through the middle of the field. He is attacking player who will shoot the gaps and try to get into the backfield on running plays. Maea has good speed in pursuit and will chase down ball-carriers from behind.

Maea’s player grade: C+

DE Neto Okpala (Loganville, GA) commits to Boston College
Okpala (6-3, 227) might be one of the fastest players on the edge I’ve seen in the the 2021 class. He is extremely raw, so all he’s using is his speed and athleticism right now, but Okpala is a quick-twitch athlete who has the sort of explosive movements that you can’t coach.

It’s going to take a while for Okpala to put on some more weight and add some more fundamentals to his game, but as a pure speed rusher, he provides options as a stand-up rush end. I think Okpala will eventualy grow into a natural defensive end, though outside linebacker is a possibility. His ability in coverage, however, is a major question mark and doesn’t really play into his strengths.

Okpala’s player grade: B-

June 2

ATH Ezra McAllister (Marshall, MI) commits to Vanderbilt
McAllister (6-0, 172) has the ability to work in at a few different positions, but it appears likely he’ll end up as a wide receiver. Vanderbilt is changing offensive schemes from the traditional 21-personnel sets that head coach Derek Mason has used over the years to more three-wide packages.

McAllister can fit in as a slot guy. He is good at finding openings and little gaps in the middle of the defense. His speed is okay, nothing great, but he is pretty adept in space and can get the ball on the perimeter and turn it into positive plays.

McAllister’s player grade: C

WR Micah Crowell (Kernersville, NC) commits to N.C. State
N.C. State was on the lookout for a true No. 1 wide receiver, and Crowell (6-2, 212) absolutely fits that bill. He is a good candidate to crack the top-25 wide receiver rankings before the end of the cycle, but he’s a little behind after missing his junior season with an ACL injury. Crowell is a big receiver, who at 6-foot-2 and almost 215 pounds is college-ready in terms of size and development.

Missing out on his junior season has put Crowell a step behind in technical development, as he was more of a playmaker as a sophomore, catching short passes or bubble screens and trying to turn them into big gains. Crowell is physically intimidating, and he has the ability to just beat up defensive backs and wear them down. He is a little stiff, but I think his top-end speed will improve if he adds more flexibility into his running while he’s recovering. This is a big-time commitment for N.C. State and one of the better recruits the Wolfpack have landed in the Dave Doeren era.

Crowell’s player grade: B+

WR Jaedon Wilson (DeSoto, TX) commits to Arkansas
Wilson (6-3, 170) is a lengthy receiver who is pretty light on his frame and will need to start putting on some pounds to begin filling out before his gets to college. He is the eighth verbal commitment for the Razorbacks in their 2021 recruiting class.

Wilson has a track background and has tremendous athletic upside. He isn’t a refined football player, but he is a playmaker and averaged nearly 20 yards a reception and a touchdown for every fourth reception he had as a junior. He is built to be an outside receiver, but he’s not the typical outside guy because he can work in space. Wilson is far from a finished product, but he’s a player with a lot of potential who could turn out to be something good.

Wilson’s player grade: B-

WR Brenen Hawkins (Godley, TX) commits to Kansas State
Hawkins (6-3, 202) brings college-ready size and a diverse set of skills to the table. He has played football and run track in Texas as a long jumper, triple jumper and hurdler.

Hawkins’ ability to elevate combined with his length and height makes him an exciting option in the red zone. He has been a very productive player in high school, having already collected over 100 receptions and 2,000 yards in high school before his senior season. Hawkins is a big target who’s comfortable playing on the outside. He’s going to compete and win the battles for the 50-50 balls, and he can elevate to grab catches in traffic. Hawkins can stretch the field a little too. He’s a good weapon to have in the vertical passing game.

Hawkins’ player grade: C+

TE Lawson Albright (Greensboro, NC) commits to Northwestern
Albright (6-5, 228) comes through for Northwestern just a day after the program extended an offer. He is the first tight end in the Wildcats’ class and very possibly the only one they will take this cycle.

Albright has some receiving skills and caught 10 touchdowns as a junior. He has long arms and a big frame to add weight to. In the Big Ten, tight ends are asked to do a lot of blocking, and Albright certainly shows a willingness to get in there and get his hands dirty. Once he gets into a college strength program and puts on the right weight, he’ll be a good inline tight end with the ability to catch some passes.

Albright’s player grade: C

DT Zaire Angoy (Irvington, NJ) commits to Rutgers
Angoy (6-4, 308) is a two-way lineman, and I can see him working out at defensive tackle or on the offensive line as a guard depending on what Rutgers will need more when he gets into the program. Angoy gives the Scarlet Knights their 10th in-state prospect in the class.

Angoy has done a good job of shedding pounds, as some of his older film has him at 345-350 pounds. Angoy, whether it’s on offense or defense, is trying get his hands on his opponent. He has a nice first-step off the ball and can get into the backfield from the interior. On the offensive line, he’s a grinder, a tough kid qho doesn’t want to give an inch. Angoy is a good find and a good fit for Rutgers.

Angoy’s player grade: C+

CB Daylan Carnell (Indianapolis, IN) commits to Missouri
Carnell (6-1, 178) is a physically good-looking corner/safety prospect with very good length and some nice physicality to his game. He looks the part; he looks like a defensive back who you would see in the SEC. I’m curious about Carnell’s top-end speed. I think his speed tells me he’ll play more safety in college, but he might be a player who can move to cornerback in red-zone situations where he doesn’t have to cover as much ground.

Carnell is a natural football player. He plays with good effort and wants to be involved in the play. Carnell will play on the boundary for run support. He has some decent instincts, especially when it comes to reading passing lanes and showing eye discipline. I think he’ll provide some good options for Missouri.

Carnell’s player grade: C+

June 1

QB Miller Moss (Mission Hills, CA) commits to USC
There were a ton of questions surrounding Moss (6-2, 200) this offseason, as the COVID-19 pandemic has many states questioning if they will be able to play football this fall. Moss was thought to be considering a reclassification to the 2020 recruiting class, which would just allow him to enroll at the program he wanted to play for and be eligible immediately.

Instead, Moss will be a Trojan, giving USC a top-10 quarterback to add to its very good 2021 recruiting class thus far. USC has two quarterbacks from the 2021 class in the top, with Jake Garcia having been committed to the Trojans for about nine months. Moss’ biggest strength is an amazing release. The ball just comes off his hands so effortlessly. He is a natural and understands the dynamics of throwing the football. Moss’ accuracy is top notch, and he places the ball on the line a foot in front of the receiver almost every time. It’s going to be a hell of quarterback competition at USC in the upcoming years.

Moss’ player grade: A-

OT Tristan Bounds (Wallingford, CT) commits to Michigan
Bounds (6-7, 280) is a lengthy prospect with a big frame that will need some real seasoning to make an impact, but he has things you can’t teach. He’s made some significant strides from his sophomore film to his junior film with his movement and his flexibility. Bounds isn’t a great athlete, but he’s also beginning to improve in that area as well. His feet are still a work in progress, and he would still struggle against real speed rushers. But once he gets his hands on a defender, Bounds knows what to do. Bounds is decent at the point of contact and probably a little better of a run blocker than a pass protector right now. He is definitely a prospect worth keeping an eye on.

Bounds’ player grade: B-

DE Darryl Peterson (Akron, OH) commits to Wisconsin
Peterson (6-3, 233) could grow into more of a traditional defensive end with his hand in the ground or be worked out as a bigger linebacker. He is good with his hands and can provide meaningful snaps in either role. Peterson is a strong player who doesn’t have great length, but he plays with leverage and has a great leg drive to get offensive linemen off balance. Peterson has a good motor, and he’ll chase down the plays from behind in pursuit. He can get to the quarterback and get in the backfield. I think Peterson will find a role with his hand on the ground, but he’ll also be able to transition into a hybrid stand-up rusher when the situation calls for it.

Peterson’s player grade: B

DE Terrance Butler (Baltimore, MD) commits to Maryland
Maryland, under coach Mike Locksley, continues to recruit strongly in the beltway and especially at the power programs in the region. Butler (6-4, 226) is the third player from St. Frances Academy in Baltimore. Butler is a long athlete who is very early into his football development. He is quick-twitch and can run around and move very well, so natural fits for him are at defense end and outside linebacker. Butler’s length, along with his ability to run and play with effort, should serve him well as he continues to learn. When he packs on some more mass and strength, Butler will have the ideal look for an edge rusher.

Butler’s player grade: C+

TE Jackson West (Huntsville, AL) commits to Florida State
Florida State has had issues recruiting offensive linemen over the past five years. The program is extremely short on tackles and running out of options. So, I think Mike Norvell and his staff are trying to get creative with tight ends under the expectation that the Seminoles will run a lot of jumbo packages in the next 2-3 years. West (6-3, 227) is a little undersized, but his blocking looks strong on film, which is a big reason why Florida State is bringing him in. As a receiver, West has some things you like and probably a little versatility when it comes to where he can line up at. It’s a position of need for the Seminoles, and while West isn’t an elite player, he can contribute.

West’s player grade: C+

OT Reuben Fatheree (Richmond, TX) commits to Texas A&M
Fatheree (6-8, 299) falls just outside of the top-20 offensive tackle prospects we have ranked, but he’s close and could get there with a strong senior season. He has a basketball background, which shows in his footwork and the way he can get his feet into position quickly for pass protection. Fatheree is super long and has a big frame that makes it hard for speed rushers to get around him. He needs to get stronger in both the upper body and the lower body. Fatheree needs to improve his leg drive and get more aggressive off the ball and at the point of contract. The athleticism he displays puts him high up on that second tier of offensive line prospects.

Fatheree’s player grade: B

May 31

ATH Kyndrich Breedlove (Nashville, TN) commits to Ole Miss
Breedlove (5-10, 168) is the type of multi-purpose weapon who should do very well in an offense run by Lane Kiffiin. He’s a little small on the frame right now, so his best chance of contributing early will likely be in the return game and at slot receiver. If Breedlove can put an additional 20 pounds on his frame without losing speed, then he could also take some snaps at running back. He’s a dangerous player in space and shows good speed at running back. Breedlove could also work out as a slot cornerback and remain a weapon on special teams. Ole Miss has some depth concerns at cornerback, where Breedlove would provide additional depth.

Breedlove’s player grade: B-

OL J.T. Hand (Mission Viejo, CA) commits to Arizona
Hand (6-1, 285) has worked his way into a prospect, putting on about 20 pounds in the past year and adding some upper body strength to get him on the radar of several programs. After Arizona made an offer to Hand, he committed immediately. Hand has started for the vaunted Mission Viejo program and has battled against a lot of top competition in Southern California. He’s a tough kid who plays with discipline and is a leader on the line. Hand is probably a little underrated to be honest, and I could see him being a 2-3 year starter in the Pac-12.

Hand’s player grade: C+

WR/TE Kamron Beachem (Oceanside, CA) commits to Arizona State
Beachem (6-5, 195) is an excellent athlete who has been a basketball prospect for most of his time in high school, but he’s looking to make the transition to football now. He is projected as a tight end, and he’s really a big wide receiver with a huge frame. Beachem is going to continue to grow in that frame, and he has the hands and size to be effective as a tight end playing a wide receiver role. He’ll have to continue to get bigger and stronger to find his way as a blocker. Beachem is probably not going to be someone you want to use inline too much, but as a flex tight end and an h-back, I see some upside.

Beachem’s player grade: C+

WR Jaylin Noel (Kansas City, MO) commits to Iowa State
Noel (5-10, 168) is a wiry receiver who can do some things in space that get your attention. He can move around and play on the perimeter or run routes and get down the field. Noel is tricky with his movements because he can change direction on notice, and he often beats defensive backs by getting their feet tied up from trying to keep up with his quickness and little jaunts. He is a pretty smart player when it comes to figuring out how to confuse a defensive back. Noel’s speed is okay, but he has to use agility and movement over top-end speed to get down the field. I think he’s more of a perimeter guy – jet sweeps, bubble screens – than an outside guy in college.

Noel’s player grade: C+

DE Mattheus Carroll (Baltimore, MD) commits to Virginia Tech
Carroll (6-3, 225) is a quick-twitch athlete for defensive end. He has a wrestling background, and I’m not surprised because the sudden quickness he has off the ball reminds me a little of a shoot technique in wrestling. Carroll is a natural pass rusher, and he has a couple of moves that work for him. Carroll is going to have to make some improvements with his technique and get better at getting off blockers and not taking himself out of the play. He also has to do a better job of setting the edge and becoming a more consistent tackler.

Carroll’s player grade: C+

DT Dakote Doyle (St. Louis, MO) commits to Baylor
One of the reasons Doyle (6-1, 272) might be a little under-recruited and fell into Baylor’s laps is because he’s a little under the ideal height. But Doyle is a winner. He’s a multi-year starter for a program that has risen from one of the worst in Texas to a state championship contender. Doyle is extremely quick and agile and should be a natural fit at three-technique, where he can utilize his speed as an interior pass rusher and backfield disruptor. I think Doyle’s best football is in front of him. He’s going to learn how to use his tools more functionally and translate his quickness into more explosive speed.

Doyle’s player grade: C+

May 30

OL Dylan Fairchild (Cumming, GA) commits to Georgia
The Bulldogs close the month with a commitment from Fairchild (6-5, 300), the seventh-ranked interior offensive lineman in the nation. Fairchild is two-sport athlete and a state-ranked wrestler in Georgia. My rule of thumb is that the best interior offensive linemen do some wrestling in high school and the best tackles play basketball.

Fairchild plays tackle in high school, but he’s a big powerful guard at the next level. He plays low and has excellent balance and bend for his size. Fairchild is solid in the pass-blocking game and has the potential to be an excellent run blocker. He has decent strength and understands how to use that strength and his hands to win battles. Once Fairchild gets into Georgia’s strength program, I think he’s going to become a finisher and develop a little more of a nasty streak. Fairchild has significant NFL upside and will continue the run of great offensive line prospects committing to the Bulldogs.

Fairchild’s player grade: A-

DT Tyler Onyedim (Richmond, TX) commits to Iowa State
Onyedim (6-3, 275) is a versatile line prospect who committed to Iowa State over Colorado State and Boston College. He is the 13th player committed to the Cyclones. Oynedim can fill a few roles on the line. He has experience playing on the end from high school, and he could probably do that in college on a three-man front. Onyedim’s best fit is probably playing three-technique. He has some natural pass-rushing ability that might be more effective on the inside. Overall, Oynedim looks like a solid pick up for Iowa State – a player who should be able to give the team depth and production on the defensive line.

Onyedim’s player grade: C+

LB Jordan Eubanks (Denton, TX) commits to Florida State
The Seminoles really need to rebuild their linebackers under new coach Mike Norvell. A earlier commitment from Branden Jennings gave Florida State a real game-changer at the position. Eubanks (6-2, 195) doesn’t grade out like that, but I like his football makeup, and he’s been a productive player at one of the top programs in Texas.

Eubanks can play well in space, and he has been used in several off-ball roles in high school, from covering the slot to playing high safety and some traditional outside linebacker. Eubanks plays with a lot of effort and will do whatever he’s asked on the field. His lack of top-end speed and questionable tackling are what keep him from being one of the elite linebackers in this class.

Eubanks’ player grade: B-

CB Darren Barkins (Chula Vista, CA) commits to Oregon
Barkins (6-0, 175) is a cornerback with decent size and good length. He is a good man-coverage player who can turn and run with most wide receivers. Barkins has played a lot of offense in high school and shows very good top-end speed and agility at wide receiver. He has a good frame, but he doesn’t have the size to be as physical with wide receivers as I’d like to see. Barkins can play on the boundary and shows good tackling fundamentals and technique. I’m not sure if cornerback is his end result. Barkins’ cornerback film is good, but I’m more excited watching him play wide receiver.

Barkins’ player grade: C+

DE Austin Booker (Greenwood, IN) commits to Minnesota
One of the reasons it looks like Minnesota will have a top-20-25 class during this cycle is the way the program’s staff has raised the overall floor of the talent. Booker (6-5, 235) is a top-10-15 prospect out of Indiana who will provide pass rush and early depth on the defensive front edge. He has a nice burst off the snap and gets up the field well. Booker is a big body with a good frame, and he should be able to get to 260 pounds easily. Booker will have to work on his eye discipline and technique to get better against the run, but he should be able to contribute early in situations where additional pass rush is needed.

Booker’s player grade: B-

LB Jaraye Williams (Burien, WA) commits to Louisville
This commitment is a bit of a surprise for me, as Williams is one of the top-60-70 players on the west coast, so I thought there would be a battle between the Pac-12 schools. Williams (6-3, 200) shows great potential as a future stand-up edge rusher because he is a dart off the edge with speed, quickness and timing off the snap. Williams is more of a pass rusher than anything else right now, but he’s a quick-twitch athlete who has the ability to improve in coverage and clean up some of his efforts as a tackler. If there is one area Williams needs to improve, it’s in his strength – he has a tough time getting off blocks. Williams is a potential pass rush and sack machine in college.

Williams’ player grade: B+

RB Will Towns (Jackson, NJ) commits to Wake Forest
Towns (5-11, 191) is the first running back to commit to Wake Forest during this cycle, and he looks like he could be a pretty good one. He has very good speed, clocked at around in the 4.55-4.6-second range, and he’s a bigger back with good balance and forward lean. Towns is kind of slippery and can make guys miss in space, plus showing nice vision when he’s running between the tackles. He has the speed to take a run to the outside, but he is just as comfortable breaking down a defensive back in open space. Towns looks like one of the better offensive prospects in Wake Forest’s class.

Towns’ player grade: B-

May 29

JUCO CB Jadarrius Perkins (Hattiesburg, MS) commits to Oregon
If Perkins (6-2, 187) isn’t the top junior college cornerback in the nation, he’s pretty close. He played his freshman year at Mississippi Gulf Coast C.C. after committing to Southern Mississippi out of high school. Perkins’ length and his timed speed of 4.43 seconds in the 40-yard dash put him at the top of many junior college rankings lists. Perkins will have three years to complete two seasons of eligibility.

Perkins’ player grade: B

WR Joshua Burrell (Blythewood, SC) commits to Florida State
Burrell (6-2, 210) gives the Seminoles a big-bodied athlete who should project out well as an outside receiver. He has shown to be a productive player in high school thus far and almost had 1,000 yards receiving as a junior. Burrell is physically college-ready, and through his basketball background, he knows how to position his body and be physical against smaller cornerbacks. Burrell can run a little and provides some upside running after the catch. He doesn’t have elite speed and I wouldn’t classify Burrell as a game-breaking type of receiver. Burrell will give Florida State much needed depth at outside receiver and a big target in the passing offense.

Burrell’s player grade: B

LB Brandon Buckner (Chandler, AZ) commits to Oregon
Buckner (6-0, 235) is an interesting player to grade. He plays completely out of position in high school, where he is a rush end who has very good pass-rushing skills. He’s pretty sawed off, however, and listing him at anything above 6-foot tall would seem generous. That being said Buckner is a gritty, in-your-face football player who just simply gets the job done.

Buckner is going to be tried at linebacker, but while he is probably a better fit for the middle than the outside, he’s going to need some development and work. Playing in space is going to be a huge question mark. Buckner might not have an actual position, and it’s going to come down to the coaching staff to figure out spots to put him on the field where he can succeed.

Buckner’s player grade: C+

WR Shawn Hardy (Kingsland, GA) commits to Nebraska
It took a while for the Cornhuskers to address the wide receiver position, but they extended an offer to Hardy (6-2, 191) and quickly got a response in the way of a verbal commitment. Hardy is a tremendous athlete who also plays basketball and runs track. He is not the most refined wide receiver ,but he’s an explosive talent with speed and the ability to make plays down the field. Hardy has great size and length too, both of which Nebraska needs at the skilled position. There is a lot of upside with Hardy, and he’s a player who checks several boxes for the Cornhuskers.

Hardy’s player grade: B-

CB Dylan Merrell (Alpharetta, GA) commits to Duke
I asked a good friend who is well-connected in Georgia high school football to give me his thoughts on Merrell (6-1, 175), and they said that this was one of the biggest sleeper prospects in the Peach State. Merrill seems to have gotten some serious attention down the stretch, with Tennessee and Oklahoma both extending offers to him. He has speed in the 4.5-4.6 range and has done a little bit of everything in high school, but mostly played running back and quarterback. Duke is looking at him as a defensive back, and he’s the third defensive back the program has received a commitment from in the 2021 class.

Merrell’s player grade: B-

JUCO LB Joko Willis (LaGrange, GA) commits to Kentucky
Although Willis has been playing his junior college football at Independence Community College in Kansas, he was looking to get back to his SEC roots and chose Kentucky over Mississippi State. Willis took a redshirt and will play for Independence this season, leaving him three years of eligibility when he arrives in Lexington for the 2021 season.

Willis’ player grade: C+

OL Ty Furnish (Roswell, GA) commits to Virginia
Furnish (6-4, 252) is the 16th commitment in the Cavaliers’ class. He is a talented line prospect with a lot of potential who will just need to focus on adding size and strength once he gets to a college program. Furnish has some versatility, and while I think he is probably best suited as a center or guard, he has the arm length to play right tackle. Furnish might not be an immediate contributor, but I think he has the potential to be a multi-year starter once he gets into a strength program because the tools are there.

Furnish’s player grade: C+

WR R.J. Garcia II (Tampa, FL) commits to Kansas State
Garcia (6-1, 162) is a taller receiver who will put more weight on his frame and eventually settle into playing on the outside. He is a big-play receiver who can stretch the field and go deep. Garcia is aggressive at going after the football and will make an adjustment to catch any ball thrown his direction. He looks a bit unsteady when he runs, which gives off the impression that he’s not quite as fast as he really is. He is a hard worker and good athlete who also starts for his basketball team at Berkeley Prep.

Garcia’s player grade: C+

P Isaac Pearson (Newcastle, Australia) commits to Texas
Pearson, 22, just took up football three years ago while he was a coal mine mechanic. He played Austrailian Rules Football and eventually found his way to the ProKick Australia program, which is primarily responsible for placing punters and kickers from down under into college football programs.

Pearson’s player grade: N/A

CB DaShawn Jones (Baltimore, MD) commits to Wake Forest
Jones (6-0, 175) has ideal size and length for the cornerback spot, and as a junior in high school, he proved to be a ball hawk with five interceptions last season. He is better playing in zone coverage than man and does a good job at recognizing passing lines and baiting quarterbacks into making mistakes. Jones’ game is based around anticipation and discipline because he doesn’t have great top-end speed and can get in trouble when he’s caught in single-man coverage. Jones is a pretty good tackler and plays a style that should fit in well at Wake Forest.

Jones’ player grade: C

May 28

LB Ian Jackson (Prattville, AL) commits to Alabama
Jackson (6-1, 212) is a top-20-rated inside linebacker. He could stay at his size and play a safety/linebacker hybrid role that allows him to stay in the box, but otherwise, he’ll play inside for Alabama since he doesn’t have the length that Alabama uses for outside linebackers.

Jackson is a sideline-to-sideline tackler and likes to come in and make plays from angles. I think he’ll have to become more of a guy who can line up around the line of scrimmage and play downhill. Jackson is very good in space, whether he has to break down a ball-carrier and make the tackle or drop into coverage. He is a very good athlete and will provide some scheme versatility with a skill set to line up at multiple spots.

Jackson’s player grade: B+

DE Brayden Dudley (Hoschton, GA) commits to West Virginia
Dudley (6-3, 250) is a bigger defensive end, but he has some legitimate pass-rushing skills, both from a speed-rushing aspect and straight power. He is explosive off the snap and at a plus level with pursuit and getting to the quarterback. Dudley keeps his hands up and plays big, so he will bat down a few passes coming in on the rush. He doesn’t offer much here in his run defense or ability to set the edge consistently, so we’ll need to see more of that at the next level.

Dudley has a frame to add weight, and it’s possible he could move inside eventually or in situations where West Virginia is looking to get additional pass rushers on the field.

Dudley’s player grade: B-

CB Noah Biglow (Seffner, FL) commits to Pittsburgh
Biglow committed to Iowa State on April 16, but he flipped to Pittsburgh a little less than three weeks after the Panthers extended him a scholarship offer.

From an earlier evaluation. “I’ve seen Biglow a number of times during his three years at Armwood High School. The Hawks have a great defense, so the opportunities are there for a player to post some gaudy statistics. Biglow had eight interceptions last year, some of that stat is inflated against overmatched competition. But Biglow has decent ball skills and always seems to be in the right place at the right time as suggested by his interception total and four fumble recoveries. His instincts can’t be undervalued.”

Biglow’s player grade: C+

CB Deuce Harmon (Denton, TX) commits to Texas A&M
Harmon (5-9, 183) has the ideal size and build to play slot corner or nickelback. He’s actually big enough and strong enough to play on the outside, but I don’t believe he has the arm length to handle taller receivers.

Harmon has good speed and is very agile – he can change directions with great fluidity and opens up very well. He is a willing tackler and shows the initiative to play aggressive against the run when the opportunity presents itself. Harmon is a terrific athlete and is a dogged competitor. He will be able to provide many positive plays in the secondary and on special teams.

Harmon’s player grade: B

S Caleb Ellis (Frisco, TX) commits to Stanford
Ellis (6-1, 180) can run and jump, so well I was figuring I would be evaluating him as more of a coverage safety, but Ellis is a physical hit machine. He can cover and has the ability to man center field, but he’s more interested in trying to separate a receiver from the football than he is in tracking the football to make a play on it. Ellis, however, is most comfortable playing close to the line of scrimmage and making an impact on the game with his physical play. He plays downhill and depending on how he grows in a strength program, he could offer potential as a linebacker or a hybrid.

Ellis’ player grade: C+

OL Thornton Gentry (Chapin, SC) commits to N.C. State
Gentry (6-4, 283) is a solid interior line prospect and would probably grade out as one of the top-12-15 centers in the nation. He is a balanced lineman who does a lot of things well. Gentry is very skilled with run blocking and knowing his role on the combo blocks. He is also a good pass blocker with good footwork and balance to hold a wide base. Gentry moves well, can advance levels as a run blocker and shows good agility moving down the field. He might be maxed out in terms of his skill set, but he has been developed very well, and I think he’ll be a starter for at least two years in college.

Gentry’s player grade: B-

May 27

DE Kechaun Bennett (Suffield, CT) commits to Michigan
Michigan has hit the academies in Connecticut and Massachusetts pretty hard during this recruiting cycle, and Bennett (6-4, 222) might be the best of the bunch. There’s no secret to the success of Bennett’s game – he is a pure speed rusher who can get off the ball and get around the edge quickly.

Bennett’s timing and snap anticipation are strong. He seems to pick up on the little things quickly when it comes to reading the blocker. Bennett can beat a blocker outside several times and notice a change in their stance that will allow him to change gears and win with inside speed. He is a real quick-twitch athlete. Bennett needs to add technique and show that there is more to his game than speed rushing. But as a speed rusher, Bennett is among the best in the class.

Bennett’s player grade: B

LB Deshawn Troutman (Orlando, FL) commits to Miami
Troutman (6-0, 205) has the ability to be a solid presence in the middle. He is an aggressive, physical player who can run a little and plays with a high motor and a little bit of an edge. He’s a decent athlete, but he wins plays with anticipation and timing as much as he does with making athletic plays.

Troutman is a pretty reliable tackler and has some ability to go sideline to sideline. He is very coachable, and I think he’ll be one of those kids who spends 4-5 years in the program and works his way into greater roles. Troutman is a type of player who raises the floor of the talent at the position.

Troutman’s player grade: C+

TE Moliki Matavao (Henderson, NV) commits to Oregon
Matavao (6-6, 240) is one of the high-end tight ends in this class, and he combines a lot of great skills with having a huge frame, which should make him coveted by the NFL if his career goes as expected.

Matavao can run pretty well, and with his speed and size, he’s a nightmare for any linebacker to cover. He has some legitimate receiving skills and can stretch the field for big gains on play action. Like most of the best tight ends, Matavao is a capable blocker who can play inline and be a major asset in the running game. He moves well laterally as a blocker, and in Oregon’s offense, he could line up wide and be a lead blocker. There is a lot to like about Matavao, especially in the Ducks’ offense.

Matavao’s player grade: B

RB Chance Black (Roebuck, SC) commits to Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech was the first program to extend Black (6-1, 190) a scholarship offer – almost a year ago -, and Black rewarded the Hokies staff for their persistence with a verbal commitment. Black could project out as a running back or a wide receiver. He has primarily been a running back in high school, but Black has caught plenty of passes as well and occasionally lined up at wide receiver.

Black is a versatile athlete who also participates in track. He has good speed, although I wouldn’t consider it breakaway speed. Black is a little taller than most running backs, so running at pad level consistently is still something he has to work on.

Black’s player grade: C+

DT Tommy Akingbesote (Upper Marlboro, MD) commits to Maryland
Akingbesote (6-4, 265) started making the transition from basketball to football last season and had some very good results. Most basketball players who get Power Five recruiting attention are on the offensive line, but Akingbesote shows a lot of traits from the hardwood that will help him on the defensive line.

Akingbesote moves very well, both north-south and laterally. His lateral movement is going to be a problem for any blocker. In just a short time playing football, Akingbesote has shown he can be dominant against competition that is a little overmatched. He is playing completely off of athleticism and development, so he will need real coaching. The upside and potential with Akingbesote, however, are pretty exciting.

Akingbesote’s player grade: B-

OL Jaeden Roberts (Houston, TX) commits to Auburn
Roberts (6-5, 335) gives Auburn another tackle prospect in this class. The Tigers were in need of prospects who could play offensive tackle, and Roberts is their fourth verbal commitment from an offensive tackle prospect.

Roberts, however, could easily kick in guard and would probably only play on the right side. He is strong blocker who gets off the ball well and is good at the point of attack. Roberts is a guy who likes to finish and put defenders on their back. He flashes a bit of nasty streak and has overpowered much of his competition in high school. Roberts had played high school football in Kansas up to this point, so he’ll face much tougher competition in Houston while playing for one of the top programs in Texas.

Roberts’ player grade: B-

WR/TE Leo Blackburn (Atlanta, GA) commits to Georgia Tech
Blackburn (6-5, 215) is either going to be a big wide receiver or classified as a tight end who will spend most of his snaps lined up wide or being flexed out. I don’t really look at Blackburn as a tight end, but ratjer as a taller, bigger receiver who will be money in the red zone and provide a big target for the quarterback.

Players like Blackburn don’t grow on trees. He’s very big and can run a little. Blackburn could give a team a ton of options and mismatches depending on where they line him up. Georgia Tech might’ve found a hidden gem.

Blackburn’s player grade: B-

May 26

RB Malik Newton (Norfolk, VA) commits to Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh has done a solid job of recruiting in Virginia, and the program continued that trend by pulling big back Malik Newton (5-11, 220).

Newton was the Virginia Class 4A Player of the Year after running for 2,060 yards and 35 touchdowns as a junior. He has very good vision and enjoys good run blocking from his line, so instead of doing the traditional power back thing and grinding out yards, he has had the luxury of being patient behind his line and waiting for openings.

Newton can run for distance, but he doesn’t have great speed. The areas in which he does play like a big back is running with pad level and a good forward lean. Newton is better in space than I expected, and at his size, he is tough to stop once he gets going north-south.

Newton’s player grade: C+

TE Ben Postma (Cypress, TX) commits to Georgia Tech
Postma (6-4, 232) chose Georgia Tech over a nice group of offers from Power Five and top-end Group of Five programs. He looks like a good fit as an inline tight end or a player who can line up in wing and be an effective blocker. Postma has some receiving ability and can run well enough to be a difficult coverage assignment for a linebacker. Overall, he’s a solid, hard-nosed prospect who is originally from South Georgia and will develop into a tough productive tight end.

Postma’s player grade: C+

DE Zaire Patterson (Winston-Salem, NC) commits to Clemson
Patterson (6-6, 234) has the length and frame to be a potential game changer as a defensive end in a four-man front. He could also be an outside linebacker with his ability to move in space, but I think he’s better suited filling out his frame and putting his hand in the ground as a defensive end in a 4-3.

Patterson has the potential to be an elite pass rusher with some impressive speed around the edge. That speed translates well to closing in on plays and chasing down plays in the backfield while in pursuit. When Patterson fills out and develops, he has the potential to be a double-digit sack guy with significant NFL upside.

Patterson’s player grade: B+

OT Otto Hess (Oswego, IL) commits to Boston College
Hess (6-6, 290) received offers from Boston College and Syracuse in early April, triggering a recruiting battle between the two ACC programs before Hess declared to the Eagles and became their 15th verbal commitment in the class. He projects out as a tackle based on his length and decent footwork.

The staff at Boston College is banking on Hess’ ability to pass protect, and he has some potential there with the way he extends his arms on the block and plays with leverage. He has a wide wingspan and makes it tough for speed rushers to get a step on him.

Hess’ player grade: C

OT Jaleel Davis (Rockingham, NC) commits to N.C. State
Davis (6-6, 302) was among N.C. State’s top in-state targets during this recruiting cycle. He has prototypical size and length to play tackle in college. Davis’ strength is a question mark right now, and he needs to show that he’s made major strides in that area before he gets to college.

That being said Davis is a good competitor, and he is pretty technically sound from playing a lot of snaps in high school. He is better at pass protection than run blocking. Overall, I think Davis’ best football is still ahead of him and he could develop into a solid starter on the line for the Wolfpack.

Davis’ player grade: C+

QB Jalen Kitna (Burleson, TX) commits to Florida
Kitna (6-3, 195) has NFL lineage, with his father, Jon Kitna, having started for the Cincinnati Bengals in the early 2000s and later playing for the Detroit Lions. He is the second arm in the Gators’ recruiting class, joining top-20 quarterback prospect Carlos Del Rio.

Kitna is the Gators’ 17th verbal commitment. He will play for Burleson High School in Burleson, Texas this year – his third school in as as many seasons. The Gators needed some depth at quarterback and someone who was willing to wait a couple of seasons and be developed like Kitna. There are a few players ahead of Kitna on the future projected depth chart, like Emory Jones and likely Del Rio, but after seeing what Kyle Trask did for Florida in 2019. it makes sense for the Gators to want to have a quarterback on the roster with smarts for the game. I don’t project him as a starter at Florida, but he will compete.

Kitna’s player grade: C+

LB Chaz Chambliss (Carrollton, GA) commits to Georgia
Chambliss (6-2, 242) is a big linebacker who can provide a presence on the inside or the outside at the next level. As an outside linebacker, Chambliss might not have the elite length of a stand-up edge rusher, but he has the pass-rushing skills and shows a lot of physicality, especially at the initial point of contact. Chambliss is good at closing in on the play and has real good straight-line speed. I have some questions about his change-of-direction ability.

I think Chambliss could play on the inside. His skill set is one of a good, physical linebacker who can handle business in the box. Chambliss could also grow into a defensive end and put his hand in the ground. I don’t know that Chambliss is top-20 linebacker, but he has some possibilities and I could project him as a solid starter at a few positions.

Chambliss’ player grade: B+

May 25

LB Jaydon Hood (Fort Lauderdale, FL) commits to Michigan
Hood (6-0, 215) is the second top-end linebacker to commit to the Wolverines in as many days, joining top Tennessee linebacker prospect Junior Colson. Whereas Colson is built to be a big outside linebacker, Hood is tailor-made for the middle. He is a tackling machine who shows exceptional speed in closing down the play and in pursuit. Hood is a sideline-to-sideline guy, and his anticipation skills not only help him read the play and the ball-carrier, but he can anticipate where his teammates will be and do his part to force a negative play. Hood can shoot gaps, and he occasionally has the opportunity to make a bone-jarring hit. He is good in space and can drop and help patrol the middle of the field.

Keihne’s player grade: B

OT Albert Reese (Edmonton, Canada) commits to Rutgers
Reese (6-7, 291) is currently attending school at Clearwater International Academy in Clearwater, Florida after arriving at the school from Edmonton, Canada in late 2019. Reese came to Clearwater International at around 245 pounds and has packed on mass over the year. It will be interesting to see how Reese handles his mass for a full season as a senior. Playing in Florida will be a major step up in competition for Reese, and he’ll have to show that he can handle the higher level of competition. Reese is a developmental prospect who will need some real seasoning. He has exceptional length and projects as a left tackle.

Reese’s player grade: C

TE Jack Pugh (Hilliard, OH) commits to Wisconsin
Pugh (6-5, 238) grades out as one of the top tight ends in the 2021 recruiting class. He looks the part with a big body and big frame. Like the best tight ends in this class, Pugh provides multiple options and shows plenty of chops as a wide receiver. In the Big Ten, however, the name of the game for tight ends in lining up inline and and being able to block. This is where Pugh should eventually find his true calling. He projects out as a great inline tight end with his willingness to block and help in the run game. Pugh’s receiving skills will be great in play action and give him opportunities to stretch the field. This is a good fit for both prospect and program.

Pugh’s player grade: B+

QB Chayden Peery (Chatsworth, CA) commits to Georgia Tech
Peery (6-3, 212) became quite a coveted arm during the early part of the spring, and by the time, he was ready to announce his commitment, he had Louisville, Boise State, Vanderbilt and Georgia Tech all eagerly awaiting his announcement. Peery has some traits that really stand out. He can move a little better than I was expecting to see, and he has a gunslinger mentality to make throws downfield while he’s on the move. His passing efficiency was remarkable during his junior season, as he threw for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns and just one interception. Peery has a good tight release, and the ball looks good coming off his hand. Timing is key for Peery, whose his arm strength is average. He also has a tendency to throw off his back foot a little more than I’d feel comfortable with. Still, Peery is a solid quarterback prospect to get at this time of year when many of the top arms are already accounted for.

Peery’s player grade: B-

DT Owen Stoudmire (Creston, OH) commits to Boston College
New Boston College coach Jeff Hafley worked his old connections from Ohio State to bring in Stoudmire (6-1, 317), a big space eater who will help the Eagles control the middle of the line of scrimmage on defense. Boston College was the only Power Five program to extend an offer to Stoudmire, but I wouldn’t be surprised if a few others come through late and try to flip him. Stoudmire looks like a natural nose guard, and he has a little pep to his step when it comes to movement. He can get into the backfield and shows good burst off the snap. Stoudmire has some decent upside.

Stoudmire’s player grade: C+

OT Jakiah Leftwich (Atlanta, GA) commits to Georgia Tech
This is a solid recruiting outcome for Georgia Tech, which earned a second verbal commitment from Leftwich, a local prospect who looks like he could line up at either tackle position. Leftwich has pretty good length, but he needs to improve on his base before he really make things difficult for speed rushers with improved balance and leverage. Leftwich’s strength and leg drive are pretty good, although more strength in the lower body will help improve his balance and overall footwork. Georgia Tech needs to recruit well locally, and Leftwich is a solid Atlanta-based prospect who should develop into a reliable piece on the offensive line.

Leftwich’s player grade: C

May 24

ATH Charles Montgomery (Seffner, FL) commits to Florida
Montgomery (5-10, 181) is one of the top multi-purpose athletes in Florida. He was one the top running backs in the state as a sophomore at Bloomingdale High School, but Montgomery transferred to Armwood as a junior and moved to wide receiver, where he lined up across from top prospect Agiye Hall. Montgomery has played some defense, but he’s primarily an offensive player, and to me the question is: “Do the top schools think he’ll be big enough to play running back in college?” I believe Montgomery is a slot receiver, and he has the ability to be one of the best in the class. He is still learning the position, however, and has to work on a few areas, like consistent route running and catching the ball properly. Montgomery is a top-end athlete and will be a difference maker on the field.

Montgomery’s player grade: B+

OT Micah Pettus (Harvest, AL) commits to Ole Miss
Pettus (6-8. 315) was thought to be a lean toward Florida State, but he ended up with a bit of a surprise commitment to Ole Miss. The Rebels and Seminoles have been sharing a lot of the same recruiting space, both with high school prospects and transfer prospects, but this was a big win for Lane Kiffin and his staff, as both programs desperately need offensive tackles. Pettus has crazy length, and for a projected left side tackle, length and wingspan are so important. Even though Pettus’ footwork is still progressing, his length gives him a strong defense against speed rushes. He’s decent with the hand fighting and is aggressive overall with finishing and going after his blocks. Pettus is far from a finished product, but I love his long-term upside.

Pettus’ player grade: B

ATH Denzel Burke (Scottsdale, AZ) commits to Ohio State
Burke (6-0, 191) is a pretty diverse athlete with some quality skills and length as a defensive back. That’s where Ohio State seems to be recruiting Burke. I understand why. He has ideal size to play cornerback and can run and stick with bigger receivers. Burke has excellent ball skills that come from playing a lot of offense in high school. He will definitely start who as a cornerback, but I’m going to go out on a limb to say Burke’s future is on offense, as I like him as a wide receiver that can make plays downfield or on the perimeter. He is certainly a high-end athlete, but I feel like eventually the Ohio State staff will see his potential on offense and put him at wide receiver.

Burke’s player grade: B+

OT Austin Barber (Jacksonville, FL) commits to Minnesota
Barber (6-7, 315) has excellent size and length. It’s often hard to judge Barber on film because he’s so much bigger than his opposition that it’s easy for him to just use power and size to overwhelm his opponents. His footwork is okay, but nothing special, and Barber, in general, is about average as an athlete. Barber plays with a good base and knows how to use leverage to win battles. He has to work on being technically better, because he’s not going to win battles on size alone in the Big Ten. All that being said, Barber has size you can’t teach and the upside to be developed.

Barber’s player grade: B-

TE Garrett Gillette (Mukwonago, WI) commits to Arizona State
Gillette (6-5, 220) looks like he could be a solid player down the road. He is a little light on the frame right now, so the first thing needed will be added size. Even though Gillette isn’t big, he’s a good blocker and has a lot experience inline as part of a high school that primarily runs the ball. From a pass-catching standpoint ,Gillette’s opportunities have been few and far between, but he looks like a capable route runner with soft hands and the ability to stretch the field a little. Gillette is an intriguing prospect who could succeed after a few years in a college program.

Gillette’s player grade: C+

LB Trey Reynolds (Queen Creek, AZ) commits to Utah
Reynolds (6-2, 232) is a good-looking prospect to play in the middle of the defense. He has good size and looks like he’s college-ready coming on to campus. Reynolds is built to play in the box and attack the gaps where he can try to contain the run game. He is a good tackler who wraps up the ball-carrier and uses good leg drive to end the play. Reynolds has the instincts you want to see from a middle linebacker, and he can recognize the direction of the play and get in the right place. He is better in traffic than he his in space, and that could mean trouble in coverage. Reynolds is a smart, tough player who fits well in the middle of a defense.

Reynolds’ player grade: B-

LB Malik Matthew (Bronx, NY) commits to Syracuse
Matthew (6-3, 212) is one of the more highly regarded prospects in the Mid-Atlantic region, with Syracuse and Rutgers really pushing hard for his recruitment. He is probably looking at a move inside over the long haul even though he can work out as an off-ball linebacker in some situations. Matthew’s versatility is going to be a plus in Syracuse’s new 3-3-5 defense because I could see him contributing in both areas until he nails down a starting spot. His length and athleticism should help on the pass rush and in pursuit on the backside. Matthew is athletic enough to be good in coverage, but it’s an area he will have to work on.

Matthew’s player grade: C+

QB Emmett Morehead (Alexandria, VA) committed to Boston College
Morehead (6-6. 220) gives Boston College the arm they have been looking for in the 2021 recruiting class. This is a change in philosophy for the Eagles, who have normally played more dual-threat type of athletes at quarterback in recent years. Morehead is not that type of player, and he’s not going to make a lot of plays with his feet. His arm strength is legitimate though, and he can push the ball downfield if he has time. Accuracy and ball placement are areas he’ll need to improve, but Morehead is a big pocket passer in a time when those types are becoming less frequent. We will see how he develops.

Morehead’s player grade: C+

LB Junior Colson (Brentwood, TN) commits to Michigan
Colson (6-2, 225) is one of the top linebackers in the nation and arguably the top player from the highly regarded Ravenwood program in suburban Nashville. He is a super athlete with a very promising future. Colson has put on size and is around the 230-pound mark now, but he remains very athletic and strong in coverage. He has ball skills comparable to many of the better safety prospects out there. He is more of a coverage linebacker than a sideline-to-sideline tackling linebacker, although I think his skill set will adjust a little in college. Colson is tremendous in space and good in pursuit. He isn’t a refined pass rusher, but he has some upside as a stand-up rush end. Colson is one of the difference makers on defense in this class and a player who will provide a major upgrade for Michigan.

Colson’s player grade: A-

OT Ilija Krajnovic (Bradenton, FL) commits to Boston College
This is a heck of a story. Krajnovic (6-8, 320) is still very much in the early developments as a football player. He was born in Serbia and has spent much of his young life participating in anything from water polo to mixed martial arts. He dabbled in football in Serbia and eventually moved to Germany to continue his football development. Krajnovic decided to move to the United States and play his senior year at IMG Academy. Obviously, there isn’t much out there film wise on Krajnovic, but a 6-foot-8 prospect with an athletic background is more than enough to take a flyer on.

Krajnovic’s player grade: C

JUCO TE Quentin Moore (Kenmore, WA) commit to Washington
Moore (6-5, 242) is originally from Kenmore, Washington and started his college career at Independence Community College in Independence, Kansas. He has two years of eligibility along with a redshirt. Moore is one of the top-20 junior college prospects in the nation and widely considered the top tight-end prospect out of the JUCOs this season. Moore didn’t have much in the way of receiving opportunities at Independence – six catches for 65 yards and a touchdown -, but he was a top receiving tight end out of high school and has the athleticism to make plays in the passing game.

Moore’s player grade: B

OT Cameron James (Chicago, IL) commits to Minnesota
Oh, I love offensive tackle prospects like James (6-8, 274), who has an extensive basketball background. His footwork is great, and his body positions – a very undervalued aspect of playing tackle – are superb. James understands how to be difficult to move and get position on, which is something that likely comes from boxing out in basketball. James is a very good athlete and extremely light on his feet. He carries his 275-280 pounds extremely well. James is still young in his football development, so consistency is a big thing that will need all the work he can get as a senior. As James plays more and his confidence increases, he will be able to fulfill some significant upside.

James’ player grade: B-

LB Austin Roon (Byron Center, MI) commits to Syracuse
Syracuse continues to recruit athletes who provide length and versatility. In the program’s new 3-3-5 defense, it’s important to have linebackers who can play the outside and the middle because of the increased responsibilities. Roon (6-4, 220) is another guy who has the length to be difficult in short coverage and enough of a burst to provide some flexibility as a stand-up rush end. Most of the evaluations, however, think Roon is a candidate to play more on the inside. He is pretty athletic and has the ability to be a sideline-to-sideline tackler in pursuit. Sometimes with players like Roon, they are good enough to see the field and it’s just about seeing how they develop and finding a place for them.

Roon’s player grade: C

DT Nigel Tate (Potomac, MD) commits to Boston College
Tate (6-2, 295) has about the prototypical size for a defensive tackle. He has been a two-way lineman in high school, and there’s a possibility he could end up on the interior offensive line, but his greater upside is at defensive tackle. He can get up the field off the snap and find his way in the backfield pretty quickly. Tate is better against the run than he is as an interior pass rusher at this stage. He needs to improve at shedding blockers and continuing his pursuit. Tate is a hard-nosed football player and could provide early depth on the defensive front.

Tate’s player grade: C

DE Andrew Edson (Snoqualmie, WA) commits to Washington State
Edson (6-3, 240) was looking at a lot of Ivy League and out-of-state options, but when Washington State extended an offer, Edson was ready to commit on the spot. He has a high motor and plays the game like he loves it. Edson is always in pursuit or on the chase and never one to give up on the play. He can get to the quarterback, but I wouldn’t classify him as a speed rusher. He’ll grow into a bigger end and be a guy who will try to set the edge. Edson has also played some tight end and could possibly contribute there depending on the Cougars’ depth situation.

Keihne’s player grade: C-

May 23

DE Tyler Kiehne (Los Lunas, NM) commits to UCLA
Keihne (6-2, 255) is a developmental piece for the line. He is listed as a defensive end, but he doesn’t have the speed or the length to be an end in college. He has a good first-step and is probably faster than his listed times, but not that much faster. I see him putting on some weight and playing on the interior or possibly moving to the offensive line and playing center or guard. Utah and Kansas State were among Kiehne’s other top recruiting options. Keihne plays a high-effort game and is productive despite average speed and explosiveness. We’ll see where Kiehne plays full time. He might have his most upside as a three-technique.

Keihne’s player grade: C

OL Brody Wisecarver (St. Louis, MO) commits to Illinois
Wisecarver (6-4, 321) is on the smaller end of offensive tackles for Power Five programs, and he’d probably be better suited as a guard, although he could play on the right side. I like his aggression in the trenches. Wisecarver has a real nasty streak and doesn’t play around when it comes to finishing blocks. He’s pretty strong, especially in short spaces, and I like his initial punch. Wisecarver might not have a lot of upside, but as he is I see a guy who can play snaps and handle himself. He has played a lot of high school football and understands the fundamentals of line play. Wisecarver can play a few positions on the line and looks like a tough kid.

Wisercarver’s player grade: C+

LB Trey Staley (Snellville, GA) commits to Kansas
Staley (6-2, 200) isn’t a bad looking player and might be a little underrated on the websites. He’s probably better suited for the inside in a 4-3 defense, but Kansas plays mostly odd-man fronts, so he’ll be used on the outside a lot more. Staley has the ability to set the edge, although he’ll have to be a little bigger to do it in the Big XII. As a pass rusher, he is more quick than fast, and his speed isn’t consistent. If he can get around the edge off his first-step, he’s fine, but if he can’t, he doesn’t have the speed to make up for it. Staley doesn’t have natural coverage skills per se, but he has good instincts and the field smarts to know where to be. Staley has an intriguing skill set. He needs to tighten up a few things, but the potential is there.

Staley’s player grade: C+

May 22

OT Saia Mapakaitolo (Mission Hills, CA) commits to USC
Mapakaitolo (6-5, 285) is a offensive tackle with a balanced skill set. There’s nothing necessary elite about Mapakaitolo, but that’s all right because he’s a solid blocker who has played a lot of snaps at tackle in high school and has the technical side of the game down very well. I’d like to see him get stronger, and that will happen once Mapakaitolo spends time in a college strength program. Mapakaitolo can move exceptionally well. He is very light on his feet and lateral movement is no problem. Even though Mapakaitolo isn’t as strong as he could be, he moves so well that it’s difficult for speed rushers to get past him because he can shuffle his feet so well. I could definitely see Mapakaitolo as a multi-year starter.

Mapakaitolo’s player grade: B

S Jalen Stroman (Nokesville, VA) commits to Virginia Tech
Stroman (6-1, 192) looks like one of the better recruits in Virginia Tech’s class. The Hokies have always had success with bigger safeties, and Stroman looks like he’s fit from that mold. He is a physical player who can come up close to the line and make a difference on run defense. Stroman is looking to initiate contact in every situation. But there’s more to his game than just being a run-stopper from the secondary. Stroman can cover. I believe he has cornerback-level ball skills. If there are anything that worries me a little, Stroman moves a little stiffly. He could loosen up a little bit, especially on his backpedals and transition. Otherwise, I think Stroman is a legitimate top-30 safety in the nation.

Stroman’s player grade: B

ATH Trinity Bell (Albertville, AL) commits to Tennessee
Bell (6-7, 255) is an interesting jumbo athlete who could do a lot of things. He’s listed generously as a tight end, and yeah, he could be a good one there. His numbers in high school, however, are from being a defensive end, and Bell certainly has the length to be very effective with his hand in the ground on the end. There are still others who would say when Bell’s frame and length he would be an ideal left tackle as long as he could put on the weight. Originally, Tennessee was looking at Bell to play defensive end, but now the program is interested in him as a tight end. My belief is if he comes in as a tight end, he will move to the offensive line. The good thing with Bell is there’s significant upside with him at multiple positions.

Bell’s player grade: B

LB Semisi Saluni (Walnut Creek, CA) commits to Oregon State
Saluni (6-4, 200) is a committing anew to Oregon State. He originally signed with the Beavers as part of the 2018 recruiting class, but took a 2-year mission with the Church of Latter-day Saints and will still have a full four years of eligibility, plus a redshirt. Saluni was projected as an outside linebacker and stand-up rush end and is still expected to be used in that role.

Saluni’s player grade: C

CB Steffan Johnson (Venice, FL) commits to Rutgers
Johnson (6-0, 160) is a two-way player who will be better suited to play cornerback in college. He has ideal size for the position, and although he’s a little light on his frame, I don’t expect getting him to the proper weight will be much of a problem. Johnson is one of the faster players in the state of Florida. He runs track and has a recorded time of under 11 seconds in the 100-yard dash. Johnson’s speed and size will offer the option of playing on the outside or as a boundary corner. He has pretty good ball skills from playing wide receiver in high school. I could also see Johnson making contributions on special teams as a returner.

Johnson’s player grade: C+

CB Rance Conner (Miami, FL) commits to Louisville
Conner (5-10, 169) is one of the many FBS prospects at the successful Booker T. Washington program, and he will fit a big need for Louisville as a slot corner. Conner could play the outside with his coverage ability and instincts, but he’s a little small for the outside and would have problems against bigger receivers. But I believe he’s one of the better natural slot cornerbacks in this class, and he is a very good defender against teams that run multiple spreads and like to make plays with short passers. Conner can jump routes well and shows great instincts to close in on the quick passes. He can play on an island because he’s a strong tackler.

Conner’s player grade: B-

May 21

WR J.J. Jones (Myrtle Beach, SC) commits to North Carolina
Jones (6-3, 193) gives North Carolina a big, outside receiving target who can run pretty well and stretch the field. He is still pretty young in his football development, but he proved to be a beast on the field as a junior and had 45 receptions for over 700 yards and a remarkable 15 touchdowns. Physically, Jones is a threat in the red zone, but he is also a big-play threat who can run after the catch on short passes and get down the field off the line for the deep ball. Jones is a tough player and will battle for the ball on contested throws. He has some work to do on the fundamental end, but he has massive upside and the potential to be a WR1.

Jones’ player grade: B

LB Ryan Kershaw (Yakima, WA) commits to Washington State
Kershaw (6-2, 220) received an offer from the Washington State staff on Thursday and committed immediately. He has rushed for over 2,000 yards for his high school as a two-way player. Kershaw also plays defensive end in high school, so it remains to be seen how he will fit a linebacker. I expect he’ll end up in the middle. Kershaw can get up the field a little on pass rush, and if he doesn’t work out as a regular linebacker, I could see potential as a situational rush end.

Kershaw’s player grade: C-

CB Daniel Edwards (Winter Park, FL) commits to Illinois
Edwards (5-11, 160) is a nice pickup for Illinois. He has the ideal frame and length for cornerback even though he’s a little light right now. Edwards has great, quick feet, and he can transition well and change direction well. He’s a little tight in his midsection, but overall, he’s pretty smooth at breaking on the routes and shows good anticipation and timing. He is one of the faster kids among the prospects in the Orlando area of Florida. Physically, he’ll have to get bigger to go against receivers in the Big Ten, but from a coverage standpoint, Edwards is pretty solid.

Edwards’ player grade: C+

OL Gus Zilinskas (Englewood, CO) commits to Rutgers
Zilinskas (6-3, 265) is a two-way lineman who could probably make an impact on either side of the ball. The Rutgers staff seems to like him on offensive, and he is certainly an interesting fit at guard and a potentially powerful run blocker. Zilinskas is strong and plays with leverage; he is tough at the point of contact and a natural grinder. His effort shows up on defense as well where he has a non-stop motor and tries to chase everything down. Zilinskas is the epitome of a Greg Schiano type of player – Zilinskas has talent and some natural ability, but his effort and his determination are what make him a fit for Rutgers.

Zilinskas’ player grade: C+

May 20

DE Saivion Jones (St. James, LA) commits to LSU
The Tigers continue their hot run through May with the commitment of Jones (6-5, 240), who is one of the top in-state defensive line prospects. He is a top-end athlete and plays multiple sports in high school. Jones is strong off the ball and makes his presence known at the point of contact. His burst looks good, and his ability to chase down the play and close in on the ball-carrier rates pretty high. He is a pretty balanced defensive end, and, if anything, I’d like to see a little more out of him as a pass rusher. Jones is a big body who can contain the perimeter and stretch plays out. He looks like a player who could see the field in situational play early and eventually become a consistent starter down the road.

