Farrell Midseason 50: Nos. 36-40
FARRELL 50: Nos. 46-50 | 41-45
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The skinny: Robinson was the No. 17 overall, the No. 1 offensive tackle and the No. 3 recruit from Louisiana in 2014, Robinson's recruiting process was an Alabama-LSU battle from start to finish. Alabama coach Nick Saban made Robinson a priority and Robinson committed to Alabama in early September, 2013. A great deal was expected out of Robinson this season and he has not disappointed. His athleticism and toughness is one of the major reasons Alabama's ground attack is as formidable as it is.
Farrell's take: Robinson is an elite talent and we saw that in high school as evidenced by his lofty ranking. The fact that he's in the discussion for best offensive tackle in the country already as a sophomore is a bit ahead of schedule and his technique, raw in high school, is textbook in college. He is a very good run blocker and his pass protection has improved steadily. His head-to-head matchup with Texas A&M star Myles Garrett was fun to watch.
38
QB
Cuyahoga Falls (Ohio) Walsh Jesuit, 2011, three-star
The skinny: Cook was a three-star recruit, the No. 13 pro-style quarterback and the No. 30 recruit from Ohio in 2011. Cook's first offer was from Michigan State and he waited less than two months to commit to the Spartans. While Cook's stats are not jaw dropping, he has guided the Michigan State offense very efficiently throughout the season. He currently has 1,662 yards and 13 touchdowns, with only two interceptions.
Farrell's take: Cook has been up and down this season in the eyes of many, but you can't argue with his efficiency and the way he takes what a defense gives him. He can make all the throws and works well out of an offense that really relies on the run to get the passing game going. He hasn't played inspired football each and every game and Michigan State has struggled at times, but they are undefeated and in the playoff hunt. Cook has been a big reason.
37
DT
Scooba (Miss.) East Mississippi C.C., 2014, three-star
The skinny: Reed was a three-star JUCO recruit in the Class of 2014. Along with Alabama, Reed also considered Tennessee, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Kentucky before selecting the Crimson Tide in December after a previous commitment to Florida. While other Alabama defenders came into the season with more publicity, Reed has quietly been a standout. To this point, he has already totaled 34 tackles, three tackles for a loss, one sack and one fumble recovery for the Tide.
Farrell's take: Reed has surpassed teammate A'Shawn Robinson, at least this year, along the defensive line for Alabama. Some of that could be the attention paid to Robinson, but some of it is Reed's athletic ability and power. Reed had the size coming out of JUCO and took on double teams easily, but it's his ability to make plays in the backfield and work his way down the line of scrimmage that has improved the most since his three-star ranking. He's becoming one of the hottest defensive tackle names out there.
36
DT
Loganville (Ga.) Grayson, 2013, five-star
The skinny: No. 1 overall, the No. 1 strongside defensive end and the No. 1 recruit from Georgia in 2013, Nkemdiche originally committed to Clemson, but with his older brother playing at Ole Miss, the Rebels were always considered a serious threat. His commitment to the Rebels on National Signing Day didn't surprise many people. Nkemdiche has impressed this fall, with 17 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks, plus two touchdowns in limited duty as a fullback.
Farrell's take: Many would expect him to be higher on this list, but he's been disruptive and dominant in some games and not quite as much of a factor in others. Consistency is the key with Nkemdiche, who is playing his best football, but his size and agility combination still leave you wanting more at times. That being said, we saw his dominance in high school and he gets so much respect because he's such a rare athlete.
FARRELL 50: Nos. 46-50 | 41-50
Mike Farrell
National Recruiting Director
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