Published Jan 19, 2016
Rivals250: Risers and sliders
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Adam Gorney  •  Rivals.com
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The high school football season is finished and the ever-important all-star events, including the Under Armour All-America Game and the U.S. Army All-American Bowl are all finished so there is no better time for the final Rivals250 presented by Under Armour for the 2016 class to be released.

After attending numerous events, and with National Signing Day right around the corner, here is a look at the big movers of this recruiting cycle.

The final edition of the Rivals100 presented by Under Armour was released on Monday and there were plenty of changes. Going through the entire Rivals250, there was plenty of movement up and down as this recruiting class is coming to a close.

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RISERS


WDE Shane Simmons, Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha

New rank: 104 | Change: +33

“Simmons was very effective in the Under Armour game and in the practices leading up to it. Tackles had a very hard time catching up to his outside speed rush. Simmons' inside countermoves have gotten stronger and those moves had more success than in the past. The progress he's made this season was very noticeable and it puts him in position for a better college career. He is committed to Penn State.” – Adam Friedman, Mid-Atlantic Analyst

DT Quinnen Williams, Birmingham (Ala.) Wenonah

New rank: 106 | Change: NA

“Williams was so disruptive during practices at the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic that the offense had trouble getting its reps. Coaches eventually instructed him to go half-speed. His power and agility were on display all week, as the Alabama commit earned his massive bump with a consistently dominant All-Star week.” – Rob Cassidy, Southeast Analyst

SDE Amani Bledsoe, Lawrence, Kan.

New rank: 122| Change: +32

“It had been a long time since our analyst team was able to see Bledsoe live, and his play at the Semper Fi Bowl confirmed many of the things we have been seeing on film while also giving us a stronger sense of his upside and potential. At 6-foot-5 and 272 pounds Bledsoe is a big defensive end, but he shows the quickness and athleticism to stay on the edge in college. His size does provide versatility if the school he ultimately chooses needs him to kick inside and play defensive tackle. Bledsoe has narrowed his choices to Big 12 programs Kansas and Oklahoma.” – Josh Helmholdt, Midwest Analyst

WR Dionte Mullins, Miami (Fla.) Gulliver Prep

New rank: 132 | Change: +33

“Mullins, a Miami commit, showed no rust after missing his senior season and took over multiple practices at the Under Armour game. He ran open all week and caught everything thrown in his vicinity.” - Cassidy


WR Tino Ellis, Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha

New rank: 142 | Change: +34

“The quickness and suddenness in Ellis' routes gave cornerbacks fits throughout the week of practice at the Under Armour game. The Maryland commit was almost not guardable on short crossing or out routes. Ellis also showed the ability to make tough catches down the field and along the sideline.” - Friedman

WR Keith Gavin, Crawfordville (Fla.) Wakulla

New rank: 143 | Change: +53

“Gavin’s bump was a product of his senior season. He injured himself in the final game, but used his school’s playoff run to show his unique blend of size and speed. Gavin is a prospect capable of contributing early at most colleges. Alabama and Florida State are considered the favorites.” - Cassidy

DT Boss Tagaloa, Concord (Calif.) De La Salle

New rank: 144 | Change: +43

“Tagaloa has the strength and speed up the middle to be a constant disruptive force and that’s what he showed again during his senior season. At more than 300 pounds, Tagaloa has tremendous power but he also moves so well for his size that once he gets in the backfield he can track down the ball carrier. He was double-teamed in the state title game and it just didn’t seem to matter. Washington, Michigan, USC and UCLA are among his favorites.” – Adam Gorney, National Analyst

RB Vavae Malepeai, Mililani, Hawaii

New rank: 159 | Change: NA

“Given his competition level in Hawaii, it had been difficult to evaluate Malepeai before his impressive week at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio. The Oregon commit had the film to earn a four-star ranking and he backed it up in the all-star setting, showing great vision and patience when he had the ball in his hands. Malepeai needed very little space to operate and didn't back down from contact, making sure to pick up tough yardage and bursting through narrow running lanes to move the chains. He's not the power back that Royce Freeman is in the Ducks' offense and he won't burn opponents like LaMichael James did, but Malepeai should have a productive career in Eugene. Malepeai has been hearing been hearing from several other schools, including Michigan and Washington, but he told Rivals.com recently he doesn't intend to take any other visits and is firmly committed to Oregon. ” – Blair Angulo, West Analyst

WR Josh Hammond, Hallandale, Fla.

