Scout's Top 100 CFB Prospects for 2012: Breaking Down the New Recruit Rankings

For those of you craving some in-depth, detailed information on some of the top 2012 college football recruits, here's your first real taste. 

Scout recently released its first national top 100 prospects list for 2012, and we've got the breakdown on each and every player on the list. 

You may already be familiar with some of the names on the list, like Rushel Shell, who's already being called the next Tony Dorsett, or Dorial Green-Beckham, who's drawn plenty of comparisons to Randy Moss. 

Both of them are among Scout's first 5-star prospects for 2012, appearing at the head of the top 100 list, but there's plenty of talent out there beyond these few. 

Kwon Alexander, OLB

Since Alexander comes first alphabetically among the 5-star recruits, we'll start with him (Scout did not rank players beyond star ratings).

At 6'2" and 200 lbs, Alexander has the speed and athleticism to switch from outside linebacker to safety at the next level. 

He plays a physical style with high energy and a great motor. There might not be a prospect from the 2012 class who's better in pursuit.

Arik Armstead, OT

Arik Armstead is one of the top offensive tackles of the 2012 recruiting class and will be joining his older brother Armond with the USC in 2012.

Arik is a two-sport athlete who plans on playing both basketball and football in college. He's a very athletic big man with great feet and a long pair of powerful arms; a near-ideal left tackle prospect.

Mario Edwards, DE

At 6'3" and 240 lbs, Edwards is one of the most athletic big men in the 2012 class. He's really come into his own this season and seems to be getting better every single game.

A physical player with great skills at the point of attack, Edwards doesn't have much trouble with offensive lineman at the high school level and is absolutely dominant against the run.

Eddie Goldman, DT

At 6'3" and 290 lbs, Goldman is a big guy who's only getting bigger. By the time he fills out, Goldman could be somewhere in the 310-330 range, and that makes him a prime candidate for the nose. 

Not many prospects his age are able to handle the double-team so routinely, but Goldman doesn't appear to struggle with these duties at all. A workout warrior, Goldman is a specimen and the type of defensive tackle that coaches drool over.

Johnathan Gray, RB

Gray can hit full speed almost immediately and is explosive off the line of scrimmage. He may only be 5'11" and 190 lbs, but he will hit the hole as hard as anyone and runs really well between the tackles. 

A patient runner with great vision, Gray will take it up the middle or cut it outside depending on the situation and has the elite speed to go the distance any play. 

Dorial Green-Beckham, WR

An athlete of Green-Beckham's stature is a very rare thing indeed. He might be the best high school athlete to ever come out of Missouri and there's a good argument to back that up. 

Last season, the 6'5", 200-pound phenom was the hands-down best football player in the state, one of the most dominant basketball players, ad won two state  track titles, one for the 100-meter dash and a second for the triple jump.

Keith Marshall, RB

Marshall has been described as the type of back who could play in any offensive system and succeed. Scout calls him the total package at running back. 

He's got off-the-charts field vision and that sixth gear that makes him a very dangerous home run hitter. There are some players who make it look so easy out there and he's one of them.  

Andrus Peat, OT

The 6'6" and 280-pound lineman has been described as the top offensive tackle in the West. The Arizona prospect has NFL bloodlines and scarily enough doesn't even look close to reaching his full size. 

Peat is projected as a left tackle, but he's got the versatility to play on either side of the line. Based on the way he blocks, a switch to guard isn't out of the question either.

Rushel Shell, RB

The Pennsylvania running back has more hype surround him than any prospect from the state since quarterback Terrelle Pryor. 

There's a ton of pressure on him to be the best and so far he hasn't disappointed. He's drawn comparisons to Tony Dorsett and based on what he's shown so far, they seem wholly deserved. 

Noah Spence, DE

Defensive end Noah Spence has had a great high school career to this point, registering 40 tackles and 9.5 sacks as a freshman and following it up with a 55-tackle, eight-sack season as a sophomore. 

His high school coach, Jeff Weachter, projects Spence to be in the 6'5" and 270-pound range by the time he hits the college game and will challenge LeSean McCoy as the best player in school history. 