Jones’ player grade: B+

ATH Kaemen Marley (Ramseur, NC) commits to Tennessee
Marley (6-2, 205) has been used all over the field in his high school on both sides of the ball. He has spent some time at running back and wide receiver, and he looks more than capable at either position. That being said, I’d bet the house on Marley playing defense. He’s a physical player who could contribute at multiple levels. Marley is already blessed with college-ready size and is a good enough athlete to play as a high safety in the box or likely grow as a linebacker who could play in the middle or off the ball. His ability to drop into coverage and plus-level ball skills make him a likely outside linebacker or safety. Marley offers NFL upside and a ton of scheme versatility.

Marley’s player grade: B+

QB Bubba Chandler (Bogart, GA) commits to Clemson
This is an interesting development becuase Chandler was committed to play baseball at Georgia and wasn’t really on the market as a quarterback prospect. But Clemson was interested, and after the Tigers made their offer, a few other programs like Ole Miss and Miami followed. Georgia, however, already has its quarterback situation set up for a while and didn’t extend an offer to Chandler, so now he will play football and baseball for Clemson.

Chandler is one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, and his arm strength absolutely translates over to the football field. He threw for over 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns as a junior. Chandler just fires the ball into tight windows. He is a big-time gamer and maybe a little bit of a risk taker. Much like a pitcher that doesn’t back down from a hitter, Chandler won’t back down from making the tough throws. He will give the Tigers another quality arm in the room and someone who will compete for snaps even if he isn’t considered an “elite” prospect.

Chandler’s player grade: B

S Jordan Lovett (Redcliff, KY) commits to Kentucky
Lovett (6-2, 190) is exactly what Mark Stoops wants out of his secondary prospects. He is a tall with great length and the ability to run around the backfield. Lovett had a remarkable 15 interceptions as a junior, and while that number is clearly inflated, there’s something to be said for those sort of ball skills. He looks very comfortable playing center field and breaking on the football. Lovett looks like a decent athlete, maybe not a super quick-twitch guy, but athletic enough to get the job done. His competition is overmatched, which can explain some of the gaudy numbers. At the end of the day, Lovett has great size, instincts and can run. Those are the things you can’t teach.

Lovett’s player grade: B-

OL Benjamin Roy (Henderson, NV) commits to UCLA
Roy (6-3, 275) committed to UCLA about a month after the Bruins extended an offer to him. He is a future center and pretty adapt at doing the zone blocking on the interior. Roy is good with his hands, and he is a smart football player who understands how to win battles with leverage. He is an average athlete and will need to add to his strength. Roy won’t need to be ready immediately or anything, so expect a redshirt and a full year of development before his playing time comes into focus.

Roy’s player grade: C

DE Sedarius McConnell (Atlanta, GA) commits to Illinois
McConnell is listed at 6-foot-2, but he might be a little taller and his arm length is greater than expected for his height. McConnell can play multiple roles on the defensive line. He has the frame to get bigger and grow into a three-technique. McConnell could also stay on the end and try to get in the backfield. He plays with a good motor and doesn’t give up on the play. McConnell isn’t the fastest prospect I’ve seen, but he’s better-than-average on pursuit and will chase down the play. He has some timing issues, but when he gets off on the snap, good things happen. McConnell is a prospect who will grow and develop into a reliable piece on the defensive line.

McConnell’s player grade: C

S/LB Desmond Igbinosun (Union, NJ) commits to Rutgers
Igbinosun (6-3, 195) is being recruited to play on either side of the ball, but I believe he’ll grow into a full-time linebacker or a big safety who plays in the box and doubles as a linebacker. Because of Igbinosun’s experience as a wide receiver and tight end in high school, his ball skills are better than average and might translate better to the secondary. Igbinosun is young in terms of football experience and just completed his first year of varsity. He has natural athleticism and will continue to develop into a player worth keeping an eye on.

Igbinosun’s player grade: C+

May 19

LB Barrett Carter (Suwanee, GA) commits to Clemson
Carter’s verbal commitment to Clemson represents the Tigers’ latest big recruiting win in Georgia, a state they have pulled several top prospects out of over the past decade. When you turn on the film, Carter’s speed should be the first thing that catches the eye. He reportedly runs under a 4.6 in the 40-yard dash. Carter just flies across the field. He can track down plays from sideline to sideline and has elite-level closing speed. Carter (6-1, 220) has length that is greater than his listed height, and it works as a pass rusher and playing in space with his natural athleticism. He has great size, but I don’t think he’s physically maxed out yet. If there is one concern with Carter, it might be consistency. He makes the flashy plays that catch your eye, but he has the ability to be a tackling machine and in on nearly every play.

Carter’s player grade: A-

TE Treylan Davis (Jackson, OH) commits to West Virginia
Davis (6-5, 221) was previously committed to Cincinnati, but backed away from that pledge in the middle of April. He is a prospect with good height and length that is a little light right now, but he has the frame to put on additional weight. Davis can catch the ball and shows some ability to create mismatches. His blocking is excellent, and a little shocking given how much stronger he will be in a college strength program. He has a good blocking form and a finisher’s mentality. Davis should only improve in both his receiving and blocking to become a legitimate three-down option.

Davis’ player grade: B-

S Josh Moore (Atlanta, GA) commits to Stanford
Moore (6-1, 192) is a big safety prospect who has a balanced skill set that should give him some scheme versatility. He is big enough to grow into a hybrid linebacker type who can play close to the line of scrimmage. Moore has some ball skills and plays wide receiver in high school. He could also play as a coverage safety and patrol the middle of the field. Moore can run well enough to cover tight ends and some receivers out of the backfield. He doesn’t have the speed, however, to run deep with a receiver as the primary coverage guy. Moore is a good combo safety who can provide several options in the defense.

Moore’s player grade: C+

LB Austin Dean (Tampa, FL) commits to Rutgers
Rutgers has always recruited Florida well under Greg Schiano. He has generally focused on Tampa and the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area and had success even before his stint as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Dean (6-2, 215) started to gain interest with FBS programs after gaining offers from several Ivy Leagues and other highly regarded academic schools. He is a pure inside linebacker who plays downhill and in the box. Dean has a high football IQ and would project well as the quarterback of the defense. He was very projective as a junior, notching over 20 tackles for loss. Dean is always around the football and is quick to diagnose the play.

Dean’s player grade: C+

DE R.J. Sorensen (Fort Lauderdale, FL) commits to Louisville
Sorensen (6-4, 235) was originally committed to Nebraska back in August, but he backed away from that pledge at the end of January. From the original evaluation. “Sorensen is all over the place and gets into the backfield regularly. It’s clear he plays with a high motor and has a nose for the football. One thing that really stands out with Sorensen is his strong hands. He is tough to control on a block, and he will grade out as more of a run-stopping end than a natural pass rusher. Sorensen is going to put his hand in the ground and be asked to contain the perimeter. He moves well laterally and should be a good line of defense against spread offenses.

Sorensen’s player grade: C+

May 18

OT Jonah Miller (Tucson, AZ) commits to Oregon
Miller (6-7, 281) is another big tackle who I’m sure Oregon head coach and former offensive lineman Mario Cristobal can’t wait to get to coaching. Miller looks like a great athlete and really gets off the snap and delivers that first punch with authority. As a run blocker, Miller has good strong legs and can drive defenders off the block on the snap. Miller grades high as a finisher; he will absolutely plant a defensive lineman in the ground and make sure they don’t want to get up. In pass protection, Miller needs work. He’s big enough to handle most rushers, but his footwork and base could use improvement. Miller can get off balance a little bit. Still, he’s a top-end tackle in a year when they are a little hard to come by.

Miller’s player grade: B+

DT Jeremiah Pittman (Arlington Heights, IL) commits to Iowa
Pittman (6-2, 255) is a nice prospect who I think can become quite an effective three-technique for the Hawkeyes, who he chose over the home state Illinois Fighting Illini. He checks off many the boxes in terms of what I like to see out of a defensive line recruit. Pittman shows good toughness and determination in the trenches. He is an athlete, has some quickness to him and can get off the snap pretty well. Pittman isn’t big, perhaps more a little sawed off, but he looks good and plays hard. He could develop into a full-time starter or, at worse, provide solid rotational depth.

Pittman’s player grade: C+

QB Riley Leonard (Fairhope, AL) commits to Duke
Leonard (6-4, 200) is the second quarterback Duke has taken in the 2021 recruiting class. He joins Jordan Moore, who committed to the Blue Devils in April. Leonard is a heck of an athlete. He is rated as one of the better basketball players in Alabama and would likely be a Division I prospect on the hardwood. Looking at the film, Leonard is a nice quarterback prospect and I can set what attracted him to Blue Devils head coach David Cutcliffe. Leonard has nice touch on his throws, and while his arm isn’t the strongest I’ve seen, it is plenty strong enough to make the throws he’ll need to make in college. He can run a little and has some playmaking ability. His best throw is the square end, which he is very accurate with it. I think Leonard has some future upside as a starter.

Leonard’s player grade: C+

OT Matthew Wykoff (Magnolia, Texas) commits to Texas A&M
Wykoff (6-5, 300) has the ideal size and frame for a tackle. He has pretty long arms as well. He is also as strong as an ox. On film, you can see Wykoff overpowering guys in short space, and when he’s faced with a lighter edge guy who thinks they can be him with speed … Wykoff just casually dumps them to the side. He is very good at the point of contact. Wykoff is capable as a pass protector and a run blocker. He has strong legs and a good leg drive. Wykoff is a competitor. He plays to the whistle and plays hard. Wykoff has more upside as a right tackle and has a good balanced skill set.

Wykoff’s player grade: B

S Khari Gee (Atlanta, GA) commits to LSU
Gee (6-2, 185) is a long, rangy defender who will play in the secondary, but he has the skill set to be a complement at any of the levels on defense. He is big enough to move closer to the line of scrimmage once he fills out his frame. There he can double as a linebacker or an extra defender in the box to contribute against the run. Gee is also strong in coverage. He reads plays well and can anticipate where the ball is going. Gee can run well. He is fast enough to cover in the slot or stick onto a back coming out of the backfield. Gee can provide a pass rush as well. He can blitz from the outside and chase down a ball-carrier in the backfield. Gee is a versatile player who will probably find a home as the deep safety, but he offers significant scheme versatility.

Gee’s player grade: B+

TE Miles Campbell (Douglasville, GA) commits to Tennessee
Campbell (6-3, 235) showed his chops as a receiver in his junior year of high school with over 50 catches for over 600 yards. But don’t think Campbell is going to just be a flex tight end. He has the size and willingness to be a blocker. Campbell is pretty balanced, and I could see him lining up on the line at times and moving to the slot or even into an h-Back role. He can be physical and fight for the football. Campbell is a hard-nosed player, and I love the way he’ll mix it up blocking. He is not great at any one thing, but he’s above average in most areas.

Campbell’s player grade: B

CB Kevin Knowles (Hollywood, FL) commits to Florida State
Knowles (5-10, 172) looks like a future nickelback, as he is probably not big enough to get on the outside, but has decent size and good length for the slot. He’s a good tackler and a reliable secondary defender against the run and on short passes. Knowles has plus-level anticipation and timing with tackling on the short routes and breaking on the ball. He has good ball skills and the ability to force turnovers and turn into a playmaker with the ball in his hands. Knowles gets high marks in coverage and a lot of the fundamental areas; he projects as a multi-year starter for the Seminoles.

Knowles’ player grade: B-

DE Ashton Gillotte (Boca Raton, FL) commits to Louisville
Gillotte (6-4, 207) is listed on the sights at around 220 pounds, but he looked a little lighter than that on film, so I made a few calls and got a more accurate assessment on his size. So Gillotte is a little light on the frame, but he has long arms and wide shoulders. He is a speed rusher and might have better long-term sustainability as a stand-up rush end early and maybe putting his hand in the ground later as he fills out his frame. Gillotte looks good in pads and looks like a player. He can run and chase down plays from the backside. Gillotte needs some development, but he plays against top competition in high school and he has some tools to work with.

Gillotte’s player grade: C+

DE Xavier Young (Tallahassee, FL) commits to Washington State
Young (6-3, 240) was being recruited as a linebacker at the start of his junior year, but he outgrew that position and lost some potential fits with the projected position change. As a defensive end, Young is very good against the run, and that is the result of very good upper body strength and his ability to make an impression at the point of attack. He has that sort of phone booth strength that allows him to take on blockers and still get to the backfield. With another significant increase in size, Young could easily kick to the inside, where his strength would be an even greater asset. Young is still a little shaky with his hands and his leg drive could improve a little.

Davis’ player grade: C

May 17

QB Demetrius Davis (Houston, TX) commits to Auburn
Davis (5-11, 195) doesn’t have the ideal height or length for a top-end quarterback, but he has an electric skill set and he is a winner as shown by leading North Shore High School to a 15-1 record and a state championship in Texas’ 6A Division I classification – his second state championship in as many years as a starting quarterback. Davis proved to be a true dual-threat quarterback as a junior, throwing for nearly 2,400 yards and rushing for over 1,100 yards with 52 total touchdowns.

Davis is a good athlete, and his ability to extend the play while having the awareness to keep his eyes down field and the accuracy to hit the deep ball makes him so dangerous. Undersized quarterbacks have worked in the SEC and excelled if you look at Johnny Manziel, Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa. I don’t know if Davis has that kind of NFL upside, but he’s a quality prospect and a future starter.

Davis’ player grade: B+

S Beau Freyler (Colorado Springs, CO) commits to Iowa State
Freyler (6-2, 193) is a big-body safety prospect who could grow into being a linebacker. He committed to Iowa State after considering offers from Boston College, Kansas State and Washington State. Freyler is a good tackler and good around the line of scrimmage, helping against the run. He has coverage skills as well, showing nice awareness and ball skills in space. His size and likelihood to continue growing might put him in more of a hybrid role. Freyler is a technically sound prospect who plays with a high effort. He has adequate speed and knows how to find the football.

Freyler’s player grade: C+

P James Evans (Auckland, New Zealand) commits to Indiana
Evans (6-1, 205) is part of the ProKick Australia program that is producing a ton of punters and kickers for American college football program. He comes from a rugby background and will enroll at Indiana in January of 2021.

Evans’ player grade: N/A

May 16

WR Hal Presley (Arlington, TX) commits to Baylor
Presley (6-3, 187) is a big, physical receiver who is projected to play on the outside. He has recently had an uptick in his recruitment, with Auburn, California, Michigan State and Arkansas all making offers to him in the past month. Presley has tremendous length and a wide wingspan, making him an inviting target in the passing game. Presley is strong with strong hands that can keep defenders off and grabs contested passes consistently. He is particularly tough in the red zone and takes advantage of the situations where he can be physical and take on a smaller defensive back. Presley doesn’t have breakaway speed, but he can make plays after the catch and stretch the field a little. He will have to refine his route-running skills more to be effective in college, but he has a lot to work with.

Presley’s player grade: B

May 15

WR Mario Williams (Plant City, FL) commits to Oklahoma
In the state of Florida, there are three wide receivers who are clearly a cut above the rest. Two of them, Agiye Hall and Jacorey Brooks, have already verbally committed to Alabama. Williams (5-10, 177) is the third wide receiver in that group, and he could thrive in Lincoln Riley’s offense.

Williams is a little shorter than the ideal size for a wide receiver, but he’s a little bigger than Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and has a similar type of speed/game-breaking skill set. Williams is a big-play receiver. He dominates single coverage and does it against some of the better competition in the state. Williams is a great fit for the pass-happy Big XII, and I could see him being an All-Conference type of player with an NFL future.

Williams’ player grade: A-

S Kaine Williams (Marrero, LA) commits to Alabama
Williams (6-2, 205) is already college ready in terms of his size, and I wouldn’t be surprised if his grows into being a hybrid player who can contribute at all three levels or a full-blown off-ball linebacker. Williams has strong safety size, but he has the ball skills and coverage skills of a cornerback or a player who can play in the deep safety spot. Williams has been productive with double-digit interceptions in his first two years of high school. He can play close to the line of scrimmage and be a major help against the run. Williams is a good tackler, not great. I could see Williams doing most of his work near the line, but still having the ability to stay on the field in dime packages. He is a high-end prospect with the ability to contribute at multiple levels on the defense.

Williams’ player grade: B+

DE Colin Mobley (Hyattsville, MD) commits to USC
Mobley (6-4, 260) is another solid addition to what is becoming one of the best defensive line classes in the nation. He is a bit of a tweener, and I think Mobley will play a lot of defensive end at USC, because the Trojans have routinely played bigger defensive ends. However, he could also provide some snaps on the interior in passing situations. Mobley comes from a high-end program around the Beltway, and he has ideal size to play multiple positions on the line. He possess quick feet and a great burst off the snap. Mobley makes himself known at the point of contact. He is a pass-rushing specialist who will need to improve against the run to be a three-down player, but his ability to get to the quarterback will get Mobley on the field.

Mobley’s player grade: B-

ATH Tar’varish Dawson (Lehigh Acres, FL) commits to Auburn
Dawson (5-10, 175) is one of the faster players in Florida. He has played a little bit of everything in high school thus far, from wide receiver, to running back, to quarterback and all through the secondary. Dawson could be an excellent slot receiver/back in Gus Malzahn’s offense, and Malzahn has shown the ability to make the most with players who have Dawson’s skill set. That being said, Dawson’s bigger upside is on defense and I believe he has the potential to be a shut-down type of cornerback. He can run and cover with anyone. More reps on defense will help with his tackling, but the speed and the instincts just can’t be taught. Dawson reads routes well and has great ball skills, all from his experience playing offense.

Dawson’s player grade: B+

RB Jonathan Brooks (Hallettsville, TX) commits to Texas
It’s rare that a first offer for a Texas prospect comes from the Longhorns, but Brooks (6-0, 188) is one of those rarities. The Longhorns jumped on him in November, and he came through in May. He has been a productive player in high school and rushed for over 1,300 yards and 20 touchdowns as a junior. Brooks has intriguing upside. He’s not a finished product yet, and he’ll never been a back who would be considered “elite” in high school. But Brooks has great size at running back, is explosive and good in the open field, but he doesn’t have that breakaway speed. Brooks moves well through traffic, which makes him dangerous on screens. The only thing Brooks is missing is the game-breaking type of speed. If he had that, Brooks would be a top-10 back.

Brooks’ player grade: B-

RB Colby McDonald (Washington, DC) commits to Maryland
Maryland continues to do well with the local prospects and pulls McDonald (5-10, 203) out of the beltway. McDonald is built well, thick in the lower body, and he can power his way through tacklers. One thing I love about backs like McDonald is that they understand the value of positive yardage. He is a north-south, downhill runner who doesn’t waste time in the backfield. McDonald runs at pad level to keep his power and has a good forward lean. He doesn’t have breakaway speed and could be more explosive with his burst. McDonald will be a back who can get carries and be productive. He is also a decent receiver, which adds to his value.

McDonald’s player grade: C+

OT Garner Langlo (Ocala, FL) commits to Auburn
Auburn has been looking for offensive tackles and is throwing numbers at the issue. Langlo (6-7, 275) joined his teammate Caleb Johnson in committing to the Tigers today. Johnson is probably the more seasoned of the two players right now. Langlo, however, has great size, length and some natural ability. He is still learning the game, and while he can overpower some of his competition, Langlo still struggles against some speed rushers and defensive players who have more experience and ways to get past him. Langlo also plays a little high and needs to get strong in the upper body. Once he learns some technique and gains more seasoning against players who can challenge him, Langlo should be able to reach his significant upside.

Langlo’s player grade: C+

LB/DE Clayton Smith (Texarkana, TX) commits to Oklahoma
We all know that Oklahoma is basically a defense from being a real contender for a national title. As the team currently stands, the Sooners can win 10-plus games regularly, but they get exposed defensively against the top competition from the SEC and ACC. So landing the commitment from a talented player like Smith (6-4, 218) is exactly when Oklahoma needs to make that jump. Smith could be an edge guy in a stand-up role and also play snaps as an off-ball linebacker. He is explosive on defense, both off the snap and in the pursuit, where he shows elite closing speed. Smith has good hands, and that allows him to win battles by more than just pure speed. Once he focuses on defense in college, Smith will improve his play against the run and be a more consistent tackler. But this is a big-time defensive prospect who will see the field early.

Smith’s player grade: A-

LB Collin Oliver (Edmond, OK) commits to Oklahoma State
Oliver (6-2, 222) looks like he can be the middle linebacker of the future for Oklahoma State. He is a very good athlete who also participates in track and has attributes that easily carry over to the football field. Oliver is very good on the backside pursuit and shows the ability to close strong. He can go sideline to sideline. Oliver is a strong fit as an inside linebacker. He could also do some rushing from the edge, but his coverage and footwork are question marks. Oliver is strong, and it shows in his tackling. He needs to play a little closer to pad level on those tackles, so he doesn’t overextend himself. Oliver is one of the better defensive prospects to commit to Oklahoma State in a while.

Oliver’s player grade: B+

OT Caleb Johnson (Ocala, FL) commits to Auburn
Johnson (6-7, 271) is the second offensive tackle to commit to the Tigers and the second from the Trinity Catholic joining his teammate Garner Langlo. The two friends are used to pushing each other in high school and will now try to do the same for Gus Malzahn. Of the two players, Johnson is more seasoned and might be the best offensive lineman in the state. He has great size, length and is a natural athlete with the way he can move laterally and play with proper bend and form. Johnson shows the great athleticism when he pulls or is used as a lead blocker on the outside. He has some great finishing technique and has just the right amount of nastiness to his game. Johnson is strong, but his strength doesn’t necessarily transfer to pass blocking yet. There are areas that Johnson can tightened up, but he is a potential multi-year starter.

Johnson’s player grade: B

WR Casey Cain (New Orleans, LA) commits to Texas
Cain (6-2, 180) is the first wide receiver to commit to the Longhorns during this cycle. He is a big target, probably more of a possession guy who can move the sticks than a player who will stretch the defense and get over the top for big plays. Cain can grab passes in traffic. He has good hands and seems to run decent routes. With his size and likelihood to get bigger, Cain should be a target in the red zone. For Cain to make the jump from possession receiver to primary target, he’ll have to improve his speed both downfield and off the line. As he is, Cain should develop into a reliable target who can handle bigger defensive backs.

Cain’s player grade: C+

DE Henry Hughes (Tampa, FL) commits to Rutgers
Greg Schiano has always had luck recruiting in the Tampa, Florida area whether he was at Rutgers or back in his days as a defensive coordinator at Miami, and Hughes (6-5, 220) is the third player from the area committed to the Scarlet Knights in the 2021 recruiting class. He is a long, lean prospect with long arms and natural frame for a pass rusher. Hughes has to put on some weight as his 220-pound listing is probably a little generous. But once he gets into a strength program, I could see Hughes as a nice player down the road. He is a speed rusher and is still learning other aspects of the game. Hughes has been playing high school football for only a year, so technique is a big question. The size and speed are there, however, so the potential is high.

Hughes’ player grade: C+

OT Jaydon Collins (Greer, SC) commits to Wake Forest
Collins (6-6, 277) is the 10th verbal commitment for the Deacon Demons, and their second on the offensive line. He had several offers from Power Five programs, including Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech and Maryland. Collins has a nice skill set; he plays at the proper pad level and can win battles with leverage. He is good at the point of contact and always gets in the first blow. Collins needs to increase his strength, both in the upper and lower body. He also needs to be a little better with his hands to handle more of the speed rushers he will face in the ACC.

Collins’ player grade: C

WR Jordyn Williams (Albany, GA) commits to Indiana
In this battle between ACC and Big Ten schools the nod goes to Indiana, which earned Williams’ (6-0, 181) commitment over Louisville. Williams is actually heading to play football in Cedar Hill, Texas for his senior year at Trinity Christian School. He had a great junior year at Westover High in which he caught over 80 passes for over 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns. Williams can get the ball in a variety of ways. He can stretch the field a little bit and play on the outside. Williams can also take a short out or a bubble screen and turn it into a big play. Williams understands have to make positive gains on a play. He doesn’t spend too much time dancing around if the best option is just to run straight ahead and get whatever he can. I think Williams has the physical makeup to play in the Big Ten.

Williams’ player grade: B-

WR Elijah Bean (Humble, TX) commits to Baylor
As I look more at Baylor’s recruiting class, I see new head coach Dave Aranda checking off all the boxes that he saw during his time at LSU. Bean (6-5, 188) fits the bill for getting a tall, lengthy receiver who will be a major mismatch in the red zone. Bean, however, provides much more than a just a big body. He can run, and he can get down the field and stretch the defense out for big plays. Bean catches the ball with his frame instead of his hands, so that will need to be improved. Bean will be a big guy when he fills out, I think he can be a legitimate No. 1 guy if he cleans up a few things.

Bean’s player grade: B

WR Jaylen Jones (Richmond, VA) commits to Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech wanted to recruit some more size at wide receiver and now adds Jones (6-1, 185) to a group that already includes 6-foot-3 Latrell Neville. Jones is a solid receiver who has shown that he can line up wide or in the slot. Jones is usually the best player on the field and plays like it. Most of the cornerbacks he lines up against in high school can’t keep up with him. The route running is smooth, however, and Jones is a technically sound receiver. Jones has a solid skill set – he’s big enough to play the outside, he has good speed, and he can make tough catches. The competition he plays is clearly a level below his ability, so it’s hard to judge how college ready in terms of competing, but physically he has the goods.

Jones’ player grade: B

P David Shanahan (Melbourne, Australia) commits to Georgia Tech
Shanahan is originally from Ireland and has a background of playing Gaelic football. He eventually moved to Australia and became part of the Prokick Australia group that has been a regular feeder to college football programs in the United States.

Shanahan’s player grade: N/A

May 14

QB Aaron McLaughlin (Alpharetta, GA) commits to N.C. State
McLaughlin (6-5, 217) was a one-time verbal commitment to Auburn until he backed out of that commitment in early February. He measures out and tests extremely well, with ideal size and a reported 40-yard dash time of 4.7 seconds. McLaughlin is a big play waiting to happen when he’s running or scrambling, or potentially throwing on the run. As a traditional quarterback, McLaughlin has a way to go. He has the tools to make the throws, but his ball placement is a major issue. One problem I see with McLaughlin is that he doesn’t have any easy throws. He tends to throw everything a little too hard. McLaughlin has off-the-charts athletic upside, and if he can refine and developed the mechanical part of being a quarterback, his potential is endless.

McLaughlin’s player grade: B

ATH Devin Kirkwood (Gardena, CA) commits to UCLA
Kirkwood (6-3, 185) is a dynamic two-way athlete who could excel on either side of the ball as an outside receiver or a safety/cornerback hybrid. UCLA is recruiting him to play defense. Kirkwood has great size and length, plus he can stick receivers down the field. He has decent speed and very good explosion and burst to keep receivers on his hip. He’s going to fill out his frame significantly and will probably make a transition to safety where he can play the deep role and track balls across the field or come up closer and provide coverage on tight ends or slot players. Kirkwood is one the better athletes in California and whether he ends up at cornerback, safety or switching to offense, he will develop into a multi-year starter.

Kirkwood’s player grade: B+

LB Trevor Moffitt (Bushnell, FL) commits to Illinois
Moffitt (6-1, 185) is a little undersized, but I think he’ll grow into a solid middle linebacker. He is a hard-nosed player who wants to play downhill and get his helmet under your chin. Moffitt is always aggressive and always searching out for the tackle. He is good in pursuit and finishing off the play. His playing style is infectious, and he has the makeup to be one of the hardest working players on any team. His tackling approach is a little high, so he’ll need to work on that. Overall, Moffitt is a solid player who will produce on the field in any role.

Moffitt’s player grade: C+

DE Ryheem Craig (Taylorsville, NC) commits to Louisville
Craig (6-3, 219) is coming off of a huge junior season in which he collected over 10 sacks and 20 tackles for loss as he moved from more of a linebacker role to a hybrid edge player. I think his designation as a defensive end is accurate, and I could easily see Craig getting to the 245-pound range or better. Craig has a good explosive step off the snap, and he can get in the backfield quickly. He is good in pursuit and tracking down the play from behind as well. Whether Craig is a stand-up edge presence or a guy with his hand in the ground remains to be seen, but he is a player who specializes in making flash plays.

Craig’s player grade: C+

OT Terrence Enos (Detroit, MI) commits to Pittsburgh
Enos (6-5, 310) is a player who is still growing and figuring out his way on the field. He has good size to play pretty much anywhere, although he may be a little small for an ideal left tackle, but still he provides plenty of options at tackle and potentially guard. Enos really get off the ball well on run blocking and plays with leverage, getting the defensive linemen out of the direction of the play. He shows good athleticism pulling from his tackle position and being the lead blocker on a quarterback sweep. I’d like to see more from Enos as a pass blocker. He is a tough, physical lineman who could provide depth across the board.

Enos’ player grade: C+

May 13

WR Deion Burks (Belleville, MI) commits to Purdue
Burks (5-10, 181) is a playmaker at wide receiver. He has the size of a natural slot receiver, but he also has plenty of experience playing on the outside and will most certainly line up in both positions. He has good explosion and comes out of his routes strong. Burks’ speed is okay, but his short burst makes him seem faster and can get him quick separation in a catch-and-run situation. He’s more of a natural receiver than an “offensive weapon”. Burks can play physical football for his size and can make catches in traffic. He will also contribute as a downfield blocker in the run game. Burks projects as a three-down receiver who can line up in all situations.

Burks’ player grade: B

QB Sam Vidlak (Grants Pass, OR) commits to Oregon State
Vidlak (6-2, 180) was originally committed to Montana, but he backed out and flipped to Oregon State a little more than a week after the Beavers’ coaching staff extended an offer. Vidlak’s numbers as a junior were just outstanding. He threw for over 3,400 yards and 44 touchdowns with just three interceptions. Vidlak completed nearly 75 percent of his passes and was Player of the Year for the state. He can make a lot of the throws. Vidlak’s arm strength is alright, but he isn’t afraid to make the tough throws and put them in tight spaces. He’ll have to bulk up a little and face some better competition, but let’s give him a couple of years and see what happens.

Vidlak’s player grade: B-

OT Kevin Toth Jr. (Hudson, OH) commits to Rutgers
Toth (6-6, 278) is an interesting case of a young man who went on an impressive growth spurt when he entered high school and is still growing into his body. Rutgers hasn’t recruited an offensive lineman in its class so far, and Toth represents a promising developmental prospect who could possibly turn into something down the road. He has played football for many years but is still learning how to play on the line and utilize his size and physical gifts. Toth’s film is promising. He is a strong kid with decent upper body strength. Toth gets off the ball and is good at the point of contact. He plays a little high and needs to improve his footwork and movement.

Toth’s player grade: C+

OL Brock Dieu (Queen Creek, AZ) commits to Washington State
Dieu (6-2, 280) is a prototypical interior offensive lineman who specializes in run blocking. He is very strong in the lower body and has great leg drive. When Dieu engages with a defensive lineman, he can usually get them off their base. He is tough and nasty on the inside with the ability to finish blocks and put defenders on their backs. Dieu doesn’t quit on blocks and will play to the whistle. He isn’t very fast though and will get overmatched by speedy pass rushers. Dieu is a natural mauler in the run game, and he will fit in at guard. He will need to develop as a pass blocker in college though.

Dieu’s player grade: C

CB Davion Sistrunk (Melbourne, FL) commits to Missouri
Sistrunk (6-2, 175) is still at the stage where he’s a very good athlete who is still learning how to be a football player. But as an athlete, it’s easy to take a flyer on Sistrunk, who has been a high-performing basketball player and also runs track. His first season at cornerback looked pretty good. Sistrunk has the ideal size and extra length to play on the outside. He can run and move laterally. Backpedaling is not an issue for him either. It’s the extra things like ball skills and tracking the ball that he continues to improve along with his instincts. I believe Sistrunk would’ve been a high-end recruit if he had the luxury of a full camp season. He might turn into quite the steal for Missouri.

Sistrunk’s player grade: B

CB Omar Daniels (Moultrie, GA) commits to Kansas State
I have some friends in Georgia who are very high on Daniels (6-0, 180) and believe he is one of the more under-recruited players in the Peach State. From looking at the film, Daniels is a solid player who does things by the book and seems to have a high football IQ. He doesn’t put himself in a lot of bad positions. I think his speed might’ve led to his lack of power conference offers, but Daniels keeps the plays in front of him. He protects himself while still having an opportunity to make a play. When Daniels feels that he is susceptible to being beaten over the top, he might be a little conservative, but he a good tackler and technically sound.

Daniels’ player grade: B-

WR James Blackstrain (Melbourne, FL) commits to Georgia Tech
Blackstrain’s (6-2, 180) is one of the better receivers in this class in the terms of route running. Between his size and route running, Blackstrain is a very difficult coverage assignment for a defensive back. Blackstrain isn’t going to make anyone turn heads with his speed, but he can make plays after the catch and has the ability to stretch the field and get behind defenders. Blackstrain is a thinking man’s receiver. He understands where he needs to be on the field to get open and he makes himself a big target. Blackstrain has plus-level ball skills and hands. He is a solid receiver and looks like a future starter.

Blackstrain’s player grade: B-

May 12

OT Adrein Strickland (Lynn Haven, FL) commits to Florida
Strickland (6-6, 330) is a jumbo lineman and one of the best in the often under-recruited area of northwest Florida. He has the size to play left tackle and the length to handle speed rushers. Strickland is probably a better run blocker at this point, and he can create a lot opportunities for running backs who get behind him. He will have to change his body a little bit to maximize his opportunities as a tackle. Otherwise, Strickland can play guard, and the Gators have had success with a lot of bigger guards. I don’t think Strickland is a superstar, but he’s probably a little underrated. Strickland can grow and develop into a multi-year starter.

Strickland’s player grade: B-

CB Hunter Washington (Katy, TX) commits to Florida State
Washington (5-11, 180) is just the seventh verbal commitment for Florida State in this recruiting cycle under new coach Mike Norvell. I am not sure if Washington’s height is correct, he seems to play a little smaller than that. Washington is better playing in zone than man. He has good feet and anticipates well enough to get to the right place when the play is there. Washington is a solid football player, but he’s not spectacular. He doesn’t make many mistakes, but he isn’t going to make a lot of big plays either.

Washington will have to answer question marks about his size and physicality. He is probably better suited in the boundary than in deep coverage. Washington might be better suited as a nickelback than a regular starter.

Washington’s player grade: B-

TE Landon Morris (La Grange Park, IL) commits to Syracuse
Morris (6-6, 201) is basically a big receiver at this point. He has very good receiving skills, however, and should offer early opportunities to contribute as a flexed tight end. Morris has the great to grow, but I’m not sure if getting to 240-250 pounds is the best move for him. He seems to offer more upside as a big receiver on the outside, flex tight end and a presence in the red zone. Morris has some speed, but it’s not explosive speed. He has long arms and can elevate well to catch contested passes. Morris is a natural pass catcher who can offer some different looks and take advantage of mismatches.

Morris’ player grade: C+

ATH Raymond Gay (Red Oak, TX) commits to Oklahoma State
Gay (5-10, 177) is a high school wide receiver who might end up as a defensive back in college, at least that’s what the coaching staff at Oklahoma State hopes will happen. The Cowboys are Gay’s only Power Five offer and one of just a few FBS offers, including Navy, Rice and New Mexico he received. Gay, however, could find more schools interested once this extended dead recruiting period ends. Gay spends the majority of his time in high school as a wide receiver, and he shows great speed and the ability to stretch the field. He has plus-level hands and is very smooth in the open field. We’ll see if Gay’s defensive projection sticks.

Gay’s player grade: C+

LB Aaron Willis (Baltimore, MD) commits to Tennessee
Willis (5-11, 202) is a little undersized to play linebacker, but don’t let that distract you from how dynamic of a player he is. In a program full of FBS prospects, Willis tends to rise above most of them with his fast, hard-nosed style of play. He has a great combination of speed and physicality…maybe a little too physical for being an undersized linebacker, but Willis flies around the field and will hit anything that moves. Willis is a more of a downhill linebacker than anything at this point. He is athletic enough to be capable in coverage, but he’s rarely had those opportunities. I think middle linebacker is probably the best position for him, maybe strong safety as well. Willis is a top-end middle linebacker in this class.

Willis’ player grade: A-

LB Preston Lavant (Cordele, GA) commits to Pittsburgh
Lavant (6-2, 200) is more of a traditional 4-3 outside linebacker. He reacts pretty well to the play and does a good job with pursuit. Lavant is great with his lateral movement and can get sideline to sideline. He can play up on the line of scrimmage as well and has the length to bat down passes. There aren’t many instances of Lavant dropping into coverage, and it doesn’t look like a strength in his game. He can get off of single blocks pretty well, but he will get trapped in a double team. Lavant is a hard-working player who will do what the coaches ask of him.

Lavant’s player grade: C

May 11

RB Corey Kiner (Cincinnati, OH) commits to LSU
Kiner (5-10, 205) is a power back who I believe might become a fullback or be more of a short-yardage back or one used primarily around the goal line. He is a downhill runner with not much shake and bake, but he is tough to tackle one-on-one. Kiner is built well with strong legs and an upper body that will continue to get stronger. He is more of a one-cut type of back and probably doesn’t have the speed to mess around too much behind the line, especially in the SEC. Kiner projects as a fullback or a rotational back at LSU, but probably not a full-time starter.

Kiner’s player grade: C+

OT Erik Russell (Boston, MA) commits to Wake Forest
Russell (6-7, 255) is a long, tall, big-framed prospect for the offensive line. He’s built like a future left tackle and has a frame that should allow him to add plenty of weight over the next couple of years. Wake Forest, Boston College and Rutgers were among Russell’s offers from Power Five programs and is the ninth verbal commitment from the Demon Deacons.

Russell will have to get stronger as he puts on weight, and he’ll have to improve his leg drive, leg strength and upper body strength. He also has decent footwork and looks to be a good enough athlete. Russell will probably need a redshirt and some time on special teams to develop, but I could see him starting in his third year.

Russell’s player grade: C+

May 10

ATH Julien Simon (Tacoma, WA) commits to USC
Simon (6-2, 218) has been listed as a linebacker or a safety, but at his current size, he’s clearly outgrown playing in the secondary and will instead try to provide some options at linebacker and possibly as a stand-up edge rusher in situations. Simon does have experience in the secondary and coverage skills that are better than you would expect for someone who will probably play at 220-225 pounds as a senior in high school. His film at safety is strong, and Simon he plus-level ball skills and the ability to run with tight ends and running backs in coverage. If Simon can add more of a pass-rushing element to his game, he could be a prospect who can provide options at all three levels. As a linebacker, Simon is definitely among the top 15 nationally and possibly better than that.

Simon’s player grade: A-

QB Kaidon Salter (Cedar Hill, TX) commits to Tennessee
Salter (6-1, 187) is part of that new wave of athletic quarterbacks. He’s more of a passer than a runner, but his ability as a runner makes his passing game all the more dangerous. Salter has a good mindset to play quarterback. He doesn’t seem to panic back there, and when the play starts to break down, that’s when Salter is really dangerous. Salter can beat you with his legs, but he really thrives when he’s using those legs to throw the ball on the run. He has a nice release and plus-level arm strength. His arm strength should only improve as he puts on more size in a college strength program. Salter is a two-sport athlete who also does hurdles and long jump in track and field. He is a fluid athlete with tremendous upside and another good pickup for Tennessee.

Salter’s player grade: B+

WR Dekel Crowdus (Lexington, KY) commits to Kentucky
Crowdus (5-10, 169) is a speedy wide receiver prospect who will provide playmaking ability in the slot, along the perimeter and possibly in the return game. Crowdus is one of the faster receivers in the 2021 recruiting class, possessing a recorded time of 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He is playmaker who operates well in space and does most of his damage with yards after the catch. Crowdus can reach his top-end speed rather quickly and turn a short pass into a big gain. Obviously, he isn’t the biggest receiver out there, and even though he’s strong for his size, he’ll have to get bigger and stronger to deal with more physical play in college.

Crowdus’ player grade: B

WR Roderick Daniels (Duncanville, TX) commits to Baylor
Daniels (5-9, 160) is a versatile athlete who has excelled in track and football and plays for one of the top programs in Texas. He is projected as more of a slot receiver in college, but in a spread offense, Daniels is going to spend time in the slot as a receiver, on the perimeter running jet sweeps and in the backfield where he can be a traditional back, or a receiver out of the backfield. Daniels really established himself as a major recruit as a junior when he amassed over 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns on 81 touches. About 60 percent of his touches came on receptions. Daniels is an athlete who needs the ball as many ways as you can get it to him. The more touches Baylor can give Daniels, the bigger reward he offers.

Daniels’ player grade: B-

S Rod Moore (Clayton, OH) commits to Michigan
Moore (5-11, 185) is a more of a natural as a free safety prospect, but he also has the ability to play closer to the line of scrimmage and is a willing tackler against the run. I think Moore has options as both a free safety and strong safety, depending on how much bigger he gets in college. Moore, however, is at his best patrolling in the defensive backfield. He has plus-level ball skills and also gets good marks for his anticipation. Moore can run the quarterback and find his way to the ball to create a turnover or contest the play. He moves very well and with fluidity. Moore has respectable coverage ability and works hard to keep the play in front of him.

Moore’s player grade: B-

S Benjamin Perry (Chicago, IL) commits to Louisville
Perry (6-2, 191) is a big-bodied safety and arguably the top prospect to come out of Illinois during this recruiting cycle, making this a big recruiting win for Louisville over the Big Ten programs that have made offers to him, like Illinois and Michigan State. Perry has ideal size and looks like he’s college ready. He’ll continue to put on some size and add to his strength.

Perry is a combo safety. His size will put him closer to the line of scrimmage and be a physical presence against the run. Perry also has pretty good coverage and ball skills that will allow him to line up against a tight end or play in deep coverage in situations. Perry could also take on some outside linebacker responsibilities and be a stand-up pass rusher in other situations. He is a talented prospect who offers options at all levels on defense.

Perry’s player grade: B+

OT Brandon Honorable (Detroit, MI) commits to Pittsburgh
Honorable (6-7, 275) is one of those athletes who has so many natural attributes you can’t teach. He is a big player with a ideal size and length for a left tackle. Honorable is a good athlete who moves well and has great natural footwork. He can bend and play with leverage. Honorable is a fluid, flexibility athlete with good explosion and a good punch at the point of contract. He has shown signs of being able to finish blocks, but he needs to increase his strength and leg drive. That will also help him with short-space strength. Honorable has a lot of areas to work on, and another full year of reps in high school will do him good. That being said, there’s a tremendous amount of potential and upside there.

Honorable’s player grade: B-

CB Aidan Ryan (Fredericksburg, VA) commits to Virginia
Ryan (6-0, 190) is listed as a cornerback, and he plays both defensive back and quarterback is high school. Virginia is recruiting him at safety. He is an interesting prospect as a safety because he could put some more weight and play close to the line of scrimmage. It’s hard to judge Ryan as a tackler because two-way players who play quarterback tend to be a little more apprehensive about being overly physical because their contributions at quarterback are more important. Ryan has decent ball skills, but I don’t know if he has the speed or the fluidity to be much more than a safety who can drop into short coverage. Ryan is stiff and unsteady in coverage. He could work out as an safety who plays in the box.

Ryan’s player grade: C

OL/DL Zeek Biggers (Mount Ulla, NC) commits to Georgia Tech
Biggers (6-6, 327) is being recruited as a defensive lineman at Georgia Tech, but I still think his best position might be as a mauling offensive guard. Biggers, however, has good size to play the nose, although he’ll have to get lower and learn how to deal with double teams. He has the size to eat up space in the middle, and if he can offer some element of a pass rush, he might even be able contribute on passing downs. Biggers is an appropriate name for a jumbo athlete who is going to be asked to do a lot dirty work for the Yellow Jackets in the trenches.

Biggers’ player grade: C+

LB Morice Blackwell (Arlington, TX) commits to Texas
Blackwell (6-1, 193) is already one of the more accomplished prospects in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area during this cycle. He was the sophomore of the year in his area and the region’s MVP as a junior. He is a tackling machine, collecting over 100 tackles in consecutive seasons. Blackwell is playmaker who get it done in a variety of ways. He can get in the backfield and has great closing speed to make tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Blackwell is capable in coverage and pass defense. He has over 20 tackles for loss and six forced fumbles in the past two seasons. He has natural outside linebacker skills, but he can play some deep safety and play cornerback on the boundary if necessary. In college, I believe he’ll grow into more of a full-time off-line linebacker and will develop his pass-rush skills more.

Blackwell’s player grade: B+

TE C.J. Dippre (Jermyn, PA) commits to Maryland
Dippre (6-5, 245) has primarily played quarterback and on the defensive line for his high school, so his projection to tight end is just that – a projection. The good news is that Dippre is a player who can put his hand in the ground and get dirty. He also has a big frame and some good weight and strength on that frame already. Those intangibles make me believe he’ll project out to be a quality blocker as an inline guy. Playing quarterback mixed in with a few snaps at receiver gives Dippre the instincts to understand some of the basics with route running and footwork. As an athlete, I like Dipper a lot. He could develop into a good tight end or find the field at another position.

Dippre’s player grade: B

May 9

OL Tate Williams (Wall, TX) commits to Baylor
Williams (6-4, 265) is a bigger guard who can really get after it in the run-blocking game. He is a little raw and will need some seasoning, but the basic things you want from an interior guy are there. Williams gets off the snap well, is good at the point of contact and is pretty fluid with his movements. He is always looking for the finish. Williams has to learn how to pass block, which is not something he is asked to do very often. He has some phone booth strength though, albeit against competition that isn’t as strong as other parts of Texas. Williams is very much a sleeper prospect.

Williams’ player grade: C+

LB Tyler McLaurin (Bolingbrook, IL) commits to Michigan
McLaurin (6-2, 210) has the ideal build to play outside linebacker in more of a traditional role and not a hybrid stand-up pass-rusher. He does good work in space and shows the necessary athleticism and movement to play off-ball linebacker in college. McLaurin reads and anticipates the play well and does a good job at being in the right place to make the tackle. His game is based more on instincts than raw athleticism and speed. McLaurin might not have superstar upside, but he will be a starter on defense down the road.

McLaurin’s player grade: C+

TE Weston Wolff (Venice, FL) commits to Maryland
Wolff (6-5, 202) has a long frame, but he’s currently built more like a wide receiver. His game is that of a wide receiver too. He is one of the best in Florida as a receiving tight end. He can line up outside or in the slot and could probably also play in the backfield as an h-back. Wolff has good agility in space and the ability to make things happen after the catch. He is a high-volume pass catcher, not a player you want to only get one or two targets to a game. Wolff will have to improve as a blocker to become a real three-down tight end. He is built more for spread offenses and will never be a traditional inline guy, but Wolff has significant upside as a receiver.

Wolff’s player grade: B-

QB Heinrich Haarberg (Kearney, NE) commits to Nebraska
Haarberg (6-5, 187) is a long, tall athletic quarterback with a big frame and some very intriguing upside. He is a good runner who has a recorded time of under 4.7 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Haarberg gets most of his big gains on the ground come from when he finds open field and is able to sprint though. He is fast, but not elusive. He is spotty as a passer, but it’s an area he has improved from his sophomore to his junior year, and he should continue to show improvements in ball placement and accuracy. Haarberg is pretty light on the frame, but he has room to add 30-40 pounds to fill it out. He needs development as a passer, and I think Haarberg might need a few years to put it all together, but I could see him becoming the starter after 2-3 years of seasoning.

Haarberg’s player grade: C+

RB Javion Hunt (Oklahoma City, OK) commits to Arkansas
Hunt (6-0, 202) is a two-way athlete who already has ideal size to play running back in college or grow into a linebacker. He chose the Razorbacks over several other programs, including Baylor, Nebraska and Minnesota. Hunt is already big enough to play in college and should easily add another 15 pounds onto his frame. With Hunt’s size and forward lean, he is a running back who should always gain positive yardage. Hunt isn’t going to make a lot of cuts or dance around in the backfield. He wants to run downhill and find the hole quickly so he can accelerate through it. Hunt has the ability to help in the passing game as a receiver and a pass protector, giving him three-down capability.

Hunt’s player grade: B-

DT KaTron Evans (Baltimore, MD) commits to Tennessee
Evans (6-3, 315) is big athlete who can provide run-stopping ability and some versatility on the defensive line. He has played nose guard and three-technique in high school, with an advanced program at St. Frances Academy. Evans is likely going to play more nose guard in college and be responsible for closing space in the middle of the line. On many snaps, Evans isn’t going to make the play, but his ability to take on blockers will allow the other members of the defensive line and linebackers to jump in. There’s nothing pretty about playing nose, and Evans is one of the few prospects in the nation who already has the size and mentality to do it. Evans moves north-south well for a big man, and he’s strong enough to handle double teams off the snap. Evans won’t be most mentioned player in Tennessee’s class, but he will be one of the most important.

Evans’ player grade: B

RB Mar’Keise Irving (Country Club Hills, IL) commits to Minnesota
Irving (5-10, 178) is a quality running back prospect who can provide versatility in a spread offense or play as a lead back in a traditional offense. Irving isn’t necessarily big enough to play in a college program right now, and I’d like to see him get to 185-190 pounds before he gets on a campus. Irving’s speed looks better-than-average on film, and he explodes through openings well and is tough to track down in the open field. Irving doesn’t get a ton of volume as a receiver out of the backfield, and adding to that part of his game will likely make him a three-down back in college. Despite Irving’s size, he runs like he’s bigger and doesn’t mind taking tacklers on for extra yardage.

Irving’s player grade: B

May 8

WR Jacorey Brooks (Miami, FL) commits to Alabama
Brooks (6-2, 181) is the best receiver in the state of Florida as far as a combination of size and speed. Alabama has also recruited Agiye Hall from the Tampa, Florida area and arguably has the two best receivers from Florida in the class.

Brooks is a little more of a consistent prospect compared to Hall. He is a big-time player who makes big plays when you need them to happen. Brooks makes the big plays when you need him to. He is a reliable pass catcher who can be physical and compete for contested passes and also take short screens and passes and turn them into long plays. Brooks’ recorded speed is slow, but he’s faster than that time would indicate.

Brooks’ player grade: A-

OT Bram Walden (Scottsdale, AZ) commits to Oregon
Walden (6-4, 275) doesn’t have the size of the typical elite offensive line talent, and I believe if he were listed as a guard or a center, he’d been one of the top three interior linemen in the nation. Walden, however, does have great length and a wide wingspan that allows him to play much longer than you would think for being 6-foot-4. Walden is a plus-level athlete with very quick feet who is quick off the ball, plays at the right pad level and has a hinge that is quick, technically sound and difficult for any edge rusher to get around. He is nasty in run blocking and can quickly get to the second level. Walden could play any position on the line and be among the best in the nation. Oregon continues to add the pieces to what could be a dominant offensive line in the years to come.

Walden’s player grade: A-

LB Jackson Bailey (Red Oak, TX) commits to Arizona
Bailey (6-1, 220) has been kind of an under-the-radar prospect despite having received offers from Kansas and a couple of higher-end mid-majors like Nevada. He plays more of the edge in high school, but I don’t think he’ll have the length to do that in college. Bailey looks more like an inside linebacker, and I think that will show as he puts on more size. Arizona needs a lot of depth at linebacker, so while Bailey isn’t a top-end type of prospect, he definitely has enough upside to provide some depth.

Bailey’s player grade: C

CB Keuan Parker (Tulsa, OK) commits to Arkansas
Parker (5-11, 171) becomes the sixth player to give a verbal commitment to Arkansas. He also held offers from Michigan State, Nebraska, SMU and Troy among other programs. Parker is very comfortable in man coverage, and while he’ll eventually fill out his frame to be better at press coverage, he has very natural coverage skills. Parker can stick on his assignment and has consistent speed to limit the space between him and the receiver. He has good movement and is not too stiff, but he tries to be more physical than he needs to be, which can get him in trouble. I love Parker’s competitive nature, and his skill set is one to build on.

Parker’s player grade: C+

P Mark Vassett (Melbourne, Australia) commits to Michigan State
Vassett (6-4, 210) is a 23-year-old punter prospect who comes from the ProKick Australia program. He is the 12th prospect to make a verbal commitment to Michigan State. Vassett is the next in line of a series of Australian punters who have played for the Spartans. Michigan State’s projected punter in the 2020 season, Mitchell Crawford, is from Australia.

Vassett’s player grade: N/A

DE Noah Collins (Loganville, GA) commits to Georgia Tech
Collins (6-4, 217) had been committed to Central Florida for a while, but he made a switch to stay in state and verbally commit to Georgia Tech. Collins has some quick twitch to him. He is good off the edge and getting to the quarterback, but Collins is also good in pursuit. He plays with a lot of effort and a high motor. Collins is not very big right now, but he has a good frame and could easily get to 245-250 pounds without losing much of his speed. Collins is more of speed guy than a technique guy, so he’ll have get developed a little, but he’s a high-upside pass rusher and no program can have too many of those guys.

Collins’ player grade: C+

May 7

DE Jason Onye (Warwick, RI) commits to Notre Dame
Onye (6-5. 248) is a good-looking defensive line prospect who is pretty raw in terms of skills, development and competition, but he looks good off the hoof and has a lot of nice tools with his speed and size. Onye is still learning football, as he’s only in his second year, and with that you see a lot of plays on which he wins battles with effort and some plays on which he makes little errors. The good news is Onye plays hards and the errors are going to be fixed with time and repetition. He’s strong too and has a little phone-booth strength to fight in the trenches. The speed and the size are the things you can’t teach, while everything else will develop in time. Three years from now Onye could be a real player.

Onye’s player grade: B-

S Michael Gravely Jr. (Cleveland, OH) commits to Michigan State
Michigan State has been recruiting in various spots around the nation, especially in the southeast and in Michigan. But Ohio is another state that Mel Tucker and his staff would love to get some players out of, and Gravely (6-1, 189) is the first from that state, choosing the Spartans over West Virginia. Tucker and defensive backs coach Harlon Bennett want big, physical safeties who can play up on the line of scrimmage and set the tone. Gravely is a big safety, heck, he could grow into a hybrid linebacker type. He can play up close to the line of scrimmage, and I think can develop into a designated blitz guy too.

Gravley’s player grade: C+

ATH Lonnie White (Malvern, PA) commits to Penn State
White (6-2, 210) is a multi-sport star and originally pledged to play baseball for Clemson. Now, it appears that White would rather pursue a career in football. Oddly enough, it’s undetermined whether White had a football offer from Clemson, and if he had, it’s uncertain if the offer one was he could commit to. White could play baseball at Penn State and has suggested he might try. He is being recruited as a wide receiver, and he has a tremendous frame for the position and already has college-ready size. He’s been a wide receiver and quarterback in high school. White is one of those kids who seems to do everything and do it well. He is an elite athlete and has great hands. There are some fundamental things he could improve at wide receiver and will once he becomes a full-time football player.

White’s player grade: A-

OT/DL Hugh Laughlin (Athens, GA) commits to Virginia
Laughlin (6-6, 283) has the frame of future offensive tackle, but Virginia is looking at him to play defense and be a defensive lineman who can provide inside and outside play for the Cavaliers. He certainly has some decent film on defense. Laughlin is an aggressive player who wants to get up the field quickly. But I still think offensive tackle might be his future spot. He has the size and the frame. Laughlin is a better run blocker than a pass protector at this stage. He has also played some tight end and has clips there. Laughlin is a good athlete, and there should be some options about what position he will eventually play.

Laughlin’s player grade: C+

DE Cooper Lanz (Denton, TX) commits to Baylor
Lanz (6-4, 246) has football in his genes, and an older brother, Jon Lanz, is playing offensive line at TCU. Cooper Lanz has decided on a Big XII rival, and one wonders if the Lanz brothers will battle against each other in future Baylor-TCU matchups. The younger Lanz has a big frame, and despite being over 245 pounds, he looks like he could handle 270 comfortably. He is really good in the pursuit and has good closing speed. Lanz is coming off a strong junior year with 24 tackles for loss for Denton Guyer, one of the top programs in Texas. Lanz is a high-upside prospect with experience on the edge as a stand-up rusher and with his hand in the ground. I could also see a possible move inside. Lanz provides a lot of options.

Lanz’s player grade: B-

May 6

TE Fernando Garza (Katy, TX) commits to Texas A&M
The Aggies are starting to warm up on the recruiting trail, and Garza (6-5, 248) gives Jimbo Fisher and his staff a fourth commitment in recent days. Garza is completely built for the inline position and mostly acts as an additional blocker in the run game for his high school. He takes a lot of pride in his blocking role and does a very good job with chipping the edge rusher. Garza is a tough competitor with a great gas tank – he will play all the snaps and do the dirty work that’s asked of him. Garza has a long way to go as a receiver. He has the natural tools, but lacks the development. Garza’s movement, which is good, should eventually turn hm into a tight end who will catch some passes. As a blocking right end, Garza rates very highly.

