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Rivals Rankings Turn 20: The top No. 1 classes in our history

Rivals Rankings Turn 20: The top No. 1 classes in our history

Nick Saban and staff has won nearly half of the Rivals recruiting titles since the rankings began 20 years ago.

 • Adam Gorney
Alabama a rising producer of five-star linebackers

Alabama a rising producer of five-star linebackers

The state of Alabama has proven to be especially fertile ground for linebackers in recent years.

 • Adam Gorney and Mike Farrell
NFL Draft: Undrafted five-stars, other notables

NFL Draft: Undrafted five-stars, other notables

We wrap up our NFL Draft coverage today with a look at former five-stars that went undrated, along with other notables.

 • Adam Gorney, Josh Helmholdt, Mike Farrell
Former five-star recruits who might not get drafted

Former five-star recruits who might not get drafted

Levonta Taylor was the top-rated cornerback in the 2016 class, but he might not go off the board during the draft.

 • Mike Farrell and Adam Gorney
Five-Star Geography: Breaking down five trends at LB

Five-Star Geography: Breaking down five trends at LB

Can Micah Parsons become a Penn State great? Will Justin Flowe develop into California's best in Rivals history?

 • Adam Gorney and Mike Farrell
Ask Farrell: How weak is the 2021 linebacker class?

Ask Farrell: How weak is the 2021 linebacker class?

Smael Mondon is the top-ranked linebacker in the 2021 class.

 • Adam Gorney and Mike Farrell
Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge: Three storylines for USC

Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge: Three storylines for USC

Bryce Young, a four-star QB and Trojans commit, will be making his second appearance.

 • Adam Gorney
Self-Scouting: Evaluating recent five-star linebackers

Self-Scouting: Evaluating recent five-star linebackers

Did Rivals over-perform or under-perform with its rankings at the linebacker position from 2012 to 2015?

 • Adam Gorney and Mike Farrell
Five-Star History: California checks in at No. 3

Five-Star History: California checks in at No. 3

Only two other states have produced more five-star players, and those states will be revealed Thursday and Friday.

 • Mike Farrell and Adam Gorney
Pac-12 Spotlight: The five biggest position battles

Pac-12 Spotlight: The five biggest position battles

Beau Bisharat is Colorado's most experienced returning running back.

 • Adam Gorney
Pac-12: Breaking down the five-stars of the past four recruiting cycles

Pac-12: Breaking down the five-stars of the past four recruiting cycles

USC leads the way here, as the Trojans have signed 11 five-stars in the past four cycles.

 • Adam Gorney
How five-star LBs from past four recruiting cycles are performing

How five-star LBs from past four recruiting cycles are performing

Alabama star Mack Wilson is one of 20 five-star linebackers from the last four recruiting cycles.

 • Adam Gorney and Mike Farrell
Rivals Rankings Week: New 2020 linebacker rankings

Rivals Rankings Week: New 2020 linebacker rankings

Today we take a look at the new rankings at inside and outside linebacker and some of those biggest storylines.

 • Woody Wommack
Ranking with the Stars: Who was ahead of Roquan Smith in 2015?

Ranking with the Stars: Who was ahead of Roquan Smith in 2015?

Most of the five players ahead of Smith will also be early picks in the NFL draft.

 • Mike Farrell
Did they bust? Former five-stars in need of breakout 2017 season

Did they bust? Former five-stars in need of breakout 2017 season

Byron Cowart was one of several five-stars facing a make-or-break season in '17. Did they live up to the five-star hype?

 • Mike Farrell
Five-Star Checkup: Linebackers from 2014, 2015 classes

Five-Star Checkup: Linebackers from 2014, 2015 classes

We look back at how five-star LB prospects from the 2014 and 2015 classes have progressed in their college careers.

 • Woody Wommack
West Region spotlight: Most talented high schools

West Region spotlight: Most talented high schools

Here is a look at five of the best in the West and some of the top prospects who have played there.

 • Adam Gorney
Ten five-stars in need of breakout seasons

Ten five-stars in need of breakout seasons

The talent is there. Now will these players be able to showcase it this season?

 • Mike Farrell
Three-Point Stance: Best In Class III

Three-Point Stance: Best In Class III

Mike Piellucci's Three-Point Stance concludes by breaking down the linebackers.

