College Football Recruiting 2012: Ranking The Top 100 Prospects

With the 2011 National Signing Day in the rear-view mirror, it's time we start looking ahead to the 2012 crop of prep stars. While we're a bit early and there will be some movers and shakers up and down this list as we make more and more evaluations, we felt we'd give you a good starting point for 2012.

There are some flat-out studs in this year's recruiting class, and some players are already considered better at their position now than the top player at their position who just signed in the 2011 class. Some others will still be found and unearthed as the spring evaluation period comes along.

With that said, it's time to check the top 100 players for 2012.

100. Dan Voltz, OG

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Voltz is a 6'4", 290-pound load at offensive guard. His film is nasty and he compares to USC-signee Cyrus Hobbi.

Voltz likes to get down and dirty and move defensive linemen clean off their marks in the trenches. He can pull wide, trap, seal and pin along the line and has solid pass-protection ability.

99. John Gray, RB

At 5'11'' and 190 pounds, Gray has very good natural running instincts. He explodes out of his stance at the start, opens his basket and keeps his eyes up to read the front seven.

He has a great burst to skate to and through holes, but don't let his speed prowess fool you. Gray will lower his shoulder to finish runs with some pop and power. He also knows how to feel and set up blocks very well.

98. Noah Spence, DE

Spence has gotten better every year on the high school level. One thing we always forget in recruiting is we have to see past the hype, myths and combine numbers. We have to look at production on the field.

Spence has been incredibly productive, and his arrow is pointing up. Right now, he's about 6'4", 255 pounds with a solid first step and speed to chase down from the backside.

97. Jordan Simmons, OL

Reading up on Simmons, the knock seems to be that he still has too much baby fat on his frame. That will all melt off in the next two years as the 6'5", 285-pounder continues to mature.

He's athletically solid in a short area and seems to be best suited for guard. USC, UCLA and Washington have all offered already.

96. Tony Wright, DB

Wright has solid size at 6'0", 180 pounds and could play corner or safety in college.

Looking at him, this ranking is a bit low and he certainly will be moved up in the spring evaluations period. He has great cover instincts, short-and-close quickness, he comes out of his backpedal with fluid movement and he is never sticky with his steps.

95. Shaq Thompson, DB

Right now, "Shaq" is named as a defensive back, but we think he's going to be listed as an athlete. He can play safety, cornerback, receiver and running back in college as he's that athletically gifted.

This spring will be crucial for him on the camps and combines circuit as there is some debate between if he is a 5-star or 4-star recruit.

94. Adolphus Washington DE

Washington is this year's version of Kenny Hayes—a top-notch defensive end who can easily anchor on the edge against the run, shed bocks and make solid tackles.

Hailing from Ohio (yes, Buckeye fans), the Scarlet and Gray has already offered. So has Kentucky, Illinois, Cinci and Colorado. More are sure to come.

93. Geno Smith, DB

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Smith reminds me of those types of corners receivers hate. Quick and fast enough to stick with them deep, and tough enough to battle them underneath. He only weighs about 155-160 pounds, but he stands around 5'11" or 6'0".

Instinctive in coverage, Smith is from the Peach State.

92. Avery Young, OT

A 6'6", 280-pound man-child, Young looks like he can play left tackle. He uses his very long arms to keep clean and to keep rushers out of his body, he rarely catches blocks on the edges and he has the foot quickness to mirror.

He can be left on an island and slide, yet he has the size to impose his will as a run blocker.

91. Matt Davis, QB

I have Davis here only because he missed his junior season. Once he gets up and running to throw in the spring, he should be moved up.

He stands 6'2", 200 pounds and Alabama, Auburn, Oregon, TCU and Utah are just a few schools to name that have already offered.

90. Jordan Diamond, OT

Diamond is a tall and long tackle with the frame to easily add another 30-40 pounds. At 6'7" and 270 pounds, he also is very agile for a big man.

He has solid knee bend, rarely stalls in the run game and mirrors well against speedy edge rushers.

89. Trey Granier, LB

A thick-cut second-level defender at 6'1", 230 pounds, Granier will be a star this year in the recruiting realm. He's already the best player in his high school's history and he has not even played his senior year yet.

LSU already has offered and the SEC will all be after him very, very soon.

88. Kiante Griffin, DB

Griffin is a 6'1", 200-pound safety prospect who may be this year's Karlos Williams, with even more range and ball skills.