Garza’s player grade: B-

CB Brandon Johnson (Newton, NC) commits to Duke
Johnson (5-10, 172) gives Duke its ninth commitment of the 2021 recruiting class. The Blue Devils had to beat out ACC foes Wake Forest and N.C. State for Johnson’s pledge. Johnson is one of the faster players in North Carolina, and he has a recorded 100-meter dash under 11 seconds. The speed is what Johnson is known for, but he’s a pretty tough player who often makes good hits to break up plays. Johnson’s ball skills are average, but his playmaking ability is good and when he gets his hands on the football, he’s thinking about taking it to the house. Johnson might also bring some value as a special teams returner as well.

Johnson’s player grade: C+

TE/DE Brandon Williams (Johnston, SC) commits to Wake Forest
Williams (6-4, 225) made a pledge to Wake Forest over Virginia Tech after visiting both programs earlier in the year before the coronavirus pandemic started. Williams is a two-way player who appears more likely to play on defense for the Demon Deacons. Williams is a little undersized right now, but he has a frame that should allow him to put on more weight. I see him as a hybrid who will do edge rushing from the standup position and also put his hand into the ground as a defensive end. Right now, Williams’ primary game is speed rushing, so he will have to diversify his skill set more at the next level.

Williams’ player grade: C+

ATH Keagan Johnson (Bellevue, NE) commits to Iowa
Iowa edges out Nebraska and grabs Johnson (6-1, 184), a solid wide receiver prospect from the Cornhusker state. Johnson is a good, balanced receiver. He makes a lot of his big plays on the perimeter with screens, short outs and jet sweeps. Johnson does have more to his game than that, and the tools show me a capable route runner who can get down the field. He has plus-level vision and can make things happen after the catch. Johnson possesses ideal size for a wide receiver, and he isn’t afraid to play physical football when the situation calls for it. He is a quality wide receiver custom made for the Big Ten’s style of the game.

Johnson’s player grade: B

S Darius Green (Covington, GA) commits to Minnesota
Green (6-0, 188) looking like a good fit for what Minnesota likes to do in the secondary. He is an active player who spends time at cornerback, safety and wide receiver in high school. Long term, I think Green is a good fit as a safety who can play in the box and up close to the line of scrimmage. He’s a pretty active tackler and plays with a physical edge. Green is an athlete who can run and move so playing deep safety and coverage areas of space is something he’s capable of. His ball skills from playing wide receiver serve him well in contesting passes, although I’d like to see more turnovers on his stat sheet as a senior. Green is a high-effort player who will provide some scheme versatility.

Green’s player grade: B-

DE Joshua Robinson (Douglasvile, GA) commits to Georgia Tech
Robinson (6-4, 241) continues a strong stretch for Georgia Tech, which is recruiting well in state. Looking at Robinson, he is going to play on the outside and situationally at three-technique during his time at Georgia Tech. He is good at setting the edge. Robinson plays an honest game; he doesn’t let himself get too aggressive and lose containment. He is tough on blockers and has good speed in pursuit. Robinson is not a flashy player, but he’s solid and has the upside to be a multi-year starter.

Robinson’s player grade: C+

RB La’Vell Wright (Radcliff, KY) commits to Kentucky
Wright (6-0, 207) is one of the top prospects in Kentucky this cycle and a projected “big” running back who should provide a major boost in the power running game. Wright had some solid offers out there, with Kentucky having to beat out Duke, West Virginia and Indiana among other programs. He is the second prospect from North Hardin High School to pledge to the Wildcats in as many years.

Wright rushed for 1,819 yards and 25 touchdowns as a junior. He also proved he ability as a receiver out of the backfield too, catching 33 passes for 553 yards and three touchdowns. Wright has a nice combination of power and speed, and he gets where he needs to get to on each carry. Wright also has some agility and he can work in space, but he is best when he’s just going downhill and running through potential tacklers.

Wright’s player grade: B+

TE/DE Derek McDonald (Atlanta, GA) commits to Syracuse
I feel like Syracuse has done a really good job of evaluating talent during this non-conventional recruiting cycle, and that could parlay itself into strong seasons in 2021 and 2022 if the program’s evaluations are right. McDonald (6-4, 227) is a versatile two-way athlete who has played multiple positions for his high school. In Syracuse’s 3-3-5 defense, you need players with length and athleticism up front because the defensive ends will have to spend time dropping into zones and coverages. McDonald has a lot of those capabilities and is another player who I believe would have gotten some good Power Five offers if he could’ve gotten to camps and been evaluated closer. Syracuse might have landed another steal.

McDonald’s player grade: B-

CB Theran Johnson (Indianapolis, IN) commits to Northwestern
Johnson (6-0, 168) is the eighth verbal commitment for Northwestern. The Wildcats came through with an offer for Johnson when he visited the school in March, a couple of days before all campus visits were shut down. Johnson has been a productive cornerback at high school. He has good size and length to grow into a cornerback that can play on the outside. Johnson is at his best in man coverage and shows good instincts with his ball skills and anticipation. As Johnson adds weight to fill out his frame, I think he’ll be a reliable corner who will see the field on special teams first and eventually as an every-down cornerback.

Johnson’s player grade: C+

May 5

RB Will Shipley (Matthews, NC) commits to Clemson
Clemson has some good running back prospects waiting in the wings, but the Tigers are still looking for the next Travis Etienne. I don’t want to put that sort of pressure on Shipley with a comparison like that, but he has some of the elements that makes Etienne so dangerous in the Tigers’ offense.

Shipley is a terrific pass catcher and route runner out of the backfield. He’s not just a guy who will run screens, flares and wheel routes, because he can get open in the middle of the field and recognize the mismatches as well. Shipley has good size and can run with speed and power. Even though Shipley has the speed to break runs to the outside, he has no issues running between the tackles. Shipley’s vision is next-level ready, and he has great anticipation, putting him seemly two moves ahead of the defense. Shipley is one of the top-10 running back prospects in the nation and makes the talent-rich Tigers richer.

Shipley’s player grade: A

TE Victor Mullen (Ottawa, IL) commits to Louisville
Mullen (6-6, 245) had been a target for Louisville for a while, and he showed his interest in the school by visiting there on several occasions. Despite that, the Cardinals didn’t extend an offer to Mullen until March, although it didn’t make a difference in the end.

Mullen is a big athlete with a wide catch radius and someone who has the physical mindset to play inline and be part of the run game. Louisville uses the tight end on nearly every snap and often uses two-tight end formations. Mullen isn’t going to be a guy who catches more than a couple passes a game, but he has good pass-catching ability and the foundation to be a good additional blocker in the run game.

Mullen’s player grade: C+

CB Philip Riley (Valrico, FL) commits to Notre Dame
Riley (6-0, 190) has risen to be one of the top prospects in Florida and is the second player from his high school to make a verbal commitment after top wide receiver Agiye Hall committed to Alabama last week. Riley is a two-way player in high school and excels at both wide receiver and defensive back, but he is likely to end up on the defensive side of the ball in college.

Riley is a natural ball hawk and has the skill set to be a shut-down cornerback on the outside. He has plus marks for his speed, his agility and his hands. His ability to track balls in the air and know when to get aggressive and play for the turnover shown advanced instincts. Riley is a top cornerback prospect in this class.

Riley’s player grade: A-

WR Kendall Long (Lexington, SC) commits to Syracuse
Long (6-3, 215) is an interesting prospect who I believe would be a much more coveted recruit if he weren’t in a run-based triple-option offense in high school. He has to do a lot of blocking, which he is game for, and he doesn’t get a lot of opportunities with the football.

But when Long gets a shot, he usually makes good things happen. He’s a tough, physical football player who seems to relish the contract when he’s asked to block. Long also can make things happen after the catch. He can take a short pass and turn it into a big play or stretch the field on a seam route. Long will have to develop some more wide receiver fundamentals, but he might be a diamond in the rough.

Long’s player grade: B

LB Kolbe Cage (New Orleans, LA) commits to Arizona
Cage (6-0, 200) is a little undersized to be a traditional linebacker, but up to this point, he’s never been a traditional linebacker. Cage is much of a jack-of-all-trades type of player who is very comfortable working in space. That ability has allowed him to play some off-ball linebacker as well as boundary cornerback, slot cornerback and both safety positions. Where Cage ends up will depend on how much he continues to fill out. I think he could play snaps at linebacker and safety in college. Cage is an intriguing piece and should be especially useful against the pass-happy teams in the Pac-12.

Cage’s player grade: B-

DE/DT Shawn Williams (Philadelphia, PA) commits to Arizona State
Williams (6-4, 255) was presented with a scholarship offer from Arizona State in mid-April. The Sun Devils are the only Power Five program that has extended an offer to him. Williams is still young in football, and he’s playing all around the defensive line in high school, both on the outside as a stand-up rush end and in the middle.

Williams is definitely headed for the interior, probably as a three-technique, but he could be a fit at one-technique as well. He is a basketball player, and the foot quickness and movement has immediately translated over to the football field. Williams needs to get stronger and continue to learn some technique in his senior season.

Williams’ player grade: C+

LB Easton Mascarenas (Mission Viejo, CA) commits to Oregon State
Mascarenas (6-0, 200) represents of the one highest-graded recruits Oregon State has had in recent years. If Mascarenas were a couple of inches taller, I think he’d be considered among the best 15-20 linebackers in the nation. As it is, he’s a little undersized, but he plays like he’s the biggest player on the field. Mascarenas plays with tremendous effort and speed. He is a sideline-to-sideline tackler who can diagnose plays and brings high-end closing speed. Mascarenas is more than capable in space and can cover slot receivers, running backs or tight ends. Beyond his great athleticism, Mascarenas is a hard, physical tackler to add to an impressive set of tools.

Mascarenas’ player grade: B

ATH Prince Green (Griffin, GA) commits to Illinois
Green (6-2, 190) has been projected as a wide receiver and a defensive back, and Illinois is looking at Green to play to play on the defensive side, which makes plenty of sense because Green has some underdeveloped upside at cornerback. He has exceptional length and good size overall, and he might end up playing some safety as well because he will be big enough to play around the line of scrimmage. Green’s best early fit might be at boundary corner, but I anticipate he will play more safety as he develops and grows in Illinois’ defensive system.

Green’s player grade: C+

May 4

OT Colby Smith (West End, NC) commits to Tennessee
I’m not sure if Smith (6-7, 285) has a significant basketball background, but from watching his feet and his movement, I feel like there has to be some cross training going on. Smith is a large, massive athlete and a prospect with a high ceiling because of his natural tools. There are a couple of clips on Smith’s reel where he stone walls blockers and barely puts a hand on them because they are completely neutralized by his footwork and wide base. Smith has some development to do. He has strength to gain in both the upper and lower body as he continues to fill out. Smith could get better with his hands and more consistent with finishing blocks. But with his size and natural athleticism, Smith has those things you just can’t teach – size and athleticism.

Smith’s player grade: B-

CB Shawn Gates (Akron, OH) commits to Boston College
I like what Boston College coach Jeff Hafley and his staff have done with the secondary recruiting. The Eagles have been a little small in the secondary for a while, but they are bringing in bigger, physical guys into the secondary.

Gates (6-0, 175) adds to a significant recent haul for the Eagles. He reminds me a little of a cornerback named Kaleel Gaines who played at Michigan State for a couple of years. Gates is just active and physical with his hands. He’s going to put a wide receiver through hell to get past him. Gates is athletic and uses his length to contest those tall passes. I think his physicality makes him a boundary corner, but Gates has the ability to play outside too.

Gates’ player grade: B-

QB Garrett Nussmeier (Flower Mound, TX) commits to LSU
Nussmeier (6-1, 178) is part of a football family. His father, Doug, has been an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for several FBS programs and is current the quarterbacks coach for the Dallas Cowboys. The younger Nussmeier is fun to watch on film because he goes for it. He plays an aggressive game and takes some chances. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t, but in my world, I’d rather a quarterback show the confidence to make the big plays. Nussmeier is comfortable in the pocket, but not a statue. He shows some playmaking ability and can fire the ball down the field on the run as well. Given what LSU did this past season with Joe Burrow and getting the ball downfield, Nussmeier looks to be a good scheme fit.

Nussmeier’s player grade: B-

LB Danny Stutsman (Winter Garden, FL) commits to Oklahoma
Stutsman (6-2, 218) has put on about 25-30 pounds over the past year, and with his increased size came a lot of interest from FBS programs to the tune of over two dozen offers. He is a talented prospect and a very good tackler. Stutsman tackles with form and physicality. He can run and move from side-to-side. Stutsman is athletic; he can read and track down the play on a consistent basis. His closing speed is impressive.

Stutsman’s size increase will continue as he fills out his frame. Oklahoma is looking for more players on defense like Stutsman – kids who are aggressive and can get after it. He can also play well in space and has the ability to work in coverage. Stutsman is a solid prospect across the board.

Stutsman’s player grade: B

DE Hayden Nelson (Brookfield, WI) commits to Syracuse
With Syracuse going to more odd-man fronts in the future, Nelson (6-4, 242) fits well as a defensive end in that alignment. The Orange are retooling the defense and want to do it with guys who play fast and play with high effort.

Nelson fits that bill as well. He’s around the ball immediately and trying to force the offense into negative plays. He has pretty good explosive speed and is strong at the point of contact. Nelson has good hands and is always moving and working to get off the block. He doesn’t quit on the play. Nelson is a prospect who looks like he has some good football ahead of him.

Nelson’s player grade: C+

WR D.J. Sims (Church View, VA) commits to Wake Forest
Sims (6-3, 205) looks like a giant among his competition on film. Think of Andy Reid in that punt, pass and kick contest. Sims is just so much bigger and more physical.

Anyway, Sims is a great athlete, a two-sport guy who has speed and strength. His high school team generally runs the football, so he is basically an additional offensive linemen when he’s not catching the couple of targets he gets a game. That being said, Sims has some serious potential as an outside receiver, and once he gets used to more of a high-volume passing attack, Sims could make some waves at Wake Forest.

Sims’ player grade: B-

DT Victory Vaka (Westlake Village, CA) commits to Texas A&M
Vaka (6-1, 348) is a big defensive lineman who can play snaps at nose guard or defensive tackle. Probably a better fit at nose with his current size, but if he can drop 20-25 pounds, Vaka should get a little quicker and provide more versatility. He plays with very good leverage and has the ability to drive offensive linemen into the backfield when he gets moving. Vaka is a natural space eater and taking on a double team is something he does regularly. I was impressed with his effort, as Vaka doesn’t take plays off and seems to have a pretty gas tank. He’ll brings a lot of size and the ability to plug gaps and stop the interior run game.

Vaka’s player grade: B

DE Najee Story (Solon, OH) commits to Northwestern
Story (6-4, 235) was listed as an Ohio State target earlier in the recruiting cycle and had most recently been pursued heavily by Penn State. But Northwestern was a constant among his final schools, and the Wildcats held off a group that included Minnesota and Tennessee as well for the commitment.

Story is the second Northwestern commitment in as many days. Even though his recruiting appeal may have faded in the past few months, he’s still one of the top prospects out of the Midwest and a major get for Northwestern. He has the ability to be a game changer on the defensive line. Story isn’t necessarily a natural pass rusher, but he brings good balance to the line as a guy who can get around the edge and also be an honest run defender.

Story’s player grade: B+

WR Chase Jackson (Choctaw, OK) commits to TCU
Jackson (6-2, 175) is a potential big-play machine. He is long and has a large athletic frame that should allow him to eventually grow into a receiver who could play on the outside. Jackson has good speed and can stretch the field and be a major threat on deep balls. He is adequate in space and has the ability to turn a short gain into a big play, although that’s not Jackson’s primary strength. Jackson has plus-level hands and excellent feet. His route-running skills are among some of the better I’ve seen in this class so far. Jackson’s burst is decent as well, and he shows some explosive speed going down the field to gain separation.

Jackson’s player grade: B

May 3

WR Armond Scott (Euclid, OH) commits to Kentucky
Kentucky has been looking for at least one big outside receiver in this recruiting cycle, and in Scott (6-3, 200), the program believes it has its guy. Scott has one play on his film that is eye-raising on which he catches an underthrown fade route and shows the body control to stay on his feet and make a move on the defensive back to get to the end zone. Scott shows a few different things on film. Obviously with his size, Scott will get up for the contested balls, and he’s tough in single-man coverage around the red zone. But there’s another clip on which he gets across on a cross in the middle of the field and one on which he sits down on a quick out and makes a nice physical run after the catch. I can see why the Kentucky staff likes Scott. He is a big, physical receiver who can handle himself in the SEC.

Scott’s player grade: B

TE Elijah Arroyo (Frisco, TX) commits to Miami
Over the years Miami has had some fine players at the tight end position most recently with guys like Jeremy Shockey, Kellen Winslow Jr., Chris Herndon and Jimmy Graham representing the U in the 21st century. Arroyo (6-4, 212) has somewhat of a similar skill set, especially as a pass catcher. He has plus-level hands and the length and leaping ability to be a major asset around the red zone. Arroyo has to add size and strength because Miami does require their tight ends to be heavily involved blocking for the run game. Arroyo is quick, but he doesn’t have that explosive burst yet. Plenty of potential and upside for Arroyo as he puts on weight and cleans up a few things.

Arroyo’s player grade: B

S De’Shawn Rucker (Tallahassee, FL) commits to Tennessee
Rucker is another big commitment for the Volunteers, and their second from the state of Florida over the past week. Rucker (5-11, 175) is probably the top free safety prospect in Florida this year. He is a two-way star in high school and a major playmaker. Rucker’s skills as a receiver shine through via his hands and ball skills. He is always around the football, and if he can generate a turnover, his mind quickly shifts to making a big play on the return. Rucker’s ability to line up anywhere in the secondary forces offenses to have to scheme against him to keep the ball out of his area. The Volunteers continue to work toward the top recruiting class in the SEC.

Rucker’s player grade: A-

DE Rodney McGraw (Elkhart, IN) commits to Penn State
McGraw (6-5, 220) committed to Indiana in last January but backed away from that pledge to make a flip to Penn State and give the Nittany Lions their 11th commitment in the 2021 recruiting class. Penn State offered McGraw in the fall of 2019 during a productive junior season for the lineman where he had 21 tackles for loss and nine sacks.

McGraw’s raw talent is evident on film though he’s still pretty unrefined, but he’s a lengthy quick-twitch athlete who is quick off the ball and tough to block on the edge. McGraw is difficult to contain on the outside and closes on the play quickly. His main issues are technical things like his pad level and other aspects of a game he’s still learning. But he’s going to be one of the best natural athletes in Penn State’s recruiting class.

McGraw’s player grade: B+

RB Cody Brown (Lilburn, GA) commits to Tennessee
The Volunteers recently got a commitment from top junior college running back Tiyon Evans and also have athlete Jaylen Wright in the class, although Wright could play in the backfield, at wide receiver or possibly defensive back. Brown (6-0, 223) reminds me a lot of a former Tennessee running back and NFL All-Pro, Jamal Evans. He is already built like a college running back, with a developed frame and a strong upper and lower body.

Brown is a powerful one-cut downhill running back. He doesn’t waste time dancing in the backfield, and when he gets a head of steam, he is hard to take down. Brown doesn’t have breakaway speed, but he has the ability to take a high-volume of carries and wear defenses down.

Brown’s player grade: B+

LB Jermaine Hamilton-Jordan (Kansas City, MO) commits to Arkansas
Hamilton-Jordan (6-1, 192) chose to go with Arkansas and play in the SEC over a host of offers from Big XII programs like Iowa State and Kansas State. Hamilton-Jordan isn’t the biggest linebacker, and he’ll probably always been a little undersized, but he is an active player around in the line of scrimmage and in the run game. He has the physical tools to be an outside linebacker and work in space, but he needs more work in coverage to solidify his footwork. Hamilton-Jordan projects out as a linebacker who will play sideline to sideline and get in a lot of tackles.

Hamilton’s player grade: C

May 2

CB Darius Jackson (Red Oak, TX) commits to Missouri
Jackson is the fourth verbal commitment for Missouri in about a week’s time, and he’s the eighth member of the Tigers’ 2021 recruiting class. He plays against some good competition in the Dallas metroplex and has accounted well for himself. Jackson (6-1, 175) has very good length and ideal size to play cornerback in the SEC. He should continue to get stronger and be matched up against the more physical wide receivers. Jackson is also a track performer and as a hurdler, he has the ability to challenge and contest those 50-50 balls. He looks like a boundary cornerback in college, and I think he has the tackling skills to help out against the run as well.

Jackson’s player grade: C+

JUCO CB Cortez Eatmon (Jasper, AL) commits to Mississippi State
Eatmon is currently at Mississippi Gulf Coast CC and has already carved to an interesting recruiting story that started at William Penn University of the NAIA and eventually led him to a redshirt year at Independence Community College in Kansas last year. Eatmon (6-3, 195) will play his sophomore year at Mississippi Gulf Coast and have two years to finish out his eligibility at Mississippi State. Eatmon’s size makes him a potential fit as a corner or a safety.

Eatmon’s player grade: C-

ATH West Weeks (Watkinsville, GA) commits to Virginia
Weeks (6-1, 205) plays wide receiver in high school and shows a lot of speed on offense. The first clip on his film reel is him taking a kickoff for a touchdown. Weeks also plays linebacker, which is apparently the position where Virginia is recruiting him.

As a linebacker, Weeks is a good athlete. I like the way he shows the ability to sell out against the run, but he can also drop in coverage and close in on the play quickly. Weeks could play in the middle or off the ball. Honestly though, I think he might be a more intriguing prospect on offense, especially as a flex tight end. We’ll see where Weeks ends up.

Weeks’ player grade: B-

LB Andrew Simpson (Bellflower, CA) commits to Kansas
Part of Les Miles’ plan to rebuild the culture at Kansas is recruiting players who come from winning programs. Simpson (6-1, 216) has been part of the successful St. John Bosco program, one of the top programs in the nation. Simpson has played multiple roles in high school on both sides of the ball, but he’s likely to play linebacker in college.

Simpson is probably going to play in the middle, and he is at his best when he’s defending against the run. He reads the play well and plays with gap integrity. Simpson sticks with the plan – he doesn’t freelance too much or get caught taking himself out of the play. He does have the ability to play off ball and has the speed to play on the edge, so he will give Kansas some scheme versatility.

Simpson’s player grade: C+

DE Andre Porter (Washington, DC) commits to Boston College
Porter (6-3, 265) had a lot of schools on him early in the process, but without the ability to perform at camps or visit campuses, he lost some recruiting momentum. Boston College, however, was rewarded for its persistence and earned a verbal commitment from Porter.

I see Porter as more of a containment guy and a run stopper on the outside and a guy who will move to the inside on passing downs to provide rush from the interior. Porter is a good type of program player. He plays with a high effort, and I think he’s going to work hard and put himself in a position to contribute wherever he’s needed on the defensive line.

Porter’s player grade: B-

DE Jordon Thomas (Port Arthur, TX) commits to Texas
Thomas (6-3, 245) has a good look, and I think he’ll be an end in odd-man fronts and move into the middle on four-man lines. That scheme versatility is a good asset, and it fits Thomas because he’s a strong player who delivers a good blow at the point of contact. He is more of a strength guy than a speed guy. Thomas has a strong lower body and can drive blockers into the backfield. He missed his junior year with an injury, so he is a little behind in terms of technique and development. Thomas will need to diversify his pass rush and add some moves to complement his strength. Thomas has potential to be a major contributor on the Longhorns’ defensive line for 3-4 years.

Thomas’ player grade: B

LB Aidan Hubbard (Cleveland, OH) commits to Northwestern
Hubbard (6-4, 221) is the sixth verbal commitment for Northwestern. He is a projected linebacker who could easily grow into being a defensive end. Northwestern won a tight recruiting battle that included Purdue, Minnesota, Cincinnati and Boston College among the finalists. The Wildcats staff made its offer to Hubbard in February. He could also play some outside linebacker, but I believe his ability to cover at the next level is bit of a question mark. Hubbard, however, is a very sound player with some upside and ability to contribute in multiple roles.

Hubbard’s player grade: C+

May 1

LB Zavier Carter (Atlanta, GA) commits to LSU
Carter (6-4, 190) is a speed rusher with excellent length who is playing well below his ideal weight. He actually plays defensive end in high school; he’s going to be more of an outside linebacker/stand-up rush end hybrid in college once he gets to an ideal weight.

Carter is often at a physical mismatch playing on the line, but he uses his hands well to complement his quickness. Carter is a high-effort, high-motor guy who closes well and is good with the backside pursuit. He has some skills that should be able to translate to linebacker and others that are less certain. His coverage skills and ability to work in space are big question marks. The upside to Carter is high, but it all depends on how well he can adjust to playing linebacker, be it off the ball or in the middle.

Carter’s player grade: B

WR Quaydarius Davis (Dallas, TX) commits to USC
Davis (6-0, 189) is a dynamic talent and one of the best athletes at wide receiver I’ve seen in the 2021 recruiting class. He’s not as big as Deebo Samuel, but his body and physical athleticism remind me a lot of the player. Davis is tough and plays tough. He is physically stronger than his size would indicate and shows it as a downfield blocker in the run game.

Davis is a competitive player who plays with a chip on his shoulder and battles against some of the best competition in Texas. His hands might need some work, but he has advanced skills as a route-runner. Davis can jump up and get the ball on contested throws. He isn’t a burner, but he has adequate top-end speed and can make plays after the catch. Davis has the build and skill set of traditional USC wide receivers.

Davis’ player grade: B

DE Terrell Tilmon (Arlington, TX) commits to Oregon
Tilmon (6-4, 199) is a talented, quick-twitch athlete who brings length and an interesting skill set to the defensive end position. He is a hurdler in track, and that vertical makes him dangerous at the line even if he can’t get to the quarterback. As a pass rusher, Tilmon has the speed and is sudden off the snap. He is undersized, and sometimes that’s a problem, especially if he has to shed a blocker, but Tilmon’s quickness has won him plenty of battles. Timon can be a stand-up rush end or put his hand in the ground. His experience with his hand in the ground will give him some versatility on where to line up from snap to snap.

Tilmon’s player grade: B

CB Jalen Cheek (Atco, NJ) commits to Boston College
Cheek (6-1, 185) appeared to be leaning toward Pittsburgh early in the process and also had West Virginia, Virginia Tech and Maryland heavily interested, but Boston College reeled in Cheek for its seventh verbal commitment of the 2021 recruiting cycle. New Eagles head coach Jeff Hafley wanted to get bigger in the secondary and get more players who could play closer to the line of scrimmage. Cheek projects well as a boundary cornerback who will cover the short-intermediate routes while being big enough to play close to the line and help with the run defense.

Cheek’s player grade: C+

LB Jaydon Williams (Dallas, TX) commits to Arizona State
Wiliams (6-1 193) is a speedy linebacker prospect. He can run; he closes well, and he’s strong in pursuit. Williams is a sideline-to-sideline guy and a decent tackler considering he just moved to defense from wide receiver in the past year. He plays a lot of stand-up rush end in high school. Williams’ skill set translates to playing linebacker off the ball or in the middle. He’s athletic enough to believe that he should be able to handle himself in space when the situation calls. Williams will need to add weight to better determine his best fit. He is a football player who likes to compete and is willing to do whatever is asked of him.

Williams’ player grade: C+

OL Edgar Amaya (Russellville, AL) commits to Kansas
Amaya (6-3, 300) is a road grader on the interior. On film, he looks like a steady, tough blocker who doesn’t back down an inch and puts out a solid effort from snap to snap. Amaya is pretty adequate across the board, but Les Miles and the Kansas coaching staff will like his toughness. He doesn’t back down from an opponent, and when he can get the upper hand, he plays to the whistle. Amaya is a no-nonsense blocker who gives you his full effort and plays with intensity.

Amaya’s player grade: C-

WR Brody Brecht (Ankeny, IA) commits to Iowa
Brecht (6-4, 205) is kind of a unique fit as wide receiver for Iowa. I’m wondering if he’ll eventually grow into somewhat of a flex tight end or at least an h-back. Iowa doesn’t have a natural tight end in its 2021 recruiting class so far, but Iowa took two in the 2020 class, so it’s not a great position of need.

That being said Brecht has the ability to give the Hawkeyes a lot of flexibility in the passing game. He is fast enough to stretch the field and win some one-on-one battles. Brecht can run after the catch and has the ability to line up outside or in the slot. As a matter fact, he spends a lot of time in the slot as a wide receiver in high school. There’s certainly a fit for Brecht at Iowa, and he will figure out ways to get the football.

Brecht’s player grade: B-

DT Marcus Bradley (Gaithersburg, MD) commits to Maryland
It didn’t show up in the win-loss column last season … or at any other stop Mike Locksley has been the head coach, but when it comes to recruiting, he brings home the bacon. Bradley (6-3, 275) is a good-looking defensive line prospect and one of the best players from Maryland in this recruiting cycle. He has good strength and looks like the best player on the field in his film. He is light on his feet – moves better than you think for 275 pounds. Bradley has sudden quickness off the snap and a formidable first step. He’s strong enough to push his way into the backfield, and once he diversifies his moves and improves on technique, he will have the full package. Bradley can be a defensive end in an odd-man front, a three-technique or defensive tackle in four-man fronts.

Bradley’s player grade: B+

LB Patrick Payton (Miami, FL) commits to Nebraska
Payton (6-5, 196) is a long, lean, quick-twitch athlete from the storied Miami Northwestern program. I actually had a chance to see him live against Miami Columbus, which eventually won the state title in Florida’s highest classification. Payton had five sacks in the game and played like he owned real estate in the backfield. Nebraska’s had a couple of trying years under Scott Frost, but the program can’t keep losing as Frpst continues to recruit high-upside players like Payton.

As of now, Payton is a stand-up speed rush end. He has a nice swim/slash move to get to get past a blocker, and that’s been good enough. Payton has a big frame and wide shoulders, so getting to 240-250 pounds might not be a big issue. Whether he’s a defensive end, a linebacker or a combination of both, I think Payton is a player.

Payton’s player grade: B+

DE Kahlil Saunders (Huntsville, AL) commits to Kentucky
Saunders (6-5, 265) looks like a potential gem from down in the Gulf Coast. I have a lot of respect for Mark Stoops and the coaching staff at Kentucky when it comes to evaluating talent. Saunders is listed as a defensive end, but I think he could become a 300-pounder and kick to the inside. He also has some good length, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he does some cross training early and maybe finds a home on the offensive line. Saunders is a big athlete; he can run a little; he plays with effort; and he has some toughness. Where he ends up remains to be seen, but the upside with him is certainly evident.

Saunders’ player grade: C+

DT Solomon Wright (Vian, OK) commits to Texas Tech
Texas Tech offered Wright (6-0, 278) in early March, and the Red Raiders were part of a number of programs around Texas and the mid-South that were interested in him, including Missouri, Iowa State and Oklahoma State. Wright is a little sawed off, and listing him at six feet might be a tad generous, but Wright can play. He is a bull on the inside with great upper body strength and a short burst to get into the backfield. Obviously, there might be some concerns about his physical upside, but what Wright has to offer currently is good enough to develop into a starter over time.

Wright’s player grade: C+

April 30

LB Terrence Lewis (Hollywood, FL) commits to Tennessee
Lewis (6-1, 200) is arguably the best linebacker in Florida and likely top five at his position in the nation. Tennessee has absolutely exploded in recruiting, with Lewis’ commitment joining the recent one from Dylan Brooks.

When it comes to his playmaking skills, Lewis probably has the most upside of any defensive player in the nation. He will be a major contributor immediately and could very well be a starter for as long as he’s on campus. Lewis has a complete game. He can run; he can tackle; and he will go sideline to sideline. He can play near the line of scrimmage and get into the backfield. Lewis is a tremendous athlete who can drop into coverage and assist with pass defense. He is an aggressive player and always seems to be the right place to cause a negative play for the offense. Lewis is a big-time coup for Tennessee.

Lewis’ player grade: A-

CB Charles Brantley (Venice, FL) commits to Michigan State
Brantley (6-0, 165) is extremely fast, long and athletic. Once he adds some more mass to his frame, I believe he’ll have a chance to be a complete defensive back. He has great game speed and is one of the fastest players in the state. I am a little surprised Brantley has gotten away from the in-state schools given how well he performed at camps at Florida and Florida State last year. Brantley has a good connection with Michigan State’s defensive backs coach Harlon Barnett, who was the defensive coordinator at Florida State in 2018 and 2019.

Brantley is a smooth cornerback who can seamlessly change direction and is good with transitioning and flipping his hips. He also has a good backpedal and stays close to his man. Brantley is a competitive player, and his mentality really fits Mel Tucker’s plans for the Michigan State defense.

Brantley’s player grade: B

ATH Corey Ellington (Lexington, MS) commits to Mississippi State
Ellington (6-3, 185) has been a wide receiver and a defensive back in high school, but once he gets to college, he’s going to be a safety. Ellington is a long, rangy player who has the ball skills to be a perfect fit with the deep middle. He can also play up on the line of scrimmage, and while he has the size to be ready for college now, he will probably add a few pounds and become more physical in the run game. Ellington could also get big enough to play some snaps in a hybrid linebacker role. I think he has potential to be used on blitzes as well. Ellington is a very good athlete who has a lot of tools to bring playmaking skills to the secondary.

Ellington’s player grade: B-

OT Robert Wyrsch (Sequel, CA) commits to Washington
It might take a couple of years for Washington to reap the benefits of recruiting Wyrsch, but at 6-foot-7, 265 pounds and still growing a lot, it might worth the wait. For now, Wyrsch looks like a player still getting used to his size and learning how to be physically imposing on the football field. He is converting from the basketball court, so his footwork is his biggest strength at this point. Wyrsch has only played football for around a year, so his technique is still in the learning process, but he doesn’t back down on the field and isn’t afraid to mix it up. He needs to get stronger and learn how to bend better and play with leverage. All of that will come with time. Wyrsch represents a young talent who a big school is willing to take a flyer on. There is considerable upside there, and with the right development, it will work out.

Wyrsch’s player grade: C+

OT Connor Heffernan (Georgetown, TX) commits to Baylor
Heffernan (6-4, 265) looks longer than his listed height. He is a nasty one in the run-blocking game. On one of his early clips, he put the defender into the ground and politely kicked his helmet as the guy was getting back to his feet. Heffernan has good strength against the competition and seems to enjoy getting his nose dirty on the line. I didn’t see too many pass-blocking clips from the few that I saw, but on one of them, he should’ve been called for a hold.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Heffernan kicked to the inside. His style of play is much more suited to playing at guard, and I believe his upside is much higher on the interior. Heffernan plays hard and plays with intensity. There isn’t much flash to Heffernan’s game, but that’s all right.

Heffernan’s player grade: C

WR/LB Michael Green (Williamsburg, VA) commits to Virginia
Green (6-4, 210) plays wide receiver, tight end and linebacker in high school. I think he could probably gain traction in college as a prospect at either receiver or linebacker, but with his length and frame, I believe his best position will be outside linebacker/stand-up rush end. Green plays to his assignment and understands the intricacies of playing linebacker and how to direct the play into the strength of the defense. He can rush and is useful as a blitzer or for just tracking down a ball-carrier in pursuit. Green is capable at most things, but not great at any one thing, so his entire game could improve. He needs to be quicker in closing in on the ball-carrier and more comfortable covering in space.

Green’s player grade: C

RB David Holloman (Auburn Hills, MI) commits to Indiana
Holloman (5-10, 188) has a reported speed of under 4.4. in the 40-yard dash that he ran at one of the NIKE camps last year. That’s extremely fast, and once Holloman is in the open field, you might as well prepare the kick block team because he’s a goner. He catches the ball well, and that will allow the Indiana staff to move him around a little bit. He has gotten bigger, but he will need to continue to add size and get to around 200 pounds if he wants to be three-down back. I don’t know that Holloman’s best use is in the backfield as a three-down back, but he’s a player I would always want on the field. Holloman has great upside as a weapon on offensive be it a running back or as an all-purpose player. He should also be part of the kick return game.

Holloman’s player grade: B-

QB Nate Yarnell (Austin, TX) commits to Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh made an offer to Yarnell (6-6, 190) last month and was, along with Utah, was one of the only Power Five schools to make an offer to the tall quarterback, though several mid-majors were also interested. Yarnell was backing up Texas signee Hudson Card going into his senior year, but when Card went down, Yarnell had a chance to show off his ability and threw for nearly 1,500 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Yarnell has a big frame and will be a big player in the pocket. He is a traditional style of passer with a pretty good release. Yarnell has a nice arm, which I would say is at a plus level. He loves to throw the deep middle and does it with good accuracy. Yarnell can also move better than I expected, but I wouldn’t suggest Yarnell try to make a living off scrambling. He can, however, make a lot of the throws. His upside is easy to see.

Yarnell’s player grade: B-

DE Chris Murray (Wichita Falls, TX) commits to TCU
Murray (6-3, 240) has played both linebacker and on the defensive line in high school, at end and in the interior, and he understands what the roles are at different spots. That being said, he projects as a run-stopping defensive end or possible a three-technique, depending on how much weight he gains. Murray is more strength than speed. He has the ability to handle himself in a phone booth. Murray isn’t quick off the ball, but he’s good in pursuit. He is a player who should be able to handle himself at the end or on the inside and will give TCU some scheme versatility. If Murray can improve his explosion and speed, he could increase his upside at the next level.

Murray’s player grade: C

JUCO RB Tiyon Evans (Hartsville, SC) commits to Tennessee
Evans is currently at Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kansas. He is widely considered the top-rated running back in the junior college ranks. Evans (5-9, 220) is physically ready to go and honestly wouldn’t hurt from dropping a few pounds. That being said he’s a compact bowling ball and difficult to bring down. Evans rushed for 539 yards and nine touchdowns on 61 carries at Hutchinson as a freshman. He is planning on playing his sophomore season at Hutchinson and will have two years of eligibility after that.

Evans’ player grade: C+

DE Travion Ford (St. Louis, MO) commits to Missouri
Ford (6-2, 218) is a major in-state recruiting win for the Tigers and he will be one of the centerpieces of their 2021 recruiting class. Where Ford is a little underestimated is because he’s not the biggest or longest in the class. He is strong, however, and he plays well above his weight class. Ford figures out how to be effective against bigger players in ways beyond his speed. I think he’s a plus-level run defender and sufficient at getting to the cornerback. He has room to get bigger, I don’t know if he can be a full-time defensive end of a hybrid player that has to split time between linebacker and rush end. Ford has quickness and moments of burst, he’s fastest than reported times, but he’s not fast enough to win battles with speed only. Ford is hard-working player that has a good football IQ and ability to get to the backfield and cause negative plays.

Ford’s player grade: B

DT Jaelin Moss (Fairport, NY) commits to Syracuse
Moss (6-5, 255) is another one of those prospects who probably would’ve made a lot of headway as a recruit, but without the ability to attend summer prospect camps, he only had a couple of FCS offers until Syracuse came through yesterday. Moss, a projected three-technique, committed immediately.

When I take a look at the film, Moss is a good prospect. I love the way he gets off the ball and gets in the backfield quickly. It’s clear at whatever level of football he’s currently playing, Moss is a man among boys, but he still dominates on every snap. Moss’ dominance allows him to take a few shortcuts that he’ll have to clean up at the next level. He plays too high currently, but as his core and legs get stronger, I think that will be an area that he can improve quickly. Moss is a good-looking player who I believe would’ve gained much more traction as a recruit in a normal offseason.

Moss’ player grade: C+

LB Trenilyas Tatum, (Jonesboro, GA) commits to South Carolina
I think any projected top-level outside linebacker or three-technique should consider a team that Will Muschamp is coaching on. Those are just two positions that I believe he and his staff develop well, and those two spots play major roles in the defense. Tatum (6-2, 205) has the ability to play on the outside off the ball or in the middle. He can run well, very well, and has excellent closing speed. Tatum is strong on the pursuit and can go sideline to sideline. He also is more than athletic enough to drop in coverage and cover a tight end or man over the slot position. Tatum’s speed makes him an option to be a stand-up rusher off the edge. He is a player with a high upside who has the potential to be very productive.

Tatum’s player grade: B

April 29

QB Christian Veilleux (Potomac, MD) commits to Penn State
Penn State was only going to take one quarterback in this class, and Veilleux (6-3, 197) made sure he was the guy. Originally from Canada, Veilleux chose the Nittany Lions over Clemson, Duke and Tennessee. Penn State is going to a new offense this year that will focus more on pro-style concepts and taking shots downfield. On film, it’s easy to see that Veilleux has a nice deep ball and he’s aggressive when it comes to looking downfield. His accuracy is going to be something he needs to work on, as he can get too aggressive and he makes mistakes with the football that he’ll need to clean up. Veillieux can run, absolutely being able to make a defense pay with his legs, but that’s not what he’ll be doing a lot of in Penn State’s new offense. As long as Veilleux can get his accuracy under control, he has the tools to be a starter at the higher levels of college football.

Yager’s player grade: B-

OT Makylan Pounders (Byhalia, MS) commits to Mississippi State
It was a classic Ole Miss-Mississippi State recruiting battle for this in-state offensive tackle prospect, and the Bulldogs ended up winning the commitment from Pounders (6-6, 285). He is plus level in pass protection. Even though Pounders could bend a little lower and play with more leverage, he has some balanced strength in his frame. He is good with the hand fighting and has the upper body strength to keep pass rushers at bay. Pounders could improve his overall athleticism, which will help him as a pass blocker and a run blocker. His leg drive could improve as well. Pounders has some upside and should develop into a starter as he grows and continues to work on his improving his weaknesses.

Pounders’ player grade: C+

RB Jaden Nixon (Frisco, TX) commits to Oklahoma State
Nixon (5-9, 170) is going to be an offensive specialist. He is playing running back in high school and can certainly develop there, but I think he’ll add kick/punt returner and potential slotback to his resume when he gets to college. Nixon is a big-play machine. He is fast and runs about a 10.6 in the 100-meter dash. When he sees an opening, he’s not wasting time trying to get to the open field and past the next level of defenders. I think Nixon is perfect for the quick-hit type of offense Oklahoma State runs. He’ll get yards on those quick hitters in the run game and be dangerous in space.

Noxon’s player grade: C+

DT Albert Regis (La Porte, TX) commits to Minnesota
Regis (6-1, 291) is an interesting prospect for sure. He’s played tight end and been used mostly as a blocker, but then you see video of him on the internet being a leg in a 4×100 team at 285 pounds! And he can run, reportedly 11.18 in the 100-meter dash. He’s made the move to the defensive line, and it’s a good thing because he’s continuing to grow and could play his senior season at 300 pounds.

Regis plays with a lot of effort and a high motor. He runs himself out of plays and then back into plays and has great backside pursuit. Regis can go from sideline to sideline and has exceptional lateral movement. He plays low and can play with leverage, but he would take his game up a level with increase upper body strength. Regis is little bit of a project, but some time invested in his development could lead to big rewards down the stretch.

Regis’ player grade: B-

TE Kameron Allen (Forney, TX) commits to Michigan State
Allen (6-5, 215) is one of those players who got a little buzz going for himself on the camp and 7v7 circuit before the coronavirus pandemic forced everything to shut down early. He’s a big athlete with a big frame and a wide base to make himself a good target for the passing game. Allen can run and can catch, though he probably isn’t a guy you’re going to ask to do too much blocking, at least not early in his career, but he is going to be a weapon as a flex tight end.

Allen’s player grade: C+

LB Kaci Seegars (Cornelius, NC) commits to Texas A&M
Seegars (6-1, 209) isn’t the biggest linebacker out there, but he is a terrific athlete and has range. His range in coverage, range in tackling, and range in playing off the ball make Seegars a pretty unique player. He is great off the snap, explosive and seems to always play at his top speed. He has been used as a stand-up edge rusher and shows a burst off the edge and great pursuit in running down the play. Seegars is more than speed too; he has moves and shows different ways to get around bigger blockers. His coverage is plus level as well because Seegars covers with his feet and his eyes. He has nice instincts and anticipation. Plus, Seegars has the ability to cover in the slot or stick to a tight end. Seegars is a fast-twitch athlete who can play multiple positions at linebacker and will provide Texas A&M with plenty of options on defense.

Seegars’ player grade: B

QB Kyron Drones (Pearland, TX) commits to Baylor
First and foremost Drones (6-1, 196) is a winner. He led Shadow Creek to a undefeated record and a state championship at one of the higher classifications in Texas football. Drones was named MVP of the game, so he has experience performing in big situations. He was very productive as a junior, accounting for over 4,000 yards of total offense and over 60 touchdowns combined running and passing.

Drones is dangerous on the scramble. When the play breaks down, that’s when you see his talent and playmaking ability shine through. Drones has a pretty good arm, and he can launch the ball downfield on the run. He has good size and a frame to get bigger and strong. Drones has exceptional upside, and as he grows as an athlete and a passer, he could be a difference-maker at the next level.

Drones’ player grade: B

OL Marco Fugar (Fort Lauderdale, FL) commits to Pittsburgh
Fugar (6-4, 270) has been a two-way lineman for Plantation (Fla.) High and will be playing football for St. Thomas Aquinas this fall. He is the ninth player to commit to the Panthers in April. Fugar is being projected as either an offensive guard or a future interior defensive lineman. I think he’ll play on the defensive line at Aquinas, and that’s where I predict he’ll start his college career. Fugar has good upper body strength and is a tough kid. There isn’t anything particularly dynamic about him, but he’s solid .

Fugar’s player grade: C+

KS Sander Sahaydak (Bethlehem, PA) commits to Penn State
Sahaydak is the No. 1-rated kicker in the nation, according to Kohl’s Kicking website. He has videos of him kicking field goals in excess of 60 yards circulating the internet. The website says that Sahaydak’s “field goal height off the ground is D1-ready now. Sahaydak can still improve technically. His ability to hit field goals from 55-65 yards away makes him different than others in his class.”

Sahaydak’s player grade: N/A

April 28

WR Markus Allen (Clayton, OH) commits to Michigan
Michigan handed Allen (6-2, 185) an offer back in February and immediately became among the favorites for the wide receiver before he eventually landed as the program’s ninth commitment. Allen has the prototypical size for an outside wide receiver. He has some bulk to him already and is almost college-ready in that department. Allen is very good with the 50-50 balls, and he wins a lot of battles with his ability to use his height and get the ball at a high point. These attributes makeup for average speed. Allen isn’t a burner and isn’t very explosive, but he has upside as a possession receiver and short-yardage/red-zone threat.

Allen’s player grade: B-

WR Dante Reynolds (Chicago, IL) commits to Boston College
Reynolds (6-0, 185) made his commitment to the Eagles along with his high school teammates Lewis Bond. Reynolds has a good frame for a wide receiver and decent hands. He didn’t got a ton of opportunities in the passing game as a junior, only catching 15 passes for a little more than 300 yards. That being said he did make things happen when the ball was in his hands. Reynolds isn’t a burner, but he can stretch the field a little and might also be able to contribute in the return game.

Reynolds’ player grade: C

WR Julian Nixon (Roswell, GA) commits to Tennessee
Nixon represents Tennessee third verbal commitment over the past two days. There are a lot of different opinions on Nixon (6-3, 225). Some see him as a big outside receiver, while others believe he’ll end up as a flex tight end. Nixon is a big-bodied target with a good wingspan. He was been hampered by injuries, so there’s not a ton of film to look at. Nixon has sharp route-running skills and good hands. His speed could be improved, but on the outside, he’s a physical mismatch who knows how to use his body to box out smaller defensive backs. Nixon looks like a future tight end, although probably not an inline tight end, but one who can be flexed out or line up in the backfield as an h-back.

Yager’s player grade: B

RB Lewis Bond (Chicago, IL) commits to Boston College
Bond (6-0, 191) was the second prospect from Kenwood Academy in Chicago to give a verbal commitment to Boston College. Bond didn’t have a lot of touches as a junior, but made the most of his opportunities, rushing for nearly 700 yards on just 63 carries. He has good size to be a college running back and a frame that should allow him to get bigger. Bond can run with power and in between the tackles, which fits a lot of what we’ve seen from Boston College running backs over many years. Bond looks like a running back with some upside as a potential balanced power runner at the next level.

Bond’s player grade: C+

ATH Arland Bruce IV (Olathe, KS) commits to Iowa
Both Iowa and Iowa State jumped on Bruce (5-9, 187) last last year with scholarship offers, and the Hawkeyes won out to continue their impressive recruiting haul this cycle. Bruce has played quarterback and running back for his high school in kind of a single-wing attack. He rushed for almost 2,500 yards and over 40 touchdowns as a junior. Bruce could be a running back in college, but just putting him in the backfield doesn’t seem like a full use of his talents. I see a player who can learn to play in the slot, line up at various spots on the perimeter, play some running back, and possibly be a returner. He’s not the normal type of playmaker you see at Iowa, so I’m curious to see how the coaching staff will use him.

Bruce’s player grade: B

DE Jahzion Harris (Brooklyn, NY) commits to Texas A&M
Jimbo Fisher and his staff went all the way to New York City to recruit Harris (6-4, 220) to help with the pass rush down in College Station. Harris has a nice long, lean frame with plenty of room to add weight. He projects as a hybrid stand-up rush end and outside linebacker. I don’t think he’ll get big enough to put his hand in the ground on every play but we’ll see. Speed is the name of Harris’ game. He explodes off the snap and gets around the edge quick. He is always in pursuit of the ball-carrier and plays hard to the whistle. Harris will get stronger as he puts on weight. His speed is impressive, but he’ll have to develop more technique and diversify his pass-rushing skills. Harris is a quick-twitch athlete with a lot of upside to as an edge rusher.

Harris’ player grade: B

S Shawn Chappell Jr. (Durham, NC) commits to Georgia Tech
Chappell (6-1, 185) gave himself a birthday present by making a verbal commitment to Georgia Tech. He has played some cornerback and some safety in high school. I think he’s going to get considerably bigger and become more of a strong safety or potentially a safety/linebacker hybrid. Chappell is good around the line of scrimmage, and I could see him I playing downhill to help against the run and coming in on blitzes. Chappell still has some coverage skills and could jump in the slot or play nickel, depending on the package. He will bring a lot of scheme versatility and size to a secondary.

Chappell’s player grade: B-

CB Micah Gaffney (Spanish Fort, AL) commits to Virginia
Gaffney (6-0, 162) becomes the ninth verbal commitment for the Cavaliers and the second prospect projected to play in the secondary. He has good length for the position and should add weight to his frame to be a good-sized player on the outside. Gaffney looks like a boundary corner. He can play man, but he looks more comfortable in zone coverage and could find a home as a nickelback. Gaffney is more about technique and instincts than speed, and he plays a sound game in the secondary. He might not be a big-time playmaker, but he’s not going to make many mistakes either.

Gaffney’s player grade: C+

DE/DL Allan Baugh (Fort Lauderdale, FL) commits to Colorado
Colorado is taking a bit of a flyer on Baugh (6-3, 259), who has been more of a rotational backup in high school up to this point. Baugh, however, comes from the storied St. Thomas Aquinas program in south Florida and is surrounded by a lot of talent. On film, Baugh shows some nice explosion off the ball and can knife into the backfield from the end or the interior. Baugh looks more like a three-technique for college, and I think he can easily add 20 pounds as he gets stronger in the upper body. Baugh is still a work in progress, but he has some tools and some upside worth investing the time to refine.

Baugh’s player grade: C

April 27

OT Branson Yager (Grantsville, UT) commits to Nebraska
Yager (6-7, 329) is a large offensive tackle prospect who is probably college ready in terms of size. As a run blocker, Yager uses his size to bulldoze the guy in front of him. He has good strong legs and can drive a defensive lineman off the ball. Yager has a real nasty streak, and he’ll play until the officials tell him to stop. He has plus-level strength in his upper body as well. Yager’s pass protection is all right, but he’s not a great athlete and could get off the snap a lot quicker. Sometimes, Yager springs up a little high and loses leverage. He should be able to develop into a starter at one of the tackle positions over time.

Yager’s player grade: C+

ATH Myles Alston (Virginia Beach, VA) commits to Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh went into Virginia to land its seventh verbal commitment of the 2021 recruiting class. Alston (6-1, 178) chose Pittsburgh over a host of programs, including Virginia Tech, Ole Miss, Virginia and Wake Forest. I think many programs were looking at Alston to play defense, but Pittsburgh was recruiting him as a wide receiver, and that likely helped give the Panthers the edge. As a junior, Alston had nearly 600 yards and six receiving touchdowns. He has the build of a future outside receiver. Alston has decent hands, and he’s fast enough to also be a kick returner for his high school. Spending time focused on one position will help with his development.

Alston’s player grade: C

OL Ryan Rodriguez (Miami, FL) commits to Miami
Rodriguez (6-3, 280) will stay in Miami-Dade County to play his college football. He is an interior lineman and likely a future center. Rodriguez might not be an elite talent, but he’s a high IQ player and rarely makes bad decisions on the line. He has some strength and looks like a pretty balanced blocker overall.

Rodriguez is what I like to call a good program player. He probably isn’t going to be a superstar, but he’ll be a quality depth piece early and eventually work his way into a starting role as an upperclassman. Not necessarily a ton of upside, but Rodriguez is a hard-nosed player who will come to work every day.

Rodriguez’s player grade: C+

OT David Davidkov (Winnetka, IL) commits to Iowa
Iowa went out of state to battle with Ohio State and Michigan in a recruiting battle for Davidkov (6-6, 290). Davidkov is a two-sport guy, and to give an idea of his toughness, that second sport is rugby. He carries his weight extremely well and is very strong in the upper body. Davidkov is a crushing run blocker, and even though he could play right tackle, I think he might be better suited for a guard. Davidkov plays with leverage and stays at pad level or lower. He is good off the snap and has a strong initial punch.

I could see Davidkov being a multi-year starter at guard or tackle. He would be very good at tackle, but has the potential to be elite as a guard.

Davidkov’s player grade: B+

S Kamar Wilcoxson (Bradenton, FL) commits to Tennessee
A day after shocking the system by gaining a verbal commitment from top defensive lineman Dylan Brooks, Tennessee stayed hot on the recruiting trail to add the talented Wilcoxson (6-2, 190) to its top-10 recruiting class. Wilcoxson brings a lot of versatility to the back end. He has shown the ability to play cornerback and safety, and he’ll likely do both in college because Volunteers coach Jeremy Pruitt loves bigger cornerbacks. Wilcoxson is a very good athlete who has excellent speed and length. He has a good skill set for cornerback and displays plus-level ball skills.

Wilcoxson is a competitor and plays with a chip on his shoulder. On one play, he can be a corner who will match up with bigger receivers, and on the next, he will be playing deep safety and patrolling the middle.

Wilcoxson’s player grade: A-

OL Kevin Wigenton (Princeton, NJ) commits to Michigan State
Wigenton (6-5, 290) had a nice run of scholarship offers over the past month, with Tennessee, Maryland and Michigan State all coming through. The Spartans, however, proved to be the place that Wigenton wanted to be, and he fits the style of football Mel Tucker wants to play. Wigenton is a pure mauler or a road grader, or a tractor, or whatever term you want to use for his hard-nosed, in-your-face style of blocking. Wigenton is a nasty run blocker eho likes to get his hands dirty and mix it up on the interior. He’ll play to the whistle; he’ll finish blocks, and he’ll get into a shoving match after the whistle if the defender wants some. Wigenton is going to play at a lighter weight this year, which should help his feet and athleticism.

Wigneton’s player grade: C+

QB Jacob Rodriguez (Wichita Falls, TX) commits to Virginia
Rodriguez (6-2, 200) is a pretty good athlete at the quarterback position. He plays basketball and does the triple jump in track, so his footwork is pretty solid. He will be a 3-year starter for his high school and threw for over 3,000 yards and over 30 touchdowns as a junior. He also played on defense as a defensive back and linebacker and led his team in interceptions. Rodriguez is a good runner who is faster than you think and works well in space. He tends to run more for yards than to extend time in the pocket, but that has worked out for him so far. Rodriguez plays with a bit of a linebacker mentality too. He has some size and is not afraid to lower his head and fight for extra yardage. He reminds me a little of Marques Tuiasosopo, maybe not as good of a passer, but definitely from a productivity standpoint.

Rodriguez’s player grade: C+

April 26

DE Dylan Brooks (Roanoke, AL) commits to Tennessee
Tennessee makes a major power move in recruiting with the verbal commitment of Brooks, one of the top five defensive linemen in this class and arguably the top prospect out of Alabama. The Volunteers were trending for Brooks over the past several weeks, but to pull him from Alabama and Auburn is still somewhat of a shock.

