States of Recruiting: North Carolina's Top Prospects, Part 1

The Tarheel state is better known for its basketball recruits and players, and football is usually an afterthought.

However, in the 2011 recruiting class, a handful of high school football players are making a significant amount of noise on the gridiron.

The result, much like Keenan Allen last year, is a lot of media attention and recognition that NC is a hotbed of football talent as well.

This is only the beginning.

Christian LeMay, QB, The "A-Lister"

A stellar junior year that included 44 TD passes, 4500 plus yards, only 2INTs, a State Title and a 14-0 season.

These stats barely scratch the surface of the talent this kid possesses.

His scholarship offer sheet looks like a who's who among elite programs in the NCAA, but he's leaning towards Miami, Clemson, Georgia, LSU, Florida, Auburn, Norte Dame and Alabama.

This year will be a true test of his talent. If he can lead his team to a defense of the State Title, he might be the states most talked about QB since Chris Leak.

Where will he end up: It's too early to tell right now, but sources say he's leaning between Florida and Alabama.

Jeoffrey Pagan DE/OLB

Jeoffrey Pagan is described as a 6'4 245 pound raw athlete and a terror on the edge.

While film and stats are not readily available, the fact that Norte Dame, USC, Florida State, LSU, Alabama, and Clemson are among 30 to offer speaks volumes.

I have a feeling we should keep an eye on the Asheville native. More to come soon. Stay tuned.

Where will he end up: Way too early to tell

Eric MacLain OT/TE Noisemaker

Eric MacLain played OT, but he also plays basketball where he lost weight and participated in Nike Camp drills as a TE.

The result, offers from all over the ACC and SEC.

The big news with MacLain is that he just recently decommited ftom Tennessee, possibly a coaching change factor.

His final five are Duke, Tennessee, Clemson, Va Tech and Penn St. Definitely keep an eye out for the Fayetteville native.

Where will he end up: Seeing he's academics first I go with Duke.

Nyjee Fleming RB

Nyjee Fleming has been garnering attention since he was a freshman.

The 3-year starter on Charlotte powerhouse Indpendence High School has yet to win a state title(lost to Christian LeMay and Butler twice).

Fleming, who is a self described powerback with quick feet, amassed 1600 yards and 26 TDs on 280 plus carries.

Fleming has offers from pretty much all the ACC and SEC powers, but Miami and Virginia are his favorites right now. He claims to be "wide open."

Where will he end up: My money is Miami.

Friday Night Lights

North Carolina is now among the must stop states for college coaches.

This should allow for Friday Night Lights to shine brightly in stadiums and fields all over the First in Flight state.

Get a ticket, grab a hot dog and wash it down with a Gatorade as we enjoy this season.