He has great speed to increase his range and roaming ability, plus hands to pluck the ball away from his frame. That comes to good use when he's at his night job as a dominant receiver.

87. Chrs Wormley, DE

Wormley is a 6'5", 250-pound defensive prospect who followed up a 12-sack sophomore campaign with an even more solid junior season.

The knock on Wormley is that he is not the greatest athlete in the world and relies too much on power in the pass rushing plan.

86. Vince Valentine, DT

What makes Valentine such a hot commodity is the fact that his skill set transitions so well into the 0-technique or slanted one-technique.

He's 6'4", 301 pounds with great strength at the point of attack. He can two-gap, hold up blockers and he is also quick enough to slip cracks and creases in an offensive line.

85. James Ross, LB

Ross is a camp-and-combine warrior, and not in a bad way. It's just rare to find a linebacker who really stands out in these types of settings since his position is more of a physical spot.

That has to speak volumes about Ross' athletic movement skills and how he can cover space. Here's another thing: Ross has only played two years of competitive high school ball and will likely finish with close to 250 tackles in his career.

Wow.

84. Se'Von Pittman, DE

Pittman plays with tremendous effort, hustle, heart and a revved-up motor. He's about 6'5", 230 pounds, with great speed in pursuit.

He can chase down from the backside, get upfield as a rusher and he has the strength to play the run very effectively.

83. LaDarrell McNeil, DB

A big safety prospect in Texas, McNeil is 6'3" and 195 pounds. He can flat out lay the wood on crossing receivers and oncoming ball carriers.

His film makes me immediately think of the stat "forced fumbles." McNeil also has solid range, cover instincts and the size to match up on tight ends in coverage.

82. Byron Marshall, RB

Marshall already has respect on the recruiting trail. Why? Because he won the prestigious Sophomore of the Year award in the talent hotbed of California. As a resident of the state and someone who aspired to win the award in his own playing days, any state player award in the Golden State is big-time.

He's a 5'11", 200-pound running back who has reportedly been timed at 4.4 in the 40-yard dash on several occasions.

81. Dan O'Brien, DT

At 6'3", 275 pounds, O'Brien is a tough defensive trench-man from Powers Catholic in Michigan. He's a warrior in the fronts and plays with solid strength and effort.

Some actually see O'Brien as a better guard prospect than DT, and his preference remains to be heard, but we do know that football is his love and colleges are soon to start loving him.

80. Armani Reeves, DB

Reeves is a 5'11", 180-pound cornerback with great athleticism on the defensive perimeter. He's great in transition and rarely circles to close.

He comes downhill in his plant and drive and has 4.4 speed. Reeves also has the ability to flip to offense and become a great receiver.

79. Eugene Lewis, WR

Lewis is a 6'2", 190-pound receiver who is a bit quicker-than-fast type of athlete. He needs to build up off the line to eat cushion, but give him the ball and he'll make defenders miss.

He has great open field running instincts and ability, plus he tries to score on every touch. He won't "wow" you with his speed, but when you watch hm, you'll notice a constant: he makes plays.

78. Gunner Kiel, QB

Kiel reminds me a lot of Nebraska signee Bubba Starling. He's a 6'4", 200-pound QB who can run and throw effectively.

Hailing from the Hoosier State, he's going to have programs like Ohio State, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and the rest of the new Big Ten after him soon.

77. Terrell Lathan, DE

Lathan has perfect pass-rusher size and a good frame at 6'4", 240 pounds. He has a solid first step, quickness off the ball and burst to finish.

He needs to continue honing his pass-rushing technique and explosiveness at the point of attack, but he has the makings of a top-notch defensive end.

76. Kyle Kalis, OT

Kalis has the ability to play left and right tackle in college. This 6'5", 305-pound big man has a solid combination of strength and initial quickness at the snap.

He received an offer from Ohio State early in his junior season, as the Buckeyes had seen enough on film, camps, and of Kalis dominating opponents to go ahead with an offer. Kalis took that offer and is already committed to head to Columbus in 2012.

75. Brionte Dunn, RB

This is one big, powerful, hard-running back. Dunn is 6'1", 215 pounds and just wants to smack you in the mouth when he has the rock. He finishes runs very well for this stage in his development and has the strength to push piles.

He has good (but not great) speed, yet he runs so hard that he doesn't need to be a blazer. He just gets stronger as the game goes on.

