By Billy Watkins
Football recruiting has been a sport of its own for years.
Fans follow it with passion — often too much passion.
When I was sports editor at the Meridian Star, I received a phone call on signing day one year, It was a surgeon from Jackson. “Hey, listen, I don’t have much time. I’ve got someone about to go to surgery,” he said. “But can you tell me how many Ole Miss has already signed?”
As we all know, nothing is certain when it coms to recruiting and star ratings and potential. “A lot of it is what you do with them once you get them,” longtime Auburn coach Pat Dye once told me.
But it is true that those teams that frequently reach the college football playoffs seem to also sign the most five- and four-star players,.
We have put together the Top 5 rated signees for every SEC team this century, as rated by 247sports, one of the industry’s leaders. One thing stood out as I researched this article: When reading about your school landing the next hot shot difference maker, proceed with caution.
Mississippi State
Deljuan Robinson. DL Hernando 2002 5 star .9934
Chris Jones DL Houston (Miss.) 2013 .9919
Jerious Norwood. RB Brandon 5 star 2002 .9906
Darren Williams, S Clarksdale 5 star 2002 .9892
Charles Cross OT Laurel 5 star 2019 .9877
The next five: Jeffery Simmons, Derek Pegues, Marvin Byrdsong, Quinton Culberson, Jamal Peters.
Deljuan Robinson: Suffered a major setback before he ever arrived in Starkville. In August 2002 — when he had planned to be going through his first preseason with the Bulldogs — Robinson underwent open heart surgery in Memphis to repair a leaky valve … He has admitted in interviews that he wasn’t sure he would ever play football again … Came back to have a solid career with 104 tackles, and 1.5 sacks … Was not drafted but signed with the Houston Texans as a free agent. Totaled 31 tackles in 26 NFL games.
Chris Jones: Lived up to his five-star rating … Considered the top player in Mississippi and 18th overall in the 2013 class … Constantly facing double teams, Jones had 102 tackles and 8.5 sacks in three seasons at State … Earned All-American and All-SEC honors … Was drafted in the second round by Kansas City, the 37th player selected … Has developed into one of the top players in the NFL … two-time Super Bowl champion … voted to four Pro Bowls … Set the NFL record with 11 consecutive games with at least one sack … In seven seasons, Jones’ totals are 243 tackles, 65 sacks and 12 forced fumbles.
Jerious Norwood: Became a legend with the Brandon High Bulldogs and a star at MSU… Had 13 100-yard games … Rushed for more than 1,000 yards in his junior and senior seasons … The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder totaled 3,222 and 15 touchdowns … Won the 2005 Conerly Award as the state’s top college player … Drafted in the third round by the Atlanta Falcons … In six NFL seasons, including one with the St. Louis Rams, Norwood gained 2,056 yards and scored seven touchdowns.
Darren Williams: Considered the No. 1 safety prospect in the nation coming out of Clarksdale High in 2002 … Battled injuries throughout his career but managed to intercept seven passes in three seasons with the Bulldogs … was dismissed from the team by Coach Sylvester Croom following the 2004 season … transferred to Jacksonville State … Never played in the NFL … Was shot to death in Atlanta in 2006 at the age of 23.
Charles Cross: Rated the No,. 5 offensive tackle in the 2019 class out of Laurel High School and ranked 27th overall … Redshirted his first season at State … Was the anchor of State’s offensive line for two seasons, allowing just two sacks in a pass-first offense … Named All-SEC and All-American in 2021 … Seattle drafted him ninth overall in the 2022 draft … The 6-foot-5, 310-pounder started every game for the Seahawks his rookie season.
Ole Miss:
Robert Nkemdiche (No 1 overall) DL. Loganville, Ga., 5 star 2013 1.000
Greg Little. OL. Allen, Texas 5 star, 2016 .9991
Shea Patterson, QB Bradenton, Fla. 2016 5 star .9982
Laremy Tunsil, OL, Lake City, Fla. 2013 5 Star .9976
Laquon Treadwell WR Crete, Ill. 2013 .9925
The next five: Chris Spencer, Suntarine Perkins, Jerrell Powe, Robert Lane, Jerrion Ealy.
Robert Nkemdiche: One of two SEC players in this century to earn a perfect 1.000 grade by 247sports’ analysts. (South Carolina’s Jadeveon Clowney is the other.) … 6-foot-3, 294 pounds … the Rebels were able to get him primarily because they had signed his older brother, Denzel, in 2011. Their mother preferred her sons play for the same school.
