Weekly rankings notes: Position changes, ratings risers, and Top247 scouting intel (2024)

This week Georgia landed a pledge fromValdosta (Ga.) Top247 four-star standoutTodd Robinson, a high school quarterback who could play either offense or defense in Athens with running back or defensive back being the two most likely spots. Therefore, Robinson moves from his previous running back designation to the athlete category, appropriately reflecting his two-way prowess and status as a multi-positional prospect in the eyes of college programs. Robinson, No. 155 overall in the Top247, is a compactly built playmaker with verified track markers thatsupporthis highly productive junior season tape and translate to running back, receiver, or multiple spots on defense.According to Athletic.net, Robinson posted 100-meter times of 10.93, 11.05, and 11.12 this spring.Robinson compiled a 1,000-passing yard, 1,000-rushing yard season in 2023, when he accounted for 15 touchdowns: nine passing,five rushing, and one receiving. -- Hudson Standish, 247Sports national scouting analyst

Olney (Md.) Good Counsel playmaker DaMarion Fowlkes rises to the highest three-star rating of 89 on 247Sports thanks to some excellent spring track context that supports the functional speed he's shown in pads. Fowlkes recently committed to Pittsburgh.

"Fowlkes is a yards-after-catch demon who an climb the ladder at the catch point and make plays through contact," said Hudson Standish. "Crafty route runner who profiles as an ideal slot receiver who can move around the offense to matchup hunt. Fowlkes passed the eye test at the Under Armour Baltimore Regional. He also owns a 10.99 100, 21.18 200, and above-the-rim finishing ability in basketball as an explosive 5-foot-10, 175-pounder."

Houston Heights' Zaylen Cormier, who's pledged to the hometown Cougars, impressed us at the ESPN Elite Underclassmen Camp in Houston earlier this spring and debuted with a high three-star 88 rating following that event.Cormier, previously evaluated at safety, now owns the "athlete" label as a legitimate two-way recruiting target, which is not surprising considering his proven multi-phase playmaking ability. The change to an athlete designation accompanies a rating bump to the highest three-star grade of 89.

"You have to like the combination of agility, burst, and bounce," said Andrew Ivins, 247Sports director of scouting. "Good production and encouraging verified data points. Cormier has shown he can mash people in the open field and in the alley, and his playmaking ability as a pass catcher is clear."

After getting a review from the full 247Sports national scouting team, Georgia Tech commit Fenix Felton rises to the highest three-star 89 rating. A flat-out football player with an instinctive style, Felton bolsters his athletic profile with an 11.06-second 100-meter time and basketball participation for McDonough (Ga.) Eagle's Landing Christian.

"Felton's junior tape is among the best I've watched during the past few weeks," said Hudson Standish. "Dominates on both sides of the ball and flashes reactionary athleticism and mental processing skills. I view him as a versatile defensive back with promising athletic tools and strong diagnostic ability. Not the easiest task to find defensive backs who check both of those boxes."

We don't have third party-verified measurements on Killeen (Texas) Shoemaker standout and new Oklahoma State commit Isaiah Butler-Tanner, but whether listed 6-5, 245 or 6-6, 250, he's easy to size up on tape as plenty big. Butler-Tanner, who debuted this week with a high three-star 88 rating on 247Sports, represents the type of big athlete at tight end who we immediately find intriguing as a possible long-term offensive tackle prospect. But make no mistake, he can play a mean tight end, and stick there for good, for that matter.

Butler-Tanner flashes heavy-handed block-finishing ability in the run game, where he hunts targets in space. His pass-catching reps are fairly limited, but he's shown impressive functional athleticism after the catch when targeted. He's also provided some jumbo wildcat reps. Butler-Tanner's athletic profile includes strong throws data, such as his 47-8 shot put and 150-10 discus. We look forward to closely monitoring his senior campaign. -- Gabe Brooks, 247Sports national scouting analyst

No previous lesser-knownprospect made a bigger name for himself at Overtime's OT7 Finals than Christian Neptune, who turned into a go-to target for Notre DameTop247 four-star quarterback commit Deuce Knight. A two-way playmaker at Cantonment (Fla.) Tate, we liked what Neptune put on tape as an underclassman, but we had no idea what type of athlete he really was until getting a chance to see him move around against some of the nation's best.

