College Football Recruiting: The 10 Best States for 2012 Recruiting Prospects

People always want to know which states produce the best prospects. Where do college coaches go to get talent?

Well aside form the big three states that we already know about, I'm going to give you seven more that have good talent, at least this year. This 2012 cycle has been both normal and unconventional.

So get your state flag out, show some pride and let's rep' where you're from! 

10. Tie Between Pennsylvania and Arizona

I know Arizona usually doesn't produce a wealth of players, but this year the state has some good talent. You have Andrus Peat, a 5-star OT that everybody wants, then you have QB Conor Brewer, a Texas commit, and WR/DB Davonte Neal.

Pennsylvania has two of the top 15 players in the nation this year, among a slew of others. DE Noah Spence is the top pure pass rusher in the country and Rushel Shell is an electric big RB.

9. South Carolina

The Palmetto State is known for breeding talent, as football is a prime part of the community. 

This year, players like Shaq Roland, a top-tier WR, OT Brock Stadnik and DE Martin Aiken round out the list of top talent from South Carolina.

8. Ohio

The state of Ohio loves them some 'ball, and it is known as one the best states for high shcool football. Ohio probably is the best state in the Midwest for college coaches to head to for prospects.

With talent like DE Adolphus Washington, WR Dwayne Stanford, RB Brionte Dunn, OT Kyle Kalis, RB Warren Ball and LB Joe Bolden, Ohio has clearly established itself as a 2012 recruiting hotbed.

7. Louisiana

Louisiana may not have much star power this year, but, as usual, the state has a wealth of depth. You'll see a slew of Bayou staters sign with schools in February. Of course, the best player in the state is 5-star safety Landon Collins.

6. North Carolina

North Carolina is another state that puts out a lot more talent than many people realize. In fact, this year alone is a special year for the state.

They have two of the top 10 players in the entire country. 5-star OT D.J. Humphries has a chance to be a special player at Florida, and could be joined there by 5-star speedy RB Keith Marshall, if he doesn't opt for Georgia, Clemson, Notre Dame or North Carolina.

5. Georgia

As far as national star power, Georgia may be a bit down this year. But that's not say they are "down-down." Because the Peach State still has a ton of depth, a ton of speed and a ton of athleticism. Obviously the state's No.1 prospect is DE/OLB Jordan Jenkins.

4. Alabama

When you boast at least five of the top 100 players in the country, you know your state is doing big-time things. Alabama has become a powerful state in the past few years, and the future looks bright.

LBs Kwon Alexander and Reggie Ragland, QB Jameis Winston, DT Justin Shanks and DE Chris Casher are big time. RB T.J. Yeldon isn't far off either.

3. California

The Golden State is one of the three main hot beds where most great players come from. In the football world, it's called "The Big 3."

California is a large state, and football is a big deal up and down the masses. With players like Arik Armstead, Shaq Thompson, Jordan Payton, Jordan Simmons, Bryce Treggs and Deontay Greenberry, you see why this state is here. 

2. Texas

Texas is the second of the big three hotbeds, as high school football in this state rivals the importance of college football. Some people are bigger fans of their favorite high schools than they are of the Cowboys and Texans.

With elite talent like RB Johnathan Gray, WR Cayleb Jones, OL Curtis Riser, DB Brysco Echols, QB Matt Davis and DT Malcom Brown, Texas belongs high up on this list.

1. Florida

Florida is a prime-time state and the third of the big three. College coaches from all areas of the country flock to the Sunshine State to try to pry talent from Florida.

Speed, quickness, athleticism, agility—anything you want and need, Florida has as a whole state. ATH Nelson Agholor, OT John Theus, DE Dante Fowler, CB Brian Poole and RB Duke Johnson are just the tip of the iceberg.