In fans’ eyes, Nkemdiche never played up to the level of hype that accompanied him to Oxford. His stats in three seasons as a defensive tackle/defensive end: 81 tackles, six sacks and 16 tackles for loss. But numbers often don’t tell the whole story when it comes to defensive linemen … An Ole Miss assistant coach told me during Nkemdiche’s junior season: “Anyone who thinks he isn’t dominant needs to study game tape. Every team we play schemes their blocking to make sure he is double teamed. We’re a pretty good defense, and he’s one of the main reasons why.”
The Arizona Cardinals selected him 29th in the first round of the 2016 draft but has never found his stride at the pro level … A knee injury with Miami in 2019 cost him the better part of two seasons … San Francisco signed him in 2022 but cut him during training camp … currently listed as a member of the USFL’s Michigan Panthers.
Laremy Tunsil: More than lived up to his five-star rating. In 23 games, he allowed just two sacks … also a dominant run blocker at 6-foot-5, 310 pounds … a first-round draft choice by the Miami Dolphins, Tunsil is a three-time Pro Bowler and currently a member of the Houston Texans.
Greg Little: Tunsil’s development played a huge part in the Rebels landing Little, the third-ranked recruit overall in the 2016 class … twice voted All-SEC and selected by Carolina early in the second round … has struggled in the NFL, and injuries have played a part— a broken ankle in 2019, a concussion, knee injury and a battle with Covid-19 in 2020 … Miami acquired him prior to the 2021 season, but he served mostly as a backup … A free agent heading into the 2023 season.
Shea Patterson: Entered Ole Miss as the No. 1 quarterback prospect in the 2016 class and the No. 4 prospect overall. … in two seasons with the Rebels, Patterson threw for 3,139 yards, 23 touchdowns and 12 interceptions as Ole Miss went 5-7 and 6-6 … Ole Miss was placed on probation by the NCAA and
Patterson transferred to Michigan … started two seasons for the Wolverines and helped win 19 games over that span … ended each season with a bowl loss to an SEC team (Alabama and Florida) … Was not drafted … signed a free agent contract with Kansas City but was released during training camp.
Laquon Treadwell: One of the most complete receivers in school history … a devastating blocker and a go-to wideout at 6-2, 215 pounds … in three seasons caught 202 passes for 2,393 yards and 21 touchdowns … suffered a fractured leg and a dislocated ankle just short of the goal line after a 22-yard catch and run in a crucial 2014 showdown with Auburn late in the season. Auburn was ranked No. 3 in the College Football Playoff poll and Ole Miss No. 7. Treadwell lost the ball after the hit and Auburn recovered in the end zone with 1:30 left in the game. Auburn won 35-31 … came back as a junior to have his best season with 82 catches for 1,153 yards and 11 TDs. But he was never the same after the injury. His speed and vertical jump suffered at pro workouts … Minnesota drafted him in the first round, hoping he could recover … In seven NFL seasons with four different teams, Treadwell has 110 receptions for 1,226 yards and five TDs … currently a free agent.
Alabama
Cyrus Kouandjio OT Hyattsville, MD 2011 5 star .9994
Andre Smith (No. 1 overall) OL Birmingham 2006 5 star .9994.
Bryce Young QB Santa Ana, Calif. 2020 5 star .9994
Julio Jones WR Foley, Ala. 2008 5 star .9992
JC Latham OL Bradenton, Fla. 2021 5 star .9989
Cyrus Kouandjio: Started three years for the Crimson Tide and earned All-American honors … Drafted in the second round of the 2014 draft by the Buffalo Bills … ankle and hip injuries plagued him in Buffalo … the Detroit Lions signed him before the 2017 season as a free agent but released him just two months later … Denver took a chance on him in 2018 but he played in only three games.
Andre Smith: Was an All-American player for the Tide … Selected sixth overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2009 NFL draft … Spent 13 seasons in the league with four different teams.
Julio Jones: First true freshman to ever start a season-opener at wide receiver for Alabama … Caught 179 passes for 2,653 yards in three seasons — and this is when Alabama was still more of a run oriented team … Helped lead the Tide to the 2009 national championship … Selected sixth overall by the Atlanta Falcons … Has been voted to seven Pro Bowls and has twice led the league in receiving … Currently a free agent.
