Rivals100: New five-stars, big movers
The new Rivals100 Presented by Under Armour for the class of 2016 has been released -- our second-to-last of the recruiting cycle -- and yet another new No. 1 prospect has emerged.
The prestigious list started off with wide receiver Nate Craig-Myers as No. 1 way back in June of 2014 and since then quarterback Jacob Eason, defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and quarterback Shea Patterson have topped the charts. Now it's Paramus (N.J.) Paramus Catholic defensive tackle Rashan Gary who leads this elite group and hopes to hold onto the top spot as we head into all-star season.
"This has been a crazy year so far when it comes to finding that elite No. 1 guy," said Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell. "I am not sure there is a surefire prospect in this class that stands out as a confident No. 1, as you can see by all the changes. That happens some years and will happen more often as we start to rank players earlier and earlier. Last year, we had a change right before the all-star games with Josh Rosen taking over for Byron Cowart and then Cowart earned it right back, so we'll see what happens with Gary, Lawrence and Patterson as well as many others in striking range."
However, Gary, a 6-foot-5, 290-pounder from New Jersey, could easily end up being that No. 1 guy in the end.
"He's a big, well put-together kid who can move and those guys are always coveted," said Farrell. "He's been playing a lot on the outside at defensive end this season and I think that will help him as he transitions back inside in college. It has improved his get-off, his use of his hands and his footwork and he's a little less scheme specific than he was before. He's a special player no doubt."
Rivals.com Mid-Atlantic Recruiting Analyst Adam Friedman, who has seen Gary develop for years, agrees.
"Gary's dominance throughout the camp season was well-publicized and there were times this season where he completely took over games. When used correctly, he is a game plan destroyer," said Friedman. "This year, we saw Gary's scheme versatility more than in previous seasons. He lined up as a defensive end for much of the season and locked down his side of the field."
Many feel Michigan has a big edge for Gary heading into the final stretch of recruiting with Auburn, Ole Miss, USC, Alabama and others all jockeying for position. He will announce his decision at the Under Armour All-America Game or on Signing Day.
In addition to a new No. 1, Rivals.com is unveiling three new five-star prospects and also has three prospects losing that coveted fifth star. Here's the breakdown of each:
The new Rivals100 Presented by Under Armour for the class of 2016 has been released -- our second-to-last of the recruiting cycle -- and yet another new No. 1 prospect has emerged.
The prestigious list started off with wide receiver Nate Craig-Myers as No. 1 way back in June of 2014 and since then quarterback Jacob Eason, defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and quarterback Shea Patterson have topped the charts. Now it's Paramus (N.J.) Paramus Catholic defensive tackle Rashan Gary who leads this elite group and hopes to hold onto the top spot as we head into all-star season.
"This has been a crazy year so far when it comes to finding that elite No. 1 guy," said Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell. "I am not sure there is a surefire prospect in this class that stands out as a confident No. 1, as you can see by all the changes. That happens some years and will happen more often as we start to rank players earlier and earlier. Last year, we had a change right before the all-star games with Josh Rosen taking over for Byron Cowart and then Cowart earned it right back, so we'll see what happens with Gary, Lawrence and Patterson as well as many others in striking range."
However, Gary, a 6-foot-5, 290-pounder from New Jersey, could easily end up being that No. 1 guy in the end.
"He's a big, well put-together kid who can move and those guys are always coveted," said Farrell. "He's been playing a lot on the outside at defensive end this season and I think that will help him as he transitions back inside in college. It has improved his get-off, his use of his hands and his footwork and he's a little less scheme specific than he was before. He's a special player no doubt."
Rivals.com Mid-Atlantic Recruiting Analyst Adam Friedman, who has seen Gary develop for years, agrees.
"Gary's dominance throughout the camp season was well-publicized and there were times this season where he completely took over games. When used correctly, he is a game plan destroyer," said Friedman. "This year, we saw Gary's scheme versatility more than in previous seasons. He lined up as a defensive end for much of the season and locked down his side of the field."
Many feel Michigan has a big edge for Gary heading into the final stretch of recruiting with Auburn, Ole Miss, USC, Alabama and others all jockeying for position. He will announce his decision at the Under Armour All-America Game or on Signing Day.
In addition to a new No. 1, Rivals.com is unveiling three new five-star prospects and also has three prospects losing that coveted fifth star. Here's the breakdown of each:
