Two-Star Checkup: Syracuse, Cal, Wisconsin players prove their worth
Every Thursday during the college football season we look back on some two-star prospects who are outplaying their high school ranking and helping their teams win games. This week, we look at a trio of prospects who flew under the radar as recruits but made plenty of plays on the big stage over the weekend.
As a recruit: Phillips had just two offers during the recruiting process: Temple and Syracuse. At that time, Phillips was a running back and the Orange offered him a chance to play that position and he jumped at the chance to play at a Power Five program. He committed at the start of his senior season.
What he did this week: Phillips started his career at Syracuse as a running back, but he’s since moved to wide receiver in Dino Babers' offense - and he’s adjusted to the position quite nicely. In Friday night’s upset victory over Clemson, Phillips hauled in four passes for 94 yards and a touchdown, all game highs for either team. After a breakout junior season that saw him finish with 822 yards receiving, Phillips has a chance to crack the 1,000-yard barrier in 2017.
As a recruit: As a high school recruit, Kunazyk saw little to no recruiting interest despite putting up big numbers and after electing to go the JUCO route, and he even redshirted his first year at American River College. But a breakout redshirt freshman season led to some late recruiting interest from Colorado and Calfornia, and after official visits to both schools, Kunaszyk committed to the Bears in March 2016 - more than a month after National Signing Day.
What he did this week: Kunasyk might have been a late addition to the Bears' 2016 class but he has wasted no time putting up some big numbers. In 2016, he played in 14 games and this year he’s been a steady contributor as a reserve. In Friday night’s stunning victory over Washington State Kunaszy was all over the field, recording 11 total tackles as well as 2.5 sacks, both career highs. The scrappy Kunaszyk is a fan favorite because of his backstory, and he’s proof that there are still diamonds in the rough to be found by college coaches.
As a recruit: Jacobs, a California native, picked up a handful of FCS and Mountain West offers during his senior season and seemed likely to stay close to home to play his college ball. But late offers from Wisconsin and Wake Forest opened the door to the Power Five ranks, and after visiting both of those schools Jacobs made the decision to commit to the Badgers just prior to signing day in 2013.
What he did this week: Jacobs is the latest in a long line of player development success stories for the Badgers, as he’s gone from being a two-star recruit to a serious playmaker for the Big Ten power. Jacobs has been a role player since his first year on campus in 2013, but this year he has become a full-time starter and he’s thrived. In Saturday’s victory over Purdue, Jacobs led the Badgers in tackles (nine) while also grabbing a key interception. The Badgers are back in the top 10 and it’s thanks to players like Jacobs.
