As always, these are ranked in order, so the highest 3 star on my list is the one I think is the best in that grouping. When the full class signs I will add those players in where I see fit.
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Deshon Wilson — Aggressive and instinctual player. Seems to know where the play is going before it happens. No fear: aggressively goes into difficult tackling situations and makes the play. Back pedal and ball skills look good. Grades might be a concern, because he is legit, yet has a poor offer sheet. If he qualifies, he’ll be a good one. Anyone know if grades are an issue? My gut says yes after seeing his legit skills with the poor offer sheet.
Isaiah Smalls — Receiver first TE, but looks like a surprisingly good run blocker. A few pancakes on his film. Soft hands, great hand-eye coordination with the ability to make catches in traffic or off a bobble. Lacks speed. Offered by half the Pac-12. He could come in and start in two TE sets right away. Has a future in broadcasting or coaching/recruiting.
Craig Francois — Very similar to Wilson, even though he is projected at LB. The thing that stands out is a non-stop motor, sheds blocks, and finishes plays. Looks like a fast, thin wrecking ball. Watching his film, I can see his skills projecting well at the next level. Probably needs a RS season to bulk up. He looks a bit thin for a LB, unless he’s been brought in to be a speed LB in the mold of Bright. Washington State was the only other Pac school to offer him. Again, why so few offers? Grades are always a concern when I see this.
Isaac Hodgins — Fast for his size. Only has 3 offers, but one is from Yale, so it’s not a grade issue. He simply must have shut down his recruiting once he committed to OSU. Strong family pedigree. Chases plays from behind, implying a strong motor and mettle. Looks better suited for a 4-3 than a 3-4 given his frame. Only negative is that he plays with poor leverage. Much too high on his tackling, and he wrestles and swings opponents to the ground rather than proper form tackling. This can be fixed with technique and weight training. Because of that, he might need a RS year, but he might have to play early out of necessity.
Kase Rodgers — I think the recruiting services got this one wrong. At least Rivals, which is what I use, having him at a 2-star. I think he is a legit three star. Nice speed and just a good all around skill set. Nothing outstanding, yet no clear weaknesses.
Jesiah Irish — Again, I disagree with Rivals on this one. 3-star prospect. Breakaway speed, good agility, what appears to be good hands (granted, they aren’t going to show him dropping balls on a highlight film).
Isaiah Tufaga — Nice looking athlete. I’m not sure where the Beavs hope to play him, but to me he projects best as a safety. Good instincts/quick to react and finish plays.
Jake Dukart — Looks like a nice mix of a run/pass QB, even though he is listed as a pro style QB. Good wheels. Arm strength is average to good. Accuracy appears good on film, but I had a hard time finding completion percentage statistics. Very nice 27:5 TD/INT ratio. This implies a good decision maker who takes what the D gives him and doesn’t leave plays on the field. Throws well on the run, which is a nice perk. He looks a bit frail, and he could use a year or two to build muscle and arm strength. Could be a starter by his 2nd or 3rd year in the system, and definitely will need a red shirt year unlike the other two QBs we were in on. Fringe three star who could thrive in the right system and with a year or two on the bench.
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Jake Levengood — For an all world wrestler, I’d expect to see more pancakes on film. He plays with high leverage and seems raw. He’s going to need a lot of coaching and body development to become a football player instead of a wrestler who happens to play football. I can see the upside and why some see him as a 3 star (eventually maybe, yes, but not today), but this guy is a project. We’ll know how good these coaches are based on how good Levengood becomes.
Keishon Dawkins — A bit stiff and lanky. Almost no ability to run after the catch. Otherwise, a decent prospect. I see him a backup TE who can make a play here and there.
Bradley Bickler — I completely disagree with the rating services on this one. Three star? No way. He out-athletes on film and doesn’t show great hustle. When a play comes to him, he makes it, but he doesn’t seek out playmaking opportunities.