Five-Star Checkup: Players from state of Florida who sparkled
Every Monday during fall 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 at the top of the Rivals100. This week we focus on five former five-star players from the state of Florida who played key roles in their teams’ victories on Saturday.
MORE FIVE-STAR CHECKUPS: Defensive linemen | Class of 2013 still in college
As a recruit: McCloud saw his recruitment pick up quite a bit following a stellar junior season. After taking several visits, McCloud committed to Clemson just prior to the start of his senior season. Quite a few programs, including Auburn and hometown school USF made a late push to flip McCloud, but despite some late official visits he stuck with Clemson.
What he did this week: McCloud was ranked by Rivals.com as an athlete and he showed why on Saturday. After spending most of his first three years on campus playing primarily wide receiver, McCloud was pressed into duty as a defensive back in Clemson’s win over N.C. State on Saturday. He recorded one tackle on defense, but made his biggest impact on special teams, returning a punt 77 yards for a touchdown to help jump-start the Tigers early in the game. McCloud’s versatility is what made him so special as a recruit, and it continues to pay dividends for one of the best teams in the nation.
As a recruit: Despite his lofty ranking and recruiting interest from schools from all over the country, James’ recruitment ended essentially before it began. James visited Tallahassee during his freshman year in high school and committed on the trip and never wavered on his pledge, calling Florida State his dream school.
What he did this week: The 'Noles season hasn’t exactly gone as planned, but James has continued to be one of college football’s best players. In addition to recovering an onside kick late in the game that helped salt the game away, James was all over the field in Florida State’s victory over Syracuse on Saturday. He finished the game with three total tackles, including one for loss, and also had a quarterback hurry as well as four pass deflections. Should James decide to leave school early he will likely be a first-round pick in next year’s NFL Draft.
As a recruit: A Miami native, Thomas committed to Miami during the summer prior to his senior year. But like most elite prospects, Thomas’s recruitment didn’t end without at least a little drama. He took late official visits to Alabama and Florida State but ended up sticking with the Canes and staying close to home.
What he did this week: Underwhelming during his first two years on campus in Coral Gables, Thomas has blossomed into quite the player for the Canes over the last two seasons. In Saturday’s win over Virginia Tech, Thomas didn’t record a tackle, but he was credited with one quarterback hurry and was a key cog for a defense that stifled the Hokies all night. On the year, Thomas hasn’t put up the numbers some expected prior to the season, but he’s a team captain and the Canes continue to surprise with their undefeated record.
As a recruit: Despite attention from programs from all over the country, Ridley kept a relatively low profile on the recruiting trail, making a pledge to Alabama during the spring of his junior year. Ridley’s senior season was cut short due to age restrictions in Florida, but he maintained his five-star status and never wavered on his pledge to the Tide.
What he did this week: Alabama’s run-heavy attack doesn’t help Ridley put up gaudy numbers, but make no mistake, he’s one of college football’s best receivers and has been since he set foot on campus in Tuscaloosa. In Saturday’s win over LSU, Ridley had a game-high in receiving yards with 61 on three catches. Ridley’s three grabs put him over the 200 mark for his career, and even if he leaves early for the NFL Draft he will still go down as one of the most productive receivers in Alabama history.
As a recruit: Early on in McFadden’s recruitment, Florida State emerged as a favorite. But things would take plenty of twists and turns before he would end up committing to the Noles. He finally made the call during the fall of his senior season, and despite schools like Georgia and LSU trying to flip him, McFadden stuck with FSU.
What he did this week: McFadden has seen playing time pretty much since Day 1 in Tallahassee, and 2016 served as his breakout year as he led the nation in interceptions with eight. This year, McFadden has established himself as a true No. 1 corner for the Noles and despite the team’s struggles he’s still among the nation’s best at his position. In Saturday’s win over Syracuse, McFadden had five total tackles. He’s still waiting or his first interception in 2017, but opportunities have been few and far between as he has been targeted less than a year ago.