Bryce Young: At 5-foot-10 and 204 pounds — his height and weight at the NFL Combine in early March — the elusive Young threw for 8,356 yards and 80 touchdowns in three seasons … Completed 65.8 percent of his passes … intercepted just 12 times in 949 pass attempts … Won the Heisman Trophy in 2021 … Was the first player chosen in the NFL draft.
Arkansas
Mitch Mustain QB Springdale, Ark. 2006. 5 star. .9964
Ahmad Carroll CB Atlanta, Ga. 2001 5 star .9942
Darius Winston CB West Helena, Ark. 2009 5 star .9878
McTelvin Agim DL Hope, Ark. 2016 5 star .9869
Darren McFadden RB North Little Rock, Ark. 2005 5 star .9855
Mitch Mustain: Had an 8-0 record as a freshman starter, but the offense was built around running backs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones … Lost his starting job his sophomore season and transferred to Southern Cal, where he served as a backup to Matt Barkley and Mark Sanchez … Never played in the NFL.
Darren McFadden: The real meal deal. Rushed for 4,590 yards and 41 touchdowns in three seasons … Led Arkansas to 10-4 and 8-5 records his final two years … Two-time winner of the Doak Walker Award, which goes to the nation’s top college running back … Runner-up to Tim Tebow in the Heisman Trophy voting in 2007 … Fourth pick in the 2008 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders … In nine full season, he rushed for 5,421 yards and 28 touchdowns.
Auburn
Byron Cowart. DL Seffner, Fla. 2015 5 Star .9987
Derrick Brown DL Buford, Ga. 2016 5 star ..9964
Michael Dyer, RB Little Rock, Ark. 2010 5 star .9961
Tray Blackmon LB LaGrange, Ga. 2005 5 star. .9956
Montravious Adams DT Vienna, Ga. 2013 5 star. .9947
Byron Cowart: Played in 15 games over three season with the Tigers and made 16 tackles … spent two seasons at defensive end. Auburn moved him to defensive tackle for his junior year, but the promise never showed on the field … transferred to Maryland in 2018 and flourished with 38 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions. In three NFL seasons, has 37 tackles and one sack.
Derrick Brown: A dominant force for the Tigers … Had 170 tackles — 33 for loss — and 13.5 sacks in four seasons … Unanimous All-American selection his senior season … Carolina Panthers selected him seventh overall in the 2020 NFL draft.
Michael Dyer: Broke Bo Jackson’s freshman rushing record in 2010 with 1,093 yards and rushed for 143 yards in the national championship game victory over Oregon … Followed that with 1,242 yards his sophomore season and earned first team All-SEC honors … Off the field issues cost him his football career … Never played a game in the NFL.
Florida
Ronald Powell (No. 1 overall) DL. Moreno Valley, Calif. 2010. 5 star. .9999
Brock Berlin QB. Shreveport, La. 2000 5 star .9998
Martez Ivey. OL. Apopka, Fla. 2015 5 star. .9991
Percy Harvin WR Virginia Beach, Va. 2006 5 star .9990
Vernon Hargraves III CB Tampa, Fla. 2013 5 star .9980
Ronald Powell: There was some talk that Powell, the 2010 No. 1 overall prospect, would play defensive end and tight end at Florida. That’s how highly regarded he was by the Gators’ staff … played defensive end in 13 games as a freshman, became a starter his sophomore season … tore his ACL twice before his junior season, in the spring game and while rehabbing his knee. Sat out 2012 and started eight games in 2013 … Saints drafted him in the fifth round of the 2014 draft but it was obvious the knee was an issue. Played one season,, another for the Seahawks. His career NFL stats: 2 total tackles.
Brock Berlin: He had a catchy name and loads of talent, but he found himself stuck behind Rex Grossman in the Gators’ QB race … in 12 games over two seasons, Berlin threw for 849 yards and 12 touchdowns … transferred to Miami and in two seasons thew for 5,099 yards, 34 touchdowns and 23 interceptions … Miami went 11-2 and 9-3 with Berlin … got some sweet revenge against the Gators in his second start at Miami, leading his team from a 23-point deficit to win 38-33 … played in just two NFL games.
