College Football Recruiting 2011: Power Ranking Top 25 High School Stars

A college football program's lifeblood is recruiting. Fans, coaches, and players alike all want to know what star players from the high school ranks will be joining their school next season or what are their school's chances at landing a prized recruit.

We'll breakdown the top 25 high school players in the country, and what makes them so special. We'll also let you know where they are headed, and where they could be headed.

Without further delay, let's begin...

#25 Sammy Watkins

Hailed as the top receiver in talent rich Florida, South Fort Meyers receiver Sammy Watkins is a flat out play maker. Selected to play in the Army All-American Game next month, Watkins has shown leadership and toughness this season by playing with a MCL sprain. Possessing good size at 6-1, and 185 pounds, Watkins is deadly with the ball in his hands as he has very good speed, elusiveness, vision, and wiggle in the open field.

Highly recruited, Watkins had schools such as Miami, Florida, Auburn, Michigan, Florida State, South Carolina, and North Carolina all hot on his trail.

 Watkins chose to make coach Dabo Swiney and the fine folks of Clemson happy, as he has pledged solidly to be a Tiger.

#24 Braxton Miller

With the evolution of the spread offense in college football, a quarterback who can beat a defense with his legs and still wing it well has become the hot commodity in recruiting. Ohio Wayne star signal caller Braxton Miller fits that bill. The 6-2, 185 pound dual threat QB can run by you with 4.4 speed, or pick you apart from the pocket, pick your poison. Miller has even drawn comparisons to former Buckeye and Heisman winner Troy Smith.

Approaching legend status in the state of Ohio, Miller was coveted by the likes of Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame, Tennessee, USC, and West Virginia.

Michigan fans will be unhappy to learn that Miller is committed to being a Buckeye and will play for Ohio State next Fall.

#23 Anthony Johnson

All defenses want that big, nasty, run plugging defensive tackle to clog holes and wreak havoc. O. Perry Walker defensive tackle Anthony Johnson is that and more, as he is a noted pass rushing threat as well. Possessing great quickness off the ball, long arms, and a physically imposing frame. At 6-4. and nearly 300 pounds, Johnson looks to be a future star. And to top it all off, he holds a 3.75 GPA in the classroom. So when he's not collapsing pockets and sacking quarterbacks, Johnson is studying and keeping his head in the books.

Johnson committed to Tennessee early in the process, then chose to re-open his recruitment. Having to decide all over again, he looked at Alabama, Miami, Georgia, UCLA, before deciding to stay in-stae to play for the Mad Hatter in Les Miles and LSU.

#22 Jeff Driskel

If recent odds stay true, it seems if you set foot on campus in Gainesville, you win a Heisman. Tim Tebow. Cam Newton, albeit just for 2 plagued season. Jeff Driskel, off Florida Haverty will look to keep up with that trend. With the title of not only the top QB prospect in the state of Florida, but the country, Driskel is a pure pocket passer who can make all the throws, has a quick release, and stands 6-3. 225 pounds. Driskel has also shown good mobility in and out of the pocket.

An early commit to Florida, Driskel was known to be very solid in his pledge but has gone a bit quiet since the departure of former Gator head coach, Urban Meyer. It will be up to new coach Will Muschamp and his staff to reaffirm Driskel to do the Gator Chomp, as Driskel is also a touted baseball prospect and could opt for that route.

#21 Nick O'Leary

Mobile tight ends, or “move” tight ends as they are known in the NFL are becoming more and more in demand since teams are pitching the ball with more sophistication nowadays. Nick O'Leary of West Palm Beach is the prototype of move tight ends, and can make the spectacular catch look routine. With a great frame, standing 6-4, 235 pounds, O'Leary plays with such fire and intensity that Ray Lewis would stop and take notice. A good route runner, O'Leary is too big for safeties, and too athletic for linebackers in coverage.

The Question is, who isn't after O'Leary as he is looking at Florida State, Miami, LSU, Wisconsin, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama. O'Leary recently narrowed his choices down to Florida State, Miami, Alabama, and LSU. Set to make his commitment at the Army All-American game, it is expected that Florida State will win the services of golfing legend Jack Nicklaus' grandson.

#20 Steve Edmond

Will Muschamp has told everyone who will listen that the only job he would have left Texas for was indeed Florida's head coaching job. When you see Steve Edmond play, you quickly realize that Muschamp was telling the truth, as the outside linebacker from Dangerfield, Texas is that good. 6-3, 225 pounds, Edmond is instinctive, powerful, and brings the wood to anyone who has the football. Having the athleticism to man any linebacker spot, Edmond is also a very good blitzer and pass rusher.

