National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell, National Recruiting Analyst Adam Gorney and Midwest Recruiting Analyst Josh Helmholdt debate which 2020 prospect could possibly unseat D.J. Uiagalelei as the No. 1 player in the class when the updated 2020 top 10 is released later today.
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FARRELL’S VIEW: ZACHARY EVANS
“I think running back Zachary Evans is a real threat to be No 1 in the 2020 class. After seeing him at the Under Armour Future 50 event, he’s much bigger and stronger than he was last year and he hasn’t lost any speed or suddenness. He is a powerful runner, but he can bounce things outside as well with breakaway speed. And he’s also very good at catching the ball out of the backfield. He has a chance to be one of the best backs I’ve scouted.”
GORNEY’S VIEW: JUSTIN FLOWE
“There has not been a linebacker who finished No. 1 overall in the Rivals rankings since 2003, when it was Ernie Sims. So that might not play in Justin Flowe’s favor but he’s an incredibly talented and physical prospect who definitely has an argument to be the top-rated player in 2020. When I saw Flowe in a game during his sophomore season he made almost every single tackle, and that’s not an overstatement – he was all over the field, he’s incredibly physical and fierce, and he’s been excellent at every event I’ve seen him at over the past few years. The last linebacker to be taken No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft was Aundray Bruce out of Auburn in 1988. Flowe wasn’t even born. But he’s a rare specimen at linebacker, and he deserves some consideration.”
HELMHOLDT’S VIEW: PARIS JOHNSON JR.
“Since 1997, only three positions have gone No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft: quarterback, defensive end and offensive tackle. Position value is going to help Ohio State offensive tackle commit Paris Johnson Jr.’s case to take over atop the class of 2020 rankings. The left tackle position is undoubtedly a premier position, and Johnson walked out of central casting for the position. He is 6-foot-7, he is athletic and he plays with an edge to his game.
"Few prospects have come along in the Rivals era at the left tackle position with a ceiling as high as Johnson’s, and his progression thus far during his high school career gives strong indication he can reach that potential.”
