Rivals 100: Breaking Down the Top 25 College Football Recruits of 2011

Rivals.com released their list of the top 100 college football recruiting prospects for 2011. And there was little debate about who should top the list.

Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.

Clowney's top billing came as no surprise, considering there isn't a prospect in the country with more hype surrounding him.

Clowney has already been compared to Julius Peppers and Jevone Kearse. Some are saying he's the best defensive prospect in the last ten years.

At least.

Let's take a look at the other top names at the list to get a better idea of who the top 25 prospects on Rivals' list are.

Most of these names, if not all of them, will become very familiar to college football fans over the next few months.

1. Jadeveon Clowney, DE / Rock Hill, SC

At 6'5", 225 lbs, Clowney is an athletic freak, and a playmaker in every sense of the word.

He gets into the backfield in a hurry, has great natural pass-rushing instincts, and can chase down ball-carriers with tremendous speed.

There's game film of him chasing down wide receivers twenty yards down the field.

No matter where the ball goes, or where Clowney lines up, he can make something happen.

Rivals is calling him the most athletic defensive end since Julius Peppers.

Spend just a few minutes watching him play. You'll understand why.

The Rock Hill, South Carolina native has a ton of offers already, but he's listed South Carolina, North Carolina, and Alabama as his top choices.

It looks like the Gamecocks are the team to beat at the moment.

Most experts are calling it a lock.

2. Tony Steward, LB / St. Augustine, FL

At 6'2", 225 lbs, Steward is one of the most physically imposing prospects in the country.

The kid is built like a body builder, with hardly an ounce of fat. He's incredibly strong and is one of the most athletic prospects in the country at any position, let alone linebacker.

He reminds me a lot of John Luc, a 2010 FSU recruit, and this St. Augustine, Florida native might just end up playing alongside him.

Steward is considered the top linebacker prospect in the country. And based on the way he's built, and his natural ability to sniff out the football, Steward is likely to make a big impact as a freshman.

What's most impressive about his game is his ability to get out in open space and cover a ton of ground in pass protection.

That's something most young linebackers struggle with.

Steward has offers from practically every school in Florida, along with notable out of state programs like Clemson and Alabama.

But it looks like he's leaning toward FSU for now.

3. James Wilder Jr., ATH / Tampa, FL

James Wilder has off the charts strength and, pound for pound, is probably the strongest prospect in the country.

He's a two-way player who projects as a running back, linebacker or defensive end.

He's a leader on and off the field and plays hard every down.

Athletically, he's very talented.

But some scouts have pointed out that he's somewhat stiff in the hips, and might have difficulty adjusting to the demands of playing running back at the next level.

Wilder seems best suited to play defense. He's a ball hawk with great instincts, and could do a lot of damage as a pass rushing outside linebacker / defensive end hybrid.

Florida, FSU, Miami, Georgia, and USC highlight the long list of teams that have already made offers.

4. George Farmer, WR / Gardena, CA

At 6'2", 192 lbs, George Farmer first wowed scouts by running a 4.38 forty-yard dash as a freshman.

He then put up huge numbers as a sophomore and junior, and is now regarded as the top wideout in the country.

He has the speed to get past pretty much anyone and the size to ward off stronger defenders without much effort.

Farmer has an ideal combination of skills and natural ability, but needs to fine tune his game some.

He'll make the spectacular catch, but then drop an easy one. If he can improve on his consistency, Farmer has the goods to be a special talent.

Right now USC is at the top of this California native's list and you have to think that won't change.

Seems like a perfect fit.

5. De'Anthony Thomas, RB / Los Angeles, CA

Thomas has the potential to play any number of positions, from running back to cornerback, safety, and even linebacker.

Most experts agree he'd be a five star prospect regardless the tag put on him.

If he wasn't listed at 5'9" and 160 lbs, Thomas would most likely be the top prospect in the country.

Some profiles have given him an extra inch or two, and added a few more pounds to his frame.

But the game film doesn't lie. Thomas is definitely on the small side.

