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College Football 2011 Predictions: Which State Produces the Most Top Recruits?

Amy DaughtersJun 4, 2018

One basic discussion that never goes away in gridiron circles is what state produces the best football talent.

Guys from Texas will tell you itโ€™s the Lone Star State, Buckeyes will tell you that itโ€™s Ohio and Californians, Pennsylvanians and Floridians will all claim their state is the best.ย 

Really, regardless of where you are from, if you are a football person, you have pride in your stateโ€™s athletic prowess.ย  Yes, even if you have no actual facts to back yourself up, you may just be persuaded to argue your home stateโ€™s status as a โ€œrecruiting hot bedโ€.

So which states really do rank at the top of the heap in terms of turning out the best football talent?

The following slideshow attempts to answer this question by presenting the results of a sweeping statistical analysis of the past five years' college recruiting results.

Utilizing the ESPN Top 150 Recruit Rankings from 2007-2011, the states (plus the District of Columbia)ย are ranked in three categories: the total number of top 150 recruits coming from each state, the average overall rank (from one to 150) among the yearly 150 and the average rating of each individual player (from one to 100).

All in all, the geographic origins, ratings and rankings of the top 750 recruits from the past five years have been analyzed to produce a definitive answer (at least a recent one) to the ageless state vs. state recruiting argument.

39. The Bottom 11 States

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Out of the 750 top recruits identified over the past five years, none have come from the following 11 states.

Mostย of theseย won't surprise anyone, but honestly, seeing West Virginia listed is a bit of a shock.

Alaska

Idaho

Maine

Massachusetts

Montana

New Hampshire

North Dakota

Rhode Island

South Dakota

Vermont

West Virginia

Wyoming

38b. Delaware

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Devon Still from Delaware
Devon Still from Delaware

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years: One

Average Player Rank:ย  138

Average Player Rating:ย  79

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Zero

Photo: OT Devon Still, the No. 138 ranked player in 2007, from Howard H.S. of Technology in Delaware, signed with Penn State.

38a. Kentucky

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Jon Davis from Kentucky
Jon Davis from Kentucky

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  One

Average Player Rank:ย  138

Average Player Rating:ย  80

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Zero

ATH Jon Davis, ranked No. 138 overall in 2011, from Eastern H.S. in Kentucky, signed with Illinois.

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37. Hawaii

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ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 04:  Matt Barkley #5 and linebacker Manti Teo #5, L, of the white team lead their team onto the field before the All America Under Armour Football Game at Florida Citrus Bowl on January 4, 2009 in Orlando, Florida.  (Photo by Doug Be
ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 04: Matt Barkley #5 and linebacker Manti Teo #5, L, of the white team lead their team onto the field before the All America Under Armour Football Game at Florida Citrus Bowl on January 4, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Doug Be

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  One

Average Player Rank:ย  Two

Average Player Rating:ย  93

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  One

In 2009, OLB Manti Te'o of the Punahou Schoolย inย Hawaiiย was the No. 2 ranked player in the nation. He signed with Notre Dame.

Photo of Manti Te'o, No. 2 ranked player in 2009.

36. Iowa

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David Barrent from Iowa
David Barrent from Iowa

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  Two

Average Player Rank:ย  93

Average Player Rating:ย  82

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Zero

OT David Barrent from Valley H.S. in Iowa, ranked No. 69 overall in 2009. He signed with Michigan State.

35. New Mexico

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Matthew Hegarty of New Mexico
Matthew Hegarty of New Mexico

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  Two

Average Player Rank:ย  79

Average Player Rating:ย  82

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Zero

OT Matthew Hegarty of Aztec H.S. in New Mexico, No. 36 ranked player in 2011, signed with Notre Dame.ย 

34. Nevada

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Xavier Grimble of Nevada
Xavier Grimble of Nevada

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  Two

Average Player Rank:ย  66

Average Player Rating:ย  82

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Zero

TE Xavier Grimble of Bishop Gorman H.S. in Nevada, No. 31 ranked player in 2010, signed with USC.

