Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.
The regular season has ended, so it’s time for the final Farrell 50, the top 50 players in college football and how they looked out of high school. Today we continue the countdown with Nos. 41 -45, led by SEC and AAC standouts.
POSTSEASON FARRELL 50: Nos. 46-50
MORE FARRELL 50: Midseason Farrell 50 | Preseason Farrell 50
The skinny: After originally committing to Michigan during Brady Hoke’s final year in Ann Arbor, Harris then flirted with in-state program Kentucky for several months before finally committing to the Crimson Tide. After being the primary back-up to Derrick Henry as a true freshman and then rushing for over 1,000 yards as a sophomore, Harris is averaging 8.2 yards per carry this season while leading Alabama with 906 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Farrell’s take: I liked Harris on film quite a bit, but the level of competition worried me until I saw him at the Under Armour All-America Game. He was thicker and stronger than I expected, his jump cut was awesome and he had vision and power. He not only held his own against the best in the country, but was dominant at times. A thick, powerful back with the speed to bounce it outside, Harris was our No. 1 running back when all was said and done for 2015. Now that he’s dropped weight and added speed, he’s simply dynamic.
The skinny: Kirk, who was considered a lean towards the Aggies, took official visits to Texas A&M, Arizona State, UCLA and Auburn before making his commitment. There was a heavy push for him to stay in-state and play for the Sun Devils, but at the end he committed to the Aggies due to his relationships with the coaching staff. Kirk established himself as one of the more dynamic playmakers in the country over his first two seasons in College Station. This fall, while playing with inexperienced quarterbacks, Kirk has totaled 58 receptions for 730 yards and seven touchdowns, as he continues to be a threat any time he touches the ball.
Farrell’s take: Kirk had a down year compared to his first two, but is still one of the most dynamic players in the country. Kirk’s size was always the only question mark, but we pushed beyond that and made him the rare 5-foot-10 five-star wide receiver and he’s living up to that billing. We expected him to hit the ground running with his route-running and ability to separate, and his career so far has lived up to that hype. His performance at our Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge in Chicago is what sealed the deal for us as he was simply unstoppable.
The skinny: Miller never made an impact during his recruiting process, eventually walking on at Memphis, his hometown school, after receiving no offers. With the Tigers, Miller first began to make an impact in 2015, but really put his game together over the last two seasons after the arrival of Mike Norvell. Totaling 92 receptions for 1,407 yards and 17 touchdowns this fall, Miller has quietly become one of the top overall receivers in the country.
Farrell’s take: Miller wasn’t on anyone’s radar it seems as he walked on at Memphis and the only time we saw him was at Vanderbilt’s summer camp in 2012. Now he’s emerged as one of the best wide receivers in the country. And this is only the beginning as he will be an amazing NFL receiver as well if he stays healthy.
The skinny: Sutton, who was recruited as a safety by several schools, took official visits to SMU, Colorado and BYU before committing to the Mustangs on Signing Day. After a huge 2016 season, many wondered if he could maintain his high level of play when the national spotlight was on him. He has responded this fall with 62 receptions for 1,017 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also positioning himself nicely for the 2018 NFL Draft.
Farrell’s take: We had Sutton projected as a defensive back, with his tall frame and good range. He also played some linebacker as well, but he has developed into an elite wide receiver. He was a big-play threat at wide receiver in high school, although not nearly as polished as he is now. Most wanted him as a defensive back, but his ball skills have transitioned well and his size, speed and hands make him one to watch in the first round of the NFL Draft. He had a big season and opened up the offense for other wide outs.
The skinny: This was a recruiting battle between Clemson, South Carolina and Virginia Tech, but with the Tigers seen as the leader for months, it came as little surprise when he committed in June. After tearing his ACL during his senior season, Ferrell took a redshirt in 2015 before bursting onto the national spotlight in 2016. He has continued his dominant play in 2017 with 62 tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks and two forced fumbles for the Tigers.
Farrell’s take: Many felt that this would be Ferrell’s breakout season at Clemson, and it appears it has been as he’s been in the offensive backfield often. I always liked his athletic upside, although he was a bit stiff at times, but I questioned his aggressiveness, so it has been interesting watch him mature and come into his own in that area. His ceiling is very high for the NFL and keeps rising. He’s playing up to his lofty ranking.