Plenty of prospects have overcome their physical limitations though, so that isn't really cause for concern.

Growing up in Crenshaw, Thomas has dealt with adversity his whole life.

This kid can become a dominating rusher and would do just as well on the other side of the ball.

It all depends how USC decides to use him. Thomas committed to the Trojans in May.

6. La'El Collins, OL / Baton Rouge, LA

At 6'5", 285 lbs, if Collins can put a little more bulk on his frame, he has the makings of a terrific left tackle.

From a physical standpoint, he's an imposing specimen with a great overall skill-set.

Collins excels at both pass-blocking and run support, and does a great job of getting to the second level.

He also has that bit of nasty you like to see in offensive linemen.

He's got a great motor and goes hard every single play.

Collins is basically he's a coach's dream.

Unless he has a change of heart, Collins won't be going far from home.

The Baton Rouge native committed to LSU back in September and figures to be a staple in their O-line over the coming years.

7. Cyrus Kouandjio OL / Hyattsville, MD

At 6'6", 322 lbs, Kouandjio is one of the most athletic big men in the country.

He has a huge wingspan and at times appears to move as swiftly as someone half his size.

When it comes to natural ability as a blocker, Kouandjio has great balance and moves his feet swiftly, staying low to the ground and using his tree trunk-like arms to manhandle defenders.

He's drawn comparisons to Johnathan Ogden. And if he's able to work on his technique and get a little better picking up blitzes, that comparison just might prove to be a good one.

He has almost 50 offers at the moment. And while he says he's open to many different schools, Kouandjio's older brother will be playing for Alabama next season.

You have to think that the Crimson Tide an edge.

8. Curtis Grant, LB / Richmond, VA

Grant plays like a professional, which is very impressive for someone his age.

He can play both inside and outside, reads plays and reacts very fast, and can cover a whole bunch of ground as quickly as any linebacker prospect out there.

There are very few players who can defend the field from sideline to sideline as well as Grant can.

At 6'2", 234 lbs, he has the size to play a number of positions. But because of his ability to get in the backfield, as well as cover, he's best suited to be an outside linebacker.

Grant has nearly 30 offers on the table, most notably from Alabama, Florida, LSU, Miami, Nebraska, Ohio State, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

9. Brent Calloway, LB / Russellville, AL

Calloway is a player that won't wow you in drills or in the weight room.

But the game film speaks for itself.

Some guys are just gamers.

He's one of those guys.

He plays defensive end in high school, but he's better suited as a linebacker in college.

Calloway is a versatile athlete, though, a high energy guy who led his team to a state championship last season by dominating quarterbacks and bulldozing defenses to the tune of over 1,400 yards rushing last season.

If you get past the scouting numbers, such as his slightly slow 40-time and lack of strength lifting, Calloway is a special player.

He's a longtime Alabama commit, but says he'll visit Auburn, Clemson, Miami, FSU, and USC.

10. Malcolm Brown, RB / Cibolo, TX

As a junior, Brown rushed for over 2,000 yards with 33 touchdowns. He's a powerful rusher that will put his shoulder down and punish defenders, wearing them down as the game goes on.

He won't wow you with his speed, but as a downhill rusher he's about as impressive as they come. Brown explodes into defenders and keeps his legs moving relentlessly, winning battles more times than not.

As a pass-catcher he needs to improve his route-running and work on his hands, but the potential is there.

At 6'0" and 210 lbs, he's big enough to get on the field and make an impact right from day one.

Right now his favorites are Texas, Oklahoma, FSU, and Alabama.

11. Lawrence Thomas, LB / Detroit, MI

At 6'3", 236 lbs, Thomas presents a unique prospect with the size and speed to play a variety of positions. He can play defensive end, linebacker, safety, and even receiver.

He's projected as a defender on the next level mostly because it would be a shame to let his ball hawking and punishing tacking go to waste.

Look for him to find a home as an outside linebacker who can drop into coverage or cause havoc in the backfield depending on the down. He brings a ton of possibility to the table.

A long-time Michigan State commit, Thomas has the chance to make a quick impact right from day one.

