How five-star safeties from past four recruiting cycles are performing

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CLASS OF 2020 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | State | Position

Mike Farrell and Adam Gorney take a look at the five-stars from the previous four recruiting cycles to see how they’ve performed so far. Today, we examine the safeties.

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Recruiting: On a junior day visit to Florida State during his freshman year, James committed to the Seminoles. He called FSU his dream school. Auburn, Clemson, Miami, Ohio State and others had also offered.

Performance: In three seasons at Florida State, James had 186 tackles, 5.5 sacks and three interceptions, including his sophomore year when he played in only two games. He was a second-team AP All-American after his junior year. He was the No. 17 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers.

Farrell’s take: James is the best safety prospect I have ever scouted, and he certainly lived up to his five-star billing with his career at FSU and his first-round selection. He was an amazing talent in high school who could do pretty much anything he wanted on defense. He’s already a star in the NFL, and that will continue.

Recruiting: Fitzpatrick committed to Alabama in the spring before his senior season, but leading up to National Signing Day there was a rumor he was torn between the Crimson Tide and Florida State. Shortly before National Signing Day, Fitzpatrick announced he was sticking with Alabama.

Performance: Fitzpatrick played three seasons for the Crimson Tide, where he totaled 171 tackles, nine interceptions (including six in his sophomore campaign), four pick-sixes, five sacks and two forced fumbles. He was first-team AP All-American after his junior year. He was the No. 11 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins.

Farrell’s take: Fitzpatrick was an interesting evaluation out of high school because we switched him from cornerback to safety late in the process because of some concerns about his ability in solo coverage. So much for that. Fitzpatrick lived up to the five-star status at Alabama and is doing so now in the NFL.

Recruiting: At the Army All-American Bowl, Okudah committed to Ohio State over Florida State, Oklahoma, Georgia and others.

Performance: In 12 games this season for the Buckeyes, Okudah has 29 tackles, a fumble recovery and six pass breakups, earning All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors.

Farrell’s take: Okudah has been solid for Ohio State, and he should have a bigger role next year and beyond. He was a safety who could cover like a cornerback out of high school and we loved his versatility.

Recruiting: Stevens committed to LSU but then backed off that pledge when then-coach Les Miles’ job security was in question. He then re-committed to the Tigers only to see Miles let go. But he stuck with his commitment despite Georgia, Alabama, Auburn and others staying involved.

Performance: In 10 games this season, Stevens has tallied 29 tackles (six for loss) and one sack. He also had four pass deflections and a fumble recovery.

Farrell’s take: Stevens had a very good year overall and should play a bigger role moving forward. He was very good near the line of scrimmage in high school, and that has continued in college. He was a very good athlete in high school as well, and he could have played wide receiver in college.

Recruiting: In early December of his senior season, Johnson committed to Ohio State over Clemson, UCLA, Florida and many others. He was one of many successful recruiting stories for Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer in the state of Florida.

Performance: Johnson saw limited action this season and could redshirt.

Farrell’s take: Johnson was a big hitter out of high school who liked to light people up. He should play a key role for Ohio State down the line and his ability in coverage will be key for the Buckeyes.

Recruiting: A longtime LSU commitment, Sterns decided to visit Texas and by the end of the trip had flipped his commitment to the Longhorns.

Performance: Sixth on the Longhorns in tackles, Sterns has 62 stops, three for loss and one sack. He’s also added four interceptions, four pass breakups and a blocked kick. He was the Defensive Freshman of the Year in the Big 12 and a first-team All-Big 12 selection.

Farrell’s take: Sterns was a star in his freshman season at Texas, and he could be a three-and out-guy and a first-rounder if he continues to develop. He was a ballhawk and very physical out of high school and that translated well to college so far. He was one of the best freshmen in the country.

Recruiting: Woodbey was a longtime Ohio State commitment, but his recruitment took some wild turns right before the Early Signing Period as USC got seriously involved and then Florida State offered. He took a late trip to Tallahassee, was sold on coach Willie Taggart’s vision and then flipped to the Seminoles.

Performance: Woodbey is fourth on the Seminoles with 58 tackles , 4.5 tackles for loss and one sack. He’s also added eight pass breakups, three quarterback hurries and a forced fumble.

Farrell’s take: Woodbey was a great athlete out of high school who could be a safety or grow into an athletic linebacker if needed. His first year at FSU was a smashing success, and he looks to be a future star for the ‘Noles.