John Theus, OT

John Theus is a towering offensive tackle at 6'6" and 278 lbs. He's bulked up a lot over the summer and the difference in strength is really showing. But not only that, Theus has been hard at work when it comes to his technique.

Theus has near ideal size, strength, and athleticism to be one of the top offensive tackles in the country. But it's his relentless work ethic that's really enticing.

Shaquille Thompson, S

Shaquille Thompson's got the skill-set to be an elite talent at both safety and running back, and he could even play at wide receiver or cornerback if given time to develop. 

While he's spent a good amount of time at running back, with 400 rushing yards through two games this season, there's no denying his talent in the secondary.

Thompson is Scout's last 5-star recruit; the remaining prospects are listed as 4-star recruits.

Bralon Addison, WR

At 5'9", where Addison lacks in size, he makes up for it with quickness and elusiveness. He's got a great pair of hands and can do a lot after the catch. 

He may be small, but he doesn't go down easily and is the type of shifty presence that can shake free in traffic and may a play regardless of where you give him the ball. 

Nelson Agholor, S

Agholor is a versatile athlete who has the potential to find a home on either side of the ball. He's been an offensive force since he was a freshman, but his contributions on defense can't be overlooked.

A sure tackler with great instincts and a knack for getting up and making a play on the ball, Agholor's future looks brightest in the secondary. 

Vadal Alexander, OT

Alexander is a big kid, at 6'5" and 330 lbs, but it's his footwork and explosiveness that's most intriguing about his game.

He's dominant at the point of attack and really drives his opponents off the ball. Alexander moves fast and is very athletic for his size, but needs to polish up his pass-blocking skills to really reach the next level.

Dakota Ball, DT

Dakota Ball is one of the top defensive tackles from the 2012 class and the the coveted prospect has already gotten off to a great start in 2010. 

He's a better than advertised pass-rusher and is very good in pursuit. He doesn't give up on a play and will cause a bunch of problems in the middle of the line .

Warren Ball, RB

Ball doesn't just succeed on the football field, he's a scholar in the classroom and a student first who reports a 3.7 overall GPA.

At 6'2" and 200 lbs, he's a disciplined rusher with a solid combination of size, speed and power. Last year he rushed for over 700 yards and seven touchdowns before an injury cost him the last four games of the season.

Zach Banner, OT

Banner is a gigantic offensive tackle prospect at 6'9" and 295 lbs. He's very lean for his size and has a solid pair of feet under his massive frame. 

One of the most heavily sought-after recruits of the class, Banner is up to 21 offers and counting; he should be one of the most coveted prospects at the position. 

Chris Black, WR

Black is the type of prospect that the country will become very familiar with in a couple of years. He's a gamer who wills his way to victory and can be a rare bread of difference-maker. 

A tough kid who will put his body on the line in traffic and hold on to the ball after contact, Black has great body control and concentration; he'll outleap practically anyone when the ball is in the air. 

Travis Blanks, S

Banks is one of the top prospects from Florida and has already drawn a top of interest from many of the top programs in the southeast. 

Some scouts see him at safety while others envision him as a rare, oversized corner to match up with bigger receivers. 

Deion Bonner, S

Bonner plays both safety and running back in high school, but scouts are pegging him as a defender on the next level based on his ball-hawking instincts and ability to deliver the big hit.

He's a bit undersized, at 5'11" and 169 lbs, but plays bigger than he looks. Once Bonner bulks up, this Georgia native could be something special. 

Bam Bradley, S

Bradley is considered to be the top 2012 prospect from Ohio after a stellar sophomore year that saw his team deep into the playoffs behind his strong performance. 

He's one of the best there is in pursuit and has great technique tackling. Bradley is an instinctive playmaker who will only get better as he develops his game. 

Connor Brewer, QB

Brewer led his team to the state championship in Arizona last season, passing for nearly 2,000 yards with 20 touchdowns and just six interceptions. 

He's a pass-first quarterback, but will make a play with his legs if the defense give him space. At 6'2" and 185 lbs, Brewer is also a pretty tough player to bring down.

