[h=3]Ed Oliver, Rashan Gary, Khalil Tate and others; reranking the 2016 recruiting class[/h][FONT="]by Gerry Hamilton on 2018-08-30 01:16:00 UTC (original: http://www.espn.com/college-footbal...l-tate-others-reranking-2016-recruiting-class)[/FONT][FONT="]The 2016 recruiting class was one of the most hyped classes in recent memory. After a run of five consecutive No. 1 classes, Alabama was unseated in 2016 by Florida State. The Seminoles' class was led by No. 5 overall recruit Levonta Taylor, one of nine players who earned five-star ratings from ESPN that year. Three years later, the class has by and large lived up to expectations and also produced some breakout stars. We examined how different the class would look if we reranked players based on their college production. Here are the top 25 players knowing what we know now.[/FONT]
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[FONT="]1. DT Ed Oliver, Houston
ESPN 300 rank: 4[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he was ranked No. 4: Rare combination of explosiveness and strength, coupled with a nonstop motor. Dominated at a high level of competition in the state of Texas and in the Under Armour All-America Game.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Areas that needed improvement: Lacked ideal height and arm length to project him as a No. 1 overall.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he moved up: Continued disruptive production from day one on campus despite lacking the measurables of other elite defensive tackles. Has overcome lack of length with quickness, technique, pursuit speed and sheer effort.[/FONT]
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[FONT="]2. DE Nick Bosa, Ohio State
ESPN 300 rank: 3[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he was ranked No. 3: Physically dominant with tremendous playing strength and technique for a young player. Impressive football IQ and instincts as well as good initial quickness and the motor to chase down plays from the back side.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Areas that needed improvement: Needed to continue to add strength to his frame while retaining quickness and show that he has fully recovered from a knee injury as a high school senior.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he moved up: Bosa recovered from a torn ACL his senior season and quickly adjusted to college football. Has been a game-changer for the Buckeyes, with 13.5 sacks in two seasons, and has been equally impressive against the run.[/FONT]
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[FONT="]3. DE Rashan Gary, Michigan
ESPN 300 rank: 1[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he was ranked No. 1: A rare combination of size and athletic ability at defensive end, with the ability to be a versatile defender at the next level. His initial power, quickness and ability to convert speed to power were elite.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Areas that needed improvement: Like many big-bodied defenders, he needed to work on pad level and consistent first-step quickness to maximize his potential.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he moved down: Oliver's dominance of college football for two seasons.[/FONT]
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[FONT="]4. DT Dexter Lawrence, Clemson
ESPN 300 rank: 6[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he was ranked No. 6: Outstanding size and natural strength with good initial quickness for his size. Showed the ability to jolt offensive linemen and impressive redirect skills.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Areas that needed improvement: The only thing that could have kept Lawrence from being a dominant force in college football was his lack of consistent energy.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he moved up: Has been a highly productive interior presence for the Tigers, despite a lingering foot and toe injury that needed surgery following the 2017 season. A healthy Lawrence is a disruptive force at the highest level of college football.[/FONT]
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[FONT="]5. OT Greg Little, Ole Miss
ESPN 300 rank: 2[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he was ranked No. 2: Had the type of frame and athleticism that college coaches covet in a left tackle. Light on his feet with impressive lateral movement and a powerful initial punch in the run game.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Areas that needed improvement: Refining technique, especially hand position and initial punch in pass protection, and continued physical development are needed.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he moved down: While he has appeared in every game at left tackle since arriving in Oxford, he hasn't showed the consistency others in the class have achieved.[/FONT]
[FONT="]6. WR A.J. Brown, Ole Miss
ESPN 300 rank: 66[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he was ranked No. 66: Possesses a combination of size, strength, speed and ball skills that every college covets. Sound route-runner with excellent body control.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Areas that needed improvement: Continuing to master route-running and reading coverage will take Brown's game to the next level against elite competition.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he moved up: Has been a physically dominant receiver in the SEC, with a sensational sophomore season that ended with over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns. More consistent production against top opponents is all that remains for a stellar college résumé.[/FONT]
[FONT="]7. WR N'Keal Harry, Arizona State
ESPN 300 rank: 22[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he was ranked No. 22: Elite size at the receiver position with the initial quickness off the line of a smaller receiver. Can not only easily win 50-50 balls at the high school level, but also has the ability to make big plays after the catch.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Areas that needed improvement: Continuing to develop as a route-runner and learn the nuances of the position will be key in maximizing his potential.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he moved up: Has been a productive receiver since arriving in Tempe, with more than 1,800 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns in two seasons. His ability to win 50-50 balls against major-college competition has carried over from high school.[/FONT]
