May 31, 2006

Rivals.com Football Recruiting Staff

Five 5-stars we got right Five who should have been 5-stars The 2007 five-stars so far

Today, Rivals.com continues to reveal the 27 players in the class of 2007 who have been awarded five-star status. By the end of the week, all 27 will be announced (in alphabetical order) and followed by the announcement of the Rivals100 on Monday, June 5.

Five of the seven five-star prospects being released today by Rivals.com hail from the top three talent-producing states in the country: Florida, Texas and California.

The two Floridians on the list, electric running back Noel Devine and big, athletic defensive lineman Torrey Davis, join quarterback John Brantley as three of the four Sunshine Staters to receive five-star status in the first release. Quarterback Jimmy Clausen and linebacker Chris Galippo from California and athlete John Chiles from Texas are the other major state representatives to be named today.

The two other five-stars hail from Arizona and South Carolina, respectively as defensive end Everson Griffen and cornerback Gary Gray are named.

Class of 2007 Five-Star Prospects
John Chiles		Chiles in Action
Position: Athlete High School: Mansfield (Texas) Summit Height: 6-1 Weight: 195 Why he's a five-star: With so much talent and so many possibilities, it's hard to classify John Chiles in just one position. However, as an athlete, there may not be one better than the 6-foot-1, 195-pounder who excels on the football field and during the track meets. Before transferring to Mansfield Summit High School in Texas, Chiles set the 100 meter record at Carrolton Ranchview with a time of 10.6 seconds as only a sophomore. Since then, he has improved his time and is a consistent 4.3-second 40-yard dash runner. Playing quarterback for Summit, Chiles racked up statistics through the air and on the ground. On his way to Texas, Chiles will get a chance to try calling the signals, but could also be featured as a wide receiver or a defensive back. There are numerous possibilities for the nation's top athlete for the class of 2007. Watch out, wherever Chiles ends up at position-wise, he'll make some noise in the Big 12. ? Vote: Should John Chiles be a five-star?
Jimmy Clausen		Clausen in Action
Position: Pro-style quarterback High School: Westlake Village (Calif.) Oaks Christian Height: 6-3 Weight: 200 Why he's a five-star: Clausen is known by his teammates as Lebron. That's because he's been known as "The Chosen One" for quite some time now. Clausen's father, Jim, has been saying for years and years that Jimmy, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound quarterback, is the best of any of his very talented sons. And he's right. "Some of the throws he's making now, I couldn't do that until my junior year at Tennessee," Clausen's older brother Casey said. There isn't a better and more complete quarterback in the nation than Clausen. He's got everything you're looking for in a star gun-slinger. He's got a great arm, great fundamentals and his decision making is amazing. Clausen ended the recruiting process when he committed to Charlie Weis and Notre Dame on April 22. He was heavily recruited by everybody but the end decision came down to the Fighting Irish and USC. ? Vote: Should Jimmy Clausen be a five-star?
Torrey Davis		Davis in Action
Position: Defensive tackle High School: Seffner (Fla.) Armwood Height: 6-5 Weight: 290 Why he's a five-star: A special athlete with unlimited upside as a collegiate defensive lineman, Davis' versatility is one of the many things that jump out at you. The 6-foot-5, 290-pounder lined up in multiple spots for the Armwood High defense last season, playing end, tackle and even a stand-up outside linebacker position. He also has been clocked as fast as 4.68 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Davis, who one college defensive line coach called "the best defensive tackle prospect he'd seen in 25 years," uses his long arms to disrupt passing lanes and reach for ball carriers. Those attributes, plus his ability to change direction make him one of the top Floridians in a loaded year in the Sunshine State. The second-team all-state selection had 60 tackles and nine sacks in 2005. ? Vote: Should Torrey Davis be a five-star?
Noel Devine		Devine in Action
