The new rankings are in for the class of 2017 but not every new four-star prospect made the cut for the Rivals250. Here's a breakdown of the defensive players that earned their fourth star this rankings cycle and have a chance to continue their rise as the evaluations continue in the future.
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White's strength is his versatility. He has decent quickness and, at 5-foot-11, runs with serious power. He is committed to
Florida State but will likely take other visits. - Cassidy
Beasley is a compact runner who goes hard and breaks a lot of tackles but he can also time up his blocks and then explode through the hole for extra yards.
UCLA is Beasley's only offer so far but many others will come this off-season. - Adam Gorney
McQuitty was a standout at the Rivals Camp Series Presented by Under Armour last May in St. Louis, but we wanted to see how his ability to separate would play out on the field as a junior. McQuitty answered those questions with authority this fall, and has added offers from
Smith was a standout on the camp circuit over the spring and summer and he backed up his performances there with a big junior season. The shifty playmaker can play insider or outside and the next level and it's not surprising to see
After going through arm surgery over the summer, it looked like Dotson was going to miss his junior year. The 6-foot-5, 226-pound tight end made it back at mid-year, however, and showed improved explosiveness. His offer list has improved as well and now includes a dozen schools from around the country. - Helmholdt
Williams is a long, athletic defensive end with a basketball background. He has some learning to do when it comes to his technique but you can't teach his size and athleticism. Williams makes a lot of plays using just his speed and strength but when he learns to effectively use his hands he will be tough to stop. Clemson, Maryland and
Penn State are among the schools recruiting Williams. - Adam Friedman
At 6-foot-5, 240-pounds, Jones has a big frame and a strong motor. He comes off the ball low and does a good job of getting down the line of scrimmage to make plays. He already holds offers from
There aren't many big-bodied athletes like White that move with his sort of explosiveness. White plays both wide receiver and defensive back. He holds offers from
Faison-Walden is an intriguing prospect that can play a number of different positions. At 6-foot-1, 190-pounds, he has the size to be a difference maker in the secondary but also he has the ball skills to be a reliable receiver. Alabama,