2016’s Top Recruits: Stars, Surprises, and Where They Landed

From High School Hype to NFL Dominance: The 2016 Recruiting Class Revisited

It’s a strange feeling when you start making videos about high school recruits and realize you’re older than the players themselves. The 2016 recruiting class was packed with talent, featuring names that would go on to become household names in college football and the NFL. While some lived up to their five-star billing and became legends, others faced challenges, transferred, and didn’t quite reach the lofty expectations. This deep dive revisits the top 10 recruits from that era, exploring their journeys, college careers, and ultimate impact on the professional gridiron.

10. Nick Bosa: From Buckeye Heir to Defensive Player of the Year

Kicking off our list at number 10 is defensive end Nick Bosa. Hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Bosa was a dominant force at St. Thomas Aquinas, known for his potent blend of power and speed. A Florida scout famously warned, “If you don’t double team him, you sign your death warrant.” The younger brother of NFL star Joey Bosa, Nick committed to Ohio State with immense expectations. He didn’t disappoint, making an immediate impact as a freshman with 29 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and five sacks. His sophomore year saw him earn First Team All-American honors and Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year. Though his college career was cut short by injury in his junior season, Bosa declared for the NFL draft, where he was selected second overall by the San Francisco 49ers. In the pros, he’s continued his dominance, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year, earning five Pro Bowl selections, and capturing NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2022. Bosa has unequivocally exceeded his top-10 recruit hype.

9. Olui Betiko Jr.: The Raw Talent Who Searched for His Fit

At number nine, we find Olui Betiko Jr., nicknamed ‘Wall.’ A defensive end from Juniperosa High School, Betiko Jr. only began playing football in 2014 after moving from Nigeria. Despite just one year of high school experience, his raw potential and imposing physique—he looked like a “full-grown man”—earned him a top-10 national ranking. He committed to USC, but struggled to find playing time, recording minimal stats in his first two seasons. After redshirting his junior year due to hip surgery, Betiko Jr. became the sixth player from USC’s 2016 class to transfer, landing at Illinois. He admitted to hating game days at USC due to a lack of opportunities. At Illinois, he finally made an impact, leading the nation in tackles for loss early in the 2019 season and finishing with nine sacks. Despite a strong senior year, he never reached the five-star potential envisioned. Betiko Jr. went undrafted in 2019 and briefly spent time on the Giants’ practice squad.

8. Tommy Kramer: The Mauling Lineman Who Found a Niche

Offensive tackle Tommy Kramer, from Elder High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, checked in at number eight. A massive 6’5″, 309-pound mauler, Kramer was a dominant run blocker. His exceptional performance earned him the Gatorade Ohio Player of the Year award, a rare feat for a lineman. He committed to Notre Dame, where he became a cornerstone of a legendary offensive line alongside future top-10 picks Quenton Nelson and Mike McGlinchey. The Irish’s run game flourished with Kramer’s help, setting records for yards per carry. While a formidable run blocker, Kramer’s slower footwork impacted his pass protection, leading to a move to guard. He was a reliable four-year starter, earning First Team All-ACC honors as a senior. Despite his college success, Kramer’s athleticism didn’t translate to top-tier NFL status. He went undrafted in 2021 and spent time as a fringe practice squad player, making limited appearances over three seasons.

7. Ed Oliver: Houston’s Hometown Hero and NFL Starter

Defensive tackle Ed Oliver, from Westfield High School in Houston, Texas, was the number seven recruit. Praised for his rare athleticism, explosive quickness, and relentless motor, Oliver was a terrifying presence on the defensive line. Uniquely, he committed to the University of Houston, becoming the first ESPN five-star player to commit to a non-Power Five school, likely influenced by proximity to home and playing time. Oliver immediately dominated, posting five sacks, 66 tackles, and an astounding 22.5 tackles for loss as a freshman, earning the Bill Willis Trophy. He continued his stellar play, earning consensus All-American honors twice and winning the Outland Trophy. Despite his individual brilliance, Houston’s team success waned during his tenure. Oliver was a top-tier prospect and was drafted ninth overall by the Buffalo Bills. He has since been a solid NFL starter, contributing consistently for the Bills.

6. Derek Brown: Auburn’s Disruptive Force

Another defensive tackle, Derek Brown from Lanier High School in Georgia, ranked sixth. Known for his immense size, power, athleticism, and disruptive ability, Brown was a highly sought-after prospect. He ultimately committed to Auburn, where his college career was a story of steady growth. Starting as a rotational freshman, he became a solid starter as a sophomore and a key player by his junior year. His senior season was dominant, earning First Team All-SEC and SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors. Brown was selected seventh overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. He has proven to be a reliable starter, setting an all-time record for tackles by a defensive tackle in a single season in 2023.

