Final On3 Outliers: 2022 football recruits On3 ranks higher than industry

This week saw the release of final rankings for football prospects in the 2022 cycle across the recruiting industry. Now that the dust has settled, let’s take a look at some top prospects that On3 has ranked significantly higher relative to other ranking sets.

Updated 2022 On300

For the purpose of this story, we won’t touch on On3 five-star prospects who may apply like Tennessee EDGE James Pearce signee (No. 11), Alabama tight end signee Amari Niblack signee (No. ) or Notre Dame offensive tackle signee Aamil Wagner (No. 29). Also, please note that this is not an exhaustive list.

OT Jake Taylor – Oklahoma

On300 ranking: No. 34
Next highest ranking: No. 121 (247Sports)
Industry Comparison

We’ve been higher on Jake Taylor than the rest of the industry since the initial On300 release back in August. The 6-foot-6, 285-pounder pairs an ideal, well-proportioned frame with some of the better feet and reactive quickness at offensive tackle nationally. Taylor manned the right tackle sport for national power Bishop Gorman and showed well in several national showcase games earlier in the season. In addition to the quickness, he plays with a nasty disposition and works to finish blocks. We also liked how he looked in the Polynesian Bowl last weekend. Taylor was quick into his pass set and looked to be the most polished pass protector on hand. Taylor’s fellow Oklahoma signee quarterback Nick Evers (No. 77) would also qualify as an On3 Outlier.

WR Wesley Grimes – Wake Forest

On300 ranking: No. 35
Next highest ranking: No. 220 (Rivals)
Industry Comparison

The wide receiver position is very deep with top 100 type talents this cycle. Due to the depth of top talent, we worked inordinately hard in sorting the group. Throughout the process, we kept coming back to Wesley Grimes as a prospect who needed to keep ascending. Grimes is one of the most technically skilled and productive receivers in the cycle. Grimes is over 6-foot-2 and around 175 pounds and checks in as a very good athlete in the combine setting. On the field, he has some of the best ball skills in the cycle. Grimes has extremely strong hands, effortlessly plucking the ball at its highest point. He’s also a smooth mover with advanced change of direction and route-running skills. All of those positive traits and skills manifested in a monster senior season where he accounted for 1,594 yards and 26 touchdowns on 87 receptions. On Early Signing Day Wake Forest head coach Dave Clawson said that Grimes is one of the nation’s best receiver prospects. We agree.

TE Jake Johnson – Texas A&M

On300 ranking: No. 36
Next highest ranking: No. 84 (247Sports)
Industry Comparison

Jake Johnson has held the distinction as On3’s No. 2 tight end prospect for the entire rankings process. The Texas A&M signee has some of the best ball skills in the cycle, regardless of position. Johnson has an inordinately large catch radius. He regularly high-points and wins in contested situations while also being able to scoop balls off of the ground. The NFL legacy is also an adept route-runner, showing significant shake at the route stem. Johnson has the look of a ready-made pass-catching tight end. We wouldn’t be surprised to see him have a significant impact in Aggieland as early as next fall.

CB Earl Little Jr. – Alabama

On300 ranking: No. 38
Next highest ranking: No. 81 (Rivals)
Industry Comparison

Earl Little Jr. has a case for the best senior video among the cornerback group nationally. The 5-foot-11.5, 165-pounder has advanced recognition skills and play speed at the position. Little regularly triggers on plays before or right as they’re happening. He’s a versatile cover man, with the ability to line up at any spot in the secondary. Little also has a chippy physicality to his game and is not shy about initiating contact. He will need to continue getting stronger and may not have some of the size and athletic markers of some other top corners, but we kept coming back to the video and coverage skill set.

QB Brady Allen – Purdue

On300 ranking: No. 39
Next highest ranking: No. 129 (Rivals)
Industry Comparison

Brady Allen has always been a toolsy and solidly productive quarterback prospect as a 6-foot-5, 215-pound, strong-armed four-year starter at Fort Branch (Ind.) Gibson Southern. With that said, Allen took his game to another level as a senior. The long-time Purdue pledge completed nearly 69% of his passes for 4,283 yards (11.1 yards per attempt), 58 touchdowns and six interceptions. Allen didn’t slow down in the playoffs and led his team to a state title. He has one of the stronger arms in the cycle and plays with light, quick feet that should aid in escapability, particularly for a bigger quarterback. The physical talent, steady improvement and strong production profile have us bullish on Allen’s upside.

WR Kaleb Webb – Tennessee

On300 ranking: No. 56
Next highest ranking: No. 196 (247Sports)
Industry Comparison

Kaleb Webb‘s rise as a senior reminds some in the Peach State of former Minnesota and current Baltimore Raven wide receiver Rashod Bateman. They’re different types of receivers, but each had monster senior seasons. Webb blew up in the fall of 2021, catching 81 passes for 1,601 yards and 18 touchdowns against high-classification competition. The one-time East Carolina commit has some of the best size and speed at the receiver position nationally. Webb is a long-armed 6-foot-3 to 6-foot-4 and posted 100-meter times in the 10.8’s as a junior. He’s a build-up speed, contested catch receiver with considerable physical upside and looks to be ascending rapidly as a player.

LB Jimmy Rolder – Michigan

On300 ranking: No. 59
Next highest ranking: No. 193 (Rivals)
Industry Comparison

Jimmy Rolder entered the season as an Illinois commit – for baseball. It didn’t take long for offers to start rolling in once his senior film got out – and it’s easy to see why. Rolder has some of the best linebacker video in the 2022 cycle, in our opinion. The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder has outstanding play speed. He’s a natural in space and shows the movement skills to run sideline-to-sideline and cover downfield. Rolder is also one of the stronger tacklers we’ve seen in the cycle. He drives through the ball carrier with considerable pop and form. He finished his senior season at Chicago Marist with 115 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, four sacks and three interceptions. Rolder’s fellow Michigan signee defensive lineman Kenneth Grant (No. 101) also qualifies as an On3 Outlier.

EDGE Darris Smith – Georgia

On300 ranking: No. 80
Next highest ranking: No. 145 (247Sports)
Industry Comparison

We kept coming back to Darris Smith as one of the higher-upside EDGE prospects in the cycle. The Georgia commit is still a work in progress from a technique perspective, but the physical gifts are considerable. Smith has a great frame and length, measuring 6-foot-5, 225 pounds with a 35.5-inch arm and 10-inch hand. Smith shows high-end speed in backside pursuit and is athletic enough to carry the ball on offense. He was also the region player of the year in basketball as a junior. Georgia and Kirby Smart have been successful in turning these kind of high upside prospects into top players in Athens. Smith could be next in line.

OT Cameron Williams – Texas

On300 ranking: No. 84
Next highest ranking: No. 283 (ESPN)
Industry Comparison

Cameron Williams was an obvious riser to us based on his senior year at powerhouse Duncanville High in Texas. The behemoth offensive tackle has the strongest punch of any prospect we’ve seen in the 2022 cycle. Williams regularly stuns opposing defensive linemen with his initial contact, often putting them on the ground with a mere touch. The biggest question surrounding Williams entering his senior year revolved around his movement skills at 6-foot-5, 375 pounds. He looks to have trimmed down a bit and showed some encouraging reactive quickness over the course of the season, particularly in the state championship game. The one-time Oregon commit’s season and unique skill set were undeniable, in our opinion.

WR Jeremiah Dillon – Ole Miss

On300 ranking: No. 102
Next highest ranking: Unranked four-star (ESPN, Rivals)
Industry Comparison

Jeremiah Dillon is a good example of the extreme depth at wide receiver nationally. The 6-foot-2, 180-pounder boasts strong speed and production profiles. He’s run 10.53 in the 100 meters and 21.45 in the 200 meters and accounted for 1,040 yards and 21 receiving touchdowns as a senior. That resume alone is four-star worthy in our opinion. But Dillon has shown more from a position-specific skill perspective. He has long arms in addition to the stature and showed the ability to make contested catches as a senior.

DL Jamari Lyons – Florida

On300 ranking: No. 107
Next highest ranking: No. 230 (247Sports)
Industry Comparison

Jamari Lyons has an argument for the best first step among defensive linemen in the 2022 cycle. The Florida signee lived in the backfield during the fall. Lyons would regularly jump the snap and dart through the line, often resulting in big plays. The stats bear it out as well – he finished with 103 tackles, a remarkable 37 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. We also expect the 6-foot-3.5, 280-pound to see marked physical improvement once in Florida’s strength program. Fellow Gator signee Devin Moore (No. 66) is another we’re higher on than the industry.

CB Kamari Terrell – Unsigned

On300 ranking: No. 109
Next highest ranking: Unranked four-star (247Sports)
Industry Comparison

Khamari Terrell is one of the biggest senior risers nationally, in due in large part to his combination of size and top end speed. Terrell is one of the top sprinters in Texas with a smoking 21.06 second mark in the 200 meters as a junior. Terrell had Power 5 offers in track prior to taking off on the gridiron as a senior. The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder took an official visit to Oregon last weekend and the Ducks are trending in his RPM.

CB Ja’Cari Henderson – UCF

On300 ranking: No. 115
Next highest ranking: Unranked four-star (247Sports)
Industry Comparison

Ja’Cari Henderson is another prospect we’ve been higher on than the industry dating back to August. The 6-foot-1, 160-pounder is a smooth-moving, long cover corner with plus ball skills, doubling as a receiver and return man. We saw some high-level instincts in jumping routes, a fluid backpedal and the ability to track and locate the ball downfield. Henderson also blocked an inordinate number of kicks as a senior. He and his twin Demari Henderson (No. 166) were national-level youth basketball players look like steals for Gus Malzahn and the Knights.

LB Nick Emmanwori – South Carolina

On300 ranking: No. 120
Next highest ranking: Three-star (247Sports, ESPN, Rivals)
Industry Comparison

Nick Emmanwori was tabbed as an On3 Outlier in the last rankings release back in November. Upon continuing to look at the linebacker group, we felt he needed to keep rising. Emmanwori is a top athlete who developed into one of the more productive front-seven defenders in the cycle. The 6-foot-3, 210-pounder earned an offer at South Carolina’s camp last summer after running sub-4.6 in the 40-yard dash and posting a 37-inch vertical. He’s continued to show he’s a bouncy athlete on the basketball court. During the fall, Emmanwori totaled 166 solo tackles and 17 tackles for loss while flashing considerable sideline-to-sideline speed. He has the athleticism of a defensive back with the frame and physicality of a future box defender. That’s a strong combination.

LB Abdul Carter – Penn State

On300 ranking: No. 128
Next highest ranking: No. 229 (Rivals)
Industry Comparison

Abdul Carter is another linebacker we are increasingly high on, in large part due to his play speed – a critical factor at the position. In going through the linebacker group, we felt Carter’s combination of top end speed (verified sub-4.6) and considerable striking power merited a continued ascent in the rankings. Carter pairs his speed with plus size at 6-foot-3.5, 235 pounds and a physical on-field demeanor.

EDGE Ethan Burke – Texas

On300 ranking: No. 129
Next highest ranking: Unranked four-star (Rivals)
Industry Comparison

Ethan Burke was a steady riser of the course of his senior season at powerhouse Austin Westlake High. The 6-foot-7, 230-pounder was highly disruptive over the course of the playoffs, culminating in a dominant showing the state championship game. Burke’s bend, length and first-step quickness gave opposing tackles issues. We saw him continue to improve over the course of the season and hit his stride against top competition in the playoffs. Burke finished the season with 26 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. The one-time Michigan commit also doubles a as a top lacrosse player.

QB Conner Harrell – North Carolina

On300 ranking: No. 131
Next highest ranking: Three-star (247Sports, ESPN, Rivals)
Industry Comparison

Conner Harrell has been the most efficient top quarterback in the 2022 cycle over the past two seasons at powerhouse Thompson High in Alabaster, Alabama. The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder has a well-rounded skill set. He’s a natural passer and shows the ability to throw with location downfield all while navigating the pocket. He’s also a plus athlete and presents a run threat when the play breaks down. Harrell completed over 69% of his passes for 2,804 yards (12.7 yards per attempt), 41 touchdowns and three interceptions as as senior. He was also the valedictorian of his graduating class.

TE Daequan Wright – Virginia Tech

On300 ranking: 
Next highest ranking: Three-star (247Sports, ESPN, Rivals)
Industry Comparison

Daequan Wright was an obvious riser among the tight end group. The 6-foot-3.5, 220-pounder is one of the best pass-catching threats at the position with strong hands and the movement skills of a big receiver. Wright is able to separate from cornerbacks off the line of scrimmage and shows the play speed to rip off some long runs after the catch. The Virginia Tech commit had a big senior season with 1,205 yards and 14 touchdowns on 60 catches. He also rushed for 10 more touchdowns. Wright also showcases his above-the-rim athleticism and coordination as a top basketball player where he’s averaging 18.9 points per game as a senior.

OT Jacarrius Peak – NC State

On300 ranking: No. 162
Next highest ranking: Unranked four-star (247Sports)
Industry Comparison
Jacarrius Peak is a senior riser on the heels of a strong final campaign at traditional power Valdosta High in Georgia. The 6-foot-5, 300-pounder is a plus athlete for the position and has the versatility to line up a multiple spots. Peak is an explosive mover who gets to the second level with ease. He’s physical on contact and capable of finishing blocks with emphasis. He’s also a top thrower in track as a state finalist in the shot put and discus.

DL Trevon McAlpine – Texas Tech

On300 ranking: No. 167
Next highest ranking: Three-star (247Sports, ESPN, Rivals)
Industry Comparison

Trevon McAlpine was the most disruptive defensive lineman among a loaded group at the Alabama-Mississippi all-star game. The 6-foot-3, 280-pounder has a plus first-step and plays with high-level instincts and finishing ability. McAlpine’s senior season backs up what he showed in Hattiesburg – he finished his final campaign with well over 20 tackles for loss.

LB Avery Sledge – Mississippi State

On300 ranking: No. 177
Next highest ranking: Three-star (247Sports, ESPN, Rivals)
Industry Comparison

Avery Sledge is a high upside, developmental athlete who could end up at linebacker or perhaps even EDGE for Mississippi State. The 6-foot-3, 210-pounder was previously a member of the On300 as a one-time Tulane commit. Sledge is a do-it-all athlete at Forrest County Agricultural High in Brooklyn, Mississippi. He starred as a quarterback and linebacker in football, showing the ability to rip off long runs and make impressive athletic plays on defense. He doubles as an above-the-rim basketball player while also playing baseball.

EDGE Keyshawn Burgos – Virginia Tech

On300 ranking: No. 183
Next highest ranking: Three-star (247Sports, ESPN, Rivals)
Industry Comparison

Keyshawn Burgos is another prospect who was a late riser from a state that did not play football in the fall of 2020 due to COVID-19. The 6-foot-4, 235-pounder saw his game continue to elevate as a senior at Chesterfield (Va.) Matoaca. Burgos is a twitchy, strong athlete with good length and movement patterns. He looks to be an ascending talent and had a strong senior year with 21 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. He’s also one of the top prep wrestlers in the state of Virginia as a reigning state champion.