Malcolm Brown, DT

Not to be confused with the Malcolm Brown of the 2011 class, 2012's Malcolm Brown is one of the nation's top defensive tackle prospects. 

He's got a great natural frame and says he's willing to bulk up more so he can play nose tackle in college; that's the type of thing you really don't hear often from a high schooler. 

Wesley Brown, RB

Brown picked up a handful of offers before he even make it to his junior season. As a sophomore he rushed for 1,290 yards and 17 touchdowns.

That got the attention of scouts and things should heat up even more in 2010 as Brown looks to build on last year's success. 

Joel Caleb, WR

At 6'2" and 185 lbs, Caleb looks like one of the best prospects in Virginia and might turn out to be the best receiver of the 2012 class when its all said and done. 

He's not a pure burner, but his 4.5-second 40-yard dash, great leaping ability and hands, and a solid body control make him a dangerous target anywhere on the field. 

Shane Callahan, OT

At 6'6" and 280 lbs, Shane Callahan has the elite size you look for in an offensive lineman prospect, but it's his mauler's style and aggressive nature that really raises eyebrows.

Callahan isn't just trying to block is opponent, he's trying to burry them on every single play. That tends to get him in trouble at times, but with proper discipline, he can be a monster of an offensive tackle. 

Chris Casher, DE

Casher is a really athletic prospect who plays both wide receiver and defensive end in high school, and right now is being recruited as a defensive tackle or an outside linebacker depending on the scheme. 

He's drawn a ton of interest from the SEC schools, including Florida, Auburn, Alabama, and Georgia. Based on the way he dominates at the high school level, expect things to heat up even more. 

Landon Collins, S

Whether he lands at safety or cornerback, Landon Collins has the look of a player who will find his way onto the field early and often at the next level. 

He strong, athletic, can make a play in open space or breakup a pass in traffic. Starting at outside linebacker and safety as a sophomore, he's versatile enough to make a home at a variety of positions. 

Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick, TE

Cope-Fitzgerald has emerged as the early favorite to be the top tight end of the 2012 class, but for as good as he's been catching passes, he may be better as a pure lineman. 

He's athletic and strong, with long arms and great body control. At 6'5" and 250 lbs, he may just end up at defensive end or bulking up and playing offensive tackle.

Derek David, MLB

Derek Davis is one of the top linebackers in Texas and at 6'4" and 228 lbs, has a great natural frame to build off of and a near-ideal skill-set for middle linebacker. 

He's already committed to Texas Tech, but has stressed that he'll keep his options open, so Red Raiders fans should remain somewhat guarded toward the current headliner of their 2012 class. 

Matt Davis, QB

Davis is an intriguing prospect that suffered an unfortunate injury before the 2010 season that will see him off the field for his entire junior year. 

He's still considered one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, though, and it hasn't stopped schools from offering. Expect Davis to really blow up his senior year, healthy and motivated. 

J.J. Denman, OT

At 6'6" and 310 lbs, J.J. Denman has the size and athleticism to a difference-maker at offensive tackle, but he might be better suited for the right side than the left. 

He's not very strong for his size and needs to spend a lot of time in the weight room to have an impact on the next level.

Jordan Diamond, OT

Jordan Diamond is a "get off the bus first"-type player who has the chance to be the top offensive tackle in the 2012 class. 

At 6'7" and 270 lbs he has ideal size for the left tackle spot and has drawn a ton of attention. It's a rare thing to find a big man who can move as swiftly as Diamond can. 

Stefon Diggs, WR

Diggs is the type of player that can really make a difference on both sides of the ball and has the potential to play both ways in college.

He plays wide receiver and cornerback in high school and has been recruited at both positions, already collecting a handful of offers, most notably from Miami and Virginia Tech—the schools who appear to be most interested. 

Brionte Dunn, RB

At 6'1" ad 211 lbs, Dunn is a power back who will put the hammer down on defenses throughout the game. He runs a deceptively fast 4.6-second 40-yard dash, but it's his vision that helps him the most. 

Dunn is patient, will wait for the play to develop, find his hole, and hit it hard. He's got the size to make a living between the tackles, but he can take it outside as well and will break tackles with the best of them. 