Brooks (6-5, 245) is the centerpiece of any top recruiting class. He’s a big, long defensive end with freakish strength and athleticism. I don’t think there is a better wide lineman coming off the snap and at the point of attack than Brooks. He is over 240 pounds, but athletic enough to drop into coverage and also play offense as a wide receiver and tight end in high school. Right now, Brooks just overwhelms his competition, so he’ll have to show that he can raise his game against much better players, but the impact this will have on Tennessee’s class can’t be denied. Brooks is a highly impactful player with major potential.

Brooks’ player grade: A+

DT Voi Tunuufi (Salt Lake City, UT) commits to Washington
Washington continues to stack up on front-line beef with Tunuufi (6-0, 280), another big-body athlete who will eat up space on the inside. Tunuufi is a little shorter than what you would normally want out of a potential three-technique at the Power Five level. But he’s very quick on his feet and plays with such energy and a high motor that it makes up for a few inches of height.

Right now, Tunuufi plays on the outside quite a bit for his high school. He’s not going to be able to do that in the Pac-12, so he’s going to have to work on some interior pass-rushing moves and deal with shedding multiple blockers on a play. My only real concern for Tunuufi is how much more weight can he add. He might already be about as big as he’s going to get.

Tunuufi’s player grade: C+

TE Landen King (Humble, TX) commits to Texas
King (6-5, 205) is one of the most talented pass-catching tight ends in the 2021 recruiting class. He hasn’t shown much as a blocker so far, and even though he has the frame to put on considerable size, I think King could stay around the 225-230-pound range and be used all over the field as an offensive weapon. He can line up outside, in the slot, in the backfield as an h-back, and he’ll always be a threat because there aren’t many linebackers who can run with him. King was very productive as a junior in high school with over 50 receptions for over 850 yards and 10 touchdowns. He is more of a big offensive athlete than a natural tight end and should give Texas a lot of options.

King’s player grade: B-

DE Landon Jackson (Texarkana, TX) commits to LSU
Jackson is another long, wide athlete who will develop into a big defensive end with the athleticism to also be a hybrid stand-up edge rusher. The 6-foot-6, 240-pounder is a double tough player who will play anywhere on the defensive line in high school and then play tight end where he used almost exclusively as an extra blocker.

Jackson is a LARGE prospect, and his listed height of 6-foot-6 might be cheating him of a half inch or so. He fires off the snap and gets to the boundary quickly to close in on the play. Jackson plays all out and is particularly good with his backside pursuit, often making stops behind the line of scrimmage on plays designed to go away from him. Jackson’s aggressive play is usually a reward, but it can be a curse. I don’t know exactly where he will line up once he fills out, but LSU is one of the few places where a 285-pound edge rusher isn’t out of the question.

Jackson’s player grade: B+

S Ty Williams (Muskogee, OK) commits to Oklahoma State
Williams (6-1, 182) received an offer from Oklahoma State at the end of March, which was part of a strong recruiting period for him. He plays quarterback for his high school as well and has posted terrific numbers on the offensive end. But Williams is an absolute ball hawk on the defensive end and has 14 interceptions over the past two seasons. On film, he looks more like a wide receiver while he’s playing safety just by the way he can track the ball down the field and contest passes. Williams is more suited to play free safety and play deep. He hasn’t spent enough time around the line of scrimmage for me to believe he will be comfortable there, at least not in his early years of eligibility.

Williams’ player grade: C+

April 25

TE Ryan Hoerstkamp (Washington, MO) commits to Missouri
Hoerstkamp (6-4, 221) has the skill set of a flex tight end who can catch passes and play in the slot. As more teams line up tight ends on the outside, Hoerstkamp has plus-level receiving skills to be able to fit in that role as well. I was impressed with Hoerstkamp”s route running, and I think he’s really going to be able to exploit some mismatches at the next level. If Hoerstkamp wants to be a three-down player, he’ll have to get bigger and show more as a blocker, but he has a special skill set that programs are looking for in tight ends as the position becomes more about skill and pass catching.

Hoerstkamp’s player grade: B

ATH Malik Curtis (Fort Myers, FL) commits to Miami
Curtis (5-11, 160) is not one of the biggest players at the position, although he has an adequate frame. He is one of the fastest players in Florida, and he should be an immediate help as a kick returner or a punt returner. Position-wise, I think he’ll project out best a a cornerback, even though he probably has more experience as a wide receiver. Curtis could be a real diamond in the rough for anyone’s class. Offensively, he shows great athleticism. Curtis runs around a 4.5 in the 40 and can stretch the field as a wide receiver. He is a potential difference-maker.

Curtis’ player grade: B-

RB Taj Butts (St. Louis, MO) commits to Missouri
Butts (5-11, 200) is Missouri’s second verbal commitment of the day, joining tight end Ryan Hoerstkamp, and comes from another in-state prospect. Butts was the lead back for one of the top high school programs in the nation, DeSmet Jesuit School. He received offers from Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky and several others.

Butts is a very balanced back. He has good size and knows how to run with power. There’s also a speed element to Butts’ game, and when he gets in the open field, he is hard to track from behind. Missouri needed at least one running back in this class, and Butts looks like a good fit for the Tigers’ offense.

Butts’ player grade: B-

QB Hampton Fay (Fort Worth, TX) commits to Michigan State
Fay (6-5, 205) hasn’t played a ton of football thanks to transferring schools and injuries, but the little he has played certainly has made him an interesting prospect and a coveted one for Michigan State. Fay injured his labrum three games into his junior season at All Saints Episcopal. He threw for 10 touchdowns in that short time, and if you projected him over a full season, he would’ve had approximately 3,400 yards and around 38 touchdowns. Fay was a backup at Aledo (TX) High as a sophomore. And without the luxury of summer camps, he’s bound to be a little under rated. But the upside here is significant.

Fay has a big body, and he’s going to be a big, 225-plus-pound athlete at the position when he fills out. He’s not a statue either, having run track and played wide receiver in high school. Despite limited snaps, Fay received a host of FBS offers, including Boise State, Indiana and Rutgers. Obviously, we all want to see Fay play a full season in 2020, but with the coronavirus, nothing is guaranteed. It is safe to say that if Fay stays healthy, his best football is probably ahead of him.

Fay’s player grade: B

DE Khordae Sydnor (New Rochelle, NY) commits to Purdue
Sydnor (6-4, 245) is a bigger framed defensive end who I believe will probably spend as much time on the inside as he will at defensive end. I think he has a future as a three-technique, but he could also play some five-technique or line up wide. Sydnor has a pretty balanced game, although I think he’s stronger against the run than he is as a pass rusher. I don’t know if he’s going to be a star at Purdue, but he looks like a very useful depth piece who can play multiple positions.

Sydnor’s player grade: C

OT Zen Michalski (Floyds Knobs, IN) commits to Louisville
The first film I looked at of Michalski was him as a sophomore, and while he had good height and some length, he looked like he was playing at about 225 pounds. On his junior film, he looked about 250 and was considerably more effective carrying that additional weight and establishing a strong base from which to block. He shows me a lot of talent and potential as a pass blocker. He gets off the snap well and gets into positive with the right pad level. Michalski is listed at 6-foot-6, 275, so he’ll be playing at a heavier weight as a senior, and we’ll see how his athleticism holds up with that weight. Overall, Michalski is a promising prospect with the right measurables to be a left tackle.

Michalskil’s player grade: B-

April 24

CB Williams Simpkins III (Gaithersburg, MD) commits to Virginia
Simpkins (6-2, 175) is listed as a cornerback, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see him eventually make a move to safety. He’s a press cornerback for college and better suited for playing on the boundary. Simpkins is most comfortable around the line of scrimmage, and his best coverage is against shorter routes. His ball skills are more suited for breaking up passes than forcing turnovers. Simpkins tracks the ball well, but he doesn’t have the speed you’d like to see to cover deep routes.

The physical game is very important to Simpkins’ success. He is very good against the run and enjoys playing run support. Simpkins will provide some scheme versatility with his ability to play corner and safety plus match up against big receivers.

Simpkins’ player grade: B-

LB Devin Aupiu (Oxnard, CA) commits to UCLA
Aupiu (6-5, 215) had his choice of Pac-12 programs to attend, since it seems like all of them extended offers and wanted to see him on campus. But COVID-19 affected visit plans and Aupiu decided to stay close to home. His long, lean frame tells me there’s a very good chance that Aupiu could end up with his hand on the ground and coming off the edge.

Aupiu is a very good athlete and plays with great effort. I love his backside pursuit; he never quits on a play. He will need to develop some more technique and skills to be an effective pass rusher at the next level. As he is, Aupiu is a high-energy, productive prospect with very good upside.

Aupiu’s player grade: B

TE Tyler Moore (Johnston, IA) commits to Iowa State
Moore (6-5, 231) is more of a pass-catching tight end given that he has been a wide receiver in his high school days. Having the versatility to lineup on the outside is good for Moore, but I think he’ll be doing a lot of his work at Iowa State lining up inside. There’s going to be a development period here, but Moore has put on weight and playing tight end for his senior year in high school should shorten the transition time considerably.

Moore’s player grade: C

CB Ja’Den McBurrows (Fort Lauderdale, FL) commits to Michigan
McBurrows (5-10, 160) is the 11th verbal commitment for the Wolverines in the 2021 class and surprisingly their first prospect from Florida, a state that has always been good to Michigan. McBurrows is not the biggest cornerback, and his game actually tends to lend more to playing safety. He is kind of like a player without a position.

That being said McBurrows is a football player, and he’ll produce wherever he’s lined up. But the coaches are going to have to decide if McBurrows is a nickelback or potentially a free safety. McBurrows has very good instincts, good anticipation, and top-end speed. I wouldn’t be surprised if he also finds a home as a return specialist.

McBurrows’ player grade: C+

OL Zach Richards (Mooresville, IN) commits to Purdue
Richards (6-2, 295) made a commitment to Purdue over Illinois and Indiana. The Boilermakers were his first major offer and were the program to beat from the beginning. Richards is the second lineman from Mooresville High to commit to Purdue, joining offensive tackle Jaelin Alstott-VanDeVanter.

Richards is going to be an interior lineman at Purdue, likely a guard. He plays guard in high school, so it works itself out. Richards has good technique, good footwork – he originally started as a tackle. He’ll have to get stronger in his upper and lower body to be the type of mauler you want to see on the interior.

Richards’ player grade: C

LB Carston Marshall (Wadsworth, OH) commits to Iowa State
Marshall (6-3, 195) is an intriguing prospect as a linebacker, because he’s played a lot of cornerback and covered wide receivers on the outside. His body type and frame definitely lend itself to becoming a linebacker, and having a coverage background will definitely provide him some level of scheme versatility. Marshall is a decent tackler and has some speed, but he’ll need to become better laterally to really thrive as a linebacker.

Marshall’s player grade: C

S Bralyn Oliver (Cornelius, NC) commits to Louisville
Oliver (6-1, 190) was a member of Georgia’s 2021 recruiting class early in the process before backing out of that commitment. The Cardinals are going to be retooling their secondary in this class, and finding a couple of prospects who could contribute sooner than later is important to that mission. Oliver has the potential to be one of those guys.

Oliver is projected as a free safety, and he has the range and the ball skills. His athleticism is on a high level. Oliver has the size and the talent to play up to the line of scrimmage and come in on the blitz. He can backpedal, play deep and track the ball down the field as well. Overall, Oliver already has a college-ready build, and he should be able to find his way on the field early.

Oliver’s player grade: B

April 23

WR Jaden Bradley (Hyattsville, MD) commits to Pittsburgh
Bradley (6-4, 185) is a big outside receiving prospect who committed to Pittsburgh over an offer from Virginia. There isn’t much secret to Bradley’s game – he’s a big body who can elevate and grab a pass at its highest point. Bradley doesn’t show much variation to his route running, with most of his routes being fades aside from the occasional slant worked in. Bradley is dangerous in the red zone because of his size and length. I don’t see him having any real breakaway speed or being much of a threat to run after the catch. Bradley clearly has the size to be a tough threat in the red zone, but he’ll need to improve his speed and playmaking ability in college.

Bradley’s player grade: C-

S Hunter Barth (Queen Creek, AZ) commits to California
Barth (6-2, 195) is a big athlete who could stay at safety or possibly grow into being more of a linebacker or at least a hybrid player. On film, Barth looks like a player who can fill a lot of roles. He is comfortable playing in space, and he can drop into coverage and track the ball coming in his area. Barth can also play closer to the line of scrimmage and get into the backfield as a blitzer off the edge or in the middle. Additionally, he can help with run defense and is a willing tackler with a bit of a physical, nasty edge to him. I think Barth’s future is as a safety because his ball skills are at a plus level. He could possibly spend time as an outside linebacker as well.

Barth’s player grade: B

OT Terrence Ranki (Massillon, OH) commits to Pittsburgh
Ranki (6-6, 280) elevated himself to being a legitimate offensive line tackle propsect for Power Five programs over the past year after he grew a couple of inches and showed off a much leaner, longer frame during junior day events. Ranki looks very comfortable in past protection. His feet are very active and he has good hands, while his extended frame makes it hard for defenders to get around him. Ranki has to continue to learn how to play lower and use leverage to win battles up front. As he puts on more weight, Ranki will have to get stronger in the lower body as well.

Ranki’s player grade: C

DE Charles Esters (Cedar Hill, TX) commits to Texas Tech
Texas Tech came through with an offer for Esters (6-3, 225) at the end of January. The Red Raiders and Kansas were his only scholarship offers from Power Five schools. Esters’ length is a little better than you would think with his height, but he’s still more of a run-stopping end than a natural pass rusher. He is a hard worker and a physically tough prospect. Esters can get off the ball well, and he has strength comparable to bigger players.

Esters’ player grade: C

TE Caden Jumper (Eatonville, WA) commits to Washington
Jumper (6-3, 242) received his offer from the Huskies coaching staff a couple of days ago and made a quick decision to be part of the program’s 2021 recruiting class. Jumper is an athlete – he played quarterback and tight end for his high school as a junior and also took snaps on the defensive end as a linebacker. Jumper is being a listed as a tight end, but according to all reports, he’s been brought into Washington to play more of an h-back role and be used as a blocker in the power running game.

Jumper’s player grade: C-

WR JoJo Earle (Aledo, TX) commits to LSU
Earle (5-9, 167) is possibly the most explosive, dynamic playmaker from the slot in the 2021 recruiting class. Calling Earle a quick-twitch athlete almost feels like an understatement; he’s a blur and a player who has crisp, smooth route-running abilities, plus-level hands and the talent to take any ball and turn it into a big play or a touchdown. Earle has a skill set similar to Steve Smith in the way he’ll elevate for passes and can run after the catch. Earle can line up on the outside, but that’s unlikely at LSU because the team has much bigger receivers to fit those roles.

Earle is lightning in a bottle, and with the ball in his hands, anything is possible. He will have to get bigger and stronger to play in the SEC and deal with the physicality, but he is an impactful player for the college game.

Earle’s player grade: A-

OT Beau Stephens (Blue Springs, MO) commits to Iowa
I always get excited watching film of an offensive lineman who has committed to Iowa. Stephens (6-6, 310) was gaining a lot of steam as a recruit and had nearly every Big Ten school on him, as well as some SEC programs. Stephens’ size will give him the opportunity to play right tackle. I think right guard might even be more fruitful for him. I wouldn’t be surprised if he started at guard and ended up at tackle or vice versa.

Stephens is a bulldozer on film and attacks and destroys in the running game. He is a strong player who shows decent lower body push. Stephens is also a capable pass blocker, but he could improve and move his feet better. He provides the Hawkeyes with another quality line prospect from this class.

Stephens’ player grade: B

2022 OT Tegra Tshabola (West Chester, OH) commits to Ohio State
Tshabola joins the growing list of 2022 prospects to make a verbal commitment to Ohio State. Projected to be one of the top-10-12 offensive tackles in the 2022 recruiting class, Tshabola (6-6, 300) had offers from Penn State, LSU, Florida, Indiana and Kentucky, among others. Ohio State extended its offer to Tshabola back in November of 2019.

Tshabola’s player grade: N/A

April 22

DE Trevion Stevenson (Hampton, VA) commits to Pittsburgh
Stevenson (6-4, 220) committed to Pittsburgh shortly after receiving offers from Syracuse and Mississippi State. The Hampton area of Virginia is one of the strongest in the state, so Stevenson has gone against some pretty good players. He makes a lot of plays in the backfield, as he has pretty good anticipation and comes off the snap well. Most of his splash plays came against the run, so it’s hard for me to determine his abilities as a pass rusher or whether he can play in space. Stevenson was originally committed to Old Dominion before backing away at the start of the new year.

Stevenson’s player grade: B-

OT De’Kedrick Sterns (Del Valle, TX) commits to Kansas
Sterns (6-4, 255) fits the role of my favorite type of offensive line prospect – the jack of all trades. He has the frame and some length to stay out at tackle, probably on the right side, but he’s strong and has good leg drive, so he could easily kick to the inside. Sterns will easily add 35-40 pounds of mass to his frame in college, and he has enough attributes to play offensive line at the Power Five level. He’ll need a couple of years of development, but he could become a multi-year starter.

Sterns’ player grade: C

DE E’maurion Banks (Wichita Falls, TX) commits to Texas Tech
Banks (6-4, 260) is a little bigger of a defensive end, and he plays a lot of three-man fronts in high school, so I could easily see him moving to the three-technique in college. Banks has really long arms, and even when he’s engaged with the blocker, he’s making progress toward the quarterback. On one of his clips, Banks was on the inside and actually dropped into zone coverage to blow up a short pass play. He is a little stiff with his movements, doing fine north-south, but a little more flexibility would do wonders for his game. Overall, Banks is a very good defensive line prospect, and he’s going to give Texas Tech a lot of versatility up front.

Banks’ player grade: B-

WR Chauncey Magwood (Leesburg, GA) commits to Kentucky
Magwood (6-0, 191) is a good athlete who will be making the switch from quarterback to wide receiver when he gets to college. He has played both positions in high school, and although there isn’t much variation in his route running, it’s easy to see the tools. Magwood has a 34-35-inch vertical, and he is very dangerous in the red zone and in one-on-one situations on the outside. He has big size for a wide receiver, and it’s clear that defensive backs at the high school level don’t want to get into too much of a physical game with Magwood. Although he doesn’t have naturel breakaway speed, Magwood can make plays after the catch. He is much more of a downhill player than one who works in space. Magwood should be a prospect worth watching once he gets to college and can focus on one position.

Magwood’s player grade: B

DT Kuao Pelhopa (Honolulu, HI) commits to Washington
Pelhopa (6-3, 300) will face all kinds of comparisons to former Huskies standout and 2018 NFL Draft first-round pick Vita Vea because they are very similarly built. Pelhopa isn’t the athlete Vea is, but he has that same style of play. Pelhopa has powerful legs, and he can get low and drive offensive linemen into the backfield. Pelhopa is going to be absolutely ferocious against the run because he does not get off his base and understands how to eat up space. Although Pelhopa will likely have nose guard size, he’s capable enough to get to the quarterback. I’m a little surprised that the rankings on Pelhopa are low, because I think he’s one of the 15-20-best defensive tackles in the class.

Pelhopa’s player grade: B+

ATH Max Llewellyn (Urbandale, IA) commits to Iowa
Llewellyn (6-5, 235) will project out as a defensive end, although he could also play tight end at the next level. His skill set leans more to defense, and he has the length and off-the-ball attacking style that I like to see out of defensive ends. Llewellyn will fight through the blocks and get into the backfield, but he can also go inside and has a nice little rip move to get through the inside blocks. Llewellyn’s game is based around effort and pursuit more than technique. He has to become more diversified as a pass rusher, but Llewellyn has all the things you need to be productive.

Llewellyn’s player grade: C+

DE D’Marion Alexander (China Spring, TX) commits to Minnesota
A long, lean athlete, Alexander (6-5, 210) does a little bit of everything in high school. He’s played some safety, been a wide receiver, played some linebacker and played some stand-up rush end. When it’s all said and done, Alexander is probably going to grow into an outside linebacker or a stand-up rush end. He could grow into a natural defensive end, but that would be a longer development process. Alexander definitely needs to add mass to play at the linebacker position. He is decent playing in space, but he could become more athletic and fluid with his movement. Alexander’s technique is something that will be developed, especially as he grows as a pass rusher.

Alexander’s player grade: C+

DT Allan Haye (Hollywood, FL) commits to Miami
Haye (6-1, 295) is a player who has come to football later in his young athletic career after playing soccer and basketball. He is a solid defensive tackle prospect who works hard to get better. I wouldn’t classify Haye as an elite talent, but he’s good enough to be a key piece in a defensive line rotation. Haye is particularly good against the run and shows a lot of grit playing on the inside. His ability to rush the passer from the interior is something that needs to be developed. Haye might not project out as the next superstar defensive lineman to come through south Florida, but he’s the type of player who a top team always needs – a hard-working prospect who will provide quality depth and could become a starter as an upperclassman.

Haye’s player grade: B-

ATH Sam Jackson (Naperville, IL) commits to Minnesota
Jackson (5-11, 175) is listed as a quarterback, but it looks like he’ll be a wide receiver at the next level or possibly a defensive back. He is one of the more explosive athletes in the midwest, and it’s easy to see why most of the teams in the Big Ten were recruiting him. He does have some interesting traits as a quarterback, which includes a very big arm. But Jackson can provide a lot more as a slot receiver if he takes some time to learn the position. Jackson is just a unique player with the ball in his hands, and you could see him as a receiver, playing in the backfield and contributing in the return game. Could Jackson play some quarterback too? Sure. I get some Antwaan Randle-El-type vibes from Jackson.

Jackson’s player grade: C+

2022 Jyaire Brown (New Orleans, LA) commits to Ohio State
Within a 2-week span, Brown (6-0, 160) received offers from Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma and Florida State among others. The offer from Ohio State was the one that put the New Orleans prospect over. Brown’s signature is over a year away, and LSU probably won’t let a top in-state prospect head to the Big Ten without a battle, so keep an eye on this recruitment. For now, Brown is the third commitment for the Buckeyes in the 2022 recruiting class.

Browns’s player grade: N/A

April 21

WR Bralon Brown (Hollywood, FL) commits to Ole Miss
Brown (6-2, 185) is a very good-looking wide receiver prospect, and he’s built physically in the mold of many of Ole Miss’ past wide receivers. He has some speed and can make a big play out of a short catch. Brown is more of a very good athlete than a developed football player at this point, although he does have good route-running skills and plus-level hands. Brown will get good coaching this season at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. The upside with Brown is significant because he has some natural tools and should take strides in his development this season.

Browns’s player grade: B

OT Cole Carson (Bogata, TX) commits to Arkansas
Carson (6-5, 285) really took off as a recruit over the past few months, with nearly a dozen programs extending scholarship offers since the beginning of the year. Arkansas made its offer to Carson in mid-February, and looking at the film, he could play the tackle position or get kicked to the inside. Carson probably doesn’t have the arm length to be a left tackle. He is very comfortable as a run blocker. Carson does a good job at the point of contact and drives his legs well. He is good at getting to the second level, and at times, he can be dominating, but he’s not on every down. Carson’s team doesn’t throw much, so his pass protection is underdeveloped. Carson looks like he’ll might need some work, but he’s a big kid with good tools.

Carson’s player grade: C+

DE/LB Josh McCarron (Everett, WA) commits to Virginia
A solid west-coast prospect and one of the best in the state of Washington, McCarron is a surprising pick-up for Virginia over a host of Pac-12 programs. McCarron (6-4, 220) was absolute sack machine as a junior in high school, recording 22 sacks for Archbishop Murphy School. He is a natural speed rusher who explodes off the snap. He can easily get around his blocks, although if he gets caught in a double team, he tends to get pushed out of the play. McCarron is all effort, and if he runs himself out of the play, he’ll work hard to get himself back in. He is a pure pass rusher as this point and will need to spend more time learning how to play in space to be an outside linebacker.

McCarron’s player grade: B

CB Jimmy Wyrick (Dallas, TX) commits to Stanford
Wyrick (5-10, 165) comes from NFL genes. His father of the same name was a cornerback for the Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins. The younger Wyrick is a high school standout at football and in track, where he is a hurdler. That quick vertical jump is a big tool for Wyrick, who isn’t particularly long and a little shorter than the ideal size for a cornerback. Wyrick will be able to play in the slot and will certainly be used as a nickelback as well. There are a lot of things to like about Wyrick’s game, especially his ball skills. His technique is sound, as he has clearly learned a lot from his father. If he were a little bigger, Wyrick would be a much higher-rated recruit.

Wyrick’s player grade: C+

TE Mason Brotherton (Mena, AR) commits to Kansas
Brotherton (6-4, 245) has really good size, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he turned into an offensive lineman. If he stays at tight end, he’s going to an inline player who will be used heavily for blocking. Brotherton isn’t a bad receiver though. He’s best in short-yardage situations or around the red zone. He probably doesn’t have the foot speed for anything significant downfield. Brotherton is a blue-collar tight end who is going to give the Jayhawks all they can ask for as a tough-nosed blocker and should be a major asset for the running game.

Brotherton’s player grade: C

RB Josh Hough (Beaver Falls, PA) commits to Syracuse
Hough (6-1, 244) brings the ‘big’ in a big running back. There’s no shiftiness here, no sudden moves in space from Hough, it’s old-school Earl Campbell-style of downhill running and wearing down a defense by forcing them to sell out and tackle Hough’s big body over and over again. Hough runs like a power runner too, as he’s trying to inflict the blow and he wants to punish the defense, so good luck to the defensive backs and safeties if he gets some momentum behind him running to the second level. Hough rushed for over 1,200 yards and nearly 20 touchdowns as a junior, so the style works. In a world of spread offenses, I’m curious if Syracuse is looking at going with more power, and to be honest it might not be the worst idea for a team without a ton of offensive skill.

Hough’s player grade: C+

April 20

S Jantzen Dunn (Bowling Green, KY) commits to Ohio State
Dunn (6-2, 175) is an impressive two-way athlete who will likely end up at safety once he gets to Columbus. He has both offensive and defensive film, and right away, it’s clear to see Dunn is an active athlete who is all over the field. He can run with his ability to close in on the play from the secondary being very impressive. Dunn is an explosive player on offense, and a couple of his catch-and-runs made me wonder if he doesn’t have significant upside as a wide receiver. But Dunn is a little lean on the frame, so as he begins to fill out, he’ll look more like a safety. He has good ball skills, but he is probably better suited to play closer to the line of scrimmage. Dunn is a very good athlete with a lot of potential.

Dunn’s player grade: B

WR Adonai Mitchell (Antioch, TN) commits to Ole Miss
Mitchell (6-3, 185) played his sophomore year in Texas before relocating to Tennessee as a junior. He really came on in his junior season, catching 50 passes for almost 800 yards and 11 touchdowns. Many of his catches are short passes on which he makes a move and then gets down the field, showing great agility and some breakaway speed. Mitchell is blessed with size and length, and it shows on one of his film clips where he gets up to grab a ball in the end zone over double coverage. He’s going to grow into an impressive, big outside receiver, and those guys do well in Lane Kiffin’s scheme.

Mitchell’s player grade: B-

ATH Caleb McDowell (Leesburg, GA) commits to N.C. State
McDowell (5-9, 175) will be coming into the N.C. State as a running back, and he’ll give the Wolfpack a little versatility at the position with his ability to line up in the backfield or in the slot. McDowell is probably better long term in space and playing on the perimeter than he is in the backfield, but he can run between the tackles when the situation calls for it. McDowell can be productive with touches and should work out in the Wolfpack’s spread offense.

McDowell’s player grade: C

CB Antoine Booth (Hyattsville, MD) commits to Michigan State
The Spartans made its offer to Booth (6-0, 180) back in mid-January and seemed to get an early jump on him as compared to some other programs that came on later. Booth has good size, and he’s going to be a bigger man corner in Mel Tucker’s defense. Booth is a strong cornerback who doesn’t let himself get pushed around, and while he’s physical, its not to the point of being overly physical and drawing attention from the refs. Booth’s a willing tackler, although he often comes in too high. He looks like a Big Ten type of cornerback who will battle with bigger receivers.

Booth’s player grade: C+

DT Terlon Sugick (Fort Washington, MD) commits to Vanderbilt
Sugick (6-1, 295) has worked his way into being a solid defensive line prospect who a lot of programs were interested in. He could be a nose guard or a three-technique in college depending on where his weight ends up and what Vanderbilt’s other options on the interior are. Sugick is still pretty raw on the defensive line, so he’s either dominating some overmatched competition by being a better athlete or he’s using raw strength to work against tougher competition. Sugick will need to develop technique and learn how to stay low, use his hands better and use leverage and lot of other things. But he is a big body and appears to be a decent athlete. The tools are there to be developed.

Sugick’s player grade: B-

QB Brendan Sullivan (Devison, MI) commits to Northwestern
Sullivan (6-3, 180) gives Northwestern its arm for the class, with the program beating out Indiana in the recruitment. I expected more of a slender statue drop-back passer before I turned on the film, but I saw more of a fluid athlete who happens to be a good passer with good instincts. Sullivan had an excellent junior year, throwing for over 3,000 yards and accounting for over 40 total touchdowns. He led his Davison High team to a state championship, and he makes the right decisions with the football. Sometimes a solid quarterback prospect slips through the cracks, and I think Sullivan has considerable upside.

Sullivan’s player grade: C+

CB Tamarion Crumpley (Cincinnati, OH) commits to Minnesota
Crumpley (6-0, 170) is the third cornerback Minnesota has taken during this recruiting cycle, and it’s likely the team is done with that position unless another target really sticks out. Crumpley is one of the bigger corners in the Golden Gophers’ class and could easily play more of a corner/safety role. On film, Crumpley looks like a nice player. He has good speed and moves well rather than stiffly or roboticly. Crumpley transitions from the backpedal well and is a competitive player. His anticipation and ball skills are all solid as well. Crumpley is a good prospect.

Crumpley’s player grade: C+

April 19

DE Elijah Jeudy (Philadelphia, PA) commits to Georgia
Jeudy’s film is super impressive, as he just bulldozes most of his competition. That being said, he doesn’t face a lot of high-end prospects, so he’s usually the best player on the field. Jeudy (6-3, 241) can end up as a rush end or play outside linebacker. He can run and has the ability to make places in space. Once he gets going, Jeudy will probably make his impact as a pass rusher. He’s good off the snap, and he likes to use his length to make that first move around the edge and force the offensive lineman to chase him. Jeudy has quick hands and moves well laterally and in turn of direction. He’ll be facing a major upgrade in talent, and that could take him a while to get used to, but Jeudy has all the potential and upside to be a major part of Georgia’s defense.

Jeudy’s player grade: B

April 18

WR Agiye Hall (Valrico, FL) commits to Alabama
Hall had been leaning to Alabama for several months, and shortly after transferring to his third high school in the past five months, including a short sting at IMG Academy, committed. Hall hopes to follow in the footsteps of Amari Cooper, Calvin Ridley and Jerry Jeudy as Florida high school wide receiver prospects who went to Alabama and became first-round picks.

From a talent standpoint Hall is one of the best in the class regardless of position. Consistency is a big issue for Hall, who will makes a great catch and drop the next pass. He needs to really work on his focus as he tends to check out on plays on which he’s not going to be targeted to catch the football. When Hall is on his game, he’s a man among boys and he has an NFL ceiling. His movement could improve, as he can be a little stiff at times. His hands are very good, and he’ll make that acrobatic catch. He hasn’t shown that he can be great all the time, and he’ll need to find that hunger to make it in Nick Saban’s program.

Hall’s player grade: A

ATH Calen Bullock (Pasadena, CA) commits to USC
The big recruiting mantra for USC during this recruiting cycle has been “take back California,” and so far, it’s been a good rallying cry for the Trojans, as they have gotten verbal commitments from prospects who I would say are among the top-25-30 players in the state. Bullock (6-2, 175) is a big athlete who probably will end up starting out at cornerback and probably finishing as more of a corner/safety. I think he’s a little underrated, which speaks of the great depth of talent that’s in California this year.

Bullock’s length is obvious, and his ball skills are at a plus level. I’m curious to see exactly how much size he’ll put on in college and where it leads him. On film, Bullock is a competitor who will get involved in a play around the ball. He’s tough on the field and reminds me more of the players the Trojans got in their program when they were competing for championships. More of these guys will save Clay Helton’s job.

Bullock’s player grade: B+

DE/LB Thomas Davis (Valdosta, GA) commits to Mississippi State
Davis (6-2, 220) is projected to be an outside linebacker in Mississippi State’s new 3-3-5 defense. The Bulldogs coaching staff is likely going to try to load up on linebackers or bigger safety prospects to find depth there. Davis is a good fit because he’s a good athlete and he’ll be asked to do everything from stand up and rush from the edge to drop into coverage and occasionally put his hand in the ground.

Davis seems most comfortable as a pass rusher, and I think he’ll add about 20-25 pounds and specialize in that role more than dropping and playing in space. He had 11 sacks as a junior at Lowndes High School in Valdosta, Ga., so he knows how to get to the quarterback.

Davis’ player grade: B-

LB Bryce Steele (Alexandria, VA) commits to South Carolina
Steele (6-1, 205) has been posted as a linebacker and a safety, but the way he plays around the line of scrimmage and his speed – reportedly 4.55 in the 40-yard dash – could be a major issue coming off the edge. It all depends on how much weight he can put on and maintain his athleticism.

Steele has played a lot of safety and can play in space. I think he’s better closer to the line of scrimmage and wouldn’t ask him to drop back in coverage more than necessary, but he can do it. Overall, I see Steele as a potentially dynamic pass rusher off the edge and a sturdy defender around the line of scrimmage to provide support against the run. There is a chance he could make a move to the inside as well.

Steele’s player grade: C+

RB Deon Silas (Lutz, FL) commits to Iowa State
A couple of days ago, Iowa State received a commitment from Noah Biglow, a cornerback prospect from the Tampa, Fla. area, and today the Cyclones hit the area again for a running back, Deon Silas. Silas (5-8, 10) isn’t going to be the biggest guy in the backfield, but he’s very elusive and versatile. He can line up in the backfield as a running back, go into the slot on passing downs or line up on the perimeter for jet sweeps. Silas will also be a candidate for touches in the return game. The bottom line is figuring out different ways to get Silas the football will reward Iowa State with big plays.

Silas’ player grade: C

April 17

DT Anquin Barnes (Montgomery, AL) commits to Alabama
Barnes (6-5, 295) is a player who I believe is just starting to scratch the surface of his talents. He’s not going to be the highest rated or most heralded player in Alabama’s recruiting class, but if he sticks, I could see him outplaying his expectations.

From watching his film over a couple of seasons, it’s easy to see the areas he needed to improve from his games as a freshman and sophomore and the improvements that he made as a junior. Barnes has consistently gotten better with his feet, his hands and at getting up the field quicker. Most of his film has him on the defensive side, but there’s a belief that he’ll end up being an offensive lineman in college. That will probably allow Barnes to get a redshirt and really develop his strength and athleticism under the guidance of Alabama’s coaching staff.

Barnes’ player grade: B

OT Maximus Gibbs (Bellflower, CA) commits to USC
I don’t think you can go wrong with an offensive lineman named ‘Maximus’. It doesn’t hurt that Gibbs is a mountain of a prospect at 6-foot-6, 355 pounds. Weight has been an issue for Gibbs going through high school, and he’ll need to scale back some on the bad weight before he can play in college. Gibbs is projected as a tackle, but the footwork and most importantly the run blocking tell me he’ll be better off as a guard.

Gibbs is a punishing run blocker, and when he gets his hands on a defender, they might as well give up and enjoy the ride because he’s going to take them to the ground. He needs to play lower and use more leverage. Gibbs has very high upside, but he’ll need to be developed in college and might benefit from a redshirt.

Gibbs’ player grade: C+

CB Jeffrey Davis Jr. (West Hartford, CT) commits to Penn State
Penn State made its offer to Davis (6-0, 170) back in November, and from there it seemed like the Nittany Lions were always going to be the team to beat as long as the offer was committable. Davis is a speed cornerback, with different reports having him running between a 4.5 and a 4.6 in the 40-yard dash, which looks about right on film. Davis has plus-level ball skills and works hard to put himself in position to play the football in every situation, despite the facts that his movement is shaky at times and he could be more flexible and smoother in turning his body. What Davis lacks in technique, he makes up for in competitiveness and instincts. There’s a good foundation to build a solid football player with Davis.

Davis’ player grade: B-

OL Jared Wilson (Clemmons, NC) commits to North Carolina
Chalk up another big recruiting battle win for the Tar Heels and Mack Brown, as they received a verbal commitment from Wilson (6-4, 320), who had been committed to Georgia earlier in the process. Wilson was racking up the offers over the past six weeks with Ohio State and Alabama extending offers with the hopes of him dragging out his recruitment through the summer. But the North Carolina staff got aggressive and continued to push.

Wilson plays tackle in high school, but he’s going to get kicked to the inside in college. He moves exceptionally well though, much better than I expected for a big lineman. He plays with pad level and has good lower body strength. On the inside, he’s going to pull a lot because he does have quick feet and good lateral speed. Wilson could also play center. At either position, I believe Wilson has potential should be a multi-year starter.

Wilson’s player grade: B+

DE/DT Tyson Watson (Warren, MI) commits to Michigan State
Recruiting at Michigan State is really starting to pick up, and it’s clear to see what Mel Tucker is looking to fill his roster with. He wants long, big athletes, and Watson (6-6. 255) fits that bill. The Spartans are projecting Watson to play inside and be a three-technique.

Watson is pretty lean on his frame, so I can easily see him getting to 285-290 pounds or more depending on how well he carries it. Watson has pretty good explosion, and I think he’s more than adequate at the point of attack, but if he can gain strength as he puts on weight, it would help him get past the initial blocks more consistently. In particular, I’d like to see him get stronger in the lower body and learn to drive offensive linemen in the backfield.

Watson’s player grade: B-

LB Raneiria Dillworth (Kennersville, NC) commits to North Carolina
Dillworth (6-2, 185) becomes the 14th commitment in North Carolina’s 2021 recruiting class, which is a consensus top-10 class, and he’s the 13th in-state player committed. Dillworth has incredible speed and pursuit along with a great motor. He runs like a track kid. Dilllworth is built more like a cornerback than a linebacker, so he’s going to have to go through a body transformation, more than just adding weight, he’s going to have to add mass and strength. He’ll never be the biggest linebacker, and I don’t know that a weight over 210-215 pounds is going to be good for him, but he’s a natural football player who will make plays sideline to sidelines and end to end. I feel comfortable saying he’ll learn how to play in space and be one of the better coverage linebackers in this class. Dillworth has the potential to be a freak athlete who can play several positions at linebacker or in the secondary.

Dillworth’s player grade: B

CB Avante Dickerson (Omaha, NE) commits to Minnesota
Dickerson (6-0, 160) fills one of P.J. Fleck’s main needs for the cornerback position – he can run. Dickerson is not very big or very physical right now, and he’ll need to gain size and strength to survive against the bigger receivers of the Big Ten, but Dickerson can run and he has good ball skills and instincts. I like the way he plays the football; he seems to diagnose plays well and takes advantage of the opportunities that are presented to him. Dickerson creates turnovers and positive plays for the defense by good anticipation. His technique is sound, and he moves well both downhill and laterally.

Dickerson’s player grade: B-

DE T.J. Guy (Mansfield, MA) commits to Michigan
Michigan has hit the state of Massachusetts pretty hard, and Guy (6-4, 245) becomes the third player from the commonwealth to commit to the Wolverines. Guy is very good at the point of attack, and I think he has very good strength for his current size. His technique is sound, and he has some variations to his attack from trying to win battles with speed, to a little bit of a bullrush, and he’s even got an an inside swim move, so offensive tackles can’t pick up on just one thing. I think Guy can play anywhere on the line, and he could add another 30 pounds to his frame and provide opportunities for Michigan to use him at the end or on the inside as a three-technique. Guy has promising upside and is a prospect who is easy to get excited about.

Guy’s player grade: B-

WR Trent Broadnax (Savannah, GA) commits to Duke
Broadnax (6-1, 185) comes from great athletic genes. His father, Horace Broadnax, was part of the dominant Georgetown Hoyas basketball teams of the early-mid 1980s that went to three Final Fours and won a national championship in 1984. He has been on Duke’s radar for a while and reciprocated the interest by visiting campus several times.

Broadnax will be an outside receiver in college, and he’s been very productive high school, with over 1,200 yards combined in the past two seasons. Broadnax has very good footwork, looking sharp coming out of breaks. He’s not especially fast, but I think he can improve in that area. Broadnax is a technically sound wide receiver with good size and the potential to be a quality skill player on the outside.

Broadnax’s player grade: C+

LB Devon Williams (Dublin, OH) commits to Minnesota
Williams (6-1, 210) is the second player to commit to the Golden Gophers on this date, joining cornerback Avante Dickerson. Looking at Williams on film, he seems to understand the nuances of being a coverage linebacker and playing in space. He has good vision and rarely gets caught out of range. He also moves very smoothly and fluidly, showing a nice ability to change direction.

Williams has a high football IQ and could definitely become the quarterback of a defense. He has some ability to rush the passer, although I wouldn’t call that the strongest part of his game. Williams is a smart player who could contribute early in passing situations as he develops into an every-down starter.

Williams’ player grade: C+

April 16

DE Sam Carrell (Albuquerque, NM) commits to Baylor
Baylor grabs Carrell (6-4, 250), who is rated as the top prospect out of New Mexico during the 2021 recruiting cycle. Carrell is also listed as a tight end and could play on either side in college, although his upside is likely on the defensive end. Carrell is a speed rusher who has been clocked under a 5.1 in the 40-yard dash, but on film, he’s a little faster than that.

Obviously, Carrell isn’t going up against a lot of top competition in New Mexico, but he has some potential as a speed rusher. The other elements of his game need to be developed. The Baylor coaches see Carrell as a prospect who has some significant upside once he’s in a college program.

Carrell’s player grade: C

OT J’Marion Gooch (Seymour, TN) commits to Auburn
Gooch (6-7, 355) is a mountain of a prospect, and he fills a high need for tackles for Auburn. The Tigers need tackles on both the right side and the left side, and they probably need multiples at both positions. Gooch has incredible size, and it shows up in the run-blocking game, where he can use that body to smother defensive linemen. Surprisingly, Gooch has pretty good, quick feet. His weight is an issue, especially the lower body, where he still needs to develop strength to play lower and play with leverage. Gooch isn’t a slam dunk as a recruit, but he was a heavily coveted player on the recruiting circuit and one that Auburn will be glad to add to the class.

Gooch’s player grade: B

CB Noah Biglow (Seffner, FL) commits Iowa State
Iowa State has always done a good job at recruiting mid-level prospects from Florida, especially in central Florida down the I-4 corridor. I’ve seen Biglow a number of times during his three years at Armwood High School. The Hawks have a great defense, so the opportunities are there for a player to post some gaudy statistics. Biglow had eight interceptions last year, although some of that stat is inflated from playing overmatched competition. Still, Biglow has decent ball skills and always seems to be in the right place at the right time as suggested by his interception total and four fumble recoveries. His instincts can’t be undervalued.

Biglow’s player grade: C+

RB Jaylen Anderson (Massillon, OH) commits to West Virginia
Gone are the days of West Virginia having a bunch of 5-foot-7 speedsters running all across the perimeter and being a pain in the butt for the defenses of the early 2000s. Anderson (5-11, 210) is a big back who wants to run with a punishing style. He is a high-volume runner, and with an expected additional 10 pounds of muscle in college, I could see him as a 20-25 carries-per-game type of player.

What you see is what you get with Anderson. He has ok speed, nothing I would consider dangerous, but he runs downhill and is tough to take to the ground. He gets through the first level well enough, and from there, it’s a fight for extra yardage. He can also help out a little in the receiving game out of the backfield.

Anderson’s player grade: C+

QB Landon Rogers (Little Rock, AR) commits to Arkansas
I am generally high on the quarterbacks who Arkansas offensive coordinator Kendal Briles goes after because he doesn’t miss on evaluations too much. Rogers (6-4, 215) is a big athlete who can run, pass, extend plays, take snaps from under center and play out of the shotgun. Having a high school quarterback with experience taking snaps under center is a big thing for me, and it’s big in an Arkansas offense that’s going to have some pro-style and I-formation elements to it.

The ball looks good coming off of Rogers’ hands, and his release is better than average. Rogers’ accuracy is a little rough, as he completed less than 55 percent of his passes as a junior. I’d like to see him do a little more with his accuracy on the intermediate routes particularly. Rogers is at his best when the play breaks down and he can extend his time in the backfield and search for big plays. He is a good enough runner to make defenses pay with his scrambling as well. Overall, he’s a good in-state pick up for the Razorbacks.

Rogers’ player grade: B-

April 15

DE Tunmise Adeleye (Katy, TX) commits to Ohio State
Adeleye was originally at Tompkins High School in Katy, Texas, but transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida for the upcoming season. Adeleye (6-3, 245) was heavier at Katy, and he’s dropped some pounds to add some speed to his power game. His power has been key to his rush over the past couple of years, and it’s the reason why he’s extremely stout against the run.

Adeleye is a versatile weapon who could be an end in a four-man front, a stand-up rusher in a 3-4, or an outside linebacker with the athleticism to drop back in coverage. He is a top-end prospect, but he still has to show that the drop in size will make him more dynamic on the edge. Adeleye has plus-level skills across the board – quick hands, good at the point of attack and a strong upper body. He is simply another talented prospect for Ohio State.

Adeleye’s player grade: A-

DT Derrick Harmon (Detroit, MI) commits to Michigan State
From the way Mel Tucker is recruiting at Michigan State, I think the Spartans are going to lean toward playing a 3-4 scheme on defense, and Harmon (6-3, 315) has plenty of size to be a good nose guard in such an alignment. His time isn’t impressive – a reported 5.51 in the 40-yard dash, but it looks like he’s improved his quickness significantly since then. Harmon moves his feet well, and I think his explosion off the ball is underrated. He carries the 300-plus pounds well and looks like a plus-level athlete.

Harmon’s player grade: C

CB Tevin Williams (Stillwater, OK) commits to Baylor
Williams (6-0, 175) is a speedy athlete who has been one of the better track performers in Oklahoma. His game is speed, and he plays a nice competitive game on the field, showing a willingness to add some physical components to the speed. Williams is being projected as a cornerback, but he could also contribute at wide receiver or on special teams, at the least. My biggest concern with Williams is his spacing in coverage, as he tends to be a little loose on spacing and overly aggressive on trying to play the ball. It’s great when it works, but when it doesn’t he’s giving up a big play.

Williams’ player grade: C+

WR Lemeke Brockington (Moultrie, GA) commits to Minnesota
Brockington (6-0, 185) can do a lot of things as a wide receiver. He has the size to play outside or play in the slot. His speed is good, not great, but he looks faster on tape than his reported speed and he doesn’t have a problem breaking away from a defender. Brockington has solid fundamentals. I like the way he brings the football in to his body. Brockington’s hands seem pretty reliable, and he makes sure to complete the catch and secure the football before making the additional moves if he has the space. He’s a good all-around football player who has some decent upside.

Brockington’s player grade: C+

OL Pat Coogan (Chicago, IL) commits to Notre Dame
Coogan (6-5, 285) had a great month, receiving offers from Ohio State, LSU and Oklahoma among others. Notre Dame came through with an offer at the end of March, and Coogan eventually becomes the program’s eighth verbal commitment in the class.

Coogan projects as a tackle, but he can play inside and will likely end up playing and training at multiple positions on the line. Going into the film, Coogan plays with the proper pad level and with good leverage. He’s a strong blocker, although I wouldn’t say he’s overpowering. Most importantly Coogan’s technique is advanced, as good as any that I’ve seen in this class. His hands and feet work well in tandem; he understands how to win battles against bigger guys by using his base and leverage. Coogan has high upside and is going to be a valuable piece on Notre Dame’s line.

Coogan’s player grade: B

ATH Anthony Beavers Jr. (Harbor City, CA) commits to USC
Beavers (6-1, 190) gives USC another solid in-state commitment early in this recruiting cycle. The Trojans need to get more athletic and need bigger athletes in the secondary. Beavers has that sort of length and size – he could possibly grow into more of a safety/linebacker hybrid. Beavers is an interesting player when he’s asked to play in space. I think he’s a good open-field tackler, but his coverage could improve. Beavers is fine running downhill, but he could be a little more fluid overall, especially with lateral movement. I think Beavers’ best placement is keeping him close to the line of scrimmage and making plays in the box as a middle linebacker.

Beavers’ player grade: B-

April 14

CB Kaleb Higgins (Folsom, CA) commits to California
Higgins is originally a Texas prospect who moved west to be closer to his older brother, Elijah Higgins, who is a wide receiver at Stanford. The younger Higgins’, who committed to the rival school, biggest attribute is his length at 6-foot-2. Being 175 pounds though leaves Higgins a little light on the frame, but those long arms make him a tough target for quarterbacks to go after. He’s a very good athlete who can run and jump and challenge for the ball at its highest point. I think Higgins can still get better with his ball skills, but he has a lot of upside overall, and I have the feeling he’s just scratching the surface as a player.

Higgins’ player grade: C+

QB Ari Patu (Folsom, CA) commits to Stanford
On the same day his teammate Kaleb Higgins committed to California, quarterback Ari Patu decided to go make a verbal commitment to Stanford. Patu (6-4, 180) is an interesting prospect for the Cardinals. He’s an athletic quarterback with some part of a cerebral game to him, but not the sort of drop-back pocket passers we’re used to seeing at Stanford. Patu can move, and he moves with such fluidity that it looks like he’s skating on ice a times. He’s not big on the frame right now, and you can envision a much more dangerous quarterback as a runner and passer when he gets to the 210-215-pound range or bigger. I like Patu’s throwing motion, as he makes the ball come off his hands smoothly, and he’s accurate with his delivery on tough passes. Patu has a high ceiling as a quarterback, but he’ll need time and I think the structure of Stanford and the way the program builds its quarterbacks will be a good fit for him.

Patu’s player grade: B-

RB Antwan Roberts (Hendersonville, TN) commits to Wisconsin
Wisconsin made its offer to Roberts (6-1, 185) about a year ago and had to deal with some other programs, but Roberts decided to join a Wisconsin class that already had two other running backs committed. Roberts fits the traditional style of a Wisconsin running back. He’s generally a north-south running back, who doesn’t dance around at the line but rather is usually one-cut and get through the hole or fight for as more yards as he can. Roberts will get much bigger and add more of a power element over time. He has decent speed, though he is not going to win a sprinter’s race, but he’s fast enough to get to the outside if the play calls for it.

Roberts’ player grade: B-

CB Jordan Oladokun (Tampa, FL) commits to Iowa
Oladokun has some college football bloodlines in his family. His older brother, Chris, was a quarterback at South Florida initially and has since transferred to Stanford. Jordan Oladokun (5-11, 1805) was starting to rack up the offers over the past 30 days, but Iowa came through much earlier and the program’s persistence paid off. Oladokun had an amazing sophomore season, grabbing seven interceptions and gaining First-Team All-State honors. His reputation grew, and he didn’t see as much action as a junior, but his ball skills are elite. Oladokun gets high marks for his instincts and his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes. He can run well and will offer a chance to make plays in the return game.

Oladokun’s player grade: B-

OL Sione Veikoso (Kailua, HI) commits to Oregon State
Hawaii has become a major feeder state for the Pac-12 over the past decade. Veikoso (6-6, 290) is an older prospect because he took his 2-year mission for the Church of Latter-day Saints right after high school. So, while getting used to football action might take a minute for Viekoso, the Beavers are getting a mature player who originally committed to them in the 2018 class. Viekoso was originally recruited as a guard, but he has the length to be a tackle, probably on the right side.

Velkoso’s player grade: C+

S Malcolm Folk (Newtown Square, PA) commits to Syracuse
Syracuse made an offer tp Folk at the beginning of the month and was his first offer from a Power 5 program, and it didn’t take two weeks for him to make a verbal commitment. Folk (6-1, 190) has good size for a safety, and I see him making his biggest impact in the box and playing closer to the line of scrimmage, where he can support the linebackers against the run game. Folk needs to work on his coverage techniques, and while he probably has the speed to cover in the slot, he could be a little more fluid with his lateral movement and change of direction.

Folk’s player grade: C

April 13

OL Jake Slaughter (Ocala, FL) commits to Florida State
Florida State’s offensive line remains in a state of rebuild. The Seminoles’ 2019 offensive line coach Randy Clemens did a decent job masking a lot of the flaws on the line, but only stayed in Tallahassee for one season and couldn’t get a rebuild plan together. The new Florida State offensive line coach, Alex Atkins, is trying to pick up where things left off and received a big commitment from Slaughter (6-4, 305), the top center in the state. He’s built wellfrom the bottom up and has a strong lower body and leg drive. Slaughter can get down the field on pulls and has decent feet. His pass protection is pretty good as well. Slaughter plays with leverage and has a solid base. He does a lot of things right and could be a multi-year starter in Tallahassee.

Slaugher’s player grade: B

DE Deldrick Withers (Little Rock, AR) commits to Kansas
Kansas made an offer to Withers in late January, his only offer from a Power Five program to date, and on Monday, he became the sixth member of the 2021 recruiting class for the Jayhawks. Withers was part of a state championship team at one of the higher levels in Arkansas. He is a decent athlete who plays hard and has a grinder mentality. He also played right tackle for his high school, and his toughness shows in the way he battles with linemen on both sides of the ball. Withers has good size (6-4, 250), but he wins battles with good mechanics too. I think he’ll take well to the coaching at Kansas and the program will get a lot out of him.

Withers’ player grade: C+

OT Jack Tucker (Argyle, TX) commits to Texas Tech
Tucker (6-6, 260) has a good body frame and should grow into a solid tackle prospect with decent length. He looks like a natural when it comes to pass protection, possessing a very good slide step and nice natural feet with good lateral mobility. Tucker is pretty technically sound and doesn’t make too many assignment mistakes. His run blocking needs work, as I think he could be more aggressive and get off the ball a little better and deliver the blow. Tucker might need a couple of years, but I think he’ll develop into a starter for the Red Raiders.

Tucker’s player grade: C

K Connor Lytton (Radford, VA) commits to Boston College
Lytton (6-1, 185) is rated 4.5 stars by the Chris Sailer kicking academy website. The site says that Lytton “has a strong leg and kicks with excellent technique and consistency. He hits a pure ball on field goals and has 50+ yard range. His kickoffs are competitive with the best in his class.”

Lytton’s player grade: N/A

April 12

OL Raheem Anderson (Detroit, MI) commits to Michigan
Michigan is going to look to reload on the offensive line during this cycle, and Anderson gives the Wolverines a great prospect to build the offensive line class around. He is one of the best interior linemen in the class and a future starter for the Wolverines at center. Anderson (6-3, 295) has played a lot of snaps in high school and has a very good grasp of the game and his role as on the center of the line. He is very good at the point of attack. He can snap clean and get that first punch off smoothly. Anderson plays with leverage and balance. He’ll have to show me more with his lateral movement to see where his ceiling is in pass protection, but he has a high football IQ and is a player who you can trust to lead the offensive line.

Anderson’s player grade: B+

April 11

ATH/QB Jordan Moore (Towson, MD) commits to Duke
Moore (6-2, 181) is a quarterback who is being recruited as an athlete and might stay at quarterback or move to wide receiver when he gets to college. He was starting to get some real interest from Power Five programs over the past month, but Duke was more adamant about recruiting him as a quarterback, and that probably put the Blue Devils over the top. Looking at Moore’s film, his offensive line wasn’t great, so he was under duress often and knows how to extend plays and make the right decision with the ball when he’s in difficult situations. Moore is a project as a passer and will benefit from the teachings of David Cutcliffe. With time and development, Moore should be a decent college dual-threat quarterback.

Moore’s player grade: C+

QB Peter Costelli (Mission Viejo, CA) commits to Utah
When I first looked at Costelli’s film, I hadn’t done a lot of research, so his speed really caught me off guard a little bit. Then, I did a little more leg work and saw that Costelli came from track background and was a sprinter. Costelli is a quarterback who is very dangerous because you can’t leave him a bit of open field, as he knows he can easily gain 15-plus yards on a scramble rather than even take the chance of throwing. He’s a good passer, throws a good ball and has plus-level accuracy. Costelli (6-2, 210) is a big body too, so he’s tough and hard to bring down. You can imagine him in a college strength program, which would make him into a 225-230-pound quarterback with that speed and toughness. He continues to develop as a passer, which will only make him more dangerous. As it stands, I think he’s one of the top-12 quarterbacks in the 2021 class.

