Farrell Midseason 50: Nos. 21-25
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The skinny: No. 19 overall, the No. 1 inside linebacker and the No. 1 recruit from Georgia in 2014, McMillan took his time with his recruiting process even though he was ready to enroll in the spring. After taking official visits to Ohio State, Alabama, Auburn, Clemson and Georgia, he committed to the Buckeyes in mid-December. McMillan has burst onto the scene this season with a team-leading 67 tackles, plus two tackles for a loss and one sack.
Farrell's take: A huge linebacker with excellent sideline-to-sideline speed and quick-twitch ability, McMillan was special out of high school. One of our initial five stars in the 2014 class, he actually lost that fifth star at one point when he gained too much weight and slowed himself. But he took that in stride, dedicated himself to getting faster and trimming down, and became the No. 1 linebacker in the country. His wide range is why he makes so many tackles. He's huge and can move.
23
QB
Deltona (Fla.) Trinity Christian Academy, 2012, 3-star
The skinny: Lynch was a three-star, but was not ranked nationally, at his position or in Florida in the class of 2012. Lynch's recruiting process never took off, despite Florida coming close to offering him in the days leading up to National Signing Day. When the Gators decided not to offer, Lynch committed to Memphis, his lone official visit. Lynch has continued to make people take notice this fall, already passing for 1,919 yards and 13 touchdowns, while throwing only one interception, for the undefeated Tigers.
Farrell's take: Florida A&M was his only other offer, but Lynch shows what can happen when a huge quarterback with mobility and a big arm takes time to develop and slow down the game. We liked his potential enough to make him a three-star and I don't think anyone saw this coming. He's emerging as one of the top quarterbacks not only in the country but also to NFL scouts.
22
CB
Detroit (Mich.) Crockett, 2013, 3-star
The skinny: King was a three-star, the No. 73 cornerback and the No. 16 recruit from Michigan in the class of 2013. King was originally committed to Ball State, but flipped to Iowa when he received an offer during his official visit to campus. This season he is helping solidify a Hawkeyes' defense with 31 tackles, six interceptions and 13 pass breakups through the first seven games of the season.
Farrell's take: King was not heavily recruited out of high school and essentially ignored by in-state powers Michigan and Michigan State, much to their dismay now. He was always a guy who was around the ball with double-digit interceptions consistently in high school, but it was his speed that we questioned, which is why he was a mid three-star kid. But his instincts continue to be off the charts and make up for that lack of blazing quickness. He breaks on the ball like a sub-4.4 guy even though that's not his straight-ahead speed.
21
WR
Philadelphia (Pa.) Roman Catholic, 2013, 4-star
The skinny: No. 176 overall, the No. 19 wide receiver and the No. 7 recruit from Pennsylvania in 2013, Fuller originally committed to Penn State in June before flipping to Notre Dame in August after a visit to South Bend. Over the last two seasons, Fuller has become Notre Dame's top receiving threat. This fall he has already accumulated 32 receptions for 702 yards and eight touchdowns.
Farrell's take: In college, just like in high school, the more you watch Fuller the more you like him. He is impossible to cover, and has excellent hands and body control. Size has always been a question, especially in high school where he emerged as a 165-pounder, but he has added strength and he has shown he can take a hit, work outside or in the slot and has added speed. He just kept getting better every time we saw him in high school and he continues to improve.
Mike Farrell
National Recruiting Director
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