First and 10: Most versatile players
Every year, the analysts at Rivals.com get asked why a particular prospect is
classified as an "athlete." Certain special prospects project to college -- and
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perhaps beyond -- at multiple positions. In this week's First and 10, we
breakdown the top 10 most versatile all-around players, prospects who not only
project to multiple positions in college but also work all over the field for
their high school programs.
Burton is completely comfortable playing safety or receiver and has been
valuable at both so far this season. On offense, the four-star is a great route
runner, has impressive speed and outstanding hands. He's even more special at
safety because he covers sideline-to-sideline so well and relishes opportunities
to make big hits. Burton wants a chance at receiver in college but he could be a
star at safety. Burton is considering Notre Dame, Florida State, Alabama, Ohio State, Oklahoma, UCLA and Arizona. -- National analyst Adam Gorney
DB
Long Beach (Calif.) Poly
Jones established his reputation earlier in his high school career at receiver
where he could take short passes and dodge defenders for extra yardage. He also
had the speed to go deep and make big plays as well. It was this off-season and
leading into his senior year where cornerback has become his primary position.
He's so adept at reading quarterbacks and receivers and breaks on the ball
better almost anybody in the country. Jones has already officially visited Texas A&M and Arizona State and UCLA is also very much in the mix. -- Gorney
ATH
Savannah (Ga.) Christian
The five-star athlete can do it all, whether it's playing wide receiver, wildcat
quarterback, defensive back or working as a return specialist. Robertson's
highlight video puts his unique skillset on display and it's a big reason why
jostling to land his commitment. -- Wommack
LB
Torrance (Calif.) North
.@adamgorney says there's no doubt Mique Juarez is the best 2016 prospect in CA: https://t.co/Jol0Eqp3ON
https://t.co/6zw7Z3GQ6N— Rivals.com (@Rivals) October 23, 2015
Juarez will almost definitely play linebacker in college but he also plays
quarterback in high school and is surprisingly natural at the position.
BYU actually is recruiting him for that position and has compared him
to Taysom Hill but Juarez might have an even better arm. At linebacker,
he's a big-time hitter, huge but can also move and he makes plays all over the
field. There is basically no debate remaining that he's the top player in
California. Juarez recently decommitted from USC, and is looking at UCLA, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Ole Miss and others.-- Gorney
DB
Coconut Creek, Fla.
Mullen's future is as a cornerback. That's not really up for debate, but the
four-star prospect has the size and speed to be an effective wide receiver as
well. He's also they type of player that can help a team in the return game.
Mullen has every bit of athletic skill to play a number of positions. So while
he plays cornerback and receiver on his high school team, he could easily be
effective in a number of other roles. Mullen has a top three of Florida State, LSU and Clemson.-- Southeast analyst Rob
Cassidy
DB
Virginia Beach (Va.) Ocean Lakes
Taylor is ranked as the nation's No.1 cornerback, but if he weren't a star on
defense it's easy to see him being one of the nation's top wide receivers. His
speed and explosiveness, combined with his ball skills make him a terrific
defensive back but would also easily translate to offense at the next level. Taylor is committed to Florida State. --
Wommack
WR
Craig-Myers
Tampa (Fla.) Catholic
Craig-Myers is a receiver by trade and will undoubtedly be a threat the position
at the college level. That said, he is a solid defensive back for his high
school team. Craig-Myers is a superior athlete capable of turning an
interception into a touchdown, which he has done an a multiple occasions this
season. The five-star receiver probably won't see any time at defensive back at
the college level, but he could certainly line up there if his coach so desired. Florida remains the team to beat for Craig-Myers, who is also considering Auburn, Florida State, Notre Dame and Ohio State.
-- Cassidy
DE
Trophy Club (Texas) Byron Nelson
Bowen is listed as a defensive end but he has played tight end and wide receiver
at times and he has shown the ability to play linebacker. At 6-foot-5 and
230-pounds, Bowen's receiving abilities were on full display during the Texas
State 7-on-7 Championships where he spent his time as a priority target for the
Byron Nelson offense. On defense, he is comfortable in space and has the ability
to track down plays all over the field on defense. Then of course there is what
he brings to the table at defensive end, where he uses his length, quickness,
and explosion to create issues for opposing offensive coordinators. Baylor, USC and Oregon are Bowen's top three. --
Mid-South analyst Jason Howell
CB
Scottsdale (Ariz.) Saguaro
Murphy is not only one of the nation's top cover cornerbacks, but he has also
filled the void left by Texas A&M star freshman Christian Kirk
at Saguaro, hauling in 52 passes for 1,167 yards and 13 touchdowns in eight
games this season. He also might be one of the West region's most elusive kick
returners -- a role Murphy said some college coaches have already started to
discussing with him. The four-star prospect shows great instincts on the edge to
go with very good leaping ability, making him a tough matchup for every type of
receiver. Arizona State, USC, Texas A&M and Washington are Murphy's final four. -- West analyst Blair Angulo
Adam Gorney
National Recruiting Analyst
Josh Helmholdt
Midwest Recruiting Analyst
Woody Wommack
Southeast Recruiting Analyst
Jason Howell
Mid-South Recruiting Analyst
Adam Friedman
Mid-Atlantic Recruiting Analyst