Neptune – who was born in Hawaii – has college-ready size and an explosive lower half. He looks like the ideal inside receiver in a modern spread attack and one who can create after the catch. Neptune's grade has moved from a three-star 85 to a high three-star 88. He reminds us a little bit of current Miami wide receiver Xavier Restrepo, who also played some safety in high school. Neptune took an official visit to Stanford a few weeks ago. He's also hearing from Washington, Boston College, and USF. -- Ivins

This past weekend marked the second time that we have seen Ja'kayden Ferguson on the Overtime OT7 circuit. He played primarily wide receiver, but the latest intel suggests that a few different schools are recruiting the Fort Bend (Texa*) Marshall standout to be a cornerback at the next level, and we're starting to see the vision, which is in turn why we now list him as an athlete.

Ferguson is quick-footed and taller than 6-foot-1. There might not be a ton of defensive footage available, but he showed in a 7-on-7 setting that he can go up and get the footballl. He will likely encounter an adjustment period if he does indeed transition to a full-time defender, but he's got the tools to emerge as a coverage specialist. Ferguson's grade rises to a high three-star 88 rating following the live evaluation and position change. He is set to spend the upcoming weekend at Kentucky on an official visit. -- Ivins

Verified at a shade taller than 6 feet and approaching 190 pounds, Flowood (Miss.) Hartfield Academy's Kenzy West caught our staff's attention at this past weekend's Overtime OT7 Finals in Tampa, Fla. West, who rises to a strong three-star 86 rating, possesses a lean, athletic frame that holds growth potential, especially considering his relative youth for the 2025 cycle (July DOB). He's a two-way prospect who displays above average athleticism on both sides of the ball as a receiver and cornerback. West plays a physical style and understands how to win with his size and play strength. West runs hard after the catch, and that intensity translates to his willingness as a tackler on defense. West, who also competes in track and field, possesses some similarities to Ole Miss 2024 safety signee Travaris Banks. -- Cooper Petagna, 247Sports national scouting analyst

Check out the updated scouting report on LSU-bound Top247 four-star Harlem Berry, one of the nation's top running backs and a multi-sport star for Metairie (La.) St. Martin's Episcopal.

Well-rounded back who in the more defined position roles of the past would have carried the APB tag (all-purpose back). Can stay on the field in a variety of situations and even provide some snaps at receiver in more creative personnel looks. Consistent pass catcher to multiple levels in live exposures on the select 7-on-7 circuit. Owns excellent multi-sport context with verified speed markers on the track of 10.57 and 21.43 in the 100 and 200, respectively. Explosive in linear situations as well as laterally, whether jump-cutting or redirecting. Quick-footed and creative in the hole with loose hips and sudden athleticism to regularly evade initial resistance. Enormous production through first three high school seasons. Noticeably more explosive as a junior compared to sophom*ore campaign. Displays contact balance and target-shrinking, pad-lowering ability that allows for run-finishing acumen above his weight, but will be forced to make a sizable leap in competition going from Louisiana 1A ball to the high-major level. On-field speed did not reflect track times as a sophom*ore, but junior season seemed to align more with the verified markers. Likely to carry higher mileage than other elite backs when progressing to college. Projects as a multi-year P4 impact weapon who can stay on the field in myriad scenarios. On-field context and multi-sport speed markers suggest definite long-term NFL Draft upside. -- Brooks

Here's a closer look at McKinney (Texas) Top247 four-starRiley Pettijohn, a top five linebacker nationally. Pettijohn recently took official visits to Ohio State and USC and is expected to take upcoming OVs to Texas and Texas A&M.

Athletic volume tackler who can fit multiple off-ball linebacker roles in varying schemes. Well-developed build with a stout, athletic base. Early on, looked like a candidate to ultimately play off the edge, but now clearly belongs as a traditional linebacker who exhibits broad pursuit range with excellent verified athleticism to bolster his long-term projection. Ran a wind-legal 10.77 100 and wind-aided 10.98 as a junior, while also high jumping 5-10. Multiple examples of explosive vertical and broad jump metrics in combine settings. Averaged double-digit tackles per game as a junior. Displays chase-down athleticism and closing speed to the degree of compensating for occasional less-than-ideal angles. Knack for effectively playing around blocks rather than through them. May need to take a more urgent approach in the hole at the next level. Comfortable dropping into zone. Possesses requisite athleticism to become a competent man defender of backs and tight ends with continued technical development. Strong football pedigree to accompany excellent multi-sport athletic profile on the track. Could provide immediate dividends on special teams. Possesses the physical and athletic traits to become a multi-year high-major starter who could develop into a coveted NFL Draft candidate. -- Brooks

Weatherford (Okla.) Top247 four-star standout CJ Nickson, a top 75 overall prospect in 2025, recently narrowed his choices to an in-state battle between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Here's a closer look at Nickson via updated 247Sports scouting report.

