Five-Star Challenge: Five who could surprise
Advertisement
The Skinny: McBride's hometown is known more for onions than big-time football players, but the 2017 four-star linebacker could be changing that tune. Already with offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Ole Miss, Penn State, South Carolina and others, McBride has been tagged as someone who could play on a national level.
The 6-foot-1, 220-pound prospect is not just a hard-hitting inside 'backer, either. He moves extremely well, is surprisingly athletic in coverage and backed it up last week by going 10.6 seconds in the 100 meters. McBride is fast and athletic enough to stay with any running back or slot receiver, and he'll have the opportunity to show those skills in Baltimore.
There's a reason why Alabama and Georgia want McBride so badly. It's because he's a hard-hitting and also athletic linebacker who could fill a big role in each of those defenses.
3
OG
Detroit (Mich.) Cass Tech
Recruiting Wrap: Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State seem to be the early frontrunners in his recruitment.
The Skinny: Onwenu has proven to be a legitimate player on both sides of the ball whether at offensive guard or defensive tackle. He has been better on offense recently, but at 6-foot-4 and 368 pounds, Onwenu can be physical, tough and hard-nosed on both sides.
For someone so massive, Onwenu moves very well. At offensive guard, the four-star prospect is fierce with his punch and then moves his feet well. Off the snap defensively, Onwenu can beat interior offensive linemen, and he's nimble on his feet.
In Baltimore, Onwenu is going to face guys both ways who are just as big and just as tough. He will be tested but has the skills to dominate.
4
DB
Gardena (Calif.) Serra
Recruiting Wrap: USC has to be considered a favorite in his recruitment, but Pollard is planning a round of official visits this fall.
The Skinny: Pollard plays safety in high school but has proven this spring in numerous camp and 7-on-7 settings that he is a fantastic cover corner as well. The four-star prospect is smooth in every way -- backpedal, breaking on the ball, or jumping up and tipping away a pass. Plus, in the last few months, Pollard has really taken another step forward in his game and has really become an even better all-around player. The Serra standout will be tested like no other time during the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge, but if recent history is any proof, Pollard should have no major issues.
He was excellent at RCS: Las Vegas. He was solid at the RCS: Los Angeles. This is a huge test in Baltimore, but Pollard has proven he can step up in big situations.
5
WR
Coconut Creek, Fla.
Recruiting Wrap: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio State and Miami are recruiting Victor the hardest. There is talk Florida leads, but Victor says that is not true.
The Skinny: Victor is already in the Rivals250. He's a big-time prospect and one of the better wide receivers in the Southeast. It would not be a complete surprise at all if he dominates in Baltimore. But the wide receiver crop in Florida is absolutely loaded this recruiting cycle, and many of those players will be at the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge.
This could be the perfect time for Victor to shine -- and to prove he belongs among the very best in the state of Florida. Miami quarterback commit Jack Allison recently said the only other wide receiver commit he really wants in the Hurricanes' recruiting class is Victor. That's a big statement since other local standouts remain uncommitted.
It's widely accepted that Victor is a special talent. He can prove that next week in Baltimore that he should be considered among the top receivers not only in the state of Florida but in the 2016 class nationally.
Click Here to view this Link.
Complete Coverage
Adam Gorney
West Recruiting Analyst
Click Here to view this Link.