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Rivals100: Risers and Sliders

With so many new five stars in our final Rivals100 Presented By Under Armour, let’s not forget the rest of the big movers, many of whom just fell shy of that illustrious status. Outside of the five stars we have new No. 1 prospects at positions like running back, offensive guard and safety. But the biggest mover was a cornerback from Southwest Florida who will try to help bring Miami back to prominence.

“There are a ton of big shakeups in the Rivals100 aside from the five stars,” said Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell. “We have a new No. 1 running back in B.J. Emmons, we have a new No. 1 offensive guard in Landon Dickerson and Lamar Jackson is our new No. 1 safety. But of those three, only Emmons moved up enough in the Rivals100 to have it be considered a significant shift. Our biggest mover was cornerback Tyler Byrd who is committed to Miami and came from outside the Rivals250. So keep an eye on many of these guys because a lot of them will be the four stars we talk about as first rounders and some of them could be Heisman candidates.”

Here’s a look at prospects that jumped 30 or more spots either within or into the Rivals100 and those who dropped more than 20 spots within the Rivals100, both considerable drops.

“Keep in mind that players falling less than 20 spots is simply some shifting in the rankings and not a ‘considerable’ drop,” said Farrell. “Same with moving up less than 30 spots, even at this final stage that’s not a huge move either.”

Risers

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RB B.J. Emmons, Morganton (N.C.) Freedom

New rank: 33 | Change: +81

B.J. Emmons
B.J. Emmons

“Emmons proved a lot this all-star season and now he's the top ranked running back in the 2016 class. The Alabama commit has the speed and vision to be productive against elite competition and showed that he can be effective between the tackles and on the outside. The ability to grind out tough yards or score from anywhere on the field is a special combination and Emmons showed he can do both.” – Adam Friedman, Rivals.com Mid-Atlantic Recruiting Analyst

WR Cornell Powell, Greenville (N.C.) Rose

New rank: 36 | Change: + 62

Cornell Powell
Cornell Powell ()

“Powell had an outstanding high school career and was spectacular in the Shrine Bowl. He was the best player in practice all week and ended up having one of the best all-star game performances in recent memory. Powell's strength, speed, athleticism, and knack for the big play will make it difficult for Clemson to keep him off the field, despite their talent wide receiver corps.” – Adam Friedman, Rivals.com Mid-Atlantic Recruiting Analyst

DT Benito Jones, Waynesboro (Miss.) Wayne County

New rank: 44 | Change: + 73

Benito Jones
Benito Jones ()

“Jones was solid at the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic but really turned it on when the lights were brightest at the Under Armour All-America Game. Jones, an Ole Miss commitment, lacks height, sure, but his power and technique make him a special prospect.” – Rob Cassidy, Rivals.com Southeast Recruiting Analyst

WR A.J. Brown, Starkville, Miss.

New rank: 53 | Change: +85

A.J. Brown
A.J. Brown ()

“Few players had a better all-star season that Brown, one of the MVPs of the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic. Brown has solid size and an impressive burst. He used the all-star stage to show an ability to routinely create separation from the top defensive backs in America. Brown is seen as a Mississippi State lean, but Ole Miss and Alabama are also involved.” – Rob Cassidy, Rivals.com Southeast Recruiting Analyst

QB K.J. Costello, Rancho Santa Margarita (Calif.) Santa Margarita Catholic

New rank: 54 | Change: + 30

K.J. Costello
K.J. Costello ()

“One of the concerns with Costello through his senior season was whether he could put touch on his passes and not zip every ball by receivers. There's no question he has a strong arm and the Stanford commit proved at the Army game, even with an injured hand, that he can deliver the ball on time, with pace or with some touch, and get it to receivers all over the field.” – Adam Gorney, Rivals.com National Recruiting Analyst

DE Brian Burns, Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage

New rank: 65 | Change: + 30

Brian Burns
Brian Burns ()

