NFL Playoffs Feature Six Former 100-Rated High School Legends

BALTIMORE, Md. — As the NFL divisional playoffs kick off this week, six former 100-rated high school football legends are set to take the field, showcasing the enduring impact of elite recruiting talent. Among them are former Alabama running back Derrick Henry, LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., and other standout players who have transitioned from collegiate stardom to NFL success.

Alabama leads all programs with three former players on this list, all of whom are Pro Bowl selections. Georgia follows with multiple representatives, while non-SEC programs also feature prominently. The rankings are based on each player’s overall recruiting rating, with ties broken using the 247Sports Composite score.

Derrick Henry, a former Heisman Trophy winner and national champion at Alabama, has been a force in the NFL since being drafted in the second round in 2016. Now with the Baltimore Ravens, Henry rushed for 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns during the regular season, marking one of the best campaigns of his career.

Marlon Humphrey, another Alabama product, earned a 99 recruiting grade and has become a cornerstone of the Ravens’ defense. Drafted 16th overall in 2017, Humphrey has twice been named First-Team All-Pro, including this season.

Josh Sweat, a former Florida State standout, overcame knee injuries to become a key contributor for the Philadelphia Eagles. Drafted in the fourth round in 2018, Sweat has tallied 43.0 career sacks, including 8.0 this season.

Georgia’s Kelee Ringo, the No. 1 cornerback in the 2020 recruiting class, played a pivotal role in the Bulldogs’ back-to-back national championships. Drafted in the fourth round in 2023, Ringo started one game for the Eagles this season.

Will Anderson Jr., a five-star recruit and two-time Nagurski Trophy winner at Alabama, was drafted third overall by the Houston Texans in 2023. He recorded 11.0 sacks this season, building on a stellar rookie campaign.

Laremy Tunsil, a former Ole Miss standout, has made five Pro Bowls since being drafted 13th overall in 2016. He recently signed a three-year, $75 million extension with the Texans.

Chris Jones, the highest-rated recruit in Mississippi State history, has been named All-Pro six times and won two Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs. Drafted 37th overall in 2016, Jones remains one of the NFL’s premier defensive tackles.

Nolan Smith, a two-time national champion at Georgia, was drafted 30th overall in 2023. He had a breakout sophomore season with 42 tackles and 6.5 sacks.

Derek Stingley Jr., a first-team All-SEC selection at LSU, was drafted third overall in 2022. He earned First-Team All-Pro honors this season after recording five interceptions in 2023.

Robert Woods, the highest-rated player on this list, had a prolific career at USC before being drafted 41st overall in 2013. He won Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams and continues to be a reliable NFL receiver.

These players, once high school phenoms, now headline the NFL playoffs, proving the lasting value of elite recruiting talent.