College Football Recruiting 2011: Where Are the Top 10 Defensive Tackles Headed?

As we wrap up the 2011 college football recruiting season, we'll be breaking down the top talent at every position on the field and telling you where all of the nation's most prized recruits are headed. And we'll start with one of the most high-profile positions of them all.

Check out where this year's top 10 defensive tackles will be playing college football in 2011.

10. Marquise Wright

Commitment: Uncommitted

Marquise Wright fits into the debatable category as he's ranked as the No. 4 defensive tackle on Rivals and 62nd overall in the country, but drops all the way to No. 15 at his position on Scout, outside of the top 100 overall prospects.

Truth is it wouldn't be surprising to see him slot in at either position, but at 6'3" and 265 lbs, the potential for him to develop into a star is undeniable. He'll need to bulk up if he's going to play interior line at the next level. 

One of the top commitments from Pitt's 2011 class, Wright decommitted on January 2 and now it appears his top choices are North Carolina, Miami and Michigan State. 

9. Todd Barr, Cal

Commitment: Cal

Barr has the look of a defensive tackle, but moves like a big linebacker. At 6'3" and 265 lbs, Barr could wind up at defensive end depending on where he lands. 

A really potent pass-rusher with a great motor, Barr can harass quarterbacks by penetrating through the middle or coming around from the backside.

Barr was one of three major commitments to Cal in mid December along with 4-star linebacker Jason Gibson and 4-star safety Avery Walls. 

8. Gabe Wright

Commitment: Uncommitted

Wright's technique is raw, but he's very athletic and quick at the point of attack. He hits his man hard and drives, but doesn't stay low and has poor hand movement. 

If he can polish up his skills and learn to disengage blockers better, Wright could be one of the best defensive tackles in the class.

Auburn has been Wright's leader for quite some time now, but Tennessee has made a strong push recently and it looks like it's going to come down to those two when he makes his decision. 

7. Quincy Russell, Texas

Commitment: Texas

Quincy Russell is one of the top defensive tackles in the country and at 6'3" and 283 lbs, he's able to dominate the battle in the middle like very few can.

He's an elite run-stopper and a better-than-advertised pass-rusher. Both Scout and Rivals list in the top 10 at his position.

Russell committed to Texas in June. 

6. Viliami Moala

Commitment: Uncommitted

The 6'4" and 340-lb defensive tackle is by far the biggest of the elite prospects at his position. Moala can play as a run-stuffing, penetrating defensive tackle or clog up the middle with a constant double-team as a nose tackle. 

Even at his size, Moala is very quick off the ball and can make plays in the backfield and on the edges. That's really the key to his game; he's not just a space eater there to take on blockers.

Moala is planning to wait until National Signing Day to announce his college decision, but at this point it's pretty much down to USC and Cal. 

5. Michael Bennett, Ohio State

Commitment: Ohio State

He's got a nasty side to him you love to see in lineman and has an attacker's mentality that allows him to thrive in the trenches and push his body around with intensity.

Bennett is one of the strongest DTs in the class and does a great job of staying low and getting underneath his opponent. Scouts see him as a raw prospect who would need time to develop though.

Bennett committed to Ohio State in May. 

4. Sheldon Richardson, Missouri

Commitment: Missouri

The JUCO transfer was the top-rated defensive tackle of the 2009 class and will finally get his chance at Missouri two years later. 

He's got the size of a defensive tackle, at 6'4" and 270 lbs, but the speed and athleticism to be just as good at defensive end.

Richardson flirted with USC for a little while, even going as far as to decommit from Missouri and pledge for the Trojans last month, but at the end of the day he signed his letter of intent to play for the Tigers in mid-December. 

3. Desmond Jackson, Texas

Commitment: Texas

He does a great job of penetrating the offensive line and consistently finds his way into the backfield to blow up run plays or force quarterbacks out of the pocket if he can't sack them himself.

A high effort, great motor player, Jackson is relentless in pursuit and never gives up on a play. At 6'1" and 280 pounds, he'll chase ball-carriers 10 or 20 yards down the field without skipping a beat.

One of Texas' first commitments, Jackson joined up with the Longhorns in February. 

2. Anthony Johnson, Louisiana State

Commitment: Louisiana State

Johnson is a big, physical, bull-rushing defensive tackle that prefers to plow straight through his opponent rather than try to get around them.

He's definitely on the raw side and doesn't have a wide array of moves; which is why he relies so much on his strength. The tools are there for a devastating anchor for LSU's line in a couple years, but he needs to polish his skills first.

Johnson was part of LSU's first wave of recruits, committing to the Tigers in December of 2009. 

1. Tim Jernigan

Commitment: Uncommitted

At 6'2", 275 lbs, Jernigan is an athletic big man who moves extremely well for his size and can get into the backfield in a hurry.

He has all the tools to become an elite college defensive lineman. He's strong, stays low to the ground, drives with his legs, and has a relentless motor.

Jernigan's decision will likely come down to the wire and isn't expected a day before National Signing Day. The big five in this one are Florida, Alabama, LSU, Michigan and FSU.