First and 10: Most versatile prospects
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At 6-foot-1, 199 pounds, not only is James an ideal size for the safety position, but he possesses all the skills needed to excel there. Even though he's the nation's No. 1-ranked safety, his abilities easily translate to either side of the ball, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him used in different ways at the next level - especially early in his college career. He's committed to Florida State, where the safety position is loaded with underclassmen and juniors, so don't be surprised if he makes his way onto the field for the Seminoles in some other capacity.
-- Adam Krohn, Southeast analyst
3
ATH
Tampa Sickles
McCloud can and most likely will be an immediate impact player for Clemson in all aspects of the game. He is the true definition of an athlete, as he's shown time and time again across many different platforms -- a game setting, a camp setting, a 7-on-7 setting -- that he matches up with the best, regardless of skill position. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him get a couple of carries at running back and some looks at slot receiver. He could also serve as a kick returner. He may also get a chance to prove his worth at defensive back. There are a lot of athletes at Clemson right now and McCloud should blend right in.
-- Krohn
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4
DE
Chesapeake (Va.) Oscar Smith
Just in case you missed Oscar Smith's televised game against Miami Booker T. Washington, Sweat had an impact on every phase of the game. He projects as a defensive end, but in that game, Sweat had multiple tackles, one sack, six catches for 84 yards, one rushing touchdown, blocked a field goal and kicked an extra point. He continued dominating his opponents in all phases of the game until he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the third game of the year.
-- Friedman
5
WR
Tampa Tampa Bay Tech
Cain, like McCloud, is another Clemson commit the Tigers can use in different situations. He plays quarterback for his high school team -- though that job is safely Deshaun Watson's at Clemson -- but he could play at the next level as a quarterback. He's more of a threat at receiver and could also do some damage in the return game or at defensive back. Given his 6-foot-1, 190-pound frame, he's probably most intriguing being paired up with Watson in the passing game. His potential in other areas is also worth exploring.
-- Krohn
6
APB
Palmetto Bay (Fla.) Westmister Christian
The 5-foot-8, 182-pound Irvin has said on numerous occasions he will play safety at the next level, and perhaps the school that guarantees the undecided four-star that position will land his services. There's no denying his talent at defensive back -- he has a nose for the ball and is an extremely hard-hitter for his size -- but he is just as tough to bring down in the run game. The all-purpose back packs a bunch on both sides of the ball and that should allow him to see the field as a true freshman.
-- Krohn
7
DB
Jersey City (N.J.) St. Peter's Prep
For the past few years, Fitzpatrick has been making plays all over the field. He will play cornerback or safety in college, but being a lockdown defensive back in high school got a little boring for him because nobody throws at him. This year, Fitzpatrick is playing more safety, but has taken on a larger role on offense. The Alabama commit is taking handoffs on sweeps, catching screen passes and is a major downfield target. Many people think he could play offense anywhere in the country.
-- Adam Friedman, Mid-Atlantic analyst
8
ATH
Gardena (Calif.) Juinpero Serra
Norman has based a significant amount of his recruitment on playing both ways and in his senior season at Gardena Serra, the four-star has played in all three phases -- offense, defense and special teams. He has the unique ability to play receiver and corner equally well and he's really only seriously considering schools that will give him the chance to play both. Time and again, Norman has proven capable of making an impact whenever he's on the field. Maybe choosing one position would be best for him to focus on being great, but going both ways is something Norman wants to do.
-- Adam Gorney, West analyst
9
WR
St. Petersburg (Fla.) Lakewood
Davis is being recruited at receiver, but has the speed and instincts to act as a very effective runner in the wildcat formation, which he routinely does for Lakewood. More times than not, he'll be either the fastest or one of the fastest players on the field, and that could help any program in the passing, run or return game. The 5-foot-10, 161-pound Davis is still undecided.
-- Krohn
10
DB
Orange (Tex.) West Orange-Stark
Thompson has always shown great anticipation and ball skills from his safety spot, and he has improved tremendously in his one-on-one cover ability. However, he has also proven himself to be a top notch receiver. In fact, some would say he was often better at receiver in the camp setting until recently. He has shown himself to be a playmaking threat on both sides of the ball over the years.
-- Jason Howell
Woody Womack
Southeast Recruiting Analyst
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