Costelli’s player grade: B+

S Gabe Neely (Miami, FL) commits to Michigan State
Neely (6-4, 170) is a very long, rangy athletic safety prospect who could very well play cornerback in college. He has played against some of the top receivers in the state of Florida and is a battle-tested player going into his senior year of high school. Neely has good speed and moves with fluidity. His overall playing style and physical build reminds me of another prospect out of Florida – Pat Watkins. Neely will have to put on some weight, but he has the frame to easily get to around 200 pounds. I thought Neely would really have increased his recruiting profile with a chance to visit programs in the spring. As it is, I believe Michigan State got a major steal out of South Florida.

Neely’s player grade: B

April 10

ATH Roc Taylor (Oxford, AL) commits to Tennessee
Taylor (6-4, 200) is a big athlete who will likely project as a wide receiver or more specifically a tight end. He committed to Tennessee over offers from Florida, Georgia Tech and Arkansas, among others. Taylor is a solid pass catcher and shows plus-level hands. He can run and is faster than his 4.85-second recorded time, which shows in the way he can get downfield. Taylor is a two-sport athlete and well regarded as a basketball player. He might start out at wide receiver and eventually grow into being a tight end, which I believe is more of a natural fit for him.

Taylor’s player grade: C

CB Kalen King (Detroit, MI) commits to Penn State
King (5-11, 175) is one of the three Penn State commitments on the day, two of which are from the Detroit area, as King joins his twin brother, Kobe, in committing to the Nittany Lions. On April 9, Detroit-area safety prospect Jaylen Reed committed to Penn State.

Kalen King is a pure cornerback and has the ability to be very good in coverage because his smooth, fluid movement. He can turn out of the backfield and flip his hips while maintaining speed and balance. HKing isn’t the biggest cornerback around and will need to add some size to play on the outside in the Big Ten. He has plus-level instincts and ball skills. His speed is also plus-level. Overall, King is a solid piece to add to the secondary.

King’s player grade: B

DE Hammond Russell (Dublin, OH) commits to West Virginia
Russell (6-3, 240) had several mid-major offers to start the year, but in the past 30 days, things really began to pick up with Michigan State, Illinois and Purdue making offers to him. West Virginia, however, came in even earlier and made Hammond a major priority during his recruiting process. The Mountaineers need to get bigger along the defensive front, and the days of having 225-pound pass rushers are over for them.

Russell can get to the quarterback and can set the edge. He’s also pretty good against the run and has the ability to kick to the inside in situations where he can be used as an interior pass-rusher.

Russell’s player grade: B-

WR Brayden Fox (Akron, OH) commits to Rutgers
Fox (6-3, 200) will bring some more much-needed size to Rutgers’ receiving corps. He played quarterback as a sophomore in high school and comes from a deep athletic background – his father, Derek, played safety at Penn State and uncle, Dustin Fox, played in the secondary at Ohio State.

I think Brayden Fox can do work on the outside or in the slot. He has decent speed, although I’m not completely buying the reported 4.6 time that’s traveling through the inter-webs. But even if Fox is a tick slower than that time, he’s a long strider and covers plenty of ground. Fox seems to have a knack for the game and made the transition from quarterback to wideout pretty seamlessly as a junior, so continued development should make this a good recruit for Rutgers.

Fox’s player grade: C+

DE Caleb Banks (Southfield, MI) commits to Arizona State
Banks (6-6, 250) looks a longer than his listed height on film, and I wonder if he’s not going to get to 6-foot-7 or 6-foot-8 in college. Banks has a good frame to build muscle on and a strong first-step off the ball. He is projecting as a player for the defensive line, but I’m not ready to close the door on his potential to be the Sun Devils’ left tackle of the future. Banks has very good flexibility and can move well laterally. He plays with a lot of effort and a high motor; his effort makes up for some lags in his technique, but he’s strong at the point of attack. Banks is still early in his development, and I think a lot of his best football is probably 2-3 years ahead of him.

Banks’ player grade: B-

LB Kobe King (Detroit, MI) commits to Penn State
King (6-0, 220) committed to Penn State along with his twin brother, Kalen King. They are different players though. Kalen is a cover cornerback who is a little thin on the frame right now, but a smooth streamlined athlete. Kobe King looks like a little tank and is a thudding linebacker who wants to bring the hit stick any time he gets the opportunity. He wants to be close to the line of scrimmage and play downhill. King has speed going downhill, but he could use more work with lateral movement and show a little more fluidity. King’s coverage is also an area that he’s going to have to continually work at. He’s a pure inside linebacker and should develop into a guy who can fit in the middle of the defense.

King’s player grade: C+

ATH Bryon Threats (Dublin, OH) commits to Purdue
Threats (5-10, 190) was being recruited to play on the defensive side of the ball by several programs, but he wants to have the opportunity to be a running back, which put Purdue ahead of offers from West Virginia, Iowa State, Cincinnati and Kentucky among others. Threats plays running back and strong safety in high school. He plays both sides of the ball a similar way – tough and with a lot of effort. I don’t think Threats is necessarily a big-time athlete, but he’s a solid, blue-collar football player and that’s great effort. He can run with some speed and some power, not going down on first contact, and has a high motor.

Threats’ player grade: C+

DT Tyas Martin (Jacksonville, AR) commits to Virginia Tech
Martin (6-2, 315) received an offer from Virginia Tech back in the middle of January, and although he wanted to visit some campuses during the spring, the coronavirus pandemic kept that from happening while Virginia Tech continued to recruit him heavily. In Virginia Tech’s defense, Martin looks like a natural fit at nose guard and could probably play a little three-technique too because of his ability to rush the passer from the inside. Martin has a little nastiness to his game, and he is a battler on the inside. I like his ability to defend the run and fill up the space in the middle. He’s going to be a crucial part of defensive lines in the future at Virginia Tech.

Martin’s player grade: B-

CB Mario Love (Cornelius, NC) commits to N.C. State
Love (5-11, 175) received an offer from N.C. State a couple of years ago when he performed well at one of their camps. Since then Love has been a top target for the Wolfpack, and he’s reciprocated his interest by spending a lot of time on campus during the 2019 season. Other programs made offers to him – Louisville, Pittsburgh and Michigan State were among them – but Love always seemed destined for N.C. State.

Love’s speed doesn’t show up in testing, but it shows up on the field. He moves very well and competes hard on the snap whether he’s in coverage or trying to help against the run. He has plus-level coverage skills, and he’s a willing tackler despite being a little on the small side.

Love’s player grade: C+

ATH Zakee Wheatley (Severn, MD) commits to Penn State
Wheatley (6-2, 180) is a very good athlete who could see the field playing wide receiver or in the secondary. Penn State seems to like him as a safety, and it makes sense because he has tremendous length and body frame that can get over 200 pounds. With additional size Wheatley should become extremely versatile because he has plus-level coverage skills and good ball skills to play free safety, but he’ll also have the size to play close to the line of scrimmage and help against the run as an extra linebacker. Wheatley is a somewhat of a physical player, but he’ll get better as that aspect of his game with additional size and muscle. Overall, Wheatley is the player I’m most excited about in Penn State’s recent recruiting haul.

Wheatley’s player grade: B+

S Larry Smith (Jacksonville, FL) commits to Indiana
Smith (5-10, 170) could play either safety or cornerback and actually might be a better long-term fit at cornerback, where his talent as a ball hawk can be utilized a little better. Smith had five interceptions as a junior in high school, and looking on the film, he has some pretty good instincts and tracks the ball well out of the air. Smith looks like he has the speed to play with slot receivers, and if he can gain a little more weight and increase his strength, he could also line up on the outside. Smith’s technique and hands are solid, and I think he’s in line to be an early contributor at Indiana.

Smith’s player grade: C+

April 9

S Jaylen Reed (Detroit, MI) commits to Penn State
Reed (6-0, 190) has some very good scheme versatility, and he’s one of the top prospects coming out of Detroit in the 2021 recruiting cycle. Reed is strong against the run. He plays well when asked to get close to the line of scrimmage and shows great instincts in diagnosing the play. Physically, Reed has average length, but he makes up for it with a knack for being where he needs to be a make a play. Even though Reed doesn’t have elite length, he’s pretty good in coverage and plays the ball well. It’s hard to pinpoint an exact role for Reed in the secondary, but he’s a football player who will work hard and be productive wherever he lands.

Reed’s player grade: B

QB Kai Millner (Gilbert, AZ) commits to California
Millner (6-2, 185) has had a heck of a recruiting push over the past couple of months, with N.C. State, Miami and Washington State extending offers to him. He has been one of the top quarterback targets for California, and finally the Bears staff was able to reel him in.

Looking at the film, it’s easy to see why Millner has attracted so much attention over the past few weeks. His greatest strength is the ability to throw on the run. Millner has good feet, quick feet and the ability to take off a run, but he generally prefers to deliver the ball while moving and forcing defenders to make the choice. Millner has a good release and is pretty accurate. As much as he seems to prefer throwing the ball on the run, there are plenty of clips of him standing in the pocket.

California has a pretty deep and exciting quarterback room, with plenty of young talent coming in. Millner will get thrown in that mix next season, and the Bears will have some good competition to see who gets snaps over the next few seasons.

Millner’s player grade: B

TE Mason Tharp (Spring, TX) commits to Texas Tech
Tharp (6-7, 220) is the second tight end to commit to the Red Raiders in the span of less than a week, joining Jed Castles. Whereas Castles was a bit of an under-the-radar prospect, Tharp has well over a dozen offers, including ones from Iowa State, Michigan State, Colorado, Duke and Illinois.

Like Castles, Tharp is a two-sport athlete who also plays basketball. He has elite length and a frame that should easily allow him to get to 250-plus pounds. He is also more experienced at playing inline, and when you project out his size over a couple of years, he should be an asset in the run-blocking game. Tharp shines as a pass catcher; he can get the ball in tight spaces and use his physical gifts to make plays in double coverage. Tharp’s greatest strength is in the red zone, where he makes himself a big, available target.

Tharp’s player grade: B

CB Steven Ortiz (Goodyear, AZ) commits to Minnesota
Ortiz (5-11, 175) gives Minnesota a big-time recruiting win given how hotly pursued Ortiz was among the Pac-12 programs in and around his home state. I love the way Ortiz covers. On film, it looks like he is stuck to the wide receiver. He has very good speed and dynamic footwork. Ortiz is technically sound and equipped with plus-level ball skills. He is a little thin on the frame, and adding another 10-15 pounds and improving his upper body strength should be a major help against more physical receivers. But as a coverage cornerback on the outside, Ortiz will grade out as one of the better ones in this class.

Ortiz’s player grade: B+

2022 S Bryan Allen Jr. (Aledo, TX) commits to LSU
Allen (6-0, 185) was one of the top sophomore players on one of the top programs in Texas last season, and he becomes the fourth verbal commitment in the 2022 recruiting class for LSU. He is a two-sport athlete who runs track. Allen was named Class 5A II Defensive Newcomer of the year and had over 100 tackles and three interceptions for Aledo High School. Allen projects to be one of the top defensive backs in the 2022 recruiting class.

Allen’s player grade: B+

OT Ethan Boyd (East Lansing, MI) commits to Michigan State
Things are beginning to pick up for Michigan State in the recruiting world and by getting an in-state commitment from Boyd (6-6, 290) over Minnesota, Indiana, Vanderbilt and several others. Boyd was one of the last prospects to visit Michigan State before the coronavirus shut down recruiting visits for the rest of the spring. Mel Tucker wants size on the Spartans, and Boyd brings great size, elite length and long arms made for playing left tackle. Boyd has more of a basketball background and is still being developed as a football player. He has significant upside despite a lack of experience, and if Boyd puts in the work, I think he’ll start at least two years in college.

Boyd’s player grade: C+

RB Lovasea Carroll (Warrenton, GA) commits to Georgia
Carroll (6-1, 190) is originally from Warrenton, Georgia but is currently playing at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. He was also entertaining offers from Auburn, Florida and South Carolina. If there’s one thing for certain in recruiting, it’s that Georgia will land a top running back – or two – in every class. Carroll is a great power/speed combo back. He has a good frame and could easily carry 20-25 more pounds. Carroll shows good speed and occasionally looks faster than the 4.56 time he’s been recorded at in the 40-yard dash. He is good between with the tackles and shows great explosive getting through the line. Carroll has the speed to get to the outside. He is also a good receiver out of the backfield and has the skill set to be good in pass protection. Carroll projects as a three-down back in college and could be a multi-year starter.

Carroll’s player grade: A-

DT Howard Brown (Kansas City, MO) commits to Iowa State
Brown (6-1, 285) is a prospect who I think has fallen under the recruiting radar a little bit. On film, I see a highly active freak of an athlete who plays QUARTERBACK and has over 80 touchdowns in three seasons. He can run and plays with a high motor, and his high school coach claims Brown can dunk a basketball. Did I mention Brown is a 285-pound high school QUARTERBACK? Just wanted to see if you were reading.

Brown hasn’t done enough on defense to see where he is with technique. But a 285-pound future interior guy who can run and move the way Brown can is a player I’ll take a flyer on any day of the week. Brown is going to be a prospect I watch closely in college. He has a lot to work on, but his athletic ability tells me that his ceiling could be the NFL.

Brown’s player grade: B-

April 8

DT Nicholas Barrett (Goldsboro, NC) commits to South Carolina
Barrett (6-4, 315) is a big interior lineman who can eat up plenty of space. But looking at the film, he is much quicker off the ball than I expected. and his first-step and ability to use his hands to get through blockers is a big reason why he had double-digit sacks in his junior season. Barrett is explosive at times, but at other times, he’s a powerhouse. Barrett hasn’t yet been able to combine his skill set to round out his game, but the attributes are there. South Carolina needed to recruit some size on the defensive line, and while Barrett hasn’t put it all together yet, he has a high ceiling and I think he’s a little undervalued as a recruit right now.

Barrett’s player grade: C+

LB Tristan Cox (Somerset, KY) commits to Purdue
Cox (6-3, 225) was a pretty tight recruiting battle between Purdue, Kentucky, Louisville and a couple of others. He looks like he could be a big body in the middle, but Cox says Purdue wants to use him as an outside linebacker, presumably someone who can get to the quarterback. Cox is a pretty good athlete; he plays both linebacker and running back in high school. As a linebacker, Cox was very good in his junior season, notching 20 tackles for loss. This is a big athlete who, if he can consistently get into the backfield at the next level, should be a significant piece of future defenses at Purdue.

Cox’s player grade: C+

OT Micah Morris (Kingsland, GA) commits to Georgia
Morris (6-4, 315) is a top-end, potentially elite offensive linemen who could be a difference-maker at either guard or tackle. Morris is dominating in the run game; he has the power to maul the guy in front of him. He plays left tackle in high school, and his pass-protection skills are occasionally put to the test. Morris is excellent with his hands and can be a very physical and nasty player up front. He has gotten considerably bigger but is still light on his feet. Morris is at a good size for his senior year, and the focus should be on rounding out his athleticism, flexibility and strengthening his upper body over putting on more size. Morris could potentially be a blue-chip player in this class. He is one of the top-20 prospects in Georgia.

Morris’ player grade: A-

April 7

QB Finn Collins (Calabasas, CA) commits to Arizona State
If things go well, Arizona State has at least two years of quarterback security behind rising sophomore Jayden Daniels, so the program’s recruitment of Collins (6-2, 180) is to help with depth assuming some of the upperclassmen in the quarterback room may transfer, and to target a potential quarterback competition a couple of spring seasons from now. Collins, who also had Iowa at the top of the list, posted big-time numbers as a junior as San Joaquin High in Fresno, Calif., throwing for over 3,500 yards and 40 touchdowns. The ball comes off his hand extremely well. Collins throws accurate balls, and his quick release helps that ball get down the field in a hurry. There’s a nice ceiling with Collins, and he could be good in a couple of years.

Collins’ player grade: B

WR Robert Army (Southfield, MI) commits to Iowa State
Army (6-0, 179) is listed as a wide receiver in the databases, but he’s more than likely going to be a safety in college. He does play wide receiver in high school, and Army shows excellent hands and ball skills on film, so those attributes should translate over to the defensive side. Army doesn’t show very good top-end speed. He has a recorded time of 5.0-seconds in the 40-yard dash, and he’s probably a little faster than that, but speed is going to be an issue other either side of the ball.

Army’s player grade: C-

RB Davion Primm (Oak Park, MI) commits to Michigan State
Primm (6-0, 200) gets Michigan State on the board with its first verbal commitment in the Mel Tucker era. It seemed like nearly every running back at Michigan State tried to transfer or announce they were going to transfer as the 2019 season went on, so it’s a good place to start with a new class. Primm was a prospect Tucker targeted at Colorado. He is a well-built back with ideal size for the position. Primm shows nice vision and is very decisive once he finds the right path to run down. He has great form, runs low and has a good forward lean. Primm doesn’t have great top-end speed, but he’s a solid all-around back.

Primm’s player grade: B-

QB Will Crowder (Gardendale, AL) commits to West Virginia
Crowder (6-2, 190) gives West Virginia its first arm of the 2021 recruiting class. The Mountaineers were able to beat out Boise State, Appalachian State, Wake Forest and Iowa State among several others. Crowder is a good mobile quarterback prospect and comes from an offense that is almost completely based around run-pass options. He’s good enough on his feet to make some plays, but Crowder is really strong at throwing on the run and making the right decisions with the football. Crowder’s numbers aren’t necessarily flashy, he threw for 2,295 and 11 touchdowns as a junior. But the numbers don’t tell the whole story. Crowder is a good program fit and should do well in West Virginia’s system.

Crowder’s player grade: B-

TE Jed Castles (Wichita Falls, TX) commits to Texas Tech
Castles (6-6, 215) is kind of a late riser in terms of Texas’ recruiting prospects. He’s been to three high schools in three years, and his third stop, Rider High in Wichita Falls, is the one that put him on the map. Castles is a two-sport guy who had been more regarded as a basketball player to this point, but with over 40 receptions and 500 yards as a junior last season, the football talent from Castles is starting to shine. He’s more of a pass catcher at this point and will need to show off more blocking acumen to be an inline tight end. Maybe that will come as he adds size to his frame. Castles is a good athlete, and it seems like he’s just starting to scratch the surface as a football player.

Castles’ player grade: C+

April 6

OL Vinny Fiacable (Fort Wayne, IN) commits to Indiana
Fiacable (6-4, 285) is the type of offensive linemen I really like. He’s not necessarily great at any one thing, but he’s pretty good across the board and his size is good enough to put him at guard, center or right tackle. He’s the type of player who could start for three years at three different positions – the player who can fill the most glaring hole on the offensive line. Fiacable isn’t necessarily a great athlete, but his technique is pretty sound. He plays low and generates his strength from the legs up. Fiacable is likely to end up at guard, and I think he’s going to be a major contributor down the road.

Fiacable’s player grade: C+

April 5

WR Latrell Neville (Missouri City, TX) commits to Virginia Tech
Neville (6-3, 190) is an interesting prospect. Off the hoof, he looks very good. He’s a big body with a big frame and should be dominating competition in high school. However, he hasn’t been very productive and is heading to his third high school in three years. So, Neville’s recruitment is based solely off potential and assuming that the right coaching staff can get the most out of his very evident physical abilities. Neville needs to be better at battling for the 50-50 balls, and his speed isn’t top end by any stretch. He has raw potential with an incredible ceiling. Neville is very much a boom-or-bust recruit for Virginia Tech.

Neville’s player grade: C+

April 4

RB Jordan Jenkins (Lindale, TX) commits to Baylor
Jenkins (6-1, 200) is a prototypical “big” back for college. He can easily add 20 pounds on his frame and keep his speed. Right now, Jenkins is more of a straight-line runner who finds the hole and goes downhill. He’s too big to be stopped by the first tackler, and he wants to deliver the hit as much as he’s going to take it. Jenkins’ speed isn’t bad, but he’s not going to beat you with speed. Jenkins is going to be more effective on the second 10 carries he gets in a game compared to the first 10 carries – a high-volume running back who should get good opportunities at Baylor.

Jenkins’ player grade: B-

April 3

S Xamarion Gordon (Downey, CA) commits to USC
Gordon (6-2, 190) reminds me more of the type of defensive backs USC used to get when the program was rolling under Pete Carroll. Gordon is big, has elite length and could fit into that role between safety and outside linebacker. He is good around the line of scrimmage as a designated blitz guy and in run support. Gordon is good in pass coverage, probably a little better in a center field role than he is taking on an assignment and covering in man. Gordon is a big hitter, but sometimes his desire to get the big hit will get him in trouble. Overall, Gordon is going to give you a lot of options on defense because his skill set is so diverse.

Gordon’s player grade: B+

LB Casey Phinney (Dedham, MA) commits to Michigan
Phinney (6-1, 230) is being projected as a linebacker, but there are also some who believe he’ll eventually play fullback. As a linebacker, Phinney is a guy who is going to play in the box and control a certain area of space. He is able to get through blockers and traffic to get to the ball-carrier. The reason I believe Phinney will eventually settle at fullback is because there isn’t a lot of speed and reaction time to his game. If Phinney is put in a situation when he has to cover a back out of the backfield, he would probably struggle. Phinney is a hard-nosed player who wants to mix it up. Those attributes will fit him well at fullback.

Phinney’s player grade: D+ (as LB), B- (as FB)

WR Brady Boyd (Southlake, TX) commits to Minnesota
Boyd (6-1, 180) is a speedster with a 4.44-second time in the 40-yard dash from a Nike Regional camp held in 2019. So naturally the question is: Will that speed show up on film? Yes. It. Does. Boyd plays at Southlake Carroll, so he’s going against some of the best competition in Texas. In the past, I’ve found that some prospects at Southlake Carroll “max” out earlier than others, but I think Boyd is just scratching the surface of his abilities. Boyd can stretch the field, even if he isn’t necessarily the fastest off the line, but once he gets those legs churning, he will leave defensive backs in the dust. Boyd’s hands are ok, but he will have to become more consistent to be a high-volume receiver. Minnesota’s staff, under P.J. Fleck, is one of the best at evaluating and developing, and I think Boyd could be a very productive wideout under that staff.

Boyd’s player grade: B

LB Mac Uihlein (Lake Forest, IL) commits to Northwestern
Ulhlein (6-1, 215) is one of the top defensive players in Illinois during this cycle and a big recruiting win for Northwestern, which had to fight off Minnesota and Iowa to get Ulhlein off the board. Ulhlein is a pure middle linebacker and a future quarterback of the defense. On film, you can quickly see the motor, the physicality and the general love of playing football. Ulhlein isn’t one who is afraid to get his nose dirty and jump in the pile to help against the running game. In coverage, Ulhlein might have a little bit of work to do, but he’s a very good athlete and a player who the Wildcats can build the defensive side of their recruiting class around.

Ulhlein’s player grade: B

LB Marco Avant (Jonesboro, AR) commits to Arkansas
Avant (6-2, 210) has the size that make him more of an inside linebacker than the outside, but his long arms add to that length and on the field, he uses that length to play more like a linebacker who is 6-foot-4, rather than 6-foot-2. Avant has film playing both mike linebacker and the outside positions, showing good versatility in either role. Avant is better and more comfortable against the run right now because he thrives on being physical. He’s athletic enough to play outside and drop in coverage, but he has to work on his instincts and flexibility with the movement in pass coverage. Avant is a solid in-state pick-up for the Razorbacks who has the potential to be a multi-year starter.

Avant’s player grade: B-

RB Kamarro Edmonds (Havelock, NC) commits to North Carolina
The one thing missing from the Tar Heels’ impressive early haul in the 2021 class was a top end running back. Edmonds (5-11, 195) should fill that void as a prospect who projects to be one of the top-20 running backs in this class. Edmonds fits that tweener back role, as he’s somewhat of a power back with some speed, but he also has plus-level quickness and explosive burst. What puts Edmonds a cut above other backs in his tier might be his ability to catch out of the backfield. He is a solid back who should project out as a multi-year starter and a guy who will reliably get 20-25 touches per game.

Edmonds’ player grade: B+

April 2

DE Cooper Jones (Valparaiso, IN) commits to Indiana
Jones (6-6, 240) is one of the top-10 players in Indiana for the 2021 class and a nice recruiting victory for the Hoosiers, as Iowa, Michigan and Purdue were all looking to get in on the defensive lineman. He has college-ready size and will likely add another 15-20 pounds onto his frame once he gets into college. He has some crossover athletic skills, and his time on the basketball court has helped his footwork significantly. Jones never seems to stop, even when teams game plan around him, he’s hustling and figuring out ways to get to the ball-carrier. Add that motor with decent athletic traits and length, Jones should make an impact at Indiana.

Jones’ player grade: B

P Tommy Doman (West Bloomfield, MI) commits to Michigan
Doman (6-3, 175) gets a five-star rating as a kicker and a punter by Kohl Kicking Camps website. He is ranked as the No. 4 punter in the nation. Further comments from the site say Doman’s “punting consistency might be the best in the country.” He also won the kickoff competition at the Kohl’s Underclassman Challenge.

Doman’s player grade: A

QB Trent Battle (Daphne, AL) commits to TCU
For a while, it looked like Battle might end up in the SEC, as he was checking out Tennessee and Texas A&M, but TCU might have the more friendly situation in terms of depth for a young quarterback. Battle (6-1, 195) is very familiar with TCU and visited the program earlier this year. TCU was expected to take two quarterbacks in this class and has already received a commitment from German prospect Alexander Honig. Battle is a pure dual-threat player and brings in much of that skill set, especially the ability to pass on the run and make something out of broken plays. He threw for 1,868 yards and 21 touchdowns as a junior and had over 500 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.

Battle’s player grade: B-

TE Louis Hansen (Needham, MA) commits to Michigan
Hansen (6-6, 240) looks like a prototypical tight end from the Big 10. He has good length and a solid frame that should allow him to get a little bigger without losing any speed or athleticism. Hansen uses his size well as a receiver, helping him to box out defenders in the red zone. He has the ability to go up and grab a ball at its highest point. Hansen has plus-level receiving skills, and he shows his versatility in the passing game by lining up inside or outside. Hansen will have to improve his blocking if he wants to be the next great tight end from Michigan. Right now, Hansen is a plus-level receiver and a project with the blocking aspect of being a tight end.

Hansen’s player grade: B+

March 31

QB Sawyer Robertson (Lubbock, TX) commits to Mississippi State
One of the reasons Mike Leach made the jump from Washington State to Mississippi State was because he wanted to coach some of the top-end talent from around the Gulf Coast. Robertson (6-3, 190) is a top 10-15 quarterback in the nation and probably one of the highest-rated passes Leach will welcome into one of his programs. Robertson is a dynamic passer too – he makes all the throws you want without much of an issue. His deep corner fade throw is a thing of beauty. Robertson is accurate with the short passes and the things you need in a west-coast offense, and he shows the arm strength to fit the ball in the tight windows. He can move a little, but that’s not really his game. Robertson has a high ceiling, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he turns out to be the most successful quarterback in this class.

Robertson’s player grade: A-

S Will Johnson (Leonardtown, MD) commits to Virginia Tech
Johnson has been a long-time target for Virginia Tech and admitted to the Roanoke Times that he was originally going to commit to the program during the 2019 season. However, when he found out about Bud Foster’s retirement, he decided to hold back for a few months. But eventually, the linebacker knew where he wanted to go and stuck with his favorite. Johnson (6-2, 200) is a little undersized for now, but he’s expected to redshirt and grow into an inside linebacker. He’s a good tackler and looks comfortable close to the line of scrimmage. There is film of him dropping in coverage and he has good athletic instincts to make up for some of the footwork issues. Overall, Johnson is a good athlete, a hard worker and a good fit for the program.

Johnson’s player grade: C+

CB Kani Walker (Douglasville, GA) commits to Boston College
Boston College pulled a big cornerback out of the southeast when Walker (6-2, 190) chose the Eagles over offers from Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech, Louisville and Maryland. Walker has very good length and natural cornerback abilities, so he can be a good fit as a boundary corner. Because of Walker’s size and tackling ability, he has scheme versatility and the ability to play either safety position or even some linebacker. Walker has some ball skills and moves well enough to complement his length. I’d like to see a little smoother footwork from Walker and a little cleaner with his change of direction. But with his length and toughness, Walker has some upside.

Walker’s player grade: C

WR Max Patterson (Arlington, VA) commits to Rutgers
Rutgers has been doing an amazing job recruiting in the state of New Jersey, but Greg Schiano and his staff have reach outside of the Garden State and went to Virginia to pull Patterson (5-10, 165), a projected slot receiver with speed to burn. Patterson’s speed – 4.54 in the 40-yard dash – will make him a dynamic, big-play weapon who should be used a variety of ways. Patterson plays against lower level competition in that part of Virginia, so he generally looks like the best player on the field. It will be a major step up playing in Power Five college football.

Patterson’s player grade: C+

WR Walker Merrill (Brentwood, TN) commits to Tennessee
Merrill (6-1, 175) has some explosive speed and athleticism that should project well as a wide receiver. He is pretty raw in terms of wide receiver skills and mechanics – his hands are not completely reliable yet and his route running is pretty basic. But projecting forward as an athlete, Merrill is really dynamic and a big play waiting to break out. Right now, he’s the type of player who can make plays in space off a bubble screens and is explosive through an opening for a big play. Merrill has good length and great leaping ability that will serve him well as his other skills begin to develop. It might take Merrill a while to become a complete receiver, but he’s a threat every time the ball touches his hands.

Merrill’s player grade: C+

March 30

S Jordan Mukes (Choctaw, OK) commits to Oklahoma
Mukes (6-4, 185) has cornerback ability, and if he were a little faster, you’d be talking about one of the top defensive backs in the country. As it is, Mukes has amazing length and long arms; he’s built like a basketball player, and it’s not a surprise that he plays the sport in high school and is considered a prospect. Even though Mukes has cornerback ability and could be recruited at the position, he’s more of a situational cornerback in college and a full-time safety prospect. Mukes is a solid all-around athlete with strength and a lot of natural tools for safety that go beyond his range. He’ll be a quality starter in college, and with a few improvements, he has to potential to reach higher.

Mukes’ player grade: B

RB Jaylen Wright (Durham, NC) commits to Tennessee
Tennessee was going to take two running backs in this class and already had a commitment from in-state prospect Elijah Howard. Wright (5-10, 190) will bring speed and more speed to the backfield for the Volunteers. Wright is one of the fastest players in North Carolina and runs around a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash, if not a little faster. He has plenty of interest with offers from Miami, Florida State, Rutgers and Arizona State out there. Wright will bring some scheme versatility; he can catch the football out of the backfield, and he’ll be dangerous in space. Expect him to be a returner on special teams as well.

Wright’s player grade: C+

March 28

RB Brandon Campbell (Katy, TX) commits to USC
Campbell (5-11, 190) is one of the more coveted running backs out of Texas during this cycle. USC had to beat out Auburn, Baylor, Arizona and a host of other potential suitors. Campbell has ideal size for a running back, and although he doesn’t have track speed, his 40-yard dash time is reportedly 4.58 seconds. Campbell rushed for nearly 900 yards as a junior and caught 15 passes for almost 300 yards. Campbell is a combo back who can run with power and some speed, but he can also catch passes and make some plays in open space. He will have to put some more weight on as he gets older, but he has a chance to be a red-chip recruit.

Campbell’s player grade: B+

OT Caleb Tiernan (Franklin, MI) commits to Northwestern
Northwestern is always a threat to grab a top-20 linemen in each class, and when it’s all said and done, Tiernan (6-7, 280) might be that player. This wasn’t an easy recruitment for Northwestern as Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State had all targeted Tiernan and were part of his final group. Tiernan has length to spare and a huge frame that should allow him to get well over 300 pounds and maintain his skill set. Tiernan can move pretty well. He also plays basketball, and his feet will be a major reason he gets on the field earlier than the other linemen Northwestern will sign in this class. Tiernan has all the physical attributes and can move well in space to get downfield on screens and similar throws. Overall, this is a very solid pickup for Northwestern.

Tiernan’s player grade: B

March 27

RB TreVeyon Henderson (Hopewell, VA) commits to Ohio State
Ohio State’s been among the best in the nation at recruiting over several years, but the Buckeyes’ running back recruiting came under the microscope in the last cycle when they missed out on their top-two targets and eventually only took one back instead taking the two backs they had space for. Well, Henderson (5-11, 190) solves that problem. He has got a good chance to be rated as the best running back in the 2021 class, and he’s one of the top-20 prospects regardless of position in this class. Henderson has everything you want in a running back prospect – he plays with speed and power. Henderson has the balance and the vision to run between the tackles and the speed to get to the outside and separate from the defense. He can catch passes, and he will get through the hole quickly. Henderson now only fills a need for Ohio State, but he fills it with elite talent.

Henderson’s player grade: A+

WR Jesiah Davis (Cornelius, NC) commits to Virginia
Davis (6-2, 175) becomes the fifth verbal commitment for the Cavaliers in the 2021 class. A big-bodied receiver, Davis is also a two-sport star at his high school and uses a lot of his attributes from the basketball court on the football field. He can jump, and even though he will gain size and strength, he can get physical and he’ll battle for those 50-50 balls. I could see Davis eventually becoming the primary outside target in the pass game for Virginia.

Davis’ player grade: C+

DE David Abiara (Mansfield, TX) commits to Notre Dame
Abiara (6-4, 255) took a visit to Notre Dame for a junior-day event in February and left there with the Fighting Irish as the program to beat. A little more than a month later, Abiara made his decision to commit to Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish had to beat out a ton of top programs in the region, including LSU, Texas A&M, Alabama and Oklahoma. Abiara has a big-bodied frame, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get into the 280-pound range and play all across the line. Abiara is a solid pass-rusher. He can get off the ball with some quickness, and he uses his arms in a sweeping motion to get blockers out of his way. Abiara is pretty strong and can overpower kids at the high school level

Abiara’s player grade: B+

DE Keshon Griffin (Hammonton, NJ) commits to Rutgers
Griffin (6-4, 225) continues the haul of defensive linemen, mostly EDGE players, for Rutgers since Greg Schiano took over the head coaching role in December. All of the players have similar builds, have good length and are very athletic. Griffin often looks like the best player on the field in his high school, and more importantly, he plays like the best player on the field. Griffin is really good against the run, can close on the ball-carrier quickly, and plays with a lot of speed. He reads the plays well and can get off of blockers. Griffin is not as good in coverage, as his footwork is a little choppy and he often uses his raw athleticism to make up for some of those shortcomings. Griffin is another impressive in-state recruit for Rutgers.

Griffin’s player grade: B

DE Demeioun Robinson (Gaithersburg, MD) commits to Maryland
Robinson (6-3, 220) is one of the top defensive end/outside linebacker prospects in the nation, and he gives Maryland coach Mike Locksley another major recruiting victory. Locksley hasn’t exactly impressed as a coach in terms of a won-loss record, but with the talent he’s accumulating at Maryland, he should be able to improve his winning percentage a little. Robinson is nearly the total package as an edge rusher. He gets off the ball as well as anyone you’ll see in the 2021 class. He’s not just dynamic around the edges, he can rush in between blockers and explode through pretty small seams. Robinson is a player you have to account for on offense whenever he’s on the field. He is a blue-chip player, one of the best in his class, and a true game changer.

Robinson’s player grade: A

DE Grey Carroll (Alcoa, TN) commits to Georgia Tech
Carroll (6-3, 250) had nearly two dozen offers, mostly from mid-majors and Ivy League programs, but he named Georgia Tech a leader soon after he received an offer from the Yellow Jackets and visited the campus in early March. Carroll could put on some significant weight and make a move to the inside. He told 247Sports that the plan is to add about 20-25 pounds and move him over the line. I could see Carroll being an all-purpose defensive lineman who provides depth at several positions. I like Carroll’s hands; I think he has a good motor and is active on the play. He’s not a super athlete, but he’s going to give what he has on every snap.

Carrol’s player grade: C+

March 26

OT Landon Tengwall (Olney, MD) commits to Penn State
Tengwall (6-6, 300) is a big-time football player, arguably the best in the state of Maryland. He’s versatile enough where I believe he can play any position on the offensive line, including both tackle spots. Tengwall is a plus-level athlete and has better lower-body strength than you’ll see from most offensive linemen in this class. His skill set is plus level across the board. Tengwall checks off the boxes with footwork, hands, and strength at the point of contact. He is a physical player who plays with a chip on his shoulders and finishes blocks with authority. Tengwall can contribute at a major college program as a true freshman and is likely to be a multi-year starter. He will have a blue-chip designation.

Tengwall’s player grade: A

LB Khayri Banton (Newark, N.J.) commits to Rutgers
My good friend Charles Fishbein, a prospect scout based in Broward County, sent me a text, “have you seen the guys Greg [Schiano] is getting in his class? These guys are studs.” Banton (6-2, 220) might be the best of the bunch, a player who looks like he would fit in with any of the top recruiting school in the nation. He’s going to be a dynamic rusher off the edge and also has the athleticism and awareness to drop in coverage as a middle linebacker. Banton’s instincts are solid, he can get from end to end well. and he’s strong on the backside pursuit. He has the potential to be a double-digit sack guy in college.

Banton’s player grade: B-

March 25

DE Dominick Giudice (Middletown, NJ) commits to Michigan
Guidice (6-4, 250) received his first Power Five offer from Michigan about a week ago and didn’t take long to jump on it. I see Guidice making the move to the inside in college because he’s probably not athletic enough to play on the edge. Right away on film, Guidice shows a high motor and a willingness to do whatever it takes to make the play. He’ll chase the football from the backfield to the open field, and he likes to be physical. Sometimes the physical play is reckless, but sometimes Guidice is reckless in general. But I think his effort is something that will be much appreciated on the Wolverines.

Guidice’s player grade: C-

OL Greg Crippen (Milton, MA) commits to Michigan
Crippen (6-4, 280) is currently playing at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. He was committed to Notre Dame for almost a year but backed away from his pledge at the beginning of March, and soon after his de-commitment it was clear that Michigan was his leader. Crippen could be the next big-time center in the Big Ten. He’s good off the snap, has very good with his hands and is looking to get the first shot on a defender. Crippen is athletic and smart. He excels at getting to where he needs to be for the combo blocks. Sometimes he gets a little overaggressive, but that’s not necessarily a bad problem to have. Crippen will be one of the best interior linemen in this class.

Crippen’s player grade: B+

March 24

OL Josh Thompson (Fenton, MI) commits to Northwestern
Thompson (6-5, 300) received his first Power Five offer from Northwestern in early March, and he is a prospect who I believe would’ve gotten a nice boost in his overall recruitment had the normal spring visit schedule taken place. However, this might turn out to be a hidden gem for the Wildcats. Thompson plays tackle, but he could slip to guard in college. I also think he’s got a shot to be a right tackle if his footwork improves and can hold up against Big Ten opposition. Thompson is a tough player; he’ll flatten a defender if he gets the opportunity. He does well as a lead blocker and has good lower body strength to hold up in pass protection. His overall athleticism is average at best, but he has a decent ceiling and room to grow.

Thompson’s player grade: C

March 23

JUCO CB Marcellas Dial (Woodruff, SC) commits to South Carolina
Dial is originally from Woodruff, South Carolina and has played junior college ball at Georgia Military College. He played in 10 games as a freshman at Georgia Military and had 11 tackles and an interception. Dial is going to have three years of eligibility remaining.

Dial’s player grade: C

DE Jonathan Jefferson (Douglasville, GA) commits to Georgia
Jefferson (6-4, 255) is currently listed as a defensive end, but I feel pretty confident he’s going to move to the inside after a good year in the Bulldogs’ weight program. He’s a two-sport athlete with a heck of a skill set that allows him to even play some offense in high school. Jefferson is a stable presence on the defensive line. Not necessarily a dynamic player or a game changer, but a very consistent guy on the line that’s going to be where he needs to be and not make many mistakes. Jefferson is going to be one of those unsung heroes on the defense who might not get the credit, but his presence will make the players around him better.

Jefferson’s player grade: B-

QB Kaiya Sheron (Somerset, KY) commits to Kentucky
Sheron (6-3, 195) gives Kentucky its arm for the 2021 class, and the Wildcats staff didn’t even have to leave the commonwealth to make it happen. After playing a wide receiver-at-the-quarterback position last year and running a single wing, Kentucky is set up to have a deep quarterback room for the next few years. Sheron is one of the best players in Kentucky. He put up some big numbers as a junior, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns. He also rushed for nearly 1,000 yards as a junior. Sheron is already pushing 6-foot-4 and is going to be a big quarterback. He’s going be able to make plays with his feet and his arm. Sheron’s arm isn’t among the biggest I’ve seen in this class, but he has a winner’s mentality, which will serve him well.

Sheron’s player grade: C+

LB Aidan Ralph (Chicago, IL) commits to Iowa State
Ralph (6-3, 190) took a visit to Iowa State several weeks ago and received an offer; now he gives the Cyclones a verbal commitment. On film, I see a high-energy player who does a lot of his damage going downhill and making plays at or behind the line of scrimmage. Ralph is aggressive, although he tackles way too high right now. He is athletic and can hold his own against a ball-carrier in open field. I’d love to see him improve his coverage and become a more versatile player down the road.

Ralph’s player grade: C

March 22

DT Terry Lockett (Springfield, MA) commits to Syracuse
Lockett (6-1, 250) jumped to the top of the target board for Syracuse after he attended the program’s junior-day event in February. He is now the Orange’s first commitment of the 2021 recruiting cycle. Syracuse is moving to three-man fronts on defense this year, so the staff is looking for defensive linemen who can move all along the line. In a three-man front, Lockett could see some time on the end, but he’s going to be asked to rush the passer from the interior. On film, he shows a decent burst as an interior pass-rusher. Lockett might not be a sure-fire starter, but he should find a role in a defensive line rotation.

Lockett’s player grade: C

CB Mark Wilson (Houston, TX) commits to Houston
Normally, I don’t go into detail on commitments to Group of Five programs, but if the prospect is good enough, I make an exception and I see Wilson as a potential red-chip player who the Cougars had to beat out several Big XII programs to land. Wilson (6-0, 160) is a little thin on the frame, but he has the length and the athleticism to become a very good one. Wilson is a tough competitor and doesn’t let his size keep him away from being a physical player and a willing, hard-hitting tackler. Wilson can run too; he’s a track kid who has good burst and explosion. He is quick enough to play man coverage as a defensive back, but he also has some attributes that would be best served as a safety. I think Wilson is a legitimate top-250 player in the nation, which the summer evaluation period will show.

Wilson’s player grade: B+

2020 JUCO DE Victor Obi (Kilgore, TX) commits to Baylor
Obi (6-5, 215) was extended an offer from Baylor a couple of weeks after the February signing-day period. He was a full qualifier out of high school, but chose to attend Kilgore Junior College in Kilgore, Texas to gain more recruiting interest. Obi played eight games as a reserve for Kilgore in 2019. He’ll have three years of eligibility and a redshirt year when he gets to Baylor.

Baylor’s 2020 class grade: C

March 21

WR Jack Bech (Lafayette, LA) commits to Vanderbilt
Bech (6-1, 200) showed his chops as an outside receiver with a big junior season that saw him catch 91 passes for nearly 1,700 yards and 20 touchdowns. He played for one of the better programs in Louisiana and will enter college as a prospect who should be able to contribute early. My only concern with Bech is that he might be maxed out already. Even if he is, he is going to be a good receiver in the room. Bech is a big body and plays like a big receiver. He uses his frame to get in position to grab 50-50 balls, and that will help him greatly as a red-zone target in college. Bech is also a willing blocker and looks like he takes pride in doing it to help out the running back.

Bech’s player grade: C+

ATH Malachi Fields (Charlottesville, VA) commits to Virginia
Fields (6-4, 200) gave Virginia its fourth verbal commitment in the 2021 class. He attended a junior-day event at the program earlier in March. Fields’ recruitment was going a little slowly, which surprised me because I see a quality athlete who should be able to make the transition from high school quarterback to wide receiver in college. Obviously, there isn’t any film on him at receiver, but as a quarterback, Fields looks like a quick-twitch athlete and can make things happen in the open field.

Fields’ player grade: C+

March 20

ATH Jordan Thompson (Morris Plains, NJ) commits to Rutgers
Thompson (6-3, 225) is a versatile athlete who gives Rutgers another commitment from an in-state prospect. This was one of the easier targets for Rutgers, as Thompson was admittedly a fan and wanted to jump on board once Schiano was hired. Thompson is a two-way player in high school, and he could project as a defensive end, linebacker or tight end in college. Thompson sees himself as a linebacker, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he splits time as an outside linebacker and is also put in situations where he’ll have to put his hand on the ground and come off the edge. Thompson has some real potential and looks like he could be a multi-year starter.

Thompson’s player grade: B

RB Devin Neal (Lawrence, KS) commits to Kansas
I expected recruiting to pick up a little bit at Kansas now that it is Les Miles’ second year. Miles fielded a competitive team in 2019, and now he can continue to upgrade and flip the roster. Neal (5-11, 185) is a solid prospect at running back. He’s not quite a red-chip player, but I really like his skill set and the fact that he’s spent enough time at wide receiver to have good hands and plus-level receiving skills out of the backfield. Neal is a good athlete; he plays several spots. He’s not a speedster, but he’s a tough runner and a great competitor. He should be able to jump right in as part of a running back rotation early in his career before challenging for the No. 1 running back spot.

Neal’s player grade: B-

DE Cam’Ron Stewart (Reading, PA) commits to Rutgers
Stewart (6-4, 220) continues the recruiting run for the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers was Stewart’s only offer from a Power Five program, and he’s going to take a few years of development and seasoning before we can see what he really has to offer. From a size standpoint, Stewart looks the part. He’s pretty raw from a football standpoint, but he can move and plays with aggression. There isn’t a lot of technique there so far because most of his film clips are just him running downhill. But Stewart can run and looks pretty explosive. With Rutgers trying to improve every aspect of its roster, Stewart is worth taking a flyer on.

Stewart’s player grade: C

LB Christopher Paul Jr. (Cordele, GA) commits to Nebraska
I could see the Cornhuskers taking up to five linebackers in this class, so Scott Frost and his staff had to jump on targets early. Paul (6-1, 215) actually visited the campus last season for a game, so he’s had a long time to build a relationship with Frost and the rest of the Nebraska staff. Paul is going to be a middle linebacker in college, and he has shown to be a tackling machine so far in high school. He had over 150 tackles as a junior. Paul is a physical player who can run and plays with a lot of effort. He can diagnose a play quickly, and when he has the chance to lay in a big hit, he doesn’t miss.

Paul’s player grade: B-

DE Victoine Brown (Loganville, GA) commits to Louisville
Brown (6-4, 235) was one of the hotter prospects coming out of Georgia during the early phases of the evaluation of 2021 prospects. He had a ton of top-end offers. However, Brown has tested well and has a 5.1-second 40-yard dash to his name, which likely scared some schools away. For what it’s worth, I think Brown is a little faster than the time listed, but he’s not a dynamic player off the edge or anything. On the end, Brown is going to tougher against the run than he would be as a pass-rusher. I think Brown could put on some significant weight and be a more effective player on the inside.

Brown’s player grade: C+

March 19

S Dakota Mitchell (Winter Park, FL) commits to LSU
Mitchell (5-11, 175) gives LSU its first verbal commitment since December for the 2021 class. Mitchell was setting up an LSU-Alabama recruiting battle, but the Tigers prioritized him in recruiting. Mitchell does a good job of dropping into the coverage and then making a play on the football or the ball-carrier. He also plays wide receiver in high school, which helps his ball skills. Mitchell can run, though there is not a reliable time on record. It looks like he can run around a 4.55 or better. Mitchell is a physical player on defense and plays a big-man’s game. That’s surprising to see when you compare it to his offensive sights where Mitchell is so agile, quick and shifty. With his speed, I could see him playing on either side of the ball.

Mitchell’s player grade: B

CB Shaquan Loyal (Newark, NJ) commits to Rutgers
Rutgers’ recent run of verbal commitments continues with Loyal (6-0, 175), who becomes the sixth verbal commitment in the Scarlet Knights’ class. One of the things that separates Greg Schiano’s recruiting class from the previous Rutgers regime is that he values the prospects from the public schools in New Jersey more. Loyal has the sort of competitive mentality that some coaches believe you’ll only find from prospects in the inner-city public schools. Loyal has good feet and plus-level ball skills. On film, he shows a willingness to help against the run and seems to play with a chip on his shoulder. His toughness will be appreciated at Rutgers.

Loyal’s player grade: B-

March 18

ATH Al-Shadee Salaam (East Orange, NJ) commits to Rutgers
Salaam (5-9, 175) will give Rutgers a lot of options on offense with where he can line up on the field. Rutgers coach Greg Schiano has always liked to have a couple of guys on offense who play multiple roles, and Salaam fits that description. He has primarily played running back for his high school, and that’s probably his best position. But Salaam can also line up in the slot or on the outside as a wide receiver, and he’s going to be a major part of the return team with his speed. As long as there’s a plan to get Salaam the ball in space, he’ll make plays at the next level.

Salaam’s player grade: C+

ATH DeAndre Boykins (Concord, NC) commits to North Carolina
Boykins (5-11, 195) should project out to be a versatile piece on defense who could play some safety or possibly grow into a middle linebacker position. He’s likely to stay in the secondary, however, because he has good enough coverage skills to play cornerback in certain alignments. Boykins is a two-way player in high school and certainly has the size to play running back. He doesn’t have top-end track speed, but he has plenty enough speed to compete in the secondary or on offense as a bigger power running back. Boykins’ football instincts should get him on the field early and in a spot to contribute.

Boykins’ player grade: B

QB Colten Gauthier (Dacula, GA) commits to South Carolina
Gauthier (6-3, 200) gives the Gamecocks their arm for the 2021 class. Checking out the film, Gauthier shows off a live arm right away, and he can just fire the ball to the target. He makes a lot of these throws without the best mechanics. Gauthier can escape the pocket and can move around well to buy time, but I’d love to see him really set on his feet and use that big arm to make more accurate throws. Overall, Gauthier’s skill set is very appealing, and I could see new South Carolina offensive coordinator Mike Bobo being very excited to work with him. After a few mechanical adjustments, keep an eye on Gauthier down the road, as he could prove to be one of the more surprising quarterbacks to come out of this class.

Gauthier’s player grade: B

WR D.J. Justice (Mission Hills, CA) commits to UCLA
Justice (6-0, 180) puts UCLA on the board with its first verbal commitment of the 2021 recruiting class. He comes from athletic lineage as his father, David Justice, was a former power-hitting outfielder in Major League Baseball. The Bruins need more explosive talent on offense, and Justice has some of that big-play ability. He is a good athlete, and while he isn’t the most advanced route runner, he is good after the catch and has the straight-line speed to stretch out a defense. Justice is a little raw and will need some development, but he’s got some real tools and upside to succeed in Chip Kelly’s offense.

Justice’s player grade: B-

March 17

ATH Tymir Brown (Jacksonville, NC) commits to North Carolina
Brown (6-0, 160) had been handling his recruitment as if he wasn’t going to be too far from home, and the projected defensive back chose the Tar Heels over N.C. State when it came to his final decision. The Tar Heels staff is looking at Brown to be a cornerback who can compete in man coverage and survive when he’s out on an island. Brown has good length, but he’ll need to gain overall strength to cover outside receivers one-on-one. I think Brown will contribute more as a slot corner and corner in the nickel package on the front end of his college career before he becomes a full-time starter as an upperclassman.

Brown’s player grade: C+

OL Aaron Gunn (New Castle, PA) commits to Louisville
The Cardinals have to get more physical on both sides of the line, and they hope a player like Gunn (6-2, 295) can be a fighter in the trenches for them. Gunn is a pure guard who wants to mix it up on the inside and wear his opponent down. On film, there are a lot of clips of Gunn pulling as well and showing some decent athleticism. Gunn is a sturdy blocker with a good leg drive. He can finish blocks and shows a lot of nastiness when he’s challenged. Overall, Gunn looks like a solid competitor who will win battles with effort.

Gunn’s player grade: C

ATH Cooper DeJean (Ida Grove, IA) commits to Iowa
DeJean (6-2, 190) is a big athlete who looks good off the hoof and physically ready to contribute when he walks on campus. He shows a lot of potential as a strong safety who can play downhill and create havoc close to the line of scrimmage. He’s also not uncomfortable playing in coverage situations. DeJean will probably put on more weight, and that could put him in the tweener position between safety and linebacker. To be honest, he could easily commit to putting on more weight and becoming a solid outside linebacker given his coverage skills and naturally physical play. DeJean should project to be one of the top-end prospects in the Hawkeyes’ 2021 recruiting class.

DeJean’s player grade: B+

S Andre Turrentine (Nashville, TN) commits to Ohio State
The re-stocking of the Ohio State secondary continues with the verbal commitment of Turrentine (6-0, 175), who the Buckeyes staff pulled from the southeast despite offers from Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina and Florida. Turrentine will probably provide some meaningful snaps at safety or cornerback and will probably eventually find himself having the most success in nickel packages, where he can use his versatile skill set. Turrentine looks like a good and willing tackler on film, and he gets to the ball-carrier quickly. His coverage instincts are good, and while he isn’t the fastest out there, he makes up for it with a high football IQ and good anticipation.

Turrentine’s player grade: B+

March 16

RB Evan Pryor (Cornelius, NC) commits to Ohio State
Given the way North Carolina has dominated recruiting in its home state, it was a bit of a surprise to see Pryor (5-10, 200), the top running back in the Tar Heel State, opt for the Buckeyes instead. Pryor, however, isn’t just a normal running back or what you think of when you think of a running back in Ohio State’s system. He can be a workhorse out of the backfield, but where he really excels is when he can utilize his strong receiving skills. Pryor has the ability to be a running back, a slot receiver, and potentially a specialist in the return game. He needs touches like any other top-end skill player, but all those touches don’t have to come while lining up seven yards behind the center. Pryor is a superb athlete and a potential game-changer who will add another explosive piece to Ryan Day’s offense.

Pryor’s player grade: A-

QB Ty Thompson (Gilbert, AZ) commits to Oregon
Thompson (6-4, 200) is one of the best quarterbacks on the west coast, and to no one’s surprise, all of the major Pac-12 programs were gunning after him. Oregon, however, won this tough recruiting battle over Arizona State, California and Iowa after Thompson took an unofficial visit to the Oregon campus. Thompson is a good fit for the type of quarterback who Mario Cristobal wants in his offense – he’s big and athletic with a powerful arm, plus he moves well within the pocket. Thompson probably isn’t going to make a lot of plays with his feet, but he knows how to extend time in the pocket and create more passing opportunities. Thompson can make the throws, especially the deep balls, and the ball comes off his hand beautifully. He threw for over 4,000 yards and 45 touchdowns as a junior. Thompson will probably get a red-chip designation.

Thompson’s player grade: A-

CB Devonta Smith (Cincinnati, OH) commits to Ohio State
A day after landing a commitment from blue-chip prospect Jakallin Johnson, the Buckeyes gain another commitment in the secondary from Smith (6-0, 185), an in-state prospect who fits the bill as a cornerback on the field side. Smith has emerged as one of the top players from the powerhouse LaSalle program in Cincinnati, so he’s playing against some of the best competition in the midwest. He has good speed and has added the size to his frame, making him project as more of an outside cornerback than a slot. Smith plays both ways at LaSalle and could play wide receiver in college if he wanted to, but he’s likely going to be part of a very fierce Buckeyes secondary over the next 3-4 years.

Smith’s player grade: B-

Brandon Calloway (Griffin, GA) commits to Purdue
Calloway (6-2, 175) is the third recruit to give a verbal commitment to Purdue in the 2021 recruiting cycle. The first thing that stands out about Calloway is his length. That makes him a versatile piece on a defense. Calloway carries a lot of roles for his high school, playing cornerback, linebacker, safety, plus lines up as a nickelback as well. He’s athletic and capable of covering in space. Calloway is still pretty raw, and it’ll be interesting to see how his recruitment goes in the summer when I expect other programs will be trying to get him on campus – COVID-19 pandemic pending.

Calloway’s player grade: C+

March 15

CB Jakallin Johnson (St. Louis, MO) commits to Ohio State
Johnson (5-11, 165) is a highly-touted recruit who had an offer from nearly every major program in the country and is arguably the top prospect from the state of Missouri. He has ideal side for a cornerback and length that makes him play taller than his 5-foot-11 listing. The Buckeyes are going to have to re-load at secondary this year, and Johnson is a heck of a place to build around. Looking at the film, Johnson is strong in man coverage and doesn’t back down from the challenge of being left on an island. However, he’s also quite adept when he’s playing zone and forced to close in on the ball quickly. Johnson’s instincts are definitely at a plus level, and his effort as a tackler and contributions in the run game make him an all-around performer. Johnson clearly focuses on every aspect of the game and wants to be great. He continues a strong recruiting run for the Buckeyes.

