College Football Recruiting: Top 10 Prospects Considering the Pac-12 in 2011

The Pac-12 Conference might not be officially open for business, but with the college football offseason already among us, let the jockeying for prospects begin.

USC has been the stalwart recruiters of the conference when it comes to signing five star athletes for several years, but the success of other programs has started the process of leveling the playing field.

While the addition of Colorado and Utah should not greatly affect the recruiting process in this first offseason, the two new teams plus other enticing options could add an extra twist to the drama that is college football recruiting.

Let's take a look at the Top 10 prospects that are considering (or have committed) to the Pac-12 to be their home for the next four years.

10. Jalen Grimble – DE

Scout.com Rating: 5-star

Pac-12 Schools in Consideration:  USC, Arizona State, Colorado, Oregon State, Stanford, UCLA, Utah, Washington

Although Jalen Grimble technically considered several Pac-12 schools at the start of his recruiting process, committing to USC last May was really no surprise.

Grimble’s ability to quickly pursue running backs from the backside will allow him to make an immediate impact on the field once he sees playing time.  He can change directions with ease, which allows him to finish plays in the backfield when facing shifty backs.

One knock on Grimble is his ability to fight off blocks.  With the highly likelihood of being double teamed on most downs, this will be an area that will be scrutinized during the entirety of his college career.  

9. Kasen Williams – WR

Scout.com Rating: 5-star

Pac-12 Schools in Consideration:  Washington, Arizona, Arizona State, California, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, UCLA, USC, Washington State

While every Pac-10 team appeared to be on his list of possible schools, Kasen Williams committed to Washington in late August, deciding to stay in his home state.

Williams is touted for his size (6-3, 215) and strength.  He runs accurate routes, can consistently beat jams at the line, and possesses an unbelievable ability to adjust to the ball in mid flight.

Although he won’t be the fastest wide receiver on the field, he is definitely the most dangerous when he has the ball in his hand.  Cornerbacks will quickly learn that tackling Williams will not be an easy task.  

8. Anthony Wallace – MLB

Scout.com Rating: 5-star

Pac-12 Schools in Consideration: Oregon, USC

Anthony Wallace committed to Oregon in late November and the Ducks could not be happier to land the recruit from Dallas, Texas.

Wallace’s hitting ability was certainly a huge draw for Oregon, but his instincts and vision on defense also intrigued suitors across the nation. Covering the run has been Wallace’s most impressive asset, using his speed to quickly close gaps between himself and the runner.

Dropping back into coverage is an area that Wallace still needs a little work, but in the past, his speed has helped him with any misreads he made.  

7. Viliami Moala – DT

Scout.com Rating: 5-star

Pac-12 Schools in Consideration: California, Oregon State, Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon, UCLA, USC, Washington, Washington State

Although practically every Pac-12 team is on Viliami Moala’s list of possible schools, it appears that the defensive tackle from Sacramento, CA is currently leaning towards being a California Bear, extending a soft verbal commitment to the program.

Moala’s 6-3, 350 pound frame has been notorious for consistently stuffing the run down the middle, but he also possesses quickness off of the ball that allows him to breakthrough to the backfield before a play can even begin to unfold.   

His ability to eat space in the inside has many schools hoping he changes his mind before Signing Day.

6. Greg Townsend – DE

Scout.com Rating: 5-star

Pac-12 Schools in Consideration:  USC, Oregon, UCLA, Washington

Greg Townsend put any questions about his future to rest in the first week of the New Year, deciding to stay home and play for USC. 

Armed with an explosive push off of the line, Townsend is projected to play as a defensive tackle in college.  He has also shown signs of promise at the linebacker position during several passing leagues.  This versatility means finding a spot on the USC roster for Townsend should not be difficult.

Townsend does need to work on his technique, though.  Keeping his pad levels low has been a concern and will need to be fixed this spring.

5. Austin Seferian-Jenkins – TE

Scout.com Rating: 5-star

Pac-12 Schools in Consideration:  Washington, California, UCLA, USC

A prototypical catching tight end, Austin Seferian-Jenkins caught the eye of Washington’s head coach Steve Sarkisian and his recruiting technique paid off.

Seferian-Jenkins committed to Washington in August of last year and he couldn’t be more excited to be a Dawg.    

Despite needing to polish his blocking skills, his size (6-6, 250) and route running ability makes Seferian-Jenkins an excellent target for Jake Locker’s successor.  His ability to extend his arms and catch the ball with his hands allows Seferian-Jenkins to be an even larger target if he is well covered. 

Strength has also been a slight knock on Seferian-Jenkins, but this should be improved over time.  

4. Cyrus Kouandjio– OT

Scout.com Rating: 5-star

Pac-12 Schools in Consideration:  USC

While several schools are still in consideration for Cyrus Kouandjio, USC is the only Pac-12 school still lingering on his list of favorites.

Kouandjio’s frame (6-7, 295) and wingspan demands immediate attention when looking at this recruit, but it is his intelligence and technique that makes scouts drool profusely.

Although he still needs to add a little more weight to his bones, Kouandjio plays the game with an intensity that is necessary to succeed at the next level.  He excels at pass protection and can be dominate when facing run stuffers on the defensive line.

3. Tony Steward – MLB

Scout.com Rating: 5-star

Pac-12 Schools in Consideration:  UCLA

Probably the most sought after middle linebacker in this year’s recruit class, Tony Steward has UCLA as well has several SEC and ACC schools on the top of his list.

Steward’s muscular frame (6-2, 225) packs a lot of pop when confronting opposing running backs, but this does not take away from the speed that he brings to the position. 

Expected to make an immediate impact at the school of his choice, Steward could technically be a difference-maker at all three linebacker positions.

While his aggressiveness in run support has left him vulnerable to play action passes in the past, this should be fixed at the next level, making Steward an up-and-coming star in the near future.  

2. DeAnthony Thomas – CB

Scout.com Rating: 5-star

Pac-12 Schools in Consideration:  USC, California, UCLA, Washington

After considering a number of Pac-12 schools, DeAnthony Thomas decided to stay home and play for USC.

Because of Thomas’s raw speed, some believe that he could be a five-star athlete at four different positions (RB, S, CB, WR). 

While his natural athleticism, balance, and ability to change directions on a dime makes him one of the top prospects, his size (5-11) probably kept him from being the country’s top prospect.    

Despite showing off his skills at the cornerback position during the U.S. Army Bowl, he expects to play on the other side of the ball when the season starts for USC.

1. George Farmer – WR

Scout.com Rating: 5-star

Pac-12 Schools in Consideration:  USC, California, Oregon, UCLA

Publically committing to USC in December, George Farmer could break into the Trojans' starting lineup in his first season. 

Famer posses the perfect combination of size (6-2, 210) and speed (4.38- 40 yard dash), but has been a victim of dropping passes that he should not. 

While this will need to be addressed before he even sniffs a starting role for the Trojans, Farmers ability to be a downfield treat should provide him with several opportunities to prove himself in his first season in Southern California.