College Football Recruiting 2013: Power Ranking the Nation's Top 3 DB Recruits

There is no consensus No. 1 defensive back at the top of the 2013 recruiting class, but there are a few elite recruits who have made themselves more than just well-known.

Many of the top programs in the country are in direct competition for the services of most of these playmakers, and it is inevitable that more than a few of these schools are going to be disappointed.

With football becoming more of a pass-first sport every year, the battle for top-notch talent in the secondary becomes even more important.

So, who are these recruits everyone is chasing?

1. Su'a Cravens, S; Vista Murrieta (Murrieta, Calif.)/Undecided

The consensus 5-star recruit has made a case as one of the top 10, if not top five, players in the entire country.

Cravens, a 6'1", 205-pound superstar with elite playmaking skills and a knack for the big play, is being heavily pursued by programs across the country, and he's open to hear what they have to say.

He's also being recruited on the offensive side of the ball as a running back, but most expect to see the California native playing safety at the next level. He could even drop to linebacker in the future if he fills out.

Cravens recorded 100 tackles, 11 sacks and three interceptions as a junior last season. Although he claims not to have a top five right now, he was heavily linked with USC, Oklahoma, Notre Dame and Stanford. 

2. Vernon Hargreaves III, CB; Wharton (Tampa, Fla.)/Undecided

Hargreaves III isn't one of those physical freaks with a rare combination of size and speed, he's an elite cover cornerback who can make plays on the ball with his combination of athleticism and instincts.

The son of a USF coach, the consensus 5-star recruit is obviously linked to the Bulls, but is also being heavily pursued by nearly every other major program in the country. The top cornerback in the class, Hargreaves III stands roughly 5'11" and 180 pounds, and he uses every inch and ounce of his body to make plays.

He's always in position and excels the way coaches only dream cornerbacks would.

3. Antonio Conner, S; South Panola (Batesville, Miss.)/Undecided

The battle for the No. 3 spot runs rather deep, but Conner gets the nod because of his size, physicality and playmaking ability.

The Scout 5-star recruit stands about 6'2" and 205 pounds, but he plays bigger and loves to hit. He has great ball skills and arguably has the most potential of any player at his position.

Conner is ready to contribute immediately at the next level, and he will be a kid who gets better with each passing year if he listens to his coaches. He has offers from a number of schools, but teams that specialize in secondary talent such Alabama, Miami and LSU will have the inside track—even over in-state teams such as the Rebels and Bulldogs.

Others to Watch

• Kendall Fuller, CB; Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, Md.)/Undecided
• Priest Willis, S; Tempe (AZ) Marcos De Niza (Tempe, Ariz.)/Undecided
• Tahaan Goodman, S; Rancho Cucamonga (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.)/Undecided
• Von Bell, S; Ridgeland (Rossville, Ga.)/Undecided
• Cameron Burrows, CB; Trotwood-Madison (Trotwood Ohio)/Committed to Ohio State

Here at Signed, Sealed, Delivered we'll power rank the top players at each position in one of our many daily features. Be sure to check it out and, more often than not, argue your case against what we have to say—we're all ears.

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