The first update of the top 10 in the 2020 class has been released and several new names enter ranking. Others, however, fell out after starting in the top 10 or sit just on the outside looking in. Here are three prospects who could contend for that elite territory in future updates.
Fred Davis’ early rank is based on potential. The five-star defensive back isn’t a polished prospect just yet. He’s simply a freaky, playmaking athlete with incredible physical tools and a positive trajectory. That’s not a knock on him, however, as players with that profile tend to get better as their high school careers progress.
Davis, who is as physically gifted as any young defensive back in recent memory, will get the coaching he needs at powerhouse Trinity Christian and evolve into an incredibly well-rounded prospect by the time his senior season kicks off. Barring an surprise setback, I see Davis as a top-10 player in America. - Rob Cassidy, Rivals.com Southeast recruiting analyst
McKinnley Jackson is a force in the trenches. He is an interior defensive lineman that can take over a game. He was dominant in Mobile (Ala.) at the Rivals 3 Stripe Camp presented by adidas, he flashed against elite competition at the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge presented by adidas and he has clearly separated himself as one of the top defensive linemen in the country. The former LSU commitment is being targeted by Alabama, Florida State, LSU and many others, including in-state schools Ole Miss and Mississippi State.
Jackson’s the top prospect in Mississippi and he has made a strong case to be a top-10 prospect in the country. He is not a defensive tackle who just eats up stuff and holds his ground, but he can fire off the ball, get penetration and pressure the quarterback. Jackson definitely is among the elite in the 2020 class. - Chad Simmons, Rivals.com Southeast recruiting analyst
At the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge this past June, Justin Rogers proved once again that he is an elite lineman ready to take on all comers. The greater Detroit-area prospect has been doing this since he started his high school career. There were eight offensive linemen between the 2018 and 2019 classes in the state of Michigan rated four-stars last season, but from a performance standpoint Rogers was probably the most complete offensive lineman in the state despite being just a sophomore.
The question with Rogers is tackle or guard? He says tackle, most colleges say tackle, but he is under 6-foot-4 and has a frame that usually projects to the interior of the line. For now we continue to keep him in the offensive guard category, but recognize that he has the potential to play either in college. Georgia and Ohio State have long been considered top contenders for Rogers, but he also puts Tennessee and USC in that tier. Expect an official top eight, though, coming from him in the near future. - Josh Helmholdt, Rivals.com Midwest recruiting analyst
