100 Bold Predictions for the 2011 Top College Football Freshmen

With spring ball starting to get underway with various programs across the country, it's time to start thinking about the 2011 college football season. When thinking about your favorite school's hopes this upcoming season, you immediately start to think about its incoming recruiting class.

With our increasing coverage on the college football recruiting front, we have decided to break out the crystal football and list bold predictions for the top 100 recruits in the 2011 class. Some predictions may be out of this world, others may shock you, but they're big, bold and it's football. What more could you ask for?

I already predict you will read on...

100. Charles Jackson, DB: Nebraska

Jackson voiced his displeasure over the notion of the Cornhusker coaching staff changes, including seeing who he thought would be his future position coach leave the program only days after National Signing Day.

However, the 5'11", 180-pound defensive back is one of the better incoming back-end players in college football this year. He's pretty physical on the perimeter and sticky in coverage.

I predict that Jackson will see some time as a nickel/dime back for Big Red and be their best defensive back as a true freshman.

99. Kasen Williams, WR: Washington

Williams is one of the top incoming receivers to the Pac-12 conference in 2011 and was a huge pick-up for the Huskies. He's likely their top rated receiver recruit since Craig Chambers.

At 6'2", 200 pounds, Williams already has college-ready size, and is strong enough to out-muscle defensive backs for ball. He has deceptive deep speed and will be a star in the intermediate passing game.

I predict Williams will end his 2011 season with more than 30 receptions for Washington.

98. Trey DePriest, ILB: Alabama

DePriest joins a star-studded incoming Alabama recruiting class that was tops in the country by many in regards for final 2011 recruiting tallies. Some say Florida State had the best overall class, but I like 'Bama's a bit more.

He is slated to make the trek from Ohio down to the Dirty South to track running backs and plug run alleys for Nick Saban, likely as an inside 'backer in the Tide's 3-4 scheme.

Alabama returns a slew of linebackers that all know the system better than DePriest at this point, including Dont'a Hightower, Nico Johnson and Courtney Upshaw. I predict the 6'2", 230-pound DePriest to be a redshirt this year.

97. Gerod Holliman, DB: Louisville

Holliman decided to spurn the big three Florida powers and head to the Bluegrass State to play at Louisville. Charlie Strong showed that he is still big-time in the Sunshine State, plucking one of the best players from Florida.

At 6'0", 180 pounds, Holliman is a versatile defensive back that can play safety and corner. He is exactly what Strong looks for in his defensive backs and has some leadership qualities to his game as well.

I predict that Holliman will start at least five games for Louisville in 2011.

96. Christian Heyward, DT: USC

Heyward gave a long look to hometown San Diego State, but when Brady Hoke bolted for Ann Arbor that pretty much sealed the fate of the Aztecs' chances. A 4-star recruit from Point Loma, Heyward is one of the best defensive linemen in the 2011 class.

Standing 6'2", 270 pounds, his biggest asset is his snap quickness to jump blockers and his long arms to stay clean in his rush. He will be a great gap-penetrating tackle and may be able to play some end as well for USC.

However, Heyward is light at 270 pounds and needs to fill out. I predict a redshirt year for him in 2011.

95. Demetrious Nicholson, DB: Virginia

Nicholson said he was so impressed by Cavs coach Mike London in their first meeting that he came away from the encounter already knowing he was a Cavalier. He was excited to tell London the news when he pledged.

A 5'11", 170-pound sticky cover corner, Nicholson is extremely quick in a short area to stay in a receiver's back pocket. He has a array of potential to develop into one of the top corners in the ACC.

I predict Nicholson to be Virginia's top nickel back in 2011.

94. Amir Carlisle, RB: USC

Carlisle is almost an insurance policy for USC on Dillon Baxter. Baxter didn't set the world on fire last year as many predicted him to, and talk around the program has Lane Kiffin growing tired of the running back's antics.

Yet, it looks as if Baxter will return to USC in 2011 looking to show why he has been called the most talented player on the roster. Carlisle is a similar player to Baxter, as he can kill a defense as a runner and receiver.

