Fact or Fiction: Devon Campbell should be ranked as 2022's top OL
Rivals national recruiting director Adam Gorney and national recruiting analysts Adam Friedman and Ryan Wright tackle three topics and determine whether they believe each statement is FACT or FICTION.
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1. Devon Campbell should be ranked as the top offensive lineman in the 2022 class.
Gorney’s take: FACT. A lot is going to be determined after the All-American Bowl week and also seeing all those top prospects, but right now I’d say Campbell has made a statement as the best offensive lineman in the country. I looked back more than a decade to see how many times an interior offensive lineman has topped the rankings at those positions and it’s been more than I realized so, it’s not a must that an offensive tackle has to be at the top. Campbell was absolutely dominant all week at Under Armour, he can move outside if needed and his power and motor stand out most. Especially in a year where no offensive tackle has stated the case as a clear No. 1, Campbell makes a lot of sense.
Friedman’s take: FACT. I might be a little late to the party but, after seeing Campbell in Orlando this past week, I'm proclaiming myself the leader of the Devon Campbell fan club. The guard is one of the most technically sound linemen I've seen in this cycle, is as strong as they come and plays with the aggressiveness you look for in an elite offensive lineman. I'm excited to hear about how well the offensive linemen in San Antonio do this week, but as it stands right now Campbell has my vote as the top OL in the class.
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2. Will Johnson is the best five-star cornerback after his week at Under Armour.
Gorney’s take: FACT. Cornerback is one of the positions in the 2022 class that definitely doesn’t have someone locked in the top spot, and after Johnson’s performance all week at Under Armour he could definitely move to the No. 1 spot. The Michigan signee is an inch taller than the three five-stars ahead of him, he was outstanding in coverage all week and has a phenomenal feel for the position. I really wish Domani Jackson was back from his knee injury because the USC signee is so dynamic at the position, but Johnson made the biggest statement and could move up fast.
Wright’s take: FACT. The Under Armour festivities were to feature the top corners in the nation: Travis Hunter, Jaheim Singletary, Denver Harris, Domani Jackson and Will Johnson, all of whom are five-star talents. Singletary could not participate because of COVID-related issues, Jackson was a scratch rehabbing his knee and Harris was a late addition to the practices, allowing fewer evaluation opportunities. Throughout the four-day practice schedule and during Sunday’s nationally televised game, Hunter and Johnson showed why they are five-stars. Both players are fantastic, extremely athletic and just flat-out make plays. The little edge that Johnson has over Hunter is size and strength. Johnson’s strength delays releases and moves receivers off their routes. Fighting for position when the ball is in the air, Johnson has about 20 pounds on Hunter, allowing him to body up on the bigger receivers.
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3. Chris Marshall is a top-five receiver in the 2022 class.
Gorney’s take: FACT. This is going to be close during the final rankings meetings, but there is definitely an argument to put Marshall in the top five at his position. It’s going to be tight because there are a lot of talented receivers in this class, but the Texas A&M signee should be in the conversation. He had great performances all week during practice using his length, surprising speed and playmaking ability to outshine cornerbacks. His ranginess on the outside is really special and while it’s tough to say he’s a lock for top five, Marshall will be in the conversation.
Friedman’s take: FICTION. For my money, Marshall is a top 10 receiver in this class. He has all the tools to be a great receiver for Texas A&M, and he doesn't have a problem getting open against elite defensive backs, but I'm not so sure he's as dynamic in the open field as some of the other receivers in this class. We didn't see much of that aspect of his game this past week. Still, I expect Marshall to create a lot of big plays catching the ball down the field and making huge catches over the middle of the defense throughout his college career.