 • Mike Piellucci
Rivals.com Top 25 recruiters

Rivals.com Top 25 recruiters

Who was behind some of the nation's top classes? Rivals.com names the country's 25 top recruiters, including USC's Tee Martin.

 • Mike Farrell
Position recruiting rankings: Defense

Position recruiting rankings: Defense

USC, which added the likes of Iman Marshall, is one of several programs with reason to be excited about its defensive recruits.

 • Adam Gorney
Video Central: Signing Day

Video Central: Signing Day

Video of the five-star prospects USC landed on signing day as well as Steve Sarkisian's press conference.

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 • TrojanSports.com Staff
Mind of Mike: Thoughts on NSD 2015

Mind of Mike: Thoughts on NSD 2015

Mike Farrell reviews the facts, faxes (especially Byron Cowart's) and flips from a wild final week of the 2015 recruiting cycle.

 • Mike Farrell
National Signing Day Awards

National Signing Day Awards

Drew Richmond pulled the biggest National Signing Day flip when he signed with Tennessee. Blair Angulo has that and more awards.

 • Blair Angulo
NSD: Winners and losers

NSD: Winners and losers

Who were the winners and losers on NSD? UCLA scored with five-star Soso Jamabo. Rob Cassidy goes through teams in the headlines.

 • Rob Cassidy
NSD: Top 25 classes breakdown

NSD: Top 25 classes breakdown

Five-star Derwin James helped Florida St. to a No. 3 overall ranking. Jason Howell breaks down the Rivals Top 25 classes of '15.

 • Jason Howell
Trojans take the crown

Trojans take the crown

On the heels of a close that included the likes of five-star Iman Marshall, USC takes the top spot in the Rivals.com rankings.

 • Rob Cassidy
Impact Analysis: John Houston

Impact Analysis: John Houston

TrojanSports.com breaks down five-star John Houston's Signing Day commitment to USC.

 • Mike Piellucci
Mind of Mike: NSD Predictions

Mind of Mike: NSD Predictions

Mike Farrell makes his NSD predictions. Could USC sign the likes of Rasheem Green and overtake Alabama for the No. 1 spot?

 • Mike Farrell
West region: NSD storylines

West region: NSD storylines

Signing Day could be a big one for USC, as 5-star Rasheem Green may sign with the Trojans. Here are five storylines in the West.

 • Adam Gorney and Blair Angulo
National Signing Day Commitment Schedule

National Signing Day Commitment Schedule

Find out when the top players, including five-star John Houston, will announce their commitments on National Signing Day.

 • Rivals.com
Rivals250: Commitment predictions

Rivals250: Commitment predictions

Iman Marshall is taking his decision to the wire. Our analysts predict where he and every other Rivals250 player will end up.

 • Rivals.com
5-star DE hosts Cane coaches

5-star DE hosts Cane coaches

This 5-star got an in-home visit from coaches Mark D'Onofrio and Jethro Franklin. The chances he winds up a Cane a week from now? What will factor int

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 • Matt Shodell
Video: USC targets at B2G West Coast Bowl

Video: USC targets at B2G West Coast Bowl

Highlights of John Houston and Jay Jay Wilson at the B2G West Coast bowl.

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 • Devin Ugland
Its almost all over

Its almost all over

It's almost time for John Houston to make a commitment and USC is in a great position.

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 • Devin Ugland
B2G: Houston talks top five

B2G: Houston talks top five

Five-star John Houston, who will play in the B2G West Coast Bowl this weekend, has a lot on his mind as signing day nears.

 • Adam Gorney
B2G: Team Impact top performers

B2G: Team Impact top performers

Quarterback turned tight end Caleb Wilson was one of the Team Impact standouts from Friday's B2G West Coast Bowl practices.

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 • Adam Gorney and Blair Angulo
B2G notes: Wariboko serious about Ohio St.

B2G notes: Wariboko serious about Ohio St.

Four-star guard Josh Wariboko likes Ohio State. Five-star John Houston hosted three schools on Thursday. Get the latest here.

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 • Adam Gorney and Blair Angulo
Roundtable: Best shot at late magic

Roundtable: Best shot at late magic

Signing Day is approaching and several programs are primed to close strong. Rivals cites teams that could pull some late magic.

 • Rivals.com
Roundtable: Who is lagging behind

Roundtable: Who is lagging behind

Jim Harbaugh has work to do at Michigan. What teams are lagging behind in grabbing top recruits? The Rivals analysts discuss.

