Published Aug 15, 2018
Rival Rankings Week: Will Nolan Groulx justify jump in rankings?
Mike Farrell and Woody Wommack
Rivals.com

CLASS OF 2019 RANKINGS: Rivals100 | State | Position | Team

CLASS OF 2020 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | State | Position

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Countless debates go into each Rivals rankings update, and one particular topic we are spotlighting in today's Rival Views is the ascent of wide receiver Nolan Groulx into the Rivals100. Is the Wake Forest commit worthy of the Rivals100?

MORE: A look at the new five-stars in the Rivals100 | Video highlights of latest top 10 | Who is No. 1 WR?

FARRELL'S VIEW: YES

I became a big fan of Nolan Groulx after the Rivals100 Five Star Challenge presented by adidas because he doesn’t have a weakness in his game, aside from a lack of great size. He’s powerful and sneaky strong to go along with his route-running ability, great hands and ability to get separation. Is he a burner? Not really, but he has no problem getting open and he provides a great target to his quarterback. He never drops the easy catches and he can make the tough ones, especially low and away, look easy. I know his move was a big one, but we underranked Michael Campanaro back in the day, and Groulx could have a similar career at Wake Forest or wherever he lands.

WOMMACK'S VIEW: NO

I'm as big of a fan of Groulx as anybody, and I played a big part in advocating for him to the win the wide receiver MVP at the Charlotte stop of the regional camp series and in getting him invited to the Five-Star Challenge. Obviously, once he was in Atlanta he put on a show, and nearly walked away with MVP honors once again.

But we've seen in years past where a guy like Sam Bruce or Tyjon Lindsay, shifty slot wide receivers who are match-up nightmares in a camp or 7-on-7 setting, makes a big move up the rankings after the summer and then has trouble finding their footing at the next level. Groulx has a well-rounded game and the type of hands, route-running ability and physicality to have a big impact at Wake Forest, I just wasn't quite ready to make the move. Now, we will see if he can put up big numbers this fall and make me regret my hesitation.

#RivalsRankingsWeek Schedule

Monday: Who could land in new top 10? | Top 10 players revealed | Who is top wide receiver? | Could McCoy make push for No. 1?

Tuesday: Is there a 5-star QB in 2019? | Should Theo Wease be considered for No. 1? | New Rivals100 released | Farrell's Mind of Mike | Godfather & Gorney podcast

Wednesday: New Rivals250 released | For which prospect did each analyst go to bat? | Five schools that should be most pleased with new rankings | Players who could finish in Rivals100

Thursday: Rivals250 by the numbers | QB rankings | RB rankings | WR/TE rankings | OL rankings | Rivals Rankings podcast | Commitment Issues podcast

Friday: DL rankings | LB rankings | DB rankings | ATH rankings

Saturday: Team rankings breakdown

Sunday: Mid-Atlantic states rankings | Southeast states | Midwest states | Texas | Florida | West