Quay Evans, DT

Evans is a tremendous athlete for 6'3" and 300 lbs. He's got arguably the best first step in 2012 class and really knows how to explode into is opponent. 

Right now he plays off of his natural ability and that's been fine at the high school level, but his technique is raw and he needs to polish his pass-rushing skills to make an impact at the next level. 

Dante Fowler, DE

At 6'3" and 220 lbs, Dante Fowler is one of the premiere defensive ends of the 2012 class and has already collected 20 offers, but right now he is focused on two SEC schools.

Florida and Georgia, in case you were wondering. Both have shown a ton of interest since early in his sophomore season, and, based on the way Fowler is able to get to the quarterback, it's no wonder.

Joshua Garnett, OG

Joshua Garnett has the versatility to play anywhere along the interior offensive line, though his future seems to be as a pulling guard based on his ability to get downfield and block at the second and third levels. 

At 6'3" and 265 lbs, he needs to bulk up and right now is a much better run-blocker than pass-blocker, but the potential is there. 

Trey Granier, MLB

Trey Granier comes from a Thibodaux high school in Louisiana, a place not known for their football prospects. In fact, Granier is head coach Dennis Lorio's first division one prospect. 

He's easy to pick out, at 6'1" and 225 llbs, with a game just as impressive as his frame. LSU has the early lead on this one as of Sept. 16, becoming the first school to make an offer.

Kiante Griffin, S

At 6'0" and 200 lbs, Griffin is one of the top prospects in Texas and could become a force at multiple positions on the next level. 

He plays wide receiver and safety, with a great pair of hands and exceptional speed. He can get open in traffic, make a play in the open field, defend the pass, and tackle. 

Jelani Hamilton, DE

Hamilton is one prospect that you really need to keep your eye on. He's followed up a solid sophomore season with a dominating start to his junior year. 

There might not be a better defensive end in the 2012 class and while others have gotten more exposure, Hamilton is the real deal. He's got an insane motor and plays all the way through to the whistle every play. 

Drew Harris, RB

Stats don't mean everything, but when a sophomore puts up over 2,000 yards with a 6.5 yards-per-catch average, you take note. 

A starter since his freshman year, Harris has been one of the stars of summer combines ever since. He's not the fastest, but he's shifty and hard to bring down—a great combination at running back. 

Troy Hinds, DE

Troy Hinds is the top prospect from Utah, finishing his sophomore season with 96 tackles and eight sacks. 

At 6'5" and 225 lbs, he's got great size and strength, with a nice set of pass-rushing moves that should garner a lot of attention from scouts around the country. 

Bart Houston, QB

Houston led De La Salle to an 11-0 record with 1,257 yards, with 10 touchdowns and two interceptions as a sophomore, being named to California's Super Sophomore Team. 

He's one of the top pro-style quarterbacks in the 2012 class and follows in a long line of blue-chip passers on the Left Coast. 

D.J. Humphries, OT

D.J. Humphries is the teammate of North Carolina commit Marquise Williams (a quarterback), and he plays a crucial role defending Williams' blindside from the left tackle spot. 

Humphries is an athletic prospect who's displayed pretty good technique and solid pair of feet. At 6'5" and 265 lbs, he needs to bulk up and get stronger to really blossom. 

Trent Jackson, RB

Trent Jackson is another of several blue-chip running backs coming out of Texas in 2012 and brings about as much to the table as any of his fellow in-state backs. 

After rushing for over 2,500 yards and 34 touchdowns in 2009, Jackson looks stronger, faster, and more focused this year; he could emerge as the nation's top back by the end of the season. 

Angelo Jean-Louis, WR

Part of a very talented group of receivers coming out of Florida in 2012, Angelo Jean-Louis might be the best of the bunch. 

The 6'0", 185-lb West Palm Beach Native has drawn a ton of interest from several schools, but it looks like Florida's Big Three have narrowed the hunt on this one. 

Jordan Jenkins, DE

Jenkins is the type of athlete that really explodes into his opponent at the line of scrimmage and uses a super fast first step to really get up and under offensive lineman in a hurry. 

