re: Class of 2016 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Waiting On Demetris Robertson Edition

quote:

---

When I pitched the idea of the Farrell50, my top 50 college prospects in order with a look back at their ranking and recruitment, I knew there would be a few serious debates and some moaning about guys who didn't make the list. However, I didn't expect the blowback regarding having Vols defensive end Derek Barnett (above) being ranked No. 40 and Aggies defensive end Myles Garrett at No. 7. Of course, the blowback was from Tennessee fans, but it was strong.

Yes, Barnett had a better statistical freshman year than Garrett, but by putting Garrett so high I was talking about his ceiling. Barnett is much closer to being as good as he can be while Garrett has No. 1 overall NFL pick potential as he showed Saturday against Arizona State with eight tackles, two sacks, three tackles for a loss and a forced fumble in a dominating performance. With the amount of outrage from the Vols fans over this disparity in ranking, this will be an interesting duo to follow. I feel very confident that Garrett is going to have the better season, was the better prospect coming out of high school and will be the higher NFL pick and better pro. That's not a slight on Barnett, who could also be a high draft pick and very good NFL player and is having a great college career. It's just that Garrett has more of the freak factor.

And I'm beginning to kick myself for not listening to guys like Mid-South Recruiting Analyst Jason Howell, who wanted Garrett No. 1 (he finished No. 2) over Da'Shawn Hand. Hand has great upside as well and is fighting more for playing time at 'Bama, but right now he can't even come close to comparing with what Garrett has done and isn't as physically gifted (length, athleticism, etc.).

---