CFB Recruiting: The Top 10 Sack Artists of the 2011 Class (Video)

When you're looking at pass-rushers there's generally two schools of thought. 

The bull-rusher and the finesse rusher. Both can be effective tools to defeat blockers and get into the backfield, but it's those who are able to combine these techniques who are able to do the most damage. 

A sack can be to an offense what a flat tire is to a sports car. That well-oiled machine can come to a quick halt in a hurry in just a single play. 

So who are the best sack artists of the 2011 college football recruiting class? Which prospects just have a nose for the quarterback and that endless motor to bring him down?

Check out the top 10, with highlights of course.

10. Trey DePriest

Commitment: Alabama

DePriest has the natural build of a linebacker and a natural ability to read snap counts, get out of his stance quickly, and beat his man off the ball.

He's got a great motor and is excellent in pursuit; look out for the big hit, DePriest can really put a licking on a ball-carrier.

9. James Vaughters, LB

Commitment: Stanford

Vaughters is one of the strongest prospects in the country and a very disciplined football player who reads the offense extremely well. 

He's got the size and athleticism to play linebacker or defensive end and would likely excel at either position. There aren't many defenders who get into the backfield better than Vaughters does.   

8. Steve Edmond, LB

Commitment: Texas

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

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.

7. Anthony Sarao, LB

Commitment: Stanford

Sarao might not be the top linebacker of Stanford's 2011 recruiting class, but he's the best at getting to the quarterback and will likely retain that role down the line. 

He moves so fast and fluidly and is one of the most difficult blocks to make based on his athleticism and body control. Sarao simply wills himself to the quarterback on occasion. 

6. Ray Drew, DE

Commitment: Uncommitted

Ray Drew will 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.

Drew sniffs out plays in a hurry and is really good at getting to the quarterback with a diverse skill set of power and finesse moves.

5. Brennen Beyer, DE

Commitment: Michigan

Beyer has a devastating initial burst off the line and hits his blockers with so much force that they're usually blown back immediately.

It's his hand movement and technique that are most impressive about his game though. The combination of his skills make him a nightmare for offensive tackles.  

4. Ryan Shazier, LB

Commitment: Florida

The high school defensive end will be moving over to linebacker in college, but that might not be a permanent switch for this versatile athlete. 

He's very fast in pursuit, has great natural instincts, and can maneuver his way around blockers with the best of them. Once his hands are on the ball-carrier, that's often the end of the play. 

3. Lawrence Thomas, LB

Commitment: Michigan State

At 6'3" and 236 lbs, Thomas is a unique prospect with the size and speed to play a variety of positions.

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.

2. James Wilder, ATH

Commitment: Uncommitted

James Wilder has off-the-charts strength and, pound for pound, is probably the strongest prospect in the country. He seems best suited for defense, but that might not be how it goes down. 

Wilder's a ball hawk with great instincts, and he could do a lot of damage as a pass rushing outside linebacker/defensive end hybrid—but he insists he wants to play running back.

1. Jadeveon Clowney, DE

Commitment: Uncommitted

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 his tremendous speed.

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