- Close
ESPN Staff Writer- National recruiting analyst and analyst for ESPNU
- More than a decade of college and pro coaching experience.
- Graduated from Indiana and Nebraska-Omaha
- Close
ESPN Analyst- Senior National Recruiting Analyst for ESPN.com
- Coached in four professional football leagues
- Graduated from Eastern Kentucky and Marshall
For each college football recruiting class, we bestow the coveted five-star ranking on a select group of prospects. These are players who demonstrate the rare abilities to dominate their competition at the high school level.
More importantly, these are high school seniors we project to make an immediate impact as college freshmen despite the adjustment to the big stage.
There were 14 five-star prospects in the Class of 2021, and we break down how they have performed through the first four weeks of the college football season.
DE Jack Sawyer
Ohio State
2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 1
Sawyer sat out his senior high school season, so this is the first time he has returned to game action since November 2019. His contributions to the Buckeyes' defense have been limited. He made the most of his opportunities this past weekend, though, recording three tackles and his first sack in a win against Akron.
OT Tommy Brockermeyer
Alabama
2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 2
A former top-rated offensive tackle, Brockermeyer finds himself among a deep, talented group of offensive linemen in Tuscaloosa. Tough and smart with great physical tools, it will still be difficult for Brockermeyer to break the two-deep as a freshman for the top program in college football.
DE Korey Foreman
USC
2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 3
The stats for the former third-ranked prospect are limited, but Foreman has seen action in every game, making two tackles in USC's win over Washington State. Though he was not an early enrollee, we project the 6-foot-5, 265-pound Foreman to make more of an impact as the season progresses.
DT J.T. Tuimoloau
Ohio State
2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 4
Despite extending his recruitment into summer and getting a later start in Columbus, Tuimoloau has quickly become a strong contributor and made his first start against Akron. He has tallied only five tackles and one hurry thus far, but those numbers don't tell the complete story on his impressive impact.
OT JC Latham
Alabama
2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 5
Much like fellow five-star signee Brockermeyer, Latham entered a deeply talented O-line room at Alabama. He has worked his way into the mix, getting snaps on offense and blocking on kicking units. Greater things are expected from Latham as he continues to develop and gain experience.
DT Leonard Taylor
Miami
2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 6
It has taken time for Taylor to hit the field for Miami since he is behind a veteran defensive line group. He saw his most significant play in the Hurricanes' recent win over FCS opponent Central Connecticut State, and we see signs of increased playing time as the season unfolds. The explosive Taylor tallied three tackles, including a tackle for loss, in his first action.
OLB Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Clemson
2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 7
Trotter is in the linebacker rotation, but reps have been limited and he has not cracked the Clemson two-deep. He has recorded five tackles and one sack with most of his playing time coming against South Carolina State. As he learns the nuances of defensive coordinator Brent Venables' complex defense, we expect more snaps as the season progresses.
DE Keeshawn Silver
North Carolina
2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 8
The 6-foot-6, 295-pound Silver has made only a limited impact for the Tar Heels so far. He has recorded one tackle but has started to show flashes of what made him a five-star recruit over the past three games. His snaps and production should increase as the Tar Heels continue conference play.
RB TreVeyon Henderson
Ohio State
2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 9
Simply put, the top-rated running back prospect in 2021 has made the biggest impact of the 14 five-star prospects. He has been a difference-maker for the Buckeyes, and if he stays on this pace, he could be a Heisman contender by season's end. Henderson is averaging 9.5 yards per carry with seven total touchdowns and multiple runs of 20-plus yards. His blend of size (5-foot-10, 210 pounds), strength and speed is rare, especially for a freshman.
OLB Terrence Lewis
Maryland
2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 10
Lewis is out indefinitely as he recovers from an ACL injury he suffered in high school.
ATH Smael Mondon Jr.
Georgia
2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 11
Mondon has showcased his speed and physicality on special teams, but his snaps at linebacker should continue to increase. He recorded two tackles against UAB in the Bulldogs' home win and showed flashes of great play. However, cracking the two-deep for one of the top-rated defenses in the country will still be difficult.
OLB Dallas Turner
Alabama
2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 12
Turner has ideal size (6-4, 245 pounds) and the skill set for a Tide edge rusher. He has seen most of his action on special teams to this point, but he has seen an expanded role at linebacker in the absence of senior Christopher Allen, who needs surgery to repair a fractured foot. The high-upside Turner has recorded four tackles so far this season.
ATH Ja'Tavion Sanders
Texas
2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 13
Sanders was a big high school receiver who has transitioned to tight end for the Longhorns. The 6-foot-4, 256-pound Sanders has seen action through the first three weeks but has yet to record a reception. Until he develops the skills of a complete tight end, we see Sanders mainly as a special teams contributor in 2021.
DE Shemar Turner
Texas A&M
2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 14
Turner earned his fifth star later on in the process, but he has burst out of the gates for the Aggies. He posted a strong performance in their season-opening win against Kent State, when he recorded four tackles and 1.5 sacks. The 6-foot-4, 285-pound Turner and Tuimoloau are the two five-star defenders who are off to the strongest starts thus far.