Farrell 50: Nos. 1-5
Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.
It’s been a trying year in college football but that doesn’t mean I’m shying away from my final Farrell 50, the top players in college football for the 2020 season. This is the hardest list yet. Let’s finish from 5-1.
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MORE FARRELL 50: Nos. 6-10 | 11-15 | 16-20 | 21-25 | 26-30 | 31-35 | 36-40 | 41-45 | 46-50
CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
COVERAGE: Rivals Transfer Tracker | Rivals Camp Series
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5. Kyle Pitts, Florida
The skinny: Pitts trimmed his list of top schools down to Florida, Georgia and Virginia Tech before committing to the Gators during the summer leading up to his senior season.
Coming off a breakout 2019 season, Pitts became one of the top offensive weapons in the country in 2020 with 43 receptions for 770 yards and 12 touchdowns. Having already declared for the 2021 NFL Draft, Pitts was recently named an AP First-Team All-American.
Farrell’s take: Pitts was a big get for Florida out of the state of Pennsylvania , but he was ranked outside the Rivals250 because he was a bit raw and inconsistent. He’s emerged as the best tight end in college football and was unstoppable this season. He’s a top 10 pick.
4. Najee Harris, Alabama
The skinny: Harris committed to Alabama in the spring of his sophomore year but Michigan was a serious contender late, even as the five-star played in the Army All-American Bowl. Torn between the two schools, Harris made his final choice in San Antonio and flew directly to Alabama after the event to enroll in school.
Surprising some by returning for his senior season, Harris enjoyed his best collegiate season in 2020 with 1,387 yards and 24 touchdowns on the ground, plus 346 yards and three touchdowns through the air. An AP First-Team All-American, Harris also finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting.
Farrell’s take: Harris drew some comparisons to Adrian Peterson - and some even had the bravery to say he was more talented out of high school - but he was just a shade behind as the second best running back I’ve scouted. He’s an elite talent who broke out last season and simply dominated this year.