New rank: 160 | Change: NA

“Hammond, a Florida commit, put on a show at Under Armour practices and put any lingering concerns about his ability to get separation to rest. He beat a number of elite-level cornerbacks and did so with relative ease.” - Cassidy


ILB Dontavious Jackson, Houston (Texas) Elsik

New rank: 168 | Change: NA

“Jackson is a prototypical middle linebacker. He has that stocky build, and makes quick reads. He was one of the more active linebackers during the Under Armour game and he did a great job of sifting through traffic, getting off of blocks, and tracking down the play. Jackson has taken official visits to Michigan, Florida State, UCLA, and Florida, and he plans to take his final visit to Alabama. Texas and LSU also remain in the mix.” – Jason Howell, Mid-South Analyst

RB D'Vaughn Pennamon, Manvel, Texas

New rank: 171 | Change: NA

“Pennamon did his damage at the Semper Fi game. He is a bigger back for an all-purpose guy, but he is also very versatile. He was able to run between the tackles as well as make guys miss in open space. His top end speed, burst, and reliable hands allowed him to shine bright. Pennamon is committed to Ole Miss but has visited Texas A&M and plans to visit Alabama as well.” - Howell

OG Sean Pollard, Southern Pines (N.C.) Pinecrest

New rank: 177 | Change: +30

“Pollard has all the attributes an offensive line coach looks for. He's a tough, physical lineman that drives defenders off the ball when run blocking and can anchor down when pass blocking. The Clemson commit has a very strong punch and knows how to finish his blocks. Pollard also has a lot of room to add weight to his frame.” - Friedman

DQB Devon Modster, Rancho Santa Margarita (Calif.) Tesoro

New rank: 180 | Change: +57

“Accuracy is the most-important thing when evaluating quarterbacks and Modster throws a great ball that always seems to be right on his receivers. He can run, too, and move around the pocket, but he’s not going to blow anyone away with his speed or athleticism. It’s his ability to throw the ball with a perfect spiral almost every time, he has a very strong arm and he puts it right where it needs to be time after time. UCLA and others are involved with the former Arizona pledge.” - Gorney

WDE Josh Brown, Charlotte (N.C.) Mallard Creek

New rank: 193 | Change: NA

“Brown was used in a variety of ways during his high school career and he had a lot of success at the Army game and in the practices. He has the speed to play sideline-to-sideline as a linebacker and is a nightmare pass rusher when he lines up as a defensive end. The position he plays at Florida State will largely be determined by how much weight he adds to his frame.” - Friedman


OT Liam Eichenberg, Cleveland (Ohio) St. Ignatius

New rank: 194 | Change: NA

“Eichenberg is a prospect we are certainly familiar with, having seen him live in games five times over the last three seasons. His rating has been a source of controversy with Notre Dame fans, and this is the first time the Fighting Irish commit has been rated four-stars on Rivals.com. He earned that rating with his play at the Under Armour game, competing well with a strong group of defensive linemen and showing he has enough size, technique and footwork to handle top defensive ends.” - Helmholdt

OT Tramonda Moore, Oklahoma City (Okla.) John Marshall

New rank: 200 | Change: NA

“Moore arrived at the Army Bowl ready to work, and he caught attention for the first day. He was light on his feet and he showed great strength. His quick feet stood out against a very good field of quick edge rushers, and his upper body strength and hands put him among the best linemen at the game. Oklahoma is the leader but Oklahoma State and Alabama remain in the hunt.” - Howell

ATH Jordan Duncan, Hattiesburg (Miss.) Oak Grove

New rank: 201 | Change: NA

“The surprise of the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star classic, Duncan was quiet in the game itself but caught dozens of balls at each practice. The Cal commit ran open for most of the week and showed impressive acceleration. The only thing he lacks is elite size.” - Cassidy

ATH Sewo Olonilua, Kingwood, Texas

New rank: 220 | Change: NA

“Olonilua projects to a number of positions on the college level, and he was even listed as a DB on the West roster at the Army Bowl. What he showed in San Antonio was his vision and versatility at the running back position. While he still projects to several positions due to his size and athleticism, his feel for the running back position was an eye catcher. Olonilua is committed to TCU.” - Howell

