College Football Recruiting 2012: Where are the Top 10 Defensive Ends Headed?

Here's the third installment of our DE rankings, with the focus this time on the top 10. 

Pass rushers are becoming more and more in demand. With teams throwing so much, top defenses need more than one.

For the 2012 recruiting class, we have some flat out fantastic DE prospects that combine athleticism with size, speed, first step quickness and even strength to play the run. Let's look at the top 10 and see where they are headed.

No. 10: Se'Von Pittman

Pittman is a 6'4", 225-pound defensive end who does what an end is supposed to do—rush the passer. He flies off the ball and crashes down hard off the edges all night.

Athletic and agile, Pittman does a solid job staying clean and has a burst to close and finish. He can be a bit of a one-trick pony at times, as he lacks strength. But a college strength program will improve that.

Pittman switched from Michigan State to Ohio State earlier this month.

No. 9: Jelani Hamilton

Hamilton first caught my eye by having a solid Under Armour combine showing in January. From a solid St. Thomas Aquinas (FL) program, he is a solid defensive end prospect.

He shows the ability to become a good end, as he can play the pass and run. He has adequate snap quickness, solid use of hands, strength and a burst. He also flashes good range to chase ball carriers around in stopping the run.

He's headed to Miami.

No. 8: Dante Fowler

Fowler is a tweener prospect that can be listed as a defensive end or outside linebacker. Wherever he's listed, just know he is a dynamic defender and pass rusher.

At 6'3", 240 pounds, he can play the run well and chase ball carriers all over the field. On third downs, Fowler revs up his motor and gets after the passer with speed, quickness and explosion.

Fowler's committed to Florida State, but Florida is thick in the hunt.

No. 7: Channing Ward

Ward is a 6'4", 240-pound pass rushing specialist who could play OLB in a 3-4 scheme. He has good athleticism and plays well with his hands.

He shows a burst at the snap and bend ability. What really makes Ward special is knowing that his hands can be weapons. Most rushers just try to outrun blockers and get stuck when engaged. Ward can get free.

LSU, Ole Miss, Auburn, Alabama and Mississippi State seem to be the major players.

No. 6: Jordan Jenkins

At 6'3", 250 pounds, Jenkins may be able to come in as a true freshman and make an impact as a sub rusher from day one—he's that athletically gifted. You watch him on tape and see a burst and ability to beat blockers at the snap.

He can bend well off the edge and close on the QB in a flash. He plays the run well and just needs to get seasoned

Alabama and Florida are the top two suitors.

No. 5: Adolphus Washington

Washington is another pass rusher and among the elite in the country this year. At 6'5", 250 pounds, Washington has the size to play the strong side in college. He also has the athleticism, speed and quickness to man the weak side as well.

He has a long frame to stay clean, he can convert speed into power quickly and forcefully and he bends solidly. Washington is also a noted hoops prospect, which is why you hear the Julius Peppers comparisons.

Ohio State won here.

No. 4: Chris Casher

Casher is a 6'4", 240-pounder that is among the finest pure athletes in the country, regardless of position. He's so athletic, he even doubles as a wide receiver at times for his high school team.

Casher is also known as one of the smartest, most instinctive and aware players in the nation. He plays with excellent speed, strength, balance and quickness and can just lay people out as well.

He's headed to Florida State.

No. 3: Darius Hamilton

Hamilton is a 6'4", 245-pound defensive prospect that can do it all.

Most ends at the high school level only focus on their pass rushing prowess, yet Hamilton shows the strength to anchor and shed against the end.

Toss that in with his elite pass rushing ability, and you see a five-star prospect on the defensive edge.

Rutgers leads Florida, Cal, Oregon, Alabama and a few others to get him.

No. 2: Noah Spence

Spence is the top pure pass rusher in the country and easily has the quickest first two steps in America. He flies off the ball and gets after the QB with tenacity, passion and sheer speed.

At 6'4", 245 pounds, Spence is a super athletic edge defender that can also track and hawk a RB down form the backside. He has great range and could even play at OLB in a 3-4 setup.

Spence is headed to Ohio State.

No. 1: Mario Edwards

The most complete edge defender in the country, Edwards is a 6'4", 265-pound monster of a defensive end. In fact, ESPNU lists him as the premier prospect in the nation over Dorial Green-Beckham.

Edwards has the strength to play the run, anchor, stop and stack at the point and shed blocks. Then he has the speed to chase and pressure passers all night long.

Florida State, Texas, Oklahoma and LSU are in the race.