If Baxter finds himself in more hot water, look to Carlisle to fill his role in the USC offense. If not, he will be redshirted.

93. Ben Councell, DE: Notre Dame

Councell seems to see his name lost in the Notre Dame recruiting class because he is in the shadows of Stephon Tuitt, Ishaq Williams and Aaron Lynch.

But the 6'5", 225-pound pass rusher is certainly a great player in his own right. He is an effort and try-hard kid, with deceptive snap quickness, play speed and natural pass rushing ability.

I think he will be a great defensive player in South Bend, but he will redshirt in 2011.

92. Christian LeMay, QB: Georgia

Le May is the QB recruit that Georgia signed to solidify them an elite recruiting class. The mantra in recruiting is that you should always try to sign an elite QB prospect in every class.

At 6'2", 200 pounds, LeMay's best trait is the most important a QB needs to be successful. Yes, he has a solid arm; yes, he's accurate. But LeMay knows how to win. He's a gamer and a leader who knows how to lead an offense.

But as we all know, the Dawgs have Aaron Murray at the helm. I predict LeMay to either win the backup job or be redshirted altogether.

91. Greg Robinson, OL: Auburn

Robinson is a big, strong offensive lineman headed to Auburn. The champs will be young this year, and they have lost a couple key figures in the offensive line corps.

At 6'4", and nearly 300 pounds, it's easy to see Robinson already has the size and strength to play right away. He's versatile enough to play tackle or guard, and factor as a run blocker.

I predict Robinson will crack the two-deep for Auburn, and start four games in 2011.

90. Desmond Jackson, DT: Texas

Was it me or did Jackson play the Under Armour game like he was hell-bent on trying to prove he deserved a fifth star? He was a terror, penetrating gaps, beating guards with quickness and fighting to pressure every snap.

Headed to Austin, Jackson is a 6'1", 280-pound defensive tackle that has great quickness and looks like the prototypical 4-3 under tackle.

I predict Jackson sees significant time as a true freshman and makes the Freshman All-American list.

89. Kiehl Frazier, QB: Auburn

Frazier quickly showed how committed he was to Auburn after he gave his pledge; he chose to be one of the lead recruiters for the Tigers. He routinely called other top players, and was credited as one of the key figures to have Brent Calloway switch to Auburn, albeit briefly.

He enters his true freshman season as perhaps a QB ready to play right away. Aside from being 6'3", 210 pounds and having a solid arm and great running ability, Frazier played in a very similar offense to the one Gus Malzahn runs now.

My bold prediction for Frazier is he becomes the Tigers' starting QB by the fourth week of the season.

88. Chris French, ATH: Oregon

A 6'6", 230-pound jumbo ATH, French can play an array of positions ranging from tight end, defensive end, receiver and linebacker.

Chip Kelly may choose to add to his dynamic offense and make French a jack-of-all-trades type of player, mainly factoring at tight end. Or he may turn him over to the defense.

French's size, strength and play speed is remarkable, which is why I predict him to be the Ducks' second-best special teams player this year, as another true freshman will be their top ST guy...

87. J.W. Walsh, QB: Oklahoma State

Walsh is billed as a cross between Jake Heaps and Zac Robinson. He's expected to be the Cowboys' QB of the future and the 6'2", 190-pounder has 4.4 speed.

A dual threat-style signal caller, he's a winner and an uber competitive gamer. I can't wait to see Walsh at the helm in Stillwater.

But for this year, I predict him to redshirt and learn the ropes as Oklahoma goes through a coordinator transition.

86. DeAnthony Arnett, WR: Tennessee

Derek Dolley scored a huge get here in getting Arnett to head to Knoxville from the state of Michigan. Arnett has Donte Stallworth-like potential, as the 6'0", 170-pound receiver has a bevy of speed.

He's a nightmare with the ball in his hands and his RAC ability is off the charts. He has a quick release off the line and bursts out of his breaks.

