College Football Recruiting 2013: Power Ranking the 5 Most Versatile Recruits

One of the main staples of player procurement in the New England Patriots' organization is versatility. The more you can do, the more you impress Bill Belichick.

Even during many pro days, you see players working out at various positions, just to show scouts that they are versatile to do different things. You'll see an offensive lineman try his hand at long snapping or a receiver backpedaling and/or returning punts.

For this read, I'm going to give you the five most versatile recruits for the 2013 class.

5. O.J. Howard

At 6'5" and 225 lbs, Howard is an athletic marvel. He has play speed, quickness, agility, balance, leaping ability, change of direction skills and more.

Tight end probably is his destined position, but that doesn't mean Howard can't do other things. He easily can be groomed as an excellent defensive end in a 40-front scheme, or he can play 3-4 OLB. Don't count out Howard even playing wide receiver.

He's committed to Alabama.

4. Jalin Marshall

Marshall is an Ohio State commit and could play a number of possible spots in Columbus when he arrives. Marshall, who is 6'1" and 190 lbs, has great athleticism and versatility.

He currently plays QB for his high school team and could fit in as a spread option, dual threat signal caller in Urban Meyer's offense.

Marshall also can play running back, wide receiver and defensive back, and he even return kicks and punts. His run instincts are his best trait, along with his speed, vision and shiftiness.

3. Robert Nkemdiche

The nation's No.1 overall recruit is not a one-trick pony, folks. He is 6'5", 270 lbs, hails from Atlanta and can do many jobs for a squad.

First, of course, Nkemdiche is a fantastic defensive end. He can play in a 40-front on either side as a weak side or strong side end. I also feel Nkemdiche has the skills and size to kick inside and be a great 4-3 defensive tackle.

But he also can stand up as a rush end/OLB in a 3-4 scheme, and he easily has the strength to even play 3-4 end. Tack on the fact that Nkemdiche is also a punishing running back, and I've lost count as to how many positions he can play.

2. Thomas Tyner

Tyner is a speed monster on the field and may be the fastest player in the country, overall. The aspect that boggles my mind is that Tyner is not a little dude either, as he's a solid 6'0" and weighs over 200 lbs.

He's committed to Oregon, where he will likely play running back. However, Duck fans, don't be surprised to see this guy line up as a WR, slot WR, wildcat QB, kick off returner or punt returner.

His speed is a big time weapon, and he needs to have the football. With Chip Kelly's innovative offensive mind, it's going to be extremely fascinating to see where Tyner is deployed during his tenure in Eugene. 

1. Jake Raulerson

Raulerson is a 6'5", 250-pounder from Texas that can play an array of spots for you in the fronts. He can play OT for you on the offensive edges, has the mean streak and toughness to play guard and, if you season him up on snapping, can man the pivot.

Or you can flip him to defense and let him play strong side defensive end. If that doesn't work out, tack on some more weight and kick him inside as a try-hard defensive tackle.

Heck, the Texas commit is even athletic enough to play Will or Sam linebacker. If all else fails, make him a blocking full back.