Athletic Highlights

Top High School Recruits Face Off in NFC Championship

Washington Commanders vs Philadelphia Eagles at 2024 NFC Championship Game

Image: NFL | YouTube

The NFC Championship clash between the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday is set to showcase almost double the number of five-star recruits as last year’s conference title game. 

In the previous match between the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions, there were six five-star recruits combined, whereas this year’s matchup boasts ten.

Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, and Josh Sweat are the standout five-star athletes from the Eagles. Notably, Smith was ranked as the No. 1 overall recruit in the Class of 2019 by 247Sports. Additionally, Nakobe Dean and Brandon Graham would elevate Philadelphia’s count to eight five-star recruits, but they are absent from the active roster due to injuries.

Other five-star recruits in this year’s game include Kelee Ringo, Will Shipley, and Eli Ricks. Ringo and Ricks were the top-rated cornerbacks in the Class of 2020.

The Commanders also feature four five-star recruits: Dante Fowler Jr., Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen, and Jeff Driskel. Among them, Allen stands out as the highest-rated player for the Commanders, ranked No. 15 overall in the Class of 2013.

Both starting quarterbacks lead a total of 34 four-star recruits who emerged from high school.

Jalen Hurts was the 175th overall player in the Class of 2016 and amassed impressive numbers with 7,271 yards of total offense (4,929 passing, 2,342 rushing) and 91 touchdowns during his last two seasons under the guidance of his father, Averion Hurts, at Channelview (Texas).

Jayden Daniels holds the record as the all-time passing leader in CIF Southern Section history, logging 13,827 passing yards at Cajon (San Bernardino, Calif.). He also set the CIF Southern Section record with an impressive 170 passing touchdowns. 

Nationally, Daniels ranks 23rd all-time for passing yards and 15th in passing touchdowns according to the National Record Book. In the Class of 2019, he was rated 35th overall and named the No. 2 dual-threat quarterback.

Other notable former four-stars on the Eagles include Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Landon Dickerson, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Cooper DeJean.

Meanwhile, the Commanders have a notable group of 15 four-star recruits, featuring players like Terry McLaurin, Brian Robinson Jr., Zach Ertz, Dyami Brown, and Marshon Lattimore. 

Read on for a comprehensive overview of how the Eagles and Commanders were evaluated as prospects coming out of high school. Player ratings are based on 247Sports.

Philadelphia Eagles

Quarterbacks (3)

Jalen Hurts, Channelview (Texas)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2016
  • Overall rank: 175 | Position rank: 3 (dual threat)

Kenny Pickett, Ocean Township (Oakhurst, N.J.)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2017
  • Overall rank: 736 | Position rank: 33

Tanner McKee, Centennial (Corona, Calif.)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2018
  • Overall rank: 46 | Position rank: 3

Running backs (4)

Saquon Barkley, Whitehall (Pa.)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2015
  • Overall rank: 119 | Position rank: 13

Kenneth Gainwell, Yazoo City (Yazoo City, Miss.)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2018
  • Overall rank: 1,614 | Position rank: 124

Will Shipley, Weddington (Matthews, N.C.)

  • Stars: 5 | Class: 2021
  • Overall rank: 32 | Position rank: 2

Khari Blasingame, Buckhorn (New Market, Ala.)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2014
  • Overall rank: 1,480 | Position rank: 125

Wide receivers (6)

A.J. Brown, Starkville (Miss.)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2016
  • Overall rank: 36 | Position rank: 4

DeVonta Smith, Amite (La.)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2017
  • Overall rank: 62 | Position rank: 9

Jahan Dotson, Nazareth Area (Nazareth, Pa.)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2018
  • Overall rank: 192 | Position rank: 36

Johnny Wilson, Calabasas (Calif.)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2020
  • Overall rank: 116 | Position rank: 21

Parris Campbell, St. Vincent-St. Mary (Akron, Ohio)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2014
  • Overall rank: 139 | Position rank: 22

Ainias Smith, Fort Bend Dulles (Sugar Land, Texas)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2019
  • Overall rank: 780 | Position rank: 48

Tight ends (3)

Dallas Goedert, Britton-Hecla (Britton, S.D.)