I predict Arnett to catch at least 35 balls this year, while also factoring as a punt and kickoff returner for the Vols.

85. Justice Hayes, RB: Michigan

Hayes stuck with Big Blue through the thick and thin and saw them through the RichRod to Brady Hoke transition. He is loyal to the Wolverines, and oh yeah, he's a heck of a running back too.

Among the quickest and most elusive in the 2011 recruiting class, Hayes comes to Ann Arbor with aspirations to get the rock from the jump.

I predict Michigan to have several packages for Hayes to utilize his and Denard Robinson's speed and playmaking ability from the backfield in 2011.

84. Tre Madden, LB: USC

Madden comes from a strong Mission Viejo (CA) program, in that it is a given he has been well coached. A natural and instinctive linebacker with great speed and range, Madden likely will end up as a WILL linebacker at USC.

Productive, 6'0", 215 pounds and selected to the Army game, Madden's best asset is his speed, instincts and cover ability. He is solid at the junction point in coverage against running backs.

Yet, USC is looking to redshirt as many players as possible due to the sanctions circumstances, and Madden will be one of them.

83. Ben Koyack, TE: Notre Dame

Koyack, from Oil City (PA) (just wanted to say that), is a tight end headed for South Bend. He fits the bill on what the Irish usually have at the spot—big, tough and solid pass catcher.

At 6'5", 235 pounds he has been talked about as the next Kyle Rudolph. While he needs to add another 30 pounds to reach Rudolph's size, Koyack is a natural pass catcher that I think can help this year.

I predict him to catch at last 20 passes while learning the offense and backing up Tyler Eifert as a true freshman in 2011.

82. Delvin Simmons, DT: Undecided

Simmons signed with North Carolina, but the weird thing was he never officially visited the school. He asked out of his LOI in early March and has been looking at USC and Texas Tech.

Both schools stand out for different reasons for the top-five defensive tackle. At 6'5", 270 pounds, Simmons has a world of potential and likely will be in the 290 range before he leaves college.

I predict he ends up at Texas Tech.

81. Reese Dismukes, OC: Auburn

Dismukes is known as a hard working, junkyard dog type of lineman. His best position likely will be right in the middle pivot at center.

Standing 6'4", 290 pounds, he is smart to make the line calls, set protections and adjust blocking schemes. Strong at the point of attack, I love watching Dismukes on tape because he looked for work every single time he was uncovered.

I boldly predict he starts as a true freshman for Auburn at center.

80. Marvin Shinn, WR: Alabama

Shinn is a 6'3", 180-pound, tall and long-limbed receiver headed to catch passes in Tuscaloosa. High cut, Shinn has a large catch radius, strike zone and leaping ability.

Alabama has to replace Julio Jones this year, and we all know Jones can't be replaced by one player. Marquis Maze will try, but this will be a group effort.

Look for Shinn to chip in with 30 grabs in 2011.

79. Cody Kessler, QB: USC

Kessler is a 6'1", 210-pound QB from NorCal headed to USC. He was minutes away from committing to Washington when USC called and offered at the last minute.

Selected to play in the Army game, talk is Kessler has a skill set that projects him to be a solid starter one day. He has the arm strength and smarts to play anywhere.

With Matt Barkley locked in as the starter, and Jesse Scroggins as the backup, 2011 will be a redshirt year for Kessler.

78. Bobby Hart, OL: Florida State

Selected to play in the Under Armour game, Hart is a big offensive lineman that can play anywhere along the offensive trenches. Florida State had a scare with him on NSD, but his signed LOI was received.

At 6'4", and nearly 290 pounds, Hart is a great athlete for a big man and shows easy movement when asked to pull, seal and trap. He can hit moving targets as well as shadow rushers with ease.

I predict him to have a stellar career, but he will redshirt in 2011.

77. Chraone Peake, WR: Clemson

When the nation's No.1 overall recruit says, "Yeah, I've heard he's really good," and he's talking about you, then you know you're big-time—and Peake is rightfully so.

