College Football Recruiting 2011: Power Ranking the Top 25 Recruits

Today we take a look at the Top-25 College Recruits for the class of 2011. We've taken several areas into account when determining the list. However, players are ranked primarily according to natural ability, how well their skills should translate from high school to college, potential to make a quick impact, and overall long-term upside.

25. Savon Huggins, RB, Jersey City, NJ, Uncommitted

Huggins could have the ability to be an every-down back in college thanks mostly to his size and workhorse mentality. He can be a dominant downhill runner and doesn’t shy away from contact. He often exhibits a tendency to get better with each carry and rarely goes down on first contact.

24. Stephone Anthony, OLB, Wadesboro, NC, Uncommitted

Anthony is a turnover machine who combines a penchant for big hits with good ball-hawking skills, especially for a linebacker. He uses great football instincts to quickly close on the ball against the run or the pass. He played some running back in high school, but his defensive instincts and big-hitting ability make him more cut out for linebacker in college.

23. Desmond Jackson, DT, Houston, TX, Texas

Jackson is a high energy and active player who comes from a 34 scheme. He typically gets good penetration into the backfield and can create havoc for opposing offenses. He has a good motor and is a good tackler.

22. Mike Bellamy, RB, Punta Gorda, FL, Clemson

Ballamy is an explosive, game-changing type of running back. He can stop on a dime and make defenders look quite foolish. He needs to work on blocking, but undoubtedly carries a lot of upside.

21. Braxton Miller, QB, Huber Heights, OH Ohio State

Miller is fundamentally sound and consistent with his footwork. He has a strong and an ability to throw on the run. He does an exceptional job of surveying the field and staying in his progressions. His ability to run makes him a duel threat.

20. Quandre Diggs, CB, Angletown, TX, Texas

Diggs possesses a combination of speed, quickness and outstanding change of direction skills. He’s not afraid to come up and jam a receiver at the line. While he also played quarterback in high school, his defensive tools and instincts are too enticing for him not to line up at cornerback in college.

19. Jeoffrey Pagan, DE, Asheville, NC, Uncommitted

Pagan has raw power and usually demonstrates a good first step, though he could stand to develop more consistency in that area. He’s a sure-handed tackler and speed rusher off the outside.

18. Jay Rome, TE, Valdosta, GA, Uncommitted

At 6’5”, 230 pounds, Rome carries the ideal frame to be a productive college tight end. He can stretch the field vertically or quickly break off shorter routes and has routinely showed soft hands. He can be very tough to bring down after the catch. His run-blocking stands for improvement, but he’s usually able to generate a push.

17. DeAnthony Thomas, RB, Los Angeles, CA, USC (Trojans)

Though it remains to be seen what position he will play in college, Thomas is one of the most naturally-gifted athletes in the 2011 class. With size and athleticism, USC is said to be considering moving Thomas to defensive back, especially given his 160-pound frame. Either way, Thomas’ is one of the most dynamic players in his class.

16. Karlos Williams, S, Davenport, FL, Florida State

Williams is an over-sized safety who ranks at the top of his position for the 2011 class due to his ability to cover and deliver the big hit. He can get over the top of routes or crowd the box as an accomplished run-stuffer. Due to his build, he could end up converting to linebacker, but either way Williams should be a playmaker in college.

15. Steve Miller, DE, Canton, OH, Ohio State

Miller is the type of defender that forces an offense to account for his every move. He’s consistently shown a tremendous burst off the ball and an ability to chase guys down. He's a great run-stuffer.

14. Nick O’Leary, TE, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Uncommitted

O’Leary has been dubbed by many as the best tight end in the 2011 class primarily because of his ability to handle everything that the tight end position requires. He has good hands and the tenacity to make the tough catch in traffic. On any given play, O’Leary may stretch the field on a fly pattern or open up a running lane with his above average blocking.

13. Charone Peake, WR, Roebuck, SC, Clemson

Peake can line up just about anywhere and needs to be accounted for because of his game-breaking capabilities. He’s at his best when going against man coverage but has also shown a knack for finding space in zone coverage. He’s a very precise route runner who can get defenders to bite on very subtle moves.

