It seems like just yesterday the high school football season kicked off in the Southeast, but our team of analysts has already logged plenty of miles on the road getting out to see some of the nation's best talent. In today's piece, we take a look at five most impressive committed prospects that we've had a chance to scout in person this fall.
MORE: Hot seat at Tennessee | Twitter Tuesday
Opponent: St. John's (Fla.) Bartram Trail
Rivals take: Trevor Lawrence was on national television and he played about as well as a high school quarterback could. He completed 18-of-23 passes for 404 yards and five touchdowns. He made a couple of throws that not all that play on Sundays can make. The bigger the game, the better Lawrence typically plays, and this was no different. The minute he steps foot on the Clemson campus in January, Lawrence will be the most talented quarterback. It will be hard for him not to see playing time in the fall of 2018 regardless of what Kelly Bryant does the rest of this season.
Highlights from junior season below:
Opponent: Forsyth (Ga.) Mary Persons
Rivals take: Otis Reese was constantly around the football in the season-opener. He had a couple of tackles behind the line of scrimmage, he made two big hits and he played fast for four quarters. Reese is an athlete who can play sideline to sideline on the next level and stay on the field for three downs. He was the first Michigan commit for 2018, and the Wolverines are working to keep him in this class. His athleticism stands out, and he has a great chance to end up as a Rivals100 prospect when all is said and done.
Highlights from junior season below:
Opponent: Marietta, Ga.
Rivals Take: Derrik Allen is a prospect who has been seen a lot by Rivals over the last few years, but in this game, he stood out as much, if not more, then ever. He was impressive on defense all night, and he made a couple of plays at receiver, too. What he did regardless of what side of the ball he was playing on was play tough and physical. He had an edge about him. He looked like he was playing with a chip on his shoulder. He made a few big hits, he was strong in coverage, and Notre Dame has to be looking forward to the minute he steps on campus.
Opponent: Buford, Ga.
Rivals take: Kendrick plays out of position for his high school team, lining up at quarterback instead of his future college position of wide receiver. His coaches put him under center to give him the maximum possible touches, and it's easy to see why after his performance against the Wolves. Kendrick is a tough runner with the ball in his hands, and his array of moves made him nearly impossible for the first defender to bring down. Clemson has had success in years past with guys like Deon Cain moving from quarterback to wide receiver once they join the team, and Kendrick looks like he could be the next elite talent to join the nation's best receiving corps.
Opponent: Chattanooga (Ga.) Baylor School
Rivals Take: Georgia has no shortage of tight end talent, and it looks like FitzPatrick will be the next quality player at that position to join the roster. He was a match-up nightmare for the Baylor defenders, using his size and hands to get open and make plays. But it was his ability and willingness as a blocker that really impressed, as FitzPatrick had no problem getting physical to help open big holes in the running game. He also lined up at defensive end and made his share of stops, showing his all-around versatility in addition his acumen as a pass catcher.
