2018 Recruiting Class Player Rankings – The CI 25


With the 2018 recruiting class in full swing, Campus Insiders has released its first-ever rankings for the top prospects in the nation. The inaugural CI 25 has been based purely on football abilities and nothing else. 


With the 2018 recruiting cycle underway, Campus Insiders presents the inaugural CI 25, which ranks our top 25 recruits in the country. The rankings are based off extensive film study of the nation’s top high school football prospects. Scholarship offers did not come into play. These rankings are based solely on their abilities on the football field and represent the recruits we believe have proven themselves worthy of a 5-star grade.

With that being said, players progress and regress all of the time. So, we will periodically update the rankings as the 2018 recruiting class moves forward. The updates for the CI 25 will be implemented following The Opening Finals in July, midway through the 2017 season, following the 2017 season and in the days leading up to National Signing Day.

Without further ado, here is the first-ever CI 25.


James Cook – Scout.com

No. 25 James Cook, Miami, Florida – RB

Dalvin Cook went on the record with Campus Insiders and said his younger brother is better than he was at this stage in his football career. Someone needs to overlay their high school highlights because James Cook can tote the rock well, too. However, there is a little less of his big bro and a little more of T.J. Yeldon to his playing style. He’s moderately creative in space, and he has the burst to explode through arm tackles and get through the second and third levels.

If you send him through an A-gap or B-gap and he sees daylight on the outside, Cook is going to cut it out and turn up the sidelines. When he does, you’re not catching him. He’s riding the numbers and taking it to the house. He needs to do a better job of re-discovering momentum and speed when he takes hits in the backfield, but he can set you up and drop a devastating hard cut on you in space. If he improves as a pass catcher, there won’t be anyone capable of stopping him.

Bookie Radley-Hiles – Scout.com

No. 24 Brendan “Bookie” Radley-Hiles, Bradenton, Florida – CB

The guy is a total athlete. Bookie Radley-Hiles can return kicks. He can return punts. He can line up in the slot and split the seam. He can provide a target on the outer thirds of the field, and he’s elusive after the catch. The future for Radley-Hiles, though, is at cornerback. The ball skills are nothing short of tremendous. He tracks the ball smoothly and reacts to it well when it’s in the air. Most of the time, he’s thinking about getting the pick instead of knocking it away. And, a lot of the time, he’ll come up with the ball. When he does, he’s thinking of putting six up on the board.

You can put him on an island out wide. You can line him up as a nickel. He’ll find a way to make plays. In the good ways and the bad ways, he plays similarly to Vernon Hargreaves III. Like VH3, Radley-Hiles can find a way to make a play on the ball — especially in man coverage. Also like Hargreaves, Radley-Hiles will throw his shoulder into guys instead of just wrapping up. The form tackling needs to improve, but, man, this dude will haunt quarterbacks.

Teradja Mitchell – Scout.com

No. 23 Teradja Mitchell, Virginia Beach, Virginia – ILB

It doesn’t matter where he is on the field, Mitchell is going to swarm to the ball and split your facemask in half when he gets there. Fair warning, running backs, have your head on a swivel. Teradja Mitchell is built like a brick house at 6-foot-2, 232 lbs. He fills gaps like his life depended on it and will whack tailbacks in the process. He reads the run like a picture book and can make a lot of plays as a green dog blitzer.

What you really love about Mitchell is, even though he can lower his shoulder and pop ballcarriers, he’ll wrap and roll to the ground to complete the tackle more often than not. His future is definitely as a MIKE or SAM linebacker. You’re going to see him on some big-hit highlight reels when he’s at the next level.

Emory Jones – Scout.com

No. 22 Emory Jones, Franklin, Georgia – QB

If you’re searching through this class for potential Heisman Trophy candidates, bookmark Emory Jones. The arm strength is above average, and the delivery is effortless. He can launch the ball with the flick of a wrist. If he gets stronger and puts his lower body into those throws, Jones could end up having an elite deep ball at the next level.

Of course, you can’t ignore his dual-threat ability. When he does take off down the field, it’s typically designed that way. More often than not, when he’s flushed out of the pocket, he keeps his eyes down the field. And when he’s forced to his right, he maintains his mechanics and delivers some accurate balls. Now, when he’s forced to his left, he’s still looking to throw, but you’d like to see him get those hips around and square up when he has the time instead of rushing the throw. Overall, he could develop into an elite college quarterback.

Derrik Allen – Scout.com

No. 21 Derrik Allen, Marietta, Georgia – S

When watching Derrik Allen’s film, there are glimpses of Tyrann Mathieu in there mixed with Marshon Lattimore. He has experience playing both safety and cornerback, and he can impact the game at both positions. He’s a true click-and-close player. His play recognition is great, and he has the ability to come across the field from the far hash and make plays in the flat. And when he gets there, he’s looking to poke the ball free.

In coverage, he’s a stud as well. He shows fluid hips, tracks the ball well and will always get a hand on it. He has no problem serving as a boundary corner, as he has the acceleration and speed to stay with his man step for step.

Brey Walker – Scout.com

No. 20 Brey Walker, Moore, Oklahoma – OT

He’s big, and he’s strong. Those are two great qualities to have, obviously. At 6-foot-7, 299 lbs he definitely has the frame and the arm length to play on the outside. Brey Walker carries a little nastiness to his game, but it doesn’t always jump out at you. He has his moments when he’ll lock on and put a defender on his back. But it’s not for four quarters.

But there quite a few things he needs to work on. Too often, his first step isn’t decisive or as guided as it should be. There are times when he’s too high with his pad level, and a strong defensive end with a bull-rush mentality can put Walker on skates if he doesn’t stay low off the ball. He’s a strong drive blocker and will clear a lane when told to down block. He may benefit from moving inside to guard.

Ricky Slade Jr. – Scout.com

No. 19 Ricky Slade Jr., Woodbridge, Virginia – RB

When he’s running down hill, he’s fun to watch. Once Ricky Slade Jr. gets going, you’re not going to catch him. If you don’t force him to make a different read and pick a different lane, he’ll hit that B-gap and be off to the races. He can stop and start fairly quickly, and he has the elusiveness and lateral shiftiness to set defenders up and break them down. It’s not so much deceptive as it is swift. The vision can certainly improve, but it isn’t sub-par by any means.

Slade also brings a lot of value as a third-down tailback with his ability to catch out of the backfield. He has solid hands and is an average route runner. He can line up in the slot and provide a check down option, or,  if you recognize man coverage, motion him out and use him to beat man coverage.

Henry Clemmons – Scout.com

No. 18 K.J. Henry, Clemmons, North Carolina – DE

The size is there. K.J. Henry is 6-foot-5, 217 lbs and is super athletic. The best fit for him is probably as a JACK linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. As a pass rusher, he fires off the ball well, but you want to see him bend a little better and rip through that outside shoulder of the offensive tackle. If he can do that, work on his hand fighting and complementary moves — something to give inside leverage — he could develop into a legitimate force on the edge.

Henry does have a nice motor. If he gets washed down the pocket, he’ll stay in it and circle back to find the quarterback. He also does a nice job of keeping his hands high and active. You’ll see some passes batted down with him, and he’ll be a weapon in blocking kicks. He shows flashes of Dante Fowler Jr.

Terrace Marshall – Scout.com

No. 17 Terrace Marshall, Bossier City, Louisiana – WR

If there’s man coverage on Terrace Marshall, he’s open. If there’s safety help over the top, he’s open. If there’s a legitimate two-man double team hanging with him, Marshall is open. That’s the luxury of being 6-foot-4 and being able to control his body mid-air. Of course, it helps that he attacks the football at its highest point, too.

Marshall is definitely capable of hurting teams vertically and in the red zone. But he’s extremely dangerous after the catch as well. He maneuvers well in and out of traffic, making him a go-to target in the screen game. And he has elite acceleration. The footwork off the line and the route running can certainly be tuned, but he has all the makings of a blue-chip wide receiver.

Palaie Gaoteote – Scout.com

No. 16 Palaie Gaoteote, Las Vegas, Nevada – OLB

He’s probably the nastiest outside linebacker in the class, and he will undoubtedly crush it as SAM backer. But Palaie Gaoteote athletic, smart and versatile enough to slide inside and be used as a MIKE in a 4-3 front. He reads the run exceptionally well and shoots the gaps like a bat out of hell. He’ll make quite a few tackles in the backfield and stifle opposing teams’ running attacks by himself. He can do it by flying in off the edge, too. He’s quick enough to get down the line and provide some backside support.

While Gaoteote can provide some serious pop when he hits, more often than not he’ll maintain his form when bringing ballcarriers to the ground. He sticks his helmet right in the tailback’s armpit and explodes through the hips, making sure there’s no way the tackle is broken.

Jamaree Salyer – Scout.com

No. 15 Jamaree Salyer, Atlanta, Georgia – OG

It’s hard to ignore his athleticism. Jamaree Salyer can flat-out move. When he gets a trap play called or is asked to pull, he only needs a couple of steps to get down the line before he turns up and takes out his target. He has great lateral quickness and a quick first step. And he does a great job of keeping his hands inside.