Edmond chose Texas very early in the process over schools such as USC, Auburn, Florida, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Mack Brown is going to have to put in some work to make sure Edmond dons burnt orange next Fall, as Muschamp will almost certainly put in a call to Edmond to gauge his interest of playing at The Swamp.

#19 Marqise Lee

Sometimes flying under the radar can be a good thing. You can lay low and surprise people to dominate them. Playing with superstars such as George Farmer and Robert Woods will do that to you, as Serra Safety/ATH Marqise Lee, 6-1, 187 pounds, is now making a name for himself. A basketball player who just recently started playing on the gridiron, Lee has quickly established himself as one the premier multipurpose prospects in the country. At safety, Lee has the speed, athleticism, quickness, and change of direction to cover, and is also tough and strong enough to come down in the box and play the run. Many would have expected a steeper learning curve for Lee, as it takes some time to learn the ins and outs of various coverage schemes on the back end, though Lee has proven to be a quick study and shows an instinctive knack for interceptions.

Fighting for Lee's services include UCLA, Florida, Oregon, Washington, and Miami, but it is expected that he will be playing for Lane Kiffin and USC in his college days. USC men's basketball coach Kevin O'Neil also would welcome Lee to Troy.

#18 Christian Westermann

Hamilton offensive tackle Christian Westerman, is as nasty as they come on the field. A dominant run blocker standing at 6-5, 288 pounds, Westerman has the strength to and technique to control defensive linemen, wherever and whenever. He's also athletic enough to get to the 2^nd level and be productive in

space against smaller defenders.

Easily seen as a tackle or guard in college, Westerman is one the elite offensive linemen prospects in the nation.

Committed to Texas, Westerman also considered both in-state schools of Arizona, Arizona State, along with Alabama, Florida State, Michigan, Nebraska, and Notre Dame. Big-12 defenders get ready, because Westerman will not be on the field to be your friend.

#17 Demetrius Hart

Running back Demetrius Hart of Dr. Phillips HS in Florida, does everything except sell snacks at the concession stand during his games. An all purpose back in every sense of the word, Hart can beat a defense by rushing and receiving, and then returning. Standing 5-8, and weighing 190 pounds, Hart is a shifty back with legit 4.4 speed, explosiveness, change of of direction, and solid patience to set up his blocks. The agile running back is deadly in space and a game changing punt returner.

Auburn, Alabama, and Florida were all hot on the trail for Hart, but he chose to commit to Michigan for the opportunity to play in Rich Rodriguez's offense. Denard Robinson and Demetrius Hart in the same backfield? Scary.

#16 Brandon Williams

Running back is the position where most players can make the biggest impact early. Brookshire Royal running back Brandon Williams, seems to be primed for an early impact in college, as the 6-1, 190 pound slasher has been as productive as they come. An 1800 yard rusher as a junior, Williams ran for more than 2400 yards during his senior campaign. A true home run threat, Williams has speed and quickness through the hole and good vision to elude defenders. He also has good strength and power to get yards after contact.

Williams pledged to Baylor last February, but then decided he wanted to keep his options open. One of his options was to be an Oklahoma Sooner, in which Williams has since announced that what indeed intends to do. Other schools that were in the running included Texas A&M, Houston, Kentucky, and Texas Tech.

#15 Trey Metoyer

Whitehouse receiver Trey Metoyer is one of the most athletic players in the country. The 6-2, 200 pound receiver has been clocked at 4.48 in the 40 yard dash, and jumped nearly 40 inches in the vertical jump. Possessing the deep speed, size, hands, leaping ability, and coordination, Metoyer is primed to be a star. He has even drawn comparisons to Dallas Cowboys' receiver, Dez Bryant and New York Giants' receiver Hakeem Nicks, with his body control, adjust ability, and route running.

Oklahoma State, Baylor, Arkansas, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Nebraska, and Arizona were all among schools asking Metoyer to join them. He has confirmed that he will be yelling Boomer Sooner for the next four years, as he is headed to Norman to play for Oklahoma.

#14 Mike Bellamy

At 5-10, 185 pounds, Mike Bellamy of Punta Gorda has been compared to Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans. A treat to score from anywhere on the field when he has the ball in his hands, Bellamy has the speed, quickness, change of direction, and elusiveness to look like a video game running back. He also is a very good receiver out of the backfield, and can line up at receiver or in the slot to create match up nightmares for defensive coordinators. Bellamy also is an accomplished kick off and punt returner.

Notre Dame, Auburn, USC, Florida, Florida State, and Alabama were seriously considered, but Bellamy has decided to be a Clemson Tiger.

#13 Lawrence Thomas

At 6-4, 232 pounds, Lawrence Thomas of Michigan Renaissance, physically intimidates everyone else on the field with him. Not just big, Thomas is also a solid athlete and one the very elite linebackers in the country. With sideline to sideline speed and range, Thomas is a thumper when tackling, and also has solid instincts, change of direction, and could also be a very good tight end of the offensive side of the ball. Touted as the top high school football prospect in Michigan, Thomas is at his best when playing the run and challenging ball carriers.

Committed to Michigan State, the future Spartan also was recruited by Ohio State, USC, Penn State, Florida, Oklahoma, and Notre Dame, among others.

#12 Brent Calloway

Quick, fast, athletic outside linebackers allow defenses to be more exotic in their schemes and coverages to allow various personnel on the field to combat spread offenses. Russellville linebacker Brent Calloway will allow his future defensive coordinator to use him in a variety of ways to exploit his strengths and stop offenses. With excellent speed, quickness, and range, Calloway makes plays all over the field. He's a very good blitzer and can come off the edge in a hurry. There are even whispers that he could play safety in college. Combining versatility and a world of potential, Calloway is garnered as the best player in Alabama this year.

Nick Saban has the blue chip linebacker's commitment, and Calloway will almost certainly follow in line of great defense players Saban has produced. Coming up short for Calloway's pledge were Auburn, USC, LSU, Ole Miss, and Vanderbilt.

#11 Karlos Williams

Big defensive backs are rare finds. Offenses are employing big receivers and defensive backs are being asked to play bigger and bigger as time goes on. Karlos Williams, safety of Florida Ridge, will answer the call. 6-2, 210 pounds, Williams is big enough to even play outside linebacker. He can cover on the back end and also be an 8^th defender in the box equally.

Think Arizona Cardinals' safety, Adrian Wilson. Interceptions are his calling card, as Williams has soft hands and ball skills to pick off throws, which is why there is talk of him playing receiver in college. Wherever he ends up, safety, linebacker, or receiver, look for Williams to be an excellent player.

Williams was recruited by Auburn, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Miami, Michigan, and Ohio State, but chose to stay in Florida and play for Jimbo Fisher and Florida State.

#10 Cyrus Kouandjio

6-7, 320 pound offensive tackle Cyrus Kouandjio of DeMatha Maryland is massive, athletic, and long. Once the big lineman gets his hands on a defender, that player is essentially taken out of the play as he drive blocks extremely well. With good athleticism and balance, Kouandjio is also a very good pass blocker and was entrusted by protecting the quarterback's blind side during his senior season. The top overall prospect from Maryland, Kouandjio has very broad shoulders and good strength.

Considered a heavy Alabama lean, where his older brother currently plays, Kouandijo also lists USC, Miami, Iowa, and New Mexico as his top schools. Brotherly love, Nick Saban, and Roll Tide seem to be expected to win out for the big man's services on National Signing Day.

#9 James Wilder Jr.

Tampa Plant high school is a nationally respected high school football program, known for cranking out blue chip football prospects on the regular. Multipurpose athlete James Wilder, Jr. is next in line to fill the tradition of top Plant players. One of the strongest players in the nation, Wilder, Jr. can play pretty much any position on the field. Running back, linebacker, safety, you name it. He plays fast, downhill, and intense at any position he's playing. An athletic sensation, Wilder Jr. has great straight line ability, power, speed, and football smarts. It's expected to come down to outisde linebacker, defensive end, and running back for which position he's to play at the next level.

Georgia Tech, Auburn, Oregon, South Carolina, Pitt, and Florida State all battled for Wilder, Jr's talents, with the Florida State Seminoles winning out. Now Jimbo Fisher and his staff must begun an even daunting task, figuring out what position James Wilder Jr. will play.

#8 Malcolm Brown

Malcolm Brown of Steele may be the best running back in the country. A Cedric Benson clone, Brown is 6 feet tall, and weighs 220 pounds. An explosive downhill runner, Brown runs with elite balance, speed, and strength. His excellent vision allows for him to set up blocks and he never allows to be tackled by just a single defender. Brown's engine revs up as the game goes on, which spells disaster for opposing defenses, as he looks like a tank carrying a football when running. He also has a knack for the endzone and he is not be denied when near the goal line.

Texas won out for Brown, over Florida State, Alabama, Notre Dame, Colorado, and Georgia just to name a few. Look for Brown to tote the rock early in his Longhorn career for Mack Brown.

#7 Tony Steward

Hailed as one the premier linebackers in the country, Pedro Menendez linebacker Tony Steward is a defensive difference maker. 6-2, 225 pounds, Steward has the size, strength, and speed to be called a defensive coordinator's dream. He can play any linebacker spot in a 4-3 scheme, and won't have to leave the field in passing situations because Steward can cover running backs out of the backfield with ease. His athleticism allows him to play with great range and make tackles sideline to sideline and in the offense's backfield. His chiseld frame makes him look like a body builder playing linebacker. He's so good that legend Dick Butkus paid him a visit to his high school's campus.

