Three-Point Stance: Sticking with it, underrated players, top classes

National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell’s Three-Point Stance is here with the lesson players can learn from some stars, 10 players who came out of nowhere in this crazy season and the best defensive recruiting by position in 2021 so far.

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FACT OR FICTION: Kyle Trask should be getting more Heisman chatter

CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State

CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State

COVERAGE: Rivals Transfer Tracker | Rivals Camp Series

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With the NCAA transfer portal absolutely blowing up, I want players in college and high school to focus on a few stars who could have left their respective programs and didn’t. That determination and willingness to compete will make them millionaires.

RB Najee Harris, Alabama - The No. 1 prospect in the 2017 class could have bolted early when he wasn’t getting touches his first couple of years and was splitting time with multiple backs. But he toughed it out and came back for an extra year and now he’s in the Heisman discussion and a likely first-rounder.

QB Mac Jones, Alabama — Jones committed to Kentucky at first out of high school but flipped and stuck with Alabama even with the highly-touted Tua Tagovailoa in the same class. So when Tagovailoa took over for Jalen Hurts, Jones could have left but instead his patience has paid off in a huge way.

QB Kyle Trask, Florida — Trask could have transferred out of high school when he was a backup to D’Eriq King and could have left Florida when Feleipe Franks was the chosen one and Emory Jones was coming in behind him. Now Trask is a possible first-rounder.

WR DeVonta Smith, Alabama — Smith had eight catches his freshman year and the wide receiver room was loaded at Alabama. He stayed and not only flourished but now he could win the Heisman.

WR Elijah Moore, Ole Miss — Moore was productive by his second year at Ole Miss but after his embarrassing penalty that lost the Egg Bowl he could have left. He stayed and is now a first round candidate.

RB Michael Carter, North Carolina — Carter was solid his first couple of years but had to split time with Javonte Williams. Many backs would look for their own path but he stayed and he and Williams are an unstoppable duo.

DB Shakur Brown, Michigan State — Brown redshirted, of all things, his first year and didn’t see a ton of time in year two but he stuck with Michigan State despite hailing from Georgia and now he’s one of the best in the country.

Have you ever heard of these guys before the season? Be honest. Maybe if you’re a big fan of their program but, beyond that, no way. Here are 10 guys who had amazing seasons that started way under the radar.

RB Sincere McCormick, UTSA — The second leading rusher in the country wasn’t really much of a national name until this season.

WR Dax Milne, BYU — A huge reason for the success Zach Wilson and BYU enjoyed, Milne is going to be a long-time NFL guy.

WR Jonathan Adams Jr., Arkansas State — Adams is a big-bodied receiver who has broken out this season and a name barely anyone knows.

WR Jaelon Darden, North Texas — The nation’s leading receiver for most of the year, his national stock is on the rise.

OL Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa — The first Power Five player on the list is the nation’s most efficient and highly-graded center.

LB Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington — Admit if, if you’re not a Washington fan you have no idea who this is unless he made multiple tackles against your team. He’s been great.

CB Marcus Jones, Houston - Back to the Group of Five as Jones is one of the nation’s best cover corners no one knows about.

S Brandon Joseph, Northwestern — The Big Ten championship game against Ohio State brought his name into focus, but he’s been amazing all season.

RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., Kentucky — He had over 500 yards last season and you still had no idea who he was. This year he averaged almost seven yards a carry.

WR Jaquarii Roberson, Wake Forest — He would have destroyed the 1,000 yard mark if a full season were played.

On Tuesday I ranked the best teams at offensive position groups when it comes to 2021 recruiting and now it’s time for defense. The rich keep getting richer, although a few teams are on the come up.

DEFENSIVE LINE

1. Texas A&M — With the late addictions of Shemar Turner and Tunmise Adeleye this is a special defensive line class with depth.

2. LSU — Defensive tackle Maason Smith was the biggest prize of Signing Day and Bryce Langston was a nice surprise, but Savion Jones could be the best of the group down the road.

3. Florida — These are some big and strong dudes coming to Florida, led by Tyreak Sapp. The Gators are going to be dominant against the run soon.

4. Alabama — They will rise on this list after the new evaluation on Keanu Koht who is an absolute freak. Damon Payne and Montell Goodwine lead an elite group.

5. North Carolina — This is much-needed for North Carolina. Keyshawn Silver and Jahvaree Ritzie will be great bookends.

LINEBACKER

1. Clemson — Barrett Carter is a freaky athlete and Jeremiah Trotter is a huge hitter.

2. Alabama — This is a very deep group led by Dallas Turner and a couple of these guys could play defensive line.

3. Georgia — Xavian Sorey was a huge pickup. Smael Mondon and the rest can all run to the ball.

4. North Carolina — RaRa Dillworth and Power Echols have a chance to be the best outside-inside combo in this class.

5. Maryland — The Terps hit a home run here pulling Branden Jennings from Michigan and keeping Demeioun Robinson in-state.

DEFENSIVE BACK

1. Florida — The Gators run away with this one with Corey Collier, Jason Marshall and a slew of others.

2. Ohio State — Jordan Hancock and Jakailin Johnson are an amazing cornerback duo.

3. LSU — I love Sage Ryan and the Tigers landed some key out-of-state prospects.

4. Alabama — Ga’Quincy McKinstry leads a deep group of guys Nick Saban coveted.

5. Miami — James Williams and Kamren Kinchens are both immediate difference makers.