The footwork, once he gets into the second level, could use some work. It would help position himself better when trying to lock onto linebackers. But everything up until that point is textbook. He’s a mean in the running game, and he’ll flatten you if you’re standing upright out of your stance. Salyer goes until the whistle each and every play.

Lorenzo Lingard – Scout.com

No. 14 Lorenzo Lingard, Orange City, Florida – RB

He’s a true cut-back cat. If you run a zone scheme for Lorenzo Lingard, you’re going to see a lot of instances where the front seven over pursue, and he’ll cut it to the backside and bust a big run. He’s a strong runner with great balance, but there is a little bit of flash to his game when he wants to show it — almost Marshawn Lynch-like in that way. If you square up on Lingard in the open field, he’ll set you up with a couple hesitation moves before getting up field.

The acceleration isn’t great, but you’ll take the top-end speed with his ability to break through arm tackles and create out of the screen game. Lingard does a great job of keeping his upper body involved when he totes the rock. You’ll see some stiff arms here and there, and he’ll put a hand in the ground to keep his footing if he starts to tumble. Between the tackles, he’s phenomenal.

B.J. Foster – Scout.com

No. 13 B.J. Foster, Angleton, Texas – S

B.J. Foster is a very physical safety. He makes that known from start to finish. He gets it in his mind that he’s going to deliver a big hit and set a tone, and then he goes out, lowers his shoulder and makes running backs and wide receivers think twice next time they wander in his direction. Foster is reliable in run support. But if you’re going to praise the big hits, you have to take into account the tackles he might miss by not wrapping up and driving through the ball carrier.

He isn’t the quickest player on the field, but the motor is there. And he puts himself in a position to make a play on the ball. During his junior season, there were some tipped passes that floated up into the air, and Foster pounced on them for interceptions. He definitely has the mold of a ballhawk.

Cade Mays – Scout.com

No. 12 Cade Mays, Knoxville, Tennessee – OT

Right away, it’s clear Cade Mays is a nasty, pancake-hungry offensive lineman. He thrives on putting defensive linemen on their backs, so expect him to make the full-time switch to the offensive side of the trenches at the next level because he has experience playing both sides of the ball. Mays does an excellent job of winning battles early by getting his hands inside on his target, underneath the chest plate and driving him back.

If Mays is going stay as an offensive tackle, expect him to play on the right side, as he’s better in the running game than he is in pass protection. That isn’t to say he’ll break down easily in pass sets, but he needs to work on the drive-catch technique.

Jacob Sirmon – Scout.com

No. 11 Jacob Sirmon, Bothell, Washington – QB

The first thing that jumps off the tape is Sirmon’s demeanor. He doesn’t lose himself when the protection breaks down. He keeps his cool and finds the open man. The arm strength is above average but will improve with time. He throws a clean ball with a smooth release. Sirmon has the ability to throw receivers open and is accurate with the football. He’s not fast, but he’s mobile enough to extend plays with his feet. When the protection does break down, and he has to make something happen, Sirmon keeps his eyes down field and looks for broken routes.

Of course, one of the intangibles that come with Sirmon is the fact he’s from a football family. His dad, David Sirmon, played linebacker at Montana. And his uncle, Peter Sirmon, is currently the linebackers coach at Louisville.

Jackson Carman – Scout.com

No. 10 Jackson Carman, Fairfield, Ohio – OT

The kid is a grizzly bear in a football uniform. At 6-foot-6, 290 lbs he’s a mauler. When Jackson Carman pulls, he stays tight to the line, loads up and explodes from the hips and through the defender. It doesn’t stop until that whistle is blown either. As soon as Carman finishes one block, he locks onto another target, chips off and continues to pave a lane for his tailback.

In pass protection, Carman kicks and slides smoothly. He can anchor down, take the contact from the edge rusher and ride him down the pocket. Of course, he has the advantage of being physically overpowering than most of the defensive ends he’s matched up against, but the footwork is impressive nevertheless.

Tyreke Johnson – Scout.com

No. 9 Tyreke Johnson, Jacksonville, Florida – ATH

Tyreke Johnson is one of the most versatile athletes in the 2018 recruiting class, and it’s not hard to see why he’s so highly touted. As a defensive back, he breaks on the ball cleanly and quickly. And when he does get his hands on it, it’s a mad dash to the goal line.

He’s extremely shifty and quick in space. If you get him the ball behind the line of scrimmage, he’ll turn it up field and pick up chunks of yardage in a hurry. He’ll find a way to dodge tackles and find daylight. Then it’s a foot race.