Steward seems to be high on four schools: Alabama, UCLA, Florida State, and Clemson. Coy about his recruiting, Steward doesn't seem to be leaning anywhere at the moment. Look for this to play out all the way to National Signing Day.

#6 Hasean Clinton-Dix

When you can claim the title as “best player in Florida” then you know you're supremely gifted, as safety prospect Hasean Clinton-Dix has garnered that title. The Orlando Dr. Phillips high school player is 6-2, 190 pounds and has very good speed to play on the back end in college. Clinton-Dix will come up and hit you or simply let his ball skills beat you by picking off interceptions from his safety position. He can also man up one on one on receivers and hold his own on coverage. The long framed athlete has the ability to pack on another 15 pounds and not lose any speed, quickness, or agility.

Florida State, USC, Notre Dame, Michigan, and South Carolina were among an array of schools in line for Clinton-Dix, yet he has committed to joining the Alabama Crimson Tide next year. Alabama head coach, Nick Saban, a former defensive back coach, will take a special personal interest in Clinton-Dix's development.

#5 De'Anthony Thomas

Just because someone is small, doesn't mean they are not a football player. That is an old adage that is being proven true by Crenshaw athlete, De'Anthony Thomas. At 5-9, and 160 pounds, Thomas has been timed at 4.41 in the 40 yard dash. A deadly threat with the ball, Thomas can line up at running back, in the slot, or wide receiver and beat you. He also can return punts and kicks, and also be a special defensive back. A divine space player and home run hitter, Thomas' versatility can create match up advantages all over the football field. He can score anytime he gets the ball.

Lane Kiffin and USC beat out Florida, Arizona, California, and UCLA for Thomas. Look for him to be a key cornerstone is USC's turnaround back to prominence in these next coming years.

#4 George Farmer

George Farmer is frequently referred to as the best receiver in the country. A complete player, Farmer stands 6-2, weighs 200 pounds, and blazes a 4.4 40 time. If he chose, Farmer could also be the top safety prospect in the land too. There is not anything the California Serra star can't do. He has the speed to beat defensive backs deep, the run after catch ability to make plays in the open field, strength to break tackles, hands to pluck balls out of the air with ease, and quickness and route running ability to get open against any coverage. Farmer is also dangerous return man. He is expected to become an immediate star.

Having recently decided to join his former high school teammate, Robert Woods, at USC, Farmer has Trojan fans downright buzzing with excitement over the realm of possibilities. He has potential to be next in line of great Trojan receivers, and one of the very all time best in school history.

#3 Curtis Grant

When you draw comparisons to Ray Lewis, you're sure to gain some national acclaim. Curtis Grant, of Virginia Hermitage, is hailed as the top linebacker in his class. A downhill player, Grant has great size at 6-3, 230 pounds and is fantastic against the run. He fills holes in a hurry, thumps when tackling, and can also excel as a top blitzer. With 4.5 40 speed, Grant has a supreme size to speed ratio and will see the field very early in college. Grant doesn't play on his side of the ball, he plays in the offense's backfield. He has great range, pursuit ability, and strength to play any linebacker spot he so chooses.

Grant is up in the air and lists a platoon of schools he's considering. Alabama, Florida, Georgia Tech, Miami, USC, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Michigan, Florida, Tennessee, Florida State, and Ohio State are some just to name a few. He will like to visit Florida, Ohio State, North Carolina, and Georgia. Stay tuned.

#2 La'El Collins

Louisiana Redmeptorist, 6-5, 285 pounds is the top run blocking offensive lineman in the nation. Collins has the chance to play all 5 positions along the offensive line in college and is a great pass protector. Very athletic, Collins has great agility, change of direction and can pull and trap extremely well.

With his athleticism and footwork, Collins will develop into a complete offensive lineman and be very productive in college.

 Collins has taken visits to USC and Auburn, but is geauxing to LSU to be Tiger and stay home.

#1 Jadeveon Clowney

Great defensive ends can be game changers, as they can rush the passer and create problems for an offense in the run game. Julius Peppers. Mario Williams. Dwight Freeny. Demarcus Ware. The list goes on and on and on. South Carolina South Pointe defensive Jadeveon Clowney is a game changing defensive end, hands down. The top high school football recruit in the country, Clowney is 6-6, and weighs nearly 250 pounds. Explosive at the snap, Clowney can simply run around offensive linemen, and his speed allows him to chase plays down from the back side. He can line up right now for a college team and be a pass rushing specialist threat the minute the whistle blows. Clowney is a future superstar.

South Carolina, Alabama, Florida State, Clemson, and LSU are the top five schools Clowney is considering, and he says all five are on even ground. Look for South Carolina to make a splash on National Signing Day.