12. George Farmer, WR, Gardena, CA, Uncommitted

A physically imposing presence on offense, Farmer has an ability to stretch the field vertically as well as turn a short catch into a big gain. He’s drawn some comparisons to Dez Bryant for his quick feet and acceleration. He routinely beats his man and displays soft hands.

11. Jeff Driskel, QB, Oviedo, FL, Florida

Driskel is likely the top dog at the quarterback position in the 2011 class thanks in large part to his natural athleticism and strong arm. He has consistently shown outstanding mobility and the ability to create plays on the run, as well as stand in the pocket to deliver accurate throws. Driskel is deadly accurate on a very high majority of his passes and his versatility should translate nicely to the college level.

10. Aaron Green, RB, San Antonio, TX, Nebraska

Green reaches top speed in mere steps, and can regain it as quickly as anyone. His vision and burst makes him a threat to go all the way any time he touches the ball. He’s an electric runner and may possess a higher big-play potential than anyone in this class.

9. Christian Westerman, OT, Chandler, AZ, Texas

Westerman consistently demonstrates a good leg-drive while run blocking and rarely allows his opponent into the backfield. He’s shown good mechanics on trap and pull plays and an ability to make the extra downfield block. He will often pancake linebackers downfield if given a running start.

8. Malcolm Brown, RB, Cibolo, TX, Texas

Standing at 215 pounds, Brown’s size to speed ratio is arguably the best of any running back in the 2011 class. He typically runs out of the I-Formation and is a bruising downhill runner. Brown gets out of his stance quickly and shows an urgency to hit the hole with authority. A high school workhorse, Brown rarely goes down on first contact.

7. Ray Drew, DE, Thomasville, GA Uncommitted

Drew is a talented and agile defender with a world of upside. He’s shown good raw strength and uses good tackling angles while in pursuit. At 253 pounds, he can probably be even more disruptive once he’s on a college weight-training program.

6. Isaiah Crowell, RB, Columbus, GA, Uncommitted

Crowell has that rare combination of explosiveness and raw power that coaches and fans alike both like to see from a ball carrier. He’s shown a consistent ability to get to the hole and reach top speed almost instantly. If he gets into open space, he’s a threat to go all the way every time.

5. Anthony Johnson, DT, New Orleans, LA, LSU

Johnson seemingly knifes his way into the backfield on nearly ever play by combining a quick first step with raw power. He never gives up on a play and can be very difficult to contain, even with a double-team. This isn’t your typical defensive tackle who clogs up running lanes and allows other guys to make plays; this is your bona-fide play-maker.

4. Tony Steward, MLB, St. Augustine, FL, Uncommitted

Steward is said to be choosing between Florida State, Clemson, Alabama, UCLA and Florida, and whoever is lucky enough to land Steward may be instantly rewarded. He exhibit’s a natural quickness, sure-handed tackling mechanics and ball-hawking ability. In short, he’s the total package who makes big plays when it counts.

3. La’el Collins, OT, Baton Rouge, LA, LSU

Collins appears to be physically and mentally prepared to step into the LSU starting lineup as a freshman. He’s shown a consistent tenacity to finish his block and play every down like it’s his last. He plays on his feet well and always looks to make an additional downfield block.

2. Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Hyattsville, MD, Uncommitted

Though uncommitted, Kouandjio could easily be the cream of the crop of this year’s offensive linemen. A mauling run blocker, Kouandjio explodes off the ball and runs very well for a 290-pounder. Kouandjio has shown a bit of a mean streak and will punish defenders when the opportunity presents itself. He’s said to be deciding between Alabama, Miami (FL), Iowa, USC (CA) and New Mexico.

1. Jadevon Clowney, DE, Rock Hill, SC, Florida State

A disruptive force at defensive end, Clowney should have little trouble making an instant impact on Florida State’s defense next season. During his senior year of high school, Clowney racked up 128 tackles and a state-high 19.5 sacks. Clowney provides a rare combination of power and quickness, which should translate well to the next level. He’s the “can’t miss” player of his class.