Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge: Top underclassmen
INDIANAPOLIS – The 2017 edition of the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge presented by adidas is over. Some big names emerged from loaded group of underclassmen, as did some surprises. Here's a look at the most impressive underclassmen from the event's two sessions.
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Recruiting wrap: Wease decommitted from Oklahoma earlier this spring but is still considering the Sooners, along with programs such as Michigan, Ohio State and Texas A&M.
Performance: For a receiver that runs more on the longer side in terms of build, Wease was remarkably comfortable when he looked to make plays after the catch. He also had his share of spectacular moments with memorable one-handed grabs and catches in traffic. Wease showed that he is becoming a very well-rounded prospect at his position.
Recruiting wrap: Michigan, Ohio State and Notre Dame are the three big contenders for Briggs, but the hometown Cincinnati Bearcats are pushing their way into that top group as well.
Performance: Briggs is a solidly-built defensive lineman that blew up opponents with strength and leverage in one-on-one competition. He could still get held up if he didn't keep his legs moving at times, but otherwise, he regularly got underneath the hands of offensive linemen and was able to push the pocket on nearly every rep.
Recruiting wrap: USC, LSU, Nebraska and others have captured Williams' attention early. It's no secret many top Serra prospects end up playing for the Trojans.
Performance: While undersized, Williams has exceptional ball skills. He stays in the hip pocket of most receivers through their routes and then attacks the ball to make it difficult for receivers to make any plays. He breaks on the ball well and is surprisingly physical for his size.
Recruiting wrap: LSU, Texas and several others are among the schools involved with Stingley.
Performance: Stingley plays with a confidence beyond his years and he stepped in ready to compete against the nation's best. He's a versatile defensive back who can play corner or safety and with good speed and coverage ability, it's easy to see why he's already ranked among the nation's best.
Recruiting wrap: Dunmore is comitted to Florida but taking visits to other schools.
Performance: Dunmore has good length and changes direction extremely well. He needs to add muscle and will do so in the years ahead. His long arms and sudden change of pace give him massive upside.
Recruiting wrap: Ohio State, Florida, Tennessee and Auburn are just a few of the schools involved with Knox.
Performance: Knox is a big play wide receiver who continues to impress regardless of the competition he faces. He paired with five-star quarterback Justin Fields to make some big plays during the team portion of the event. With his style of play, Knox makes it look easy at times, even when he's against the nation's top players.
Recruiting wrap: Steele is committed to UCLA, but LSU, Alabama, Stanford, Michigan and others are pursuing him.
Performance: There is still a debate whether Steele will play cornerback or safety in college, but he was excellent at the Five-Star Challenge and could be one of the top defensive backs in the 2019 class. He has range and length, the ability to break on the ball to knock down passes and he's an athletic kid who can run with receivers on deep routes.
Recruiting wrap: Floyd is committed to USC.
Performance: Floyd had his moments throughout the day, whether it was during position drills, one-on-ones or especially in 7-on-7 play where he made it difficult for quarterbacks to find open throwing windows across the middle. The USC commit has length and athleticism and he can cover almost as well as some top-end defensive backs.
Recruiting wrap: LSU, Alabama and several others are in the early mix for Palmer.
Performance: The 2019 four-star was initially ranked as a defensive back but has been focusing on wide receiver this offseason with great results. The Five-Star Challenge was no different as he consistently got open and made plays on a team full of talented wide receivers. Palmer's speed and hands make him dangerous and will translate to any offense at the next level.
Recruiting wrap: Thomas is committed to LSU.
Performance: Thomas is known for his ability to dominate during one-on-ones in a camp setting, but he found himself struggling in the early going while battling some of the nation's top defensive linemen. But as the day moved along he got better, especially when he trusted his technique rather than just trying to overpower everyone. Thomas still needs to do some work on his body and his footwork, but it's clear he has the potential to be a star.
Recruiting wrap: Quick is committed to Alabama.
Performance: It was an up and down day for Quick. He was better in the morning than in the afternoon, but he still showed why he had the offers he had before committing to Alabama earlier this spring. He is a big-time tackle and he won more than he lost in the morning. He flashed good strength and the ability to move on the edge.
Recruiting wrap: It is early, but Alabama and Florida are two schools the 2020 quarterback is high on.
Performance: Bailey was by far the youngest prospect in attendance and the first rising sophomore to be invited to the Rivals Five-Star Challenge, but he didn’t show nerves, he showed he belonged and he made some big-time throws. He threw a couple of interceptions during the 7-on-7 play, but overall, he had a strong showing.