The latest Rivals250 for the class of 2021 has been released and with it comes two new five-stars and two players that lost their fifth star. And, of course. many moves.
Let’s start at the top, as always, and talk about the debate over the No. 1 player in the country. California defensive end Korey Foreman stayed on top, but there were some analysts discussing Georgia offensive tackle Amarius Mims and others were talking quarterback, led by Caleb Williams. But in the end, Foreman hangs on in what should be an interesting battle all cycle as more names push to the top. Mims checked in at No. 2, and he has a real shot at being the first offensive lineman to end up No. 1, and Williams leapfrogged Georgia quarterback Brock Vandagriff in the quarterback rankings and jumped to No. 3.
Rounding out the top five are defensive end JT Tuimoloau and Vandagriff in what is a very strong top group. Things changed a little from Nos. 6 through 10 as Louisiana defensive tackle Maason Smith jumped to No. 6 and is followed by Texas running back Camar Wheaton, Ohio defensive end Jack Sawyer and Texas offensive linemen Bryce Foster and Tommy Brockermeyer.
A total of 14 five-stars remain in the class of 2021, as we added two new players and two lost their fifth star. Florida defensive end Tyreak Sapp and Virginia defensive back Tony Grimes check in at No. 12 and No. 13, respectively, following Washington wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and ahead of Florida defensive back Corey Collier.
Our regional analysts break down those who gained a fifth star and those who lost it.
*****
RIVALS RANKING WEEK (2021 CLASS) SCHEDULE
Monday: Countdown of new five-stars | Who should be No. 1?
Tuesday: New Rivals250 released | Mind of Mike column
Wednesday: Offensive position rankings released | Team rankings breakdown
Thursday: Defensive position rankings released
Friday: New state rankings released
*****
NEW FIVE STARS
“A bet on Sapp is a bet on his sky-high potential. The Florida commit has elite power and has retained his quickness despite adding size over the last year. He's still a little raw, sure, but Sapp's vestility is a rarity for a player of his massive size. The year ahead will determine what level of prospect he can be long term, but his trajectory is positive.” — Rob Cassidy Southeast Recruiting Analyst.
*****
“Grimes has all the tools college coaches are looking for in a defensive back. He has great size and length but still has the quickness of a smaller defensive back. Grimes doesn’t play great competition in high school, but he has a ton of experience working against and playing against elite prospects in the camp and combine circuit, where he’s been able to show off his technique, instincts and ability to match up with receivers of all sizes and skill sets. This past fall Grimes played mostly safety, where he showed the necessary physicality against the run and the ball skills to create momentum shifting plays at the college level.
"Penn State, Clemson, Georgia, Texas A&M, LSU, North Carolina and Ohio State are all in the mix for Grimes, who already has his official visit to Penn State set up. He plans to announce his commitment on Dec. 1.” — Adam Friedman, Rivals.com Mid Atlantic Recruiting Analyst.
*****
LOST THEIR FIFTH STAR
“Williams is one of the most physically impressive players in this class and he is certainly a top 50 prospect, as his blend of size and athleticism doesn't come around often. That said, we tempered expectations because concerns about his physicality and the fact that he may grow into a linebacker. He could easily reclaim his fifth star with a good senior season.
"Williams was formerly committed to Miami and is high on Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Ole Miss. The ‘Canes are still in the mix, among others.” — Cassidy
*****
“Byrd debuted a five-star offensive tackle for Rivals in the first 2021 rankings. However, he has taken a bit of a fall in the Rivals100 as a result of playing the majority of his junior season along the defensive line. He is a talented offensive tackle prospect that selflessly shifted across the line of scrimmage to propel Duncanville High to the Class 6A state title game.
"As he returned back to offensive tackle in Orlando at Future 50, Byrd suffered some headaches along the way. He struggled in pass protection and some technical aspects of his game were revealed. While he is still an intriguing tackle prospect, there are still some areas of his game needing attention.” — Sam Spiegelman, Rivals.com South Central Recruiting Analyst.