[FONT="]8. CB Greedy Williams, LSU
ESPN 300 rank: 268[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he was ranked No. 268: Tall, wiry, strong cornerback prospect who possesses excellent awareness and ball skills with a willingness to mix it up on the perimeter in run support.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Areas that needed improvement: Improving long speed to become cornerback with elite makeup speed, along with physical development.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he moved up: After a redshirt in 2016, Williams burst onto the scene in 2017 with six interceptions, instantly becoming one of the top playmaking cornerbacks in all of college football. Has added 15 pounds to his frame since enrolling at LSU.[/FONT]
[FONT="]9. ATH Devin White, LSU
ESPN 300 rank: 166[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he was ranked No. 166: Unique prospect with special athletic ability for a 260-pound prospect in high school that will translate once he finds a positional home. Athletic ability showed up at running back and in the return game in high school.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Areas that needed improvement: The position he would settle at is key. As a running back, White didn't possess the upside he did at linebacker.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he moved up: White has settled at linebacker for LSU and is now one of the best in college football. Not only does he have special athletic ability for his size, but is now arguably the most productive LB in college football after registering 133 tackles, 4.5 sacks and an interception in 2017.[/FONT]
[FONT="]10. DT Raekwon Davis, Alabama
ESPN 300 rank: 150[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he was ranked No. 150: Superb size with the strength and arm length to dominate would-be blockers at the point of attack. Can collapse the pocket with a bull rush or take away passing lanes with his height and long arms.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Areas that needed improvement: Becoming a pass-rushing threat to go with being a force against the run will make Davis a better all-around prospect.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he moved up: Has developed into a pass-rushing threat who is also very difficult to handle against the run. Now a difference-maker with his height and arm length, both against the run and rushing the passer.[/FONT]
[FONT="]11. DE Jeffery Simmons, Mississippi State
ESPN 300 rank: 84[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he was ranked No. 84: Very good size and athleticism with high-level run-stopping ability at defensive end. Plays with a toughness that translates to Power 5 success.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Areas that needed improvement: Continuing to add strength and weight to his frame while improving hip flexibility will allow Simmons to be a more versatile player.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he moved up: Has added more than 30 pounds to his frame and has become a run-stopper and developing pass-rusher as a defensive tackle with high-round NFL draft potential with another productive season.[/FONT]
[FONT="]12. ILB Shaquille Quarterman, Miami
ESPN 300 rank: 98[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he was ranked No. 98: Left the high school ranks with the body of a college veteran and the quick reactions and hitting ability of one, too. Seemingly always in the right position, and plays were over upon contact with a combination of quick burst and lower-body power.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Areas that needed improvement: Playing in man-to-man coverage and making sure he tackles in space with consistency.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he moved up: Has been a productive player and the anchor of the Hurricanes defense up the middle since arriving in Coral Gables. Credited with more than 165 tackles heading into his junior campaign.[/FONT]
[FONT="]13. OT Jonah Williams, Alabama
ESPN 300 rank: 25[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he was ranked No. 25: A near-ideal frame with an impressive combination of reactive quickness in pass protection and an explosive punch and leg drive in the run game despite playing in a two-point stance the majority of the time.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Areas that needed improvement: Needs to continue to add weight and strength to frame while also taking his physicality to the next level as a run-blocker.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he moved up: Was a starter at right tackle from Game 1 of his freshman season. Moved to left tackle as a sophomore and earned All-SEC honors from the coaches. A second strong season at left tackle will solidify Williams as a first-round selection in the 2019 NFL draft.[/FONT]
[FONT="]14. CB Trayvon Mullen, Clemson
ESPN 300 rank: 18[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he was ranked No. 18: Combination of height, reactive quickness, long speed and ball skills made Mullen an elite prospect at the cornerback position. Also showed a willingness to be a physical tackler in the run game on the perimeter.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Areas that needed improvement: Adding weight and strength to his wiry frame will be paramount in Mullen's ability to maximize his potential.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he moved up: Mullen has added 20 pounds and has been the same playmaker at Clemson he was in high school. His elite ball skills led to three interceptions as a sophomore.[/FONT]
[FONT="]15. ILB Devin Bush, Michigan
ESPN 300 rank: 181[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he was ranked No. 181: A much better player than his physical stature suggested in high school. Instinctive and active natural linebacker who delivered a pop upon contact.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Areas that needed improvement: He wasn't going to add longer arms and height to his frame, so his area of improvement was proving he could be a productive linebacker in major college football while not having the frame or pure speed of some others.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he moved up: Bush had a breakout season as a sophomore, registering over 90 tackles, and while doing so proved that all of his strengths translated to the college level and his lack of height and pure speed didn't hinder his productivity.
