1/19/2016 football Edit

Farrell Postseason 50: Nos. 16-20

Mike Farrell and Mark Pszonak

Rivals.com

With the college football season in the books, Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell releases his postseason Farrell 50, the top 50 college football players in the country. This list is based on this year's performance balanced with the level of competition each player has faced and how they've fared when the pressure is on.

Today’s countdown: Nos. 21-25

20. WR Juju Smith-Schuster, USC | Long Beach (Calif.) Poly (5-stars, 2014)

The skinny: No. 24 overall, the No. 2 safety and the No. 3 recruit from California. Smith-Schuster always seemed to be USC’s to lose from the start. Despite some intense efforts by UCLA to change this, USC did not lose Smith-Schuster and he committed to the Trojans on National Signing Day. Smith-Schuster, who has impressed since the day he stepped on campus at USC, finished his sophomore season with 89 receptions for 1,454 yards, which led the Pac-12 and was fourth in the nation, and 10 touchdowns.

Farrell’s take: An amazing athlete, JuJu reminded me a bit of Marqise Lee because he could be dominant on defense or offense in high school. But unlike Lee, I didn't freeze up when it came to giving out a fifth star here and Smith is proving worthy. He's one of the best weapons in the country and has emerged as a dominant, physical receiver that scouts will be drooling over next season. He’s tough too, something scouts love about him.

19. CB Desmond King, Iowa | Detroit (Mich.) Crockett (3-stars, 2013)

The skinny: King was the No. 73 cornerback and the No. 16 recruit from Michigan. 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 became a huge part of Iowa’s surprising regular season. King finished second in the nation with eight interceptions, while adding 72 tackles and 13 passes defended. His accomplishments led to him to win the Jim Thorpe Award, which is annually given out to the top defensive back in the nation.

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 had double-digit interceptions consistently in high school, but his speed was the big question. He has shown his instincts continue to be off the charts and make up for that lack of blazing quickness. He’s just a baller, the best player on a team that nearly made the playoffs.

18. DE Emmanuel Ogbah, Oklahoma State | Richmond (Tex.) Bush (3-star, 2012)

The skinny: Ogbah was not ranked nationally, at his position or in Texas. Ogbah had upwards of a dozen offers, but never truly saw his recruiting process blow up. He committed to Oklahoma State during his senior season, and despite taking a late official visit to Houston, stuck with the Cowboys. Over the last two seasons, Ogbah firmly proved himself as an elite pass rusher and playmaker. This season, he was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year after he totaled 63 tackles, 16.5 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks, which led the Big 12, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, plus he scored a defensive touchdown.

Farrell’s take: Ogbah was a solid player in high school, but didn't excel at any one thing with his tall and skinny frame. That has changed now for sure and he's a great example of a late bloomer who picked the right system to succeed in and made himself a much better player than projected. He plays angry and physical, flattens out around the edge very well and is disruptive in the backfield. He's also an active tackler to the outside and in space and he explodes to the quarterback when he breaks free.

17. LB Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame | Fort Wayne (Ind.) Bishop Luers (5-star, 2013)

The skinny: No. 3 overall, the No. 1 outside linebacker and the No. 1 recruit from Indiana, Smith trimmed his list to Notre Dame, Ohio State, USC, Michigan, Florida State, Florida and Alabama after taking several visits during the spring after his junior season. Soon after his visits, he committed to the Fighting Irish in early June. This season, Smith continued to bring athleticism and playmaking ability to the Notre Dame defense. He won the Dick Butkus Award, which is annually given to the nation’s top linebacker, after finishing with 113 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, one sack, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. His knee injury in the Fiesta Bowl was heartbreaking.

Farrell’s take: Smith was always special coming out of high school with his length and ability to cover in space, so his success has not been a surprise. He was one of our high-rated linebackers ever. This year, he's been very good, but there have been a few instances of false steps and overpursuit. He's very smart and diagnoses plays very well and remains one of the most productive players at his position, he’s just not as high on this list because maybe my expectations were too high. His knee injury leaves a big question mark about his draft status.

16. QB Trevone Boykin, TCU | Mesquite (Tex.) West Mesquite (3-star, 2011)

The skinny: Boykin was the No. 24 dual-threat quarterback and the No. 100 recruit in Texas. Boykin committed to TCU without much fanfare during the summer prior to his senior season, with his only other coming from UTEP. Boykin was as impressive as most expected for a majority of the season, until an injury slowed him down for a few games and then a much-publicized arrest caused him to miss TCU’s bowl game. Even with this, he still threw for 3,575 yards and totaled 40 touchdowns, all while playing in only 11 games.

Farrell’s take: Boykin didn't show this talent in high school, that much I can tell you. We liked his athleticism and felt he could change positions if quarterback didn't work. We didn’t think it would, because we felt there was a chance his sidearm delivery would hurt him. He was a one-man show for West Mesquite, so a lot of pressure was put on him and he tried to do too much at times, which stunted his QB development. Now look at how good he is under the TCU coaches –- they have done an amazing job.