12. Christian Westerman, OL / Chandler, AZ

At 6'5", 285 lbs, Westerman is projected as either a guard or right tackle at the next level.

He's a very strong blocker and moves his feet well.

But the fact that he never played left tackle in high school probably means it just doesn't suit his skill-set.

He overpowers defenders with quick hits and a very low stance, but the way he's able to move suggest he'd be very successful as a pulling guard.

This guy could open up a highway on counters.

He committed to Texas in April and the fit seems perfect.

They'll be needing some offensive line help after this season and he's the type of player that can come in and contribute right away.

13. Mike Bellamy, RB / Punta Gorda, FL

Bellamy is one of the fastest prospects in the state of Florida, clocking in at 4.4 seconds on his forty time.

He rushed for over 2,000 yards his junior year and just under 2,000 his sophomore year.

He's an elusive back that's always one carry away from a big play.

There aren't many backs who can move as well in open space or make the first man miss.

At 5'10", 175 lbs, he's on the small side, which limits his effectiveness running between the tackles and could get him into trouble at the next level if he doesn't add some bulk.

He's gotten offers from Florida, Alabama, FSU, Miami, Clemson, Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Tennessee as well as several other schools.

14. Steve Edmond, LB / Daingerfield, TX

Edmond is a tackling machine who exploded for 184 tackles his junior year, with 34 of them coming for a loss.

He's one of those players that simply looks like a man amongst boys at the high school level.

He dominates all over the field and at his size, 6'3", 225 lbs, he can play inside or outside linebacker and potentially could bulk up a bit to play end.

He reminds me a lot of Sergio Kindle when he rushes the passer, but he's a better tackler in open space and brings more to the table in run support.

A guy who tackles as well as Edmond has middle linebacker written all over him.

A Texas commit, he should do just fine in that role for the Longhorns.

15. Ray Drew, DE / Thomasville, GA

Ray Drew is not just a high school football star who's one of the best pure pass rushers in the country, he's also a licensed minister.

That speaks volumes about this young man's character.

Drew isn't the type of player you need to worry about causing problems off the field.

He's a hard-worker, a vocal player and a natural leader.

He'll step in from day one and grind it out at 100 percent from the the minute the whistle is blown until the end of the day.

He's very good at getting to the quarterback and has a great skill set of power and finesse moves.

There are a ton of offers out there for him at the moment, but based on his comments it looks like he's favoring FSU.

16. Kenny Hilliard, RB / Patterson, LA

Hilliard is a a strong rusher with soft hands who runs smooth routes and can do a lot of damage as both a rusher and a receiver.

He has a great power game and seemingly breaks tackles at will. If you're looking for a North-South runner, he's your guy.

Hilliard won't make a lot of fancy moves, but he's a smart player with great instincts who hits his holes hard and fast.

He doesn't have the breakaway speed you like to see from top running back prospects, but he's a decisive runner that gets the most out of each carry.

Hilliard committed to LSU back in December and should run great in tandem with Spencer Ware in a couple of years.

17. Isaiah Crowell, RB / Columbus, GA

There's nothing to dislike about Cromwell's game.

He has great breakaway speed, is very elusive, has top of the line instincts, makes lighting fast cuts, doesn't hesitate, and can break tackles with the best of them.

Seems too good to be true?

It is, somewhat.

Crowell has played with a talented stable of rushers his entire high school career behind a very good offensive line.

He's never carried the load himself, and there are questions about how much of a pounding his body can take at the next level.

At 190 lbs, he needs to bulk up to prove he can be an every down threat. Other than that, Crowell is a great prospect.

18. Jarvis Landry, WR / Lutcher, LA

At 5'11" and 178 lbs, Landry is a bit on the slow side for his size, with a 4.65 seconds forty-time.

But he makes up for it with solid route-running and great movement in closed spaces.

He'll do a lot of damage in the middle of the field or working out of the slot.

Landry is a sure-handed player that demands the ball on big plays and will quickly develop into a third down conversion machine.

