Again in 2021, my bosses at CBS Sports activities approached me with the thought to create a set of rankings just like our personal Pete Prisco’s Higher-Than Staff, specializing in school soccer gamers I appreciated greater than the typical analyst or fan coming into the season. We put collectively an inventory of 20 gamers — in spite of everything, I wore No. 20 with the Pittsburgh Steelers — highlighting guys you wanted to look at past the extra notable names on Preseason All-America groups and early NFL Draft boards.

We took a number of years off after that, getting caught up within the whirlwind of coaching camps and life on the highway. However wanting again, a few of the hits from that checklist, like Michael Penix changing into an NFL first-round choose and the rise of Trent McDuffie, reminded us of simply how a lot enjoyable this mission was. Impressed by these successes, we determined it was time to reconvene and do it once more. This time, we’re bringing in 247Sports’ scoop extraordinaire Matt Zenitz to assist mine for gamers. Zenitz already named some underrated draft prospects on both aspect of the ball (offense right here, protection there). 

The foundations are easy: we’re selecting solely draft-eligible gamers (so we are able to test our work subsequent spring) who are usually not projected first-round picks. Travis Hunter is definitely not making this checklist. 

After calling coaches and contacts throughout the nation and watching a lot movie that my eyes harm, I’ve whittled down my Want-to-Know 20 for the upcoming school soccer season. I even ranked them so as of simply how good I really feel about these guys. Verify ’em out beneath.

Donovan Smith, QB, Houston

CJ Stroud is not the one big-time quarterback in Houston. Give Donovan Smith a seat on the desk. He is a dual-threat man with a powerful arm and pinpoint accuracy, ending third within the Massive 12 in completion share in 2023. Circle Week 2 for Donovan vs. Oklahoma; it is an important alternative for him to showcase his professional potential.

Byrum Brown, QB, South Florida

Byrum is a junior, however he is already sparked the curiosity of some NFL scouts. The 2023 season was an appetizer-like 12 months for Byrum, however this 12 months he is able to serve the primary dish. Byrum does an important job seeing the sphere, and he is actually improved on his anticipatory throws. In his final 5 video games in 2023, he threw 14 touchdowns. Brown may go professional after this season, or he may keep in USF for the light-it-up Bulls … or he could even discover himself as probably the most engaging attainable switch choices in all of faculty soccer. 

Jaydn Ott, RB, Cal

Once I was within the league, Cal was recognized for working backs: J.J. Arrington, Marshawn Lynch, Justin Forsett, Jahvid Greatest. There’s one other nice one in Berkeley now. “Affected person” ought to be Jaydn’s nickname. He permits the working lanes to develop earlier than hitting the “X” button. He is a one-cut runner with the sphere imaginative and prescient of a 10-year professional. With over 1,200 yards speeding final season within the Pac-12, buckle up, ACC.

 Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas

One of many quickest gamers on the roster, Jaydon is the Chris Johnson for the Longhorns offense — and I do know Texas followers keep in mind CJ2K working wild subsequent to their man Vince Younger on the Tennessee Titans. With the unlucky damage to CJ Baxter, Jaydon will get extra alternatives, which suggests opposing defenses higher pack their monitor spikes.

 Jaylin Lane, WR, Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech can have a number of draftable gamers on the staff this 12 months, and Jaylin is the highest man. The very first thing you discover about Jaylin’s sport is his velocity and quickness. He is a sure-handed catcher and has the yards-after-catch means like former Hokie nice Eddie Royal.

 Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State

Jalen is without doubt one of the smoothest extensive receivers in school soccer. His cruise management is most defensive backs’ prime velocity, which permits Jalen to persistently get behind them in protection. Jalen does not simply shine between the 20s; his 15 receiving touchdowns in 2023 inform you he is aware of how you can get the ball ultimately zone.

Dillon Bell, WR, Georgia

Dillon hasn’t put up enormous numbers, however 2024 is his 12 months. Arguably the quickest extensive receiver in Athens, together with his savvy route-running means, Dillon is primed to supply video game-like numbers this 12 months. Carson Beck, ensure your arm is heat.

Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State

At 6-foot-1 and 185 kilos, Tory performs a lot larger than his measurables. He has gotten higher yearly. He does an important job monitoring the soccer and is aware of how you can manipulate his physique to create separation in opposition to defenders. Week 3 vs. Colorado can be must-see TV for Tory vs. Travis Hunter. And with a sport at Texas to start the season, NFL scouts can be very conversant in Horton’s sport by October. 

Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

The newest Penn State NFL-like tight finish, and belief me, Tyler will not disappoint. He has nice dimension, tender fingers, and a excessive soccer IQ. I like Tyler’s means to get into the top zone. Pleased Valley can be very comfortable watching Tyler this 12 months.

Aireontae Ersery, OL, Minnesota

Each time I watch Aireontae’s tape, he performs mad. He takes delight in defending his quarterback, permitting solely two sacks in over 1,600 snaps the final two seasons. Faculty soccer followers throughout the nation have to know his identify! 

Jaeden Roberts, OL, Alabama

I do not know if there’s one other offensive lineman who has developed greater than Jaeden since final season. He is labored his manner into being one of many prime guys on the road this 12 months. Making an attempt to determine which a part of Jaeden’s sport (run or move blocking) you want probably the most is like making an attempt to resolve which child you like probably the most — you simply cannot choose one.

  Jah Joyner, DE, Minnesota

Minnesota has carried out an important job growing professionals, and Jah is up subsequent. I like Jah’s motor and his effort. He has a pure bend to get round tackles and a fast first step that enables him to get off the ball rapidly. If Jah places collectively a stable 12 months, he’ll be a really wealthy man.

 Darrell Jackson, DL, Florida State

Darrell is perhaps probably the most bodily imposing defensive sort out in school soccer. At 6-foot-5 and 330 kilos, he has defensive again quickness and performs with violent fingers. He may very well be the following nice FSU defensive sort out. Darrell’s sport jogs my memory of Albert Haynesworth.

Yahya Black, DL, Iowa

Yahya could not blow you away with gaudy numbers, however while you watch him play, he stands out as a result of he makes everybody else’s job simple. He does an important job stopping linemen from attending to the second degree, and his fingers is perhaps the strongest amongst any inside lineman in school soccer.

 Lander Barton, LB, Utah

Former two-sport star Lander Barton is without doubt one of the most athletic linebackers within the nation. He has the uncommon mixture of an edge rusher’s dimension with the quickness of a smaller participant. I anticipate a Jack Campbell-like influence for the Utes’ protection this 12 months.

Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina

The very first thing that jumps out about Shavon is his arm size, which is necessary when taking part in press method. He is scrappy on the line of scrimmage, and in protection, he does an important job mirroring the extensive receiver. He performs what I name “the mother-in-law” protection, which is a nagging protection for opposing receivers. Revel reportedly turned down six-figure presents to remain at East Carolina. I love the loyalty. 

 Quincy Riley, DB, Louisville

Louisville’s defensive workers could be very excessive on Quincy this 12 months, and I see why. He has the best dimension for a cornerback, with “typewriter” ft which can be all the time transferring and fluid hips. He performed within the shadow of Jarvis Brownlee final 12 months, however in 2024, this can be Quincy’s present. Get your popcorn prepared.

 Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State

A prototypical cornerback, Azareye has excellent ft. He is tremendous prolonged with top-end velocity, and he loves taking part in run assist. He modified his quantity to eight for 2024, and the final time I checked, the previous couple of cornerbacks that wore No. 8 at Florida State all acquired drafted.

 Kevin Winston Jr., DB, Penn State

KJ Winston, the place do I begin? Once I watch KJ on movie, there’s a lot to love about his sport. He is an important tackler, with wonderful instincts and burst that enables him to go from 0 to 60 within the blink of an eye fixed. KJ jogs my memory of a taller Bob Sanders.

 Billy Bowman Jr., S, Oklahoma

Billy’s greatest good friend must be Wilson as a result of the soccer all the time finds him. During the last two seasons, he has eight interceptions and three touchdowns. However he is not only a turnover machine; he loves getting soiled in run assist, too. He’s the Antoine Winfield Jr. for Oklahoma’s protection.