College Football Recruiting 2012: Ranking the Top 13 California Recruits

California is always a top hotbed in the country for college football coaches on the recruiting trail. This year is no different and already we are seeing some top-and-elite players emerging for all-Golden State honors.

Never short of talent in any recruiting cycle, California features some top defensive linemen, defensive backs and, of course, receivers and quarterbacks. Some players have already made their commitments to college programs while others will become national stars as the recruiting process plays out.

Come on inside. Check into Hotel California and check out our top 13 California prospects.

13. Brandon Beaver, DB

Beaver is a big defensive back at 6'1", 180 pounds and he can match up with the best receivers in California. He has length to jam and re-route in press-man coverage at the line of scrimmage and he can transition out well in off-man coverage.

He plays at Compton High School and he is no stranger to facing speed on the perimeter—which will certainly help him in college. Beaver will be a treat to watch in one-on-ones in the camps and combines circuit this spring.

He already holds offers from UCLA, Tennessee, Washington, Arizona, Colorado and Arizona State among others. 

12. Byron Marshall, RB

Marshall has been productive over the past few seasons and finished with over 1,500 yards on the ground as a junior. At 5'10", 195 pounds, Marshall may be the top running back in the state this year.

He has great quickness and patience behind the line to set up blocks and get to and through holes. He knows how to read front sevens, where holes should be, and bursts through them to get upfield. Marshall has great speed to hit pay dirt routinely and he can factor as a receiver as well.

Stanford, Cal, BYU, Arizona, Arizona State and Oregon State are just some offers to name.

11. Jaydon Mickens, ATH

Mickens broke his toe and missed time as a junior but was still quicker and faster than you or I are with his bad wing. He still finished with 39 grabs for over 500 yards and added some dynamic returns on punts and kickoffs.

He may be this year's DeAnthony Thomas, as he can play an array of positions at 5'8", 170 pounds. He wants to start off as a slot receiver where his quickness and speed can wreak havoc on defenses.

Mickens committed to USC as a junior.

10. Mike Baker, QB

Baker is a 6'2", 190-pound signal caller who tossed for over 2,500 yards and 25 touchdowns last season. He's a pro-style QB who has good foot quickness in his drops, sets up well and can anticipate throws to deliver with touch and timing.

Baker has a solid arm to fit in windows and he is tall enough to see over the rush. He moves well within the pocket and he is a solid run-threat.

He has an early offer from San Diego State with Arizona and Fresno State also showing heavy interest. Once he hits the circuit hard, Baker will see an increase in offers through the spring.

9. Ishmael Adams, DB

Adams probably will be listed as an athlete, but he has the ability to become a great running back and defensive back in college. At 5'10", 185 pounds, he gained over 1,000 yards as a junior for powerhouse Oaks Christian (CA) High School.

He had over 50 stops as a cornerback and can cover any team's top receiver. He has the quickness in space to lay off and hold his own in off-man coverage, he can attack the run on the perimeter and he breaks on balls well to get in between throws.

Arizona State, Washington and Southern Methodist have already offered.

8. Zach Kline, QB

Kline is a quarterback's quarterback. At 6'2", 200 pounds, he has a game that can fit almost any offense. He has a strong arm to attack the third level and back end, vision from the pocket to read coverages and he commands a huddle well.

He's a true student of the game and really works to get coached. Kline always looks to get better at his craft, he watches film and he can be seen working on climb quickness and setup balance routinely on the field.

He'll get coached up well by Jeff Tedford at Cal.

7. Bryce Treggs, WR

Treggs is a 5'10", 170-pound receiver who is a pure RAC type of guy. He can be used in the slot, outside, as a returner and even as a runner. Treggs has very good play-speed and elusiveness with the ball.

He displays great agility and quick-cut ability to get in and out of his breaks sharply. Treggs can also blow by a defender by eating up cushion quickly, getting even and leaving. He had over 55 receptions and 1,100 yards as a junior.

Notre Dame, UCLA, Washington, Stanford, Georgia Tech, Cal, Arizona State and San Jose State have offered. 

6. Jordan Payton, WR

In what is shaping up to be a great receiving class this year in California, Payton takes the spot as No. 6-overall player in the state. At 6'2", 190 pounds, Payton has great size and strength to bully corners off the line.

He almost dares them to re-route him, as he can use his strength to release and get upfield. Payton also has great speed and quickness to separate at junction points in routes. He has solid hands to pluck balls away from his frame and he scored over 30 times the past two seasons.

He's pledged to USC.

5. Dareus Rogers, WR/ATH

Rogers is a 6'2", 200-pounder who can play receiver and defensive back. I think his best spot will be receiver in college. He has very good deep speed and he can release off the line in a hurry.

He stands up corners well and he can break sharply to separate quickly. He's a legit deep threat and corners usually play off of him. Rogers stretches the field and opens up the running game by disallowing an extra safety to be deployed in the box.

He's another elite California player who has already committed to USC.

4. Ellis McCarthy, DT

McCarthy went to the Army All-American Combine and performed extremely well in the one-on-ones, launching him into the national spotlight. At 6'4", 295 pounds, he has the potential to become a monster in the middle as a defensive tackle.

He can push the pocket yet he has the quickness to penetrate gaps on the regular. McCarthy works with his hands well, but he must continue developing his pass-rush plan. He has the size and strength to go along and an athletic frame and desire to be an elite player.

He's a USC lean but UCLA will look to make up ground quickly.

3. Jordan Simmons, OL

Simmons is a big offensive lineman who can play guard, tackle or center. He's 6'5", 310 pounds and can move around the field with ease. He's still maturing physically into his frame and he will turn some baby fat into muscle in college.

He displays nimble feet, agility and athleticism to mirror and slide well in pass protection. He can recover to inside moves and he doesn't waist-bend much at this point. Simmons is strong enough to move targets off marks and he brings his feet on every block.

He's an elite-and-national type of recruit who has interest from USC, Alabama, LSU, Florida, Ohio State, Washington, Miami, Clemson, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Florida State.

2. Shaq Thompson, DB

Thompson is the younger brother of California Bears defensive back Syd'Quan Thompson. Shaquille is a 6'1", 180-pounder who could also be a great running back prospect as well. He has starred as a two-way threat for Grant (Calif.) for the past two seasons.

He excels as an instinctive safety who can cover and plug the run equally well. He's physical enough to play strong safety but he has enough range to play free safety. Thompson has great athleticism and play-speed to fly all over the field, charge deep thirds and he is also a big-time hitter.

This race will come down to Cal and USC.

1. Arik Armstead, DL/OL

At 6'8", 280 pounds, Armstead has the top spot overall in Cali. He can play defensive end, defensive tackle and even flashes the ability to become a top-flight left tackle.

Armstead is also a great basketball prospect and he has offers to play power forward in college. He flashes a quick get-off at the snap, strength at the point of attack and speed to finish. He also has nimble feet and knee-bend to play left tackle—but then again, he could also grow into a defensive tackle.

He'll play at USC, where his brother Armond currently does.