Making the Case: Which prospect should receive a fifth star?
Updated rankings for the 2021 class are scheduled to be released the Monday following Thanksgiving and there are still plenty of prospects that could possibly earn their fifth star even though many states did not have a fall season. In today’s Making the Case, analysts argue for a player they think should join the upper echelon of the 2021 recruiting class.
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FACT OR FICTION: Greg Schiano would have been a better hire for Vols
CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
COVERAGE: Rivals Transfer Tracker | Rivals Camp Series
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“There’s not much argument that Latham is a five-star, and I felt he was one last January when I saw him at the Future 50. It’s more of a case of how high he should go because his ceiling is so high and he’s shown that this year at IMG.” - Mike Farrell, National Recruiting Director
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“Louisiana’s top defensive back has played lights-out for Lafayette Christian this fall, making plays in all three phases and bringing a toughness and big-play spark at safety. He’s been dynamic in coverage and as a receiver, and equally as stout on the defensive side of the ball. Ryan, who recently committed to LSU over Alabama, is position versatile as well.” - Sam Spiegelman, South Central Recruiting Analyst
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“Rucci is an absolute monster and has clearly taken the next step in his development. Watching his film from this season, it’s easy to see why he was such a coveted prospect. He’s gotten strong without losing any athleticism. The Wisconsin commit can bulldoze defensive linemen and has the skills to be a dominant pass blocker. If he can continue on this development trajectory, the sky's the limit for Rucci.” - Adam Friedman, East Coast Recruiting Analyst
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“Carter has been in this discussion before, and after not being able to see him in the spring or summer to get a fresh evaluation on him due to the pandemic, I knew it could come down to the fall.
"He missed a few games with a leg injury, but when on the field this season, the Clemson commit has been extremely impressive. I have said it before, and will say it again — he is a new age linebacker. It is about athleticism, versatility and being able to stay on the field now, and Carter checks all of those boxes.
"He is physical in the box, he can blitz the quarterback, he can play in space, and he has raised his play in all those areas this season. Carter has made a strong case for that fifth star this season.” - Chad Simmons, Southeast Recruiting Analyst
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“There have been just nine tight ends rated five stars in the Rivals era. That list includes Greg Olsen, Kyle Rudolph, O.J. Howard and Martellus Bennett. Does the Nebraska commit merit inclusion in that elite group? The value of the position - primarily at the professional level, but also in college - has increased over the last decade, but it still takes a special tight end to be rated five stars. Fidone is one of the best flex tight end prospects I have scouted, and at least merits a discussion.” - Josh Helmholdt, Midwest Recruiting Analyst