Class of 2021 – How did they fare as freshman? What to expect in 2022.
The class of 2021 had some impressive players in it. Leonard Taylor was our top rated prospect. He played as a freshman and made an impact at University of Miami. His freshman teammate James Williams also showcased some serious talent. Other players like Jason Marshall (University of Florida), Jacorey Brooks (University of Alabama), Dallas Turner (University of Alabama) and Brandon Jennings (University of Maryland) all made an impact last season. Of the top 50 players around 20 made impacts as freshman.
The Stars of the 2021 class were….
Leonard Taylor- (Miami Palmetto)- Taylor signed with University of Miami. He did not play right away but when he did, Taylor made an impact right away. He has the size, speed and athletic ability to be a start in college. We expect him to take his game to another level and not only be one of the top defensive tackles in the ACC but the entire nation.
JC Lathan-(IMG Academy)-Lathan saw action in 14 games last year. He was a starter on their special teams. He is very talented and we expect him to start on the offensive line this year and have a major impact. He has great size and length. He could end up taking Evan Neal spot at left tackle. Alabama needs a standout on the outside and we feel Lathan fits the bill.
James Williams-(American Heritage)-Many thought that Williams could not play safety. He already proved the doubters wrong. Williams made an impact as a freshman and his sophomore season could lead to some All-American votes. He has the physical tools last seen at Miami when Sean Taylor played. Williams will end up an NFL prospect in the next two years.
Jason Marshall-(Miami Palmetto)-Marshall was one our top rated defensive back in the 2021 class. He did not disappoint. Marshall had a big interception against Rival FSU. He has very good instincts and is always around the football. Marshall will lead the Gators secondary this upcoming season.
Marcus Tate-(University School)-Tate got to Clemson and basically started since Day 1. He is a versatile athlete who can play tackle, guard or possibly even center. Tate will be a three year starter before leaving to the NFL.
Dallas Turner-(Saint Thomas Aquinas)-Turner was much underrated coming out of high school. Watch Bama play last year and he can flat out play. Turner is going to end up an elite edge rusher. This year along with Will Anderson, we expect them to terror opposing quarterbacks this upcoming season.
Mario Williams -(Plant City)-He was one of our top rated slot receivers last year. He had a monster season in 2021 and now has transferred to USC where he followed head football coach Lincoln Riley. Williams should be one of the most dangerous receivers in the Pac 12 this season.
Omarion Cooper -(Lehigh)-We may have had Cooper rated to low. At #48 in the state of Florida, Cooper made an impact as a freshman for FSU. He is now one of their top defensive backs and should start the opening game. Cooper has a great knack for finding the football. His technique is sound. You are looking at one of the top young defensive backs in Florida.
Others who stood out in the 2021 class
Chase Smith-Bayside-LB (University of Miami)
Kamren Kitchens-DB (University of Miami)
Darrell Jackson-DT (University of Maryland
Jimmy Horn – WR (USF)
Davion Sistrunk -DB (University of Missouri)
Kevin Knowles-DB (Florida State)
Final Thoughts: This class so far has showed out pretty well. When 7 of the top ten players have already made an impact year one then you know that class is pretty good. We expect this year to be even better for the 2021 class. It has talent and depth. It will be interesting to see where this class ranks among the prior ten years? We expect it to grade out very well when all is said and done. Look for a bunch of these guys to end up not only on all conference teams but potentially some ALL-AMERICAN teams.