At 6'3", 200 pounds, Peake is a fluid athlete that looks natural at receiver. He's a long and smooth strider with long arms to snatch balls all around his frame.

I predict him to catch 45 passes in 2011.

76. Herschel Sims, RB: Oklahoma State

OK, so its March in 2011 and we know now that the Sims-to-Baylor rumors were indeed false. Sims is a 5'10", 190-pound running back that is an all-purpose threat.

He factors big-time as both a runner and receiver and has dynamic wiggle and elusiveness. Yet Sims does a solid job of running with force and power.

I predict him to start and be the main replacement for Kendall Hunter at Oklahoma State in 2011.

75. Antonio Richardson, OL: Tennessee

Dooley getting Arnett was huge, but Dooley getting Richardson was mega. Fresh out of Nashville, Richardson was basically the top recruit in Tennessee and deemed a must get by the Vols.

Standing 6'6", 310 pounds, he can play both left and right tackle and anchor a line from the edge. He has franchise tackle potential, and his strength, power and athleticism will allow him to play right away.

I boldly predict Richardson becomes an Honorable Mention All-SEC pick in 2011.

74. Brett Hundley, QB: UCLA

Hundley is looked at as "The Savior" of UCLA football. His situation reminds me a lot of how Cal viewed Kyle Boller when he went to Berkeley earlier last decade.

Hundley, from Arizona, is a 6'4", 210-pound QB that has a hose for an arm and blazing speed. He fits the pistol offense that UCLA seems intent on running perfectly. 

I predict he beats out Richard Brehaut and Kevin Prince for the starting job in 2011.

73. Kenny Hayes, DE: Ohio State

From Toledo, Ohio, Hayes seems to have been born to play at Ohio State. Standing 6'5", 240 pounds, Hayes has the potential to develop into a complete defensive end, and do it quickly in Columbus.

Strong-side end Cam Heyward is gone to the NFL, and the Buckeyes will be young on the defensive side of the ball.

Look for Hayes to find himself as one of the primary sub package rushers for the Buckeyes in 2011.

72. Jacoby Brissett, QB: Florida

While debate has ensued about whether Brissett's choice of Florida was a wise choice or not, you can't deny his talent. He's a marvel to watch operate from the field general position at 6'5", 225 pounds.

A dual threat talent that was the main reason Nick O'Leary caught so many balls, Brissett didn't shy away from a potential duel with Jeff Driskel in 2012.

But in 2011, he will redshirt.

71. Matt Hegarty, OL: Notre Dame

Standing 6'5", 270 pounds, Hegarty is the best and highest-rated recruit from New Mexico since Oklahoma QB Landry Jones. He chose to head to Notre Dame, where he is viewed as one of the Irish's future starting linemen.

Brian Kelly is in the start of his second season of his dream job, and has installed helmet cams on his QBs to get a sense of their decision-making. Hegarty has hopes of securing the front as a true freshman to give them time to make the correct decisions.

However, Hegarty, who reminds me a bit of Chris Frome, will redshirt in 2011.

70. Max Wittek, QB: USC

Wittek is headed to USC in hopes of winning the job one day to replace Matt Barkley. In high school he won the starting job to replace, you guessed it, Matt Barkley at Mater Dei (CA).

At 6'4", 215 pounds, Wittek has a cannon arm and his accuracy wowed observers at the Under Armour week practices. He's a gunslinger that has a vast amount of potential.

But like Kessler, he'll be a redshirt in 2011.

69. Erique Florence, DB: Auburn

Florence was actually pretty close to heading out to Los Angeles and signing with USC, but Coach Thig at Auburn worked on him hard enough to land him for the Tigers.

At 6'2", 185 pounds, Florence is among the best safety prospects in the 2011 class and can play both free and strong. He has solid range and gets off the hashes pretty well on he back end. Florence is a future All-SEC defensive back.

I predict him to be the first safety off the bench when the Tigers go to big nickel packages, and a special teams standout in 2011.