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[FONT="]16. QB Khalil Tate, Arizona
ESPN 300 rank: NR[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he was ranked a four-star: A gifted runner and playmaker at the position with the ability to make big plays with the ball tucked while not possessing pure speed. Has the arm strength to stretch the field vertically and make every throw required.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Areas that needed improvement: Becoming a more polished and accurate passer will be key in his development, as will continuing to add strength to his frame to take the punishment of being a volume runner in college.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he moved up: Has proved to be a top dual-threat quarterback on the Power 5 level with game-changing ability as a runner, along with continued development as a passer the second half of his sophomore season.[/FONT]
[FONT="]17. TE Noah Fant, Iowa
ESPN 300 rank: NR[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he was ranked a three-star: Lacked the ideal weight and strength coming out of high school. Ideal height and wiry frame with above-average athleticism and speed to stretch the seams.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Areas that needed improvement: Adding ample weight and strength to the frame is a must to maximize potential as an in-line blocker and pass-catcher to finish plays working through contact.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he moved up: Has added more than 30 pounds and is proving to be a well-rounded tight end, with big-play ability as a pass-catcher and 11 touchdowns and nearly 500 yards as a sophomore.[/FONT]
[FONT="]18. DT Derrick Brown, Auburn
ESPN 300 rank: 9[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he was ranked No. 9: Ideal combination of height, strength, explosive power and physicality at the point of attack that instantly translates to the major college level.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Areas that needed improvement: Become more than a power push generator and bull rusher.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he moved down: Has been a impact player for the Tigers and is a projected NFL draft pick, but has not been the dominant force of some of his classmates on the defensive line to this point.[/FONT]
[FONT="]19. DT Benito Jones, Ole Miss
ESPN 300 rank: 7[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he was ranked No. 7: Tremendous first-step quickness, explosive lower-body power and the speed to pursue the ball from hashmark to the sidelines. A disruptive force at the high school level.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Areas that needed improvement: Needed to add ample weight to his 275-pound frame and continue to work on developing hand usage and overall pass-rushing technique.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he moved down: While Jones has been a productive player on the interior for the Rebels, he has struggled getting off blocks at times to keep him from taking the next step as a player.[/FONT]
[FONT="]20. QB McKenzie Milton, UCF
ESPN 300 rank: NR[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he was ranked a two-star: Didn't possess the height or weight college programs typically pursue at the position, nor did he possess plus arm talent to overcome the physical deficiencies. Did show his natural calmness and playmaking ability at the high school level.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Areas that needed improvement: Needed to gain ample strength, improve accuracy on the move and prove he could see the field at the college level with a dramatic jump in the height and frames of offensive and defensive linemen in his vision.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he moved up: Not only led UCF to a 13-0 record as a sophomore but in doing so proved he could be an accurate passer at the college level, showed he understands protecting the football and field position for his team, and continued to be a playmaker with his feet when plays break down.[/FONT]
[FONT="]21. QB Jalen Hurts, Alabama
ESPN 300 rank: NR[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he was ranked a four-star: Grew up around football playing for his father at Channelview High in Houston. Athletic dual-threat prospect with the arm strength to make all required throws. Outstanding off-schedule, on-the-move playmaker.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Areas that needed improvement: A one-read and deep-ball thrower out of high school. Needed to develop into a passer and continue to refine mechanics with an emphasis on footwork.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he moved up: Won the starting job and locker room quickly at Alabama, and has led the Crimson Tide to back-to-back national title game appearances despite not taking the next step as a passing quarterback.[/FONT]
[FONT="]22. S Taylor Rapp, Washington
ESPN 300 rank: NR[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he was ranked a four-star: Was strong in coverage with the ability to quickly break on the ball and create incompletions or dislodging hits. Solid against the run, whether reacting quickly downhill or defeating stalk blocks and making sure tackles in space.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Areas that needed improvement: Needed to continue to work to add strength to frame, work on his speed and hip flexibility to be a threat in coverage in man-to-man situations against more explosive athletes.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he moved up: Not a true 40-speed fast player but has showed the ability to continue to play fast and aggressively and be a playmaker against big-time college competition. Has added weight to frame and retained athleticism.[/FONT]
[FONT="]23. RB Benny Snell Jr., Kentucky
ESPN 300 rank: NR[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he was ranked a three-star: Good vision with a powerful build at the position with the ability to break tackles, but lacked the long speed to be ranked among the elite backs in the class.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Areas that needed improvement: Continuing to add strength and speed while showing the ability to break tackles to maximize carries at the college level.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he moved up: Has amassed over 2,400 yards in two seasons at the highest level of college competition, showing impressive vision, balance and ability to break tackles on a frame that has continued to add strength and retain flexibility and quickness.[/FONT]
[FONT="]24. WR Denzel Mims, Baylor
ESPN 300 rank: 283[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he was ranked No. 283: A long-framed receiver prospect with excellent speed, initial quickness, the ability to change direction and elite ability to win 50-50 balls.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Areas that needed improvement: Needed to add a lot of strength to his long frame, develop as a route-runner and learn the nuances of the position.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he moved up: Has added more than 25 pounds of weight to his frame, plays stronger and has retained the playmaking speed and elite ball skills that produced nearly 1,100 yards receiving as a sophomore.[/FONT]
[FONT="]25. TE Kaden Smith, Stanford
ESPN 300 rank: 39[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he was ranked No. 39: Ideal frame and arm length for the position with an elite catch radius and excellent timing and ball skills. Played with toughness.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Areas that needed improvement: Become more of a complete tight end who can be a playmaker in the passing game but also a difference-maker in the run game as an in-line blocker. A post-senior season ACL injury slowed his physical development.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Why he moved up: Has continued to add strength to his frame, has developed as a blocker and is a key threat in the passing game, with over 400 yards receiving as a sophomore.[/FONT]
