Mid-Atlantic: Five predictions for Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge

The Mid-Atlantic region gets looked down on a lot because it doesn’t have the depth of talent that other regions do but the big-time prospects from the area that are heading to Atlanta for the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge Presented by Under Armour will turn heads.

Below are five predictions on which players from the Mid-Atlantic will most impact the event.

RELATED: Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge info | Midwest predictions | Southeast predictions | Ten teams that are watching | Roster

As far as the running backs go in 2017, there is Najee Harris and then there is everybody else but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other five-star caliber players at that position. Yes, the running back position has been devalued in recent years, but it is still one of the most important positions on the field. Swift has been a standout performer at nearly every event he’s ever participated in and he has three straight MVP trophies at the Rivals Camp Series in New Jersey. He excels in camp settings and is a dominant playmaker during the season. Expect Swift to wow people in Atlanta.

I’ve said from day one that the only cornerback that could knock Wade down to No. 2 in the cornerback rankings is someone that has equally crisp footwork and playmaking abilities but is taller. AJ Terrell could be that guy. He is as physically gifted as they come but I still believe Wade is more technically sound. Wade will show that in Atlanta and regain his spot as the highest ranked cornerback in the country.

The big name at Paramus Catholic last was No. 1 overall prospect Rashan Gary. This year it is Singleton and he is deserving of his share of the spotlight. He has great size and is extremely fast. Singleton will prove to be one of the best linebackers in one-on-ones and he’ll make a lot of plays during the 7-on-7 tournament. I expect him to grab a few interceptions because he is very good at anticipating the throw.

Few players had better spring than Webb and he’ll have the opportunity to build on that momentum in Atlanta. He’s gotten so much better at running routes and getting cornerbacks to bite on his fakes. Webb has always had very good hands and his increased athleticism will make him one of the favorite receivers for the quarterbacks.

There’s been a lot of talk locally and nationally about how defensive backs from Virginia are overrated. Devon Hunter and Jermani Brown will prove those naysayers wrong this weekend. Hunter has great feel for the game and, just like he did at last year’s Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge Presented by Under Armour, he will get a few interceptions during the 7-on-7 tournament. Brown’s been called out for not being very physical but, with his size, speed, footwork and patience, he doesn’t have to throw wide receivers around all the time. I do expect him to always be around the play and make it very difficult for quarterbacks to get the ball to their receivers.