Right now his technique is raw and for the most part he uses his superior strength and athleticism to beat his blocker, but he'll need some work to develop into a force at the next level. 

Avery Johnson, WR

Perhaps the next great wide receiver at LSU, Avery Johnson is only a junior in high school, but some are already pointing toward him as the future of the Tigers' offense. 

At 6'2" and 185 lbs, he's a big target that knows how to get behind the defense, but he will go down the middle and make the tough catches as well. 

Thomas Johnson, WR

One of the top prospects in Texas, Thomas Johnson will spend the next few weeks under the radar after suffering an ankle injury that should keep him sidelined for about three to five weeks. 

High ankle sprains can be nagging injuries, though, so we might not see the best of this playmaker until next season...but don't count him out just yet. 

Cayleb Jones, WR

Some scouts are already calling Cayleb Jones the best wide receiver in the 2012 class, and while that might be a bit premature, there's a decent argument behind this stance. 

The wide receiver and cornerback is a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the ball and has some of the best playmaking skills of any wideout in the nation.

Cyrus Jones, RB

Jones is one of the most versatile running backs of the 2012 class and can be a dangerous force in the running game and the passing game. 

He had over 500 yards on the ground and over 750 yards receiving last season, with 11 total touchdowns. He also plays cornerback, and his four picks in 2009 show the potential for a future on that side of the ball as well. 

Matt Jones, RB

One of the top prospects from the state of Florida, Matt Jones is big back with a ton of potential. At 6'2" and 210 lbs, he's got a great natural frame and could probably bulk up to the 230 range by the time he hits the field in college. 

He's not just a power back, though. Jones has a some shifty moves in space and can beat you on the outside or between the tackles. 

Kyle Kalis, OT

A big offensive tackle at 6'5" and 305 lbs, Kalis committed to Ohio State on Sept. 18 and should be in line for a bright career with the Buckeyes. 

The Ohio native jumped on Ohio State's offer, committing two days after receiving the verbal offer from the team.

Gunner Kiel, QB

A really interesting quarterback form Indiana, Gunner Kiel is one of the best dual-threat passers in the country. And at 6'4" and 200 lbs, he's got ideal size at the position to boot. 

He passed for over 2,200 yards and 25 touchdowns, with another 400 yards and five touchdowns on the ground last season. 

Greyson Lambert, QB

Lambert is one of seven quarterbacks on Scout's initial Scout100 list, but if not for an injury to Wayne County's previous starting quarterback he'd be a name on the backburner. 

Lambert took over for his team early in 2009 and played so well he never gave up his starting position; that's the type of thing you really like to see at this stage.

Terrell Lathan, DE

Terrell Lathan is a player that remains somewhat under the radar despite being named as to Scout's first top 100 list for 2012. 

He's a playmaker who made his presence felt last year, with 38 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles, and a blocked punt. He didn't participate in any camps this summer, but that hasn't stopped the big-time schools from taking notice. 

Eugene Lewis, WR

Lewis has been labeled as a possession receiver due to his lack of elite speed, but the 6'1" and 185-lb prospect is a dangerous redzone threat and a shifty runner in space. 

He caught 31 passes for 772 yards and nine touchdowns in 2009 with another 345 yards on the ground. He also has displayed some good skills as a cover corner and might draw attention as a defender. 

Ricardo Louis, WR

Louis is one of the top quarterbacks in South Florida, but the Miami Beach native is being looked at as a receiver by most scouts. 

At 6'2" and 200 lbs, he's a big prospect who could be a physical force and mismatch on the outside. He's fast, has great hands, and can really make things happen in the open field.

Joe Manley, OT

The top offensive lineman from Kentucky, Joe Manley is one of the best offensive tackles in the 2012 class and a force on the left side.

At 6'6" and 305 lbs, he's a really tough run-blocker who explodes into his opponents and has a great motor. Obviously there's very high interest from Kentucky on this one.

Byron Marshall, RB

Marshall is a player you'll want to remember, because this California running back is a scary-good prospect, voted as the state's 2009 Sophomore of the Year. 

