Published Aug 19, 2004
New four-star rankings revealed
Jeremy Crabtree
Rivals100.com Editor
After completing the Rivals100, the next step in the Rivals.com national football player rankings is to complete the players that are ranked as four-star prospects. And after spring practices, summer camps and extensive film evolution, several players moved up in the rankings – including Kentucky offensive lineman Cory Zirbel.
Advertisement
Zirbel, the fast rising offensive tackle from Murray, Ky., impressed at several major summer camps and dominated at places like Michigan and Miami. The once relatively unknown 6-foot-7, 301-pound prospect now owns scholarship offers from Michigan, Miami, Florida, Kentucky, LSU, Louisville, Ohio State and Oklahoma.
“His presence just really grabs your attention,” Murray coach Rick Fisher said. “The coaches know you can’t teach 6-7, 300 pounds. He’s got a size 17 shoe and is probably still growing. And he’s a kid that can move around pretty well. That’s hard to find in a kid his size."
But Zirbel wasn’t alone in making the move up to four-star status.
After a strong performance on the field and at the State College NIKE Training Camp, West Virginia commitment Jason Gwaltney is now ranked as the nation’s No. 8 running back and a four-star prospect. There is also a new No. 1 fullback – Seffner (Fla.) Armwood standout Kalvin Bailey.
Harrison City (Pa.) Penn-Trafford offensive tackle Jason Kacinko also moves up to the four-star level. The 6-foot-6, 300-pounder has offers from most of the top teams in the Big 10 and ACC. He had an incredible 4.61-second shuttle time at the State College NIKE Camp.
One of Tennessee’s best is now ranked as the No. 9 weakside defensive end. Nashville Brentwood Academy star Barry Turner moves up to four-star status. The 6-3, 230-pounder has offers from Auburn, Colorado, Florida, Miami, Nebraska, South Caorlina, Tennessee and Virginia Tech.
“A lot of the schools tell me that I can play whatever side of the ball I want to play,” Turner said. “My preference is defensive end because of the opportunity for sacks. I love hitting the quarterback.”
New four-star linebackers Dan Foster and Marcus Washington are standouts both from Georgia and they appear to be heading in different directions. Washington, a member of the Rivals100 team, is already pledged to Georgia. Foster is leaning toward Florida State.