On3 5-Star Countdown: No. 26, LB Jaylen Sneed

As college football heads toward the proverbial end of the 2022 recruiting cycle, On3 will soon release its final rankings for this year’s senior class.

At the top of those rankings are 32 five-star prospects, each of whom was among the most heavily recruited high school football players in the country this year. Next up on the countdown is the No. 26 prospect in the 2022 class, Hilton Head (S.C.) linebacker and Notre Dame signee Jaylen Sneed.

After checking is at No. 37 in On3’s previous rankings, Sneed has ascended into five-star territory.

The player evaluations not only include their full senior seasons, but their performances in the practices and games of the Under Armour All-American Game and the All-American Bowl in San Antonio. The final batch of five-stars has some significant movement from the previous rankings, including 15 newly minted members of the club. It also is headlined by a new No. 1 overall player.

Jaylen Sneed Scouting Summary

Twitchy, high energy athlete who projects as a space linebacker. Converted to a hybrid linebacker/safety as a senior after previously playing as a pass rusher. Plays with his hair on fire, showing effort and speed in tracking down plays from the back side. Upside as a space defender is evident. Showing the ability to cover as a senior despite not having much prior experience. Also showing his athleticism playing quarterback as a senior, ripping off some long touchdown runs. Has a strong athletic profile as a standout three sport athlete. Is a one-step dunker in basketball and sports a 50 foot toss in the shot put, a ridiculous mark at his size. Not the biggest linebacker prospect, but has plus length with a 6-foot-4 wingspan. Will need to continue adding mass and strength to aid as a tackler and finisher at the point of attack. — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings