The updated Rivals100 for the class of 2019 was revealed Tuesday and there are several players who are on the cusp of that list that could find themselves breaking through with big seasons. There are two rankings cycles left for the following players to earn a spot in the final Rivals100. Rivals analysts make the case for three players to keep an eye on.
MORE: New five-stars in the Rivals100 | Video highlights of latest top 10 | Who is No. 1 WR? | Mind of Mike: Movers and shakers in the new Rivals100
There aren’t a whole lot of recruits that look like ready-to-go college players as much as Elijah Higgins does. If someone didn’t know who he was before the first time they saw him, guesses as to which position he projects might vary to a number of positions before receiver - where he is currently ranked 121 overall in the Rivals250.
This summer at the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge presented by adidas, Higgins was circled as a guy who could make a leap in the rankings after showing out on the 7-on-7 circuit in a big way during the spring. He didn’t quite make that impression, but he did well enough to earn another modest bump and is still very much in the conversation to continue climbing.
Even though he is a bigger wide receiver, he pops in-and-out of his cuts and runs hard enough to create separation downfield. One of the things that he’s improved on is that burst to put a little space between himself and defenders in one-on-one scenarios, even though he’s always been strong at catching passes with defensive backs running with him.
After fighting off a nagging injury this summer and heading into the fall completely healthy, Higgins is certainly on the short list of highly ranked players that can continue climbing with his senior season ahead of him. With all the physical tools that he brings to the table and continued improvement on his quickness and consistency as a pass-catcher, the Rivals100 awaits. -- Nick Krueger, Rivals.com Texas analyst
Lee Kpogba made a huge jump in the Rivals250 after hovering around the 250 mark in the last couple of rankings cycles. The athleticism he showed at the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge in pass coverage while also showing great discipline in open-field tackling drills were the two main reasons for his big move in the rankings, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the upward movement continue. Athletic and instinctive linebackers that also show discipline thrive at the college level, and Kpogba is just scratching the surface of his potential.
There are four outside linebackers from No. 92 (Bryton Constantin) to Kpogba at No. 109 so, assuming he jumps one or two of them in the next rankings update, it’s not too hard to imagine Kpogba making it into the Rivals100. -- Adam Friedman, Rivals.com Mid-Atlantic analyst
One to keep an eye on is Griffin (Ga.) Spalding's Zion Puckett. He is set to commit to Alabama, Auburn or Tennessee in the near future, and it is easy to see why he is coveted by a trio of SEC programs. Some schools love his speed on the outside at wide receiver, while others think he could be a future cornerback that plays on Sunday.
Puckett does not get out and do too many camps, but he does play 7-on-7. He was one of the most talked about performers week in and week out the last couple of months. He is back to being 100 percent healthy after missing much or his sophomore year, and he has full confidence. Puckett is a true athlete who could be a star on either side of the ball. He really made a strong impression over the spring and summer on those that saw him. We expect a big senior season. -- Chad Simmons, Rivals.com Southeast analyst
#RivalsRankingsWeek Schedule
Monday: Who could land in new top 10? | Top 10 players revealed | Who is top wide receiver? | Could McCoy make push for No. 1?
Tuesday: Is there a 5-star QB in 2019? | Should Theo Wease be considered for No. 1? | New Rivals100 released | Farrell's Mind of Mike | Rival Views | Godfather & Gorney podcast
Wednesday: Three players on cusp of Rivals100 | New Rivals250 released | Rival Views | For which prospect did each analyst go to bat? | Five teams that should be pleased | Could Auburn slip past Alabama?
Thursday: Rivals250 by the numbers | QB rankings | RB rankings | WR/TE rankings | OL rankings | Rivals Rankings podcast | Commitment Issues podcast
Friday: DL rankings | LB rankings | DB rankings | ATH rankings
Saturday: Team rankings breakdown
Sunday: Mid-Atlantic states rankings | Southeast states | Midwest states | Texas | Florida | West
