College Football 2011: 8 Blue Chip Seniors Who Can Reverse Disappointing Career

So much is made of recruiting these days. 

The various recruiting services stick an arbitrary group of stars by a few kids and the college football fan population goes wild over 17 and 18 year old kids. 

The scouting reports are getting more and more detailed. The reporters—or stalkers as I like to call them—show up at every game of a top high school prospect. They watch his every move. Finally, they make their determination as to how well this kid will play in college. 

Not every five-star defensive end, however, will become the next Reggie White in college.

Here are a few former highly touted prospects that—while they have not quite lived up to the projections during their first three seasons—are ready for a breakout senior season.  

Jacory Harris, Miami, Quarterback

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MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 9: Jacory Harris #12 of the Miami Hurricanes hrows the ball against the Florida State Seminoles on October 9, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

Jacory Harris was a 4-star quarterback out of Miami in 2007. He decided to stay close to home and attend Miami. Harris has had some moments in the spotlight, but he can't seem to get over the interception bug that has plagued him since he arrived.

With a new head coach and a new direction, Harris could finally live up to his enormous potential in 2011. 

Mike Adams, Ohio State, Offensive Tackle

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CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 02: Mike Adams #75 of the Ohio State Buckeyes prepares to block Michael Buchanan #99 of the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Champaign, Illinois. Ohio State defeated Illinois 24-13. (Photo by Jonat

In 2008, Mike Adams was the No. 3 overall player in the country according to Rivals.com. 

Injuries disrupted much of the early portion of his career. But Adams was finally healthy enough to begin realizing some of the potential that made him a top five player coming out of high school. 

Watch out for big, big year in 2011 from Adams. 

John Brantley, Florida, Quarterback

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 30: Quarterback John Brantley #12 of the Florida Gators attempts a pass during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Field on October 30, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

John Brantley was the No. 3 quarterback in the 2007 class according to Rivals.com. 

After being blocked by Tim Tebow from '07-'09, Brantley finally got his chance in 2010. Unfortunately, Brantley was the victim of a schizophrenic offense that, at times, looked like something out of a Hitchcock film. 

With Charlie Weis calling the shots on offense in 2011, Brantley could very well be on the verge of becoming the next great Gators quarterback.

Stephen Garcia, South Carolina, Quarterback

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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 31: Stephen Garcia #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks against the Florida State Seminoles during the 2010 Chick-fil-A Bowl at Georgia Dome on December 31, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Coming out of Tampa, Florida in 2007, Stephen Garcia was supposed to be Steve Spurrier's next big quarterback. Garcia has hardly lived up to that billing. 

Even in Garcia's best season, 2010, the quarterback struggled with poor decision-making. Garcia was even yanked for freshman Connor Shaw after fumbling on consecutive possessions at Auburn in September. 

South Carolina will be the favorite to win the SEC east again in 2011. Whether Garcia finally realizes what was envisioned of him in '07 or not remains to be seen. 

James Wilson, Florida, Offensive Guard

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GAINESVILLE, FL - APRIL 10: Safety Will Hill #10 and offensive lineman James Wilson #66 of the Florida Gators lead the team in the singing of the school fight song with fans after the Orange & Blue game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on April 10, 2010 in Ga

James Wilson was the No. 1 offensive guard in the country coming out of high school in 2007. 

Since joining the Gators, however, Wilson has suffered injuries and even considered transferring at one point in his career. 

Wilson has started only four games for Florida in his career. He played in three games last season before an injury ended his season. 

Wilson will have to overcome the injury bug in his senior season to even come close to his lofty expectations. 

Tray Allen, Texas, Offensive Guard

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LUBBOCK,TEXAS - NOVEMBER 1: Tray Allen #56 of the Texas Longhorns watches practice before the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on November 1, 2008 at Jones Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

In 2008, Tray Allen was the No. 16 overall prospect and the No. 2 offensive guard in the country, according to Rivals.com. 

The folks at Rivals declared Allen was, "One of the best offensive linemen to come out of the Lone Star State in several years."

Allen has yet to start a game for the 'Horns, but he has played in 31 games as a backup and on special teams. After Allen had a great spring in 2010, it appeared his senior season would be the year he started for Texas. But after breaking a bone in his foot after spring practice and re-injuring it in the fall, Allen and coach Mack Brown decided to take a redshirt.

This fifth year senior should finally be ready to contribute in 2011.  

D.J. Shoemate, UConn, Tail Back

D.J. Shoemate went to USC in 2007 hoping to play running back or wide receiver. Instead, Shoemate ended up as a backup fullback. 

Shoemate ultimately transferred to UConn when the NCAA brought the hammer down on USC last July. 

The former high school top 100 prospect played in only four games for the Huskies, rushing for 115 yards on only 28 carries.

With Jordan Todman gone to the NFL, however, Shoemate could be the guy for the Huskies in his final year of eligibility. 

Aldarius Johnson, Miami, Wide Receiver

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DURHAM, NC - OCTOBER 18: Receiver Aldarius Johnson #4 of the Miami Hurricanes pulls in this touchdown reception against Glenn Williams #24 of the Duke Blue Devils during the game at Wallace Wade Stadium on October 18, 2008 in Durham, North Carolina. (Ph

It's hard to believe a guy that led his team in receiving with 31 catches for 332 yards in his freshman season made this list. But when you consider he hasn't caught more than 16 in a season since that year, you can understand why he made the cut. 

Johnson has been there before, however. With top receiver Leonard Handerson graduating, Johnson could very well have a huge season ahead of him, provided Jacory Harris can actually get him the ball instead of the opposing defensive back.