“Burns used his senior year to add muscle and now looks more like a college-ready defensive lineman. What makes him special, however, is the fact that he's retained his quickness and speed off the edge. Burns added an entire dimension to his game this year and has become a more versatile athlete. Once high on Miami, Burns eliminated the Hurricanes during the program's coaching change, Burns seem to favor Florida State, Florida and Georgia.” – Rob Cassidy, Rivals.com Southeast Recruiting Analyst

WR Tyrie Cleveland, Houston (Texas) Westfield

New rank: 73 | Change: + 128

Tyrie Cleveland
Tyrie Cleveland ()

“Cleveland was one of the big winners from Under Armour All-America week. The Houston commitment was the standout receiver in practice showing off his quick feet, precise routes and reliable hands. Those hands were not quite as reliable on game day, but Cleveland did enough throughout the week against some of the top competition in the country to show he needed to make a move up in the rankings.” – Jason Howell, Rivals.com Mid-South Recruiting Analyst

LB Shaquille Quarterman, Orange Park (Fla.) Oakleaf

New rank: 74 | Change: + 125

Shaquille Quarterman
Shaquille Quarterman ()

“One of the biggest surprises of the U.S. Army All American Bowl, Quarterman was disruptive all week in practice. The Miami commit could stand to trim some bad weight, sure, but he was nearly unblockable at times.” – Rob Cassidy, Rivals.com Southeast Recruiting Analyst

CB Tyler Byrd, Naples, Fla.

New rank: 75 | Change: N/A

Tyler Byrd
Tyler Byrd ()

“Byrd made his mark in the Army Bowl and did so with a long kick return. That said, the Miami commit is also solid in coverage and showed that on multiple occasions and that sometimes goes overlooked. Byrd's athleticism is his calling card, but he's also strong fundamentally.” – Rob Cassidy, Rivals.com Southeast Recruiting Analyst

QB Austin Kendall, Waxhaw (N.C.) Cuthbertson

New rank: 77 | Change: +93

Austin Kendall
Austin Kendall ()

“A lot has been said about Kendall and the various aspects of his game but he showed that he can make big-time throws with consistency. The Oklahoma commit may not have the strongest arm, but he is accurate in game settings and is very good at deciphering defenses and knowing where the ball needs to go. Kendall is also more mobile than people realize and he knows how to extend the play while keeping his eyes downfield.” – Adam Friedman, Rivals.com Mid-Atlantic Recruiting Analyst

LB Carter Coughlin, Eden Prairie, Minn.

New rank: 82 | Change: +34

Carter Coughlin
Carter Coughlin ()

“We saw throughout the all-star game season that it is difficult for linebackers to stand out in non-contact practices, and yet Coughlin was consistently in our stock reports from Army Bowl week. The Minnesota commit brings great size to the position and showed the speed to run with tight ends and backs down the field. Those were things we knew about him coming in, but his awareness and feel for the position were questions he answered very positively.” – Josh Helmholdt, Rivals.com Midwest Recruiting Analyst

LB Aaron Hansford, Washington (D.C.) St. John’s College High

New rank: 86 | Change: + 76

“Hansford is one of the most athletic linebackers in the country. He has great speed and can easily make plays from sideline-to-sideline. There is a lot of room on Hansford's frame to add good weight but the area where he has the most potential is above the shoulders. He still has a lot to learn about playing linebacker full-time and he could be a dominant force once he really understands what he's doing. Hansford is considering Maryland, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Oregon, UCLA, Texas A&M, and a few others. He will take an official visit to Texas A&M next weekend before announcing a commitment.” – Adam Friedman, Rivals.com Mid-Atlantic Recruiting Analyst

DT Michail Carter, Jackson, Ga.

