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As the NFL Combine begins Wednesday, I am thinking about freakish players I saw in the recruiting classes of 2012 and 2013. The corners in that 2013 class were particularly awesome. I lived down the road from Florida's Vernon Hargreaves III in Tampa, and got to see him at Wharton High School quite a bit.
Hargreaves won't blow everyone away at the Combine in all likelihood, but one thing that always stood out to me about him is how springy he is. I don't know if there is a term for it, but he is one of the best I have ever seen at jumping without having to gather himself and get down in his haunches. The top-end speed concerns may be real, but his ability to get up so quickly is awesome. That can help overcome a lack of height.
Speaking of jumping, I can't wait to see how FSU's Jalen Ramsey does in the broad jump. Ramsey won the indoor and outdoor long-jump competitions for the ACC.
And one player who I think will really blow people away is Rashard Robinson. Out of Pompano Beach (Fla.), I always thought that the 6'3 Robinson would be a superstar if he could qualify and get his head on straight. He did qualify and was a star for LSU in 2013, but was arrested and dismissed from the Tigers program. Robinson has great length and can absolutely fly.
Quickly
Jim Harbaugh's QB recruit, Dylan McCaffrey, is now a five-star. If Harbaugh, Mark Richt or Jimbo Fisher offer a QB, take note.
Speaking of Mark Richt, his former school's decision on who it wants at QB in the 2017 class will also impact other teams. Georgia is loaded with quarterbacks this year.
Previously
If you're a recent signup or missed a day, that's OK. I link my previous Crootletters in this section.
I wrote 3,000 words on the top performers from Nike's The Opening Regional in Orlando. Here's offense and defense.
I wrote about how roster balance in recruiting can help with player development at other positions.
Which states kept top talent home the most? Plus, observations about in-state recruiting across the Southeast.
I broke down how elite programs recruit offensive linemen.