Rivals Rankings Week: New state rankings released

Rivals updated its class of 2021 rankings this week, and we have rolled out the new Rivals250 and position rankings. We conclude Rivals Rankings Week with a look at new state rankings, spotlighting the top five states this cycle. Those five states make up more than half (133) of the top 250 players in the country.

NEW RIVALS 2021 STATE RANKINGS

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RIVALS RANKINGS WEEK SCHEDULE:

Monday: Five-Star Countdown

Tuesday: New Rivals250 | Mind of Mike: Farrell's thoughts

Wednesday: Offensive position rankings released | Big movers | Hot teams

Thursday: Defensive position rankings released

Friday: State rankings released

CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team

CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State

COVERAGE: Rivals Transfer Tracker | Rivals Camp Series

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The state of Florida leads the way not only in number or players in the Rivals250, but also the five-stars. It has six five-stars this update, and offensive tackle JC Latham (Alabama commit) moved to No. 2 in the country, and was very much in the conversation for the top player in the class.

Out of the 43 players on this list, 23 are ranked at offensive positions, 16 are ranked at defensive positions and four are listed as athletes.

The top three players in the state are committed to out-of-state schools. Latham to Alabama, Mario Williams to Oklahoma and Dallas Turner to Alabama.

Out of the 43 in the Rivals250, who’s winning the in-state battle for those at the top? Here is how it stacks up.

Miami: 10

Florida: 8

Florida State: 2

There are four uncommitted prospects in the top 43 and the Gators and Hurricanes are in the mix for most. Florida is actually viewed as the favorite for Terrion Arnold and Bryce Langston. They are in a battle for Xavian Sorey with Alabama and Georgia. Terrence Lewis recently decommitted from Tennessee and Miami is against Auburn and Texas A&M.

The Lone Star State is one behind Florida for five-stars with five. What is interesting about that group at the top is that three of the five-stars remain uncommitted. That is a little surprising this cycle. Running back Camar Wheaton, offensive guard Bryce Foster and defensive end Tunmise Adeleye are all still considering multiple schools.

The two five-stars that are committed are offensive tackle Tommy Brockenmeyer and offensive guard Donovan Jackson. Both are headed to out-of-state schools. Brockenmeyer to Alabama and Jackson to Ohio State.

The deepest position in Texas is wide receiver. Seven at that position landed in the 250 with LSU commit Jojo Earle leading the way.

California has two dozen on this list, but only six are in the top 100, so most fall on the back-end of the 250. Korey Foreman heads the group in California, and up until this update, the five-star defensive end was the No. 1 player in the country. Without a season this fall in California, it gave others a chance to showcase their ability and it pushed Foreman to No. 3.

What is interesting about this group is only two players are ranked as linemen. Outside of Foreman, offensive tackle Mason Murphy is the only other lineman to make this list. 19 of the 24 are ranked at a skill position of quarterback, running back, tight end, wide receiver or as an athlete.

Georgia added another five-star this update with Clemson commit Barrett Carter joining offensive tackle Amarius Mims and quarterback Brock Vandagriff, who are committed to Georgia. Those three rank among the top 21 in the country.

All 19 players are committed, seven are staying home as Bulldogs. Clemson has three commits, LSU and Tennessee with two, then Alabama, Florida, Ohio State, Notre Dame and USC with one each.

The state of North Carolina is starting to get the respect it deserves when it comes to football. It will always be considered a basketball state, and rightfully so with all the success on the hardcourt, but this state continues to churn out top high school football talent.

A dozen players made this cut and six are committed to play for Mack Brown and the North Carolina Tar Heels.

This state is being heavily recruited by ACC, Big Ten and SEC powers now as the talent level continues to rise.