As always, these rankings are in order or talent (i.e. the first listed 3 star guy is my best 3 star guy).

****

Mathias Malaki-Donaldson – Elite. Has his pass rush moves down already, but should be even scarier as he’s coached up. Collapses the pocket. Plays with passion and plays to the whistle.

Jack Velling – Potential game-changing TE. Fluid runner with soft hands. Yale offer suggests high intelligence, so he should move up the depth chart fast.

Andrew Chatfield – His film backs the ranking and hype. With Donaldson they could cause serious havoc.

***

Noble Thomas – Ball hawk who likes to jump routes. Good awareness.

Damien Martinez – Interesting player. Upright runner with a longer stride, yet it’s effective. Makes quick decisions. Appears to be a good pass catcher as well.

Dylan Lopez –Looks solid, nice agility. The USC offer probably has him ranked higher than he should be. Not seeing an elite player right now, but a solid, agile lineman who could become elite by senior year.

Takari Hickle – I think this guy is underrated. Fast, physical, and finishes plays.

Quincy Wright – Listed at 270, but looks lean for a DT. Shows poor awareness (e.g. opponents right next to him, and he doesn’t see them) and plays tentative. When he sees the play, he makes the play. Potential, but needs time and coaching. Good frame.

Melvin Jordan – Really poor tackling technique. Many shoulder tackles on film (should fit in well with the Beavs!). Good frame but needs a lot of coaching to be viable. Disagree with the 4-star rating.

Sam Mason – I prefer him at WR over DB. Reminds me of the old Ohio State WR David Boston with the long legs and large upper body. As a DB, I don’t really like him. Doesn’t really have the body type or skills for that, and Smith states he’ll start there, lowering his rating for me. As a WR I’d bump him higher.

Luka Vincic – Gets pushed around a bit too much at the HS level for me to get excited about him. Has good drive but seems to have a weak upper body. Needs time. Could develop into a starter in his later years, or at worst, good depth.

Travis Throckmorton – Agree with Bill he looks strange throwing the ball. Phillip Rivers is a good analogy there, but more mobile than Rivers. Good mobility. Good arm. But a strange looking player. Super cool name for a QB.

Ryan Cooper – Skill set is average, but he plays with passion and is physical. I’m noticing a trend that Smith is recruiting very physical defenders. This guy fits the mold.

Nathan Elu – Actually looks pretty solid, despite his low ranking and poor offers.

**

Carlos Mack – Not a big fan of what I see. Probably best as a nickel CB or a safety. Hopefully just depth and not brought in to start.

Kord Shaw – Couldn’t find video of him. Given his offer sheet, I’ll rank him low until I see film. My hunch is he might be a Colletto replacement.

Jacob Strand – Couldn’t find video of him. Given his offer sheet, I’ll rank him low until I see film.

If I forgot anyone, let me know, and I’ll add them.