74. Bart Houston, QB

Houston stands 6'4" and weighs about 200 pounds. He plays for California-based national powerhouse Concord De La Salle and has a chance to be their best QB prospect since Matt Guttierez.

He has solid quickness in his drops, settles his feet with balance on his mark points, leads with his front shoulder and delivers the ball with solid accuracy to his targets.

73. Quay Evans, DT

Evans is a 6'3", 300-pound monster in the trenches. He's a bit raw, but wreaks havoc upon offensive lines for full games.

Just a beast, he has great quickness and athleticism for a big man and swallows ball carriers. He just needs to refine his technique and get coached up a bit.

72. Derek David, LB

I love David's size for a linebacker at 6'4", 230 pounds. He looks like he could possibly play the SAM spot in college. He can latch onto tight ends in coverage, he can blitz and he can also fill run alleys aggressively to challenge the line of scrimmage.

He's listed as a soft verbal to Texas Tech right now and more offers will come in the spring.

71. Dante Fowler, DE

Looking at Fowler, he reminds me of Oregon defensive end Kenny Rowe coming out high school. Fowler is a 6'3", 240-pound DE with great speed off the edge.

He has a good burst to finish in the pocket and rarely stalls out in his rush. He has solid strength to anchor and sit on the run and is athletic enough to move up to SAM linebacker. He already has more than a dozen offers.

70. DJ Humphries, OT

Humphries was assigned the task of protecting Marquise Williams' blind side in the North Carolina QB-signee's senior campaign. He would not have gotten the assignment if he was not an elite player.

He's a light left tackle prospect, whom I liken to D'Brickashaw Ferguson coming out of high school. He's only 265 pounds on a 6'5" frame with some good length in his arms to keep clean from defenders.

69. Cyrus Jones, RB

Jones compares to Amir Carlisle, the Sunnyvale, California prospect who just signed with USC over Stanford. At 5'10",185 pounds, Jones is an elite all-purpose runner.

He can factor as a runner, receiver and returner. As dangerous as Jones is with the football, some say he may be an even better corner.

68. Zach Banner, OT

Six. Foot. Nine. Yes, 6'9"—Banner is that tall and also weighs a stout 300 pounds. He has an amazing wing span which forces rushers to basically cross the Appalachian Mountains to get around him.

Not just a big dude, Banner has very good feet, nimble quickness and can slide and mirror well in pass protection. He already has over 20 scholarship offers.

67. John McGee, OG

McGee is a player that the Texas coaching staff likely already knows much about. He's a 6'3", 280-pound guard with great play strength, leg drive and pulling ability.

He already has an Oklahoma offer and the Longhorns are hot after him, too. He's got wide shoulders in pads and can also play some defensive tackle.

66. Zeke Pike, QB

I remember when a high school quarterback had to play defense his junior year, and exploded in his senior year when finally given the shot at signal caller. He went on to Cal and became a first-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens. His name was Kyle Boller.

Pike is similar, as he had to play mostly linebacker last season. He's 6'5", 225 pounds and reminds many of Ben Roethlisberger with his size and improv skills on the field.

65. Justin Shanks, DT

Shanks is a big, swing tackle who can work inside and outside along the defensive front. He's 6'4", 295 pounds and is a great athlete for his size and position.

He reminds many of a bigger Tim Jernigan with his at-the-snap explosiveness, strength inside and playmaking ability.

64. Bryce Treggs, WR

Treggs has the tools to be a dominant RAC type receiver in the Miles Shuler, Jarvis Landry mold. He's 5'11", 175 pounds with great speed.

He knows how to get out of his breaks without much deceleration, yet rarely rounds off to cut. He's great in space and also dangerous as a returner.

63. Channing Ward, DE

Ward is a 6'4", 230-pound defensive end who's so athletic that he may find himself at outside linebacker in college. Either way, he will find himself as one of the elite and highly-coveted defensive hybrid players.

He can stand up in the 3-4 and put his hand down in a 4-3, as he has good play strength, speed, quickness to jump on top and pursuit ability.

62. Shaq Roland, DB

They say Roland is perhaps the top pure free safety prospect in this year's crop. He's a 6'1", 185-pound defensive back with Ed Reed-like range.

He's also a great receiver, but it's his ball skills that make him great. He can roam, get of the hashes, cover the deep third and high point balls for picks.