He runs a 4.38-second 40-yard dash and is incredibly strong for his size. At 5'10" and 195 lbs, he can play smashmouth football or bounce it outside and hit the jets. One of the most unique prospects in the class. 

John McGee, OG

There isn't a lot of information available on John McGee, but the Texas native has already drawn some attention from the big boys of the Big 12. 

The 6'3" and 275-lb offensive guard has received an offer from Oklahoma as well as receiving some interest from Texas. 

Greg McMullen, DE

One of the best prospects from Ohio, Greg McMullen is a huge defensive end that might end up at defensive tackle depending on where he ends up. 

The athletic, 6'5", and 260-lb prospect is one of the top pas-rushers from the 2012 class and has received offers from Ohio State, Nebraska, and Michigan State. 

LaDarrell McNeil, S

The 6'3" and 190-lb safety is turning heads in Texas and it won't be long before the whole country becomes very familiar with this hard-hitting prospect. 

McNeil is a classic head hunter who's not just looking to lay out an opponent—he's looking to bury someone and force a turnover any chance he gets; what's amazing is how disciplined he is as well. 

Davonte' Neal, WR

One of the nation's top athletes, McNeil is being pegged as a wide receiver, but he's displayed the versatility to play at a number of positions and might end up on the defensive side of the ball. 

He's a hard-hitting playmaker in the secondary and a dangerous home run hitter at running back, receiver, and in the return game. 

Dan O'Brien, DT

The Michigan native is a prospect you won't hear too much about as he spent his time battling in the trenches where there isn't much glory to be had.

Playing offensive guard and defensive tackle as a sophomore, O'Brien recorded 63 tackles and three sacks in 2009 and is expected to take a big step forward in 2010. 

Jordan Payton, WR

The 6'2" and 190-pound junior set a school record for touchdowns and yards in 2009 with 1,088 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. 

Payton possesses big-play potential and has the chance to become a dominant receiver at the next level. He's a huge target with long arms and the strength to ward off smaller defenders.

Ruhann Peele, WR

New Jersey has pumped out some solid football players over the last few years, but Peele might be the best of the bunch at receiver. 

The 6'1" and 170-lb wideout is a speeder with great skills in the open field and the type of big-play ability you just can't teach. It looks like Rutgers has the early advantage in this one. 

Omari Phillips, OT

You wouldn't think so by looking at him, but Omari Phillips is 6'7" and 270 lbs. He's a lean and athletic big man with a great frame to build off of. 

The Venice, Fla., native is super athletic for his size and plays both left tackle and defensive tackle in high school. It wouldn't be surprising to see him make the switch to defensive end, though his skill-set on the offensive line is very intriguing. 

Zeke Pike, QB

Pike spent most of his minutes at linebacker in 2009, waiting for his chance to start at quarterback. The 6'6", 225-lb prospect got his shot this season and the results have been great so far. 

He's got ideal size for the position and is a dangerous dual-threat passer with a strong arm and a quick set of legs. Pike is so big it's really hard for defenders to bring him down; he might end up being the top QB of the class.

Se'Von Pittman. DE

Se'Von Pittman is one of the top athletes from the 2012 class and a defender who has the makings of a household name one day. 

At 6'4" and 226 lbs, he runs a 4.6-second 40-yard dash and is relentless in pursuit. He's got the chance to be an elite pass-rusher and will draw a ton of interest as he develops his game, which is still pretty raw.

Reggie Ragland, MLB

Ragland is a star football player and star basketball player out of Madison, Ala., and while he's displayed great potential in both sports and on both sides of the football field, he's a linebacker all the way. 

The 6'4", 245-lb prospect has the size to step on the field immediately at the next level and has shown a great knack for making plays on defense and special teams. 

Armani Reeves, CB

Armani Reeves is the cousin of Charles Barkley, so the athletic bloodlines run deep. The Maryland product plays both wide receiver and cornerback and has displayed skill-sets strong enough to play either at the next level. 

He's extremely athletic and agile, running a 4.4-second 40, but it's his back-pedaling and change-of-direction ability that really intrigues. 

