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ESPN Staff Writer- National recruiting analyst and analyst for ESPNU
- More than a decade of college and pro coaching experience.
- Graduated from Indiana and Nebraska-Omaha
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ESPN Analyst- Senior National Recruiting Analyst for ESPN.com
- Coached in four professional football leagues
- Graduated from Eastern Kentucky and Marshall
The final ESPN 300 update before football season is in the books, and there are a lot of significant moves. After an impressive summer, defensive end Josh Sweat takes over the No. 1 spot. The defensive line class overall saw the most movement in the rankings, and the 2015 corner class continues to see heated competition.
DE Josh Sweat: No. 4 to No. 1
The updated ESPN 300 brings the first change at the top for the 2015 class. While a defensive lineman still occupies the No. 1 slot, the five-star Sweat ascended from the No. 4 spot with his combination of ability, athleticism and upside. Playing on the same Oscar Smith D-line last season as 2014 five-star Andrew Brown, it was easy to get a little overshadowed, but since the former No. 1-rated recruit moved on to Virginia, Sweat has quickly commanded his own spotlight. The newest top prospect needs to continue to fill out his lengthy frame, but Sweat has done a nice job of adding needed size thus far. Close to just 200 pounds last spring, Sweat arrived in Oregon for The Opening at 240 and has managed to maintain, and even in some areas, improve his impressive athleticism while adding size. The top-rated DE displayed his tremendous athleticism while at the all-star event by being the only lineman to make the final 10 of the SPARQ Championship and finishing second overall despite not being completely healthy. Sweat's rise to No. 1 is not simply because he is a good athlete, but he is also a good football player. He needs to continue to work so that his freakish athleticism completely and consistently translates to his play, but this is a defender capable of being a menacing presence.