61. Jaevon Richardson, WR

Richardson already has Baylor and Texas A&M offers in his belt and should make some noise in the spring in Big 12 country.

At 6'1", 180 pounds, Richardson is a great playmaker. He runs a 4.5 40-yard dash, which is fast, but not blazing. But put on the tape and you see him getting deep on the regular. He's also got a great frame to add some weight, but he is just a smooth, natural receiver.

60. Omari Phillips, OT

Phillips is what I call a canvas player. His frame and skill set just screams "develop and mold me" as the 6'7", 275-pound offensive lineman has a good starting point.

He has a lean frame to tack weight on, strength to gain and all of the athletic ability in the world. In fact, he could also become a top-flight tight end if he chose. He's almost the equivalent of Houston Texans offensive tackle Duane Brown in high school.

59. Ricardo Louis, WR/ATH

Louis is in a similar spot to what Devon Blackmon was in—a receiver that currently plays at QB. Louis is bigger than Blackmon, though, at 6'2" and 200 pounds.

He's got a muscular frame, long arms to snatch and pluck throws away from his frame and can adjust athletically to any type of throw. Louis is also pretty physical on the field, too.

58. Matt Jones, RB

Looking for perhaps the next James Wilder Jr.? You may have found him in Matt Jones. No, not the former Arkansas QB and Jaguars receiver, but the Sunshine State prep running back.

Jones is 6'2", 210 pounds with a nice blend of power and speed. He's got some wiggle and elusiveness for a big back and is very fast in a straight line.

57. Troy Hinds, DE

Looking at Hinds, he reminds me a lot of Notre Dame's Ben Councell.  With similar size at 6'5", 225 pounds, Hinds just keeps coming.

He'll be among the top elite players in the state of Utah and has some strength to play the run, range to chase and speed to get upfield.

56. Stefon Diggs, WR

Diggs is a 6'0", 185-pound speedster with elite playmaking ability. He has an offer from Frank Beamer and Virginia Tech and had one from Miami before Randy Shannon was let go. Al Golden surely will honor that offer.

He has great playing speed, hands and he can take a smoke screen or bubble screen to the house anytime he touches the football.

55. Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick, TE

Cope-Fitzpatrick is similar to Austin Seferian-Jenkins, just because they have hyphened last names and play tight end. Cope-Fitzpatrick has just about the same size and could move to tackle like Seferian-Jenkins may also do at Washington.

He's a solid athlete and has length throughout his frame. He's got a large strike zone and is a red zone threat due to his height, size and strength to out-muscle defenders.

54. J.J. Denman, OT

Some say Denman is a right tackle, but the knock on him is his play strength at the point of attack. Others say he can play left tackle, but I think he could develop into a left guard if he can't make it on the edges.

At 6'6", 310 pounds, Denman has good balance in his pass pro sets, works with solid knee bend and has good hand placement.

53. Trent Jackson, RB

Jackson rushed for over 2,500 yards as a sophomore... in Texas. That deserves a "whoa!"

Production is key, but Jackson produced like two or three players. He followed it up with another great junior campaign and could be in the running for National Player of the Year honors.

At 5'10", 195 pounds, he's a "running back's running back" kind of running back. He's just a natural runner with excellent vision, patience, speed, power and burst.

52. Greyson Lambert, QB

Lambert is a tall and skinny signal caller at 6'5", 185 pounds with a frame to grow to be about 220 in college. He can really spin it, and his height allows him to look over the rush, keep his eyes downfield and deliver the ball.

He has a great arm that rivals a pure rifle and has great field vision. He needs to improve his footwork and play speed.

51. Avery Johnson, WR

With Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry headed to Baton Rouge in the fall, perhaps the receiver that has Tiger fans riled up the most is Avery Johnson.

The 6'2", 185-pounder is a supreme playmaker on the edges and combines a long frame with great hands, solid route running and a large strike zone.

50. Chris Casher, DE

Casher is so athletic that the defensive end by day is a receiver by night. He seems content with battling offensive linemen, which is his future over scoring touchdowns.

His film also lets me project him to possibly outside linebacker in college as well. He's like a cross between Kris Frost and Jeoff Pagan. Florida State, Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Tennessee, Louisville and Arkansas have all already offered.

49. Conor Brewer, QB

I like Brewer over Lambert here because Brewer makes a few more plays with his legs than Lambert does.