Position: Running back High School: North Fort Myers (Fla.) Height: 5-8 Weight: 175 Why he's a five-star: Devine is the most electrifying prospect to come out of high school since Reggie Bush. Despite his lack of size, he plays strong, breaks tackles and doesn't wear down. His biggest strength is his acceleration which allows him to burst through the smallest hole for big yardage. Devine also has excellent vision and makes quick decisions, hitting the hole at full speed. He has the rare ability to cut without slowing down and he is very elusive in the open field. His spin move is one of the best seen at the high school level. Devine bench presses 350 pounds and uses that strength to gain yards after contact. Devine is a threat from anyplace on the field and is a true homerun threat. As a junior he rushed for 1,986 yards and 24 touchdowns on only 173 carries and was often taken out of the game early because he scored too frequently. In his final game of his junior season, Devine rushed for 398 yards on 20 carries with two scores. ? Vote: Should Noel Devine be a five-star?
Chris Galippo		Galippo in Action
Position: Outside linebacker High School: Anaheim (Calif.) Servite Height: 6-3 Weight: 235 Why he's a five-star: In any other year, Galippo would be the top player in California. Jimmy Clausen takes that honor, but right behind him is Galippo, a beast of an outside linebacker. As a junior he earned all-city, all-CIF after racking up 161 tackles and three sacks on defense. He also lined up as a slot receiver on offense, catching 22 balls for five touchdowns. "He's a guy that could fit in so many different places because he's big, fast and athletic," Servite coach Troy Thomas said. "He plays in slot in our offense. He could be a tight end. He could be a rush end, because we blitz him a lot of the edge. Without a doubt, he's one of the best football players in California and one of the best linebackers in the nation." Right he is. Galippo ended the recruiting process early, actually committing back on signing day for the class of 2006. He pledged to USC, and that commitment has remained strong, despite repeated overtures from programs like Notre Dame, Arizona State, Boston College and other schools. ? Vote: Should Chris Galippo be a five-star?
Gary Gray		Gray in Action
Position: Cornerback High School: Columbia (S.C.) Richland Northeast Height: 5-10 Weight: 170 Why he's a five-star: Another prospect that proves there is strength in versatility. Gray is a lockdown corner who is as skilled in press-man coverage as he is in zone. He is as comfortable jamming a receiver as he is giving a five-yard cushion. Gray's closing speed is perhaps as good as any other corner prospect in the country and he has the hips to turn and run with the best of them. Gray isn't all flash, though. He also is a sure tackler and is strong in run support. In addition to playing corner, Gray also plays quarterback, wide receiver and returns kicks for his high school team, so he will only get better once he is able to concentrate on his natural position. Gray had four interceptions and 14 pass break-ups his junior season to go along with 60 tackles. At the top of the board at cornerback for several major programs across the country, Gray decided in March to stay at home and play for Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks. ? Vote: Should Gary Gray be a five-star?
Everson Griffen		Griffen in Action
Position: Strongside DE High School: Avondale (Ariz.) Agua Fria Height: 6-4 Weight: 266 Why he's a five-star: Griffen is the highest ranked prospect ever to come out of Arizona by Rivals.com and for good reason. Not only is he huge ? a mountain of a man at 6-foot-4 and 266 pounds ? but he is also a physical freak. During recent testing, Griffen, who projects as a strongside defensive end despite also playing running back in high school, ran several 40-yard dashes in the 4.46-second range. That's just sick for man that's as big and as strong as he is. "Everson is the real deal," Agua Fria coach Kelly Epley said. "He's big, he's strong and he's fast. He will be an impact college football player." At this point, Griffen has offers from almost all of the national powers, but three teams stand out early in the recruiting process. "UCLA, USC and Arizona are my three favorite schools," Griffen said. "I like all three coaching staffs and their programs. I'm not going to make an early decision. I'm going to wait until I make my official visits first. I will probably wait until after my senior season to make my decision." ? Vote: Should Everson Griffen be a five-star?

More five-star releases:
? May 30: Two from D.C. highlight first group