  • Stars: 0 | Class: 2013
  • Overall rank: N/A | Position rank: N/A

Grant Calcaterra, Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2017
  • Overall rank: 229 | Position rank: 6

E.J. Jenkins, Chancellor (Fredericksburg, Va.)

  • Stars: 2 | Class: 2017
  • Overall rank: 2,466 | Position rank: 111

Offensive line (11)

Jordan Mailata, Condell Park (New South Wales, Australia)

  • Stars: 0 | Class: 2015
  • Overall rank: N/A | Position rank: N/A

Landon Dickerson, South Caldwell (Hudson, N.C.)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2016
  • Overall rank: 31 | Position rank: 4

Cam Jurgens, Beatrice (Neb.)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2018
  • Overall rank: 193 | Position rank: 7 (tight end)

Mekhi Becton, Highland Springs (Va.)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2017
  • Overall rank: 399 | Position rank: 42

Lane Johnson, Groveton (Texas)

  • Stars: 0 | Class: 2008
  • Overall rank: N/A | Position rank: N/A

Fred Johnson, Royal Palm Beach (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2015
  • Overall rank: 1,321 | Position rank: 143

Tyler Steen, St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2018
  • Overall rank: 1,177 | Position rank: 112

Nick Gates, Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2014
  • Overall rank: 300 | Position rank: 24

Darian Kinnard, St. Ignatius (Cleveland)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2018
  • Overall rank: 314 | Position rank: 22

Trevor Keegan, Crystal Lake South (Crystal Lake, Ill.)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2019
  • Overall rank: 178 | Position rank: 16

Brett Toth, West Ashley (Charleston, S.C.)

  • Stars: 2 | Class: 2014
  • Overall rank: 2,648 | Position rank: 209

Defensive line (7)

Milton Williams, Crowley (Texas)

  • Stars: 2 | Class: 2017
  • Overall rank: 2,640 | Position rank: 127

Jordan Davis, Mallard Creek (Charlotte, N.C.)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2018
  • Overall rank: 424 | Position rank: 29

Jalen Carter, Apopka (Fla.)

  • Stars: 5 | Class: 2020
  • Overall rank: 18 | Position rank: 4

Nolan Smith, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)

  • Stars: 5 | Class: 2019
  • Overall rank: 1 | Position rank: 1

Moro Ojomo, Katy (Texas)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2018
  • Overall rank: 390 | Position rank: 27

Thomas Booker IV, Gilman (Baltimore, Md.)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2018
  • Overall rank: 282 | Position rank: 11

Jalyx Hunt, University (Orange City, Fla.)

  • Stars: 0 | Class: 2019
  • Overall rank: N/A | Position rank: N/A

Linebackers (6)

Zack Baun, Brown Deer (Wis.)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2015
  • Overall rank: 1,055 | Position rank: 83

Oren Burks, South County (Lorton, Va.)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2013
  • Overall rank: 615 | Position rank: 46

Josh Sweat, Oscar Smith (Chesapeake, Va.)

  • Stars: 5 | Class: 2015
  • Overall rank: 8 | Position rank: 1

Jeremiah Trotter Jr., St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2021
  • Overall rank: 37 | Position rank: 5

Bryce Huff, St. Paul’s Episcopal (Mobile, Ala.)

  • Stars: 2 | Class: 2016
  • Overall rank: 3,018 | Position rank: 137

Nicholas Morrow, Huntsville (Ala.)

  • Stars: 0 | Class: 2013
  • Overall rank: N/A | Position rank: N/A

Defensive backs (12)

Quinyon Mitchell, Williston (Fla.)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2020
  • Overall rank: 1,830 | Position rank: 159

C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Cocoa (Fla.)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2016
  • Overall rank: 42 | Position rank: 4

Reed Blankenship, West Limestone (Lester, Ala.)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2017
  • Overall rank: 1,713 | Position rank: 132

Darius Slay, Brunswick (Ga.)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2009
  • Overall rank: 1,439 | Position rank: 160

Cooper DeJean, Odebolt Arthur Battle Creek Ida Grove (Ida Grove, Iowa)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2021
  • Overall rank: 359 | Position rank: 26

Keele Ringo, Saguaro (Scottsdale, Ariz.)

