Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.
The regular season has ended so it’s time for the final Farrell 50, the top 50 players in college football and how they looked out of high school. Today we continue the countdown with Nos. 16-20 led by two Notre Dame stars.
The skinny: Nelson trimmed his list down to Notre Dame, Penn State, Ohio State, Boston College and Rutgers, but always held the Irish in very high regard. A spring visit to South Bend put the Irish over the top and a commitment followed in early May. Nelson redshirted in 2014, received valuable playing time in 2015 and earned a starting job in 2016. As he consistently improved last season, he continued to do the same this fall. Now one of the unquestioned leaders of the Irish offense, Nelson led a revitalized rushing attack while also improving his NFL Draft stock week-by-week.
Farrell’s Take: I really liked Nelson on film, but when I first saw him in person at our New Jersey Rivals Camp Series event, I remember being wowed and felt he was a five-star prospect. He was huge, had good feet and he was a physical kid. It’s not shocking to see him working inside, but he could play tackle as well if needed and play either guard or tackle in the NFL. He was raw as a prospect out of high school so his best football is still ahead of him. He was always trying to prove he should be higher ranked as a prep and now he’s the best offensive lineman in college football.
*****
The skinny: White, who was recruited as a running back by most schools, committed to LSU in early January over Arkansas, Alabama and Ole Miss. After enrolling for the spring semester, White had a productive true freshman season in 2016. However, not many people envisioned his quick progression in 2017. Leading the SEC with 127 tackles, to go along with 12.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks and an interception, he will return in 2018 as one of the unquestioned leaders of the Tigers’ defense.
Farrell’s Take: We knew White was a four-star talent, we just couldn’t figure out at which position to rank him. I remember when he first came onto the radar he was considered the next Leonard Fournette in the state, a massive and fast running back prodigy. However, he kept getting bigger and bigger and lost speed, so he was projected either as a linebacker or a fullback/H-back or even a kid who could grow into a defensive tackle. He wasn’t very good covering in space at all so we ranked him as a fullback and now he’s showing us we should have kept him at linebacker. He’s a big hitter, always has been.
*****
The skinny: Holland chose Auburn on National Signing Day after many considered Florida to be his long-time leader. He chose the Tigers over the Gators, Florida State, Alabama, Ohio State and others, but it was the move of Will Muschamp to Auburn after he was fired at Florida that sealed the deal. Holland made a minimal contribution during his first two seasons at Auburn, but has taken his game to a new level in 2017. With 43 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks and four forced fumbles, his play led the Tigers to the SEC Championship Game.
Farrell’s Take: Holland was a talented and aggressive prospect out of Jacksonville as a high school player who had good size and the potential to play with his hand in the dirt or standing up. He was a big hitter, was very cocky, knew how talented he was and made a ton of tackles in space. We had some questions regarding his attitude and how he’d adjust to college, but he has done a great job waiting his turn, is one of the keys to the Auburn defense and arguably the best pass rusher in college football.
*****
The skinny: Washington’s process was slow to take off, so when he received his offer from Oklahoma State during a summer visit he quickly committed to the Cowboys. With Oklahoma State, Washington’s game and productivity has increased from year to year. After grabbing 28 receptions in 2014, 53 in 2015 and then 71 in 2016, Washington has totaled 69 receptions for 1,423 and 12 touchdowns this fall. He also continued to prove himself as one of the top deep threats in the country by averaging 20.6 yards per reception.
Farrell’s Take: Washington was a very fast, straight-line receiver from a small school who can be billed as a “diamond in the rough” recruiting find for Oklahoma State. We liked his speed enough to make him a low three-star, but he has turned into something fun to watch at the next level. Not only is he fast but he’s elusive and sneaky strong. He’s had a great season, could be the best 50-50 ball receiver in the nation and is a true deep threat as well as a catch-and-run home run waiting to happen.
*****
The skinny: Adams committed to Notre Dame in late June over Penn State, Pittsburgh and Stanford, approximately a week after his first visit to South Bend. After having a productive first two seasons for the Fighting Irish, Adams has enjoyed his best overall performance to date in 2017. Leading a powerful Fighting Irish rushing attack, Adams has totaled 1,386 yards and nine touchdown, while helping lead the team to a 9-3 regular season.
Farrell’s Take: Adams had a major injury in high school as he tore his ACL his junior year. He rebounded with a big senior season but never cracked four stars again for us because he didn’t look like he had the same burst he had as a sophomore when he rushed for more than 2,000 yards. Now he’s showing that sophomore burst again and had a season that is making everyone wonder why we had him rated so low. I am most surprised at his breakaway speed, he lacked that after the injury in high school.
