Farrell Postseason 50: Nos. 46-50
RELATED: Farrell Midseason 50
With the college football season in the books, Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell releases his post-season 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 in the countdown: Nos. 46-50.
No. 50 - S Eddie Jackson, Alabama
The skinny: Jackson was a three-star, the No. 48 wide receiver and the No. 56 recruit from Florida in 2013. Jackson was somewhat of a late bloomer and did not receive his offer from Alabama until January. After taking official visits to Tuscaloosa, Florida State and LSU in January, he committed to the Crimson Tide a few days before National Signing Day. Jackson was recruited as a defensive back by Alabama and that is where he has flourished. He had his best season to date this fall, with 40 tackles, three tackles for a loss, five interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
Farrell’s take: Jackson was a wide receiver prospect for us out of high school and a rare three-star going to Alabama, a program that loads up on fours and fives. His ball skills were a big plus for him as one of the top 50 wideouts in 2013 but his size was a drawback. His turn at cornerback for the Tide didn’t go that well, but as a safety he can use all those skills we liked as a ball hawk and he’s gotten so much stronger without adding a ton of size.
No. 49 - CB Jalen Tabor, Florida
The skinny: No. 10 overall, the No. 3 cornerback and the No. 1 recruit from Washington D.C. in 2014, Tabor flipped his commitment from Arizona to Florida in early January after taking official visits to both Gainesville and Alabama. Tabor has now produced two very impressive seasons with the Gators. This fall he finished with 40 tackles, four tackles for a loss, one sack, four interceptions and an eye catching 14 passes defended.
Farrell’s take: Tabor was one of the first eighth-grade prospects I scouted, but it wasn’t by choice. The kid just played at a higher level than he should have and made a name for himself on the 7-on-7 circuit by making huge play after huge play. His instincts are off the charts, which is why he was so highly ranked and he corrected some tackling issues by his senior year. Now he’s a lockdown corner and potential first-rounder in the 2017 draft.
No. 48 - OL Joshua Garnett, Stanford
The skinny: No. 33 overall, the No. 2 offensive guard and the No. 2 recruit from Washington, behind only Zach Banner, in 2012, Garnett took official visits to Stanford, Notre Dame and Michigan before committing to the Cardinal in late January. Garnett, who played as a true freshman at Stanford, improved his game each season with the Cardinal. This season he continued to be a vital part of a Stanford offense that averaged 223.6 rushing yards per game and earned a trip to the Rose Bowl.
Farrell’s take: Garnett was a national top 40 prospect and the highest-ranked non-five star in the class of 2012, so we liked him a lot. He was a kid with a tackle’s frame but a guard’s run-game mentality. Garnett probably could have gotten the nod for that fifth star, but this ranking appears to be right on the money. It took him a few years to develop as is usually the case with offensive linemen, but he's been crucial to the running and passing success for the Cardinal.
No. 47 - QB Brandon Doughty, Western Kentucky
The skinny: Doughty was a three-star prospect, but was not ranked at his position or in Florida in the class of 2010. Doughty had a handful of offers to choose from, but committed to Western Kentucky in late January after his official visit there. With the Hilltoppers, Doughty has flourished in their wide-open offense. After opening eyes last fall, he took his game to another level in 2015 with 5,055 yards and 48 touchdowns, while throwing only nine interceptions.
Farrell’s take: As a three-star, Doughty was certainly on our radar and the radar of a few smaller schools, but he emerged late as a senior. Despite some impressive summer camp performances and a solid senior year, Doughty didn't get the big offers. Once an FAU commitment, he flipped to WKU late in the process and the Hilltoppers can count their lucky stars. I remember seeing him at many camps and being impressed, but the offers never came, which was a bit odd. Many schools, including a few in Florida, could be kicking themselves.
No. 46 - CB Cameron Sutton, Tennessee
The skinny: Sutton was a three-star, but not ranked nationally, at his position or in Georgia in 2013. Sutton favored Tennessee for several months before finally committing to the Vols in late August after taking a return visit to campus with his family. He did take a late official visit to Ole Miss and received a heavy push from Auburn near National Signing Day, but Sutton stayed true to his word and signed with the Vols. In Knoxville, he continued to establish himself as one of the top cover corners in the country this season with 28 tackles, three tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, one interception and six passes defended. He also proved his athleticism on special teams, where he led the country with 467 punt return yards.
Farrell’s take: A lockdown cover cornerback in the SEC is a big deal and Sutton doesn't have huge numbers, but he's not tested as often as others and he can be a dangerous special teams asset as well. He went from a high school prospect who wasn't a sure tackler at times and had stiff hips to a surefire pro and a college star. Not bad.