  • Stars: 5 | Class: 2020
  • Overall rank: 4 | Position rank: 1

Tristin McCollum, Ball (Galveston, Texas)

  • Stars: 2 | Class: 2017
  • Overall rank: 2,340 | Position rank: 230

Sydney Brown, Saint Stephen’s Episcopal (Bradenton, Fla.)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2018
  • Overall rank: 1,598 | Position rank: 121

Isaiah Rodgers, Blake (Tampa, Fla.)

  • Stars: 2 | Class: 2016
  • Overall rank: 2,732 | Position rank: 253

Avonte Maddox, King (Detroit)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2014
  • Overall rank: 1,068 | Position rank: 86

Eli Ricks, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)

  • Stars: 5 | Class: 2020
  • Overall rank: 14 | Position rank: 2

Lewis Cine, Trinity Leadership (Cedar Hill, Texas)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2019
  • Overall rank: 45 | Position rank: 3

Kicker (1)

Jake Elliott, Lyons (LaGrange, Ill.)

  • Stars: 2 | Class: 2013
  • Overall rank: 3,069 | Position rank: 28

Punter (1)

Braden Mann, Cy-Fair (Cypress, Texas)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2016
  • Overall rank: 1,157 | Position rank: 5

Long snapper (1)

Rick Lovato, Middletown South (Middletown, N.J.)

  • Stars: 0 | Class: 2011
  • Overall rank: N/A | Position rank: N/A

Washington Commanders

Quarterbacks (3)

Jayden Daniels, Cajon (San Bernardino, Calif.)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2019
  • Overall rank: 35 | Position rank: 2 (dual threat)

Marcus Mariota, St. Louis (Honolulu, Hawaii)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2011
  • Overall rank: 512 | Position rank: 18 (dual threat)

Jeff Driskel, Hagerty (Oviedo, Fla.)

  • Stars: 5 | Class: 2011
  • Overall rank: 17 | Position rank: 1 (dual threat)

Running backs (4)

Brian Robinson Jr., Hillcrest (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2017
  • Overall rank: 145 | Position rank: 8

Austin Ekeler, Eaton (Colo.)

  • Stars: 0 | Class: 2013
  • Overall rank: N/A | Position rank: N/A

Jeremy McNichols, Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2014
  • Overall rank: 1,708 | Position rank: 218 (wide receiver)

Chris Rodriguez Jr., Ola (McDonough, Ga.)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2018
  • Overall rank: 1,156 | Position rank: 64

Wide receivers (6)

Terry McLaurin, Cathedral (Indianapolis)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2014
  • Overall rank: 244 | Position rank: 36

Olamide Zaccheus, St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia, PA)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2015
  • Overall rank: 811 | Position rank: 61

Dyami Brown, West Mecklenburg (Charlotte, N.C.)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2018
  • Overall rank: 181 | Position rank: 8 (athlete)

Jamison Crowder, Monroe (N.C.)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2011
  • Overall rank: 1,038 | Position rank: 128

Luke McCaffrey, Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch, Colo.)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2019
  • Overall rank: 269 | Position rank: 14 (athlete)

K.J. Osborn, IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL)

  • Stars: 2 | Class: 2015
  • Overall rank: 2,424 | Position rank: 283

Tight ends (4)

Zach Ertz, Monte Vista (Danville, Calif.)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2009
  • Overall rank: 223 | Position rank: 7

John Bates, Lebanon (Ore.)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2016
  • Overall rank: 1,399 | Position rank: 61

Ben Sinnott, Columbus (Waterloo, Iowa)

  • Stars: 0 | Class: 2020
  • Overall rank: N/A Position rank: N/A

Colson Yankoff, Coeur d’Alene (Idaho)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2018
  • Overall rank: 91 | Position rank: 6 (dual threat QB)

Offensive line (9)

Brandon Coleman, Denton (Texas)

  • Stars: 0 | Class: 2018
  • Overall rank: N/A | Position rank: N/A

Nick Allegretti, Lincoln-Way East (Frankfort, Ill.)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2014
  • Overall rank: 849 | Position rank: 11

Tyler Biadasz, Amherst (Wis.)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2016
  • Overall rank: 1,042 | Position rank: 52 (SDE)

Trent Scott, Lee (Huntsville, Ala.)