At 6'2", 190 pounds, Brewer is a gamer. He can throw and run, but he's a quarterback who doesn't like to be tackled one-on-one as a runner. Don't get me wrong, Brewer has the tools to be a drop-back guy, as that's what he is now at this point, but he's tough as a runner.

48. Josh Garnett, OG

Garnett is listed as a guard, but I think he can be a swing offensive lineman—the type that starts as a guard one week, a tackle the next and then moves to the pivot easily if you need him to.

He's 6'5" and only 270 pounds right now, but he dominates in the run game, moving targets along with blocking in space and he can move very well.

47. Jordan Jenkins, DE

Jenkins is a 6'3", 230-pound menace who has excellent first-step quickness, explosion at the snap and who can really get under a blocker's pads very well.

He can really sink his hips, bend coming off the edge and burst to finish on a sack.

He relies a bit much on his speed and quickness, but the arrow is pointing up for Jenkins as, when he gets some seasoning, he will be a great one.

46. Reggie Ragland, LB

Ragland looks like a college junior right now. Seriously. He's 6'4", 245 pounds and explodes as a tackler. He can run and hit with the best of 'em, yet can really cover too.

He could play the SAM spot in a 4-3 or move inside as a 3-4 'backer. Ragland is also a solid hoops player and that athleticism is why I think he could be a force on kick-cover units in his true freshman season in college.

45. Freddie Tagaloa, OT

Starting to notice a trend here? This 2012 class is strong in offensive linemen, particularly on the edges at the tackle spot.

Tagaloa is another elite tackle in this crop and stands at an amazing 6'8", 300 pounds. He may be the best lineman in space in the country, routinely showing his athleticism on the second level and downfield, hitting targets in space on the move with ease.

44. John Taylor, DT

Taylor is a load in the middle and although listed at 315 pounds, I don't see it on his frame. He stands at 6'4" and looks like he could easily add on even more girth.

He's quick to read double teams, drop and anchor, he is stout against the run and he knows how to make a mess inside. He explodes at the snap and knows how to lean on blockers to wear them down late into a contest. Taylor is a force.

43. Tee Shepard, DB

At 6'0", 175 pounds, Shepard is a defensive back who has the tools to be a corner and safety. He has the cover skills of a corner, but he lacks elite deep speed to carry receivers downfield on the regular, which is why you hear the safety switch talk around his name.

Shepard does sniff around in the run game and is willing to support the front seven like a safety. Moving inside on the back end may be the best way to get him on the field in college.

42. Ruhann Peele, WR

Peele may have been the best playmaker in Jersey as a junior, and that's saying something with Savon Huggins in the fold. Yet the 6'1", 170-pound receiver is dynamite on the offensive perimeter.

He has great speed to get behind the defense, he can open up the running game and he can take the top off. He can make big plays in crucial situations.

41. Greg McMullen, DE

Pass rushers will always be a premium. They're on par with quarterbacks, cover corners and left tackles. It's just the way the game is.

Greg McMullen is a pass rusher. And Greg McMullen is a very good one, too. He's 6'5", 260 pounds and already has scholarships from Nebraska, Michigan State and Ohio State.

40. Drew Harris, RB

Harris rose to fame in the camps and combines circuit last spring and summer. He won't blaze out a 4.3 40, but put on that tape and you'll see this kid making move after move and play after play.

Then check his production and see he's averaged over six yards a pop in his high school tenure—you'll get fired up. He's a veteran now after seeing action on the varsity team as a freshman, and will challenge 2000 yards once again.

39. Landon Collins, DB

Collins is a bigger version of Shepard. He can play safety or be a big corner at 6'0", 205 pounds. Many feel that with the size he's at now, he will naturally continue to grow into a big-time safety.

He has the skill set and frame to become a Rover-type player that TCU and Pittsburgh play with—a strong safety/outside linebacker hybrid. He can break down in space, cover, and tackle in the box all equally and effectively.

38. Chris Black, WR

Black's arrow is pointing up, and the receiver knows it. He's about 6'0", 170 pounds and reminds many of Tennessee-signed DeAnthony Arnett. He makes plays on the edge and has solid speed, but really makes his money underneath, which is rare for a thinner receiver.

He can catch in a crowd, across the middle and can just flat out out-leap defensive backs for the football when high throws present themselves.