He needs to bulk up and work on his run-blocking, but other than that there isn't too much not to like about his game.

He committed to LSU in January and will join a solid stable of wide receivers.

19. Gregory Robinson, OL / Thibodaux, LA

Robinson was one of the top performers at the U.S. Army All-American Combine. At 6'5", 296 lbs, he's a big and physical player with a lot of upside.

He's a workout warrior that really impresses with his strength and agility, though his technique as a blocker is still a bit raw.

He often struggles to stay low and doesn't adjust his feet very well.

Robinson relies on his natural ability right now, but that won't cut it in college.

If he can learn to balance himself better and slide his feet against speed rushers, there won't be much stopping him from being an elite tackle.

There are a long list of teams chasing him, but it looks like Auburn is the front-runner right now.

20. Stephone Anthony, LB / Wadesboro, NC

Stephone Anthony is a natural pass-rusher with a knack for causing turnovers.

There aren't many players who can make the ball come loose more often than this kid.

When he gets his hands on someone, there's a chance he'll make something happen any given play.

He plays with great instincts and is very athletic, attacking the ball with purpose and precision, and shedding blockers with impressive strength.

Anthony has the smarts and the skill to get on the field right away and will likely do that wherever he ends up.

If he isn't starting as a freshman, expect him to be a special teams demon.

Right now it looks like Clemson is the favorite to land him, but there are a number of schools with a shot at this kid.

21. Aaron Green, RB / San Antonio, TX

Aaron Green is the complete package when it comes to running backs. He runs with purpose, can make the first man miss, gets downfield in a hurry, and breaks tackles with surprising speed.

He's undersized at 5'11", 185 lbs, so he needs to bulk up or he just won't stay in one piece at the next level, but that's about all there is not to like about this kid.

There might not be anyone in the country who can change direction quite as fast as he can. Defenders are regularly left staring at the dust.

Green has narrowed down his choices to Texas, Nebraska, FSU, and Cal.

22. Mike Blakely, RB / Bradenton, FL

Blakely is small, 5'9", 190 lbs, but he makes up for it with an elusive style of rushing and great cutback ability.

He's also a serious receiving threat out of the backfield and has great hands that open up the passing game a lot, with constant dump offs and fade routes that are difficult to contain.

He needs to work on his strength and do a better job blocking when he's called on to do so, but besides that he is a dangerous weapon.

There's doubt he has the size to ever be an every down back, though.

23. Doran Grant, DB / Akron, OH

Grant might be the best cornerback prospect of the 2011 class, depending on where some other guys line up when the pads come on next fall.

He's lighting fast, tests off the charts athletically, tackles with a lot of power, and has a great knack for being where the ball is.

He's struggled a bit grades-wise at times and has yet to set a date for his SATs, which has some scouts concerned about his dedication to school and off the field priorities.

Still, at the end of the day, teams will look past that and pursue him for what he is—the best cornerback out there.

Right now the list has been narrowed down to Georgia, Georgia Tech, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, USC, and Ohio State

24. Trey Metoyer, WR / Whitehouse, TX

Metoyer is a big and physical receiver who runs excellent routes and does a great job getting the ball at the highest point.

He doesn't have elite speed and won't have too many breakaway plays, but he's a model of consistency and finds a way to make plays, get first downs, and score.

Because of his size and strength it's very hard for defenders to jam him at the line and even harder for smaller backs to get around him when he's run blocking.

Metoyer committed to Oklahoma in March.

25. Jeoffrey Pagan, DE / Asheville, NC

Pagan played running back, receiver and defensive end in high school, but based on his natural ability as a pass rusher and his size he's a perfect fit as a defensive end.

Pagan didn't even start playing the position until this past season, and immediately looked like a natural out there who'd been doing it his whole life.

He's strong, athletic and gets into the backfield in a hurry. He's still very raw and needs to be polished, which means a redshirt year might be in his best interest, but the potential is there.

Pagan committed to Florida in April and will join a talented group of defensive lineman; he'll learn a lot watching these guys play for a year.