Note: This is the second ESPN Junior 300 release for the Class of 2016. The initial evaluation of 1,000 prospects was based off of freshman and sophomore film while this latest update was influenced by junior season production.
The latest update of the ESPN Junior 300 sees 34 new players added to the rankings. Here's the breakdown of the moves and additions.
Skill Players
No. 19 (new entry) ATH Saivion Smith
This is a talented playmaker who is drawing more and more attention on the recruiting trail. He is a legitimate two-way threat, but in our opinion, Smith will likely end up at corner. You just don't find length like he has and the ability to run like he does. Smith has played as a Wildcat QB, which has likely hindered his development a bit, but also gives him a very high ceiling. He has a chance to develop into a premier player.
No. 24 (from 52) ATH Shyheim Carter
Carter possesses instinctive playmaking skills at wide receiver, corner and even quarterback. He is a dynamic weapon with the ball in his hands and, at this stage, is likely ahead of the curve in his development as an offensive player more than he is a defensive player. However, his feet and hips will tempt coaches to play him on defense even if the learning curve is a little more challenging.
No. 62 (from 152) CB Marquez Callaway
Length and height are making Callaway a highly coveted prospect and we love tall corners who can run (well, who doesn't, right?). Callaway has natural ball skills and offensive instincts to perform as a wide receiver as well. He reminds us of Jalen Tabor, who is already making an impact at Florida as a true freshman. Callaway is a versatile performer, to say the least.
No. 78 (new entry) QB-DT Ervin Barrett
This spring, Barnett should be all over Power 5 teams' radars, especially those that want a dynamic runner who can throw it equally well. Barrett is a bit green, but oozes skill and arm talent to make all the necessary throws and some impressive ones on the move as well. If Barnett decides to hit the camp circuit this spring and summer he will blow up.
No. 102 (new entry) RB B.J. Emmons
Emmons was productive as a sophomore, but went largely unnoticed playing in northeast North Carolina. This season, however, Emmons created quite the buzz rushing for 2,348 yards and 38 touchdowns, including 431 and six scores in a playoff loss. He really reminds us of Oklahoma RB Keith Ford -- big and physical, but also possesses great feet and surprising suddenness. Emmons can be a power back when you need him to, but can also get to the edge and turn the corner on outside plays. One of the things that stands out about Emmons is that he can create in the backfield and avoid gap penetration and negative plays.
Non-skill
No. 6 (from 12) OLB Lyndell Wilson
This defensive prospect, better known as Mack, can be a menacing presence from sideline to sideline. Wilson can create problems as a run defender, pass-rusher and can also be disruptive in coverage. Wilson is athletic and physical with a motor and can be a well-rounded playmaker on the defensive side of the ball. He reminds us some of very talented 2015 ESPN 300 OLB prospect Roquan Smith, just with more ideal size for the position at this stage.
No. 8 (from 17) DT Rashan Gary
Gary is now one of three defensive linemen in the top 10. With each opportunity to study him, the New Jersey prospect continues to impress. He still needs to watch his pad level, but his combination of size and power makes him tough to handle. He is explosive off the ball and uses his hands well, and at times can just rag-doll opponents on his way to the ball. While listed and projected as a DT, he is currently playing defensive end without looking out of place. Gary is proving to be among the top D-line prospects in the 2016 class.
No. 11 (from 20) OT Patrick Hudson
Hudson has the size to run behind and moves well enough that it can be difficult for defenders to try to run away from him. Hudson has a big body that is impressively quick and nimble for his size and is capable of driving defenders off the ball while also being very effective on the move as a second-level blocker. He needs to continue to develop, but his big frame and nimble feet can also allow him to develop into a strong pass protector. Whether at his current tackle position or potentially at guard, which could be a better fit, Hudson can be an outstanding college lineman.
No. 36 (from 100) Julian Rochester
Rochester has continued to impress during fall evaluations. A tall and lengthy defensive lineman, he possesses a nice combination of size and athleticism. He moves around the DL for his school and demonstrates a good initial burst and the ability to use his reach and hands to make plays.
No. 123 (new entry) Auston Robertson
Among the big new entries is Robertson, a lengthy and athletic defensive end with good first-step quickness. He will need to continue to develop and be more consistent in areas, but he displays a high ceiling for development and is a prospect to keep an eye on as the process continues to unfold.
Notable new entries
No. 147 Justin Madubuike
Madubuike, playing around 230 pounds, gained attention in the spring after a solid sophomore campaign. Now 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, he is developing into one of the top defensive line prospects in the Southwest region, racking up 56 tackles, 31 tackles for loss and 10 sacks through the first 10 games of the season. Madubuike's offer list now includes Alabama, Ohio State, Texas, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Baylor and Texas A&M, among others.
No. 258 Jean Delance
Delance grabbed the attention of college coaches in the summer at camps, but it wasn't until his junior season that he showed his potential. The 6-foot-5, 270-pound tackle possesses high-level athleticism at the position to go with an aggressive mentality, and colleges have now taken notice. To date, Delance's offer list includes Baylor, Ohio State, Arizona State, TCU, Texas Tech and Mississippi State. TCU was the first to offer in late September.
No. 254 Tre Nixon
The Viera, Florida, wide receiver is one of the fastest prospects in the 2016 class. While he needs to add strength to his wiry frame, there aren't many who possess the combination of quickness and speed in the class. Not only did Nixon run 4.39 in the 40 this summer, but also a quick 4.16 shuttle. His offer list is over 20, including Ohio State, Penn State, Texas, Georgia, Michigan State and Missouri.