re: Class of 2019 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: That's a Wrap Edition

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RUNNING BACK: Trey Sanders

The biggest running back at the event was also the top performer at day’s end. After seeing the MVPs at the offensive skill positions, it is no surprise that the red team won the 7-on-7 championship. Sanders helped his team to the title by proving to be a difficult match-up for linebackers and safeties tasked with checking him. He is quick in short spaces and possesses an excellent pair of hands. Already the No. 1 ranked running back in 2019 and a five-star, Sanders definitely lived up to the billing in Atlanta.

Also Impressed: Devyn Ford

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OFFENSIVE LINE: Kardell Thomas

Thomas did not go back-to-back as the bench press champion at this year’s Five-Star Challenge, but he was able to take home the MVP award that eluded him a year earlier. Surprisingly, Thomas nearly lost the championship round one-on-one to Virginia commit Jowon Briggs, but the coaches called their first two battles too close to call and Thomas won the third tiebreaker. From beginning to end, though, no one was as consistently dominant as the LSU commit. His strength is obvious, but he has also evolved from a technique and fundamentals standpoint.

Also Impressed: Chris Morris, Justin Rogers, Saleem Wormley

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LINEBACKER: Bryton Constantin

There were a surprisingly low number of interceptions during the course of the 7-on-7 tournament, which made Constantin’s three picks from the linebacker position particularly noticeable. The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder is rangy in coverage and was able to close down passing lanes in a hurry. Not only was Constantin in the right spot regularly, he also completed the play by making the interception, showing his ball skills. This is another athletic linebacker who can play in space that Clemson is adding to its defense.

Also Impressed: Justin Flowe, Tyron Hopper, Lee Kpogba

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ATLANTA - His nickname is "Babyman," but 2020 five-star linebacker Justin Flowe is much more man than baby.

At the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge presented by adidas, Flowe performed like he has this entire offseason and through his sophomore season - physical, fearless and unrelenting.

With the look of a hungry dog to raw meat, Flowe jammed people at the line of scrimmage - and that’s putting it delicately. He stunned numerous running backs, receivers and tight ends with his strength and his non-stop physical nature.

Some fell to the ground. Many were thrown off their routes. The Upland, Calif., standout is not finesse. He’s brute strength.

“When I was little, I was a kid but I was big like a man,” Flowe said about the inception of his nickname. “I was a big kid.

“I’m very aggressive and I don’t like to lose, so I go hard every play. That’s what I like do. I like to press people.”

At 16 years old, Flowe bench presses 360 pounds, squats 585 pounds and uses every ounce of that strength when he’s on the field.

Pushing people around in local 7on7 tournaments is one thing, but coming to this event - where many of the top players are in attendance - is something else.

Flowe made a major statement.

“I’m held to a very high standard, so I have to do that,” Flowe said. “There are a lot of really good people out here, so I’ve been working hard. It wasn’t that easy for me. It was good work.”

Rivals.com Midwest Recruiting Analyst Josh Helmholdt said Flowe does not only want to beat his opponent, the five-star wants them to submit, to tap out.

For Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell, the Upland star backed up his reputation and much more.

“He’s ridiculously physical,” Farrell said. “He’s always around the football. He doesn’t really know how to control his own body at this point in time, so he has to play with a little less aggression and a little more of an even temperament.

“But you want that aggressiveness. You can’t teach it. It’s something that should be natural to every linebacker. Out here at a camp like this he turned and ran well with tight ends, running backs. In every one-on-one rep somebody got knocked down - and it was usually the opponent.”

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Watch the best receivers and defensive backs in one-on-ones at the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge in Atlanta!

Prospects featured:

WRs:

Theo Wease
Wandale Robinson
Garrett Wilson
Jadon Haselwood
Nolan Groulx
Jameson Williams
Jonathan Mingo
Porter Rooks
Joshua Downs
Mykel Broussard
Trey Palmer

DBs:

Jordan Clark
Brendan Gant
Kelee Ringo
Jeremiah Criddel
Akeem Dent
Cameron Smith
Tyrique Stevenson
Derek Stingley Jr.
Devonta Lee

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