Darius Hamilton: Where's He Heading Come National Signing Day?

After competing in the Army All-American Bowl, Darius Hamilton proved himself as one of the best defensive ends in his class. His uncommitted status makes him still a top target for the last three universities on this list and expect them all to be trying hard to sign him. 

If Hamilton truly embodies one word, it is quite simply "workhorse." His quickness, physical frame, stature and smarts help make him one of the most desired defensive lineman in the country. Scout.com ranks him as the 24th best high school football player in this year's class, while Rivals.com puts him all the way up at fifth.

Coming in at a solid 6'4" and 245 pounds, this senior is dangerous from either end of the defensive line. Working on his strength will be Hamilton's main focus in the offseason as the bull-rush is one of his weaker techniques.

His ability to read defenses on whether it is a run or a pass is one of his best attributes, and coaches love his skills at disrupting plays from the backfield. 

As of the All-American Bowl, Hamilton was still undecided. After the game ended, he conferred with me his top three choices to play college ball:

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"I went to Florida, I thought Florida was a beautiful place. I have a top three, it's Florida, Rutgers, and Cal and I think as of right now they are all tied."

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A true defensive end, Hamilton is excited about getting better as well as making an immediate impact on whatever defense he lines up for. Hailing from Ramsey, New Jersey, he comes out of Don Bosco Prep as a prestigious five-star recruit.  

Just recently, California has picked up a ton of big-time recruits. Florida has also done extremely well and is considered to be one of the best classes this offseason. Rutgers is the surprise team on Hamilton's list, probably playing into the mix due to their location in his home state. 

I can't exactly claim myself as a clairvoyant, so expect any predictions of where Hamilton where end up come National Signing Day. However, this player wants to not only be an immediate impact on his defense, but to also compete for a national title. When it comes to championship contenders, however, I am more than able to take a look that. 

Rutgers is no title contender. They have trouble winning the Big East and haven't had a strong season in a couple of seasons. Hamilton would certainly make a big impact on this Scarlet Knight defense, but as for title contention, he can kiss those dreams goodbye.

He would get to stay at home, and that can be more of a factor in a recruit's decision than most people would think. 

California is far from home, yet is a solid option on the national scale. After losing to the Longhorns in the Holiday Bowl, the Golden Bears are still big-time threats in the Pac-12. Consistent coaching has been important to their success, however, and California's defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast may be leaving.

Finally, there's Florida, who I believe is the top contender on this list. Certainly a ways from home, but at least on the same coastline, the Gators pulled off a huge Gator Bowl victory earlier in January. With new head coach

Will Muschamp just finishing out his first season with Florida, his defensive mind can easily see the talent that Hamilton owns. Always contenders for the SEC East title, Flordia is a magnet for great defensive recruits this offseason.

Wherever Hamilton chooses to take his abilities, he can be more than threatening. Watch for him to make his decision sometime just before National Signing Day, and expect it to create a strong ripple across the country.