Published Sep 27, 2016
5-4-3-2-un: Recapping standouts in each Rivals star category
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Woody Wommack  •  Rivals.com
Social Media Director
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@rivalswoody

In a weekly feature on Rivals.com, we take a look at the weekend’s standout performances from both college and pro football and pick one player from each star rankings group to spotlight.

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THE FIVE-STAR 

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Recruiting revisited: Pryor had one of the most memorable recruitments in the Rivals.com era, electing to wait until after Signing Day while weighing his options between Ohio State, Penn State and others. He went on to sign with the Buckeyes, where he lead the team to a Rose Bowl victory, but also saw his career end due to NCAA-related issues.

What he did this week: After failing to make it as a quarterback in the NFL, Pryor has transitioned to wide receiver with the Cleveland Browns. This week, with the Browns down to their third string quarterback, Pryor did a bit of everything. He finished the game with 35 yards passing, 21 yards rushing and eight catches for 144 yards. After a slow start to his NFL career, the opportunity in Cleveland could be just what he needs.

THE FOUR-STAR

Recruiting revisited: Barnett was targeted by Tennessee early in his high school career and looked at Vanderbilt and Ohio State before settling on the Vols.

What he did this week: Barnett took over the second half in the Vols' victory over Florida, a win that snapped an 11-game losing streak to the Gators. He finished the game with two sacks, three quarterback hurries and also broke up a pass while terrorizing the Florida offensive line. If he continues to play the way he did over the weekend, Barnett could be in line for a major NFL payday.

THE THREE-STAR

Recruiting revisited: Despite an impressive career in both football and basketball, Arcega-Whiteside was pretty much ignored by the in-state schools for the greater part of his recruitment. Instead, he focused on Pittsburgh, Virginia and Michigan State before ultimately committing to Stanford.

What he did this week: Arcega-Whiteside has had a quiet career at Stanford so far but on Saturday the redshirt freshman came through when it mattered most. With Stanford trailing UCLA 13-9 in the final minute, he hauled in an eight-yard touchdown pass to put the Cardinal ahead with 31 seconds left in the game. The catch was the first touchdown of his career, but as far as Stanford fans are concerned, he’s already a success.

THE TWO-STAR

Recruiting revisited: Nelson never received an FBS scholarship and elected to walk on at Kansas State, choosing the Wildcats over offers from Division II programs like Washburn and Emporia State. After starting his career as a safety, he transitioned to wide receiver and eventually earned a scholarship.

What he did this week: After missing all of the 2015 season with a knee injury, Nelson returned to form on Sunday, catching six passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns. Nelson has established himself as one of the league’s top wide receivers and Aaron Rodgers' favorite target.

THE UNRANKED: MALCOLM BUTLER

Recruiting revisited: Butler, a member of the Class of 2009, was so under the radar he didn’t even have a profile on Rivals.com as a high school prospect. He started his college career at Hinds Community College, and ending up signing with Division II West Alabama in 2012.

What he did this week: The former undrafted free agent who was the hero of Super Bowl XLIX continues to be a major player for the New England Patriots defense. On Thursday night during a 27-0 shutout of the Texans, he had four tackles and one pass break-up that was very reminiscent of his Super Bowl-winning interception. Butler is in his second season as a starter following his Super Bowl heroics.