8/18/2017 football Edit

IMG Academy: Future superstars from today's roster

Nebraska commit Brendan Radley-Hiles (Nick Lucero/Rivals.com)

Mike Farrell • Rivals.com

Rivals National Columnist

Now that I’ve named the All-IMG offense and defense for the four years they have played, it struck me that there are a few guys heading into their first season at IMG who could end up being all-timers as well. Here are five players who could crack a future IMG list.

RELATED: All-time IMG offense | Defense

Thomas is one of the most powerful defensive ends I’ve seen, he reminds me a bit of Carl Lawson, formerly of Auburn and now in the NFL. He could end up better than Josh Kaindoh, who played two years at IMG and finished in our national top 10, that’s how special Thomas can be if he turns it up a notch in games. The Clemson commitment has the power, quickness and drive to reach double digit sacks.

Radley-Hiles isn’t the biggest cornerback in the world, but he plays much bigger, has excellent instincts and loves to hit. He’s also a natural leader. The defensive backs have been very good at IMG, but Radley-Hiles has a chance to be the best. The Nebraska commitment reminds me of a smaller Jamal Adams, which is saying something.

Griffith is a terrific athlete with good size, excellent instincts and the ball skills that can make him a nightmare in the middle of the field. He can also lock down as a corner when needed and should have a very productive year.

Sanders rushed for 413 yards last season as a sophomore with four touchdowns, but took a backseat to Kellen Mond and his ability to gain yards with his feet. With two years left, he could easily surpass Bo Scarbrough when it comes to career yards, but can he have a massive season like Bo did with more competition than ever at IMG?

Cain put up monster numbers in Texas and now will compete with Sanders to be the main man at IMG. Obviously it’s expected that the two will split time like Sanders did with Asa Martin last year, so neither might get the opportunity Scarbrough got to be the guy. It will be very interesting to see if both Sanders and Cain stay at IMG after this season or if one emerges as the guy and the other heads back home.