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 • Rivals.com
Houston takes final official visit to USC

Houston takes final official visit to USC

The Trojans had a chance to make the final impression on John Houston this weekend on his official visit.

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 • Blair Angulo
Goldens whirlwind day in California

Goldens whirlwind day in California

Al Golden and Jethro Franklin snuck out west today to visit top defensive targets Rasheem Green and John Houston. So what are those two prospects sayi

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 • CaneSport.com Staff
Top 5 uncommitted: West

Top 5 uncommitted: West

Adam Gorney looks at the West region's top five uncommitted prospects, including talented five-star cornerback Iman Marshall.

 • Adam Gorney
All Southern California High School Football Defense 2014/2015

All Southern California High School Football Defense 2014/2015

Long Beach Poly defensive tackle Joseph Wicker had a monster season, and leads our Southern California 2014/2015 All Defensive Team.

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 • Kevin Scarpati
Rivals: Live from Orlando

Rivals: Live from Orlando

Players have arrived for the Under Armour All-America Game, and Rivals.com has updates on elite prospects like John Houston.

 • Rivals.com
Rose Bowl a recruiting boon for Ducks

Rose Bowl a recruiting boon for Ducks

Earning a berth in the Rose Bowl opposite 13-0, defending champion Florida State is an ideal matchup for the Ducks, and a boon to recruiting.

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 • Dale Newton
5-star gets Cane in-home visit

5-star gets Cane in-home visit

The Canes traveled across the country to visit this 5-star recruit who already has taken his Cane official visit. So what was discussed and where does

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 • Gary Ferman
Houston goes in-depth on ASU trip

Houston goes in-depth on ASU trip

One of the nation's most coveted linebackers, Gardena (Calif.) Serra High star John Houston, made his second visit to Arizona State last weekend.

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 • Chris Karpman
Where does the top talent come from

Where does the top talent come from

Five-star Josh Rosen gives California a boost in the QB ratings. Mike Farrell looks at the top three states at each position.

 • Mike Farrell
Take Two: Moving on in Gainesville

Take Two: Moving on in Gainesville

If Florida makes the right hire, the Gators could be a wild card down the stretch to Signing Day. Adam Gorney has more in Take Two.

 • Adam Gorney
Mind of Mike: Sunshine State storylines

Mind of Mike: Sunshine State storylines

Al Golden has Miami battling in the competitive Sunshine State. Mike Farrell talks the state of Florida, Byron Cowart and more.

 • Mike Farrell
5-star LB: Miami was an amazing trip

5-star LB: Miami was an amazing trip

Gardena (CA) Junipero Serra High School 5-star LB John Houston wrapped up his Hurricane official visit today. His thoughts and where the Canes stand n

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 • Matt Shodell
Top uncommitted prospects: West

Top uncommitted prospects: West

Upcoming visits should help clear up 5-star Iman Marshall's recruitment. Get the latest on the West's top uncommitted prospects.

 • Adam Gorney and Rob Cassidy
USC has set itself up for a dream finish

USC has set itself up for a dream finish

With national signing day less than three months away and only seven remaining scholarship spots, the USC coaches have set themselves up for an auspic

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 • Blair Angulo
Mind of Mike: Sun Devils heating up

Mind of Mike: Sun Devils heating up

Could Arizona State's win over Notre Dame impact 5-star Christian Kirk? Mike Farrell weighs in on the aftermath and much more.

 • Mike Farrell
Gorney: Sun Devils make a push

Gorney: Sun Devils make a push

Arizona State's win over Notre Dame could impact on top recruits such as Trent Irwin. Adam Gorney has that and much more.

 • Adam Gorney
Caleb Wilson gaining interest

Caleb Wilson gaining interest

A recent move to tight end has sparked some new recruiting interest in Caleb Wilson, the son of USC defensive line coach Chris Wilson.

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 • Blair Angulo
Brandon Burton reacts to USC re-offer

Brandon Burton reacts to USC re-offer

A coaching staff change usually carries a few consequences on the recruiting front, as four-star safety Brandon Burton recently learned.

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 • Blair Angulo
Around the West: ASUs big weekend

Around the West: ASUs big weekend

Trent Irwin is one of many prospects who will be at Arizona State this weekend. Find out who joins him and more Around the West

 • Adam Gorney and Rob Cassidy
Mind of Mike: Florida future, Cowart update

Mind of Mike: Florida future, Cowart update

The nation's No. 1 player, Byron Cowart, looks to have a new leader. Find out who and much more in this week's Mind of Mike.