Johnson’s player grade: A

OL Henry Buckles (Hood River, OR) commits to Oregon State
Buckles (6-2, 285) is no stranger to the Oregon State program and was a frequent visitor last season on game days. So it’s no surprise that less than a week after Jonathan Smith and the Beavers coaching staff extended an offer, he verbally committed. Buckles is a “good body” lineman. He looks like he carries his weight well and moves well with it. He’s a little short and might find a better long-term fit at center. Buckles is the first verbal commitment for Oregon State in the 2021 class.

Buckles’s player grade: C-

LB Jake Chaney (Lehigh Acres, FL) commits to Wisconsin
I looked at Chaney’s film a couple of times and came away thinking he is a perfect inside linebacker for a Big Ten program. Chaney (6-0, 210) is a little undersized, although he will bulk up considerably, and he isn’t going to blow you away with plus-level athleticism. That being said, he’s tougher than a cheap steak and plays the position to deliver hard hits and punishment. Chaney is a stopper in the middle of the defense. He attacks the ball-carrier and brings real physicality to the position. He’s going to be a fan favorite in Wisconsin for his blue-collar style of play.

Chaney’s player grade: B-

March 13

QB Tyler Macon (East St. Louis, IL) commits to Missouri
Macon (6-0, 185) was one of Eli Drinkwitz’s early offers when he took the job at Missouri. He wanted a dual-threat quarterback, and Macon fits the bill as a player who can throw the ball – he threw for over 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns as a junior – and make plays with his feet. Macon was more of a rusher earlier in high school and rushed for over 1,000 yards, but he showed off a big arm as a junior. He can make the throws on the run, and he can buy additional time by escaping the pocket. Macon can make big runs by design or scrambling. He’s a tough player to defend, because he’s not afraid to run if he sees the opening. Macon is a top-25 quarterback in the nation in my opinion and a nice commitment for the Tigers.

Macon’s player grade: B

March 11

OT Mason Murphy (San Juan Capistrano, CA) commits to USC
Murphy (6-5, 285) marks the first commitment USC has gotten for the 2021 class in the past six months. Their last commitment in the class was blue-chip quarterback Jake Garcia, who is one of the best in the nation. Murphy will be one of the players with the task of protecting Garcia. Murphy had a host of offers from around the nation, including Arizona State, Michigan and Colorado, but he was a heavy USC lean from the beginning and it’s important for Clay Helton to improve USC recruiting and land these targets early. Murphy looks like he could play either side at the tackle position. He plays the left side in high school, and he is good in pass protection with his feet and hands moving in good sequence. Murphy might be a little undervalued as a recruit.

Murphy’s player grade: B-

ATH Donnie Gray (New Haven, CT) commits to Northwestern
Gray (6-0, 190) is the first commitment for Northwestern in the 2021 recruiting class. He had offers from Army, Syracuse, Temple, UMass and a host of Ivy League programs as well. Gray could play on either side of the ball and is a two-way guy in high school, but he’ll likely project to be a wide receiver at Northwestern. He’s a bigger wide receiver, who will have to develop some more overall skills and work on his speed, but there is some raw athleticism there to work with.

Gray’s player grade: C-

DE Kyonte Hamilton (Rockville, MD) commits to Rutgers
Hamilton (6-5, 235) has a wrestling background and committed to Rutgers for both its wrestling and football programs. He is a big athlete and has been asked to do a lot in high school from outside linebacker to quarterback to slot corner. Once Greg Schiano gets a hold of Hamilton, he’ll turn him into a 255-pound defensive lineman who will play the edge. Hamilton already has the athleticism to get down field and become a top-level pass-rusher, and I think part of the reason Hamilton is a bit underrated as a prospect is because he hasn’t been able to focus on a single position. He has good speed and has shown the ability to blitz or line up with his hand on the ground and be a traditional pass-rusher. Hamilton has a high ceiling and a lot of potential.

Hamilton’s player grade: B-

March 10

CB Jordan Hancock (Suwanee, GA) commits to Clemson
When Clemson goes fishing these days, expect the Tigers to catch a whale. Hancock (6-0, 165) is one of the top cover cornerbacks in the 2021 class and a legitimate top-100 player in the nation, regardless of position. On film, Hancock’s closing speed is among the best I’ve seen. When it looks like he’s too far off the route, he can just dart back in and make a play on the ball. He plays bigger than his size, and once he adds on mass in college, his style of play will be that off a bigger cornerback who is equally adept at coverage and tackling. Hancock can run well with fluid motion and is great at changing directions. He is at one of the top programs in Georgia and plays against top competition every Friday. Hancock has the potential to be a very good one.

Hancock’s player grade: A-

S Joshua Sosanya (Raleigh, NC) commits to Wake Forest
Sosanya (6-1, 180) has been on Wake Forest’s radar for a long time. He was a regular visitor for Demon Deacons games last season. As more programs got a hold of Sosanya’s film, he began to gain some traction, with Appalachian State and Georgia Tech both extending offers to him. Wake Forest, however, won out, and it’s a good fit for Sosanya because he’ll be asked to perform several roles in the program’s defense. Wake Forest doesn’t always have big corners, so Sosanya will probably play some on the outside and in the nickel as well. He’s a heady player, and that makes up for his lack of top-end speed.

Sosanya’s player grade: C

S Jake Kettchen (Richland, NJ) commits to Vanderbilt
Ketchen (6-3, 315) becomes the second commitment for Vanderbilt, choosing the Commodores over Rutgers. The difference might’ve come down to Vanderbilt offensive line coach Pete Rossomando, who was previously at Rutgers. Ketchen could probably play any of the interior spots; I wonder if he’ll end up as a center because he gets off the ball pretty well. He is a classic road grader who really gets after it in run blocking and likes to mix it up with the defensive linemen in the trenches.

Ketchen’s player grade: C

WR Jakolbe Baldwin (Rockingham, NC) commits to N.C. State
The Wolfpack add a second wide receiver in as many days with Baldwin (5-10, 170) jumping on board following the commitment of Julian Gray. Although Gray and Baldwin are similar in size, they bring different things to the table. Baldwin isn’t going to wow anyone with his speed, but he’s a smart route runner with plus-level hands. He is fundamentally sound and understands spacing and the distance he needs to get on catches to move the chains. Baldwin plays a more physical game than his size would indicate, and he’ll have to continue to add on size to play that style.

Baldwin’s player grade: C

March 8

S Langston Long (Arden, NC) commits to Virginia
The Cavaliers got an early jump on Long (6-2, 205), a big athlete who could stay at safety or grow into a linebacker. Long hasn’t had a ton of traction with major programs yet, but Virginia decided he was a gem worth taking an early verbal commitment from. Long probably would be best served putting on weight and playing linebacker. As a safety, Long likes playing close to the line of scrimmage as it is and is far more comfortable going downhill than hanging in coverage. He plays outside linebacker in high school, but I don’t think he’s good enough in space to play outside in college. But as a thudding mike linebacker? Long might fit the bill.

Long’s player grade: C+

OT Connor Tollison (Jackson, MO) commits to Missouri
This is a big-time recruiting win for Missouri, as many felt like Tollison was a solid lean to Oklahoma after attending the Sooners’ junior-day event earlier in the month. New Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz wanted to be more competitive with the in-state prospects and Tollison is one of the best offensive linemen in the Show-Me State. Right away, it’s easy to see the length and decent athleticism from Tollison (6-5, 285). He has put on a lot of weight in high school, but he carries it real well. Tollison is a grinder – he finishes blocks well; he battles for position.; andh e doesn’t give up on the block. Tollison’s not winning battles on athletic ability, he is a worker and a prospect who should be a multi-year starter.

Tollison’s player grade: B

OT Eli Sutton (Brentwood, TN) commits to North Carolina
Who said the Tar Heels can’t recruit out of state? We’ve rightfully given Mack Brown and his staff so much credit for their in-state recruiting prowess, but we shouldn’t discount Brown in any recruiting battle. With Sutton (6-7, 280), there was no shortage of suitors, including Tennessee, Baylor, Florida, LSU and several others. He is built like a prototypical left tackle with those long arms and wide wingspan. He is a two-sport guy, and his days playing basketball have served him well with his footwork. He’s built from the lower body up and has a great leg drive. Sutton is going to be the left tackle of the future for North Carolina and has a high ceiling.

Sutton’s player grade: B+

WR Julian Gray (Huntersville, NC) commits to N.C. State
Gray (5-10, 170) comes from a passing offense in high school, and he has a little better knowledge of spacing and route running than many wide receivers coming out of their junior years of high school. But above all else, he’s a dart who runs faster than a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash and has the ability to find the matchup and get down the field for the big plays. Although most of his film are deep routes, a deeper look at Gray shows a plus-level route runner who will create a lot of headaches in the slot. Despite being the focal point of his offense, Gray had 57 receptions for over 1,200 yards as a junior.

Gray’s player grade: C+

OT Wyatt Milum (Huntington, WV) commits to West Virginia
Milum (6-6, 275) is a cornerstone recruiting prospect for West Virginia and a player who wanted to play his college football for the Mountaineers despite offers from Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Georgia and Alabama. He is a long and lean with a frame that can easily get to the 300-pound mark. First and foremost, Milum is an explosive athlete and gets off the ball quickly to deliver that initial punch in run blocking. He is strong with his hands and is decisive and aggressive when it comes to finishing blocks. Milum is going to be one of the top-10 offensive tackles in this class and has a pro-level upside. He is a major in-state recruiting victory for West Virginia.

Milum’s player grade: A

DT Isaac Washington (Pilot Mountain, NC) commits to Tennessee
Washington (6-3, 265) had a dominant junior season in high school, racking up 27 tackles for loss and earning the attention of several top programs. He was one of two Tennessee targets who committed to the school during the Volunteers’ junior-day event. Tennessee had been on Washington for several months, and even as he began accumulating offers from other major programs, he couldn’t get Tennessee off his mind.

On film, it’s easy to see Washington’s effect. He brings it on every play and is good with his explosion off the ball. Washington is a little raw and needs to continue to work on his technique so it matches his work ethic. Once his technique comes around, Washington has the potential to be a multi-year starter.

Washington’s player grade: B+

DE Akili Calhoun (Brentwood, CA) commits to California
Calhoun (6-4, 245) is the fourth commitment for California and the first who is projected to play on the defensive side of the ball. The California coaching staff has seen how programs like Oregon and most recently Arizona State have come into California and pulled away some top players. With that, Golden Bears head coach Justin Wilcox wants to re-establish the program for in-state prospects.

Calhoun is going to grow into a versatile piece on the defensive line and a big defensive end in a 3-4 alignment. He is quick to get in the backfield, but he plays an honest game and hustles just as hard in backside pursuit. California has gotten off to a nice start in recruiting, and Calhoun’s commitment just keeps it rolling.

Calhoun’s player grade: B

WR Kobe Paysour (Kings Mountains, NC) commits to North Carolina
Paysour (6-1, 170) is the latest in-state prospect to commitment to North Carolina and continue to buy into Mack Brown’s plan to fill the roster with in-state players. Paysour’s commitment comes a day after North Carolina flipped blue-chip quarterback Drake Maye from Alabama, and there’s little doubt that Maye’s decision along with the Tar Heels’ exciting options at quarterback were the main catalyst for Paysour’s decision.

Paysour has been productive in high school, starting since he was a freshman and averaging over 1,100 receiving yards each season. He is a bigger receiver and plays a big receivers game. He’ll jump for the 50-50 balls and get physical with defensive backs. Paysour’s not a speedster, but he has a nice combination of size, speed and hands.

Paysour’s player grade: B+

S Edwin White (Mobile, AL) commits to Tennessee
White’s recruitment to Tennessee has been over two years in the making. The Volunteers were the first program to make an to offer White and have been aggressively pursuing him since. Other programs began noticing White later, but Tennessee always has the upper hand.

White (5-11, 195) is a solid pass defender and plays in the center of the field with a lot of comfort. He can read passes well and knows when to jump in to either break up the pass or try to create a turnover. White may take some unnecessary risks or get too aggressive trying to jump some passing routes, but those risks make him a threat on the field at all times.

White’s player grade: B-

TE Nick Elksnis (Jacksonville, FL) commits to Florida
Elksnis (6-5, 205) committed to Penn State earlier in the process, but he had been looking around and eventually turned his attention to staying in state and playing for the Gators. He made it official during Florida’s junior day event.

As a tight end, Elksnis is probably more suited for a flex role and moving around on the field whether it’s in the slot, on the outside or as a h-back in certain formations. Elksnis is a willing blocker, but I’m not sure if he’ll project well as a blocker at the next level. As a big receiver, however, I believe Elksnis can be a mismatch in the passing game and a reliable target in the red zone.

Elksnis’s player grade: B-

March 6

QB Drake Maye (Charlotte, NC) commits to North Carolina
This was the huge play Mack Brown was looking for early in this recruiting cycle. Maye (6-4, 205) is a blue-chip quarterback who was committed to Alabama until the start of the weekend, and now he will be the centerpiece of the Tar Heels’ 2021 recruiting class.

Maye is a terrific athlete and comes from a strong line of athletes in football and basketball, with his father Mark Maye having played quarterback for North Carolina in the 1980s. He is a high-level passer that is mechanically sound and has one of the quicker releases of any quarterback in this class. Maye has been incredibly productive in high school. He threw for over 3,200 yards and 35 touchdowns as a sophomore and then over 3,500 yards and 50 touchdowns as a junior. If it wasn’t clear that Mack Brown is going to control the recruiting narrative in North Carolina, it should be by now.

Maye’s player grade: A

DT Marlin Dean (Elberton, GA) commits to Georgia
Outside of landing the verbal commitment of blue-chip quarterback Brock Vandergriff, things have been pretty quiet for the Georgia Bulldogs early in this recruiting cycle. But no one expects the Bulldogs to stay quiet for long, and Marlin Dean started off the weekend becoming the third verbal commitment for Georgia in the current recruiting class.

Dean (6-6, 255) is a two-way linemen who has been getting recruiting to play on both sides of the ball. Georgia is probably looking at him as a defensive lineman. Dean’s offer list had grown significantly in the past month, with Penn State, Texas A&M, Florida State, Arkansas, Tennessee and others jumping in the past three weeks. Dean is an athletic defensive lineman who is quick off the ball and good with his hands. He has some dominating film and is likely to receive a red-chip designation.

Dean’s player grade: B

S Cole Bishop (Fayetteville, GA) commits to Duke
Bishop (6-3, 200) has been a prospect on the rise over the last few weeks, and to be honest, his commitment to Duke is a bit of a surprise. As it stands, Bishop becomes the sixth verbal commitment for the Blue Devils, choosing them over Virginia, Georgia Tech and a few others.

Bishop is listed as a safety, and could play the position lining up close to the line of scrimmage, but Bishop will be able to add weight to his frame and I believe linebacker will be his eventual spot on the field.

Bishop’s player grade: C+

March 4

S Cisco Caston (Weatherford, TX) commits to Baylor
When it comes to defensive backs new Baylor head coach Dave Aranda loves length and size. He wants his safeties and corners to be big, long and physical. Caston (6-2, 190) has exceptional length and really looks like an Aranda type of player. Caston is always looking for the big hit and can bring a linebacker mentality when he gets close to the line of scrimmage. Caston, however, has some versatility and looks comfortable playing coverage in the middle of the field. He’s still pretty raw, but the size and athleticism are there to give him a high ceiling of potential.

Caston’s player grade: B-

Feb. 28

TE Gage Wilcox (Tampa, FL) commits to Florida
Wilcox made his commitment to Florida official on his social media, choosing the Gators over Alabama and Georgia. Wilcox (6-4, 222) is a good fit for what Dan Mullen likes to do with his tight ends on offense. He’s a flex player and can move around the field to find the right matchup. Wilcox doesn’t have the breakaway speed of an elite tight end, but he can stretch the field and he has the hands to make the catches that will move the chains. Florida already has 13 verbal commitments in the 2021 class, although if the past is any indication, there will be plenty of movement in the class between now and the December early signing period. But the Gators are establishing themselves with in-state recruits, as seven of the 13 commitments are from Florida.

Wilcox’s player grade: B

Feb. 27

QB Charles Wright (Austin, TX) commits to Iowa State
As quarterbacks continue to fly off the board before the spring evaluation period begins, Wright becomes the latest commitment and grabs the only offer he had from a Power Five program. Wright plays against some of the better competition in Texas, so he’s battle tested. He has decent arm strength and very good accuracy, especially when he’s throwing into tight windows or at difficult angles. He has been very productive in high school, throwing for over 2,500 yards and 27 touchdowns as a junior. He also turned the ball over a little more than you’d like to see with 13 interceptions. Still, Wright is a plus-level passer and brings the ability to do some things with his feet as well.

Wright’s player grade: C+

TE Leron Husbands (Washington, D.C.) commits to Maryland
Husbands (6-3, 195) will grade out to be more of a flex tight end, a good receiver who can line up in the slot or on the outside. Husbands had already generated offers from West Virginia, Indiana, Purdue and others, but he’s a nice fit with Maryland’s young wide receivers. He’ll get bigger, but I don’t think Maryland will put Husbands inline too often. Husbands has very good hands and has a reported time of a 4.60 in the 40, which will make him a major mismatch when a linebacker decides to take him on in coverage.

Husbands’ player grade: B-

February 26

DE Justus Boone (Sumter, SC) commits to Florida
Boone is listed as a defensive end, but at 6-foot-5, 255 pounds, I think he’s going to move inside by the time he gets to college. His frame is one that can easily take an additional 30-35 pounds, and he’s already outgrown the linebacker position that he was playing when he starting high school football. Boone looks like he’s as strong as an Ox on film, which is something I’ve generally noticed about line prospects from South Carolina. He is a physical player up front and really sells out against the run. Boone is a little underrated, and with closer inspection, I’d give him a red-chip designation.

Boone’s player grade: B+

February 25

CB Joshua Pickett (Mount Airy, GA) commits to Duke
Pickett has been on Duke’s radar for a while and was identified as an early target by David Cutcliffe and his coaching staff. Pickett is a two-way player in football and also plays basketball. His wide receiver film actually stands out first because he has good agility and a knack of making plays in the open field with a great burst. As a defensive back, he shows active hands and seems to have the ability to diagnose where the play is going. Pickett (6-0, 170) has good size and appears to be a willing tackler. I wouldn’t be surprised if he plays offense in college.

Pickett’s player grade: C+

TE Jermaine Terry (Richmond, CA) commits to California
Through the early evaluations, Terry is one of the top-10 players at the tight end position in this class. He’s a big wide receiver in a tight end’s body (6-4, 240). Terry can run, can catch, can stretch the field vertically and is just a pain for a linebacker to cover. Terry is not a great blocker, but he’s not a bad blocker and he continues to work at it. By the time he’s finished with his senior year, he’ll be a three-down player. Terry is a big-time recruiting win for Justin Wilcox and the type of recruiting win that California hasn’t enjoyed much in the past decade. He is the type of player you can build a class around.

Terry’s player grade: A-

Feb. 20

2020 ATH Marc Britt (Miami, FL) signs with Ole Miss
Britt committed to the Florida Gators in November, but he didn’t sign during the early signing period and he didn’t sign a letter of intent on National Signing Day. Britt took a visit to Ole Miss on the final weekend of January, and after that visit decided he would give himself a couple of weeks to ponder a decision and sign on February 20. From that point, Ole Miss was trending, and in some ways, Florida seemed to concede it was losing Britt (6-2, 185), who Florida had projected as a defensive back.

Britt is a two-way player, and I believe Ole Miss may have gotten the edge with its willingness to let him play wide receiver. He’s a big signing for the Rebels and is their 18th signee in the Class of 2020. Britt is a big, long athlete with a red-chip designation who can play on either side of the ball and gives the Rebels a some additional roster and scheme flexibility.

Ole Miss’ 2020 class grade: B-

OT David Wohlabaugh (Stow, OH) commits to Kentucky
Wohlabaugh (6-6, 275) has some good football lineage, with his father, David Wohlabaugh, having played in the NFL for nine seasons and his older brother, Jack Wohlabaugh, having played college football for Ohio State and Duke. The youngest Wohlabaugh is what I like to call a Swiss-army knife. For his size, Wohlabaugh probably projects as a right tackle. His athleticism and footwork is average at best, so a move to the inside is possible. The good news is that Wohlabaugh has the skill set to be an effective interior guy and will probably cross-train at all three positions. What Wohlabagh lacks in natural ability and athleticism, he makes up for with effort and playing with an aggressive mean streak. He’s a competitive player who will not give an inch. That is the type of player who has helped Kentucky become a consistent winner in the last couple of years under Mark Stoops.

Wohlabaugh’s player grade: C

Feb. 19

OT Paul Rodriguez (Mason, OH) commits to Kentucky
Rodriguez (6-5, 295) is the second verbal commitment from the 2021 recruiting class for the Wildcats. He has a real good frame and length and looks the part of a likely right tackle. Rodriguez is a powerhouse and really digs in as a run blocker yet understands having to play with controlled aggression and finish blocks. His pass blocking isn’t put to the test as often, and he’ll need some work with not playing so stiffly. Rodriguez has good feet, however, so he can improve as a pass blocker with a good offseason of work.

Kentucky has done a great job of recruiting offensive linemen who play hard and play to the whistle, and Rodriguez is one of those types of players. What he lacks in some areas, he makes up for it by being a dog and competing as hard as possible.

Rodriguez’s player grade: C+

ATH Carnell Davis (Richland, NJ) commits to Rutgers
Davis is a good lengthy (6-0, 170) two-way athlete who can make an impact at wide receiver or defensive back. It seems like his future at Rutgers would be on defense because Greg Schiano wants a lot of depth in his secondary. One thing that stands out with Davis on film is his versatility. He’ll play nearly anywhere on the field, and even in the secondary, he has film as a safety and as a cornerback. His ball skills are plus level and arguably his biggest strength. Davis is a Florida athlete who relocated to the New Jersey area, and that will definitely appeal to Schiano, a coach who loves recruiting in the Sunshine State.

Davis’ player grade: B-

Feb. 11

Note:All prospects are from the 2021 recruiting class unless listed.

RB Thad Franklin (Hollywood, FL) commits to Miami
Franklin is a re-commitment. He had made a pledge to the Hurricanes as a sophomore in the fall of 2018 and stayed committed for over a year before backing off. But Miami won Franklin back, and he will add to an impressive stable of young backs with the Hurricanes that include 2020 blue-chippers Jaylan Knighton and Don Chaney. Ask around, and people will say Franklin (6-0, 215) might be the best back to come out of the Miami/Broward area since Frank Gore.

Franklin has the speed and the power. He is physical enough to run between the tackles but has the balance and burst to get to the edge and out-run a secondary. This is a player who is easily top 10 at his position and has a clear NFL ceiling.

Franklin’s player grade: A

WR Trevonte Rucker (Ocala, FL) commits to Florida
Florida still hasn’t finished figuring out its wide receiver haul for the class of 2020, but the Gators pulled in this high-ceiling red-chip prospect who will likely be one of the top-50 players in the state. Rucker (5-11 160) isn’t close to a finished product and is very raw in some areas of his development. But he has the explosion and the speed you can’t teach. He is a fearless player who can do work out of the slot or play in the vertical game on the outside. Rucker is dangerous in space, and that should allow him to contribute on special teams and possibly in the backfield.

Rucker’s player grade: B+

Feb. 10

WR Gavin Blackwell (Monroe, NC) commits to North Carolina
North Carolina head coach Mack Brown said he was going to focus on getting the top in-state prospects during his introductory press conference. In his first recruiting class, he grabbed quarterback Sam Howell before the end of the early signing period. In Brown’s second recruiting class, he convinced Desmond Evans and Myles Murphy to sign. Now already in the 2021 class, Brown has secured commitments from Gabe Stephens and Power Echols. Wide receiver Gavin Blackwell has now joined the fold as well, and very quickly, the Tar Heels have secured three of the top-12 players in the state for the 2021 class. Blackwell is an exciting receiver who can stretch the field and can play several spots in the offense and on special teams.

Blackwell’s player grade: A-

Feb. 8

2020 DE Paris Shand (Windsor, CT) signed with Arizona
This was a bit of a late surprise for Arizona, as most had Shand pegged to sign with Rutgers after taking an official visit there on January 31. Shand (6-5, 245) is originally from Toronto and spent a year at Loomis Chaffee School in Connecticut as a post-graduate player. Shand is being recruited to play either strong-side defensive end of grow into a defensive tackle.

Arizona’s 2020 class grade: C

Feb. 7

2020 ATH James Thomas (Camilla, GA) signed with West Virginia
Thomas is a two-way athlete who played quarterback in high school but is likely to move over to the defensive side in college and play outside linebacker. Thomas (6-2, 205) had a lot of major offers early in the process, but many schools dropped off on him after the summer evaluation period. He decided not to sign last Wednesday and wait to see if there were opportunities at Power Five programs for him. West Virginia had stayed consistent with its recruitment and kept a spot open for Thomas. The Mountaineers are thin at linebacker, so Thomas fills a position of need and will likely see some time on the field next fall.

West Virginia’s 2020 class grade: C+

ATH Gabe Stephens (Mount Holly, NC) commits to North Carolina
Stephens (6-3, 200) continues North Carolina’s impressive early run with in-state prospects. Stephens is a long athlete who will likely find a home at linebacker, where he can use his length and athleticism to make plays in coverage and in the backfield. Stephens said he is looking to be to North Carolina what Isaiah Simmons was to Clemson. Stephens has the ability to go from sideline to sideline to make plays against the run, and he can get up to the line of scrimmage and come off the edge. Stephens is capable in coverage and should only get better with more opportunities to drop back.

Stephens’ player grade: B+

LB Branden Jennings (Jacksonville, FL) commits to Florida State
Jennings (6-3, 230) is a legacy commitment for Florida State. His father, Bradley Jennings, played for the Seminoles in the late ’90s-early 2000s. The younger Jennings fits a couple of needs for new Florida State head coach Mike Norvell. Florida State’s play at linebacker has been below average for the past couple of years, and the Seminoles need a blue-chip-caliber prospect like Jennings to come up and raise the level of play. Also, he is the first real blue-chip prospect who his committed to Florida Stat in the Norvell regime. It will be interesting to see if the Seminoles’ staff builds upon that.

Jennings’ player grade: A

Feb. 6

CB Alijah Clark (Camden, NJ) commits to Rutgers
Clark becomes the first commitment to Rutgers in the 2021 class. Greg Schiano loves having a deep roster of defensive backs that lets him rotate at least two deep in a game. Clark (6-1, 180) isn’t quite a red-chip prospect, but he’s a player with good length and a high ceiling. He’s aggressive on the corner and challenges for every ball thrown in his decision. Clark is a big, physical corner and a good tackler, which will make him a good fit for what Rutgers wants to do defensively and the size the coaches went in the secondary.

Clark’s player grade: C+

Feb. 3

ATH Daejon Reynolds (Loganville, GA) commits to Florida
Reynolds (6-2, 185) is projected as a wide receiver, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Florida looked at him as more of a safety or outside linebacker based on his size and how much more he is likely to grow. As a receiver, Reynolds has been productive in high school, collecting over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns. He has the size and length to fit in the Gators’ offense as an outside receiver and a major threat in the red zone. Reynolds doesn’t have the speed of a high-end receiver, but he’s a big target who can move the chains; he fits the bill.

Reynolds’ player grade: B

QB Luke Atmyer (Starkville, MS) commits to Florida State
Atmyer is the third quarterback who has committed to Florida State in the past three months under Mike Norvell, which should dramatically change the quarterback room over the next couple of years. Atmyer (6-2, 190) has been extremely productive in high school, totaling 63 touchdowns and 10 interceptions over three seasons of playing. He has a live arm and seems to understand a lot of the fundamentals of throwing. His film play is a little erratic, however, and his biggest highlight plays are the types of freelancing plays that probably won’t work at the next level. Atmyer will need to settle that down if he wants to be successful in college.

Atmyer’s player grade: B-

January 25

N.B.: All class grades are from the 2020 recruiting class.

2021 WR Beaux Collins (Bellflower, CA) commits to Clemson
Few teams get blue-chip prospects earlier in a cycle than Clemson. Collins (6-2, 190) rates as one of the top prospects on the west coast and will definitely be in the top 100 nationally. Ohio State, USC, Arizona State and Alabama were also in on Collins early. Collins is the sixth verbal commitment in the class of 2021 and to the shock of no one, the Tigers are likely looking at another top recruiting haul.

Clemson’s current class grade: A+ (No. 1 overall)

2021 DT Isaac Washington (Pilot Mountain, NC) commits to Tennessee
Washington had been a heavy Tennessee lean when he received the offer back in the summer and finally made the long-awaited commitment during a junior-day recruiting event in Knoxville. Washington (6-2, 260) accumulated some nice offers including South Carolina, Florida, Auburn and Virginia Tech. He is the fifth verbal commitment to the Volunteers in the 2021 and their first since mid-November.

Tennessee’s current class grade: B+ (No. 13 overall)

2021 DE Joshua Farmer (Havana, FL) commits to Florida State
New Florida State head coach Mike Norvell needs to put together a top 15 or better recruiting class in 2021 regardless of what the on-field product will be. Farmer (6-3, 245) should project as a defensive end, but could move to tackle depending on how much he grows. Farmer, who also had an offer from Texas A&M, is the third commitment for the Seminoles in the 2021 class and the first under Norvell.

Florida State’s current class grade: B-

2021 LB Power Echols (Charlotte, NC) commits to North Carolina
It is hard to go wrong with a prospect whose first name is Power, right? Echols (6-1, 205) was defensive player of the year for his classification in North Carolina in 2019 and gives the Tar Heels an early recruiting win for a highly-touted in-state prospect. Echols had offers from Tennessee and Clemson, but becomes the third verbal commitment in the 2021 class for North Carolina.

North Carolina’s current class grade: B

2021 DE Jeffrey Bowie (West Branch, IA) commits to Iowa
Bowie made his way around the midwest circuit, taking unofficial visits to Nebraska and Wisconsin among others, but the Iowa Hawkeyes were able to land another in-state prospect in their 2021 class. Nebraska, Minnesota, Kansas State and Iowa State were among those schools pushing for Bowie (6-3, 250) to visit their programs in the spring. He is the seventh player to give a verbal commitment to Iowa in the 2021 class and sixth player from Iowa.

Iowa’s current class grade: B-

January 24

RB Avarius Sparrow (Orlando, FL) commits to West Virginia
I actually had the pleasure of seeing Sparrow (5-9, 180) up close when his high school team – Orlando Jones – played in the Florida Class 5A championship against Miami Northwestern. Sparrow is a classic “scat back” who should fit in well at West Virginia. His speed is impressive, and I’ve seen it listed anywhere from 4.45 and faster in the 40. He had a dominating senior year, gaining over 2,000 yards and scoring 25 touchdowns. Sparrow understands speed is his game, and he darts through open spaces without looking back. He’s a running back who is more likely to try to beat you with speed rather than make you miss in space. I believe he’ll develop more to his game, but at he stands, Sparrow is a legitimate home run hitter.

West Virginia’s current class grade: C+

LS Eli Chism (Shreveport, LA) commits to Kansas
Chism is the 43rd-rated long snapper in the nation, according to Rubio’s Long Snapping website. They have given Chism a four-and-a-half star rating. The website says Chism is a “strong long snapper that has great form and a terrific work ethic. He is always improve [sic] and is one of the more consistent long snappers in his class.”

Kansas’ current class grade: C-

January 23

JUCO DE Benjamin Key (Los Angeles, CA) commits to Missouri
Key (6-5, 280) committed to Mississippi State and signed with the Bulldogs, but he was released from his letter of intent after the program fired Joe Moorhead as head coach and replaced him with Mike Leach. Key took a visit to Missouri and committed to the Tigers before the weekend. He had 40 tackles, 3.5 sacks and a fumble for a touchdown during his sophomore year at East Los Angeles College. He is the 13th commitment for Missouri and will have two years of eligibility and a redshirt available.

Missouri’s current class grade: C+

RB Ebony Jackson (Canton, GA) commits to Arkansas
Jackson (6-1, 200) is a bigger back who was originally committed to Maryland, but did not sign early and decided to take official visits to Maryland and Arkansas before making a final decision. From an earlier evaluation: Jackson has ideal size for the position, and he’s a versatile player who has shown the ability to run between the tackles, run to the outside, catch passes out of the backfield, or stand in and help with pass protection. He has natural play-making skills and looks smooth in the open field.

Arkansas’ current class grade: C

OL Leif Magnuson (Mississauga, ON) commits to Arizona
Arizona came in late for Magnuson (6-4, 275), who had taken visits to Indiana and Kansas, but decided to commit to the Wildcats ahead of an official visit to Arizona over the weekend. Magnuson, who was originally committed to FCS South Dakota, comes from a football background, as his father played at Washington State. Arizona is looking for help, both for the near term and down the road. I’d say Magnuson fits the latter and would probably need a year to adjust to the speed and strength differences at the next level. He has the size and footwork to fit in at guard or right tackle.

Arizona’s current class grade: C

KS Evan McGuire (Alabaster, AL) commits to Auburn
McGuire is rated as the 27th-best kicker in the nation, according to the Kohl’s kicking website, and he’s been giving a five-star ranking as a kicker and four and a half stars as a punter. The site says McGuire’s “6-foot-5 frame allows him to get great lift on his field goals. He is a very talented prospect with a bright future ahead of him. McGuire moved into the D1 scholarship category this spring and is hitting his stride at just the right time.”

Auburn’s current class grade: A (No. 4 overall)

January 22

DE Jasiyah Robinson (Groveport, OH) commits to Michigan State
Robinson is scheduled to take his official visit to Michigan State this weekend, and he wanted to get any potential drama out of the way by making his commitment ahead of time. The Spartans extended an offer to Robinson less than a week ago after he checked out on the academic end. Robinson (6-3, 220) looks dynamic on his film clips. He’s an active body who gets off the ball exceptionally well and plays with a high motor. Robinson is always active on the play; if he can’t get there with the rush, he’s jumping to try to knock the ball down. He’s a quick-twitch player, and at this stage in recruiting, he’s one of the better pass-rushing ends available.

Michigan State’s current class grade: C

2021 LB Anthony Freeman (Durham, NC) commits to Duke
Duke continues to pull in early targets for its 2021 recruiting class, with Freeman being the team’s third verbal commitment in the past five days. Freeman (5-11, 205) is a two-way player who will likely move from running back to full-time defense when he gets to college. Freeman also had offers from East Carolina and Wake Forest.

Duke’s 2020 class grade: C

January 21

WR Keyshawn Smith (San Diego, CA) commits to Miami
Smith signed with Washington State during the early signing period, but he has apparently been released from his letter of intent since Mike Leach left the program to take the head coaching job at Mississippi State. With Miami bringing in Rhett Lashlee to update its offense, there will likely be a greater emphasis on high-volume passing. Smith (6-0, 165) should be a good fit because he can move around on offense and exploit mismatches whether they are on the outside or in the spot.

Miami’s current class grade: B

2021 CB Demarko Williams (Atlanta, GA) commits to South Carolina
South Carolina is back on the board with a class of 2021 prospect and hoping that Williams’ commitment lasts longer than running back Lovasea Carroll, who committed to the Gamecocks early in the process and backed away from it before the start of his junior season. Williams (5-10, 175) is a little undersized as a corner/safety, but he’s aggressive and plays with good instincts and a high football IQ. In some ways, he reminds me of former Gamecock Captain Munnerlyn, who always played bigger than his size.

South Carolina’s 2020 class grade: B+ (No. 15 overall)

2021 DE Aaron Hall (Durham, NC) commits to Duke
Hall (6-6, 225) is a long athlete who could probably fit in at a few positions depending on how his body continues to develop after another year in high school. He is a projected as a defensive end, which makes sense because of Hall’s long arms and occasional explosive move off the ball. Hall also plays a lot of offense in high school and could easily develop into a tight end or possibly an offensive lineman. Hall is definitely an under-the-radar prospect, but he has real athletic tools and is the type of prospect who Duke has had plenty of success with in the David Cutcliffe era.

Duke’s 2020 class grade: C

2021 QB Brock Vandagriff (Bogart, GA) commits to Georgia
When Vandagriff backed away from his commitment to Oklahoma so he could find a program closer to home, the writing appeared to be on the wall. Add in the recent coaching move of bringing in Todd Monken as the offensive coordinator, and Georgia has made one of the first real power moves in the 2021 recruiting cycle. Vandagriff (6-2, 205) fits the role of what Monken tends to like – a pocket passer who can get the ball down the field. But Vandagriff can move around a little the pocket and make the tough throws on the run. He’s not exactly the dynamic athlete who many Georgia fans want in the program after losing Justin Fields, but Vandagriff has a high ceiling as a quarterback and is going to be among the top 5-10 at the position in this cycle.

Georgia’s 2020 class grade: A+ (No. 3 overall)

January 20

DE Demon Clowney (Baltimore, MD) committed to Ole Miss
Clowney was one of the big-time prospects left on the board after the early signing period. For a long time, Clowney (6-4, 225) was committed to LSU, and by all accounts, he planned to sign with the Tigers during the early signing period, but the program backed off and he was forced to re-open his recruitment. Clowney, the cousin of Seahawks defensive end and former NFL No. 1 draft pick Jadeveon Clowney, has some similar traits to his cousin, most notably his length and ability to get off the ball. The younger Clowney will have to grow into his frame and increase his strength. If Clowney is going to be an outside linebacker in a 3-4, he’ll need to improve his lateral movement as well. Clowney is a red-chip prospect with a higher ceiling as an edge rusher.

Mississippi’s current class grade: B

OT Tyler Morano (Livermore, CA) commits to Oregon State
Oregon State is looking for more offensive line depth, and while Morano (6-6, 250) isn’t a likely candidate to see the field in 2020, he could be a useful piece down the road as he puts on weight and adds muscle. He’ll also need to learn a lot of technique and improve his footwork. There’s no rush for Morano, who received his offer during his visit last week. He chose the Beavers over offers from Idaho State, San Diego and other FCS programs.

Oregon State’s current class grade: C-

2021 Javon McIntyre (Philadelphia, PA) commits to Pittsburgh
McIntyre (6-1, 180) had a few early suitors and even took visits to Boston College and Michigan State, but the Philadelphia prospect decided to stay closer to home after taking an unofficial visit to Pittsburgh during a junior-day event. McIntyre provides the third verbal commitment for the Panthers in the 2021 recruiting cycle. His other offers included West Virginia, Temple and Virginia Tech. McIntyre is a big safety, a physical player with good strength and the frame to add on additional weight. He is capable in coverage, but I see McIntyre more of a guy who will play on the boundary and closer to the line of scrimmage to help against the run.

Pittsburgh’s 2020 class grade: C+

2021 OL Josh Simmons (La Mesa, CA) commits to Oregon
Oregon will have a reputation of recruiting inside-out under head coach Mario Cristobal. Cristobal, a former offensive lineman himself, has made it a focus to secure as much high-end talent on the offensive line as he can early in a recruiting cycle. Simmons (6-5, 315), a mammoth prospect who could pan out at guard or right tackle. On film, Simmons shows good footwork for a player of his size and he finishes blocks with authority. Oregon now has six prospects committed in the 2021 class and is off to an impressive start.

Oregon’s 2020 class grade: A- (No. 9 overall)

2021 ATH Caleb Hood (Rockingham, NC) commits to North Carolina
Hood (5-11, 205) wants to play quarterback in college or at least be recruited as a quarterback before any other position. With North Carolina assuring him the opportunity to play the position, Hood gave the Tar Heels an early verbal commitment over Virginia Tech and N.C. State. Hood is a legacy as his father, Errol Hood, also wore Carolina Blue in college. Hood is the second prospect in the class of 2021 to give a verbal commitment to North Carolina.

North Carolina’s 2020 class grade: B

2021 OT Cullen Montgomery (Bellaire, TX) commits to Oklahoma
Oklahoma is one of the central destinations for top-end offensive line prospects, and Montgomery’s commitment is a signal that will continue to be the case in the 2021 recruiting cycle. Montgomery (6-5, 315) is sure to be ranked among the top-10 offensive tackle prospects in the class. After multiple unofficial visits to Texas A&M last season, many wrote Montgomery off as a heavy lean toward the Aggies. Alabama was also in the picture here, but Montgomery is the third prospect in the class of 2021 prospect to give a verbal commitment to the Sooners.

Oklahoma’s 2020 class grade: B+ (No. 14 overall)

2021 DT Mekhi Wingo (St. Louis, MO) commits to Missouri
Wingo received an offer from Missouri about a week and a half ago, and he took an unofficial visit to the campus this past weekend. Other offers for Wingo (6-0, 275), a projected nose guard, include Iowa State, Arkansas and Purdue. Wingo is the first prospect in the class of 2021 prospect to give a verbal commitment to Missouri.

Missouri’s 2020 class grade: C+

January 19

RB Henry Parrish (Miami, FL) commits to Ole Miss
Parrish (5-9, 175) was going to be a hot prospect during the second segment of recruiting after leading his high school (Columbus) to a 8A championship in Florida. In that game, Parrish showed his ability to play all over the field – at running back, in the slot and in the return game – and he’s the type of athlete who head coach Lane Kiffin likes and the type who’s succeed at Ole Miss before – see Dexter McCluster. Parrish was committed to Pittsburgh earlier in the process, but hebacked away from that commitment several months ago. Ole Miss does have some running backs in the room, so Parrish won’t have to carry that position as a freshman, but he should be expected to get snaps early, especially on special teams as a returner.

Ole Miss’ current class grade: B

OL Micah Mazzccua (Baltimore, MD) commits to Baylor
Mazzccua (6-5, 335) had been committed to Michigan for a while, but after he didn’t sign with the Wolverines during the early signing period, the writing was on the wall. Instead, the projected guard/right tackle is the first commitment for new head coach Dave Aranda. Mazzccua has put on some weight, and some have the opinion it might’ve been a little too much, because Mazzccua didn’t move as well during the Under Armour All-America practices as he did on earlier film when he was carrying a little less than 300 pounds. Still, Mazzccua is a big, strong young man with some good blocking techniques and strong leg drive. There’s a lot to like and develop here.

Baylor’s current class grade: C

DB Isaiah Dunson (Tucker, GA) commits to Miami
Dunson (6-2, 180) committed to Florida State early in the recruiting process and was solid until Willie Taggart was fired in November. Dunson joins running back Jaylen Knighton and safety Jalen Harrell as players who flipped from the Seminoles to Miami after Taggart’s dismissal. Dunson has very good length for the position and will give the Hurricanes some flexibility with his ability to play safety or corner. He has great body control. He flips his hips; he’s fluid with his motion; and most importantly, he can run. Miami needed to get some young talent in its secondary, and Dunson provides a lot of potential and a high ceiling.

Miami’s current class grade: B

January 18

JUCO RB Earnest Crownover (Grandview, Texas) commits to Texas A&M
Crownover (6-1, 220) is a big back coming from Kilgore Junior College in Kilgore, Texas. He took an unofficial visit to Texas A&M this past weekend, and by the end of the weekend, he had a scholarship offer and was committed. Crownover went to Grandview High School in Grandview, Texas and signed with Army in the Class of 2018. He was a full qualifier out of high school and will enroll at Texas A&M over the summer with three years of eligibility and a redshirt season available.

Texas A&M current class grade: A-

CB Khari Johnson (Suffield, CT) commits to Arkansas
It’s not often an SEC program will go to Connecticut to find a help in the secondary, but the Razorbacks feel like they found a gem in Johnson. He is one of the more athletic cornerback prospects remaining on the market and was the big get in a day that Arkansas received three verbal commitments. Johnson (6-1, 183) is a post-graduate prospect after playing high school football in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. The additional year helped Johnson find more footing as a recruit. Georgia has also made an offer to Johnson and was anticipating an official visit in the next two weekends, but it’s uncertain if that will happen. Meanwhile,Arkansas will benefit from having a cornerback with length who can run like Johnson. He has good instincts and has also proven to a good tackler off the boundary.

Arkansas’ current class grade: C

DE Eric Thomas (Pensacola, FL) commits to Arkansas
Thomas has gotten some traction in his recruitment over the past couple of weeks, with Arkansas getting his first official visit and making it count with a verbal commitment. Thomas seems longer than his listed height of 6-foot-3, as he has great reach and long arms. He was very productive as a senior in high school, collecting 15 sacks and nearly 30 tackles for loss. Arkansas has to get better players up front on defense, and Thomas looks like a guy who can provide quality depth if not be a potential starter down the road. He’ll have to develop a little bit and continue to work on improving his strength and quickness off the ball, but Thomas has a good ceiling and some potential.

Arkansas’ current class grade: C

JUCO RB Ladamian Webb (Opelika, AL) commits to Florida State
Florida State needed another running back after losing Jaylan Knighton’s commitment a couple of months ago, with the running back eventually flipping to Miami. Webb (5-8, 185) looks like he could be part of a rotation who will provide a nice change of pace. He’s a physical runner and will need to put on weight and add strength to play that style in one of the major conferences. There is some versatility with his skill set, and he could line up in a few different places. He went to high school in Opelika, AL and then played at Jones County Junior College in Ellsville, Mississippi. Webb signed with Mississippi State out of high school, but failed to qualify academically.

Florida State’s current class grade: B-

LB Jacorrei Turner (Atlanta, GA) commits to Arkansas
Turner (6-2, 200) was another prospect who was on the rise and was gaining increasing interest from larger programs. Arkansas made an offer to Turner about two weeks ago, and new coach Sam Pittman believes Turner is another player who will increase the level of athleticism on the Razorbacks’ defense and provide different options on the field. Turner has length and speed – 4.6 in the 40 – to be an outside linebacker who will drop in coverage and be a good defender against spread attacks, much like a hybrid safety. Turner could also put on significant weight and develop into more of a pass-rusher. Both potential roles could fit him, and it might just depend on whichever Arkansas needs the most help with.

Arkansas’ current class grade: C-

January 14

RB Frank Brown (Houston, Texas) commits to Arizona
Brown was between Arizona and Michigan State, with people believing he would sign with the Spartans during the early signing period, but Brown waited and decided to head to the Pac-12 instead. Brown (6-0, 180) definitely fits the bill as an all-purpose running back, and it’s arguable he’s a better receiver than a running back and could easily switch positions at the next level. Brown, who is also a high-end track athlete, makes a lot of plays in space and has legitimate speed when he gets in the open field. Brown is the sort of explosive backfield player who has always had a level of success in Kevin Sumlin’s offensive system. This appears to be a good fit for both the recruit and the program.

Arizona’s current class grade: C+

January 9

OT Jackson Satterwhite (Miami, OK) commits to Kansas
Kansas had some players who were expected to sign in the early signing period back away at the last minute, leaving available scholarships. Satterwhite (6-5, 280) received one of those scholarships yesterday and committed a day later; there is an official visit expected at the end of the month. Satterwhite is a fringe FBS prospect. His strength is noteworthy, and he can definitely bring the fight against a defensive lineman. Satterwhite appears to be a hard worker and a grinder. His footwork and movement, however, leave a lot to be desired. He is listed as a tackle, but it’s hard to see Satterwhite as anything but a guard at the FBS level.

Kansas’ current class grade: C-

2021 OT Jaelin Alstott-VanDeVanter commits to Purdue
VanDeVanter (6-7, 265) becomes the second prospect in the Class of 2021 to give a verbal commitment to the Boilermakers, and this could be an interesting recruitment to watch as the spring and summer approaches. The first thing that jumps out with VanDeVanter is his length. He is long in the arms and legs and has a tremendous frame and body composition for a left tackle. He is a good athlete and generate his strength from his legs up. I have to believe VanDeVanter is going to have a lot more interest from other programs, especially in Big Ten country. For his part, VanDeVanter says Purdue is a dream school, but there’s a lot of time between now and December.

Purdue’s current class grade: C+

January 8

OL Anthony Carter Jr. (Matthews, NC) commits to N.C. State
Carter Jr. (6-4, 290) was a rising name on the recruiting circuit in the spring and landed a lot of big offers, including Michigan State, Virginia Tech, Indiana, Missouri among others. As time went on, Carter Jr. faded a little, but he still had interest from his top in-state program and is expected to sign with N.C. State on National Signing Day. Carter has good size and is a solid drive blocker. He’s an average athlete though, and that might explain why some schools fell off. Still, he has the ability to be a quality starter at the Power Five level, and if that’s Carter’s ceiling, that’s all right.

N.C. State’s current class grade: C+

2021 OL Donovan Jackson (Bellaire, TX) commits to Ohio State
Jackson is described by a local Texas high school evaluator as a player who could “certainly pass the test as a tackle, but become an All-American as a guard or center”. Ohio State is recruiting Jackson as an interior guy, and his early verbal commitment to the Buckeyes is a big recruiting win. Jackson (6-4, 305) chose Ohio State over Stanford and Texas. Top programs like LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma and Georgia had also made offers to Jackson. Jackson has family ties to the area, and that might be the big reason why the Houston area prospect decided to make such an early commitment. Ohio State has come out the gates strong with its 2021 class. Jackson is the ninth verbal commitment in the class.

Ohio State’s current class grade: A (No. 5 overall)

2021 RB/ATH Brashard Smith (Miami, FL) commits to Florida
Smith is listed as a running back, but he’s truly an all-purpose offensive skill player who could line up at running back or in the slot, and he’ll certainly be a return guy on special teams. He is a shifty runner, probably more agile than fast and stronger than his size would indicate. Smith has good hands out of the backfield and will continue to develop as a receiver. Smith (5-8, 175) goes to Palmetto High in Miami, which has some of the most promising 2021 prospects in the state of Florida this year, so getting an early commitment from Smith could mean big things for the Gators down the road. Florida has nine verbal commitments in the 2021 class.

Florida’s current class grade: B+ (No. 10 overall)

January 7

LB J.T. Towers (Little Rock, AR) commits to Arkansas
Towers is a converted quarterback and made the move to defense as a senior. Arkansas, under new coach Sam Pittman, wants to get tougher in the trenches and tougher on the front seven. Towers (6-4, 210) looks like a tough, hard-nosed kid on film. He plays downhill and makes a lot of tackles. He has a good frame and should easily get to the 235-240-pound range, plus he was a pretty decent athlete at quarterback. On a team searching for toughness, Towers looks like a decent recruiting pickup.

Arkansas’ current class grade: C

DT Montra Edwards (Lexington, MS) commits to Missouri
Edwards is re-committing to the Tigers. He pledged to Missouri back in mid-August, but that commitment did not last more than a couple of weeks. With Arkansas and Maryland both interested in bringing Edwards (6-3, 290) on board in their classes, he decided to circle back to the Tigers and give a seal of approval to new coach Eli Drinkwitz.

From an earlier evaluation: There isn’t a lot of flash with Edwards, but he’s a tough interior guy who displays good feet, a good motor and raw power with size. Edwards’ best move is just using power to get past the blocker in front of him and pushing him in the backfield to disrupt the play. It’s something that works for him and will continue to work as long as he continues to increase his strength. Edwards will eventually add more moves and technique to help him round out as a player. He likes to battle in the trenches and doesn’t yield an inch.

Missouri’s current class grade: C+

2021 S Jaylen Johnson (Cincinnati, OH) commits to Ohio State
Johnson (6-1, 200) is the eighth verbal commitment for Ohio State in the 2021 class, a class that is very likely to be ranked around the top five. Johnson is more of a physical safety than a coverage safety, and he’s someone who looks much more comfortable playing close to the line of scrimmage. There is a train of thought that believes Johnson will grow into being a linebacker.

Johnson doesn’t have great top-end speed, but he understands the right play to make on the field and gets it done. Some prospects get tagged as “good program guys”, which means they will come to work every day and make the guys around them accountable. Johnson looks like a good program guy and a solid in-state recruit.

Ohio State’s current class grade: A (No. 5 overall)

2021 QB Santini Marucci (North Palm Beach, FL) commits to Wake Forest
Quarterbacks continue to fly off the board early in the 2021 recruiting cycle. On Tuesday, it was Florida prospect Marucci (6-1, 185) committing to Wake Forest over Cincinnati and Nebraska. He is the second player to give a verbal commitment to Wake Forest. His skill set fits what Dave Clawson wants from his quarterbacks. Marucci has a pretty quick release and makes quick decisions. He plays with pace and seems to read the field well from the line. Marucci hasn’t played against the highest competition in Florida, so that needs to be considered, but in terms of skill set, this looks like a good fit for school and player.

Wake Forest’s current class grade: C-

January 6

WR/ATH Justice Ellison (Oakton, VA) commits to Wake Forest
Ellison is an off-the-radar addiiton to Wake Forest’s class, and I’m not sure if he’s a full scholarship, a blueshirt or a greyshirt, but he’s listed as a 2020 commitment. Ellison (5-9, 190) is a thickly built athlete who appears to have exceptional speed. He is listed as a wide receiver and could certainly play in the slot, but his body shape makes me think he could be a running back or even play on the defensive side of the ball as a safety. Ellison is a multi-sport athlete – basketball, track – and is likely going to take a little seasoning before he can contribute in football.

Wake Forest’s current class grade: C-

January 4

TE Darnell Washington (Las Vegas, NV) commits to Georgia
Washington (6-7, 260) is one of the top prospects in the nation and a potential game changer at tight end. The Bulldogs, already in possession of a top-five class, get richer and will offer immediate playing time for Washington. The Georgia receiving group was a major weakness for the team this season, but the emergence of freshman George Pickens in the Sugar Bowl could be a sign of things to come. Blue-chip receivers Marcus Rosemy, Jermaine Burton and Arian Smith are already signed and ready to roll. Add Washington to that group, and it has the potential be one of the best in the country over the next two or three years.

Quarterback Jake Fromm is currently deciding whether he’ll return for his senior year or leave for the NFL. Georgia’s recent recruiting haul is making that decision a little harder. There’s still more for the Bulldogs to come with the potential addition of Zachary Evans and top cornerback Kelee Ringo. The No. 1 class ranking is not out of reach.

RB Daniyel Ngata (Folsom, CA) commits to Arizona State
One of the big stories of this recruiting cycle has been the top prospects in California shunning the state schools for pastures elsewhere. One of the biggest beneficiaries has been Arizona State, with over half of the Sun Devils’ top-10-ranked signees come from the Golden State. Ngata (5-9, 185) is a legitimate three-down back with above-average receiving skills and the ability to contribute in multiple positions on offense as well as special teams. It’s been a great recruiting season for Arizona State and head coach Herman Edwards. After the weekend, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Sun Devils with a top-20 class.

WR Elijhah Badger (Folsom, CA) commits to Arizona State
Badger (6-1, 190) has two-way ability and was recruited as both a cornerback and a wide receiver. Arizona State’s commitment to recruiting him as a wide receiver might have given the Sun Devils an edge. And behind Georgia, it’s safe to say the Sun Devils have a very promising group of young pass catchers with Badger joining Chad Johnson Jr. and Johnny Wilson. That’s a lot of guys who can stretch the field and a great outlook for the future of Arizona State’s offense. Is the Pac-12 going to become more of an Arizona State-Oregon battle in the next few years? It will be interesting to see.

CB Dontae Manning (Kansas City, MO) commits to Oregon
Even though Oregon had a few losses during the start of the early signing period, the Ducks have bounced back well, and the addition Manning helps ease the loss of top safety prospect Avantae Williams. It’s been a banner year for Ducks, who flexed their recruiting muscles regionally and nationally by picking up the top prospects in Utah – linebacker Noah Sewell – and California – linebacker Justin Flowe – and now Manning out of Missouri. Head coach Mario Cristobal made one of his best recruiting pitches to prospects on the west coast and nationally after Oregon won the Rose Bowl on Wednesday. He wants to lead the program to great things.

DE Jason Harris (Gilbert, AZ) commits to Colorado
While the failure of the California schools has been the big topic of conversation on the west coast, the rest of the Pac-12 seems to be doing just fine. Harris (6-7, 225) was the fourth prospect to announce for a school from the conference. This is a big one for head coach Mel Tucker, who views Harris as the type of pass-rusher who the defense can be built around for the next couple of years. Harris isn’t a finished product at all – he has exceptional length, but will have to work on his moves off the edge a little more. Still, Tucker is building a program and a roster and adding a great athlete like Harris is a good thing.