CB Troy Warner, San Marcos (Calif.) Mission Hills

New rank: 223 | Change: NA

“The BYU commit has tremendous length on the outside so he can jam receivers at the line or turn and run with them and then make a play on the ball. Some believe he will move to safety at the next level but Warner has the speed, athleticism and toughness to be a big, shutdown corner.” – Gorney

SDE Khalid Kareem, Farmington Hills (Mich.) Harrison

New rank: 237 | Change: NA

“The Semper Fi Bowl MVP has been a four-star prospect from the beginning, but this is his first appearance back in the 250 since last spring. Kareem capitalized on a pair of fumbles in the Semper Fi game, returning one for a touchdown. The Notre Dame commit showed throughout the week of practices that he can get pressure on the quarterback, something his 30-plus sacks over the last two seasons also showed.” - Helmholdt

ATH Kiel Pollard, Moultrie (Ga.) Colquitt County

New rank: 249 | Change: NA

“Pollard was the best player on the best team in the state of Georgia and earned the bump in the rankings after a monster senior season. Pollard could be a wide receiver, h-back or linebacker at the next level but no matter where he plays he's likely bound for success. Pollard is committed to Arkansas.” – Woody Wommack, Southeast Analyst

SLIDERS


S Eric Monroe, Houston (Texas) North Shore

New rank: 101 | Change: -55

“Monroe has the speed to cover the back end of the defense, play the ball, and he is a sure and explosive tackler. However, he had an overall uneven performance at Under Armour, and he was caught out of position throughout the week. He was not as quick out of his breaks, and he was not disciplined in his footwork, which hurt him in coverage. He is committed to LSU.” - Howell

RB Tavien Feaster, Spartanburg, S.C.

New rank: 102 | Change: -75

“It was a rough all-star season for the Clemson commit as he struggled at both the Shrine Bowl and the Army game. He will has a ton of potential, but has failed to perform up to his top 100 ranking several times during the cycle.” - Wommack

WDE Janarius Robinson, Panama City (Fla.) Bay

New rank: 107 | Change: -49

“Robinson looks great in a uniform, but blended in with the crowd during Army practices and the game itself. The Florida State commit needs to become more versatile and polish his technique. His size is useful, sure, but his footwork needs developed.” - Cassidy

ATH Brandon Burton, Gardena (Calif.) Serra

New rank: 112 | Change: -61

“Burton had a tough time dealing with some of the speedy receivers and fast-moving plays especially deep during the Under Armour week. He also was a step slow to plays sometimes and that was surprising because he showed such tremendous speed during his senior season. He could play receiver, too, but we think Burton should really focus on being the best safety possible. UCLA, USC and Florida State are his top three.” - Gorney

WR T.J. Chase, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy

New rank: 115 | Change: -71

“Chase, a Clemson commit, struggled mightily at the Semper Fidelis All-American Game. He had trouble hauling in catchable balls and never stood out from the pack despite being one of the highest-ranked prospects at the event.” - Cassidy


OG Ben Cleveland, Toccoa (Ga.) Stephens County

New rank: 119 | Change: -43

“Cleveland is still one of the most physically impressive prospects in the class and because of his prowess remains as a likely very productive player at the next level. But the Georgia commit has some "boom" or "bust" potential and after seeing him side-by-side with the nation's other top prospects we felt more comfortable with him outside of the 100.” - Wommack

DT Edwin Alexander, Hammond (La.) St. Thomas Aquinas

New rank: 138 | Change: -61

“Alexander, who is committed to LSU, is a space eater on the interior of the defensive line, and has added some bulk. His ability to handle double teams is impressive, and he brings a lot of strength to the table. However, he was not as quick and explosive as he was at lighter times.” - Howell

OLB Breland Brandt, Los Angeles (Calif.) Windward

New rank: 150 | Change: -63

“Brandt looks outstanding and has great athleticism but he is still far behind others at his position when it comes to playmaking. That is almost certainly because he doesn’t play in a competitive league in high school so he isn’t yet used to the highest level of game speed. The UCLA commit is a fast learner though and could become a special player down the line.” - Gorney