37. Vadal Alexander, OT

Alexander is a clone of former Alabama tackle Andre Smith. He stands 6'5", 330 pounds and can move like a receiver. He is agile, balanced and quick at the snap.

Alexander can really mirror and slide as a tackle and he has the strength to maul in the run game. He fires out of his stance and knows how to bring his feet to drive through his targets. He just needs to learn how to recover and adjust in pass protection.

36. Warren Ball, RB

Warren Ball lost the last portion of his sophomore season due to injury, but he came back strong this season. He was focused, prepared and ran tough.

He stands at 6'2", 200 pounds, can run you over in a straight line and wiggle around you in space. He's got solid speed, vision, instincts and has deceptive pop to finish runs when he's at the end.

35. Deion Bonner, DB

Defensive back Deion Bonner looks like another extremely strong position from top to bottom with the 2012 players. Bonner is one of top-tier prospects in the back end as the 5'11, 170-pounder can play both safety and corner.

Don't scoff at the 170-pound label, Bonner lays the wood all over the field. He can also cover your slot receiver and blitz from the slot. He will allow a secondary in college to really disguise their coverages and schemes.

34. Jelani Hamilton, DE

Hamilton is a stealth linemen. He hasn't gotten his share of fame yet from the recruiting world, but once his junior film starts making the rounds, everyone will be in on him.

His motor is louder than a 747 taking off and he just makes plays all over the field. He can chase from the backside, rush the passer with speed and quickness, and he is tough against tight ends and fullbacks coming at him in the run game.

33. Thomas Johnson, WR

There's not much out yet on Johnson, as he suffered an ankle injury and missed most of this past season. He comes from powerhouse Skyline in Texas and checks in at 6'0", 175 pounds.

We need to see more of him this spring.

32. Joe Manley, OT

Manley reminds me of another left tackle named Joe—Joe Thomas of the Cleveland Browns, who many scouts say is the best left tackle in the NFL.

Manley is 6'6", 305 pounds and has great grab strength in his sets. He looks to bend at the knees and doesn't like to stall or waist bend. He can anchor a left side and hold his own against speedy, quick rushers while exploding at the point of attack in the run game.

31. Deysean Rippy, LB

Rippy would have challenged Stephone Anthony for top outside linebacker honors in the country this year and will look to take that honor in this recruiting cycle.

Florida and Ohio State are his favorites, bu don't count out Pittsburgh. He also has offers from Maryland and Syracuse.

30. Halapoulivaati Vaitai, OT

Vaitai is a bit underrated at this point, as many see him as a developmental prospect.

He's not strong enough to be a left tackle in a man-blocking scheme that requires powerful linemen, but I do think in the right zone-type scheme (and with some coaching and weight training), he could be a solid linemen.

At worst, kick him inside to guard as the 6'5", 260-pounder will naturally get stronger as he matures and fills out. While he may drop on our list as some players make a move up, Vaitai is still a solid prospect on our initial 2012 list.

29. Trey Williams, RB

Williams is a small back by physical standards as he only looks to be 5'7", 175 pounds. He's not a bell cow running back where you give it to him 30 times a night and ride him, but he's more of a package player. He reminds me of former Oklahoma running back Quentin Griffin.

Williams makes lot of plays, and he has great speed and quickness. You just have to get him the ball and be creative in how you do it.

28. Elijah Shumate, DB

Every year in recruiting you get a few players who don't like the attention or spotlight. Shumate is one of those players. Researching him, he hasn't done many interviews and said too much, and tries to let his plays do the talking.

He's a 6'1", 200-pound safety who may skip the entire camp and combine circuit this spring. College coaches likely won't care as the Big Ten, ACC and Big East schools are all hot after him already.

27. Jordan Payton, WR

Payton comes from the same school in Oaks Christian, California as Carolina Panthers QB Jimmy Clausen, USC running back Marc Tyler and Florida DE Duke Lemmons.

He's a 6'2", 190-pound receiver who has already pledged to USC. He has length in his frame and arms to increase his catch radius, athletic ability to adjust and high point balls, and speed to make a large amount of big plays.

26. Cayleb Jones, WR

Jones is a 6'2", 185-pound receiver who has natural receiving ability and skills. He looks fluid as a pass catcher, knows how to explode off the line and really works to look the ball into his hands.

He'll body-catch only in traffic and knows how to catch the ball before it meets his hands by proper hand placement. His speed is solid and so is his quickness out of his breaks.

