It takes a special player with exceptional talents and skills to contribute early to a college football roster. That’s why they’re considered “special.” Their accolades are well known and they’re a hot commodity on the recruiting trail.
Speaking of recruiting, the major recruiting sites (247 sports, Rivals,) all have their system on how they rate high school talent. They use a star system that begins with a two-star who can play at the FBS level but has very little NFL potential, while a five-star, the highest ranking, is one of the top players in the country that potentially could go the first round in the NFL draft.
Per 247 Sports, they evaluate talent from the following:
“At 247 we use a team of evaluators,” Hansen said. “They review the film of every player before they extend a rating. Local and regional evaluations go to our national (nine-member) committee, and they determine who gets a star and how many; 247 tries to evaluate on NFL potential, not college potential.”
In the end, these sites only give their best opinion on how these players will pan out, we won’t know until they start playing.
Let’s look at some of the best players coming in for the 2024 season.
- Dylan Raiola– QB Nebraska – Originally committed to Georgia until last December, Raiola at the last minute switched his commitment to Nebraska, as Cornhusker head coach Matt Rhule convinced the young star to come to Lincoln. With Raiola, Nebraska is getting an accurate arm, a mobile threat, and NFL size Quarterback. Raiola is a Quarterback that head coach Matt Rhule can build around and create a monster team that Cornhusker fans are used to.
- Jermiah Smith– WR Ohio State -Smith was not only the #1 wide receiver but the #1 overall player in the ’24 class. He has the talent and athleticism that NFL coaches drool over. Smith’s speed and route running are exceptional and now head coach Ryan Day as another weapon in his arsenal in Columbus.
- Ryan Williams – WR Alabama -Williams is as NFL ready as it gets. He accounted for over 4600 all-purpose yards and 65 touchdowns his final two seasons in high school. At 6 ft and 175, Williams has the body control, fast twitch speed, and hands to be elite. He will be a day one draft pick in the near future.
- 4. DJ Lagway – QB Florida – DJ was the #1 QB coming out of Texas and the # 3 player overall in the ’24 class. He’s a dual-threat Quarterback with a great arm, and he could potentially start for the Gators if head coach Billy Napier needs to give his offense a spark.
- Jordan Marshall– RB Michigan -There have been some great backs that have come through Ann Arbor and Jordan Marshall looks to be the next premier back at Michigan. He has great vision and is a very patient runner. He will look to carry the load when Michigan starts in ’24.
- LJ McCray – DL Florida – McCray is a destructive force and loves to wreak havoc on opposing offenses. He is just the player Billy Napier needs on the defensive side of the ball. The gators have not been much of a threat on defense so this is a nice addition.
- Justin Schott– DL Miami -Scott is a multi-position player who is very athletic for his size (310 lbs.), so look for him to be on goal line situations on offense and a pass rusher on the defensive line.
- Micha Hudson – Texas Tech – Hudson is very agile, athletic receiver who can make spectacular catches but can also put in the jets when out in the open. A very similar player to Garret Wilson from the NY Jets.
- Cam Coleman – WR Auburn – Coleman is a receiver every Quarterback wants- he’s not afraid to get physical with DBs and he can make plays with players all around him. He has the speed, size, and quickness to get separation, and the agility to make hard catch. He’s a very durable receiver.
- Ellis Robinson IV – CB Georgia – Straight out of the infamous IMG Academy comes Ellis Robinson, the top-rated cornerback in the ’24 class. Robinson is very physical at the point of attack and can jam receivers instantly. He’s exactly the type of player Kirby Smart wants on his defense.
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