 • Mike Farrell
Green gives Oregon visit a ten

Green gives Oregon visit a ten

The Oregon Ducks got a chance to impress one of the top defensive line recruits in the nation this weekend and it sounds like that is exactly what the

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 • A.J. Jacobson
5-star OLB en route to Oregon

5-star OLB en route to Oregon

Two of the nation's top prospects and their families board their flight from LAX this morning. Final destination: Eugene, Oregon for an official recru

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 • A.J. Jacobson
Houston notices change at USC

Houston notices change at USC

Five-star outside linebacker John Houston has noticed some changes at USC and he thinks it's all positive.

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 • Chris Swanson
R100 DL begins visits this weekend

R100 DL begins visits this weekend

Serra five-star Rasheem Green is one of the most highly sought defensive prospects in the nation and the Oregon Ducks will host him on his first offic

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 • A.J. Jacobson
Mind of Mike: Muschamps status

Mind of Mike: Muschamps status

Mike Farrell thought Will Muschamp had to be fired, but he's changed his mind. Find out why and much more in Mind of Mike.

 • Mike Farrell
Ducks host two five-stars this weekend

Ducks host two five-stars this weekend

Oregon has a special opportunity this weekend with two five-star recruits, both from Serra high school, flying to Eugene with their families for an of

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 • A.J. Jacobson
West Mail: Houstons Destination

West Mail: Houstons Destination

Will Oregon land a Rivals100 prospect such as John Houston? Get that answer and more in this week's West recruiting mailbag.

 • Adam Gorney and Rob Cassidy
Weekend recruiting recap

Weekend recruiting recap

A last-second loss to Arizona State on Saturday didn't necessarily dampen USC's recruiting efforts, as the Trojans still managed to make an impression

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 • Blair Angulo
Houston ready to prove himself

Houston ready to prove himself

Five-star LB John Houston says the Under Armour All-American game is another opportunity to prove himself against the best.

 • Adam Gorney
Mind of Mike: The Michigan mess

Mind of Mike: The Michigan mess

Is it time for the Brady Hoke era to end? Mike Farrell weighs in, touches on the hottest recruiting team in the SEC and more.

 • Mike Farrell
Five-star looking at Oregon visit

Five-star looking at Oregon visit

John Houston has not booked his official visit to Oregon yet but that could happen soon and the five-star linebacker is excited to see what the Ducks

 • Adam Gorney
Road report: So. California

Road report: So. California

Five-star DE Rasheem Green was unstoppable this weekend. Adam Gorney has a report on Green and others from Southern California.

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 • Adam Gorney
Ducks looking to land Serra stars

Ducks looking to land Serra stars

In recruiting, Oregon has become that good-looking girl in third-period chemistry that everybody flirts with. The Ducks are on the lips of top recruit

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 • Dale Newton
Houston still plans three trips

Houston still plans three trips

John Houston is not only one of the best prospects in the 2015 class but he's an unquestioned leader on the Gardena (Calif.) Serra team and he display

 • Adam Gorney
Southern California 2014/2015 High School Linebacker Top 10 Watchlist Part Two

Southern California 2014/2015 High School Linebacker Top 10 Watchlist Part Two

One of the top uncommitted players in the country, Serra's John Houston has elite athleticism for a linebacker. Read on to find out more about the fiv

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 • Kevin Scarpati
Mind of Mike: Big Ten woes, ND rises

Mind of Mike: Big Ten woes, ND rises

Can Urban Meyer and the Big Ten compete? Mike Farrell weighs in on that, Notre Dame, Byron Cowart, Ole Miss' 5-star and more.

 • Mike Farrell
From the Road: SoCal Defense

From the Road: SoCal Defense

Ray Smith tops Adam Gorney's top performers from several talent-laden high school games in Southern California over the weekend.

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 • Adam Gorney
HD Video: Serra 5-stars

HD Video: Serra 5-stars

Junipero Serra (Gardena, Calif.) took on Lakewood in week one of their high school football season. Go inside for highlights of Serra's 5-star propsec

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 • Chris Swanson
Houston comments on USC headlines

Houston comments on USC headlines

John Houston questions accusations against Steve Sarkisian and praises Josh Shaw for eventually telling the truth.

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 • Chris Swanson
Southern California High School Football Top 10 Week One

Southern California High School Football Top 10 Week One

For the second season in a row, St. John Bosco opens the season as the No. 1 team in Southern California. The Braves are also one of the top teams in

 • Kevin Scarpati
Inside look: Class of 2015 position rankings

Inside look: Class of 2015 position rankings

UCLA commit Josh Rosen remains the top pro-style QB, but there's major movement elsewhere as we analyze each position group.

 • Josh Helmholdt
Recruiting breakdown: LB

Recruiting breakdown: LB

The 2014 class was largely unheralded, but USC is aiming for a star-studded group in 2015.

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 • Blair Angulo
Houston working on visit schedule

Houston working on visit schedule

John Houston has not worked out his official visit schedule yet but the five-star outside linebacker is planning trips to Oklahoma, Oregon and Florida

 • Adam Gorney
Around the West: Strong finish ahead

Around the West: Strong finish ahead

Tyler Hilinski is one of three 4-star Washington State commits, and Mike Leach might not be done. Get more from Around the West.

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 • Adam Gorney and Rob Cassidy
Houston back from Arizona trips

Houston back from Arizona trips

John Houston spent some time in Arizona recently to visit his grandparents and during that trip he also saw both in-state schools.

 • Adam Gorney
Top of the Class: First 2016 five-stars revealed

Top of the Class: First 2016 five-stars revealed

Rising junior Nate Craig is among a talented crop of new five-stars as we reveal the first rankings for the class of 2016.

 • Rivals.com
Houston planning three trips

Houston planning three trips

John Houston was sure of two official visits and now the five-star linebacker has added a third one for this upcoming season.

 • Adam Gorney
Marshall to visit ND, FSU

Marshall to visit ND, FSU

Iman Marshall plans to visit Notre Dame and FSU. Adam Gorney has the latest on the five-star, plus news on Malik Henry and more.

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 • Adam Gorney
FIVE-STAR: John Houston ISO

FIVE-STAR: John Houston ISO

BALTIMORE -- Gardena (Calif.) Serra five-star linebacker John Houston adeptly goes through position drills at the Five-Star Challenge.

 • Ryan Abraham
VIDEO: Houston talks local schools

VIDEO: Houston talks local schools

Five-star linebacker John Houston spoke with Rivals.com this week about the two Los Angeles schools.

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 • Rivals
Houston has USC in his future

Houston has USC in his future

Five-star prospect John Houston is still wide open and considering plenty of schools. But there's no doubt that there's a lot of USC in his future. No

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 • Chris Swanson
B2G Camp news, notes and evaluations

B2G Camp news, notes and evaluations

Take a look at news, notes and evaluations from Sunday's B2G Elite Camp practices.

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 • Edward Lewis
Five-star planning Big 12 trip

Five-star planning Big 12 trip

Five-star planning Big 12 trip

 • Adam Gorney
B2G Elite Notebook: New visit for Houston

B2G Elite Notebook: New visit for Houston

John Houston arrived at the B2G Elite Camp with some news -- he has another visit lined up. Get the latest from SoCal inside.

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 • Adam Gorney
Pay for play Prospects believe its coming

Pay for play Prospects believe its coming

John Houston was among those at the Five-Star Challenge who believe college athletes should be paid, but not everyone agreed.

 • Bill Trocchi
Five-Star Challenge: Farrell Awards

Five-Star Challenge: Farrell Awards

Iman Marshall earned one of the Farrell Awards at the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge. See who else made the cut in Baltimore.

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 • Mike Farrell
Five-Star Challenge: They said it

Five-Star Challenge: They said it

CeCe Jefferson and other top prospects gave their thoughts on goals, coaches and more at the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge.

 • Bill Trocchi
News, notes and evaluations at Rivals Challenge

News, notes and evaluations at Rivals Challenge

Take a look at news, notes and evaluations of all the top UCLA recruits from the Rivals Challenge this past weekend.

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 • Edward Lewis
Biggie, Biggie, Biggie MVP

Biggie, Biggie, Biggie MVP

BALTIMORE - Saturday's top performers gave way to another onslaught of highlights and competition. Team Highlight was represented well by West Coast t

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 • Gerard Martinez
Five-Star Challenge: Top LB performers

Five-Star Challenge: Top LB performers

Osa Masina stood out from the LB group Saturday as he logged several interceptions during one-on-ones at the Five-Star.

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 • Adam Friedman