It’s that time of year. The college football season is almost over, so it's time for a look at the Farrell 50 — the top 50 players in college football and how they were ranked as recruits. We continue today with Nos. 6-10.
Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.
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MORE FARRELL 50: Nos. 11-15 | 16-20 | 21-25 | 26-30 | 31-35 | 36-40 | 41-45 | 46-50
CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
COVERAGE: Rivals Transfer Tracker | Rivals Camp Series
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10. Javonte Williams, North Carolina
The skinny: Williams picked up an offer from North Carolina, his only one from an FBS school, during an official visit to campus in December. He was mainly recruited as a defensive back prior to his senior season, which is when he played running back for the first time. Williams, who recently entered the 2021 NFL Draft, averaged 7.3 yards per carry this fall, rushing for 1,130 yards and 19 touchdowns. He also added 305 yards and three touchdowns through the air.
Farrell’s take: Williams was a two-star safety out of high school, but he should have been a three-star running back after his Shrine Bowl appearance. Either way, he’s played well beyond any rating we would have had and is a potential first-round NFL Draft pick .
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9. Joseph Ossai, Texas Â
The skinny: Ossai took official visits to Texas, Texas A&M, Notre Dame and Oregon before committing to the Longhorns on National Signing Day. While the Ducks received their visit on the last weekend before his decision, this really came down to the Longhorns and Aggies.
Already known as one of the top defensive playmakers in the nation, Ossai was even more dynamic in 2020 with 55 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.
Farrell’s take: Ossai was a skinny four-star end with great speed out of high school, so it’s not a surprise he’s played so well. He was always an elite pass rusher and he took that to the next level.
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8. Sam Howell, North Carolina Â
The skinny: Howell had been committed to Florida State since the spring of his junior year, but on signing day of the Early Signing Period he pulled off a surprise by flipping to North Carolina. The departure of then-offensive coordinator Walt Bell to Massachusetts and the arrival of Mack Brown in Chapel Hill helped Howell make his decision.
After a huge true freshman season, expectations were even higher for Howell in 2020. He responded by passing for 3,586 yards, 30 touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing over 68% of his passes.
Farrell’s take: Howell was a Rivals250 prospect who was considered for the Rivals100 many times, and he always had a strong arm and a great pocket presence. He isn't tall, but he does a great job changing his launch points and finding seams to throw in when things become congested. He’s off to an amazing start to his college career, and he looks to be the next star QB in the ACC and perhaps the top QB in the 2022 NFL Draft.
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7. Mac Jones, Alabama Â
The skinny: Jones was an early commitment to Kentucky, but after almost a year with the Wildcats he flipped to Alabama during the summer leading up to his senior season. In his first year as a full-time starter with the Tide, Jones completed 77% of his passes with 4,036 yards, 36 touchdowns and only four interceptions. He was named AP First-Team All-American after his accomplishments.
Farrell’s take: Jones was a Rivals250 four-star, so he always had talent and potential and he waited his turn to show it. Accuracy was always his strength, and he’s been spot on in that category.
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6. Justin Fields, Ohio State Â
The skinny: Fields initially committed to Penn State, but then re-opened his process and committed to Georgia, but he also considered Florida, Texas A&M and Florida State. However, after receiving minimal playing time as a true freshman - and facing the likelihood that he would sit behind Jake Fromm in 2019 - he transferred to Ohio State and immediately became eligible.
This fall, while leading the Buckeyes to the national championship game, Fields has passed for 1,906 yards, 21 touchdowns and six interceptions while also rushing for 316 yards and five touchdowns. He was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year
Farrell’s take: Fields was our No. 2 player in the country coming out, behind only Trevor Lawrence, and he was a very talented and special quarterback. He had good size, excellent mobility and a live arm, and he worked as well in the pocket as he did out of it. His first go-round with Georgia is not indicative of his talent level, and it’s clear he has found the right fit at Ohio State. If not for Lawrence, he would have easily been No. 1 in the country out of high school. He struggled at times this year, but don’t let that diminish his talent. He’s special.