68. Anthony Zettel, DE: Penn State

Zettel is a the typical Big Ten type of defensive lineman. He brings his lunch pail to the field and just goes to work until they tell him the game is over. He brings it every snap and his motor is relentless.

At 6'4", 255 pounds, he can play the strong-side defensive end position and has solid athletic ability and range on the edge. He kind of reminds me of 49ers defensive end Justin Smith. Zettel had over 100 tackles and seven sacks as senior. 

I predict that he becomes Penn State's primary designated third-down pass rusher this season as a true freshman.

67. Tyler Moore, OL: Nebraska

Moore is a prospect that really intrigues me because I think he is the next great Nebraska lineman. At 6'6", 300 pounds, he is a mauler that can play tackle or guard and use his strength clear room like a home mover in the run game.

He will be an All-Big Ten pick by the time he leaves Lincoln and has the ability to see time immediately for Bo Pelini's offensive front. He's very strong at the point and has deceptive foot quickness to use as an aid to mirror speedy rushers.

I predict he starts at least four games as a guard in 2011.

66. Jaxon Shipley, WR: Texas

Shipley will follow his brother, Jordan, to catch touchdowns in Austin. What makes this even more eerie is the notion of the 6'0", 170-pound Shipley being a similar receiver to his brother.

Both just find ways to get open. They do it by deceptive separation quickness out of their breaks, vision to fill voids, and reliable hands.

I predict Jaxon will catch 40 passes from Garrett Gilbert in an improved, multiple-formation Texas offense.

65. Kenny Hilliard, RB: LSU

Hilliard leaves the Louisiana high school football scene with a career record of over 8,600 yards on the ground. One of the most productive high school runners in history, he is headed to Baton Rouge to continue the art of toting the rock.

At 6'0", 220 pounds, Hillard is a power back that is deadly in straight-line running. He runs well behind his pads and knows that he has to keep his motor churning to wear down a defense.

I predict that he rushes for at least 400 yards, getting his feet wet in 2011.

64. Brandon Shell, OL: South Carolina

Boy, I would pay money to get to see some future Gamecock practices, as I would keenly love to see Shell work against Jadeveon Clowney. At 6'7", 290 pounds, Shell is a future solid left tackle.

He has a great frame, wingspan and length to keep power out of his body and from under his pads. Shell also has the strength to wash speed from around the pocket.

I think he redshirts in 2011, to add some to his 290-pound frame.

63. Kelvin Benjamin, WR: Florida State

At 6'6", 210 pounds, there is talk in Tallahassee that Benjamin has Fred Rouse-like ability. He's a big receiver with an incredible wingspan and length, which allows him to pluck balls from all over his frame.

He has solid deep speed, quickness off the line and is athletic to adjust to any kind of throw. Big things are expected out of Benjamin.

With Florida State being bantered as a BCS dark horse, EJ Manuel may find Benjamin as a prime-time redzone target. I predict five or more touchdowns for Benjamin in 2011.

62. Aundrey Walker, OL: USC

Walker pulled off one of the biggest NSD shockers in 2011 by selecting USC over Ohio State. He comes from an OSU pipeline but decided the West Coast was the best coast for him.

The top offensive guard prospect in the 2011 recruiting crop, Walker is a 6'5", 355-pound road grader that figures to make early noise in Los Angeles. He has All-American potential and is a very good athlete for someone of his size.

I boldly predict he starts nine games for USC at guard.

61. Eric MacLain, TE: Clemson

Clemson may have not had their best season in 2010, but they certainly did not let that affect their 2011 recruiting efforts. They landed some serious talent, including MacLain, one of the elite tight end prospects in the country.

At 6'5", 245 pounds, he is known as a tough and gritty player with natural receiving ability underneath and over the middle. He can attack the seams and make catches in crowds with ease.

Kyle Parker may leave for baseball and Tahj Boyd likely will step in. Look for MacLain to catch 20 passes as a true freshman.