33. District of Columbia

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CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 7:  Marvin Austin #9 of the North Carolina Tar Heels warms up before the game against the Duke Blue Devils at Kenan Stadium on November 7, 2009 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 7: Marvin Austin #9 of the North Carolina Tar Heels warms up before the game against the Duke Blue Devils at Kenan Stadium on November 7, 2009 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  Two

Average Player Rank:ย  14

Average Player Rating:ย  85

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  One

In 2007, DT Marvin Austin of Ballou Senior H.S. in D.C. was the No. 10 rated recruit in the nation. He ultimately signed with North Carolina.

Photo of Marvin Austin, No. 10 ranked player in 2007.

32. Wisconsin

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Josh Oglesby of Wisconsin
Josh Oglesby of Wisconsin

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  Three

Average Player Rank:ย  95

Average Player Rating:ย  81

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Zero

OT Josh Oblesby of St. Francis H.S. in Wisconsin, No. 28 ranked player in 2007, signed with Wisconsin.

33. Connecticut

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 01:  Aaron Hernandez #81 of the Florida Gators celebrates with his teammates Mike Pouncey #55 and Tim Tebow #15 after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Loui
NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 01: Aaron Hernandez #81 of the Florida Gators celebrates with his teammates Mike Pouncey #55 and Tim Tebow #15 after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Loui

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  Three

Average Player Rank:ย  85

Average Player Rating:ย  81

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Zero

TE Aaron Hernandez of Bristol Central H.S. in Connecticut, ranked No. 49 overall in 2007, signed with Florida and now plays for the New England Patriots.

30. Washington

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Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  Three

Average Player Rank:ย  95

Average Player Rating:ย  81

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Zero

WR Kasen Williams, ranked No. 70 overall in 2011, signed with Washington.

29. New York

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Dominique Easley from New York
Dominique Easley from New York

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  Three

Average Player Rank:ย  64

Average Player Rating:ย  83

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  One

In 2010, DT Dominique Easley of Curtis HS in New York was the No. 3 ranked recruit nationally. He eventually signed with Florida.

Photo of 2010 No. 3 ranked Dominique Easley.

28. Oregon

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PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 02:  Owamagbe Odighizuwa #94 of the UCLA Bruins tries to stop James Montgomery #21 of the Washington State Cougars during the game at the Rose Bowl on October 2, 2010 in Pasadena, California.  (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 02: Owamagbe Odighizuwa #94 of the UCLA Bruins tries to stop James Montgomery #21 of the Washington State Cougars during the game at the Rose Bowl on October 2, 2010 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  Three

Average Player Rank:ย  58

Average Player Rating:ย  83

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Zero

DE Owamagbe Odighizuwa from David Douglas H.S. in Oregon, No. 17 ranked in 2010, signed with UCLA.

26b. Nebraska

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COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 11:  Harland Gunn #66 of the Miami Hurricanes runs blocks against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on September 11, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio.  (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 11: Harland Gunn #66 of the Miami Hurricanes runs blocks against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on September 11, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  Four

Average Player Rank:ย  114

Average Player Rating:ย  81

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Zero

OG Harland Gunn, No. 63 ranked player in 2007, from Omaha Central H.S. in Nebraska, signed with Miami (FL).

26a. Missouri

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 28:  Backup quarterback Logan Gray #6 of the Georgia Bulldogs against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium on November 28, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 28: Backup quarterback Logan Gray #6 of the Georgia Bulldogs against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium on November 28, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  Four

Average Player Rank:ย  96

Average Player Rating:ย  80

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Zero

ย QB Logan Gray of Rock Bridge H.S. in Missouri, ranked No. 40 overall in 2007, signed with Georgia.

25. Utah

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Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  Four

Average Player Rank:ย  90

Average Player Rating:ย  82

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Zero

OG John Martinez of Cottonwood H.S. in Utah, ranked No. 41 overall in 2009, signed with USC.

24. Minnesota

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Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  Four

Average Player Rank:ย  60

Average Player Rating:ย  83

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  One

In 2010, OT Seantrel Henderson of Cretin-Derham H.S. in Minnesota was the No. 8 ranked player in the nation; he eventually signed with Miami (FL).

Photo of Seantrel Henderson, No. 8 ranked player in 2010.

23. Colorado

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Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  Five

Average Player Rank:ย  88

Average Player Rating:ย  81

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Zero

OT Ryan Miller from Columbine Senior H.S. in Colorado, ranked No. 71 overall in 2007, signed with Colorado.

