By: Michael Buck (@Hornsnation)
The CFSL Season 21 recruiting class brought in some of the most hyped players in league history. With massive expectations, the top ten recruits aimed to make an immediate impact. Here’s how they fared on the field during their rookie campaigns.
1. Himoteo Del Este (QB)
- Recruit Rank: 1
- Performance: As the top recruit, Del Este delivered a solid season. Known for his dual-threat ability, he threw for 30 touchdowns (8th in the league) while rushing for 798 yards (6th in the league). Del Este proved why he was the No. 1 recruit, showing flashes of brilliance that promise an even brighter future.
2. Jimbo Hawk (WR)
- Recruit Rank: 2
- Performance: Hawk showed potential but had an inconsistent season overall. One of his standout games came in Michigan State’s upset victory over USC, where he recorded over 100 receiving yards and two touchdowns. While he didn’t dominate statistically, Hawk’s clutch performances hinted at his ability to become a star with more consistent usage.
3. Stacey Smith (WR)
- Recruit Rank: 3
- Performance: Smith was a true standout in her rookie year. She finished 5th in the league in receiving yards with 1,012, showcasing her big-play ability. Her 6-reception, 214-yard game against Auburn, including a 76-yard touchdown, was a highlight of the season. Smith’s production demonstrated her reliability as a top target and cemented her as one of the league’s top rookie playmakers.
4. Jordan Little (CB)
- Recruit Rank: 4
- Performance: Little brought stability to Notre Dame’s secondary, recording 35 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 1 interception. While these numbers didn’t make him a statistical leader, his consistent presence helped anchor the defense. Little’s rookie year laid the groundwork for a promising future as he refines his play.
5. Robert Henry Wetzel (HB)
- Recruit Rank: 5
- Performance: Wetzel had a respectable debut season, scoring 9 rushing touchdowns (10th in the league). While he wasn’t among the league leaders in rushing yards, Wetzel’s ability to convert in the red zone proved valuable. With continued development, he has the tools to become a more well-rounded offensive weapon.
6. Jordan Haack (CB)
- Recruit Rank: 6
- Performance: Haack helped USC’s defense force 20 turnovers, tying for 3rd most in the league. His contributions in the secondary were vital to the team’s success, though his numbers were less prominent.
7. Tavon Moss (QB)
- Recruit Rank: 7
- Performance: Moss showed potential at Clemson, throwing for 2,716 yards with 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Despite a 66.3% completion rate, his inconsistency and turnovers limited his overall impact.
8. Rara Banks (FS)
- Recruit Rank: 8
- Performance: Banks was a defensive standout for Colorado, with 67 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 1 defensive touchdown. His ball-hawking and tackling ability made him a pivotal player in the secondary, earning him recognition as one of the top defenders in the league.
9. Charlie Jo (WR)
- Recruit Rank: 9
- Performance: Jo was a consistent contributor for Texas, recording 933 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns over 9 games. Her 12-catch, 203-yard, 3-touchdown performance against West Virginia showcased her potential as an elite receiver.
10. Jay Holt (OLB)
- Recruit Rank: 10
- Performance: Holt shined on defense for USC, tallying 71 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and 1 interception. His versatility and football intelligence made him a key asset, contributing across multiple facets of the defense.
Who Had the Best Season?
Among the top 10 recruits, Stacey Smith (WR) delivered the most impressive season. Her 1,012 receiving yards (5th in the league) and ability to produce big plays in key moments, such as her 81-yard touchdown against Kentucky, set her apart. While other players like Himoteo Del Este and Rara Banks also had strong seasons, Smith’s combination of consistency, explosiveness, and statistical production made her the top performer of Season 21.
Key Takeaways
Season 21 reinforced the notion that recruit rankings aren’t everything. While players like Stacey Smith and Himoteo Del Este validated their high rankings, others struggled to find consistency. Meanwhile, defensive players like Rara Banks and Jay Holt proved their worth through key contributions.
As these recruits develop, fans can look forward to seeing how they build on their rookie seasons. For now, Stacey Smith takes the crown as the standout performer of the CFSL Season 21 class, setting the bar high for future stars.
What will the top ten recruits from Season 22 look like next year?