60. A.C. Leonard, TE: Florida

Leonard is a perfect "move" tight end for the pro style offense that Charlie Weis will install in Gainesville. He's likely not thick enough for Weis' liking as an every-down starter, but he can be used effectively.

At 6'2", 230 pounds, I think Leonard could even see some time as a fullback before he leaves Gainesville. Yet he has soft hands, and is uber-athletic after the catch in RAC situations.

However, I think the 2011 season will see him redshirt.

59. Lawrence Thomas, LB: Michigan State

There is an LT arriving in Sparta and yes, he does play linebacker. But Thomas can also play tight end, defensive end and running back as well. He was downgraded to a 4-star recruit after some subpar postseason all-star games.

However, Thomas may be the best linebacker recruit Michigan State has gotten since TJ Duckett. Yes I know Duckett played running back at MSU, but he was viewed as linebacker coming in.

I think Thomas has the size and skill set to play immediately, and I think he will help Mark Dantonio's program. I can't come up with a tangible prediction, but just know that I predict Thomas will be an impact player in 2011.

58. Savon Huggins, RB: Rutgers

Huggins almost joined Thomas at MSU but chose to stay home and run for Rutgers for the next four years. He's considered the best running back recruit to come to Piscataway since Ray Rice.

At 6'0", 190 pounds, Huggins has all the tools to be an every-down back for the Scarlet Knights, and soon. Heck, from day one.

I boldly predict that Huggins rushes for over 700 yards and eight scores in 2011.

57. LaDarius Brown, WR/ATH: TCU

TCU convinced Brown to stay in the Lone Star State and head to Ft. Worth over Norman late in the 2011 recruiting cycle. He's listed as ATH but I expect him to play WR for the Horned Frogs.

At 6'2", 190 pounds, Brown has a true deep speed, as shown by his averaging over 20 yards a grab as a senior. He can stretch the field and is likely the best incoming WR recruit in school history.

I expect Gary Patterson to display his prized recruit this year, and Brown to catch 35 balls in 2011.

56. James Vaughters, LB: Stanford

Stanford got a great inside linebacker prospect in Vaughters, who is very thick when seen in person. At 6'2", 230 pounds, he's a big linebacker that can play the MIKE and SAM in a 4-3 scheme and ILB in a 3-4 look.

Vaughters is instinctive, tough and physical. He knows how to read and react quickly and beats running backs to holes with speed and angles, and he attacks the line of scrimmage downhill.

I expect him to adjust to The Farm well and total over 40 tackles and get two picks in 2011.

55. Aaron Green, RB: Nebraska

Some people will tell you they like Green over Malcolm Brown as the top running back in Texas for 2011. Their likely reasoning is that Green is faster and has more wiggle to his running style. Standing 5'10", 190 pounds, Green has 4.4 type speed and is a home-run threat with every-down back size.

He's likely the biggest running back recruit to head to Lincoln since Marlon Lucky a few years back. I think he and Taylor Martinez will make a tough tandem like Denard Robinson and Justice Hayes will at Michigan.

Look for Green to factor as a receiver too, and that's why I think he catches over 25 passes out of the backfield as a true freshman in 2011.

54. Nickolas Brassell, WR: Ole Miss

Ole Miss signed the top four players out of Mississippi this year and Brassell is among the "Core 4" the Rebels got. A 6'0", 175-pound receiver, he compares to DeAnthony Arnett as he is a playmaker on the offensive perimeter.

Brassell shows great quickness in his release off the line, eats cushion quickly and flashes dynamite explosion out of his breaks. He can stop and start easIly and quickly, and has solid hands.

I expect him to see some time in Oxford this year and catch 20 passes, but also impact the return game for Houston Nutt.

53. Viliami Moala, DT: California

There is a reason why the USC coaches were so down when they learned that Moala was going to Cal: he is good, real good. I even think I have Moala ranked too low.

At 6'2", 330 pounds, he's more than just a space eater, as Moala has a great and relentless motor, quickness, force and athleticism. He can play just about every position possible along the defensive front in a 4-3 or 3-4.