Georgia
Justin Fields QB Kennesaw, Ga. 2018 5 star .9998
Nolan Smith (No. 1 overall) DL Bradenton, Fla. 2019 5 star .9994
Trenton Thompson (No. 1 overall) DT Albany, Ga. 2015 5 star .9992
Brandon Miller DL Coolidge, Ga. 2004 5 star .9980
Kelee Ringo CB Scottsdale, Ariz. 2020 5 star .9976
Justin Fields: Transferred after playing one season behind Jake Fromm at Georgia … Fields led Ohio State to two Big Ten championships and two playoff berths … selected 11th overall by the Chicago Bears in 2021 and has become the Bears’ starting QB.
Nolan Smith: A solid part of Georgia’s defense that helped win the 2021 and 2022 national championships … played outside linebacker and voted a team captain … ran a 4.35 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in March … was selected in the first round of this year’s NFL.
Brandon Miller: Played in 37 games, started 15 and made 73 tackles for the Bulldogs … signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 2008 … spent that season on the practice squad … Seattle signed him off waivers and he played in one game and made one tackle.
Trent Thompson: Left Georgia with 127 tackles and 5.5 sacks in three seasons … Wasn’t selected in the NFL Draft and never played in the league.
Kentucky
Antonio Hall OL Canton, Ohio 2000 5 star .9946
Micah Johnson LB Fort Campbell, Ky. 2006 5 star .9934
Kiyaunta Goodwin OL Charlestown, Ind. 2022 4 star. .9823
Justin Rogers DL Oak Park, Mich. 2020 4 star. .9744
Landon Young OT Lexington, Ky. 2016 4 star .9631
Antonio Hall: An All-SEC left tackle who could also sing opera and play the piano … was also celebrated for his community work and interest in inner city youth … some thought he would be a better on defense… signed as a free agent by the Indianapolis Colts but never played in the NFL. Spent seven seasons in the CFL.
Micah Johnson: Played in 31 games, started 14 and was voted All-SEC his junior and senior seasons … Made 180 career tackles … though he wasn’t drafted, Johnson was with five NFL teams over four seasons but played in only one game.
LSU
Leonard Fournette (No. 1 overall) RB New Orleans 2014 5 star .9996
Russell Shepard WR/QB Houston, Texas 2009 5 star. .9986
Derek Stingley CB Baton Rouge, La. 2018 5 star .9980
Early Doucet WR Saint Martinville, La. 2004 5 star .9980
La’el Collins OL Baton Rouge, La. 2011 .9977
Russell Shepard: A remarkable athlete who wanted to play QB. LSU saw him as a WR, maybe a RB … finished his career with 52 receptions and 572 rushing yards … Was not drafted but played for four NFL teams from 2013-2020 … totaled 60 receptions for 847 yards and six touchdowns.
Leonard Fournette: One of the top running backs in LSU history with 3,830 yards rushing and eight TDs … has been a sturdy back in the NFL since Jacksonville made him the No. 4 overall pick in the 2017 draft … won a Super Bowl with Tom Brady and Tampa Bay.
Derek Stingley, Jr.: Started as a freshman on LSU’s 2018 national championship team and led the SEC in interceptions with six … a consensus All American … his final two seasons were marred by injuries and started only 10 games … Drafted third overall by the Houston Texans in the 2022 draft. Was a starter with one interception before a hamstring injury ended his season after nine games.
Missouri
Dorial Green-Beckham (No. 1 overall) WR Springfield, Mo. 2012 5 star .9998
Luther Burden WR St. Louis, Mo. 2022 5 star .9974
Terry Beckner, Jr. DL East St. Louis, Ill. 2015 5 star. .9918
Sheldon Richardson DL. St. Louis, Mo. 2008 5 star .9859
Blaine Gabbert QB Ballwin, Mo. 2008 5 star .9806
Dorial Green-Beckham: A 6-foot-6, 220-pounder who won the Missouri state high school championships in the 100 meters, 200 meters and triple jump … Caught87 passes for 1,278 yards and 17 touchdowns his first two seasons at Missouri … dismissed from the team after his sophomore year … signed with Oklahoma … spent a year on the scout team and never played a down for the Sooners … second round pick by the Titans … traded to the Eagles after one season and was waived after a year in Philly … had numerous run-ins with the law while in college and in the NFL — and afterward.
