With the updated Rivals250 being unveiled Tuesday for the 2024 class, we moved next to the position rankings. We conclude them with this, the ranking of the top 2024 athletes.
No. 1 at the position: Mike Matthews
Matthews’ junior season reinforced his status as one of the best athletes in the 2024 class, but it didn’t do much in terms of finding his best position fit in college. On offense, Matthews tore apart Georgia secondaries with 48 catches for 1,030 yards and nine scores. Playing safety, Matthews put the end to 20 plays with a pick for Parkview last fall.
Matthews’ recruitment remains wide open. Georgia, Clemson, Alabama and Tennessee got Matthews on campus for game-days and the Volunteers welcomed him again in mid-January on another visit.
*****
Two teams to watch: Georgia and Texas
Georgia: Of the top 21 players at the athlete position, eight hail from the Peach State including the two at the top, Mike Matthews and KJ Bolden. The back-to-back defending champions will have a hand in recruiting this position. Other state of Georgia athletes to watch include Demello Jones, Amir Jackson, Dwight Phillips and Chase Tyler.
Texas: Population density has a way of helping out various programs, and the Longhorns could reap the benefits. Xavier Filsaime, Aeryn Hampton, Terry Bussey, Vosky Howard, Jamyri Cauley and Jamarquis Johnson are just a few of the Lone Star State players that have a four-star rating climbing college boards. Filsaime dropped a top 11 on Dec. 10 only to see his recruitment blow up in mid-January, adding eight more offers.
*****
Three players to watch
What can Hampton do as an encore after the amazing junior season? The four-star was hands down one of the most prolific players in the country with 44 catches for 1,029 yards and swiped nine passes on defense, taking five back for scores. Watching Hampton mix it up at top camps on both sides of the ball this spring and summer will be a popcorn event.
This offseason could help spring Johnson into that next level with his recruitment. After the 2022 schedule was completed, Johnson showcased his skills as a receiver hauling in 69 passes for 1,081 yards with 16 trips into the end zone. As more offers come in, some programs may like him at safety but Johnson is looking more like a dominating next level receiver.
Like him at receiver, cornerback or safety, college teams can seemingly do no wrong wherever they slot Jones. His speed is dynamic and his play-making abilities are electric, and that extends on both sides of the ball. Jones’ recruitment is wide open, and with his skills he can fit into any collegiate offense or defense.
