Polarizing prospects: Rankings that lacked consensus
Advertisement
Joiner did not have an impressive camp season, but his game film screams five-star prospect. This was the central argument when it came to his ranking. In the end, he retained his five-star status, but he had his detractors during recent rankings meetings and their voices will grow louder should he fail to dominate in Baltimore. Some are still extremely high on Joyner as a truly elite prospect while others wonder if he peaked too early.
3
DL
Wake Forest (N.C) Wake Forest
Of course the coronation of a new No. 1 came with some differing opinions. Quarterback Shea Patterson was considered. Defensive end Marlon Davidson was also in the discussion. There was even a brief conversation about leaving Georgia commit Jacob Eason, the former top player in America, in that spot. In the end, Lawrence's body of work and consistency were enough to garner a consensus. His hold on the top spot is not exactly secure, though. He'll need to prove himself in Baltimore or risk having his reign at the top be a short one.
4
WR
Coconut Creek, Fla.
The voices on Victor remain divided. On one hand, he was outstanding on the camp circuit, using his elite length and solid routes to make plays against a number of players. At least one analyst expressed concern about how his lightweight build will translate to the college level. You can't argue with the results Victor has attained as a high school standout. The concern arrives when you attempt to project him as a college player, where his height and quickness won't be so overwhelming. If he beefs up as a senior, it will do wonders to ease any lingering concerns.
5
WR
Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas
Bruce's No. 36 national ranking is the source of some debate. Some think it should higher and some believe he's a bit overvalued for a player that stands 5-foot-8. The facts are that Bruce dominates nearly every 7-on-7 event he attends and is nearly as good on Friday nights. Bruce is a consensus top-100 talent, but where he fits inside of that has always been a point of discussion.
6
LB
Rialto (Calif.) Wilmer Carter
The No. 76 player in America, Toailoa isn't a unanimous top-100 prospect. Some analyst express concerns about a perceived lack of quickness. So while Toailoa is a massively strong linebacker that plays incredibly aggressively against the run, the questions surround his coverage skills and body type. He carries a touch of extra weight, but is so effective in game situations that a prospective drop outside the 100 was vetoed.
7
DE
Camden, N.J.
Johnson was the No. 7 top performer the New Jersey stop of the Rivals Camp Series, but at least one analyst didn't feel that matched his ranking of 107. There was some discussion there and the person making the case against him still feels he is in the right. That said, Johnson's balance and tremendous length won out in the end.
8
WR
Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage
The decision to move Snelson down in the rankings was unanimous, but the choice to slide him 99 spots divided the room. Snelson was solid at the Rivals Camp stop in Miami but failed to dominate the 7-on-7 circuit like a top-100 player should. Some believed that the move was drastic for a so-so camp circuit, while other maintained that his new, No. 123 ranking better suits his skillset as a strong wide receiver that lacks elite height and is prone to taking plays off.
9
DL
Killeen (Texas) Shoemaker
At 6-foot-5 and 360 pounds, Jones is a physical freak. He is one of the best looking prospects at his position in America when it comes to physical build. For that reason, an analyst or two made the case that his No. 86 ranking, while lofty, was actually still a bit low. The discussion was essentially a battle between upside and current skill set.
10
DB
Scottsdale (Ariz.) Saguaro
There are a couple decision-makers that believe Murphy is slightly underrated as the No. 60 player in America. A two-way player at one a powerhouse high school in Arizona, Murphy has been a major prospect since his sophomore season. The competition level he plays on the high school is a bit suspect when compared to some of his Rivals100 counterparts, but Murphy performed well on the camp circuit. His situation made for plenty of conversation and a number of points were argued.
Rob Cassidy
Midlands/Southwest Recruiting Analyst
Click Here to view this Link.