5-4-3-2-un: Recapping standouts in each Rivals star category

In this 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.

NEW FIVE-STARS: JaCoby Stevens | Tee Higgins | Jordan Anthony | Kellen Mond

As a recruit: Foster’s recruitment was so hectic that when he eventually flipped from Auburn to Alabama, it even drew a comment from President Obama. Originally a native of Georgia, Foster got a large tattoo of the Auburn logo and moved to Auburn after committing to the Tigers but re-opened his recruitment when Gene Chizik was fired. He took several official visits, including one to Washington and another to San Diego State, before announcing for the Tide on National Signing Day.

What he did this weekend: After waiting his turn to get onto the field during his first few years on campus, Foster has blossomed into one of college football’s best players in his senior season. On Saturday in the SEC championship game, he led Alabama with 11 total tackles and also had two sacks in the Tide’s 54-16 victory over Florida. It took him awhile but Foster has lived up to his five-star ranking.

As a recruit: Boulware had plenty of options as a member of the 2013 Rivals250, but he committed to Clemson nearly 11 months prior to National Signing Day and never wavered on his commitment.

What he did this weekend: Boulware is the unquestioned leader of the Clemson defense and as usual he was all over the field in the ACC championship game. He will finish his career as one of the most prolific tacklers in program history. An in-state grab, Boulware has been everything he was advertised as a high school prospect.

As a recruit: McSorley was ranked as a three-star athlete in the class of 2014 and was originally committed to Vanderbilt. But when James Franklin took the job in Happy Valley, McSorley was one of several recruits that ended up flipping to the Nittany Lions just before National Signing Day in 2014.

What he did this weekend: McSorley has been one of the biggest surprises in college football this season, steadily improving and Saturday was the culmination of his development. He finished Saturday’s Big Ten championship game with 384 yards and four touchdowns while leading Penn State to the victory over Wisconsin. McSorley, who some thought might not even play quarterback in college, has more than outplayed his mid-range three-star billing as a prospect.

As a recruit: Mack was originally considered a basketball prospect, but after a knee injury during his sophomore season of high school, he switched focus to football. Despite an impressive senior season, Mack received only one FBS scholarship offer, courtesy of Buffalo.

What he did this weekend: Mack continues to be one of the NFL’s rising stars and on Sunday he made some huge plays in the Raiders' comeback victory over Buffalo. He finished the game with seven tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Believe it or not, he made an even greater impact on the game than the stat sheet read. Mack is a true diamond-in-the-rough story and looks to be a star for years to come.

As a recruit: Despite impressing at Oklahoma’s summer camp and being a standout during his senior season, Ripkowski never received an FBS offer. He elected to walk on with the Sooners instead, where he found himself on the field as a true freshman and was a regular contributor during his time in Norman.

What he did this weekend: Ripkowski has taken over as the Packers' starting fullback in his second year in the NFL and hasn’t disappointed when given an opportunity. On Sunday he had three carries for 14 yards and a touchdown in Green Bay’s 21-13 victory over Houston. Ripkowski’s ride from walk-on to NFL draft pick has been impressive and he appears poised for a nice run with the Packers as well.