  • Stars: 0 | Class: 2022
  • Overall rank: N/A | Position rank: N/A

Andrew Wylie, Midland (Mich.)

  • Stars: 2 | Class: 2012
  • Overall rank: 1,989 | Position rank: 189

Cornelius Lucas, Edna Karr (New Orleans)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2009
  • Overall rank: 1,530 | Position rank: 121

Chris Paul, Jersey Village (Houston)

  • Stars: 2 | Class: 2017
  • Overall rank: 2,981 | Position rank: 251

Michael Deiter, Genoa Area (Genoa, Ohio)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2014
  • Overall rank: 1,143 | Position rank: 61

Anim Dankwah, Taft School (Watertown, Conn.)

  • Stars: 0 | Class: 2019
  • Overall: N/A | Position rank: N/A

Defensive line (9)

Clelin Ferrell, Benedictine (Richmond, Va.)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2015
  • Overall: 115 | Position rank: 7

Daron Payne, Shades Valley (Birmingham, Ala.)

  • Stars: 5 | Class: 2015
  • Overall rank: 28 | Position rank: 7

Jonathan Allen, Stone Bridge (Ashburn, Va.)

  • Stars: 5 | Class: 2013
  • Overall rank: 15 | Position rank: 3

Dorance Armstrong, North Shore (Houston)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2015
  • Overall rank: 993 | Position rank: 45

Jalyn Holmes, Lake Taylor (Norfolk, Va.)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2014
  • Overall rank: 76 | Position rank: 4

Sheldon Day, Warren Central (Indianapolis)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2012
  • Overall rank: 111 | Position rank: 11

Jer’Zhan Newton, Clearwater Central Catholic (Clearwater, Fla.)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2020
  • Overall rank: 1,043 | Position rank: 51

Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2018
  • Overall rank: 219 | Position rank: 16

Andre Jones Jr., Varnado (Angie, La.)

  • Stars: 2 | Class: 2017
  • Overall rank: 2,717 | Position rank: 131

Linebackers (6)

Frankie Luvu, Tafuna (American Samoa)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2014
  • Overall rank: 1,455 | Position rank: 101

Bobby Wagner, Colony (Ontario, Calif.)

  • Stars: 2 | Class: 2008
  • Overall rank: 2,057 | Position rank: 162

Dante Fowler Jr., Lakewood (St. Petersburg, Fla.)

  • Stars: 5 | Class: 2012
  • Overall rank: 36 | Position rank: 6

Mykal Walker, Vacaville (Calif.)

  • Stars: 0 | Class: 2015
  • Overall rank: N/A | Position rank: N/A

Nick Bellore, Whitefish Bay (Wis.)

  • Stars: 2 | Class: 2007
  • Overall rank: 1,552 | Position rank: 92

Dominique Hampton, Centennial (Peoria, Ariz.)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2018
  • Overall rank: 855 | Position rank: 76

Defensive backs (12)

Benjamin St-Juste, Cegep du Vieux (Montreal, Quebec)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2017
  • Overall rank: 331 | Position rank: 39

Jeremy Chinn, Fishers (Ind.)

  • Stars: 0 | Class: 2016
  • Overall rank: N/A | Position rank: N/A

Quan Martin, Lehigh (Lehigh Acres, Fla.)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2018
  • Overall rank: 1,495 | Position rank: 113

Marshon Lattimore, Glenville (Cleveland)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2014
  • Overall rank: 55 | Position rank: 6

Mike Sainristil, Everett (Mass.)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2019
  • Overall rank: 589 | Position rank: 59

Allan George, Andalusia (Ala.)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2017
  • Overall rank: 1,900 | Position rank: 192

Percy Butler, Plaquemine (La.)

  • Stars: 2 | Class: 2018
  • Overall rank: 2,398 | Position rank: 357

Jeremy Reaves, Pensacola Catholic (Pensacola, Fla.)