25. Shane Callahan, OT

Callahan is this year's Christian Westerman. He's a dominant run blocker who looks to maul in a phone booth, but also can drive block as well as anyone in the country. He's nasty, tough and physical at the snap and will be a hot commodity on the trail.

He's 6'6", 280 pounds and can really become a dominant right tackle type that offenses can run behind early, often and on critical downs.

24. Malcolm Brown, DT

No, not that Malcolm Brown, he already signed to be a running back with Texas. This kid is a load at defensive tackle and has the quickness to jump blockers at the snap. He really explodes at the snap, plays with leverage and has strength to anchor.

Brown is 6'2", 280 pounds and has stated on several occasions that he will look to add more weight and strength to his frame to become a better and more dominant player this season.

23. Bralon Addison, WR

Addison is not the 6'3" receiver that we all covet, but neither is DeSean Jackson and he's doing just fine in the NFL. Addison makes up for his size deficiency with ultimate RAC skills. He's quick in space, runs sharp routes when he's cutting and can break at full speed.

He really explodes in his release and has great speed to eat up cushions quickly. His hands are solid and he's tough for his size.

22. Nelson Agholor, DB

There is talk that Agholor could play receiver, but we think his cover ability and instincts on defense best suit him as a deep safety. He's similar to Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix and stands at 6'1", 175 pounds.

Agholor has long arms to jam and press in man coverage if asked to do so, along with the speed and range to ball hawk in the back end. He has great leaping ability, a solid backpedal and always looks to wrap up as a tackler.

21. Dakota Ball, DT

Ball is a classic worker who looks like this year's version of Penn State-signed Anthony Zettel. He's just a worker and continues coming until the horn sounds.

He knows how to make a mess in the defensive interior, collapse the pocket and rush the passer with inspiration, heart, hustle and tenacity.

20. Angelo Jean-Louis, WR

Louis-Jean hails from West Palm Beach, Florida and the Sunshine State native is one the top recruits in the 2012 class. Some say he's the top recever prospect in the Sunshine State this year.

At 6'0", 185 pounds, his size is OK, but it's his ability to separate, make spectacular graps and score that puts him over the top.

The Florida Big Three of Miami, FSU and Florida will definitely be in on him and so will the rest of the SEC and ACC. Louis-Jean will also get a look from USC as the Trojans try to continue their Florida raids.

19. Tommy Schutt, DT

Schutt already has multiple offers and for good reason, as the 6'3", 300-pounder can factor on the offensive and defensive trenches.

The debate with Schutt is whether he is a guard or defensive tackle in coverage. Some say tackle because he is such an aggressive player, while others say he is so tough and can pull so well for his size that he will make a terrific guard. Wherever he plays, Schutt will be a solid player in college.

18. Eddie Williams, DB

Williams is a big-time safety prospect who stands at 6'4" and weighs 200 pounds. He's a perfect free safety type of prospect that has the length and ball skills to play center field, if you will. Just assign him the deep third and let him roam and make plays.

Williams is also willing to light up ball carriers in the run game. He can also play a little corner, quarterback, receiver and some running back, too.

17. Isaac Seumalo, OL

Seumalo will get his first looks on the inside at guard, but he can also get kicked out to tackle and hold his own. He's a bit light right now at 6'3", 275 pounds, but he's plenty tough, athletic and quick.

He can overwhelm in the run game and get up to the second level. He really uses knowing the snap count to his advantage as he times out the snap and quickly jumps on top of defenders to move his targets out of the way.

16. Devonte Neil, WR

Neil is among the very most athletic players in this year's recruiting crop. He can be effective at receiver, running back or in the defensive secondary.

He has gained a reputation as a bone jarrer as a hitter at safety, but talk is he will end up at receiver in college.

15. Wesley Brown, RB

When you rush for nearly 1300 yards and 20 trips to the endzone as asophomore, you are bound to get some attention coming into your junior campaign. When you do that and your name is Wesley Brown, then you are bound to get some early scholarship offers before your junior campaign.

Brown compares to Savon Huggins, with similar size at 6'0", 190 pounds and could grow into being an every down back in college.

14. Jameis Winston, QB

Winston is on par with Jacoby Brisset and will likely be earmarked as the nation's top dual threat quarterback in the 2012 class.

