Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell has been scouting high school football players for over 20 years. Here are the top 10 prospects he’s evaluated in person.
THIS SERIES: Top 10 prospects Sam Spiegelman has ever scouted | Adam Friedman | Adam Gorney | Josh Helmholdt | Chad Simmons | Rob Cassidy
1. JADEVEON CLOWNEY
Clowney still remains the top prospect I’ve seen regardless of position. His junior film stands up among the best you’ll ever see and his snap anticipation and first step are unmatched. Clowney's commitment was somewhat dramatic but we all knew he was going to South Carolina from the start. I think he drew five holding penalties in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas and there should have been more. Clowney was a freak.
2. TREVOR LAWRENCE
Lawrence is a close second to Clowney and that’s saying something. There was no flaw in his game and he was really underrated for his ability to extend the play and move around. From size to arm strength to accuracy to mechanics and leadership, Lawrence had it all as a prospect. Even when he struggled in the Army Bowl, he looked like a pro.
3. ADRIAN PETERSON
Peterson was special in every aspect of the game. He was an upright runner but still had great wiggle when he needed and his vision and speed were rare for a big back. Peterson did some unreal things as a junior and senior, and capped off his high school career with a great Army Bowl performance.
4. TERRELLE PRYOR
Pryor was not the best passer in the world but it didn’t matter because he was such an elite athlete and he could keep a defense off balance in so many ways. He could have been a star wide receiver, tight end, linebacker or safety and he also had great promise as a basketball player. Pryor's recruitment was dramatic and went past Signing Day, but Ohio State was never a surprise pick.
5. PERCY HARVIN
The fastest player I’ve ever seen around the corner, Harvin was a dynamic athlete and his playoff performances are legendary in high school. It was astonishing how quickly and easily he reached top speed, and he could have easily been a running back with his ability and vision. Harvin's recruitment was not dramatic although it was telling when he turned USC away at the door after the Trojans traveled across the country to recruit him. He was always a Florida lean.
6. REGGIE BUSH
Bush should have been the No. 1 prospect in the 2003 class but Ernie Sims won out in the debate. Bush has one of the best highlight tapes you’ll ever see. He could score from anywhere and was dynamic as a pass catcher. Bush is arguably the most explosive player I’ve ever seen and I doubt there will be a better prospect come out of San Diego.
7. STEFON DIGGS
Diggs wasn’t the No. 1 or No. 2 prospect in the country but he should have been. He was the best route runner I’ve seen at the high school level and one of the most competitive players ever. Diggs could have also been an elite cornerback if he wanted to be. His ability to make people miss and make tough catches was evident from his freshman year of high school and he was also a dynamic return man. Diggs recruitment was interesting as he was locked into Florida at one point but took things past Signing Day and ultimately chose Maryland.
8. DERWIN JAMES
It’s not easy for a safety to make a list like this but James is the best at his position I’ve ever seen. His motor was non stop and he could just as easily close on a floated pass as he could blitz and get after the quarterback. He played both ways at the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge and dominated on defense and offense. Diggs loved football and it showed.
9. JOSH ROSEN
Prior to Lawrence, Rosen is the best quarterback I’ve scouted at the high school level. He had a cockiness about him that he backed up with his skill set and he was great at leading comebacks. At our Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge in Chicago he was one of our underclassmen backups and he bluntly felt he was better than older guys like Deshaun Watson and Kyle Allen. And you know what? He was right. He’s famously known for correcting David Shaw in meetings at Stanford, ensuring he wouldn’t get the offer he wanted, and ended up at UCLA. He was just that outspoken.
10. NOEL DEVINE
Devine is the lowest-ranked prospect on this list but that’s because he was undersized. But when it comes to dynamic and electrifying players, he’s near the top. Devine's freshman highlight film is the thing of legend and his strength was phenomenal for a smaller back. He could have been a Heisman winner in the right situation.
