Rivals continues to roll out its updated rankings for the 2020 class and the final position group in the spotlight is the defensive backs.
Below is a brief overview of the biggest storylines coming out of the DB rankings update as we look ahead to National Signing Day along with the All-American Bowl and Under Armour All-America game.
LATEST RANKINGS RELEASE: Cornerbacks | Safeties
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CLASS OF 2020 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team
CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
RIVALS RANKINGS WEEK: Analysts discuss new Rivals250 | New Rivals100 | Breaking down the new five-stars | Top 10 breakdown | Who could still finish in the top 10? | Why is Bresee No. 1? | Farrell's thoughts | Who could make a case for a fifth star? | Four who could crack the Rivals250 | QBs | RBs | WR/TEs | OL | DL | LBs | DBs | ATH
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TEAMS WITH TOP COMMITS: LSU, TEXAS A&M, OHIO STATE
There are three teams that have two commitments each when it comes to the top-five cornerbacks and safeties in the class.
LSU leads the way with pledges from five-star cornerback Elias Ricks, No. 1 at his position nationally, and Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances four-star Jordan Toles, who was in discussion as the top safety in the 2020 class but stayed in the second spot.
Texas A&M is also doing a phenomenal job with pledges from Cibolo (Texas) Steele high four-star Jaylon Jones, who’s ranked fifth at cornerback, and former Tennessee pledge Antonio Johnson, a long and rangy safety from East St. Louis, Ill. He's ranked third at the position behind Oregon pledge Avantae Williams and Toles.
And then there is Ohio State, which has done a phenomenal recruiting job out West this cycle. Nowhere is that more evident than defensive back where La Habra, Calif., four-star Clark Phillips, fifth at cornerback, and Tucson (Ariz.) Salpointe’s Lathan Ransom, fifth at safety, are committed.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH LSU FANS AT TIGERDETAILS.COM
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH OHIO STATE FANS AT BUCKEYEGROVE.COM
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TEAMS TO WATCH: GEORGIA & FLORIDA
Of the top five cornerbacks and top five safeties in the 2020 class, only one is uncommitted but it’s a huge one. Five-star Kelee Ringo remains on the board as he considers his favorites and takes visits, but Georgia is definitely in the spotlight here.
The Bulldogs have been considered the frontrunner for a long time as he loves the coaching staff there and how he would be used in Georgia’s defense. The continuity of that staff and the Bulldogs’ run to the SEC Championship game cannot hurt their chances, either. Texas, Ohio State, Alabama and Oregon are also in the running.
Florida is worth watching, as well. There has always been talk that Oregon commit Avantae Williams would end up closer to home and with less than two weeks before National Signing Day, there has been no change in his status. But the Gators are making a serious run at the DeLand, Fla., standout who’s been pledged to Oregon since last December.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH FLORIDA FANS AT GATORSTERRITORY.COM
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PLAYER TO WATCH: DARION GREEN-WARREN
The recruitment of Darion Green-Warren has taken some interesting twists and turns over the last year. The Harbor City (Calif.) Narbonne four-star had been committed to Oklahoma, but he backed off that pledge and a flood of interest came in from USC, Michigan, Nebraska, Penn State and others.
The coaching situation being cleared up at USC could help the Trojans one way or another and then Michigan also seems to be in a very good spot. Green-Warren has some final visits coming up but this could be a two-team race heading into the All-American Bowl.