  • Stars: 2 | Class: 2014
  • Overall rank: 3,083 | Position rank: 258

Michael Davis, Glendale (Calif.)

  • Stars: 2 | Class: 2013
  • Overall rank: 2,334 | Position rank: 313 (wide receiver)

Noah Igbinoghene, Hewitt-Trussville (Trussville, Ala.)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2017
  • Overall rank: 286 | Position rank: 39 (wide receiver)

Darrick Forrest, Walnut Ridge (Columbus, Ohio)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2017
  • Overall rank: 2,118 | Position rank: 212

Kevon Seymour, Muir (Pasadena, Calif.)

  • Stars: 4 | Class: 2012
  • Overall rank: 132 | Position rank: 9

Kicker (1)

Zane Gonzalez, Deer Park (Texas)

  • Stars: 0 | Class: 2013
  • Overall rank: N/A | Position rank: N/A

Punter (1)

Tress Way, Union (Tulsa, Okla.)

  • Stars: 3 | Class: 2008
  • Overall rank: 841 | Position rank: 2

Long snapper (1)

Tyler Ott, Jenks (Okla.)

  • Stars: 0 | Class: 2010
  • Overall rank: N/A | Position rank: N/A
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    The Lakers split a doubleheader with Rochester last week and followed that up with back-to-back wins against Groves, including an 8-1 victory on Tuesday. West Bloomfield will meet Groves once more on May 1 before taking on Stoney Creek on May 3.

    16. Dexter (13-6)

    The Dreadnaughts have struggled recently, dropping four of their last six games, including both matches in a doubleheader against Ann Arbor Skyline on Monday. They have another opportunity against Skyline on April 30 before heading to Adrian on May 3.

    17. Woodhaven (15-5)

    The Warriors have secured consecutive victories after experiencing two losses in a row, with their latest triumph coming against Dearborn Edsel Ford, winning 2-1 in a dramatic nine-inning game on Monday. Woodhaven’s upcoming opponents include Wyandotte on April 30, followed by Taylor on May 1.

    18. Rochester Adams (15-4)

    Rochester Adams holds a 2-2 record over its last four games, having recently suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Stoney Creek on Tuesday. The Highlanders have another chance to face Stoney Creek on May 2 before taking on Grosse Pointe North in a doubleheader on May 3.

    19. Trenton (13-3)

    The Trojans went 2-1 at the 9th Bob Kreszyn Classic on Saturday, achieving victories over Wayland and Flint Powers Catholic, with their only setback against Utica Ford. Additionally, Trenton triumphed over Taylor on Monday, and their next matchup is against Dearborn Edsel Ford on April 30.

    20. Midland (6-2)

    Midland upset the top-ranked team in the state, securing a 4-1 victory over Bay City Western on Monday. Despite a number of canceled games this season, the Chemics’ schedule is about to heat up, starting with a game against Davison on April 30.

    21. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (9-5)

    Pontiac Notre Dame Prep faced a tough doubleheader against Flushing on Saturday, resulting in two losses, but bounced back on Monday with a solid 9-2 win over U of D Jesuit.

    22. Detroit Western (13-5)

    After a 12-7 win against Grosse Pointe North on Saturday, the Cowboys suffered an 8-3 loss to Grosse Pointe South later that day. However, they regained their momentum with a 5-2 victory over Cass Tech on Tuesday. Detroit Western is set to face Livonia Stevenson next on April 30.

    23. Grand Ledge (13-5)

    The Comets faced a tough defeat in a doubleheader against Okemos on Monday, breaking a four-game winning streak. Grand Ledge will aim to bounce back during a doubleheader against Lansing Everett on May 1.

    24. Mattawan (8-2-3)

    Mattawan has triumphed in four of its last five outings, although they faced a setback against Grandville, losing 4-3 on Saturday. The Wildcats will take on Gull Lake next in a doubleheader on April 30.

    25. Allen Park (8-5)

    The Jaguars managed to avoid a third consecutive loss by overpowering Lincoln Park with a decisive 15-0 win on Monday. Allen Park will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to host Taylor for a doubleheader on April 30.

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