The latest Rivals100 release for the 2018 recruiting class is out, and the five-stars, as always, grab much of the attention. However, there were numerous players who made significant moves upward either into the Rivals100 or within the list itself.
While there were many discussions regarding players that just missed a fifth star this time around, Moore (Okla.) Southmoore offensive tackle Brey Walker (Oklahoma commitment) and wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. both entered the discussion and might just use big spring performances to get that boost.
There were plenty of big movers. The biggest are listed below and broken down by the Rivals.com recruiting analysts.
Note: Players moving up more than 20 spots overall are considered the biggest movers this time around.
Previous Rank: 56
Change: +28 spots
Analysis: “This is a really strong year at cornerback, and Taylor-Stuart is right up there with the best of them. He's big and physical at the line of scrimmage and then he can turn and run with any receiver. Taylor-Stuart usually just shuts down his side of the field, but if the quarterback dares to throw his way, he does an exceptional job of seeing the ball and then making a play on it. UCLA, Alabama, LSU, Nebraska and Washington are some early standouts.” – Adam Gorney, Rivals.com National Recruiting Analyst
Previous Rank: 71
Change: +41 spots
Analysis: “Pope is a certified deep threat who showed a devastating burst at the adidas 7v7 regional in Orlando a few weeks back. He has decent size, but his acceleration is what makes him special. Pope is thought to be a Miami lean. Alabama and others remain involved.” - Rob Cassidy, Rivals.com Southeast Recruiting Analyst
Previous Rank: 79
Change: +34 spots
Analysis: “Wright has already shown early this spring that he can be a force of nature at defensive end. He's big enough to slide inside and fiercely rush the passer on every play. He's strong and plays with good drive and leverage, and should continue to show well at upcoming events. Wright has a number of offers, but is thought to have Texas A&M penciled in as his leader.” – Nick Krueger, Rivals.com Texas Recruiting Analyst
Previous Rank: 176
Change: +127 spots
Analysis: “Davis is built like a power back and can break his share of tackles. He’s also a threat in the passing game, as he’s spent years showing an ability to get open on a variety of different routes. Davis is committed to Miami.” - Cassidy
Previous Rank: 96
Change: +40 spots
Analysis: “A thicker inside linebacker, there were some questions about whether Mitchell would be able to keep up with the exceptional running back talents at the Future 50 camp in January. He dispelled all doubt after turning in a very impressive performance, blanketing running backs on short, intermediate and deep routes. Florida State, Alabama and Ohio State are just some of Mitchell's top contenders.” – Adam Friedman, Rivals.com Mid-Atlantic Recruiting Analyst
Previous Rank: 113
Change: +50 spots
Analysis: “For all of Preston's athleticism, the one thing that has nagged him is his consistency creating separation from defenders. At the Future 50 event in January, Preston showed the next step in his progression as a receiver to pull away from defenders before and after the catch. Preston is looking to trim down his list of top schools within the coming weeks.” - Krueger
Previous Rank: 86
Change: +22 spots
Analysis: “Harris is a quiet prospect off the field, but when he steps on it, his play does the talking for him. He's a well-built safety who is good in coverage but is also great in run support. His star continues to rise, and Clemson, Tennessee and Florida are among the early players for his commitment.” – Woody Wommack, Rivals.com Southeast Recruiting Analyst
Previous Rank: 101
Change: +32 spots
Analysis: “Campbell brings track speed into the equation. His quickness combined with his incredible size is what makes him a special player with unlimited upside. Campbell names no leader in the process but has no shortage of options.” - Cassidy
Previous Rank: 156
Change: +82 spots
Analysis: “Moore will enter his senior season as the top receiving threat on one of America’s best high school teams. He has solid speed and can be a handful to take down in the flat because of his impressive build. Moore’s offer list continues to grow. Miami is a school to watch for the time being.” - Cassidy
Previous Rank: NR
Change: N/A
Analysis: “Tarburton is an exciting prospect with great length and he hits like a Mack truck. The Penn State commit is listed as an inside linebacker, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him playing the strongside linebacker position in Happy Valley. Two things we are keeping an eye on with Tarburton are his speed and agility in the open field.” - Friedman
Previous Rank: NR
Change: N/A
Analysis: “Latu is one of the special hybrid defensive ends/linebackers in this class who could continue to emerge as a national recruit. I saw him work out at defensive end, and he's incredibly fast and beats offensive tackles to the outside easily. He just moves really well in space. He could also drop and do well in coverage, and he's a physical kid on film who makes plays all over the field. Alabama is the frontrunner for Latu, but USC is right there as well along with others. He's a former BYU commit whose brother is still pledged to the Cougars.” - Gorney
Previous Rank: 189
Change: +101 spots
Analysis: “Similar to 2017 five-star defensive end and Baltimore native Josh Kaindoh, Anoma is phenomenally talented with huge upside. Technically he is very raw, but his non-stop motor and pure aggressiveness more than make up for his unrefined technique. Maryland, Alabama, Penn State and Michigan are the top contenders in Anoma's recruitment.” - Friedman
Previous Rank: 133
Change: +38 spots
Analysis: "Our most recent evaluation of Scates at the Best of the Midwest Camp showed us that the Michigan State commit is progressing nicely, and he answered a couple key questions for us. We knew the physical tools were there, but we were able to see strong development from a fundamentals standpoint. He is starting to put the whole package together." - Josh Helmholdt, Rivals.com Midwest Recruiting Analyst
Previous Rank: NR
Change: N/A
Analysis: “I saw Crocker for the first time in person at the adidas 7v7 West Coast Invitational, and it was clear that he's one of the best receivers in the West. He has excellent size, he's a long, smooth strider who covers ground quickly and then he showed off tremendous hands, making some tough catches throughout the day. Crocker can do it all and he's especially good as a deep threat. Cal has been a personal favorite for years, but Notre Dame just offered and many others are getting involved, too.” - Gorney
