Recruiting has always been an imperative practice in building a college athletics program and while we can debate the accuracy of various ratings systems, the excitement of a blue chip prospect and projections for overlooked “high ceiling” players will never completely subside.
The Rivals100 Rankings from 2002 are no exception, as the group features loads of intrigue, confusion and pleasant surprises.
In advance of the 2016 NFL season, let’s take a look at the top 10 players from those 2002 rankings and see how things turned out after arriving at college with a 5-star rating and major expectations to play in the NFL.
Most average football fans will recognize only three, four or maybe five names on this list. Others residing on that Rivals100 list that might ring a bell include Ahmad Brooks (No. 27 overall), Devin Hester (No. 28), Marcedes Lewis (No. 36), Maurice Clarett (No. 37), Eric Winston (No. 51), Tamba Hali (No. 59), Davin Joseph (No. 98) and Kyle Williams (No. 99).
Here are the top 10 players from those 2002 rankings along with a brief review below on where football took them:
About Jason Smith