There was plenty of movement in the last ESPN Junior 300 update before the 2016 class officially becomes upperclassmen in our April release of the ranking. Here are some of the biggest movers:
Skill players
WR Dionte Mullins: Mullins, No. 24 in the rankings, is emerging as one of the most explosive and speedy targets in the 2016 class. He can take the top off the defense and has added size and strength while retaining the ability to make you miss in the open field as well. He can make a lot happen on the field.
WR Dredrick Snelson: The ultra-quick and competitive Snelson had an excellent showing at the Under Armour Elite 50 as he was nearly unstoppable. He moves just outside the top 10 in our latest update and brings a ton to the table at the position. Snelson has the ability to separate vertically as a route runner and turn a short pass into a long touchdown.
QB Brandon McIlwain: The South Carolina commit, who is as competitive as they come, makes a big jump to No. 27. He is an excellent athlete and continues to improve as a passer. While his overall mechanics still need some refinement, the ball comes out with zip and accuracy.
WR Eli Stove: Instead of just being a utility player or return specialist, Stove is beginning to develop more nuance as a pure receiver. He lacks ideal measurables, but compensates with speed and quickness and can change field position in the return game. If size and strength develop in the future, he could become an elite receiver prospect.
QB K.J. Costello: Costello really seems to be growing into his frame and developing more coordination, which has enhanced his athleticism and initial quickness. He has become more of a threat to keep plays alive with his feet. The arm talent is among the strongest in this year's group and his ceiling continues to remain high.
Non-skill
DT Rashard Lawrence: One of the only weak areas on Lawrence off early evaluations was his leverage at the point of attack. From what we saw at the Under Armour Elite 50 that area has been addressed. Lawrence was overpowering with his upfield push during one-on-ones and was nearly impossible to block.
LB Ben Davis: Davis continues to get bigger and stronger while retaining his quickness and athleticism. There are not many holes in his game as he can anchor and hold point versus 300-pound offensive tackles like an ILB or turn and run with inside receivers like an OLB. Davis, now No. 28 in the rankings, should challenge for the top LB spot in this class.
DT Derrick Brown: Brown is massive and strong but remains deceptively quick on his feet and shows flashes of being far more than just a space eater. He continues to be a defensive lineman who has two-gap ability as well as shade penetration potential at the college level, which is highly coveted.