New rank: 89 | Change: + 54

Michail Carter
Michail Carter ()

“Carter doesn't get the attention that some of the other top defensive tackles in the class receive but he showed with his play at Under Armour All America Game week that he can be a force at the next level. Carter is considering Alabama, Georgia and others.” – Woody Wommack, Rivals.com Southeast Recruiting Analyst

S Nigel Warrior, Suwanee (Ga.) Peachtree Ridge

New rank: 92 | Change + 31

Nigel Warrior
Nigel Warrior ()

“Warrior slipped in the rankings last cycle but his combination of playmaking ability and athleticism was too much to keep him out of the Rivals100. Warrior is considering LSU, Tennessee, Georgia and others.” – Woody Wommack, Rivals.com Southeast Recruiting Analyst

ATH Marquez Callaway, Warner Robins, Ga.

New rank: 95 | Change: + 50

Marquez Callaway
Marquez Callaway ()

“Callaway is being recruited as an athlete and he impressed with his speed and versatility while playing defensive back in San Antonio. He's still considering Mississippi, Mississippi State and Tennessee.” – Woody Wommack, Rivals.com Southeast Recruiting Analyst

SLIDERS

CB Nigel Knott, Madison (Miss.) Germantown

New rank: 51 | Change: – 25

Nigel Knott
Nigel Knott ()

“Knott's athleticism is still there in spades. His upside is undeniable, but he has yet to reach his potential. Knott was beaten soundly on a handful of occasions during All-Star season. Alabama seems to be the favorite to land Knott, but Ole Miss and Mississippi State also remain involved. USC and Oregon could be in the mix as well.” – Rob Cassidy, Rivals.com Southeast Recruiting Analyst

QB Feleipe Franks, Crawfordville (Fla.) Wakulla

New rank: 57 | Change: - 28

Feleipe Franks
Feleipe Franks ()

“Franks struggled at the Army Bowl and looked shaky in practices and the game alike. His arm strength is undeniable, but the Florida commitment needs to work on his mechanics.” – Rob Cassidy, Rivals.com Southeast Recruiting Analyst

OL Patrick Hudson, Silsbee, Texas

New rank: 62 | Change: – 28

Patrick Hudson
Patrick Hudson ()

“Hudson had a tough week at Under Armour. He definitely looked the part and showed the ability to get underneath opponents as he came off the ball low. However, the Baylor commitment lost his technique and footwork and he was put on his heels against some of the top competition in Orlando.” – Jason Howell, Rivals.com Mid-South Recruiting Analyst

WR DeKaylin Metcalf, Oxford, Miss.

New rank: 70 | Change: – 46

DeKaylin Metcalf
DeKaylin Metcalf ()

“After a spectacular showing at the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic, Metcalf never managed to stand out at the Army Bowl. The Ole Miss commit dropped a handful of passes and struggled to create separation when he clashed with elite-level defensive backs.” – Rob Cassidy, Rivals.com Southeast Recruiting Analyst

S Saivion Smith, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy

New rank: 80 | Change: – 42

Saivion Smith
Saivion Smith ()

“Smith has the size and agility of a college-ready defensive back, but seems to struggle in coverage. Even when playing safety, he sometimes finds himself out of position. Any problems with the LSU commit’s game can be corrected with coaching, though, as he's high-level prospect in need of polishing.” – Rob Cassidy, Rivals.com Southeast Recruiting Analyst

WR Drake Davis, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy

New rank: 93 | Change – 60

Drake Davis
Drake Davis ()

“Davis is one of the most athletic players in the country and has every tool needed to be special. The LSU commitment’s routes need work, however, as it's clear that the four-star receiver relies on his natural talent to carry him.” – Rob Cassidy, Rivals.com Southeast Recruiting Analyst

S Brandon Jones, Nacogdoches, Texas

New rank: 97 | Change: – 48

Brandon Jones
Brandon Jones ()

“Jones' ability to attack the ball and quick change of direction have made him a top recruit. At Under Armour he was pretty quiet throughout the week. He flashed a little during the game, but he was a little hesitant and did not close on the ball as well as we have seen him do in the past. Jones is down to Texas, Texas A&M and Baylor for the most part. ” – Jason Howell, Rivals.com Mid-South Recruiting Analyst

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