South Carolina
Jadeveon Clowney (No. 1 overall) DL Rock Hill, S.C. 2011 5 star. 1.000
Jordan Burch DL Columbia, S.C. 2020 5 star .9994
Marcus Lattimore RB Duncan, S.C. 2010 5 star. .9953
Zach Pickens DL Anderson, S.C. 2019 5 star .9946
Demetrius Summers RB Lexingon, S.C. 2003 5 star .9946
Jadeveon Clowney: At 6-foot-5, 255, was a one-man wrecking crew for the Gamecocks when focused and locked in … had 23 tackles and 13 sacks his sophomore season … his tackle of Michigan running back Vincent Smith in the 2013 Outback Bowl has to be one of the most vicious in college football history. It was a clean hit, too. Clowney burst through the line and hit Smith just as he took the handoff. Smith fumbled and Clowney recovered. It happened on the play after Michigan faked a punt and gained a first down … in three seasons at South Carolina, Clowney had 129 tackles and 24 sacks … Was the No. 1 pick in the 2014 draft by the Houston Texans … through the 2022 season, Clowney has played in multiple Pro Bowls, totaled 320 tackles and 43 sacks … has played for four different teams.
Jordan Burch: A solid player for South Carolina with 105 tackles and 4.5 sacks in three seasons.
Marcus Lattimore: His story at South Carolina is a sad one … was one of the nation’s top running backs as a freshman,, rushing for 1,197 yards. But two major knee injuries in each of the next two seasons cut his college career short … even though the San Francisco 49ers drafted him in the fourth round, hoping for a miracle comeback, Lattimore never played in the NFL
Tennessee
Bryce Brown RB Wichita, Kansas 2009 5 star .9992
Eric Berry CB Fairburn, Ga. 2007 5 star .9986
Nico Iamaleava QB Downey, Calif. 2023 5 star .9980
Kahill McKenzie DL Concord, Calif. 2018 5 star .9972
Gerald Riggs, Jr. RB Chattanooga, Tenn. 2002 5 star .9970
Bryce Brown: Played just one season for Tennessee … transferred to Kansas State prior to his sophomore year after Lane Kiffin departed for USC … Taken in the seventh round of the 2012 draft by the Eagles … In four seasons with three different teams, Brown had 251 carries, 1,076 yards and seven TDs.
ERIC BERRY: A two-time All-American with the Vols and winner of the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back … Made 241 tackles in three seasons … became a solid NFL player over nine seasons … overcame cancer in the middle of his pro career and then suffered a torn ACL that basically ended his career.
Texas A&M
Walter Nolen DL Powell, Tenn. 2022 5 star .9997
Myles Garrett DL Arlington, Texas 2014 5 star .9993
David Hicks DL Katy, Texas DL 2023 5 star. .9970
Kyle Allen QB Scottsdale, Arizona 2014 5 star .9956
Speedy Noil WR New Orleans 2014 5 star .9952
Walter Nolen: Played his sophomore season at Olive Branch (Miss.) High School before moving with his family to Powell, Tenn., just 10 miles northwest of Knoxville … Part of A&M’s top-ranked recruiting class of 2022 …Powell was rated the No. 2 overall recruit … as a freshman, played in 10 games, started four, made 28 tackles and had 1.5 sacks.
Kyle Allen: Had a respectable freshman season, starting five games and winning three. His stat line: 1,322 yards, 16 touchdowns, seven interceptions … halfway through his sophomore season, he led the SEC in passing efficiency. But then came the horrendous showing vs. Alabama when the Tide returned three picks for touchdowns. After a loss to Ole Miss the next week, he was demoted to third team … transferred to Houston but lost the starting job after three games … In five NFL seasons, he’s started 23 games for three different teams …has thrown 26 TDs and 21 interceptions … Buffalo has signed him to a one-year contract for 2023.
Vanderbilt
Chris Young WR Batesville, Miss. 2000 4 star .9639
David Koral QB Pacific Palisades, Calif. 2001. 4 star .9602
Nifae Lealao DL Sacramento, Calif. 2014 4 star .9542
Josh Smith LB Murfreesboro, Tenn. 2015 4 star .9378
Jonathan Massey TE Gautier, Miss. 2006 4 star .9294
Note: Two of Vandy’s top 5 signees are from Mississippi.
Chris Young: A former South Panola Tiger, he played in 41 games for the Commodores. Had 44 catches for 502 yards and two touchdowns.
Jonathan Massey: The Gautier native was dismissed from the team after one season in Nashville … did not play as a freshman … transferred to Southern Miss and in three seasons made 16 catches for 162 yards and six touchdowns.
