Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell’s thought-provoking Three-Point Stance is here with 2019 quarterbacks, some potential second-round steals in the NFL Draft and kudos for Ole Miss.
MORE FARRELL THREE-POINT STANCE: QB Bust Factor
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1. Quarterback shopping in a down year
The class of 2019, at least at quarterback, is not as deep or talented as the class of 2018 and doesn’t appear to be as deep or talented as 2020 will be. So that leads to a question. Is it more important to get a big-time quarterback in 2019 than it was last year or next year? My answer is yes, which is why Auburn, Oklahoma, Washington and others are smiling.
So why is it more important to get a good one in a down year than it is during a year where there is plenty of talent? Simply because we know the blue bloods landed talented kids last year at quarterback and will get theirs in 2020 as well, so landing one in 2019, where not every program will pluck a gem, is an added bonus.
Here are the teams that should be the most excited about 2019 quarterback recruiting and why.
Auburn – Every knows how much Joey Gatewood, Auburn’s 2018 signee, has grown on me and how much I like his ceiling, and I like Bo Nix as the best pro-style QB I’ve seen in 2019 so far. This is a great 1-2 punch and there are plenty of talented quarterbacks for 2020 in the Southeast, so Auburn should land one in that class as well.
AUSPORTS.COM: Auburn making push for Georgia TE
Oklahoma – After landing Tanner Mordecai, who could be a sleeper of sorts, in 2018 it took a huge step forward this year with Spencer Rattler. Rattler is filling out and has everything you want in a dual-threat -- he’s a solid pocket passer who can run and extend the play. Even if the Sooners whiff in 2020, which is unlikely, they are in great shape.
SOONERSCOOP.COM: OU off to great start in 2020
Washington – The double dip of Jacob Sirmon and Colson Yankoff in 2018 is a great one, but we know one will likely flourish and the other will transfer. That’s why Dylan Morris is so important in 2019. That’s three four-star quarterbacks in two cycles, so the Huskies should find a franchise guy in there somewhere.
DAWGREPORT.COM: Huskies host three-star TE this weekend
Ole Miss – Matt Corral was a huge get in 2018 and has star potential and Grant Tisdale is another potential stat-stuffer for the Rebels. Shea who?
REBELGROVE.COM: Stanley discusses Ole Miss commitment
Michigan State – I like Theo Day and his upside as the next great three-star quarterback at Michigan State, but I like Dwan Mathis even better. This is a really nice 1-2 punch.
SPARTANMAG.COM: Three-star DE down to Michigan State, Notre Dame
2. Don't sleep on these potential second-rounders
Not everyone can be a first-rounder because, well there are only 32 first-round picks. But as we know, there is plenty of talent available after the first round. Today I’ll give you five guys projected to go in round two who will play like first-rounders in the end.
QB Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State – He could be the quarterback who doesn’t sniff the first round but ends up playing like a franchise guy. I have my questions about some areas of his game, mainly his pocket sense, but he could be a very good starter in the NFL.
O-STATEILLUSTRATED.COM: The Hot 11 for 2020
RB Ronald Jones, USC – He’s a slasher, he can catch the ball and he can also impact in the return game if needed. I worry about his durability at the next level but if he can stay healthy, watch out.
TROJANSPORTS.COM: USC a favorite for three-star ATH
TE Mike Gesicki, Penn State – He’s as athletic as they come, he has hops and he will be a very good red zone threat. I like Mark Andrews a bit better (projected by many to go after Gesicki and possibly in third round), but I’d take either as potential Pro Bowlers.
BLUEWHITEILLUSTRATED.COM: Penn St. in strong position with four-star DT
CB Carlton Davis, Auburn – He takes chances, and that can scare teams, but he also makes big plays, has good size and is excellent near the line of scrimmage. If he plays with more consistency, he will be a star.
AUSPORTS.COM: Breaking down new commit Jakai Clark
WR Christian Kirk, Texas A&M – Can he be a DeSean Jackson-type? He may not have that top end speed, but he’s elusive enough and can still get that great separation. He’s also a very underrated route runner.
AGGIEYELL.COM: Five-star visits Texas A&M
3. Luke has Rebels off and running
How about some kudos for Ole Miss for a change?
Everyone knows I was one of the biggest critics of Hugh Freeze and the program he ran, but what about the job that Matt Luke is doing? Under extreme recruiting scrutiny and dealing with sanctions, Ole Miss is currently No. 1 in our team recruiting rankings for the class of 2019, highlighted by recent commitments from four-stars Diwun Black and Grant Tisdale, who hail from two key recruiting states (Mississippi and Texas).
Ole Miss likely won’t reach the heights they reached in our recruiting rankings under Freeze, but these efforts are under very different circumstances and the results are much harder to attain. Hats off to Ole Miss for the best recruiting start of anyone in 2019 considering the circumstances.
