Eleven defenders add fourth-star in latest rankings release
The spring evaluation period is an important time for college coaches to get an eye on prospects in person and it holds a similar importance to the Rivals.com National Analyst Team. With camps nearly every weekend from coast-to-coast, plenty of new evaluations led to moves in the rankings. Here’s a list of new four-star prospects on defenders who just missed on making the Rivals250.
RELATED: New four-stars on offense
Analyst’s take: Capehart's physical development has been impressive. He is much stronger and bigger than he was at this time last year and didn't lose any speed. As a wide receiver, Capehart has the speed and route running skills to compete with almost any defensive back. He also has the feet to possibly play on defense in college. Capehart just finished up a visit to Alabama and is hoping to camp at West Virginia later this summer. – Adam Friedman, Rivals.com Mid-Atlantic Recruiting Analyst
Analyst’s take: Miami and Duke seem to lead the way for Carney, but other schools remain involved. The defensive line MVP of the Rivals Camp Series in Miami, Carney missed most of his junior season but seems to be on pace to rebound nicely as senior. He has impressive size and a quick first step. – Rob Cassidy, Rivals.com Southeast Recruiting Analyst
Analyst's take: Bennett hopes to visit Alabama, Notre Dame, Florida and Mississippi State this offseason. He has not named a leader in the process. Bennett has added notable bulk in the last year and shined brightly during his team’s spring scrimmage. Bennett is just lean enough to remain agile and active, which lends itself to an impressive level of versatility. – Cassidy
Analyst’s take: Niu has phenomenal junior season film because he's a big-time hitter who times things really well, gets into the backfield, can cover sideline-to-sideline and then lower his shoulder and make some violent hits. I saw him for the first time in person at the Tom Lemming photo shoot and while he's not the biggest linebacker out there, he's tough as nails and wants to be great. USC, Oregon and a bunch of other programs are involved but it sounds like the Trojans are the team to beat. – Adam Gorney, Rivals.com National Recruiting Analyst
Analyst’s take: Johnson covers like a defensive back but has the size of a linebacker and that's why he's so effective on the outside. He's smooth, has tremendous length so he can pick off passes or tip them away and he's wiry strong, so he can jump receivers, run them to the sidelines and make things difficult. The former UCLA commit is still really high on the Bruins but will give Nebraska, Notre Dame and others serious consideration. – Gorney
Analyst’s take: Damuni was one of my favorite players at the Pylon 7v7 in Vegas and he was committed to Utah State at that time. Once coaches see him, they get really excited because he has excellent size, he's physical but he's also fast with great instincts. My prediction is Damuni won't get all the hype of some other linebackers in this class, but he's going to have a phenomenal college career. BYU, Oregon State, Utah, Virginia and others are involved. – Gorney
Analyst’s take: Even in Canada, Alberta is not known as a hotbed of FBS talent. Hubbard is part of a recent trend that could be changing that perception, though. A top-ranked sprinter who has clocked 10.51 in the 100 meters, Hubbard translates that speed to the football field and could project at running back, wide receiver or defensive back in college. He made a commitment to Oklahoma State this spring. – Josh Helmholdt, Rivals.com Midwest Recruiting Analyst
Analyst’s take: Jordan started his high school career as an outside linebacker but as he continues to add size he looks more and more like the perfect candidate to be a hybrid edge rusher. He’s lightning quick off edge but is also strong enough to cause problems when he’s engaged with a blocker. Michigan State, N.C. State and several others are in the mix for Jordan. – Woody Wommack, Rivals.com Southeast Recruiting Analyst
Analyst’s take: Carter is a tenacious cornerback prospect who is also an accomplished running back and wide receiver. We project him at corner because of his ability to cover even the quickest of wide receivers. Kentucky, Ole Miss, Texas A&M and several others are in the mix for Carter. – Wommack
Analyst’s take: For some, Lee is a bit undersized, but what he lacks in size he makes up in ability. Despite his height, Lee has long arms and a nose for the ball, something that is key to success at his position. Arizona State, Kansas State and several others are in the mix for Lee. – Wommack
Analyst’s take: Bailey has everything you look for in a defensive back most notably size and length. With his physicality and versatility, it’s easy to see him staying at corner or perhaps growing into a safety at the next level. Texas A&M, Arkansas and several others are in the mix for Bailey. – Wommack