Jaevon Richardson, WR

Jaevon Richardson is an under-the-radar prospect from Baytown, Texas. The 6'1" and 170-lb wide receiver runs a 4.5-second 40-yard dash and has received an offer from Texas A&M.

Richardson is an interesting prospect that plays faster than his 40 time would suggest, but he needs to bulk up in order to really make an impact at the next level.

Deaysean Rippy, OLB

Deaysean Rippy is probably the top defensive prospect from Pennsylvania and has already received verbal offers from Florida, Ohio State, Pitt, Maryland, and Syracuse. 

He favors the Buckeyes, Gators, and Panthers at the moment, but it's way too early to make a call in this one.

Shaq Roland, S

Roland has started at free safety for his high school team since he was a freshman. The 6'1", 180-lb prospect plays both safety and wide receiver, but his future at the next level appears to be on the defensive side of the ball. 

He's a great all-around prospect, a ball-hawk a playmaker who could potentially play on both sides of the ball at the next level. 

James Ross, MLB

James Ross, one of the top prospects from the state of Michigan, really stood out at Ohio State's summer camp and has garnered a lot of interest as a result. 

Ross is a tackling machine and playmaker who recorded 103 tackles, five sacks, five forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries, and an interception in 2009, his first season playing high school football. 

Barry Sanders Jr., RB

Barry Sanders Jr. might be the son of the legendary running back who's arguably the best of all time, but that isn't why he's one of the top backs of the 2012 class.

Sanders has great balance, vision, and change-of-direction ability. Simply put, he's his father's son. It will not be long before every college football recruiting fan in the country becomes very familiar with his name. 

Tommy Schutt, DT

The 6'3" and 301-lb defensive tackle has garnered a ton attention already, with offers from all over the country. 

Schutt plays both offensive guard and defensive tackle, but based on his aggressive, physical style and relentless motor, he seems perfect for the defensive side of the ball. 

Isaac Seumalo, OG

Isaac Seumalo is one of the best pure offensive guards in the 2012 class. The Oregon native first caught the attention of scouts at the University of Washington summer camp in June.

Seumalo manhandled any and every defensive lineman they put in his way and emerged as arguably the top lineman from the camp. 

Justin Shanks, DT

Justin Shanks is a big, athletic defensive tackle from Alabama who can play anywhere along the defensive line. 

At 6'4" and 294 lbs, Shanks has the size to hold his own on the inside or the speed to get out on the edge and rush the passer. 

Tee Shepard, CB

Tee Shepard is being recruited primarily as a cornerback, the position he's spent most of his time at in high school, but he might be better suited to switch over to safety. 

At 6'0" and 171 lbs, he's a bit on the slow side, with a 4.7-second 40-yard dash. But he's also a physical presence and could benefit from the switch.

Elijah Shumate, S

At 6'1" and 195 lbs, Shumate has elite size for the safety position, but he's remained somewhat out of the national spotlight while other rising juniors have spent the summer campaigning.

Shumate has done quite the opposite, avoiding camps and college coaches and focusing on the gym and the football field, where he's reportedly bulked up a lot and polished his skill tremendously. 

Jordan Simmons, OG

The 6'4" and 280-lb offensive tackle is carrying a noticeable amount of extra weight and needs to get into the gym and had some muscle to his frame.

But there's no denying the potential here. He dominated competition at the B2E Elite Camp this summer and has received offers from USC, UCLA, and Washington, among others. 

Geno Smith, CB

Geno Smith is on the small side (5'11" and 160 lbs), and will need to add some serious bulk to his frame in order to make an impact on the next level. 

But there's no denying the extent of the Georgia native's potential. He plays bigger than he is, and he's fast, super athletic, and has great instincts in the secondary. 

Freddie Tagaloa, OT

Unfortunately, Tagaloa isn't strictly a football player. He's just as highly regarded as a basketball player, and many feel his future looks equally bright in either sport. 

What's most impressive about his game, besides his massive frame (6'8", 300 lbs), is his ability to get downfield with players half his size and make blocks in the second, third, and even fourth levels. He's been heavily recruited by Pac-10 schools.