OG John Raridon, West Des Moines (Iowa) Valley

New rank: 156 | Change: -55

“After a slow start to Army Bowl week practices, Raridon acclimated quickly and was much better at week's end, getting a key block on the West team's second touchdown of the game. This was the first time we had been able to get eyes on Raridon since early in his high school career, though, and his lack of size was surprising. The Nebraska pledge will add weight in college, no doubt, but he is not a big-framed offensive lineman so how much he can add without sacrificing athleticism is limited.” - Helmholdt

WR Trevon Sidney, La Puente (Calif.) Bishop Amat

New rank: 174 | Change: -41

“In one-on-one situations and in 7on7, the USC commit is unstoppable. He’s fast, he can cut on a dime, he’s shifty and he has excellent hands. But in games, Sidney is not as effective, he is slight in stature so physical corners can control him a little bit and he’s just not as effective. Plus, Sidney needs to fight through minor, nagging injuries a little more.” - Gorney


RB Kareem Walker, Wayne (N.J.) DePaul Catholic

New rank: 181 | Change: -140

“Walker had a lot to prove at the Under Armour game and he fell short of expectations. The Michigan commit does not look like the same running back he did last year or the year before. He seemed hesitant, a little slower, and still has a problem consistently holding onto the ball. Hopefully whatever changed Walker's game can be reserved when he gets to Ann Arbor.” - Friedman

OG E.J. Price, Lawrenceville (Ga.) Archer

New rank: 184 | Change: -59

“Price had a rough week at Under Armour, especially when matched up with the nation's elite defensive linemen. Price's future is likely at guard and not at tackle and he still has the frame to develop into a very productive player in college. Auburn, Georgia and LSU are among the schools in the mix for Price.” - Wommack

APB Melquise Stovall, Lancaster (Calif.) Paraclete

New rank: 192 | Change: -43

“Stovall is still a big-time threat especially as a slot receiver but he wasn’t all that effective at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl so a drop we felt was warranted. To be fair, Stovall was utilized more as a straight running back in San Antonio and that’s probably not where he’ll play in college so a free-fall in the rankings was unnecessary for the Cal commit.” - Gorney

DT Nyles Pinckney, Seabrook (S.C.) Whale Branch

New rank: 196 | Change: -43

“The Clemson commit was one of the highest ranked players headed into the Shrine Bowl but he failed to back it up with his play. He has a tendency to take plays off and didn't show a consistent motor during the week of play.” - Wommack

OG Frank Martin, Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei

New rank: 202 | Change: -44

“Martin is a little bit of a tweener on the offensive line and we’re unsure whether he can be an offensive tackle at the next level. It’s more likely the USC pledge moves inside to guard. He can be a mauler and moving to the interior could benefit him but against elite competition at the Army game he let defensive ends to the edge and inside too often.” - Gorney


DT Julian Rochester, Powder Springs (Ga.) McEachern

New rank: 204 | Change: -62

“Rochester struggled at the Army game as he continues to carry some of the bad weight he added during the offseason. The Georgia commit failed to record a statistic in the game and didn't look in the same class as some of the other dominant defensive linemen on his team.” - Wommack

OT Jean Delance, Mesquite (Texas) North Mesquite

New rank: 207 | Change: -52

“Delance has a great frame. He is a flexible and athletic offensive lineman. However, his technique and footwork were challenged throughout the week at Under Armour as was his overall strength. His definitely has a bright future though as he continues to develop. Delance is committed to Texas.” - Howell

WR Riley Ridley, Deerfield Beach, Fla.

New rank: 209 | Change: -68

“Ridley, a Georgia commit, was quiet during the Under Armour All-America Game, as he struggled to get separation in practice and the game itself. Ridley’s top-end speed remains in question.” - Cassidy

WR Dredrick Snelson, Pembroke Pines (Fla.) Flanagan

New rank: 222 | Change: -72

“Snelson has failed to progress in the way most hoped. He is still nearly impossible to jam at the line, but the soft Minnesota pledge isn’t the deep threat most thought he’d become.” - Cassidy

WR Diondre Overton, Greensboro (N.C.) Page

New rank: 234 | Change: -110

“Overton has one of the highest ceilings of any wide receiver in this class but there are some things he needs to work on before he reaches his full potential. The Clemson commit is a long-strider but he needs to get in and out of his break quicker. That will help Overton create more separation with defensive backs. He didn't have much success in his all-star games. Working back to the quarterback on short routes and finding ways to get open when there is pressure on the quarterback will go a long way in college.” - Friedman