Five-Star Checkup: Linebackers from 2014, 2015 classes
Every Monday during the college football season we will check in on five five-star prospects to see how they’re performing and if they are living up to the lofty billing that led them to be ranked atop the Rivals100. This week we focus on the five five-star linebackers from the 2014 and 2015 classes that are still in college football to see how they’re living up to the hype.
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As a recruit: A native of Auburn and the son of a former Tigers star, most assumed that Evans would be playing his college ball for Auburn. But his recruitment turned into quite a war between Iron Bowl rivals and Evans stunned nearly everyone in the recruiting world when chose the Tide over the Tigers.
What he did this week: Evans had to wait his turn to get on the field in Tuscaloosa but his patience is being repaid with a starring role this season. In yet another Alabama victory Evans made several key plays and finished the game with six tackles, 3.5 of which were for loss, two sacks and two quarterback hurries. After missing two games with injuries early in the season Evans looks fully healthy and his game against Arkansas this weekend is one of the best he’s had in his career. If he continues this trajectory look for Evans to keep climbing NFL Draft boards.
As a recruit: Like most prospects from the state of Alabama it was clear early on that it would be a battle between The Tide and the Tigers to see where Williams would play his college ball. But coming off a 2013 run to the national championship game, Auburn built an early rapport with Williams and nabbed his commitment during the spring of his junior season and he never wavered on that pledge.
What he did this week: Williams missed the Tigers' loss to LSU with an injury and he was surely missed as Auburn blew a big lead in the loss. Williams has been a steady contributor on Auburn’s defense since his freshman year and while he might not have quite lived up to his five-star billing, his ability to increase his production every year shows that he’s still developing as a player. This year Williams has 29 tackles and 2.5 sacks in four games played and for his career has 167 total tackles.
As a recruit: Jefferson was one of the few recruits who followed through on his decision to take numerous visits late in the process, making trips to Texas, LSU, Texas A&M and UCLA. But his recruitment didn’t last past Christmas as he announced for the Longhorns, electing to stay home in what was a major win for then-coach Charlie Strong.
What he did this week: Despite a remarkably productive career Jefferson has taken his share of flack from fans at times but he just continues to make big plays for the Longhorns. Even though Texas lost to rival Oklahoma this weekend, Jefferson had another huge game, recording 11 tackles, one sack and one quarterback hurry. Double-digit stops are becoming the norm for Jefferson, who looks like he has an NFL future ahead of him, either in 2018 if he decides to leave early or 2019 if he opts to stay with Texas for his senior year.
As a recruit: Houston was a national level recruit drawing interest from coast-to-coast and eventually taking officials to USC, Oregon, Miami, Arizona State and Oklahoma. But like most elite prospects from the talent-rich Junipero Serra High School, Houston elected to stay close to home and play for USC, announcing his decision on National Signing Day 2015.
What he did this week: After getting off to a slow start to his career due to injuries Houston is starting to come into his own during his redshirt sophomore season. In Saturday’s win over Utah he finished with six tackles, tying a career high, and he’s becoming more of an important player for the Trojans as the season moves along. Playing alongside a bevy of talented USC linebackers, Houston has had to wait his turn but things appear to be going in the right direction after a shaky start to his career.
As a recruit: Gustin took a little longer than some to burst onto the national scene but by the time his senior season rolled around he had options from all over the country. He officially visited Utah, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Arizona State and USC and the Trojans pulled quite the upset, landing Gustin’s commitment on National Signing Day in 2015.
What he did this week: Gustin has been one of the most productive players from the class of 2015 regardless of position, but in 2017 he has run into his share of issues. Injuries have limited his time this fall, and he was out for the Trojans' game against Utah this weekend. Despite that, when he’s healthy there’s no doubt that Gustin has lived up to his ranking, evidenced by his team-high 13 tackles for loss in 2016. When Gustin returns he’s likely to step right back into making plays for USC and he looks well on his way to having the opportunity to play in the NFL as well.