Rivals national recruiting analyst John Garcia Jr. has thoughts on five-star quarterback Julian Lewis, a look at five rising prospects in the Southeast and an update on a stacked group of receivers in the state of Florida.
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TAKEAWAYS: Prospects impress at Under Armour Atlanta
CLASS OF 2024 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
CLASS OF 2025 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals100
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1. JULIAN LEWIS JUST HAS 'IT'
The spotlight on the quarterback position has only increased over time, accelerated by social media and rising interest in college football recruiting, to the point where some prospects have to deal with a borderline frenzy of attention as they build up to their last season of prep ball.
In the state of Georgia alone, we've seen how long-tenured top dogs such as Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields and most recently Dylan Raiola each have their own unique way of operation despite all eyes on them at just about all times. The new No. 1 in the state, Julian Lewis, has occupied a similar mantle since he was wrapping up middle school and, after seeing him live Sunday at the Under Armour camp in Atlanta, it's clear that he has "it."
Lewis had a documentary crew on his hip and was being scrutinized by a large contingent of credentialed media but you'd never know it. The reclassified prospect is mature, poised, steady and seemingly unflappable. Following his dominant workout, he was awarded with a special presentation in front of his peers, parents, coaches, media and other onlookers, and it was just another business-like "thank you" before he left the building.
There are plenty of conversations to be had surrounding Lewis, from his status as the potential No. 1 quarterback in the class to his actual recruitment, but one thing that will never be debated is the "it" factor he shares with the other no-brainer, five-star quarterbacks that preceded him in Georgia.
Lewis just has "it," and there is plenty of evidence in his two years as a varsity starter backing that up. That demeanor can't be labeled an act this deep into Lewis' time in the spotlight, and judging by the chatter and noise constantly around his name, the five-star prospect will probably lean on it that much more as his senior season approaches.
MORE FROM ATLANTA: Garcia's Takeaways | Recruiting Rumor Mill
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2. STOCK UP DOWN SOUTH
Several prospects the Southeast region have already made memorable impressions early in the camp season. Here are five standouts that are poised to make a jump in the next rankings refresh.
The longtime Auburn commitment is now more than 300 pounds and continues to dominate with both power and finesse up front. It's to the point where he looks like one of the premier interior talents in the class and that has led to increased attention from other programs looking to poach Autry from the Tigers.
A strong 2023 on the field helped Brown's offer list balloon and this offseason has been just as good, if not better, for the four-star prospect. He has dominated at both wide receiver and defensive back in different settings, emerging as one of the more dynamic two-way talents in the class of 2025.
Another two-way star, the South Georgia native looks more destined to play on defense at the next level. His performance at Under Armour's Atlanta camp was as steady and dominant a run as you will see from a linebacker in that setting. Johnson made play after play despite all of the advantages running backs are afforded at these events.
An early take for North Carolina, Mack Brown's staff looks brilliant for bringing in the tall and lean tackle from North Georgia. Payne is broad with room to continue to add mass, yet he is stout at the point of attack and incredibly fluid while working pass protection on the island.
Norman has followed up his breakout 2023 season with a strong start to the camp season. He ran crisp routes and finished with strong hands last weekend in Atlanta. Long and lean with loose hips to keep defenders guessing, Norman also registered a 4.5 laser-timed 40-yard dash despite a cold workout setting.
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3. SUNSHINE STATE RECEIVERS IMPRESSING
The state of Florida was loaded at the wide receiver position in the 2024 class, but there wasn't much rankings drama at the very top of the list. Jeremiah Smith, who finished the cycle ranked No. 1 in the Rivals250, was not going to be challenged at the position in his home state.
The 2025 cycle is shaping up to be much different. Three of the top 21 prospects in the current Rivals250 are Florida receivers and they couldn't be more different in terms of skill sets.
Winston Watkins is a polished slot with great quickness and hands, Jaime Ffrench is a classic WR1 with a strong combination of size, technique and sheer play-making ability to his name and Oregon commit Dallas Wilson is a long and lean freak athlete who plays down the field and/or above the rim. That trio will pushed by other Sunshine State receivers, too.
Naehsaun Montgomery, who works a smooth game with great top-end speed, has a chance to put his stamp on the conversation having transferred to Miami (Fla.) Central for his senior season. The big and powerful Donovan Olugbode will also have plenty of eyes on him as the WR1 at national power IMG Academy. Few have put together the two-year production Cortez Mills has at Homestead (Fla.) High School, registering more than 2,500 yards and 20 touchdowns since 2022.
Beyond the current top 100 nationally, risers such as Koby Howard, Ohio State commitment Jayvan Boggs and physical specimen Samari Reed each have their own case to make for a top spot. Joshua Moore could become the wildcard of the bunch.
RELATED: Florida's 2025 WR rankings