Patrick Surtain Jr. – Scout.com

No. 8 Patrick Surtain Jr., Ft. Lauderdale, Florida – CB

You’re going to be in position for a lot of coverage sacks as long as Patrick Surtain Jr. is on the field. He could ultimately end up being better than his dad was at the position when it’s all said and done. But as a rising high school senior, Surtain is a true playmaker.

He’s excellent in man coverage and has active hands. He times routes well and will make a play on the ball any chance he gets. Even after a catch is made — or even when he’s providing run support — Surtain doesn’t give up on the play and will make a play to strip the ball. He’s also electric as a punt returner.

Taron Vincent – Scout.com

No. 7 Taron Vincent, Bradenton, Florida – DT

Unblockable. There really isn’t much else needed to be said about Taron Vincent. When you talk about firing off the football, ripping through the A-gaps and B-gaps, and consistently making plays in the backfield, Vincent is the ideal defensive tackle.

He’s a bully in the trenches with great awareness and elite strength. He recognizes screens well and was built to stop the run. He flattens tailbacks, as he’s typically three yards deep by the time the quarterback and running back get to the mesh point. Vincent can provide some interior pass rushing, too, making him an all-around threat.

Jalen Hall – Scout.com

No. 6 Jalen Hall, Los Angeles, California – WR

Don’t blink when Jalen Hall is lined up out wide because you might just miss the point at which he wins on his routes. He does a great job of using his quickness and footwork to create separation off the line of scrimmage.

He’s naturally going to be a vertical threat with his straight-line speed, but if you put the ball in his hands behind the line of scrimmage, he can do a lot with it. Hall is a killer in the screen game with his acceleration and vision. He can turn five yards into 50 without hesitation. When you factor in his reliable hands and concentration, it’s easy to see why he’s the best wide receiver in the class.

Matt Corral – Scout.com

No. 5 Matt Corral, Thousand Oaks, California – QB

He has a little bit of Cam Newton to his game. That isn’t to say he’ll be the next Newton, but there are certain similarities they share. Aside from his ability to evade tacklers and create with his legs, Matt Corral resembles the Carolina Panthers quarterback with his violent arm action. The wind-up and release are very similar to that of Newton’s, and the ball jumps off Corral’s hand like it does for Newton.

There are times when Corral doesn’t get his whole body into the throw, and he’ll occasionally lose some of his mechanics when he throws off balance. But if you give him time in the pocket to dial one up, he’ll show nice footwork, transfer his weight and unleash a bullet.

Zamir White – Scout.com

No. 4 Zamir White, Laurinburg, North Carolina – RB

In talking about dynamic tailbacks in this class, you won’t find one more ready for the next level than Zamir White. He’s a fantastic combination of power, speed and balance. He has the next-level gear to distance himself from the secondary once he gets to that third level.

But the more impressive features of White’s game are his vision and agility. When he gets to the perimeter, he’s gone. He can make defenders miss, and he can go right through them if he so chooses. He has all the tools you want in a halfback. Finding a true player comparison for him is tough, but his physical, bruising playing style definitely conjures up images of Marshawn Lynch.

Micah Parsons – Scout.com

No. 3 Micah Parsons, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – DE

When you talk about packing a wallop at the point of impact, Micah Parsons can lay the wood when he meets tailbacks head on. He’s another gifted athlete, who can do it all on both sides of the football. With his explosion off the edge, though, he’ll make one helluva defensive end.

He quickly diagnoses plays before they have time to develop, and he’s already in the backfield before the running back has a chance to make his own reads. Parsons is a one-man wrecking crew off the edge.

Trevor Lawrence
Trevor Lawrence – Scout.com

No. 2 Trevor Lawrence, Cartersville, Georgia – QB

Lawrence has elite size and production. He has sound footwork and great bounce within the pocket, rarely ever seeing ghosts but still showing awareness for pocket walls.

He’s mobile and maintains his form while throwing on the run. More often than not, he makes great decisions with the football. He has plus arm strength and can throw with touch. Most importantly, he’s accurate with the football. He may not be the top overall player for us right now, but he’s clearly the top offensive player in the country.

Xavier Thomas – Scout.com

No. 1 Xavier Thomas, Bradenton, Florida – DE

He’s one of the most athletic freaks of nature that you’ll see in this class. He’s played linebacker. He’s carried the ball. But when he puts a hand in the dirt on the edge, you can hear the quarterback’s gulp from the last row of the bleachers.

Xavier Thomas flies off the ball and uses his hands well to shed blocks. When he gets to the quarterback, he wraps up and completes the play. When he’s stopping the run, seldom does Thomas give up on a play. He has a great motor and hits running backs like a ton of bricks.