



The inaugural Top247 for the class of 2019 has arrived.

Last summer, following The Opening Finals in Oregon, we felt comfortable listing the top 100 players in the class. After another season and spring camp circuit, we’re ready to expand the list.

Kayvon Thibodeaux, the No. 1 player in our initial, shortened rankings, retains the No. 1 spot. The 6-foot-5 weak-side defensive end from California has a chance to be special given his length and edge speed. He burst onto the scene during the playoffs of his freshman season but Thibodeaux's sophomore season continued to give us reason for excitement. With his physical traits at a value position like defensive end, the Los Angeles (Calif.) Dorsey product has a chance to hold onto No. 1 throughout the process.

Right on Thibodeaux’s heels are defensive tackle Ishmael Sopsher, who has the same rating (98) as Thibodeaux, outside linebacker Owen Pappoe, weak-side defensive end Nolan Smith and cornerback Akeem Dent. The top-five is entirely made up of defenders, which is the theme of the elite guys in 2019; only seven of the top-20 players hail from the offensive side of the ball.

JT Daniels, a 6-foot-2 pro-style prospect out of California quarterback factory Mater Dei, is the top quarterback in the class — so far. His numbers speak for themselves. As a sophomore Daniels threw for 4,849 yards and 67 touchdowns, completing 74 percent of his passes. He's as polished as they come at this stage in his development and he'll be the arm that the rest of the nation is chasing.