Big-framed, two-way, multi-sport athlete who should possess immense long-term potential. Productive pass catcher with more than 1,500 career receiving yards through first three high school seasons. Plays a variety of defensive roles, including edge, linebacker, and even over the slot at times. Need third party-verified physical specs, but passes the eyeball test on tape. Looks like a classic 3-4 hybrid edge player in the long run. Displays sudden redirecting ability in pursuit and closes fast on a target. Wins matchups with physical and athletic superiority vs. high school competition. Capable of playing through prep tight ends in the run game, while showing some edge-bending ability vs. tackles. Displays above average get-off with room to enhance snap anticipation. Talented basketball player who's reported D-I offers in the past. Two-foot jumper who plays two-handed above the rim as an open-floor finisher and baseline lob merchant. Flashes point-of-attack strength but can get more consistent and effective with hand violence and speed-to-power ability. Recorded 100 tackles as a sophom*ore-junior, but ideally would increase pass-rushing production (four sacks in those two seasons) and expand move set. Naturally gifted two-way standout who could play either side at the FBS level, but possesses particularly high-ceiling developmental upside off the edge. Projects to the high-major level with tools to become a pro prospect. -- Brooks

247Sports provides a closer look at Dallas South Oak Cliff Top247 four-star edge Kamauryn Morgan in his updated scouting report. Morgan, a top 100 overall prospect, has schools such as Baylor, SMU, Texas, and Texas A&M in hot pursuit.

Scheme-versatile edge defender who possesses physical traits that could lead to a full-time hand-on-the-ground role or at least part-time two-point rush snaps. Primarily plays a traditional 4-3 D-end role for his high school team, but will at times align as a wide rusher in a two-point stance. Even has occasionally dropped into short zone. Rangy build that should hold significantly more mass if desired. Above average functional athlete who also plays basketball. Displays dip-and-bend ability and sudden juice to run the arc and get home. Flashes heavy hands and does a good job using extension to disengage. Plays with awareness to get hands up to clog passing lanes. Shows above average redirecting ability to pursue, but thrives as a linear closer, which makes for a dangerous back-side assailant. Took a couple steps forward as a run defender from sophom*ore to junior year. Shows pass-rushing nuance with effective hesitation and spin counters. Solid production across two seasons suggest sack production could increase as a senior. Can be a one-speed rusher. Sometimes plays a bit upright and arrives high as a tackler. High-major defensive end/edge prospect who could become a multi-year impact starter. May be able to get on the field early thanks to fairly polished play style, especially considering improvement vs. the run. Possesses traits that could lead to significant NFL Draft potential. -- Brooks

Shreveport (La.) Calvary Baptist four-star Devin Harper sits in the top five interior O-line prospects in the 2025 Top247, though he could provide position versatility. Here's more about the LSU pledge and what he will bring to the Tigers at the next level.

Physical, tone-setting offensive lineman who could potentially play inside or outside. Possesses requisite physical tools to fit either role, including an arm measurement of 34+ inches. Convicted down blocker and block finisher. Displays necessary lateral mobility and above average foot quickness. Hand placement consistency can improve, but when on target they can pack serious pop. Strength- and power-oriented blocker who's still honing technical craft, whether in footwork or bending consistency. Body control and balance improved from sophom*ore to junior year, which is encouraging considering added mass. Logged limited discus reps as a sophom*ore. Power 4-caliber offensive line prospect who could provide roster value and versatility. Projects as a possible multi-year high-major starter who could develop into a legitimate NFL Draft candidate. -- Brooks

247Sports Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins provides a closer look at Pensacola (Fla.) Escambia Top247 four-star safety Ladarian Clardy, who's visited or will visit Washington,UCF, Florida State, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and Miami.

Aggressive down safety prospect that can generate takeaways. On the smaller side, but isn't afraid to throw his weight around and will hit with a message-sending purpose. Takes favorable angles in run support and isn't one to second guess his decision. Natural bounce and well-timed jumps make him competitive in 50-50 situations while active eyes put him in position to jump routes. Hasn't been asked to man-up with a ton of skill players at the prep level and in-person evaluations suggest that he's more comfortable handling zone coverage responsibilities at this stage. However, has displayed some lateral burst and looser hips while doubling as a wide receiver, which suggests that he might be able to handle a nickel role at some point in the near future. Overall, should be viewed as a twitchy middle-third defender with the toughness and instincts to emerge as a multi-year starter and possible impact player at the Power Four level. Likely to add some value on special teams with his physicality. Testing metrics could be very attractive to NFL scouts one day. -- Ivins

-- 247Sports' Andrew Ivins, Cooper Petagna, Hudson Standish, Greg Biggins, and Clint Brewster contributed to this report.