The 6'3", 180 pound field general and playmaker has already received offers from Alabama, Miami, Auburn, Ohio State and Ole Miss.

13. Joel Caleb, WR

Caleb looks like he will be the top player in the state of Virginia, and as his state is for lovers, defensive backs don't love Caleb.

He's a 6'2", 185 pound receiver with good speed and and a large strike zone. He has great leaping ability to high point balls and body control in the air.

12. Bam Bradley, DB

Bradley helped his team make a magical playoff run in the Ohio state high school tournament and followed it up with a strong junior season.

Hey may be best tackler in the country as he always looks to wrap up and breaks down well in the open field.  He has solid range and athleticism to play multiple spots in the secondary.

11. John Theus, OT

Theus is already labeled a 5-star recruit and stands 6'6". 280 pounds. He reminds me of former Notre Dame offensive tackle Sam Young.

Theus is working on his game and refining his technique, yet he already plays with solid knee bend in his set and balance to recover and counter inside moves.

10. Travis Blanks, DB

Blanks is a bit of a mystery, as some say he has the cover ability, hips, backpedal and transition quickness to be a big corner, while others argue to leave him at safety.

He could be a Charles Woodson type where he could play corner, safety and nickel back to really exploit his many skills.

9. Barry Sanders Jr., RB

Yes, this is Barry Sanders' kid. Yes Barry Jr. is a running back. And yes, Barry Jr. is quick and has shake and bake moves like his pops.

Barry Jr. also has tremendous balance and vision and speed to skate to and through holes. He's a homerun threat and might be the most elusive player in the open field in the country.

8. Andrus Peat, OT

Peat is as good as Christian Westerman and Cyrus Hobbi. Right now. The 6'6", 280 pound tackle form Arizona likely will be the best player form the land of cactuses.

He has the athletic ability and knee bend to play the left tackle, but could also play right tackle or guard becasue he is such agood run blocker.

7. Rushel Shell, RB

Pennsylvania has not had a player with this much hype sense Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor was prep star.

Shell has answered the bell so far and has lived up to the his hype. Some say he's the best rock toter out of Pennsylvania since Tony Dorsett, we'll see.

6. Dorial Green-Beckham, WR

Whispers say Green-Bekcham was the best athlete in the state of Missouri, as the top flight receiver also is a stud hoops player, sprinter and triple jumper.

He's a 6'5", 200 pound receiver with dynamite natural receiving skills. He's such a fluid athlete that he looks to be at half speed at times coming out of his breaks.

5. Eddie Goldman, DT

Goldman already is 290 pounds, with a 6'3" frame but when he enters college he could be over 310 pounds easily. And he's not fat, as Goldman is just a naturally big guy.

He puts his grth to use though by swallowing ball carriers, eating space and plugging holes against the run. Then on third downs, he simply pushes your pocket form the middle and pressures your QBs into making bad decisions.

4. Keith Marshall, RB

Marshall is a homerun threat once he walsk off the bus. Period. He's got great feet to pick and slide, a burst to skat through holes and beat linebackers through alleys.

Once he's on your second level, he's already thinking touchdown as has vision his likely already told him where to go if he wants to score. He processes information quickly and has a great natural feel to tote the rock.

3. Arik Armstead, OT

Armstead is the early No.1 offensive lineman in the 2012 class. We still want to see more of his tape and see how he handles the one on one portions of summer camps agaisnt the top defensive lineman.

Hey may be the most athletic lineman USC brings in since Tyron Smith. Armstead stands 6'8", 275 pounds and already will join his brother Armond at USC.

2. Kwo Alexander, LB

Alexander is a 6'2", 200 pound linebacker, and while he may not be as thick as he needs to be, its his play speed and pursuit ability that makes him an elite player. He's already considered a 5-star recruit and compares to Tennessee signee Curt Maggitt.

He can chase down any ball carrier from the backside and is a dangerous blitzer. Alexander also has some pop and will deliver a big blow to finish tackles.

1. Mario Edwards, DE

While he may not be Jadeveon Clowney good, Edwards opens up our 2012 rankings as the top player. We still caution that this is very, very early and movement will eb made up and down as we continue to evaluate prospects and gather information.

Edwards is a 6'3", 240 pound defensive end who can bend off the edge adn keep coming. He's a great blend of speed adn strength as a rusher and is stout against the run. He explodes at the point of attack and has the strength to shed and escape any block.