Mark Pszonak contributed to this report
With the college football season just beyond the halfway point, it’s time for another installment of the Farrell 50, the top 50 college football players in the country. We take a quick look at how each ranked out of high school and if they are exceeding or simply living up to expectations. Today we look at 21-25, led by a couple of California five-stars.
MORE FARRELL MIDSEASON 50: Nos. 26-30 | 31-35 | 36-40 | 41-45 | 46-50
The skinny: Outside of the state of Iowa, not much was known of Jewell during his recruiting process. He seemed likely to be headed to Northern Iowa until late interest and an offer from Iowa quickly changed everything. He ended up committing to the Hawkeyes a few days before Signing Day. Since the 2015 season, Jewell has been one of the more productive linebackers in the country. He has continued his impressive play this fall with 68 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery.
Farrell’s take: Jewell was a late take by Iowa and a kid who was a star in multiple sports, but never got much recruiting traction. He was undersized a bit as a linebacker and wasn’t much of a quick-twitch athlete, despite putting up massive numbers on offense and defense against weak competition. He’s a good example of a kid who was overlooked because you can’t measure heart in scouting, and he has become one of the best tacklers in the nation.
The skinny: Elliott was an early commitment to Texas, but then he took official visits to Oklahoma and TCU during his senior season. However, he remained firm with Texas and signed with the Longhorns. Elliott began to flourish last season, but he has truly raised his game to a higher level this fall. With 32 tackles, four tackles for loss, five interceptions and two forced fumbles he has been one of the key players in Texas’ rejuvenated defensive unit.
Farrell’s take: A four-star player outside the Rivals250, Elliott was a talented kid who never really broke out in any setting to push higher in the rankings. We saw him in camps, we saw him in games and we saw him at Under Armour week, and felt he was good but we weren’t sure he was elite. In fact, he added his fourth star after Under Armour, where he showed better coverage skills than he had before and started to show off those ball skills.
The skinny: Penny took official visits to San Diego State, Utah State and Fresno State before committing to the Aztecs a few days before Signing Day. Penny waited his turn at San Diego State behind Donnel Pumphrey, but still quietly rushed for 1,018 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Finally the lead back, Penny has already rushed for 1,115 yards and 10 touchdowns, and he's added two receiving touchdowns.
Farrell’s take: Penny was a mid-level three-star prospect who had to overcome some speed questions and didn’t earn a ton of big offers. He was a good-sized runner and had good feet, but we didn’t see breakaway speed at the next level, and he didn’t turn the corner that well. He’s improved greatly since then and has turned into one of the best running backs in the country.
READ MORE ABOUT PENNY AND SAN DIEGO STATE AT AZTECSPORTSREPORT.COM
The skinny: Williams played his high school football in California, but actually grew up in SEC country, which is why Alabama became an immediate player for him. After the Crimson Tide offered in March and he took a visit to Tuscaloosa, he committed in early April. Williams turned heads immediately as a true freshman, and he has continued to improve his game during his sophomore season. Already considered a veteran on the line, Williams’ play has helped solidify the Tide rushing and passing attacks.
Farrell’s take: Williams was the rare five-star prospect who didn’t attend camps, didn’t care about all-star games and just dominated on the football field with pads and a helmet on. We saw him in game action but never got to see him go against the elite defensive linemen in the country at any events. But it didn’t matter to us because he was so good in person and on film, and he had that throwback, nasty attitude of the greats of yesteryear. Williams just wanted to destroy the player in front of him and help his team win - he didn’t care about gear, free trips or rankings. He’s clearly showing our faith in his film was warranted.
The skinny: UCLA, along with Stanford, was always considered one of the front-runners for Rosen. So when the Cardinal decided not to offer, and after taking a few visits - including one to Michigan just days before his announcement - Rosen decided to stay local and committed to the Bruins. Rosen quickly lived up to his billing during his true freshman season, with 3,669 yards and 23 touchdowns; however his sophomore season was derailed due to injuries. Healthy this fall, Rosen has had some ups and downs this, but has still showcased plenty of talent while passing for 2,620 yards and 19 touchdowns through seven games.
Farrell’s take: In all my years of scouting, Rosen was the best high school quarterback I’ve seen on film or in person (although Trevor Lawrence is quickly changing that). There’s something about his attitude and cockiness that leads you to believe the game will never be too big for him and that he will excel regardless of the circumstances. We saw that already this season against Texas A&M, and others. I’m kicking myself that we didn’t keep him as No. 1 in 2015, and flipped him and Byron Cowart. That’s on me. His outspoken nature could drop him on some boards, but talent-wise he’s the best NFL quarterback prospect.