QB Chandler Morris (Highland Park, TX) commits to Oklahoma
Morris, the son of Auburn offensive coordinator Chad Morris, wants to learn under the tutelage of Sooners head coach and known quarterback whisperer Lincoln Riley. Now, this could become an issue in the next few weeks if the Dallas Cowboys’ alleged interest in Riley is mutual, but for now, Morris gives Oklahoma some nice future depth. Morris’ signing is much appreciated after the Sooners lost the commitment of 2021 QB Brock Vandagriff. Morris (5-11, 185) isn’t the biggest quarterback out there, but his skill set and ability to move within the pocket, throw on the run, and make plays with his feet compare well with the quarterbacks Riley has had success with.

January 3

CB Kelee Ringo (Scottsdale, AZ) commits to Georgia
Ringo, the best cornerback on the market had Georgia, Oregon, Texas and Ohio State among the hats on the table, but it was Georgia-Oregon battle at the end. It appears likely that Georgia will move past Alabama to No. 2 in the overall rankings, and depending on what happens on National Signing Day, the Bulldogs still have a chance to move past Clemson as long as they don’t lose some of their commitments who still haven’t signed.

WR Gary Bryant Jr. (Corona, CA) commits to USC
Whew. Finally, a top California prospect goes to USC. And Bryant Jr. was arguably the best wide receiver on the field at the All-American Bowl, so that has to be exciting for head coach Clay Helton and offensive coordinator Graham Harrell. Bryant Jr. also considered Arizona State, Oregon, Oklahoma and Washington. USC still has one of the lowest-rated classes in the Pac-12 and all of the Power Five, but landing Bryant is a nice, rare positive.

WR Xzavier Henderson (Miami, FL) commits to Florida
Henderson was apparently silently committed to Clemson for a while, but when it came to vocally committing, the brother of Florida cornerback C.J. Henderson, decided to make playing for the Gators a family affair. It’s a big commitment for Florida, which will lose a lot of wide receiver depth in the next two NFL drafts. It’s also a big commitment for head coach Dan Mullen, who needs to win these high-profile recruiting battles to improve his reputation as a recruiter.

RB Jalen Berger (Ramsey, NJ) commits to Wisconsin
Rutgers pushed hard to get Berger off of his Wisconsin lean, but there was never much of a doubt where Berger would end up. Wisconsin landing a top running back isn’t a new thing, but rarely do the Badgers get a national platform for one of their recruits, so Berger’s announcement at at the All-American Bowl will have a greater effect to the Badgers’ brand outside of the Rust Belt.

CB Darion Green-Warren (Harbor City, CA) commits to Michigan
Michigan had been trending for Green-Warren for several months. so this announcement was more of a formality than anything else. As Green-Warren’s mother said during at the All-American Bowl telecast, her son believes Michigan offered the best combination of football, academics and future opportunities in life.

LB Bunkley-Shelton (Gardena, CA) commits to Arizona State
If the start of 2020 is any sign, Arizona State is in for some good times. Bunkley-Shelton becomes the fifth highly touted wide receiver to sign with the Sun Devils in the 2020 recruiting cycle. Maybe this isn’t like the “Fab Five” at Michigan, but for Arizona State, its offense should be high-powered for the next several years. The Sun Devils were one of the programs that really established a strong recruiting base in Southern California this cycle.

LB Edgerrin Cooper (Covington, LA) commits to Texas A&M
Cooper had been leaning to Texas A&M for a while and word got out that he had likely signed with the Aggies shortly after he was tendered an offer from Florida State. It is not much of a shock here, but Texas A&M has done a nice job of retooling its defensive front seven with Cooper, defensive end Donell Harris and linebacker Antonio Doyle.

CB Dwight McGlothern (Spring, Texas) commits to LSU)
Well, this one got me, although maybe it shouldn’t have. I had McGlothern pegged to Oregon with USC also in the picture. Apparently, McGlothern and LSU didn’t become a potential thing until the past week or so. LSU had lost a couple of secondary commitments, most notably Major Burns to Georgia, and pursued McGlothern again. The prospect had deep Louisiana roots and preferred LSU to other options, giving Ed Orgeron a late recruiting victory.

S Vito Tisdale (Bowling Green, KY) commits to Kentucky
Tisdale showed great pride when he announced he was staying in his home state and heading to Kentucky. There was little doubt of his decision given how many times Tisdale had been on campus and the way he spoke about head coach Mark Stoops. It was a great cap off to the best recruiting class in program history.

January 2

2021 LB Randolph Kpai (Sioux Falls, SD) commits to Nebraska
Nebraska has gotten off to a pretty good start for its 2021 recruiting class, and Kpai is a particular big catch because he’s going to be the top player out a South Dakota and the Cornhuskers want to be in play for the top players in their regional recruiting area. Kpai (6-3, 190) is a long, impressive athlete who has grown a lot physically in the past six months and should continue to get bigger and stronger with a year remaining before he enrolls into college. He is the fourth commitment for Nebraska in the 2021 recruiting class.

Nebraska’s current class grade: B (No. 19 overall)

2021 LB Raesjon Davis (Santa Ana, CA) commits to LSU
For several months, LSU had a verbal commitment from wide receiver Jermaine Burton, one of the top prospects in California. It didn’t end well as Burton flipped to Georgia on the first day of the early signing period. But one disappointment won’t stop LSU from targeting the best players wherever they lie.

Davis is arguably the top defensive player from California in the 2021 recruiting class. Davis (6-1, 205) seems to have the total package; he can come up on the line and rush from the edge; he can drop into coverage and play the ball like a safety; and he’s a strong tackler. Davis will have all the recruiting options he could imagine, and it’ll be on LSU to keep his commitment solid. He is the fourth verbal commitment for LSU in the 2021 recruiting class.

LSU’s current class grade: A- (No. 6 overall)

January 1

2021 QB Jake Rubley (Littleton, CO) commits to Kansas State
Top-end quarterbacks are always the first position to fly off the board on a new recruiting cycle, and by the time spring rolls around, the inventory is very limited. Rubley (6-3, 200) is a good-looking bigger quarterback with a frame to get even larger. Looking just off the hoof, Rubley actually reminds me a little of where Carson Wentz was early in his career at North Dakota State, and it makes sense that Wentz’s former college coach, Chris Klieman, now at Kansas State, would search for a prospect with a similar physical build. The ball comes off of Rubley’s hand nice and smooth. He puts a lot of mustard on each throw, and while he is not a fast quarterback, he athletic enough to get to the outside and make positive plays with his feet. Rubley is a good building block for Kansas State’s 2021 class.

Kansas State’s current class grade: C

December 29

DE Jaqualin McGee (Fort Valley, GA) commits to Arkansas
Arkansas is expected to sign quite a few players during the second part of the signing period. McGee (6-4, 250) received an offer from Arkansas shortly after Sam Pittman was named the head coach. McGee is a well-built athlete who has some athleticism and does a good job of attacking in the backfield. He is versatile on the line and could move to the inside depending on Arkansas’ depth at end. McGee isn’t an explosive player, but he plays with a good motor and works hard to put himself in position to make plays.

Arkansas’s current class grade: C

December 27

2021 LB/DE Deontae Lawson (Mobile, AL) commits to Alabama
With the Crimson Tide basically done for the 2020 recruiting class barring a major surprise, it’s time to move on to 2021 and get some of the early targets in their class on board right away. Lawson had already gained tons of steam on the recruiting trail, with Auburn, Clemson, Nebraska and Georgia among his major offers. Lawson (6-3, 215) is Alabama’s third commitment in its 2021 recruiting class. Expect that number to jump to close to double digits for the Crimson Tide by National Signing Day as the staff is known for making a big splash early in a recruiting cycle.

Alabama’s current class grade: A+ (No. 2 overall)

December 23

OL Addison Penn (Southlake, TX) commits to Duke
Duke was able to snatch Penn from Boston College after he declined to sign with the Golden Eagles during the early signing period. From an earlier evaluation: Penn (6-4, 270) is a little bigger than the average center and is a pretty strong player with good leg drive. He’s a good athlete and has a nicely timed explosion that gets him off the snap. Penn is really good on the combo block and has a high football IQ. He is a prospect who understands the position, has played against good competition and has a competitive nature that should translate well to college.

Duke’s current class grade: C

December 22

WR Gregory Desrosiers (Belmont, MA) commits to Louisvillle
It’s uncertain whether Desrosiers is coming to Louisville on a track scholarship or some sort of a football greyshirt situation for 2021. Desrosiers (5-9, 170) did have several FCS programs extend scholarship offers, but none for football. He visited the Louisville campus in November, and his status should be clarified further on or shortly before National Signing Day when Louisville releases it’s full list of signees.

Louisville’s current class grade: C+

December 19

JUCO DE Yaya Diaby (Atlanta, GA) commits to Louisville
Diaby originally played high school football at North Clayton High School in the College Park neighborhood of Atlanta. He took an official visit to Louisville on November 23 and chose the Cardinals over offers from Kansas State, Arizona, South Carolina and West Virginia. Diary (6-4, 250) had 58 tackles and five sacks for Georgia Military as a sophomore and will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Louisville’s current class grade: C+

WR Darin Turner (Memphis, TN) commits to Arkansas
One of the biggest gets for new Arkansas coach Sam Pittman during the early signing period wasn’t a new commitment, but rather a re-commitment. Turner committed to the Razorbacks at the end of August, but re-considered after Chad Morris was fired. An official visit to Fayetteville during the weekend of December 13th gave Turner enough reason to stick with his original commitment.

From an earlier evaluation: Turner is a big-time commitment for Arkansas. The Razorbacks needed a big body (6-2, 205) who can come in and develop into a No. 1 wide receiver, and Turner fits the bill. Turner is athletic enough to play both ways and would be intriguing as a safety or outside linebacker prospect. But he shines at wide receiver and knows how to use his size to win those 50-50 balls in the air.

Arkansas’s current class grade: C

JUCO DE Julius Coates (Rockford, IL) commits to Arkansas
Coates originally committed to Colorado on October 8, but he backed away from that commitment in early December and signed with Arkansas. Coates started his college career playing tight end at Ellsworth Community College, but he switched positions when he transferred to East Mississippi Community College. Coates (6-5, 265) also had Nebraska and Oregon hoping to receive his signing on Thursday, but instead he’ll spend his final two years of college eligibility with the Razorbacks.

Arkansas’s current class grade: C

CB Joshua Eaton (Houston, TX) commits to Oklahoma
One of the big piece of news during the early singing period that happened after hours was Eaton making a commitment to Oklahoma. Once committed to Texas, Eaton was part of a late-night haul that included highly-touted junior college safety Justin Harrington, a prospect from Raleigh, N.C. who played at Bakersfield College and committed to the Sooners over hometown favorites N.C. State.

Eaton left Texas’ class in October and even a late offer from Georgia couldn’t keep him away from the Big XII. From an earlier evaluation: Eaton offers good size (6-1, 175) and range, but he will have to improve his strength and get more physical to match up with the bigger receivers in the Big XII. He has a nose for the football and can make plays with the ball in his hands. I believe he will be more effective in zone than playing out on an island.

Oklahoma’s current class grade: B+ (No. 14 overall)

December 17

JUCO OT Jeremy Flax (Detroit, MI) commits to Kentucky
Flax will transfer into Kentucky from Independence Community College in Independence, Kansas and should provide immediate depth for Kentucky at either tackle position. Flax (6-6, 325) also took official visits to Toledo, Texas Tech, Auburn and Arizona before settling on the Wildcats. Flax was named a NJCAA All-American for the 2019 season and is a more coveted junior college prospect because he has three years of eligibility left.

Kentucky’s current class grade: B+ (No. 18 overall)

JUCO DE Kirmari Gainous (Tallahassee, FL) commits to Kansas State
Gainous (6-4, 250) chose Kansas State despite a late offer and major push from Arkansas. He played high school football at Lincoln High in Tallahassee, Florida before attending Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kansas. Gainous was a Second-Team NJCAA All-American after recording 43 tackles and six sacks as a sophomore. He will have two years of eligibility remaining and a redshirt year available.

Kansas State’s current class grade: C

DE Robert Wooten (Stafford, TX) commits to Virginia Tech
Wooten was committed to Missouri for a few months, but he backed away from that pledge in late October and took an official visit to Virginia Tech on the first weekend of December. Earlier in the recruiting process, Wooten (6-3, 235) took visits to SMU, Texas Tech and Arizona. He was committed to Arizona for part of the summer as well.

From an earlier evaluation: Wooten runs pretty well and seems to rely on speed to win battles. He’s a fighter when stood up, but he doesn’t show the technique to make the basic moves to shed blocks. Wooten should develop those skills in time. However, as an athletic defensive line prospect, he fits the bill.

Virginia Tech’s current class grade: C

JUCO LB Krishon Merriweather (Hazelwood, MO) commits to Texas Tech
Merriweather played two years at Garden City Community College in Garden City, Kansas. He was a tackling machine at Garden City, racking up 153 tackles during his sophomore season, Merriweather also had offers from Arkansas, Marshall, Oklahoma State and Louisiana-Lafayette. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

Texas Tech’s current class grade: C

S Major Burns (Baton Rouge, LA) commits to Georgia
Burns was one of the more interesting recruitments down the stretch. An elite prospect from Baton Rouge, Louisiana is going to go to LSU 99 times out of 100, and Burns was committed to the Tigers for seven months. He backed away from that commitment in December and suggested through his tweets he was now going to control his recruitment. There were no shortage of suitors interested in Burns, but Georgia won out over Texas A&M. Burns (6-2, 180) is a long athlete with a big frame and the ability to provide snaps at safety or cornerback. He’s a physical player and a fierce competitor who should fit in well with the dog-eat-dog mentality of the SEC. As Burns grows into his body, he should offer plenty of options on the defense.

Georgia’s current class grade: A+ (No. 3 overall)

JUCO CB Brian George (Belle Glade, FL) commits to Texas A&M
George was one of the top junior college cornerbacks left undecided going into the final days before the early signing day. Ironically, George was a target for Jimbo Fisher out of high school when George played at Glades Central High and Fisher was the head coach of Florida State. George was named a Second-Team NJCAA All-American after his sophomore season at Highland Community College in Highland, Kansas. Texas A&M and Auburn received official visits, with the Aggies earning the signature. George will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Texas A&M’s current class grade: A- (No. 7 overall)

JUCO DE Jordon Riley (Durham, NC) commits to Nebraska
Riley (6-5, 330) is such a big-bodied athlete with long arms that I’m wondering if he wouldn’t have been better served playing on the offensive line at Garden City Community College. But as a defensive tackle, Riley fits the bill as well. He played high school football at Riverside High in Durham, N.C. and signed with North Carolina out of high school. A year later, he transferred to junior college. Riley chose Nebraska over East Carolina and will have two years of eligibility and no redshirt available.

Nebraska’s current class grade: B (No. 19 overall)

December 16

S Isaac Gifford (Lincoln, NE) commits to Nebraska
Nebraska was able to snag Gifford right before the early signing period behind the blueshirt rule. By taking a blueshirt, Gifford (6-0, 185) can enroll at the school in January pay tuition for the spring semester before getting on a scholarship in the fall. Because he is paying tuition, Gifford can participate in spring workouts as a walk-on. Gifford had regular scholarship opportunities from Air Force, Oregon State and Youngstown State. He is from a Husker family, with his brother Luke playing at the program in the mid-2010s.

Nebraska’s current class grade: B (No. 19 overall)

RB Kentrel Bullock (Columbia, MS) commits to Ole Miss
Bullock is a second-time commitment to Ole Miss. He backed away from his commitment shortly after Matt Luke was fired, but came back two weeks later.

From an earlier evaluation: Bullock is a home run hitter who has legitimate 4.4-4.5 speed in the 40-yard-dash and the ability to run between the tackles and catch passes. Bullock is more of a one-cut-and-go runner than an agile player with great lateral movement. His ability to catch balls out of the backfield on the run is a nice element to his game.

Ole Miss’ current class grade: B

DE Jimari Butler (Mobile, AL) commits to Nebraska
Butler seemed to be reconsidering his commitment to Tennessee at the beginning of December and took an official visit to Nebraska on the first weekend of the month. He backed away from his Tennessee pledge shortly after. Butler (6-5, 215) will sign with Nebraska after also taking an official visit to TCU. He’s a long athlete who has the frame to put on plenty of weight in the next year or two. Nebraska made a serious effort to get more athletic on defense by recruiting athletes in the southeast. Scott Frost and his staff have been successful there, which should begin to pay dividends in the next couple of years.

Nebraska’s current class grade: B (No. 19 overall)

JUCO DT Josh Ellison (College Station, TX) commits to Oklahoma
Defensive line is an area that’s been lacking for Oklahoma despite how much on-field success the team has had. Usually the Sooners’ issues up front are masked during the season, but get exposed greatly in the postseason when playing stout SEC programs. Ellison will give the Sooners immediate help at the position after he backed away from his commitment to Texas Tech. Ellison (6-3, 290) will come to Oklahoma from Blinn College in Brenham, Texas. Ellison was one of the top junior college defensive line prospects and will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Oklahoma’s current class grade: B+ (No. 14 overall)

QB Kade Renfro (Stephenville, TX) commits to Ole Miss
Renfro is a quarterback who Lane Kiffin had his eyes on when he was at Florida Atlantic, but the Owls couldn’t compete with some of the better offers Renfro received. Once Kiffin was hired at Ole Miss, however, he quickly jumped on Renfro and got the signature. Renfro (6-3, 185) caught the eye of a few programs late because he’s a big kid with good arm strength and a lot of upside. He is still raw, which shows in some of the decisions he makes with the ball, but Renfro is pretty athletic and with a redshirt year to continue to mature and learn mechanics, Renfro could be one of the better quarterbacks in this class.

Ole Miss’ current class grade: B

December 15

WR Ja’Vontae Williams (Belle Glade, FL) commits to Syracuse
Williams choose the Orange over offers from Florida International, Florida Atlantic and Illinois after visiting Syracuse on the final weekend before the early signing period. He is a prospect who got reclassified from a 2019 prospect to a 2020 prospect, so he’s a little older and Syracuse is probably getting a player who’s built more like a redshirt freshman without having to use a redshirt year.

Williams is a physical receiver with speed. He’s kind of built like a running back at wide receiver. Williams plays a fearless game and can make all the catches across the middle of the field. He has the quick burst and a nose for the end zone. Syracuse might’ve gotten a steal here.

Syracuse’s current class grade: C+

S Majon Wright (Fort Lauderdale, FL) commits to Arizona
Wright is the younger brother of former Chicago Bears safety Major Wright. He is a good athlete, although probably not elite like his older brother. Still, Majon Wright (6-3 200) could probably play on either side of the ball depending on need, but he is more suited for defensive back. He has really good length and could legitimately be an outside linebacker given enough weight gain. This is potentially an impressive late get for Arizona, because long athletes like Wright from South Florida rarely leave the region.

Arizona’s current class grade: C

LB/DE Keyshawn Greene (Crawfordville, FL) commits to Nebraska
Greene was a long-time commitment to Florida State, but he began having second thoughts after Willie Taggart was fired and officially backed away from his commitment once Mike Norvell was hired. I had Greene (6-3, 190) as the top linebacker prospect in Florida. He has great length and range, the athleticism to drop into coverage, and the frame to put on size to contribute to the pass rush. Nebraska desperately needed a major boost in athleticism on defense, and Greene is going to be one of the players who will remind the Cornhuskers of their old “blackshirt days”.

Nebraska’s current class grade: B (No. 19 overall)

DT Tre’von Riggins (St. Petersburg, FL) commits to Illinois
Riggins was committed to Miami for most of the recruiting cycle until he struggled as a senior and the Hurricanes decided to reassess their class, pushing him out. That said, Riggins (6-2, 260) still has a lot of potential and comes from a program that consistently produces players who perform well in college. Riggins isn’t necessarily an explosive athlete, but he’s a naturally strong kid who can fill the gaps and bring toughness to the interior as a nose guard. He is part of an impressive late haul of Florida prospects for Illinois that included defensive lineman Jerzahn Newton, who flipped from Maryland.

Illinois’ current class grade: C+

OL Khristopher Love (Fort Lauderdale, FL) commits to Maryland
Love is a bit a project, but he could provide depth at several areas after he takes a redshirt and gets a little more seasoning. Love is bigger than the 6-foot-3, 305 pounds he’s listed at, and he has pretty long arms that make me believe he could be a fit at guard or right tackle. He’s a very good athlete, but very raw and is probably two years away from being able to contribute for a college program. The natural ability is there, however, Love has plus-level footwork, especially when it comes to lateral movement.

Maryland’s current class grade: B-

December 14

JUCO CB Ronald Williams (Ferriday, LA) commits to Alabama
Williams, originally a prospect out of Louisiana, attended Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kansas and was set on returning to SEC country. He took official visits to Mississippi State, Texas A&M, Kentucky and Alabama. Williams received an offer from Alabama during his sophomore season and committed a couple of weeks after his official visit to campus. Williams has two years to play out two years of eligibility, so Alabama is expecting him to be an immediate contributor.

Alabama’s current class grade: A+ (No. 2 overall)

OT Andrew Gentry (Littleton, CO) commits to Virginia
Gentry kept his recruitment going for a long time and was always seen as a lean to BYU. Instead, he is headed to Charlottesville, where former BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall is building a big, physical Cavaliers team. Gentry (6-8, 300) should be able to contribute early, as he is am aggressive plus-level run blocker who possesses the ability to create holes and also provide additional blocking on the second level. His run blocking is far ahead of his pass blocking right now, but Gentry will improve with his footwork and upper body strength to help out in that area. Gentry is one of the best offensive line prospects in the 2020 class and a major addition for Virginia.

Virginia’s current class grade: B-

TE D.J. Rogers (Sammamish, WA) commits to California
Rogers is more of a wide receiver than a tight end at this point and has the ability to contribute as a pass catcher right away. Rogers (6-3, 235) has good size, but he’s more of a flex tight end who can line up in the slot or as an h-back instead of an inline tight end. He’ll still have to improve his blocking to play as many snaps as possible, but Rogers’ strength will be his ability to stretch the middle of the field and find mismatches against defensive backs in the passing game.

California’s current class grade: C+

LB Jaqwondis Burns (Bradenton, FL) commits to Minnesota
Burns committed to Ole Miss at the end of April and stuck with the Rebels until the firing of Matt Luke made him look around and reconsider. Burns (6-2, 200) took official visits to Utah and Texas in November, but Minnesota didn’t make an offer to Burns until he backed away from his Ole Miss commitment, and an official visit to Minnesota on the final weekend before the early signing period sealed the deal. Burns is a decent athlete who has shown the ability to get from side to side well and play close to the line of scrimmage with the ability to blitz off the edge. He can drop into coverage and hold his own against a receiver coming out of the backfield, but it’s an area he could continue to improve in.

Minnesota’s current class grade: B-

S Doneiko Slaughter (Roswell, GA) commits to Tennessee
Tennessee was able to add another depth piece to its secondary class days before the early signing period begins. Slaughter, who was formerly committed to Arizona State, can play some cornerback and some safety, although he probably fits best in the nickel package. On film, Slaughter gets around the field, and he’s a player who seems to have a nose for the ball and the ability to create turnovers and positive plays for the defense. He isn’t great at any one thing, but he’s a good tackler, he’s adequate in coverage, and he plays with a high motor. Slaughter is the type of player who will find his way on the field, probably first on special teams and eventually in the secondary.

Tennessee’s current class grade: B+ (No. 13 overall)

CB Jamie Vance (New Orleans, LA) commits to Louisville
Vance was committed to Arkansas earlier in the process, but he backed away from his pledge two months before head coach Chad Morris was fired. This eventually became a Louisville-Arkansas battle, but Vance, nicknamed Greedy, was sold on the Cardinals during his official visit in October. Vance (5-10, 155) isn’t the biggest corner, but his athleticism is definitely plus level and he is a competitor on the field. He plays against top competition and lines up against No. 1 receivers. Vance isn’t big, but he isn’t afraid to get physical and battle for positioning. He tracks the ball well, and when the opportunity to create a turnover is there, Vance capitalizes. As he adds size on his frame, Vance should round out to be a quality cornerback who can line up on the outside in man coverage and compete.

Louisville’s current class grade: C+

PK Mitch Jeter (Concord, NC) commits to South Carolina
Jeter is rated as a five-star kicker, according to Kohl’s kicking camps website. The site says the ball “explodes off his foot,” and during a January showcase, Jeter was “one of the most impressive athletes at camp.”

South Carolina’s current class grade: B (No. 18 overall)

Updated December 18 (9 a.m.)

It’s the first day of the Early Signing Period in college football recruiting. Expect the high majority of prospects to sign their letters of intent between Wednesday and Friday. Check here for updates, immediate analysis and news.

Clemson flexes its muscles early
As Ric Flair said many times, “it’s good to be the champ,” and Clemson has proved that this week already. It didn’t take long, the 7 a.m. hour to be exact, for Clemson to make the first headlines of the day when the Tigers flipped Malcolm Green from his commitment to LSU. Green committed to LSU on October 26, but he took an official visit to Clemson this past weekend and signed his letter of intent with the 2018 national champions this morning.

Clemson started the day with the No. 1-ranked recruiting class, ahead of LSU and Alabama. Coming into the early signing period, Clemson snagged a commitment from blue-chip linebacker Trenton Simpson on December 14, a long-time target of ACC rivals North Carolina. Clemson’s class currently sits at 23 commits.

Vanderbilt, Georgia get some early good news
A couple of SEC programs got a good start to the early signing period with positive news Tuesday night. Vanderbilt found the centerpiece to its 2020 recruiting class when it flipped red-chip athlete De’Rickey Wright from Ole Miss. Wright had also committed to Alabama early this cycle before splitting with the Crimson Tide over the summer.

Georgia, currently sitting at No. 5 in the class rankings, picked off former LSU commitment Major Burns late Tuesday night when the safety declared his intentions to sign with the Bulldogs over Texas A&M. Burns backed off his commitment to LSU last week with the cryptic tweet “I’m writing my own book. The chapters written so far were mostly out of my hands, but as I’ve grown, I now control the pen.” Burns is from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, home of LSU, and where LSU usually bats 1.000 when it comes to landing the prospects they want.

Will bad start spell rough day for Longhorns?
At one time, the Texas Longhorns had a top-five class and looked to be a serious threat for the best class in the nation. But as the season went on and it was clear that head coach Tom Herman was going to have to make some staff changes, the Longhorns’ class cracked a little. The biggest dent came Monday with blue-chip receiver Quentin Johnston flipping from Texas to TCU, with his primary concern being Texas’ failure to secure offensive coordinator Graham Harrell from USC. Harrell instead signed an extension with the Trojans.

Johnston signed with TCU on Wednesday morning and is the highest-rated player in the Horned Frogs’ class. Texas, which currently sits at No. 8 in our class rankings, will have a tough time staying in the top 10.

Will the Ducks sink or swim?
Oregon, which currently sits ninth in our class rankings, will be playing offense and defense today on the recruiting board and hoping for a couple of big breaks. As of last week, it looked like the Ducks were sitting pretty with the top prize of early signing day, linebacker Justin Flowe, but after Flowe took an official visit to USC this past weekend, the draw to keep the prospect from Upland, California close to home is REAL.

And while Oregon head coach Mario Cristiobal is going big-game hunting, he’ll also have to keep an eye on players currently in the class. The Ducks have already lost safety Avantae Williams, who was committed for most of the year and will now likely sign with a school in the southeast in February, and are potentially looking at more attrition as safety Myles Slusher is looking at Arkansas and Nebraska for a signing-day flip. Slusher has been committed to the Ducks since late April.

December 13

OT Joshua Braun (Live Oak, FL) commits to Florida
Braun committed to Georgia in June, but never took Florida off his radar and when offensive line coach Sam Pittman left Georgia to take the Arkansas job, Florida pounced and Braun made the flip. From his earlier evaluation: Braun comes from good stock, his brother Parker played at Georgia Tech and Texas. The younger Braun is a unique athlete; he plays a lot of tennis despite being 6-foot-6, 330 pounds. And his tennis game probably explains why his hands and feet are above average. Braun is a physical kid, a tough player from a high school program know for its toughness.

Florida’s current class grade: B+

QB Gregory Spann (St. Petersburg, FL) commits to Illinois
Spann comes from the storied Lakewood High program in St. Petersburg, which has produced several NFL players, including current Patriots starting offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn, Seattle Seahawks cornerbacks Shaquem and Shaquill Grifin and Rams defensive end Dante Fowler. Spann (6-4, 190) is probably more athlete than quarterback at this stage, and he’ll have to develop his passing tree more to complement his mobility. He is very dynamic with the ball in his hands, however, and is a true dual-threat player with his ability to gain a lot of rushing yards. A redshirt would probably be in Spann’s best interest, but I could see him getting on the field in goal-line situations early if Illinois is thin at the position.

Illinois’ current class grade: C+

QB Tate Rodemaker (Valdosta, GA) commits to Florida State
Rodemaker was committed to South Florida for several months, but with Charlie Strong being fired at South Florida and Mike Norvell taking the Florida State job, the opportunity was there for Rodemaker. His recruitment to Florida State tells me that Norvell is looking at doing more pro-style offense than the spread zone-read stuff he did at Memphis. Down the stretch, Rodemaker was also considering Baylor and Northwestern. He’s been very productive in high school, and I would rate his arm strength as slightly above average, but not quite plus level. Florida State lost a commitment from quarterback Jeff Sims, and Rodemaker is a different player, who is perhaps a little more refined, but with a lower ceiling. Florida State is likely to have quarterbacks to the transfer portal at some point, so Norvell needs arms.

Florida State’s current class grade: B-

JUCO WR Omar Manning (Lancaster, TX) commits to Nebraska
Manning was one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2017 class and considered a major recruiting win for TCU at the time. Things didn’t work out and Manning transferred to Kilgore Junior College in Kilgore, Texas. He was a JUCO All-American wide receiver at Kilgore and is considered the top junior college receiver on the market, if not the top-overall junior college prospect. He is a great pickup for Nebraska and a player who will be ready to help on Day 1.

Nebraska’s current class grade: C+

JUCO OT Cedrice Paillant (New Rochelle, NY) commits to Rutgers
Pallant (6-5, 320) received a late offer from Rutgers once Greg Schiano came back to the program, and the big tackle prospect committed ahead of his official visit this weekend. Pallant has spent the last two years at Monroe College in his hometown of New Rochelle, New York. He is going to sign in mid-December and enroll at Rutgers in January. Schiano is hopeful Pallant can provide immediate depth on an offensive line that will need some quick reinforcements.

Rutgers’ current class grade: C

December 12

ATH Tyreem Powell (Vineland, NJ) commits to Rutgers
Powell was a long-time commitment to Virginia Tech, but he flipped to Rutgers a little more than a week after Greg Schiano returned as head coach. Powell (6-4, 205) took an official visit to Rutgers last weekend and decided to stay in state. Powell is projected to make his impact on defense. I believe he’ll end up as an edge rusher or a defensive end because his frame should allow an additional 45-50 pounds on it when it’s all said and done.

Rutgers’ current class grade: C

OT Zach Perkins (Tampa, FL) commits to Maryland
Perkins committed to Marshall in mid-September, but he made the flip to Maryland ahead of his official visit scheduled to start Friday. Perkins (6-5, 315) has the size of a tackle, but his footwork and athleticism make him more likely to be a big guard. Perkins is definitely going to provide an immediate presence as a run blocker. He’s a physical player who likes to mix it up and get dirty. His pass blocking will take some work, and he’s going to have be a little lighter on his feet.

Maryland’s current class grade: C+

WR Keyshawn Smith (San Diego, CA) commits to Washington State
Smith received a late offer from Tennessee, but decided to take his official visit to Washington State this past weekend and committed to the Cougars. As always, Washington State has a need for receivers for its high-volume pass offense, and Smith (6-0, 165) is a good candidate to get time in the slot and on the outside. He’s been a productive player and is a prospect who looks like he can handle the pace of the Cougars’ offense.

Washington State’s current class grade: C

WR Mason Mangum (Austin, TX) commits to California
Mangum was committed to Arkansas for several months and stayed committed for weeks after coach Chas Morris was fired. A productive player in high School, Mangum (5-11, 170) should project out as a slot receiver and someone who will be able to work in the middle of the field. He has good top-end speed – reportedly 4.45 in the 40 – that gives him the big-play ability California is looking for as well as someone who can make things happen in space.

California’s current class grade: C

OT Alex Harrison (Bountiful, UT) commits to Utah
Harrison is a combo lineman – someone who I can see playing any position up front and cross training between interior and tackle positions. Right tackle might be the sweet spot for Harrison because I think he’s a strong run blocker on the edge and has the quick hands and leverage I like to see in pass protection. He needs to become more technically sound in all areas, but players like Harrison are very valuable because you can fit him into any position on the line and he will perform capably.

Utah’s current class grade: C+

December 11

DE Lance Keneley (Mission Viejo, CA) commits to Stanford
Keneley (6-5, 245) had a lot of heavy interest from other Pac-12 programs, particularly UCLA and Utah, but when Stanford made an offer during the middle of the fall, it was thought to be the one he wanted the most. Keneley is a high-energy player on the field who brings it on every play. He has real good length and a quick burst off the edge. Keneley comes from an athletic family as his father, Matt, was an offensive lineman at USC.

Stanford’s current class grade: C+

DE Emmanuel Johnson (North Charleston, SC) commits to Georgia Tech
Johnson becomes the 23rd commitment for Georgia Tech and its second one on Wednesday, joining another defensive lineman, Jared Ivey. Johnson (6-5, 255) looks like a good candidate to move inside and become more of a run stopper on the interior. Johnson has strength and generally does a good job at setting the edge and containing things to the outside. He needs to be more explosive, however, to really elevate his game.

Georgia Tech’s current class grade: B-

DE Jared Ivey (Suwanee, GA) commits to Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech fought hard for the commitment of Ivey and had to fend off Nebraska down the stretch. Ivey (6-6, 220) was one of the big targets for the Yellow Jackets during this recruiting cycle and a player they believe can compare to the good Yellow Jackets linemen of the past 20 years like Darrell Robertson and especially Michael Johnson. Ivey has a frame that can easily take on 40 more pounds while keeping his athleticism and burst of the edge. He could contribute on passing downs immediately as he develops into an every-down lineman. Ivey is close to a red-chip designation and has the ability to be a double-digit sack guy in college.

Georgia Tech’s current class grade: B-

OT Delmar Glaze (Charlotte, NC) commits to Maryland
Glaze (6-5, 315) gives Maryland additional depth on the offensive line and a developmental player who might be a able to contribute down the road. Maryland was Glaze’s only Power Five offer with UMass and Connecticut making up his other FBS offers.

Maryland’s current class grade: C+

OT Javion Cohen (Phenix City, AL) commits to Alabama
This is a strange one as Cohen had been committed to Auburn and was going to flip to Alabama on December 18, the first day of the early singing period. Auburn got wind of this and yanked his scholarship. The Iron Bowl lives on and off the field. Anyway from an earlier evaluation: Cohen has got the length and athleticism to be a heck of a right tackle. He is a player on the rise with good hands, footwork and quickness. He can beat you with strength or athleticism.

Alabama’s current class grade: A+

ATH Robert Longerbeam (Alexandria, VA) commits to Rutgers
Longerbeam was committed to Temple and was likely to sign with the Owls next week until Rutgers and new coach Greg Schiano made it clear he was a top target. Longerbeam (6-0, 160) had a good in-house visit with Schiano and decided to commit ahead of his official trip the campus this weekend. He played quarterback in high school, but Longerbeam is a wide receiver in college with impresseive top-end speed timed in the 4.4 range. Longerbeam a big-play guy who should develop into a primary deep threat on the outside. He should also be able to work as a return specialist.

Rutgers’ current class grade: C

DE Cooper Davis (Melbourne, FL) commits to Illinois
Davis had been committed to Missouri for close to six months, but consistent recruiting from Illinois along with the firing of coach Barry Odom necessitated a change. Davis’ commitment came following an official visit to the campus this past weekend. From an earlier evaluation: It’s hard to get a good grasp on Davis because he plays interior for his high school and will likely be an outside guy in college as long as he stays on defense. Davis can get stronger in the upper body, and while I love his effort, I would like to see more initial quickness on the first-step. The potential is there for Davis to develop into a solid player and consistent starter.

Illinois’ current class grade: C

DE Jaylen Harrell (Tampa, FL) commits to Michigan
Harrell was a long-time lean to Florida State, but the firing of Willie Taggart made him rethink his recruitment. Instead, Harrell decided to commit to Michigan, where he took an official visit on the weekend of November 29. Harrell held offers from nearly every major program after a strong junior season. Harrell (6-5, 235) is listed as an outside linebacker and has the size to play defensive end, but it’s hard to project exactly where he fits in at the next level. Some believe he’ll grow significantly and become a three-technique. Others think he could become a tight end or maybe an offensive tackle. But Harrell is a top-end athlete who plays multiple sports and comes from a strong football background. His dad, James, is a former NFL player and local high school coach, and one of his older brothers played at Wake Forest. Jaylen Harrell, however, looks like the best of the group, at least in his size and skill.

Michigan’s current class grade: B+

CB Daryl Porter (Fort Lauderdale, FL) commits to West Virginia
Porter is a going to project as a slot corner and maybe someone who can play snaps at safety. He was a ball hawk in high school, recording six interceptions as a senior, and he generally has plus-level ball skills. Sometimes, his aggressive nature gets him in trouble as Porter likes to play the ball more than the receiver occasionally. He should be a good fit in the pass-happy Big XII and has the athleticism to stay with quicker slot receivers.

West Virginia’s current class grade: C+

JUCO LB Eteva Mauga-Clements (American Samoa) commits to Nebraska
Clements will come to Nebraska by way of Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, California. He took an official visit to Nebraska this past weekend and committed to the Cornhuskers over offers from New Mexico, Southern Miss and San Diego State. Clements has some athleticism, and he can be probably be an outside linebacker in Nebraska’s defense where he can rush the passer and even drop into coverage. He is a bit of a freelancer, and while that works in junior college, it would make him a liability on the field in Power Five conference football.

Nebraska’s current class grade: C+

CB Malachi Melton (Egg Harbor City, NJ) commits to Rutgers
Melton chose Purdue over Rutgers initially, but with Greg Schiano back in the fold, Melton circled back around to the in-state program and decided the new direction was right for him. From an earlier evaluation: The first play on Melton’s film is a kickoff return for a touchdown, so speed shouldn’t be a concern and he’s a play-maker with the ball in his hands. Melton has good ball skills; he focuses on the ball and adjusts his coverage accordingly. He is a competitor who’s not afraid to go against bigger receivers.

Rutgers’ current class grade: C

JUCO DT Devin Drew (Kansas City, MO) commits to Texas Tech
Drew (6-4, 275) spent the last two years at Iowa Western College in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He also had offers from North Texas, UNLV and SMU. He proved to be a capable interior pass-rusher in the junior college ranks with eight and a half sacks at Iowa Western. He has two years of eligibility, plus an available redshirt available.

Texas Tech’s current class grade: C

December 10

RB Jabari Small (Memphis, TN) commits to Tennessee
Small took a visit to Ole Miss this past weekend and then committed to Tennessee three days ahead of his planned official visit, joining his Briarcrest Christian teammate Omari Thomas in the Volunteers’ rising class. Small (5-10, 195) will be part of a rotation among running backs at Tennessee, and he can also line up in the slot or participate on special teams as a return specialist. Small is a sturdily built running back and looks to be pretty strong and physical with the way he takes on tacklers. Small has good speed, maybe not breakaway speed, but enough speed to get in the open field. He should be able to provide a lot of options for Tennessee on offense.

Tennessee’s current class grade: B

ATH Chris Long (Willingboro, NJ) commits to Rutgers
Long was committed to Temple since early July, but he defected to Rutgers when Temple’s secondary coach, Fran Brown, took a similar job under new Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano. Long (6-0, 160) is a very productive two-way player who Rutgers is expecting to compete for snaps in the secondary. Long shows excellent ball skills and the ability to anticipate throws and track passes. He is also a very good wide receiver and could play offense if the numbers demand it. Whichever side of the ball Long plays on, he has a good shot of seeing the field.

Rutgers’ current class grade: C

DT Jordan Butler (Bradenton, FL) commits to Northwestern
Butler had been committed to Vanderbilt since June, but an official visit to Northwestern this weekend changed everything. The Wildcats didn’t make an offer to Butler (6-2, 300) until a couple of days before Thanksgiving, but it was enough time for him to make a move. Originally from Las Vegas, Butler transferred to IMG Academy over the summer to play out his senior year. He is an interior lineman who is stout against the run and can also rush the passer, as evident by his high number of tackles for loss – 11 – this season despite splitting his snaps with others. He will have a chance to develop into a full-time starter at Northwestern.

Northwestern’s current class grade: C+

RB Ty Jordan (Mesquite, TX) commits to Utah
Jordan committed to Texas on September 15, but decided to back away from that commitment and head to the Pac-12. From an earlier evaluation: Jordan (5-7, 185) has a red-chip ceiling. He’s not tall, but he’s very sturdy and thickly built with a low center of gravity and strong legs. Jordan’s style lends itself to a lot of versatility. He has good hands; he can catch passes and can also make an impact in the return game. Jordan is tough in space, but he can also run between the tackles and has explosive speed to get to the next level.

Utah’s current class grade: C+

December 9

TE Theo Johnson (Windsor, ON) commits to Penn State
One of the top tight ends in the Class of 2020, Johnson chose Penn State in a fierce recruiting battle with Michigan and Georgia. Johnson is going to convert from playing wide receiver, which he does in high school, to being more of a hybrid tight end who can work the seams or line up outside. Johnson (6-6, 240) has a great build and brings exceptional speed to the position – reportedly as low as 4.57 in the 40 yard dash. He has plus-level hands and route-running ability. There isn’t much for me to go on in terms of Johnson’s blocking ability, and in the Big Ten, he’ll have to be a capable blocker to play three downs, but as a pass catcher, Johnson is a mismatch and a top-end prospect.

Penn State’s current class grade: B+

WR Chris Scott (Dacula, GA) commits to N.C. State
Scott (5-11,165) took an official visit to N.C. State this past weekend and just needed a few more days to make his commitment. He has great straight-line speed and can stretch a defense out deep. Scott is more of a downfield pass catcher than a player who can make things happen in space. He will need to improve his overall route tree to be able to set up those deep shots along the edge. Scott, however, gives N.C. State a major big-play threat in the passing game.

N.C. State’s current class grade: C+

DT Omari Thomas (Memphis, TN) commits to Tennessee
It was a big SEC recruiting battle for Thomas with Texas A&M, Auburn and Tennessee all in the mix for him, but Tennessee continued its recruiting ascension with a major in-state commitment from one of the most athletic defensive lineman in this class. Thomas (6-5, 300) is a big athlete with the speed, skill and ability to play anywhere along the line. He is a two-way player with a basketball background, and there were schools that believed he has the ability to be a cornerstone left tackle. His best position on the defensive line is probably nose guard, where he can eat up space, or at the three-technique, depending on how his pass-rushing skill set works in the interior. Thomas is a potential blue-chip player, a big get for Tennessee and a huge endorsement of head coach Jeremy Pruitt and the strides the Volunteers have made in Pruitt’s second season.

Tennessee’s current class grade: B

ATH Kyjuan Herndon (Deltona, FL) commits to Maryland
Maryland secured Herndon’s commitment shortly after an official visit to the campus this past weekend. Herndon (5-9, 175) is a classic scat back as a player who can gain good yardage on quick hitters in the running game. He should be able to do more in the passing game at the next level as well. Herndon has the speed – reportedly 4.55 in the 40 – to make big plays, and he’ll do a lot of his damage along the perimeter. He could possibly make a move to the slot and will likely be part of the return game on special teams as well.

Maryland’s current class grade: C+

JUCO DT Ami Finau (Euless, TX) commits to Maryland
Finau is one of two junior college prospects who committed to Maryland on Monday, joining his Independence Community College teammate Mosiah Nasili-Kite. Finau (6-2, 320) is a pure nose guard and a player who is going to take up space, occupy blockers and try to contain the run game. Arizona and Illinois were among Finau’s other offers. He will have two years of eligibility.

Maryland’s current class grade: C+

CB Karon Prunty (Portsmouth, VA) commits to Kansas
Prunty (6-2) was originally a commitment to Liberty, but backed out of that pledge on November 8 as more offers began to come in. Eventually, Prunty took an official visit to Kansas last weekend and committed upon his return home. He has an official visit scheduled to Virginia Tech for the upcoming weekend, but there’s no confirmation if he’ll take that visit. Prunty will give Kansas a cornerback with good length and someone who can possibly play some safety as well. He could also play wide receiver and shows some potential there as well. As a corner, Prunty is tough on 50-50 balls because of his length and leaping ability. He looks like an above-average tackler.

Kansas’ current class grade: C

JUCO DE Mosiah Nasili-Kite (Puyallup, WA) commits to Maryland
Maryland had a run of commitments on Monday, with four in total. Three of them were junior college transfers with Nasili Kite, coming to College Park by way of Independence Community College in Independence, Kansas. Nasili-Katie (6-2, 295) is a pretty big body for defensive end in an odd-man front, and he’ll probably make a move to the interior or at least split time at different positions along the line. Hawaii, Charlotte and Oregon State were among the other offers for Nasili-Kite. He has three years of eligibility remaining.

Maryland’s current class grade: C+

CB Edward Woods (Oakland, CA) commits to Arizona State
Arizona State won a Pac-12 recruiting battle over Washington State and Arizona after Woods (6-0, 175) took official visits to all three programs. On film, Woods looks like a potential player at cornerback. He moves well, looking very fluid with his backpedal and his turn. He seems to have plus-level ball skills and good anticipation on routes. Woods doesn’t have ideal top-end speed, so he has to play with more technique and smarts than a cornerback who can just expect to win battles by being a superior athletes.

Arizona State’s current class grade: C+

S Glen Miller (Orange Park, FL) commits to Maryland
Miller (6-3, 190) fills a big need for Maryland as the Terrapins do not have much depth, experienced or otherwise, at safety. Miller can play either safety position and does both capably. He can play up at the line of scrimmage and battle against the running game, almost doubling as a linebacker. Miller also has the ball skills and anticipation to play center field as a free safety. Miller is a decent athlete with good, not great, speed that might get him in trouble if he has to spend much time isolated in single coverage, but as a help defender, Miller does well.

Maryland’s current class grade: C+

JUCO QB Chance Nolan (Menifee, CA) commits to Oregon State
Nolan (6-2, 190) gives Oregon State another college-ready arm in the quarterback room after spending the past season at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, California after redshirting his first year at Middle Tennessee State. As a redshirt freshman, Nolan threw for 3,315 yards and 38 touchdowns, plus rushed for over 1,000 yards. Oregon State’s starting quarterback from last year, Jake Luton, is graduating, so the quarterback position is wide open for the 2020 season. Nolan has three years of eligibility remaining.

Oregon State’s current class grade: C

OT Courtland Ford (Cedar Hill, TX) commits to USC
Ford (6-6, 315) has the size of a tackle, but I think he could end up being more effective as an interior guy at the next level. He’s a good run blocker and uses his size to get the advantage on the opposition. Ford has some nastiness to his game, and when he has the opportunity to drive an opponent into the turf, he’ll do it. In pass protection, Ford has a ways to go. He gets his feet mixed up and loses his balance too much for my liking. As a tackle, Ford will have some development and a significant learning curve, but as a guard, I think Ford can see the field a little quicker.

USC’s current class grade: C+

JUCO S Daylen Gill (Louisville, MS) commits to Ole Miss
Gill, who spent the past two seasons playing for Jones County Junior College in Ellisville, Mississippi, chose the Rebels over Purdue. He also had offers from Troy and Arkansas State. Gill (5-11, 215) was committed to Ole Miss and backed out of his commitment earlier in the month before taking an official visit to Purdue. After seeing Purdue, he re-committed to Ole Miss.

Ole Miss’ current class grade: B-

OT Taliese Fuaga (Tacoma, WA) commits to Oregon State
Fuaga (6-5, 320) took an official visit to Oregon State over the weekend and committed a few days later. He also had offers from Hawaii, Nevada and San Jose State. Fuaga is a big-bodied, tough, physical, two-way linemen who looks very good on defense as a nose guard, but is probably more suited for the offensive line in college. He played guard in high school, and maybe he can become a right tackle, but if now I think Fuaga is an adequate guard with the potential to be a very good run blocker.

Oregon State’s current class grade: C

JUCO LB T.J. Kautai (Euless, TX) commits to Maryland
Kautai is the third player from Independence Community College to commit to Maryland, providing a nice pipeline from school to program. He joins teammates Ami Finau and Mosiah Nasili-Kite. Kautai (6-1, 240) also took an official visit to East Carolina. He’ll be one of the middle linebackers in Maryland’s 3-4 alignment. He has two years of eligibility and a redshirt season remaining.

Maryland’s current class grade: C+

December 8

DE Victor Konopka (Blairstown, NJ) commits to Rutgers
Konopka (6-7, 250) was one of the initial targets who Greg Schiano went after shortly after he was hired to lead the program again. Konopka is a dynamic athlete who plays basketball as well. He will bring much needed length to the defensive line, and while he’s still pretty raw at football, Konopka has a high ceiling and should thrive in the style of defense Schiano wants to implement at Rutgers. The general belief is Konopka will develop into edge lineman on defense, but there is a chance he will play tight end.

Rutgers’ current class grade: C

PK Ian Williams (Matthews, NC) commits to N.C. State
Williams is the sixth-rated kicker in the 2020 class, according to Kohl’s kicking website, which also has him rated as a punter. Kohl’s says the following: “[Williams’] clean leg swing and repeatable motion are very impressed [sic]. His field goals and kickoffs are special. He also has the ability to hit some very big punts.”

N.C. State’s current class grade: C+

WR Damien Alford (Hollywood, FL) commits to Syracuse
Alford (6-5, 205) is probably going to be a tight end in college. Charles Fishbein of Elite Scouting Services told me that Alford reminds him of Louis Dorsey in terms of size. Alford is originally from Canada and moved to Florida in the spring to improve his football prospects. He has good speed to eventually be a tight end and should get there once he fills out his frame. He looks like he could be more of a hybrid tight end who would also line up on the outside rather than an inline tight end who will also be heavily used as a blocker.

Syracuse’s current class grade: C

S Bryson Bonds (Crowley, Texas) commits to Indiana
Bonds spent the weekend at Indiana on an official visit and becomes one of the four players who committed to the Hoosiers over the weekend as head coach Tom Allen begins to put the final touches on his 2020 class. Bonds (6-1, 195) will give Indiana some much-needed length in the secondary. His pass-defense skills are about average, and I think he’ll play a greater role up on the line of scrimmage and helping against the run. Bonds has been very productive as a tackler and even has the ability to be a blitz guy off the edge in the right packages.

Indiana’s current class grade: C+

RB Tim Baldwin (Nokesville, VA) commits to Indiana
Baldwin is one of two running backs who committed to Indiana this past weekend, joining projected fullback Charlie Spegal. Baldwin committed to Michigan very early in the process, but the commitment was short lived. Baldwin (6-0, 195) is more of a multi-purpose running back. He can catch passes and should become very involved in the receiving game. He was a very productive running back, rushing for over 1,600 yards as a senior along with 25 touchdowns. Indiana wants to run the ball more and hopes that the combination of Baldwin and Spegal will bring more productivity out of the ground game in the future.

Indiana’s current class grade: C+

FB Charlie Spegal (New Palestine, IN) commits to Indiana
Spegal has been one of the most productive running backs in the history of Indiana, rushing for over 10,000 yards during his time at New Palestine. Spegal is a big back (5-9, 220), but he has a little bit of speed to his game and showed on film that he can break off some big plays. That speed might not all translate to the Big Ten, but I think he is a good rotational back who will find a role in short-yardage and red-zone situations if nothing else.

Indiana’s current class grade: C+

JUCO DT Anthony Shipton (Villa Park, CA) commits to Illinois
Shipton committed to Illinois after taking an official visit to the campus over the weekend. Shipton has played his past two seasons at Cerritos College and has two years of eligibility remaining. Shipton (6-5, 290) played a lot of interior line at nose guard and had to battle against some big guards in the California junior college system. He did show the ability to blow up plays in the backfield and can rush the passer from the interior.

Illinois’ current class grade: C

TE A.J. Barner (Aurora, OH) commits to Indiana
Barner is the fourth commitment to the Hoosiers on an incredible recruiting weekend for head coach Tom Allen. Barner (6-5, 225) is going to project as an inline tight end, and even though he’s not at the size he’ll be once he fills out, he’s already an aggressive blocker and a physical player who gets it done on both side of the ball. As a receiver, Barner brings some skills to the today. He has pretty good hands and enough speed to stretch out defenses a little bit. Barner looks like a three-down tight end and a good fit for the more physical style of football Tom Allen wants the Hoosiers to play.

Indiana’s current class grade: C+

CB D.J. Warnell (Dickinson, TX) commits to UCLA
For a while, it looked like Warnell was going to be heading to Utah or possibly Arizona, but UCLA became the Pac-12 program to steal the cornerback out of Texas. Warnell (6-1, 185) had great length and the ability to line up at cornerback or safety. Warnell looks like more of a safety for the long term because he doesn’t seem to have the fluidity in his hips or general movement to hold up against the top wide receivers in the conference. But Warnell plays physically and he plays the football well. His ball skills are probably a little above average, although I’d have liked to see more interceptions on film when the opportunity presented itself.

UCLA’s current class grade: C

December 7

2021 QB Samari Collier (DeSoto, TX) commits to Illinois
Illinois has been on Collier since the spring and was trying to wrap up the quarterback portion of its recruiting class as early as possible. New Mexico State was Collier’s only other offer early in the process. Collier (6-3, 210) is the first member of Illinois’ 2021 class.

Illinois’ current class grade: C

JUCO OL Johari Branch (Chicago, IL) commits to Maryland
Branch started his official visit to Maryland on Friday, and by Saturday night, he was ready to commit to the Terms. Branch (6-3, 310) has been at Independence Community College, the most recent school to be documented on the Netflix series “Last Chance U”. He is projected as a guard, and Maryland has some open spots on the offensive line that Branch could fill. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

Maryland’s current class grade: C+

December 6

OL Trent Howard (Birmingham, AL) commits to Clemson
Howard was originally committed to Georgia Tech since the summer, but then the defending champions came calling and the 6-foot-4, 280-pound guard decided to make the switch. From an earlier evaluation: Howard plays tackle in high school, but it’s a primarily for a run-based offense, so the transition to the interior shouldn’t be much of a problem. Howard has decent feet, but it’s hard to tell without seeing too many pass-blocking clips. He plays with a good edge and a mean streak and seems to take pride in finishing those blocks. I could see him moving to center if his feet are as good as I think.

Clemson’s current class grade: A+

2021 TB Amariyon Howard (Starkville, MS) commits to Mississippi State
Howard decided he didn’t want to go to college too far from home and made the decision to stay in Starkville and commit to Mississippi State. Howard (6-0, 185) could project as a running back, wide receiver or a defensive back in college. He is the second verbal commitment for the Class of 2021 for Mississippi State.

Mississippi State’s current class grade: B-

December 5

DT Jalen Lee (Weston, LA) commits to Florida
Lee was formerly committed to LSU, having committed in June and backed away from that commitment in mid-November. He commits to the Gators ahead of his scheduled official visit to Gainesville on Friday. From an earlier evaluation: Lee is a good-looking lineman and definitely looks like he belongs on an SEC roster. His size (6-3, 295) is good, and his length makes him seem even taller. He plays low to the ground and uses that leverage to get in the backfield or push offensive linemen in the backfield and pester the running game. Lee plays with great effort and is good in backside pursuit. He can be a sloppy tackler at times, especially in pursuit.

Florida’s current class grade: B+

ATH Kenzel Lawler (Corona, CA) commits to Utah
Lawler is a two-way player who could play a lot of positions whether it’s wide receiver, free safety or possibly grow into a linebacker or tight end. Looking at the film, Lawler (6-3, 190) seems most natural playing defense, and I could see him making the transition to playing a safety position, where he could do more work defending the passing game than the run.

Utah’s current class grade: C+

December 3

DE Albany Casey (Bay Minette, AL) commits to Georgia Tech
Casey was a big name coming out of the camps at the start of the year and received a ton of offers, but his recruitment slowed down over the spring and summer. Georgia Tech, however, made an offer in May and stayed active. I think Casey has some real positive attributes, and much of which comes through grit and effort. He fights on every play and doesn’t take plays off. His strength and athleticism can be improved, but Casey plays like a player who is willing to do anything to contribute and should find a home on special teams and as a rotational lineman.