Jonathan Taylor, DT

Taylor is a big, lean, and athletic defensive tackle who plays on both sides of the ball at the high school level but has been pegged by scouts as a defender in college.

At 6'3" and 315 lbs, Taylor plays offensive and defensive tackle, and the Georgia native has drawn a ton of interest from the SEC, with offers from Auburn, Georgia, and Tennessee.

Bryce Treggs, WR

Treggs has been identified as one of the top breakout players for 2010, and the junior receiver has the skills to back up those claims. 

He had 34 catches for 534 yards and three touchdowns in 2009, being named to the ESPN RISE California All-State Sophomore Team. 

Halapoulivaati Vaitai, OT

The Texas native is a bit of an odd selection for Scout100 list in that he's not very strong, at 6'5" and 255 lbs with a max bench of 225 lbs, and he doesn't have the athletic versatility to move over to tight end. 

Vaitai has received interest from Okahoma, USC, Texas A&M, and SMU, but to this point he has not received an offer from any school. 

Vincent Valentine, DT

Valentine is the top prospect from Illinois and is one of the rare nose tackle prospects out there. At 6'4" and 298 lbs, he's got a great frame and elite size for a defensive tackle. 

He can play the nose in a 3-4 or defensive tackle in a 4-3—it doesn't matter; Valentine will be a success regardless of where you line him up. 

Dan Voltz, OG

Another of the 2012 class' interior offensive lineman, Dan Voltz is a powerful run blocker and the type of talent that really jumps out to you on film.

He hits hard, drives through his opponent, and has a great motor. He needs to improve as a pass-blocker and, like nearly everyone, could use some time in the gym to work on getting bigger and stronger. 

Channing Ward, DE

Channing Ward is a versatile athlete who might find his future at outside linebacker or defensive end, depending on the system he ends up in. 

At 6'4" and 225 lbs, he's strong, athletic, and has solid balance and body control; it makes him a great candidate as a pass-rushing specialist. 

Adolphus Washington, DE

Another of Ohio's top prospects, Adolphus Washington is a dominating defender who really has a knack for big plays, though he does play a bit inconsistently right now. 

He's got offers from Ohio State, Colorado, Cincinnati, Kentucky, and Illinois, but expect that number to grow tremendously as he develops throughout the year. 

Eddie Williams, S

Eddie Williams is one of the most versatile football players in the country, playing cornerback, safety, wide receiver, running back, and some quarterback and linebacker. 

It looks like his future is brightest on the defensive side of the ball, where the 6'4" and 200-lb prospect has elite size and speed for the free safety position.  

Trey Williams, RB

Trey Williams is yet another stud running back from the state of Texas, but there are issues with him that can't be overlooked. 

At 5'7" and 175 lbs, there are concerns that he doesn't have the size to carry the load as a featured back. But where he comes up short, he makes up for it in scarily good playmaking ability. 

Jameis Winston, QB

Winston is one of the most athletic prospects from the 2012 class and will likely emerge as the the top dual-threat passer. 

The 6'3", 180-lb recruit has already received offers from Alabama, Auburn, Ohio State, Ole Miss, and Miami after throwing for over 700 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. 

Chris Wormley, DE

Wormley was one of the top underclassmen in Ohio last season, registering 59 tackles and 12 sacks as a sophomore.

At 6'5" and 250 lbs, he's got great size and is a better athlete than he's sometimes given credit for. He's visited Michigan and Ohio State, and both schools look to be at the top of his list. 

Tony Wright, CB

South Carolina's Tony Wright started getting attention as a sophomore, when he blanketed some of the state's top receivers.

Not only does he have idea size, but he's quick, fluid, strong against the run, and a very disciplined player who has the potential to emerge as the top cornerback of the 2012 class by the time he's a senior. 

Avery Young, OT

Avery Young, the final player on the Scout100 (which, again, is alphabetical—not ranked), is one of the top prospects from Florida and the type of offensive tackle that will garner a ton of interest. 

He's got ideal size for the position at 6'6" and 273 lbs, with long arms, quick feet, and a great balance. That's a winning combo for a left tackle.