22. Maryland

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GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 04:  Jelani Jenkins #43 of the Florida Gators plays defense against the Miami University RedHawks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 4, 2010 in Gainesville, Florida.  (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 04: Jelani Jenkins #43 of the Florida Gators plays defense against the Miami University RedHawks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 4, 2010 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  Seven

Average Player Rank:ย  77

Average Player Rating:ย  82

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Two

Maryland'sย top ranked recruits include 2009's No. 9 player OLB Jelani Jenkins from Good Counsel H.S. (signed with Florida) and 2011's No. 3 ranked player OT Cyrus Kouandjio from DeMathata Catholic H.S. (signed with Alabama).

Photo is of 2009's No. 9 ranked Jelani Jenkins.

21. Arkansas

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10:  Michael Dyer #5 of the Auburn Tigers runs down field against the Oregon Ducks during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox
GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Michael Dyer #5 of the Auburn Tigers runs down field against the Oregon Ducks during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  Seven

Average Player Rank:ย  46

Average Player Rating:ย  83

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  One

Arkansas' top-10 recruit came in 2010 when RB Michael Dyer from Little Rock Christian Academy was ranked No. 5 overall. Dyer signed with Auburn.

Photo of Michael Dyer, the No. 5 ranked player in 2010.

20. Indiana

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GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 15:  Linebacker Jerimy Finch #18 of the Florida Gators defends against the Tennessee Volunteers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 15, 2007 in Gainesville, Florida. Florida defeated Tennessee 59-20.  (Photo by Doug Benc/G
GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 15: Linebacker Jerimy Finch #18 of the Florida Gators defends against the Tennessee Volunteers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 15, 2007 in Gainesville, Florida. Florida defeated Tennessee 59-20. (Photo by Doug Benc/G

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  Nine

Average Player Rank:ย  105

Average Player Rating:ย  81

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Zero

S Jerimy Finch from Warren Central H.S. in Indiana, No. 69 overall in 2007, signed with Florida.

19. Kansas

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 24:  Bryce Brown #11 of the Tennessee Volunteers against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 24, 2009 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 24: Bryce Brown #11 of the Tennessee Volunteers against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 24, 2009 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  Nine

Average Player Rank:ย  90

Average Player Rating:ย  82

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Two

Kansas' top-10 recruits include OLB Arthur Brown from East H.S. in Kansas, the No. 6 player overall in 2008ย (signed with Miami FL) and RB Bryce Brown, also from East H.S., the No. 8 player in 2009 (signed with Tennessee).

Photo of Bryce Brown, the No. 8 ranked player in 2009.

18. Oklahoma

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Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  10

Average Player Rank:ย  72

Average Player Rating:ย  82

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Zero

ATH Demarco Cobbs from Tulsa Central H.S. in Oklahoma, No. 18 ranked in 2010, signed with Texas.

16b. Mississippi

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NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 20:  DeAndre Brown #5 of the Southern Miss Golden Eagles catches a pass for a two point conversion over Marcus Udell #3 of the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders during the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on Dece
NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 20: DeAndre Brown #5 of the Southern Miss Golden Eagles catches a pass for a two point conversion over Marcus Udell #3 of the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders during the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on Dece

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  12

Average Player Rank:ย  84

Average Player Rating:ย  81

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Zero

WR DeAndre Brown from Ocean Springs H.S. in Mississippi, theย No. 23 ranked recruit in 2008, signed with Southern Mississippi.

16a. Tennessee

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SOUTH BEND,IN - SEPTEMBER 13:  Golden Tate #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish carries the ball during the game against the Michigan Wolverines on September 13, 2008 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND,IN - SEPTEMBER 13: Golden Tate #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish carries the ball during the game against the Michigan Wolverines on September 13, 2008 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  12

Average Player Rank:ย  81

Average Player Rating:ย  82

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Zero

WR Golden Tate from Pope John Paul II H.S. in Tennessee, rankedย the No. 11 recruit in 2007, signed with Notre Dame and now plays for the Seattle Seahawks.

14b. New Jersey

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 30:  Will Hill #10 of the Florida Gators holds up the ball after an interception during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Field on October 30, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida.  (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 30: Will Hill #10 of the Florida Gators holds up the ball after an interception during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Field on October 30, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  12

Average Player Rank:ย  77

Average Player Rating:ย  82

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  One

New Jersey's last top-10 recruit was back in 2008, when S Will Hill from Saint Peter's H.S. was ranked No. 3 nationally. He signed with Florida.

Photo of Will Hill, the No. 3 ranked recruit in 2008.

14a. Arizona

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LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 11:  Linebacker Devon Kennard #42 of the USC Trojans tackles running back  Perry Jones #33 of the Virginia Cavaliers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 11, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Get
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 11: Linebacker Devon Kennard #42 of the USC Trojans tackles running back Perry Jones #33 of the Virginia Cavaliers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 11, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Get

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  12

Average Player Rank:ย  77

Average Player Rating:ย  82

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  One

OT Christian Westerman from Hamilton H.S. in Arizona was the No. 6 ranked recruit in 2011; he signed with Auburn.

DE Devon Kennard of Desert Vista H.S. in Arizona, ranked No. 14 overall in 2009, signed with USC.

13. Illinois

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CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 02: Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes is brought down by Martez Wilson #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Champaign, Illinois. Ohio State defeated Illinois 24-13. (Photo by Jonat
CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 02: Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes is brought down by Martez Wilson #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Champaign, Illinois. Ohio State defeated Illinois 24-13. (Photo by Jonat

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  14

Average Player Rank:ย  90

Average Player Rating:ย  81

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  One

The No. 5 ranked recruit in 2007 was DE Martez Wilson from Simeon H.S. in Illinois. He signed with the Fighting Illini.

Photo of Martez Wilson.

12. Michigan

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PASADENA, CA - DECEMBER 04:  Wide receiver Ronald Johnson #83 of the USC Trojans breaks a tackle by Sean Westgate #11 of the UCLA Bruins during the first half at the Rose Bowl on December 4, 2010 in Pasadena, California. USC defeated UCLA 28-14.  (Photo b
PASADENA, CA - DECEMBER 04: Wide receiver Ronald Johnson #83 of the USC Trojans breaks a tackle by Sean Westgate #11 of the UCLA Bruins during the first half at the Rose Bowl on December 4, 2010 in Pasadena, California. USC defeated UCLA 28-14. (Photo b

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  16

Average Player Rank:ย  100

Average Player Rating:ย  81

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Zero

WR Ronald Johnson of Muskegon H.S. in Michigan, ranked No. 47 in 2007, signed with USC.

11. Ohio

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LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 16: Quarterback Zac Lee #5 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers runs through linebacker Jordan Hicks #33 and defensive end Eddie Jones #32 of the Texas Longhorns during second half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on October 16, 2010
LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 16: Quarterback Zac Lee #5 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers runs through linebacker Jordan Hicks #33 and defensive end Eddie Jones #32 of the Texas Longhorns during second half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on October 16, 2010

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  21

Average Player Rank:ย  85

Average Player Rating:ย  81

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  One

Ohio produced OLB Jordan Hicks (from Lakota H.S.), who was the No. 4 ranked recruit in 2010.ย  Hicks signed with Texas.

Photo of Jordan Hicks

10. Pennsylvania

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04:  Quarterback Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks to run against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana.  (Photo by Kevin C
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks to run against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  23

Average Player Rank:ย  92

Average Player Rating:ย  82

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  One

Pennsylvania's highest ranked recruit in the past five years was QB Terrelle Pryor from Jeannette H.S., who was the No. 4 ranked recruit in 2008.ย Pryor signed with Ohio State.

Photo of Terrelle Pryor.

9. Louisiana

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BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 06:  Rueben Randle #2 of the Louisiana State University Tigers celebrates after picking up a first down against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Tiger Stadium on November 6, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Tigers defeated the Cri
BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 06: Rueben Randle #2 of the Louisiana State University Tigers celebrates after picking up a first down against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Tiger Stadium on November 6, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Tigers defeated the Cri

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  22

Average Player Rank:ย  71

Average Player Rating:ย  82

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Four

Top 10 recruits for Louisiana include the No. 1 ranked player in 2007, RB Joe McKnight from John Curtis Christian H.S. (signed with USC); the No. 10 ranked player in 2009, WR Rueben Randle from Bastrop H.S. (signed with LSU); the No.ย 2 ranked player in 2011, DT Anthony Johnson from O. Perry Walker H.S. (signed with LSU) and the No. 8 ranked player in 2011, OT La'El Collins from Redemptorist H.S. (signed with LSU).

Photo of the No. 10 ranked player in 2009, WR Rueben Randle.

8. Virginia

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03:  Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Virginia Tech Hokies looks to pass against the Stanford Cardinal during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. Stanford won 40-12.  (Photo by Streeter Lecka/G
MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Virginia Tech Hokies looks to pass against the Stanford Cardinal during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. Stanford won 40-12. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/G

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  24

Average Player Rank:ย  83

Average Player Rating:ย  82

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Zero

QB Tyrod Taylor of Hampton H.S. in Virginia, the No. 16 overall recruit in 2007, signed with Virginia Tech.

7. North Carolina

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SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 25: Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal runs for yardage as Kerry Neal #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish closes in at Notre Dame Stadium on September 25, 2010 in South Bend, Indiana. Stanford defeated Notre Dame 37-14. (
SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 25: Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal runs for yardage as Kerry Neal #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish closes in at Notre Dame Stadium on September 25, 2010 in South Bend, Indiana. Stanford defeated Notre Dame 37-14. (

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  24

Average Player Rank:ย  74

Average Player Rating:ย  82

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Zero

DE Kerry Neal of Bunn H.S. in North Carolina, the No. 26 ranked recruit in 2007, signed with Notre Dame.

6. South Carolina

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AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 13:  A.J. Green #8 of the Georgia Bulldogs against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 13: A.J. Green #8 of the Georgia Bulldogs against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย 33

Average Player Rank:ย  61

Average Player Rating:ย  83

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Three

South Carolina's top-10 recruits include 2008's No. 1 ranked DE Da'Quan Bowers from Bamberg-Ehrhardt H.S. (signed with Clemson) and No. 5 ranked WR A.J. Green from Summerville H.S. (signed with Georgia).

In 2011 South Carolina produced anotherย No. 1 ranked recruitย in DEย Jadeveon Clowney of South Pointe H.S. (signed with South Carolina).

South Carolina ties California with two No. 1ย ranked playersย each over the past five recruiting classes.

Photo of A.J. Green.

5. Alabama

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ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Julio Jones #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes for a touchdown during the Capitol One Bowl against the Michigan State Spartans at the Florida Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2011 in Orlando, Florida.  (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Im
ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Julio Jones #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes for a touchdown during the Capitol One Bowl against the Michigan State Spartans at the Florida Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Im

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  34

Average Player Rank:ย  68

Average Player Rating:ย  83

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Four

The state of Alabama's top-10 recruits include the following:

2007: No. 9 ranked Michael McNeil (S)ย from Davidson H.S. (signed with Auburn).

2008: No. 2 ranked Julio Jones (WR)ย from Foley H.S. (signed with Alabama) and No. 10 ranked Dee Finley (S) from Auburn H.S. (signed with Florida).

2009: No. 4 ranked Dre Kirkpatrick (CB)ย from Gladsen H.S. (signed with Alabama).

Photo of Julio Jones, the No. 2 recruit in 2008.

4. Georgia

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02:  Tight end Zach Miller #80 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by safety Eric Berry #29 of the Kansas City Chiefs in a game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri.  (Photo by Tim Umphrey/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02: Tight end Zach Miller #80 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by safety Eric Berry #29 of the Kansas City Chiefs in a game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Tim Umphrey/Getty Images)

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  74

Average Player Rank:ย  72

Average Player Rating:ย  82

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Two

Georgia's top-10 recruits include theย 2007 No. 4 overall recruit CB Eric Berry from Creekside H.S. (signed with Tennessee) and the No. 4 ranked recruit RB Isaiah Crowell from Carver H.S. (signed with Georgia) this year.

Photo of the No. 4 recruit in 2007, Eric Berry.

3. California

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PASADENA, CA - DECEMBER 04:  Quarterback Matt Barkley #7 of the USC Trojans drops back to pass against the UCLA Bruins during the first half at the Rose Bowl on December 4, 2010 in Pasadena, California.  (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - DECEMBER 04: Quarterback Matt Barkley #7 of the USC Trojans drops back to pass against the UCLA Bruins during the first half at the Rose Bowl on December 4, 2010 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  73

Average Player Rank:ย  55

Average Player Rating:ย  82

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  Seven

The state of California's top-10 recruits include the following:

2007: No. 2 ranked recruit ILB Chris Galippo from Servite H.S. (signed with USC), No. 3 ranked recruitย RB Marc Tyler from Oaks Christian H.S. (signed with USC), and the No. 8 ranked recruit QB Jimmy Clausen, also from Oaks Christian H.S. (signed with Notre Dame).

2008: No. 9 ranked RB Darrell Scott from Saint Bonaventure H.S. (signed with Colorado).

2009: No. 1 ranked QB Matt Barkley from Mater Dei H.S. (signed with USC).

2010: No. 1 ranked ATH Ronald Powell from Rancho Verde H.S. (signed with Florida) and No. 7 ranked WR Robert Woods from Junipero Serra H.S. (signed with USC).

Photo of Matt Barkley, No. 1 overall recruit in 2009.

2. Texas

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 07:  Terrance Toliver #80 of the Louisiana State University Tigers fails to pull in this reception against Cory Reamer #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 7, 2009 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  (Photo by
TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 07: Terrance Toliver #80 of the Louisiana State University Tigers fails to pull in this reception against Cory Reamer #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 7, 2009 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  107

Average Player Rank:ย  75

Average Player Rating:ย  82

Total Top 10 Recruits: Six

The Lone Star state's top-10 recruits include the following:

2007: No. 7 ranked Terrance Toliver (WR)ย from Hempstead H.S. (signed with LSU).

2008: No. 7 ranked Jermie Calhoun (RB)ย from Van H.S. (signed with Oklahoma).

2009: No. 3 ranked Russell Shepard (ATH)ย from Cypress Ridge H.S. (signed with LSU) and No. 7 ranked Craig Loston (S)ย from Dwight D. Eisenhower High (also signed with LSU).

2010: No. 2 ranked Jackson Jeffcoat (DE)ย from Plano West H.S. (signed with Texas).

2011: No. 7 ranked Malcolm Brown (RB)ย from Byron M. Steele H.S. (signed with Texas).

Photo of the 2007 No. 7 ranked recruit, Terrance Toliver.

1. Florida

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 1: Defensive back Patrick Peterson #37 of LSU runs the 40-yard dash during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 1: Defensive back Patrick Peterson #37 of LSU runs the 40-yard dash during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Total Number of Top 150 Recruits in the Past Five Years:ย  147

Average Player Rank:ย  71

Average Player Rating:ย  82

Total Top 10 Recruits:ย  10

Florida is far and away the best state at producing football talent (at least recently) and has accounted for a full 20 percent of the top 150 recruits over the past five years.ย 

Top 10 recruits from the Sunshine State include the following:

2007: No. 6 ranked Noel Devine (RB)ย from North Fort Myers H.S. (signed with West Virginia).

2008: No. 8 rankedย Patrick Peterson (CB)ย from Ely H.S. (signed with LSU).

2009: No. 5 ranked Jacobbi McDaniel (DT)ย from Madison County High (signed with Florida State) and No. 6 ranked Trent Richardson (RB)ย from Escambia H.S. (signed with Alabama).

2010: No. 6 ranked Lamarcus Joynerย (CB)ย from Saint Thomas Aquinas School (signed with Florida State), No. 9 ranked Matt Elam (ATH)ย from Dwyer H.S. (signed with Florida) and the No. 10 ranked Jonathan Dowling (S)ย from Southeast H.S. (signed with Florida).

2011: No. 5 ranked Karlos Williams (S)ย from Ridge Community H.S. (signed with Florida State), the No. 9 ranked Tony Stewart (ILB)ย from Pedro Menendez H.S. (signed with Clemson) and the No. 10 ranked Jeff Driskel (QB)ย from Paul J. Hagerty H.S. (signed with Florida).

Photo of Patrick Peterson, the No. 8 ranked recruit from 2008.

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