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Class of 2019: New star rankings revealed for 20 top prospects

CLASS OF 2018 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State

This week, Rivals.com turns its attention to the 2019 class, as we will unveil 20 prospects each weekday that has earned a star rating. The prospects listed are grouped by their Rivals Rating from 6.1 to 5.9 but are in no particular order otherwise.

Check in each day this week for 20 more prospects from the 2019 class that have impressed our team of analysts enough to earn an early star rating.

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Dynamic Ellenwood (Ga.) Cedar Grove wide receiver Jadon Haselwood, an early Georgia commitment, highlights our first group and has earned that five-star distinction out of the gate.

“Haselwood is a gifted athlete who shines on both sides of the ball. As good as he is at free safety, he is even better at wide receiver,” Rivals.com Southeast Recruiting Analyst Chad Simmons said. “He has a great frame with length and he will play at over 200 pounds on the next level. He can stretch the field vertically or make the tough catch in traffic across the middle. He has very strong, reliable hands and he can really adjust to the ball well. Haselwood looks and plays the part of a true No. 1 wide receiver and his upside is scary.”

In addition to Haselwood, there are a few others that stand out just below that five-star status led by Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy running back Trey Sanders, an early Alabama commitment. Sanders, a big and upright runner, fits perfectly into the mold of recent Alabama running backs. But no matter where he plays, he can dominate.

“Sanders has a sturdy build and brings the type of power Nick Saban loves from his back,” Rivals.com Florida Recruiting Analyst Rob Cassidy said. “He has surprising speed for his massive size, but his calling cards are his strength and vision.”

Warren, Ark. wide receiver Treylon Burks is another skill position player to watch early on with great size and the ability to dominate physically.

“Burks is a physical football player. He is tough to slow down off the line of scrimmage due to his size and he is a wide receiver with the ability to break tackles and get up the field after the catch,” Simmons said. “He has shown the ability to run away from defenders or catch the short pass or fight for the ball in coverage. Burks has the size, hands and playmaking ability schools covet. Arkansas and Auburn are two big early offers but plenty more will be arriving.”

Lewis Center (Ohio) Olentangy Orange defensive end Zach Harrison, a physical freak, also earns an early high four-star ranking. He has length, burst and is just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential.

“This is the Midwest prospect we gave the strongest early five-star consideration to, but we want to see a little more skill refinement first,” Rivals.com Midwest Recruiting Analyst Josh Helmholdt said. “The physical tools are off the charts, though, and Harrison has all the makings of a dominant pass-rushing defensive end. He has early offers from Ohio State, Notre Dame, Michigan, Michigan State and others.”

Another name to keep an eye on is Washington (D.C.) St. John’s College High linebacker Shane Lee, a physical force who looks and plays much older than his class year.

“Lee has proven to be a dominant player over the last two seasons. He is physically imposing, a big hitter and can play sideline-to-sideline,” Rivals.com Mid-Atlantic Recruiting Analyst Adam Friedman said. “Lee also has a knack for creating turnovers. Maryland, Michigan and many other are involved in Lee's recruitment.”

And the quarterback position looks well represented early with Eugene (Ore.) Sheldon pro-style Michael Johnson Jr. loading up on early offers. Johnson Jr. was the subject of much attention when his father, Michael Johnson Sr., was expected to be hired by Jim Harbaugh at Michigan. The elder Johnson has since landed at Oregon.

“Johnson is a fantastic dual-threat quarterback who can make all the throws and is perfectly comfortable sitting in the pocket and dissecting defenses,” Rivals.com National Recruiting Analyst Adam Gorney said. “But he's also phenomenal at running the read-option, keeping the ball, getting to the edge and running by people. Ohio State recently landed a visit by Johnson Jr., but his father just got a job at Oregon so the Ducks will be a contender as well.”

Stafford, Texas, is well-represented early with wide receiver Jalen Curry and his tall, angular frame earning early four-star distinction. Curry is not only being recruited heavily in Big 12 country but the SEC and ACC are also taking early notice.

“Curry is one of the most physically well-put together receivers in Texas in his class,” Rivals.com Texas Recruiting Analyst Nick Krueger said. “He's an explosive and strong runner that attacks the ball when he catches it.”

Louisville (Ky.) Trinity defensive end Stephen Herron can get off the edge with the best of them, and is coveted by both Kentucky and Louisville.

“Talent in the state of Kentucky continues to get better on a yearly basis and Herron is the next big star to come out of the state," Rivals.com Southeast Recruiting Analyst Woody Wommack said. "Herron is a tall, lean defensive end currently, but looks like the type of guy that could develop into an excellent hybrid player at the next level. Pass rushers like him are in high demand and that's why Ohio State, Michigan and Louisville are already fighting for his commitment."

Here are the others that made the initial 20 for today’s release:

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