Georgia Tech’s current class grade: C+

LB Mister Williams (Westlake Village, CA) commits to Colorado
Williams (6-0, 218) could probably play either linebacker position, and much of his success will stem from his ability to drop back and play in coverage. Williams isn’t tall, but he has good arm length and plays a little taller than he is. He’s a good athlete who plays running back in high school and could easily play the position in college. Williams had official visits to UCLA and California, plus took an official visit to Nebraska.

Colorado’s current class grade: C+

2021 DT Lee Hunter (Eight Mile, AL) commits to Auburn
Hunter was already one of the most coveted prospects in the 2021 class and had Alabama, Florida, Arkansas, Texas A&M and several others on his offer list. Hunter (6-4, 290) looks like the real deal and stands out on the field as the best player, even in games with several top prospects. Hunter is the third prospect who has given Auburn a verbal commitment for its 2021 class.

Auburn’s current class grade: B+

2021 QB Jay Woolfolk (Richmond, VA) commits to Virginia
Woolfolk visited Virginia over the weekend and becomes the second member of the Cavaliers’ 2021 class on the day, joining defensive tackle Terion Sugick. Woolfolk (6-1, 200) also had early offers from Marshall and Massachusetts.

Virginia’s current class grade: C

2021 DT Terion Sugick (Fort Washington, MD) commits to Virginia
Sugick (6-2, 285) is the first player to commit to the Cavaliers in the 2021 class, and he’ll fill a big need as Virginia tries to get bigger and more athletic on both sides of the line. Sugick has already colllected some big offers, with Indiana, Florida and Boston College being among the early schools after the big interior lineman.

Virginia’s current class grade: C

December 2

JUCO Johnathan Riley (Waldorf, MD) commits to Oregon State
Riley is a prospect who could’ve left a year early after a good freshman season at Independence Community College in Kansas for some FBS opportunities, but he stuck around the junior college ranks and transferred to Kilgore Junior College for another year in hopes of becoming a prospect for a Power Five program. Riley worked out with Kilgore, but did not use eligibility, giving him three years to play three for Oregon State.

Oregon State’s current class grade: C

WR Douglas Emilien (Fort Lauderdale, FL) commits to Minnesota
Emilien has been a solid two-way star in high school and should project to offense full time in college. He had a productive senior year for a program at American Heritage that is loaded with FBS prospects. Emilien (6-0, 175) is a good all-around receiver who can get open and move the chains. He has great on-field awareness and knows how to find the holes in a defense. He’s probably a No. 2 receiver in college as more of a possession guy who can stretch the field a little bit rather than a speed guy with big-play ability. Still, Emilien should be a good fit for the offense.

Minnesota’s current class grade: B-

OT Casey Collier (Mont Belvieu, TX) commits to USC
Collier was committed to Minnesota for several months before re-opening his recruitment. USC is going through a lot of transition in this offensive line class, picking up and losing prospects at a significant rate. Still, the Trojans are going to lose a lot up front after the 2020 season and Collier (6-7, 300) is a legitimate left tackle prospect who has the size and length already, even though he is still growing and will continue to improve his strength. Collier is a bit of a project and will have to do a lot of work to improve his technique and footwork. He’ll likely redshirt and might not be a contributor for a couple of seasons. But Collier has the size you can’t teach and a good ceiling for development.

USC’s current class grade: C

DE Regen Terry (Florence, AZ) commits to Arizona
Terry (6-3, 230) appears to be a prospect who was a little under-recruited and might turn out to be a diamond in the rough during this cycle. He is mostly an edge rusher right now, but there’s some good upside and a ceiling to turn into a three-down lineman as long as he improves against the run. He is very strong at the point of contact and can break down a protection plan with his punch. He has strong legs and a good drive. His testing seemed a bit slow, and he looks much faster than his reported 5.15 in the 40. Speed concerns might be what kept some programs away from him. There are some areas Terry needs to fix, and he will need a redshirt to work on those issues.

Arizona’s current class grade: C-

December 1

CB Ethan Pouncey (Winter Park, FL) commits to Florida
Pouncey was a recent de-commitment from Texas and decided to stay closer in state and strengthen Florida’s already strong secondary class. From an earlier evaluation: Pouncey (6-1, 160) is a long, smooth cornerback who has exceptional ball skills. He has great flexibility with his body as he can backpedal and then flip his hips with ease. He reads plays well and has great anticipation. Pouncey isn’t the biggest cornerback, but he is a play-maker who is a threat to score every time he gets his hands on the ball. He is a fundamentally sound cornerback who will be very productive as he gains strength and mass.

Florida’s current class grade: B+

DE Sean Martin (Bluefield, WV) commits to West Virginia
Martin was originally committed to North Carolina, but backed around from that decisions in early August and has been on the open market since. From an early evaluation: Martin (6-6, 255) has tremendous size for the position, and I wonder if he’ll grow to around 300 pounds and move to the interior. He is strong and good on pursuit, but his pass-rushing skills will need to improve. Martin has a tendency to run himself out of plays and be forced to recover. The raw talent and physicality is there.

West Virginia’s current class grade: C+

2021 WR Deion Smith (Jackson, MS) commits to LSU
Smith was one of the more hotly pursued prospects in the 2021 class for his position after he made an early commitment to Mississippi State. When the offers started coming, they didn’t stop as Kentucky, Louisville, Tennessee, Auburn and Ole Miss were among the schools. But the LSU offer was the one Smith (6-1, 175) was waiting for, and on Sunday, he decided to flip from the Bulldogs to the Tigers and become the third commitment in the 2021 class.

LSU’s current class grade: A

November 30

2021 ILB Keith Brown (Lebanon, OR) commits to Oregon
Brown is a major in-state grab for Mario Cristobal and his staff as they transition from closing out an impressive 2020 class and focusing on 2021 prospects. Brown (6-1, 220) is a big, physical player who likes to play downhill and around the line of scrimmage. He is a pure middle linebacker at this point without a lot to his coverage game, but inside the box is where Brown will thrive. He is the fourth member of the Ducks’ 2021 recruiting class.

Oregon’s current class grade: A-

2021 ATH Zach Twedt (Story City, IA) commits to Iowa
Tweet was committed to Iowa State for the better part of 2019, but he backed off his commitment early in November and closed out the month with a flip to Iowa. Tweet (6-3, 205) should eventually grow into a linebacker, but tight end might also be a possibility for him. He is the sixth commitment for Iowa in the 2021 recruiting class.

Iowa’s current class grade: C+

November 29

ATH Montana Lemonious-Craig (Inglewood, CA) commits to Colorado
Lemonious-Craig could give the Buffaloes snaps at wide receiver or in the defense as a safety/linebacker hybrid. I like him more as a big possession receiver who can use his body to box out defenders and get open to move the sticks on third down or in the red zone. He has been extremely productive as a receiver in high school, collecting over 1,000 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns on 41 catches.

Colorado’s current class grade: C+

DE Zykeivous Walker (Ellaville, GA) commits to Auburn
Walker is a bit of a steal for the Tigers as he had reportedly been a major Georgia lean for several months, but eventually came down to choosing Auburn over Georgia and Florida. Walker (6-4, 260) looks like he can do damage across the line. I believe he’ll definitely spend a lot of time at defensive end, but don’t be surprised if he moves to the middle from time to time. I believe he has the skill set and arsenal of moves to be a disruptive pass-rusher from the inside. Walker has the size and length to hold up on the edge against the run game, and on passing downs, he’ll get to the quarterback. Walker is somewhere between a red-chip and blue-chip prospect – let’s call him a purple chip. Meanwhile, Auburn looks like it is putting the pieces together for another top-10 class.

Auburn’s current class grade: B+

S Jalen Harrell (Hialeah, FL) commits to Miami
Harrell is a flip from Florida State, which he had been committed to since March. He is a long (6-2, 180) safety who can play center field and diagnose plays well from that area. Harrell can help on the run game, and he has some physical aspects to his game. He will definitely be a free safety in college, because he is not fast enough to play cornerback. If Harrell continues to develop his ball skills, he’ll be a big contributor in the secondary.

Miami’s current class grade: B

2021 ATH M.J. Daniels (Lecedale, MS) commits to Ole Miss
Daniels committed to the Rebels a day before head coach Matt Luke was fired, but in this case, I don’t see much movement right now for the 2021 in-state prospect. Daniels is a cornerback with a safety’s size (6-3, 185). He might be looking at a move to safety in two years when he gets to college. Daniels is Ole Miss’ fifth commitment in the 2021 recruiting class.

Ole Miss’ current class grade: B-

November 28

RB Jaylan Knighton (Deerfield Beach, FL) commits to Miami
Knighton originally committed to Florida State over Ohio State back in August and was solidly committed to the Seminoles until Willie Taggart was fired. Before that, Knighton was committed to Oklahoma during his junior season. Knighton re-opened his recruitment and visited Florida and Miami before settling on the Hurricanes. From Knighton’s earlier evaluation: He is a stoutly-built back (5-9, 190) who has the ability to control the game as a running back or through the receiving game. He has very good speed and can explode through openings. Knighton doesn’t waste time with the football; he’s always moving forward, always looking for positive yardage.

Miami’s current class grade: B

DT Damarjhe Lewis (Griffin, GA) commits to Indiana
Lewis was committed to Auburn pretty early in the cycle, but backed away from that over the summer. He will fill a big need for Indiana, which continues to try to add size to the defensive line. Lewis (6-1, 305) is a nice big body to plug in the center of the defensive line. Lewis can rush the passer from the interior, and that’s another area that Indiana has been lacking. Technically, Lewis has a ways to go, but he’s pretty good with his hands and definitely plays hard most of the time. Whether Lewis ends up at nose tackle or three-technique, I believe he can provide meaningful snaps early in his career at Indiana.

Indiana’s current class grade: C+

LB/DE Reggie Grimes (Brentwood, TN) commits to Oklahoma
Grimes (6-3, 245) has been known as a combine standout and tests very well in most areas. His sub-4.7 speed puts him in pretty rare air when it comes to defensive ends in this class. Grimes has some versatility as a football player and could easily be re-classified as an athlete. But I believe his best role is somewhere between an edge rusher and a pure defensive end. Everything Grimes does right now is with his motor and pursuit because he’s pretty raw from a development standpoint. He needs to become a physical player and really work at the craft. But there’s a tremendous ceiling and upside from Grimes. He’s a clear red-chip prospect.

Oklahoma’s current class grade: B+

November 27

OL Xavier Hill (Olive Branch, MS) committed to LSU
Hill was a former Alabama commitment, and the general belief was that he was leaning toward Mississippi State after he backed away from the Crimson Tide commitment, but LSU has been pulling recruiting surprises for most of this cycle. Hill, who will likely be a guard in college, does a lot of things well. He’s strong at the point of attack and in his base and keeps his body low to play with leverage. Hill is a good athlete. He may need a little more of a mauler right now than a high-technique blocker, but those things come with development. Hill isn’t afraid to mix it up however, and when he gets the chance to finish a block, he does it with authority.

LSU’s current class grade: A

WR Ke’Shawn Williams (Philadelphia, PA) commits to Wake Forest
Williams (5-10, 175) had been committed to Kent State until he flipped to Wake Forest this week. He has been a very productive receiver in high school with over 55 catches and nearly 900 receiving yards as a senior. Williams will likely play in the slot, but Wake Forest tends to move irs receivers around a lot. He has good hands, and he has some wiggle when he gets in space, but Williams is more agile than fast.

Wake Forest’s current class grade: C-

LB Shane Whitter (Burlington, NC) commits to Oklahoma
Whitter is an athletic tackling machine. He committed to Wake Forest in early March, and back then, he was thought to be a steal for Demon Deacons. Whitter (6-0, 220) never backed away from his commitment to Wake Forest, but he was looking around and an Oklahoma offer was too good for him to pass up. Whitter is one of those players who did everything in high school, playing some linebacker, some fullback and some tight end. Whitter should project as a middle linebacker with the ability to play close to the line scrimmage and the athleticism to drop in coverage.

Oklahoma’s current class grade: B+

November 26

DE Avery Dunn (Cleveland, OH) commits to Michigan State
Dunn is a pure edge rusher who gets into the backfield quickly and has a knack for disrupting quarterbacks and running backs. Dunn (6-4, 210), who committed to Michigan State over West Virginia, will need to put on considerable weight to play defensive end in the Big Ten, but as long as he keeps his natural burst, the extra 40 pounds shouldn’t be a hindrance. Dunn gives great effort play to play, but he can be a little over aggressive and run himself out of plays; that’s what happens to guys who play downhill and only know one speed. Those things can be fixed, but Dunn’s effort is going to be his key to success.

Michigan’s current class grade: C

JUCO DE Junior Aho (Nice, France) commits to Nebraska
Aho comes from Bjorn Werner’s European prospects group and played his freshman year at New Mexico Military Institute. Aho recorded nearly 40 tackles and four sacks with New Mexico Military. He is graduating in December and will have three years of eligibility with a redshirt available when he arrives at Nebraska.

Nebraska’s current class grade: C+

OT Justin Stevens (Mississauga, ON) commits to Michigan State
Stevens (6-6. 285) was originally committed to Eastern Michigan, but then offers from Michigan State, Syracuse, Indiana and others began to come his way and he backed away from his commitment. He eventually landed at Michigan State. Stevens is a little bit of a project. He’s going to have to find a position on the field, and I’m not sure he has the athleticism or arm length to end up at offensive tackle. I think he’ll be a guard with the potential to be a very good run blocker. His pass blocking is going to take some development.

Nebraska’s current class grade: C+

WR Loic Fouonji (Midland, TX) commits to Texas Tech
Fouonji is a good-looking prospect and a big body at wide receiver in a wide-open offense. At 6-foot-4, 195 pounds, size won’t be an issue for Fouonji, and he already shows the ability to catch balls at a high point. He is a high-volume pass catcher with plus-level speed. He was very productive as a senior in high school, with nearly 70 catches and over 1,300 yards receiving. As Fouonji puts on more muscle and gains strength, he has the potential to be a physical nightmare in the Big XII. Fouonji is a legitimate red-chip prospect with a high ceiling.

Texas Tech’s current class grade: C

RB Jayle Stacks (Englewood, CO) commits to Colorado
Stacks is a big power back who’s close to 230 pounds. It’s possible he’ll grow into being a fullback. Stacks was originally committed to Air Force, but jumped at the opportunity to play in the Pac-12. Stacks will be considered a “blueshirt” and will be on campus next year, but will not play until the 2021 season when his scholarship becomes active.

Colorado’s current class grade: C+

Nov. 25

DE Tyler Wegis (San Juan Capistrano, CA) commits to Utah
Utah needs some reinforcements on defense, especially along the defensive line, so it makes sense to take a flyer on a player like Wegis, who offers significant upside and potential if he can fill out his frame. Wegis (6-6, 220) is going to need some time to pack on mass, but he offers plenty of options on the field. He could be a linebacker or a defensive end, or possibly find his way as an undersized three-technique who specializes in passing downs.

Utah’s current class grade: C+

JUCO CB Jackie Matthews (Pinson, AL) commits to West Virginia
Matthews is one of the more promising junior college prospects to come through the rankings this year and was a big part of the national championship team at Mississippi Gulf Coast. He finished his sophomore season with 52 tackles and six interceptions. Timmi Norling, the director for JuCo Scouting said that Matthews is likely to be a junior college All-American.

Virginia Tech’s current class grade: C+

TE Jake Overman (Anaheim, CA) commits to Oregon State
Oregon State made Overman a top priority early in the process, and the tight end made an official visit to the program during the summer. Washington made a charge and got an official visit in late September, but eventually Overman committed to the Beavers. Overman seems to have the nice total package for a combo tight end. He has the strength to be effective as a blocker in the run game, and he is athletic enough as a receiver to be a contributor in the pass game. Overman (6-5, 235) should develop into an every-down player.

Oregon State’s current class grade: C

DT Jordan Berry (Harbor City, CA) commits to Colorado
Berry, a former LSU commitment, backed off his commitment to the Tigers in mid-October. From that point, it seemed like Colorado and head coach Mel Tucker made the big interior nose guard a priority, and Berry visited the campus to further the conversation. Berry (6-2, 325) is much-needed space eater in the middle and should be an early contributor. He has good upper body strength and could get stronger, and he will need to do deal with the multiple blockers and double teams he’ll face. The Buffaloes continue to transfer their defense and add in new parts. A player like Berry should be able to come in and battle for snaps immediately.

Colorado’s current class grade: C+

OG Vinny Sciury (Massillion, OH) commits to Indiana
Sciury was committed to Toledo for the past eight months, but flipped to Indiana a couple of weeks before he was scheduled to take an official visit – Dec. 6. Sciury is likely to play guard or center, and as an interior offensive lineman in that offense, Sciury is an interesting fit. He’s a decent athlete, a little better than I expected to see on film, and he plays with a high motor and a desire to finish blocks. He has a little nastiness in there as well. Being an early enrollee is also a big plus for Sciury, who can get in the Hoosiers’ strength program right away.

Indiana’s current class grade: C

2021 Malik Rutherford (Hialeah, FL) commits to Georgia Tech
Rutherford is the starting slot receiver on a team that has won three consecutive small-school -Class 2A – championships in Florida. Nebraska, Penn State and Kentucky had also made offers to Rutherford, but he becomes the first commitment in the 2021 recruiting class for Georgia Tech.

Georgia Tech’s current class grade: C+

2021 DT Griffin Liddle (Bettendorf, IA) commits to Iowa
Iowa has already hit on primarily all of its in-state targets for the 2021 class. Little (6-3, 270) is the latest to join the Hawkeyes and becomes the fifth commitment for them in the 2021 recruiting class. Liddle was a rising prospect in Big Ten countr, with Michigan State and Minnesota among those making in-conference offers. Iowa State made an offer as well.

Iowa’s current class grade: B-

2021 ATH Justice Sulliv1n (Eden Prairie, MN) commits to Iowa
Sullivan is already a candidate for the all-name team among 2021 recruits, and he’s arguably the top junior prospect out of the state of Minnesota. Sullivan (6-1, 220) projects as an inside linebacker in college, but his growth will be monitored with another year left in high school. Nebraska and Minnesota had also made offers to Sullivan, who visited both programs in the spring. He’s the sixth verbal commitment for Iowa in the 2021 class.

Iowa’s current class grade: B-

2022 CB Khamauri Rogers (Lexington, MS) commits to LSU
With LSU’s history of producing defensive backs, you know that coach Corey Raymond believes he has a special prospect when he pursues them as a sophomore. Rogers (6-0, 160) already has great size considering he is 15-16 years old. He already plays cornerback and safety for his high school is and considered a top-five prospect in Mississippi for the 2022 class. Ole Miss, Florida and Indiana were among Rogers’ early offers. He is the third commitment for LSU in its 2022 recruiting class.

LSU’s current class grade: A

Nov. 23

WR Anthony Smith (Huntingtown, MD) commits to N.C. State
Smith received his first offer from a Power Five program Saturday when the Wolfpack made an offer after seeing him play. and it took him less than 24 hours to make a decision and commit to them. On film, it looks like Smith might be a little under-recruited. He has legitimate speed, around 4.6, and he generates separation well. Smith has good strength and will fight for the ball. His route-running probably needs to be diversified given that I didn’t see much variation to it.

N.C. State’s current class grade: C+

RB Miyan Williams (Cincinnati, OH) commits to Ohio State
Williams committed to Iowa State on July 4, but the Cincinnati prospect received interest from Ohio State, and that led to an offer from the Buckeyes and a quick commitment on Saturday. Ohio State has a loaded class in nearly every position, but running back where the program struck out on its top targets, Bijan Robinson and Jaylan Knighton. Williams (5-10, 200) isn’t a Robinson or a Knighton, but he’s a big, thick running back who can take on a heavy workload. Williams has been super productive in high school and holds the Ohio High School Athletic Association career rushing yards record. He has already has taken a lot of carries, and he is what he is in terms of development – not a star, but a player who will contribute at the position.

Ohio State’s current class grade: A-

ATH Caine Savage (Anaheim, CA) commits to Utah
Savage committed to Arizona State back during the summer evaluation period and stuck with the Sun Devils through October before he began looking around and eventually took official visits to Utah and Washington State. Savage (5-11, 170) backed off of his Arizona State commitment on Nov. 13 to set up his move to the Utes’ class. He can play on either side of the ball, but I believe his best fit is at defensive back, where he will spend a lot of time in the slot. Savage has very good speed, footwork and plays with a competitive nature. He looks like a good fit for Utah’s style of football.

Utah’s current class grade: C+

Nov. 22

LB Noah Sewell (Orem, UT) commits to Oregon
Sewell is a big-time get for the Ducks, as he is a legitimate top-50 prospect in this class regardless of position. And Sewell (6-2, 261) is one of the most unique players in this class and perhaps the most athletic 260-pound prospect I’ve seen in years. There is a play on his highlight reel where Sewell reads a screen play, runs it down and just obliterates the ball-carrier. To play linebacker at 260-270 pounds, you have to have a unique skill set, which Sewell does. The things on film I keep going back to are his backside pursuit and the way he doesn’t eliminate himself from a play and can chase down backs and receivers from behind. He also plays fullback/running back in high school, and that just isn’t fair, as guys seem to bounce right off of him. I have always said that Sewell is likely going to grow into an interior guy, but I’m no longer married to that idea. If he stays at linebacker and keeps his size and athleticism, there’s no reason he can’t be the best in the country. Sewell is a blue-chip prospect with a high-end NFL upside.

Oregon’s current class grade: A-

WR Dazalin Worsham (Trussville, AL) commits to Miami
Worsham (6-0, 180) was originally a commitment to Alabama and spent over a year committed to the Crimson Tide before he declared himself open for recruitment during the summer. From that point on, Miami appeared to be the program with the best chance to beat out Alabama for Worsham. Worsham has good size and is probably more of a possession receiver than a guy who can stretch the field. He runs decent routes and has been productive in high school. He knows how to get open and how to find holes in coverage, and on third downs, he knows how to run a route to the sticks. Worsham probably won’t be a No. 1 receiver at Miami, but he can develop into an every-down starter.

Miami’s current class grade: B

RB Devon Achane (Missouri City, TX) commits to Texas A&M
Achane ended up choosing to stay in state and commit to the Aggies over LSU. He’s the definition of a combo back and a player who will be a considerable help in the passing game. He isn’t the biggest player on the block (5-9, 175), but he is dynamic in space and will provide the versatility of being able to line up in the backfield or in the slot, out wide and possibly help with special teams in the return game. Achane is a quick hitter and has the ability to turn any play into a big gain. As a receiver, his ability to make plays after the catch is plus level. He’ll need to get bigger and stronger to play in the SEC, but he is a dynamic athlete.

Texas A&M’s current class grade: B+

2022 ATH Anthony Costanzo (Monument, CO) commits to Colorado
Costanzo already had offers from Colorado and Colorado State, and the in-state prospect decided to make his decision quickly and commit to the Buffaloes. Constanzo (6-2, 195) has been a regular on the Buffaloes’ campus since his offer in the spring, so this commitment was not a shock. He’s projected to play in the secondary, but of course he could eventually grow into a linebacker given he has two years left of high school. Costanzo in the first member of Colorado’s 2022 recruiting class.

Colorado’s current class grade: C+

Nov. 21

OT Parker Clements (Lugoff, SC) commits to Virginia Tech
Clements (6-7, 265) is a lengthy tackle prospect who is the first offensive linemen to commit to the Hokies during this recruiting cycle. He has been a target for Virginia Tech since the summer, and programs like Louisville, East Carolina and N.C. State jumped on board with offers as well. Clements has great length and a good frame; he’ll have to improve his overall athleticism and get stronger in the lower and upper body. He probably won’t be an immediate producer and should probably take a redshirt, but the natural tools are there for the future.

Virginia Tech’s current class grade: C-

JUCO ATH Lavar Gardner (Decatur, GA) commits to Illinois
Gardner has played the past two years at Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kansas. He chose the Illini over Nebraska, UMass and Southern Miss. He is being recruiting as a linebacker for Illinois. He was among the leaders in tackles for Hutchinson this season and will have two years of eligibility remaining with a redshirt season available.

Illinois’ current class grade: C

JUCO DT Latrell Bankston (Woodstock, GA) commits to Iowa State
Bankston has spent the past two years at Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kansas. He had offers from SMU, Kansas State, Arizona, Boise State and several others. He had over 40 tackles and double-digit sacks for Hutchinson as a sophomore this season. He will have two years of eligibility and a redshirt season available as a junior college transfer.

Iowa State’s current class grade: C

2021 WR Tai Felton (Ashburn, VA) commits to Maryland
Felton (6-2, 170) is a tall, long receiver who becomes the third commitment for the Terrapins in the 2021 recruiting class. Felton had offers from Nebraska, Virginia Tech and Duke, among others. He did not play much as a junior because of a season-ending knee injury.

Maryland’s current class grade: B-

Nov. 20

P Cameron Guess (Belle Vernon, PA) commits to Pittsburgh
Guess is the ninth-ranked punter in the nation and a five-star prospect according to Kohl’s kicking website. Kohl’s writes that Guess “has one of the strongest punt and kickoff legs in the country and has improved technically since January. His hips are powerful and often produce Hugh kicks and punts.”

Pittsburgh’s current class grade: C

Nov. 19

DE Gabriel Lopez (Las Vegas, NV) commits to Washington State
Lopez (6-3, 225) is an edge rusher who has been very productive at Desert Pines High in Las Vegas, recording double-digit sacks during the past two seasons. His speed rush game is solid, and he plays with a high motor. Lopez will have to work on diversifying his pass-rush moves in college, as he won’t be able to rely on speed all the time. He’ll also have to get better at the run and his responsibilities on the edge outside of the pass rush.

Washington State’s current class grade: C+

RB John Gentry (Houston, TX) commits to Utah
Gentry (5-10, 190) gives the Utes a good-looking prospect at running back with a high ceiling. He is a downhill runner who looks more comfortable running north-south and finding holes in between the tackles. Gentry has good size and a good forward lean. He’ll get bigger and continue to run with more power to gain those extra yards. Gentry has been part of a running back rotation with blue-chip 2020 prospect Zachary Evans, but Gentry has more than enough talent to develop into a feature back. He will need to improve his pass-catching game and work on lateral movement at the next level.

Utah’s current class grade: C+

TE Tristian Golightly (Mesquite, TX) commits to Kansas
Kansas was on Golightly early in the recruiting cycle, with the program’s staff making an offer to him in February. Golightly (6-5, 200) is a tall receiver who most observers think will put on the necessary weight to be a tight end. Kansas, however, might be looking at Golightly as a big outside receiver. If he stays at wide receiver, Golightly should be a big target for a quarterback and someone who can get out and grab the jump balls. He isn’t as developed as a route-runner and will have to work harder to get separation at the next level.

Kansas’ current class grade: C-

Nov. 18

S Christian Gonzalez (The Colony, TX) commits to Colorado
Gonzalez was committed to Colorado before he flipped to Purdue on August 6, but he backed off of his commitment to Purdue on Sunday and returned to the fold at Colorado on Monday. From his earlier evaluation: Gonzalez (6-1, 195) is built to handle bigger receivers at cornerback or safety. He seems more like a cornerback at this stage and plays with a competitive, aggressive mentality out on the edge. He’s projected as a safety in college assuming he’ll add mass and muscle, but I could see Gonzalez continuing to draw the assignment of covering outside receivers.

Colorado’s current class grade: C+

DL Jaedon Roberts (Avon, CT) commits to California
Roberts (6-3, 285) is a jumbo athlete who plays on either side of the line and can work out as a defensive tackle or an interior offensive lineman in college. I kind of see Roberts as more of a defensive player in college because he’s a quick-twitch athlete and the way he moves and his burst tell me he’ll be very successful as an interior pass-rusher. Roberts grades out as a red-chip player to me, and I believe he’s underrated as a recruit. This is a big pickup for California because Roberts is a player who should be able to give the program quality snaps as a freshman.

California’s current class grade: C+

DT Jaylen Smith (Ahoskie, NC) commits to Oregon
Oregon is beginning to fill out its defense class, and Smith is a nice addition at defensive tackle. He chose the Ducks after an official visit to the campus over the weekend. Smith had several offers closer to home like N.C. State, Wake Forest and Virginia Tech. Smith is a late target for Oregon, which extended an offer to him in late October and immediately shot up the board. He has been a productive player in high school, collecting over 10 sacks as a senior. Smith can play on the end in odd-man fronts or as a three-technique in a four-man front.

Oregon’s current class grade: B+

2021 DT Anthony Hundley (Miami, FL) commits to LSU
Hundley committed to Miami back in May, and even back then, it was thought to be more of a placeholder commitment than a strong pledge. After a summer of looking around, Hundley (6-3, 270) backed off of his Miami commitment before the start of high school football season. He has offers from most of the top programs and is widely considered one of the five best defensive line prospects in Florida for the 2021 class. He is the second verbal commitment in the 2021 recruiting class for LSU.

LSU’s current class grade: A

Nov. 17

CB Justin Anderson (Menlo Park, CA) commits to Washington State
Anderson has been on Washington State’s radar for a while, and the feeling has been mutual as the defensive back has taken several unofficial visits to the campus. With the Cougars’ staff trying to round out the defensive class, Anderson (6-1, 185) decided to become the 17th verbal commitment in the class and first cornerback. Anderson plays with a high motor. He can play cornerback or safety and has good length to defend. He has a nose for the football and tracks passes very well. One thing that stood out on film is how much Anderson likes to fight for that inside position when he’s in man coverage.

Washington State’s current class grade: C+

CB Daran Branch (Amite, LA) commits to Ole Miss
Branch had been committed to the Miami Hurricanes since mid-March, but he flipped to Ole Miss on Sunday and decided to stay closer to home after taking an unofficial visit to Ole Miss over the weekend. Branch (6-1, 175) is a scheme-versatile defensive back who will likely spend time at cornerback and safety during his time in college. He is a competitor and his aggressive style shows up on film. Branch likes to get up in a wide receiver’s face and get his hand in their hip pocket. It’s a risk-reward style for sure, but one that he seems willing to accept the risk for.

Ole Miss’ current class grade: B-

Nov. 16

JUCO CB Aaron Reynolds (Montgomery, AL) commits to Texas Tech
Reynolds (6-2, 180) has played the past two seasons at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas and will stay in the Lone Star state to play his college football. He had offers from Middle Tennessee State and South Alabama, but he decided to make his commitment to Texas Tech after visiting campus. Reynolds will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Texas Tech’s current class grade: C

Nov. 14

OT Samuel Peacock (Gig Harbor, WA) commits to Washington
Peacock is a late-rising prospect, and he committed to Oregon State late in July when the Beavers extended the only FBS offer he had. Since then, Peacock (6-6, 260) has added more offers and has made the flip to Pac-12 rival Washington State. From his earlier evaluation: Peacock has good size with plenty of room to add to his frame and fill out. He has decent footwork and busy hands. Peacock his more of a developmental prospect at this stage. He will need to add upper body strength and get strong at his base so he doesn’t lose balance against speed rushers.

Washington’s current class grade: B

WR Marvin Mims (Frisco, TX) commits to Oklahoma
Mims waited for a while to get cleared by Stanford’s academics, and when he was, he committed to the Cardinal in August. Since then, Oklahoma’s interest in the wide receiver grew stronger and he flipped to the Sooners. From his earlier evaluation: Mims is one of the most productive wide receivers in the nation, recording over 1,100 yards and double-digit touchdowns as a sophomore and a junior. He does most of his damage with the vertical routes and stretching the middle of the field. He can catch the ball in traffic and has a nose for the end zone. He’ll have to get bigger (5-11, 165) to deal with the physical aspects of being an outside receiver.

Oklahoma’s current class grade: B+

Nov. 12

OL Levi Rogers (Woodinville, WA) commits to Stanford
Rogers (6-5, 270) was one of the most coveted linemen among the Pac-12 schools during this cycle, with nearly all 12 programs in on his recruitment before Stanford won out. He is a very good athlete and technically among the best linemen in this class. Once he adds more strength to go with his technique, it’s easy to see Rogers having NFL-type upside. He does all the right things as a blocker – he moves his feet well; he’s active with his hands; and he plays lower with a strong base established. Rogers could play any position along the line and offers great versatility.

Stanford’s current class grade: B-

WR Jaylon Carlies (Winter Garden, FL) commits to Missouri
Carlies committed to Missouri at the same time as his teammate, Tyler Jones, committed to the Tigers. Carlies (6-2, 185) provides good size at the position and has shown the ability to stretch the field. He needs to work on diversifying his route tree and improving his hands. He chose the Tigers over offers from Pittsburgh, Maryland and Duke.

Missouri’s current class grade: C+

RB Lamy Constant (Brooklyn, NY) commits to West Virginia
Constant is potentially a different kind of running back than the ones we’re used to seeing from West Virginia offenses of the past. He’s a little bigger (6-0, 190) and can get more done between the tackles. Constant also plays defense and could be a good fit in the secondary. But assuming he stays on offense, he has quick feet and the patience to let the play develop in front of him. Constant is strong, and it shows in his leg drive. He should get on the field early and provide a power-running element for West Virginia.

West Virginia’s current class grade: C

RB Rashad Amos (Tyrone, GA) commits to South Carolina
Amos flipped to South Carolina after being committed to Western Kentucky since the summer. He is a power back and will provide nice depth for the Gamecocks in their running back room along with fellow 2020 class recruit MarShawn Lloyd. Amos took an unofficial visit to South Carolina to watch the Gamecocks play Vanderbilt and was extended an offer. He is the 19th commitment for South Carolina in its 2020 recruiting class.

South Carolina’s current class grade: B-

S Tyler Jones (Winter Garden, FL) commits to Missouri
Jones has been a long-time target for Missouri, and the Tigers were able to receive a commitment from him and his teammate, wide receiver Jaylon Carlies. Jones (6-0, 185) brings good size and speed to the secondary. He has good ball skills and is a very competitive, aggressive player on the outside. Jones had other offers from Purdue, Louisville, Syracuse, N.C. State and a host of others.

Missouri’s current class grade: C+

LB Rodney Groce Jr. (Pleasant Grove, AL) commits to Mississippi State
Groce Jr. was committed to Nebraska after he took his official visit in early October when the Cornhuskers hosted Ohio State. He backed off that commitment less than a month later and went searching for a program closer to home. Groce had already visited Mississippi State and came back around to the program after his de-commitment. From an earlier evaluation: Groce is a natural inside linebacker who should get to the 250-pound range and help attack in the gaps. He is a physical player and a pretty good tackler in the open field. Groce should develop into a multi-year starter.

Mississippi State’s current class grade: B-

JUCO OL Dawson Delforge (Wamego, KS) commits to Kansas State
Delforge has played the last two seasons at Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas. He has the size (6-5, 315) to play guard or tackle and could fit in several different places depending on need. Delforge had offers from Western Kentucky, Texas-San Antonio and others. He has two years of eligibility and a redshirt season available.

Kansas State’s current class grade: C

Nov. 11

DE Kenny Mestidor (Oakdale, CT) commits to UCLA
UCLA has done a great job of retooling its defensive class over the past couple of weeks and continues to find good-looking athletes outside of its region with a commitment from Mestidor, who had an impressive offer list that included Michigan State, Nebraska, USC and others. Mestidor (6-3, 240) has good length and should be a good fit as a defensive end in an even-man front. He is quick off the ball and shows good use with his hands. He has a tendency to over-run plays, and while he shows some backside-pursuit ability, I wouldn’t say it’s a strength. As a pure pass-rusher, Mestidor has a lot of potential.

UCLA’s current class grade: C+

WR Montorie Foster (Lakewood, OH) commits to Michigan State
The Spartans made their offer to Foster early last week, and the wide receiver took a visit to the campus over the weekend and quickly committed to the Spartans over offers from Akron, Kent State and Bowling Green. Foster (6-2, 180) is a late-riser who has only played one year of football, so that would explain why he’s a little under-recruited. Foster plays in the St. Edward program, one of the best in Ohio and a program with a reputation of having productive players in college. Foster has played basketball in high school and uses some of those skills to gain favorable positioning for catches. He is a raw prospect, but there is some intriguing potential there.

Michigan State’s current class grade: C

RB Ashaad Clayton (New Orleans, LA) commits to Colorado
Clayton gives Colorado the legitimate every-down running back prospect who head coach Mel Tucker wants to build a more physical offense around. At 6-foot, 205 pounds, size won’t be an issue for Clayton and he can get bigger. He already runs with power, although I think he could be a little more patient and find more success by letting some things develop for him. Clayton is a downhill runner who has a good lean and is always going after the extra yardage following the first sign of contact. He has the body and style for high-volume work and should be able to get on the field early.

Colorado’s current class grade: C+

LB Toren Pittman (Frisco, TX) commits to Colorado
Pittman (6-3, 195) provides length at linebacker and shows the ability to make plays in space and not get turned around when asked to play in coverage. Pittman has very good speed – reportedly 4.63 seconds in the 40 – and should offer versatility as a linebacker who could possibly double up and play a hybrid role in the secondary. Pittman has played a lot of safety in high school. Right now, it’s hard to project where he will end up, much of it will do with how much his body fills out, but he provides an interesting athlete who can run and offer some different options on the field.

Colorado’s current class grade: C+

DE Donell Harris (Miami, FL) commits to Texas A&M
Harris was committed to Miami very early in the process while he was still considered a 2021 recruit. He backed away from his Miami commitment early in the summer and re-classified himself as a 2020 recruit. Harris (6-4, 215) is one of the elite pass-rushers in the class and is one of the best in the nation at getting around the edge. He is the definition of a quick-twitch athlete and has a great set of moves to get to the passer. All of his skills should only be enhanced with coaching at the next level. Harris could play a stand-up role and has the athleticism to play in some coverage, but eventually he’s going to put on the weight and become a 255-260-pound player off the edge with high-end NFL upside. He is a true blue-chip player at his position.

Texas A&M’s current class grade: A-

Nov. 10

DT Jacobian Guillory (Alexandria, LA) commits to LSU
Guillory (6-1, 330) will bring the beef to the middle of any defensive line. He is a powerhouse and a state weightlifting and shotput champion in high school. His strength easily comes through on film with the way he drives blockers into the backfield or just completely knocks them off the block. Guillory is very difficult to block one on one because of his strength. He is a prototypical nose guard in a three-man front and can control the running game with his size and ability to clog space. Guillory can rush the passer from the inside, but it’s not necessarily a strength yet. His pass rush is mostly brute strength, which works in high school, but will need to be more diversified in college.

LSU’s current class grade: A

JUCO OT Brenden Coffey (Paradise, CA) commits to Auburn
Coffey has spent the last two years at Butte College in Oroville, California and is one of the top junior college offensive line prospects in this recruiting class. Coffer (6-6, 280) has played a lot of right tackle at Butte and shows very good athleticism and footwork for the position. He will have two years of eligibility and is a likely candidate to see the field early. Louisville, Utah, N.C. State, Arizona State and others were also recruiting Coffey.

Auburn’s current class grade: B+

Nov. 8

JUCO RB Marco Lee (Columbus, GA) commits to Virginia Tech
Lee, originally from Columbus, Georgia, has been at Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, Kansas for the past two seasons. Lee (5-11, 225) is considered a power back and should see the field quickly for the Hokies next season. He rushed for over 800 yards for Coffeyville as a sophomore. He will enroll in January with two years of eligibility and a redshirt year available.

Virginia Tech’s current class grade: C-

OT Jimmy Christ (Sterling, VA) commits to Penn State
Christ was one of the centerpieces of Virginia’s recruiting class, but decided to back away from his commitment to the Cavaliers on Friday morning and by the afternoon the 6-foot-7, 295-pound projected tackle was pledging to be a Nittany Lion. One of the first things that impresses me about Christ is how he plays both tackle positions and the movements come natural to him. He’s an aggressive blocker with a good leg drive. Christ can be very physical, especially in run blocking. As a pass blocker, Christ is sound at times, but in some clips, he lets the defender get inside positioning too quickly. Christ has areas that need to be improved, but he projects as a red-chip player who should start for the majority of his eligibility.

Penn State’s current class grade: B+

DE Jimari Butler (Mobile, AL) commits to Tennessee
Length and speed, those are what projected edge rusher Butler (6-5, 215) brings to the table. Tennessee won a pretty tough recruiting battle that included Ole Miss, Maryland, TCU and Nebraska. Even though Butler is committed, there is a possibility he’ll take official visits to some of the schools on that list. Butler is a good pass-rusher and he does it with more than speed – his best move on film is actually an inside swim move. As Butler adds weight and adds to his pass-rushing repertoire, he should become a productive player.

Tennessee’s current class grade: B

2021 ATH Dante Trader Jr. (Owings Mills, MD) commits to Maryland
Trader (6-0, 175), a two-sport star with football and lacrosse, has at least already solved the football recruiting end of things by committing to Maryland. He plays on both sides of the ball in high school and was one of the most productive wide receivers in the state. He’s the second commitment in Maryland’s 2021 recruiting class.

Maryland’s current class grade: B-

Nov. 7

RB Casey Filkins (Lake Oswego, OR) commits to Stanford
Filkins will give Stanford a good all-purpose player out of the backfield who can run in between the tackles and catch passes on the perimeter where he can make plays in space. He is a plus-level receiver who can provide mismatches, especially against linebackers in the middle of the field and on wheel routes. Filkins (5-11, 195) is big and is a tougher runner than you would expect. He is the type of piece who has been missing from Stanford’s offense for the past couple of seasons.

Stanford’s current class grade: B-

2021 OL Jared Wilson (Clemmons, NC) commits to Georgia
The rich get richer. Wilson is a classic mauling type of offensive linemen who should project as a guard or center. The 6-foot-4, 320-pounder already has the size and moves surprisingly well despite carrying around that much weight. He plays a power game, and it’s clear he spends a lot of time in the weight room. Wilson is likely to be a top-10 interior lineman when the 2021 rankings come out. He is the third commitment in Georgia’ 2021 recruiting class.

Georgia’s current class grade: A-

DE Myles Jackson (Hoschton, GA) commits to UCLA
This is the second time around for Jackson, who committed to the Bruins in June, backed off that commitment in mid-September, but came back around after taking an official visit to Virginia Tech and seeing what else was out there for him. Even though Jackson plays primarily with his hand in the ground and should be able to grow into a defensive line role, UCLA coach Chip Kelly likes his defensive ends long and the Bruins apparently see Jackson as a linebacker and likely an inside linebacker, at which the Bruins are very thin.

UCLA’s current class grade: C+

LB Jayland Parker (Macon, GA) commits to N.C. State
Parker was originally committed to Colorado, but re-opened his commitment in September and decided to stay closer to home. From his earlier evaluation: Parker is probably going to be an inside guy, but on film, he looks like he can move around a little bit because’s he not bad at dropping into coverage. Parker is a good overall athlete with good speed and natural football instincts.

N.C. State’s current class grade: C+

Nov. 6

DE Jay Hardy (Chattanooga, TN) commits to Auburn
A powerhouse along the defensive line who can play at nearly any position, Hardy (6-4, 285) could be the next great defensive lineman for the Auburn after committing to the Tigers over Georgia Tech, Tennessee, Florida and Georgia. Hardy is easily one of the top-15 defensive linemen in the 2020 recruiting class and has quick hands and quick feet, he moves side to side very well. It’s not a shock that Hardy is a basketball player because he shows good lateral movement and understands how to use his hands and feet in tandem to swat off blockers. Hardy is a big strong athlete in the mold of former Tigers like Gabe Wright and Nick Fairley.

Auburn’s current class grade: B+

Nov. 5

LB Jonathan Vaughns (Bellflower, CA) commits to UCLA
There could be a fun little family feud in Los Angeles next season as Vaughns, the brother of USC wide receiver Tyler Vaughns, has decided to head to Westwood. Vaughns (6-2, 215) is the second linebacker commitment to UCLA today and the 17th player in the Bruins’ 2020 recruiting class. Vaughns is projected as an outside linebacker, but he plays a bit like a middle linebacker with his physical, downhill style. He is a hard hitter and a pretty sound tackler. His coverage skills don’t show up much on film, which means a move inside appears likely. Still, his toughness will be a welcome addition to UCLA’s roster.

UCLA’s current class grade: C+

WR Dajon Harrison (Hutto, TX) commis to Texas
Harrison (5-10, 165) was originally committed to TCU early in the process, but he opened his recruitment back up in May and stayed patient while waiting for the right opportunity. When Texas made him an offer, he chose the Longhorns over Kansas State with several other programs having made offers and in the mix. Harrison is a multi-faceted athlete who is explosive in the passing game and also a weapon in the backfield and on jet sweeps. At the next level, I expect he’ll settle into being a slot receiver and the goal will be to get this athlete the ball in space where he can make things happen after the catch. Harrison is more of a quick-burst athlete, which makes him appear faster than he is. Overall, he can stretch the field vertically or make plays in space, giving Texas a needed weapon on offense.

Texas’ current class grade: A-

LB Choe Bryant-Strother (Norcross, GA) commits to UCLA
The Bruins are in desperate need of linebackers and size at the position. Bryant-Strother gives UCLA a big body in the middle of the defense and someone who can lay on a good hit. Bryant-Strother chose UCLA over Nebraska and had offers from BYU, Arizona, Boston College and a host of others. Bryant-Strother is a natural middle linebacker – a downhill player who does his best work near the line of scrimmage. He’s going to need to work on his coverage, but his tough, physical, rugged play at linebacker will be much appreciated at UCLA.

UCLA’s current class grade: C+

OL Kyree Miller (Mesquite, TX) commits to Tennessee
Miller is a big body (6-4, 370) who weighed well over 420 pounds at one time, but has gotten a smaller and more athletic. Recent film got him on Tennessee’s radar, and the Volunteers made him an offer in early October, his first offer from a Power Five school. After taking a visit to the campus last weekend, Miller didn’t wait long to choose the Volunteers over offers from SMU, Liberty and other mid-major programs. Miller is likely going to be a guard, but he’s made enough strides athletically and with his weight loss that if he can continue to improve his footwork and drop another 40 pounds, he could provide depth as a swing tackle.

Tennessee’s current class grade: B

Nov. 4

CB Tajiri Smith (Powder Springs, GA) commits to Kansas State
Smith had been committed to Memphis since the middle of the spring, but he re-opened his recruitment last week and decided to make the flip to Kansas State a week later. Smith (5-9, 185) won’t blow anyone away with his size, but he’s a player who doesn’t back down from physical play. He can tackle and will come down toward the line of scrimmage and help against the run. He will likely play nickelback, but I could also see him as an undersized safety.

Kansas State’s current class grade: C

WR Logan Loya (Bellflower, CA) commits to UCLA
Loya becomes one of the best skill players in UCLA’s recruiting class. He is a versatile, productive wide receiver who could play the slot or on the outside. Loya (5-11, 185) has over 40 catches and nearly 800 yards as a senior in high school. He doesn’t have breakaway speed, but he can create separation and has shown nice consistency with his route running and ability to find open spaces in the defense. Loya should be able to see the field early with his ability to catch passes at high volume an move the sticks. Loya chose the Bruins over Vanderbilt, Washington, Oregon and several others. He is the 15th commitment in the UCLA class.

UCLA’s current class grade: C+

Nov. 3

DE Justin Lohrenz (Littleton, CO) commits to Washington State
Lohrenz was looking for an offer from a Pac-12 program and pounced when Washington State came calling. Lohrenz (6-4, 235) is currently projected as a defensive end, but it appears more likely he’ll be used as a three-technique in an even-man front. Lohrenz seems more comfortable rushing from the interior and using his hands to come off blocks rather than using pure speed. Lohrenz has a good motor and plays with high effort in nearly every snap. When he makes mistakes, he often makes up for them by being aggressive and following the ball.

Washington State’s current class grade: C+

OT James McNorton (Brentwood, CA) commits to Washington State
McNorton (6-5, 265) gives the Cougars some length and good upside for a potential left tackle fit down the road. He generates strength from the bottom up, which is good for a solid base and balance. McNorton will need to get stronger in the upper body and work on issues with his bend and become a little more well rounded, but all those things can happen with time and development.

Washington State’s current class grade: C+

DT Gary Smith (Shelbyville, TN) commits to Duke
Duke has been in need of a big defensive lineman to plug up the middle, and Smith is a 300-pounder who fits the bill. He chose Duke over a top five of Virginia Tech, Vanderbilt, Florida State and Ole Miss. Smith played offensive line in high school and could project as an interior offensive linemen in college, but there’s a greater need for him to control the middle of the line and stand tough against the run.

Duke’s current class grade: C

Nov. 2

DE Latarie Kinsler (Pahokee, FL) commits to Syracuse
Kinsler took his official visit to Syracuse over the summer and seemed to be pretty much set with the Orange until Louisville and Nebraska started recruiting him in the fall. He visited both programs in October but decided to commit to Syracuse. Kinsler (6-3, 212) is a little light on the frame right now, but he’s going to grow into body and continue to provide the length and quickness off the board every team wants from a pass-rusher. He’s raw in a lot of technical areas, but the burst and the ability to get off the edge is something Kinsler offers that can’t be taught. Kinsler will probably do most of his damage with his hand on the ground, but his skill set could work in coverage and he might get a look as an outside linebacker.

Syracuse’s current class grade: C+

2021 ATH Rodney Hammond (Norfolk, VA) commits to Pittsburgh
Hammond chose the Panthers over offers from Maryland, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Duke, North Carolina and a host of others. Hammond (5-10, 175) could project on either side of the ball right now. He is the second member of the 2021 recruiting class for Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh’s current class grade: C

Nov. 1

ATH/WR Marc Britt (Miami, FL) commits to Florida
Britt is widely thought of as a wide receiver prospect, but Florida was recruiting him as a free safety and the idea of playing defense seemed to appeal to Britt. At 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, size won’t be an issue for Britt, assuming he’ll bulk up a little. Florida defensive backs coach Torian Gray is excellent at talent development, and in Britt, he will have a defensive back with good length and natural ball skills from his time at wide receiver. Britt comes from a competitive environment down in Miami-Date County and has shown the ability to play several positions in high school depending on his team’s needs.

Florida’s current class grade: B+

Oct. 31

2021 WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (Philadelphia, PA) commits to Ohio State
Harrison Jr., the son of the Hall of Fame wide receiver of the same name, is already rated as one of the top receivers in the 2021 class. He’s the sixth commitment for the Buckeyes in their 2021 recruiting class. He has a long body (6-3, 185) and is going to grow into a big, physical receiver who still inherits some of the natural wide receiver traits his father had. To the surprise of no one, Harrison Jr. can run routes and seems to take pride in running them with precision. He has very good hands and knows how to read the ball while it’s in the air to adjust properly for the catch. Harrison Jr. doesn’t have breakaway speed, but he’s a smooth, long strider who gobbles up a lot of turf with each step. Overall, Harrison Jr. has the tools to be a No. 1 wide receiver at Ohio State.

Ohio State’s current class grade: A

Oct. 30

DE/OLB Ioholani Raass (Lehi, UT) commits to UCLA
UCLA’s recruiting was stuck in a rut for a while, but give Chip Kelly and staff credit, they are evaluating well and landing some solid prospects. Raass is listed at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, but he looks a little thicker than that. He has a nice first-step off the edge and plays a physical game. One of the areas in which Raass surprised me a little was his ability to play in space and work off the edge, covering players out of the backfield. I think he’s best suited putting on more weight and being a full-time defensive end, but he has the skill set to be an outside linebacker as well.

UCLA’s current class grade: C+

QB Noah Kim (Chantilly, VA) commits to Michigan State
Kim originally committed to Virginia Tech in May but flipped to the Spartans after taking an official visit to East Lansing in the final weekend of October. From Kim’s original evaluation: Productive in high school, but Kim (6-1, 165) has to grow physically to survive in Power Five football. He makes good decisions with the football, but he needs to improve his arm strength and show he can make tough throws.

Michigan State’s current class grade: C

Oct. 29

ATH Jordan Watkins (Louisville, KY) commits to Louisville
Watkins (5-11, 175) could play on either side of the ball, but I think Scott Satterfield would want Watkins on the offensive side of the ball because he has major speed – 4.4 in the 40-yard dash – and the ability to make big plays in space. There are some play-makers on Louisville, but not enough, so Watkins is going to have the opportunity to come in early and make an impact on offense and special teams. Watkins gets to his maximum speed quickly and can stretch the field from the outside or the slot. One thing that stands out with Watkins is his competitive nature; he is more than willing to battle for the tough catches.

Louisville’s current class grade: B-

OL Jonathan Adorno (Rolesville, NC) commits to North Carolina
North Carolina is wrapping up its 2020 recruiting class, and with 26 commitments in, there might not be much for Mack Brown and company to do after the early signing period. Adorno (6-4, 290) gives the Tar Heels additional depth on the interior line for the class. He was originally committed to N.C. State, but once the Tar Heels began to turn up their attention on him, Adorno was stuck with a tough choice and chose to switch his allegiance.

North Carolina’s current class grade: B+

2022 WR De’Coldest Crawford (Shreveport, LA) commits to LSU
The name De’Coldest Crawford made this very talented wide receiver an internet sensation, although it’s been incorrectly reported that his full name is De’Coldest Toevadoit Crawford when his real middle name is Jaun. Still, Crawford (6-1, 160) is a tall, length wide receiver who shows good hands and plus-level athleticism and should only get better with time and development.

LSU’s current class grade: A

2021 S Jalen Hoyle (Englewood, NJ) commits to Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech was the first program to make an offer to Hoyle, and the Hokies were rewarded for being early, as the 6-foot, 180-pound defense back committed to the program on an unofficial visit. Hoyle was a standout at Virginia Tech’s camp over the summer and quickly got on the team’s radar. He is the first commitment in the 2021 recruiting class for Virginia Tech.

Virginia Tech’s current class grade: C-

Oct. 27

DE B.J. Ojulari (Marietta, GA) commits to LSU
Ojulari de-committed from Tennessee and flipped to LSU a couple of days after his teammate blue-chip tight end Arik Gilbert committed to the Tigers. This was originally a recruiting battle between Tennessee, LSU and Auburn. From Ojulari’s previous evaluation: Ojulari is a defensive end, but he could easily be considered an outside linebacker. The assurance that he will play on the line and be more of an every-down pass-rusher may have appealed more to Ojulari, whereas Tennessee has major depth issues at linebacker and likely would’ve wanted to use him there. Ojulari (6-3, 225) will have to put on some size, which shouldn’t be a problem in LSU’s strength program. His first-step is exceptional, and he is a quick-twitch athlete as evident by his reported 4.4 shuttle time. LSU needs some pass-rushers and Ojulari gets around the edge as good as anyone.

LSU’s current class grade: A

OT Cayden Baker (Fort Myers, FL) commits to North Carolina
Baker received a late offer from Michigan, but the 6-foot-6, 265-pound tackle prospect had his eyes set on North Carolina and committed after his official visit to Chapel Hill last weekend. Baker (6-6, 260) has good footwork, and his initial punch looks solid. He plays in a spread offense in high school and is a decent athlete. Like most good offensive line prospects, Baker is generating a lot of his strength from his lower body, and he has a good foundation. Baker has played tight end and defensive end for his high school and also plays basketball, so North Carolina is getting a well-rounded athlete.

North Carolina’s current class grade: B+

2021 ATH Chandler Pittman (Magee, MS) commits to Ole Miss
Pittman (5-9, 155) becomes the fourth member of the Rebels’ 2021 class. He has played everywhere on the field in his young high school career. Pittman rushed for over 1,500 yards as a freshman and could very easily develop into an all-purpose running back. He has played quarterback as a sophomore and has accounted for over 2,000 yards. Speed is the name of Pittman’s game; he clocked in at a 4.40 at Ole Miss’ summer camp, and the Rebels’ coaches made him an early priority from that point on.

Ole Miss’ current class grade: B-

Oct. 26

S Malcolm Greene (Highland Springs, VA) commits to LSU
LSU is putting together a strong close to October, and once again, the Tigers are back in the top three among recruiting classes and are challenging for the best class in the nation. Greene (5-10,1 85) will be a nice additional to the LSU secondary because he can fit in as a nickel corner, defend the slot or play snaps at safety. Although Greene isn’t the biggest player out there, he plays a very physical game and likes to come downhill and play up on the line of scrimmage. That aggressive style translates well to cornerback, but every now and then, it also leads to Greene giving up big plays off the line. Overall, Greene projects to be a solid boundary corner who will play the short field and contribute to the run defense.

LSU’s current class grade: A

2021 LB Tyrone Brown (Orange, TX) commits to Baylor
Brown (5-10, 200) is the second commitment for Baylor in its 2021 class, joining defensive back Romario Noel. Baylor made its offer to Brown in mid-September. On film, Brown looks like a no-frills middle linebacker who will make plays in the