5. Greg Little: The Talented Tackle Who Faced Pro Struggles

Offensive tackle Greg Little, out of Allen High School in Texas, was the fifth recruit. A 6’5″, 305-pound prospect with elite build, length, and quickness, Little was a key part of Allen High’s back-to-back undefeated state championship teams alongside Kyler Murray. After initially committing to Texas A&M, he flipped to Ole Miss. He made an immediate impact, starting five games at left tackle as a true freshman. Little developed into a stalwart for the Rebels, earning Second Team All-SEC as a sophomore and First Team honors as a junior. Despite his college success, the team struggled. Little declared early for the NFL draft and was selected in the early second round by the Carolina Panthers. His professional career was less successful, primarily serving as a rotational player with limited starts. He later moved to Miami but never secured a consistent role and is currently not on an NFL roster.

4. Jacob Eason: The Promising Passer’s Inconsistent Journey

The number four recruit was pro-style quarterback Jacob Eason from Lake Stevens High School in Washington. Standing at a towering 6’6″ with a cannon for an arm, Eason was a raw but undeniably talented prospect. He committed to Georgia, where he started as a freshman, leading the team to a season-opening upset over North Carolina. However, inconsistencies plagued his freshman season. A knee injury the following year saw backup Jake Fromm lead Georgia to a national title appearance, and Eason ultimately transferred to Washington. He sat out a year before becoming the Huskies’ starter in 2019. While he flashed his immense potential, his play remained inconsistent, and the team finished with an 8-5 record. Concerns about his off-field habits and maturity were noted by NFL scouts. Eason was drafted in the fourth round by the Colts in 2020. He has spent his NFL career as a backup, throwing only 10 passes across four seasons.

3. Shea Patterson: A Star-Crossed Quarterback’s Tumultuous Path

At number three was quarterback Shea Patterson, the top-ranked QB from IMG Academy in Florida. A highly athletic playmaker, Patterson committed to Ole Miss. Thrust into action as a freshman due to an injury, he led Ole Miss to a dramatic comeback win over Texas A&M, throwing for 338 yards and two touchdowns. However, subsequent games saw struggles, and his sophomore season was overshadowed by NCAA investigations and the resignation of the head coach. Feeling deceived by the school regarding sanctions, Patterson transferred to Michigan. He became the starter in 2018 and had a solid season, helping Michigan contend for a playoff spot before a loss to Ohio State. Despite high expectations, his career at Michigan was marked by inconsistency, particularly in big games. Patterson went undrafted in 2021 and has since played in other leagues.

2. Dexter Lawrence: Clemson’s Defensive Anchor to Giants’ Star

Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, from Wake Forest High School in North Carolina, was the second recruit. A colossal 6’4″, 327-pound force, Lawrence was a dominant run-stopper at Clemson. He immediately became a key player, recording 55 tackles and five sacks as a freshman, earning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. He was a critical part of Clemson’s national championship team. Lawrence earned First Team All-American honors in 2018, excelling as a space-eater who commanded double teams. Though he missed the playoffs due to a PED suspension, Clemson still won the championship. His combination of size, power, and technique made him a top prospect. Lawrence was drafted 17th overall by the New York Giants in 2019. Now nicknamed “Sexy Dexi,” he has developed into one of the Giants’ best players, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and ranking 17th on the NFL Top 100 in 2025.

1. Rashawn Gary: The Generational Talent’s NFL Evolution

The number one recruit in 2016 was defensive tackle Rashawn Gary from Paramus Catholic High School in New Jersey. Hailed as a generational talent, Gary possessed a rare combination of size, athleticism, and explosiveness. He committed to Michigan, where he made an immediate impact. His sophomore season was stellar, earning First Team All-Big Ten honors with 11.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. While his junior year was hampered by injury and considered somewhat underwhelming, Gary declared for the NFL draft. He was selected 12th overall by the Green Bay Packers in 2019. Gary’s NFL career started slowly, but he developed into a starter by his third year and earned a Pro Bowl selection in his sixth season, leading to a $170 million extension. However, some scouts and fans have questioned his dedication and consistency, with criticisms of him “quitting on plays” and lacking elite pass-rushing moves, drawing comparisons to Jadeveon Clowney.

Class Verdict: A Strong Showing

Overall, the 2016 top-10 recruiting class proved to be one of the stronger ones analyzed. The majority of these players went on to significant college careers and made their mark in the NFL. While not every recruit achieved superstardom, the class largely avoided major busts, showcasing the enduring impact of elite talent from high school to the professional ranks.

Source: The Top 10 Recruits From 2016… Where Are They Now? (YouTube)