Football Recruits from Class of 2022 with Famous NFL Dads You'll Remember

With early signing day approaching and the college football world in turmoil due to all of the high-profile coaching changes, this recruiting class and process should be one to keep an eye on.

Lincoln Riley and Mario Cristobal, respectively, left Norman and Eugene for USC and Miami, and Oklahoma and Oregon lost significant recruits. Many former Sooners recruits have followed Riley to USC, but Cristobal has yet to follow in his footsteps.

As massive as the coaches' names that have moved are, some recruits have big names — either because of their on-field performance, who they're related to, or both. We'll look at some of the most well-known father-son teams in the Class of 2022:

Elijah warner

Famous dad: Kurt Warner

Despite not being highly ranked coming into signing day, Warner put up impressive numbers as a senior in Texas this year. Warner threw for 2,742 yards on 64.6 percent of his passes in 12 games, with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Kurt Warner, Warner's father, is undoubtedly one of the best undrafted free agents in NFL history, with a Hall of Fame career that includes two MVP awards, a Super Bowl, and a Super Bowl MVP Award.

Cristian Driver

Famous dad: Donald Driver

The Drivers were impact players in the open field. Donald played for the Packers for his 13-year career, amassing over 10,000 career receiving yards and four Pro Bowl appearances. On the other hand, Cristian has excelled on both sides of the ball at Argyle Liberty Christian in Texas.

He was named all-district in high school and had some versatility that could be useful down the road, though he is expected to start as a safety for the Nittany Lions. Driver is a member of the No. 5 Penn State class for 2022, according to 247.

Mason Taylor

Famous dad: Jason Taylor

Taylor, the son of a Hall of Famer, committed to LSU under former coach Ed Orgeron. He was injured for most of his junior season, but he might be a vital part of new coach Brian Kelly's success as the offense retools with quarterback Max Johnson in the transfer portal. Jake Johnson, Johnson's brother, and another highly sought-after tight end had committed to LSU but had to decommit after his brother entered the portal.

That move might help Taylor carve out a more significant role in the offense right away. LSU has also had success creating skill position players, notably tight ends, who have had success in the NFL.

Antonio Gates Junior

Famous dad: Antonio Gates

The younger Gates appears to be just as good a pass catcher as his father. Gates Jr., a wide receiver from Dearborn Fordson High School, is staying in-state to play for Mel Tucker's team after leading the Spartans to one of their best seasons in recent times.

Gates Sr. is regarded as one of the best tight ends in NFL history. He emerged third all-time among tight ends in receiving yards, has made eight straight Pro Bowl appearances from 2004 to 2011, and was chosen to the NFL All-Decade Team for the 2000s.

Cristian Harrison

Famous dad: Rodney Harrison

Hugh Freeze and Liberty had been Harrison's first choice, but he switched to Tennessee early this month. Rodney Harrison, a three-star defensive back from Florida, was a Pro Bowl and All-Pro defensive back for the Chargers and Patriots during his NFL career.

Harrison excelled as a senior in Florida on both sides of the ball. He has committed to Tennessee as a defensive back. In 11 games as a cornerback this season, he had three interceptions and two passes defended, and he may be a welcome addition to a Volunteers defense that ranked 103rd in passing yards allowed.

Eden James

Famous dad: Edgerrin James

The younger James might make a huge statement and have a considerable ripple effect by picking Howard. Despite recent struggles, the HBCU has won five Black national championships in its history. This year, he exploded onto the forefront, rushing for 2,021 yards and 28 touchdowns in just 12 games.

Being one of the newest members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, his father started his career at Miami and led the NFL in the running twice and earned four Pro Bowl selections. Eden picked Howard over FBS colleges, including Air Force, Army, Indiana, and Miami, where his father attended.

Cole Pennington

Famous dad: Chad Pennington

Cole is one of the few players attending the same high school as their father. Chad, Cole's father, was a Heisman Trophy finalist for the Thundering Herd in 1999 before going on to be a first-round choice and two-time NFL Comeback Player of the Year. In 2008, he was voted runner-up for MVP, and he retired as the NFL's all-time leader in completion %.

Meanwhile, Cole is one of Kentucky's greatest players and is coached by his father. As a senior, he passed for 1,624 yards and 17 touchdowns in nine games, and he'll have a chance to learn from current Marshall quarterback Grant Wells, who was one of Conference-best USA's passers this season.

Owen McCown

Famous dad: Josh McCown

McCown had an outstanding senior season, completing 262 of 388 passes (67.5 percent) for 3,362 yards and 36 touchdowns against just four interceptions in 12 games. It was a breakout year for the younger McCown, whose father, Josh, was a journeyman NFL quarterback who spent his career as a backup and spot starter for 12 different teams.

Owen put up impressive stats in one of the country's top high school football states, which might help him revitalize a Colorado attack that struggled under Karl Dorrell last season.

Rex Haynes

Famous dad: Mike Haynes

Haynes is a threat at wide receiver and is the son of a Hall of Famer. In 11 games as a senior at Cathedral Catholic, he had 24 receptions for 548 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged 22.8 yards per grab and 25.5 yards per reception during his high school career as a senior.

Mike Haynes, his father, is a member of the Pro and College Football Halls of Fame, having played for the Patriots and Raiders. Defensive back out of Arizona State, he was named nine Pro Bowls and was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1976.

AJ Vinatieri

Famous dad: Adam Vinatieri

Vinatieri, son of the best kickers in NFL history, has received offers from numerous Power 5 institutions but has yet to commit. He was voted All-State in Indiana for his performance as one of the greatest special teams players in the state this season.

His father, Adam, played kicker for FCS South Dakota State and set multiple NFL records along the way, winning four Super Bowls and being selected an All-Pro three times.

R. J. Maryland

Famous dad: Russell Maryland

Maryland is a product of Southlake Carroll Senior High School, a Texas powerhouse. If that seems familiar, it's because Texas transfer and No. 1 overall commit from 2021 quarterback Quinn Ewers attended the same high school.

As a tight end, he's a vertical threat in the passing game, hauling in 1,103 yards and 14 touchdowns in 15 games as a senior. With quarterback Phil Jurkovec expected to return fully healthy, he might become a significant weapon down the road.

Russell Maryland, Maryland's father, was the first overall choice in the 1991 draft out of Miami (FL), an All-American and two-time national champion. As a defensive tackle for the Cowboys, he won three Super Bowls and was named to the Pro Bowl in 1993.

 

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