There's no perfect formula for ranking high school football recruits, and different networks use different metrics and perspectives to organize the top football players across the country.

USA TODAY Florida Network reporters have seen players in person at games and camps around the state, studied game film, and spoken to dozens of coaches and analysts to get the best information possible on each recruit. Here are five players we have ranked higher than other networks like 247Sports, On3, and Rivals.

(Players listed in alphabetical order, 247Sports Composite rankings as of April 15.)

Brian Williams Jr., Lake Mary

Few receivers have boosted their stock more since the end of the 2024 season than Williams Jr. He’s reeled in offers from Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Florida, and Auburn since shining on the camp and 7-on-7 circuits. That’s in large part because of his much-improved route-running, which is now explosive and fluid, and complements his length (6-foot-4). He's either outside the Top 100 or unranked by other recruiting networks.

Dennis King III, Mainland

King III is an enticing prospect with an elite build (6-foot-2, 200 pounds). He’s shown great mobility and strength, but is also very foundationally sound. He’s an anchor in the middle, but is also explosive and gets into the backfield with purpose (15.0 TFL in seven games played). He has a 247Sports Composite rank of No. 99 overall in the state.

Jeffar Jean-Noel, American Heritage

Jean-Noel’s biggest strength is his combination of speed and route-running. While he may not be the biggest or longest receiver (5-foot-11, 160 pounds), his ability to turn-and-burn is a legit threat to take the top off a defense. His acceleration and footwork are real difference makers, and he’s poised for a larger role in the Patriots' offense, led by gunslinger Dia Bell. Jean-Noel has a 247Sports Composite ranking as the No. 114 player in the state.

Michael Smarts, Flanagan

Smarts has legitimate Division I size (6-foot-5, 220 pounds) and technique. He got his first offer in February from FIU. He's fundamentally sound, has solid footwork, and uses his length and mobility to exploit mismatches. He's impressed against some of the state's top offensive linemen in the offseason. Smarts is unranked by other major recruiting networks.

Xavier Payne, Jones

Payne, a Florida State commit, has a projectable frame (6-foot-7, 290 pounds) at tackle, plus impressive mobility. He boasts a long wingspan, fluid footwork, and has shown great technique is pass-protection. Schools like Penn State, Arkansas, and Syracuse have him high on their board and have locked in official visits this summer. Payne has a 247Sports Composite rank of 104.