Top College Football Recruits to Watch on ESPN This Week

Getting a chance to actually watch recruits play is always neat, and ESPN will continue to showcase several this week. Tuscaloosa County (Alabama) will take on Hoover (Alabama) on Thursday at 8 p.m. EDT on ESPNU. 

That's not all for this week, as Loyola (Illinois) vs. St. Rita (Illinois) is set for Friday at 8:30 p.m. EDT on ESPN3. Both games will feature several recruits from the 2014 and 2015 recruiting classes.

An elite cornerback will be out to display why he's one of the nation's best, while an athlete will aim to show off his versatility. Also, a talented junior linebacker is scheduled to play.

Player evaluations are based on review of tape at Scout.com, Rivals, 247Sports and ESPNU.

Darrell Williams, LB—Hoover (2015)

247Sports

Darrell Williams is such a talented 2015 prospect that he is already considered a 4-star recruit by 247Sports. Although he is only 205 pounds, there is a chance that the 6'3" recruit could play inside/middle linebacker in college.

Williams displays great vision in the box, locates the ball quickly and has good lateral quickness. He is a solid athlete who has the speed to play on the outside. Williams plays strong at the point of attack, flashes the ability to use his hands to shed blocks and can also factor in coverage.

He has offers from Florida State, Tennessee and Mississippi State, per 247Sports.  

Christian Bell, OLB/DE—Hoover (2015)

Christian Bell is a 4-star defensive end in the 2015 class. He can play with his hand down on the edges, but he appears to be better suited to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.

Bell, who is 6'4" and 215 pounds, has good athletic ability and a quick first-step. He can surge upfield, bend around the pocket and use his quickness to close on the passer. The Alabama native plays with solid strength, is capable of setting the edge versus smaller blockers and has the speed to be dynamic in pursuit.

Vanderbilt, Mississippi State and South Carolina have already offered him, says 247Sports. 

Lamar Dawson, DB—St. Rita (2014)

247Sports

Hey may not be as well-known as other prospects at his position, but Lamar Dawson is player to watch. The 3-star defensive back plays with a chip on his shoulder, as he does a great job of playing with intensity and poise.

Dawson, who is 6'0" and 190 pounds, is from Illinois. He can play cornerback and safety in the secondary, as he is a smart defender who is always aware of his surroundings. Dawson throws his body around to support the run when he can, is not afraid to re-route a receiver at the line and aims to get his hands on the ball at each turn.

He is committed to Syracuse. 

Braderick Shaw, RB—Hoover (2015)

247Sports

Although he weighs 185 pounds now, Braderick Shaw could weigh more than 200 pounds as a senior next season. He is a non-rated running back who will get his due during the 2015 recruiting cycle.

Shaw, who is 5'11", has good quickness and strength to attack front-seven alignments. He displays the ability explode through holes, challenge defenders on the second level and has just enough speed to make long runs.

Shaw has a good feel to set up blocks, makes good decisions with the ball and can be a threat to reach the flanks. Mississippi State has offered him, according to 247Sports. 

Justin Johnson, WR—Hoover (2015)

247Sports

A key offensive player for Hoover is receiver Justin Johnson. At 6'4" and 205 pounds, he has outstanding size, length and above-average quickness for a tall athlete.

Johnson displays a solid burst to release off the line, can separate from cornerbacks when making in-cuts and has the ability to shield defenders away from the ball. He lacks great speed, but he projects as a good possession receiver at the next level. Johnson has soft hands, adjusts well to different throws and can catch in a crowd.

The non-rated recruit has an offer from Mississippi State, per 247Sports. 

Tommy Mister, S/RB—St. Rita (2014)

247Sports

Tommy Mister is an intriguing prospect as a running back due to his size and contrasting running style. Mister, who is 6'2" and 185 pounds, has the body of a speedster, but he actually runs with power.

He is a straight-line athlete who fits well in a man-to-man blocking scheme. Mister has a good quickness to skate to and through alleys, flashes some acceleration on the second level and can break a tackle or two. 

He isn't overly elusive, but he has the strength to push piles and carry defenders after contact. The 3-star prospect is committed to Iowa State. 

Marlon Humphrey, CB—Hoover (2014)

247Sports

Marlon Humphrey is a 5-star cornerback who has a bright future ahead of him. He is 6'1", weighs 175 pounds and he is one of the smartest players in the country.

Humphrey has advanced instincts, awareness, anticipation and recognition for a high school cornerback. He's a great athlete who can play all three general coverage techniques at a high level. The Alabama native could become an elite college safety due to his impressive range, ball skills and ability to recognize routes in the secondary.

Florida State and Mississippi State are lurking around, according to 247Sports, but it would be a shock if they beat out Alabama. 

2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map

Do not forget to use the 2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map to locate the nation's top prospects! This is a great resource to utilize, as it has great information on the elite 2014 recruits!

Edwin Weathersby is the College Football Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. He has worked in scouting/player personnel departments for three professional football teams, including the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns.