The Elite Super 7 Already-Committed Recruits for 2012

We took a look at seven elite-caliber 2012 recruits last week who were un-committed. This week we'll examine the top seven committed 2012 players.

The recruiting cycle is still in the evaluation and information-gathering phase, but the spring eval period is coming up and we'll start to see some risers and fallers on the board.

The camps-and-combines circuit is also underway, and B/R will hit the road in the coming weeks and months to bring you some coverage of the top events on the trail. For now, we take a look at the top seven players who have already decided to end their recruitment before things get too hectic.

Here ya go.

7. Warren Ball, RB

Commit: Ohio State

Ball is a 6'2", 200-pound running back that may be the best receiver out of the backfield in the country. He will be an every-down back in college, not only due to his size, but his skill set that will allow him to factor in the passing game. Ball just looks incredibly fluid and natural, as he can snatch balls away from his frame and has great ball skills.

He's one of two big-back prospects the Buckeyes have in the fold for 2012 along with Brionte Dunn. Ball has a very good burst and breakaway speed. He should be a big impact player in Columbus.

6. Eddie Williams, DB/ATH

Commit: Alabama

Williams impacts his current high school team at receiver, running back, linebacker and safety, which likely will be his college position. His ball skills, roaming ability, coverage instincts and ability to get off the hash project him as a standout free safety in Tuscaloosa.

There are some that feel the 6'4", 200-pound Williams will grow into an outside linebacker, while others think he could become a receiver. Wherever he ends up, look for Williams to become a star.

5. Cayleb Jones, WR

Commit: Texas

Many, including me, think that Jones is the top receiver in the Lone Star State this year. At 6'3", 200 pounds, he has all the tools to be a great one in college.

Tall, long-armed, quick off the line, heady, sure handed, and quick out of his breaks, Jones can do it all.

I think he should be a 5-star recruit before NSD comes, and what's nice about Jones is he is a student of the game. He likes to study opposing players, and is really keen to finding voids in coverage schemes as the game wears on.

4. Reggie Ragland, OLB

Commit: Alabama

Ragland currently plays mostly WR for his high school team, but he likely will man a linebacker spot somewhere at Alabama—whether it be outside or inside.

He's 6'4", 245 pounds, but can run like a deer. If you get a chance to see him play—be it live or film—watch him. He's a marvel at receiver—to see someone that big move that fast is remarkable.

Strong and physical, Ragland has a promising future as a defender, and Nick Saban definitely will find a place for him to accent his talents. Big things are expected from Ragland at Alabama, starting in 2012.

3. Arik Armstead, DL/OL

Commit: USC

It's not even 100 percent given where Armstead will play on the defensive line yet. SC will start him out at strong-side defensive end, but he may grow into a defensive tackle. Then there is talk that Armstead's future may be brightest as a franchise left tackle.

At 6'8", 280 pounds, he has very light feet and is a solid athlete. Armstead is a great pass rusher as he has a pretty quick first step and can lean on blockers all night long.

He's such a good athlete that he has offers to quit football and play college basketball. Both Lane Kiffin and Kevin O'Neil will use his services in Los Angeles.

2. Shaq Thompson, S

Commit: California

Thompson was the best player on his Grant (CA) high school team last year as a junior, and the team was a star-studded squad that included Top 100 player DT Viliami Moala. At 6'1", 185 pounds, Thompson could easily be considered one of the top running backs in the country, if he weren't such a great safety prospect.

He will allow Cal to man up more often on defense and could even factor as a return man. It has gone back and forth on whether Thompson has a re-opened things up, but its almost a given he ill end up at Cal at some point.

1. Mario Edwards, DE

Commit: Florida State

Around the time last week's uncommitted recruits story went to print, Edwards was pledging to Florida State, so he's now on this list. His father Mario Sr. was a standout for the 'Noles in the '90s, and Jr. will be standout for the 'Noles in in the coming years.

A big defensive end, he stands 6'4" and is in the 270- to 280-pound range already. He has the frame and athleticism to be a strong-side end in college, and could move inside to defensive tackle as a sub rusher on third downs.

He gives a defensive front a tremendous amount of athleticism and flexibility.