I expect him to start 10 games for Cal at nose tackle and make the Freshman All-American team.

52. Jace Amaro, TE: Texas Tech

Amaro is such a natural pass-catching tight end that he could be listed as receiver and still be among the top 100 players in the 2011 class. Standing 6'5", 240 pounds, he is a treat to see work the middle.

Linebackers have a tough time matching up with him because he fires clean out of his stance, avoids well and has the quickness to separate underneath. Safeties complain he's too big and uses his size to shield them well from balls.

He'll catch over 45 passes in the Texas Tech offense next year, easy.

51. Jordan Phillips, DT: Oklahoma

I'd be just as comfortable listing Phillips as an ATH as I am as a DT. At 6'6", 300 pounds, Phillips is so blessed athletically that he returned punts for his high school team last year. Imagine being asked to tackle a 300-pound punt returner.

Yet, he will likely line up as a defensive tackle in Norman and I do think he's just too good to be left on the bench. The Sooners are gearing up for a BCS title run, and Phillips could play a role.

Look for Phillips to see time in the trenches and provide a pass rush in exotic sub packages from the interior in 2011.

50. Nick O'Leary, TE: Florida State

O'Leary pledging to Florida State was not a shock to anyone. He was supposed to bring Jacoby Brisset with him, but Brissett decided Gainesville was the best place for him instead.

Yet, O'Leary is one of the more complete tight ends in the class. He can factor both as a receiver and in the run game as a blocker. Standing 6'4", 235 pounds, O'Leary is an intense player that has soft hands and a bully's mindframe as a runner, and looks to maul as a blocker.

I predict he will find a role on the 'Noles special teams units in 2011, more so than normal tight end duties in the offense.

49. Quandre Diggs, DB: Texas

Diggs is a super-talented and versatile player. He played QB for his prep team last year and rushed for 1,000 yards...as a QB. At 5'10", 190 pounds, his athleticism and quickness project him to be best suited as a defensive back in Austin.

Known to have solid corner play during his tenure at the helm, Mack Brown looks to have found his latest Longhorn cover man in Diggs. Diggs shows grow transition quickness and quick close ability in coverage and is as tough as they come.

I think his play speed and athleticism will help him see the field as a freshman in a special teams role in 2011.

48. Anthony Chickillo, DE: Miami

Chickillo is a player that shot up the board after the Under Armour game. I had him lower, but after he showed he was one of the better defensive ends during the game and practices that week, he was moved up.

At 6'3", 240 pounds he combines a relentless motor with solid athleticism to form himself into a dynamic pass rusher. He can jump the snap, convert speed to power and also has the range to chase and track the run on the edge.

I think he'll see the field for The U as one of the primary designated pass rushers in 2011.

47. Xzavier Dickson, OLB/DE: Alabama

Dickson could easily be listed as a tight end as he is a very good prospect there as well as an defensive end. However, talk out of Tuscaloosa is that he will end up as a rush end/outside linebacker in the Tide's 3-4 scheme.

Recruited for the JACK spot by Nick Saban, Dickson is a very good athlete at 6'3", 240 pounds. He projects well to the spot as he can rush the passer as a stand-up guy, but also be moved around to get the best matchups.

The Tide are supremely talented, and Dickson is too. Yet I think Saban redshirts him to make sure Dickson gets the scheme and learns from Courtney Upshaw.

46. Damian Swann, DB/ATH: Georgia

Swann was rumored to be possibly looking elsewhere but he did sign with Georgia after all. He pledged to the Dawgs at the Army game, before making an official visit to Athens.

Mark Richt didn't care, as when you see Swann play you start to see quickly he's a playmaker. Standing 6'0", 175 pounds, he can play corner and even played safety during the Army game. Then comes the fact that Swann is a dynamic return man and could even play receiver.

If things go right, he could see time as a dime back and as a punt returner in 2011.

45. Greg Townsend Jr., DE: USC

It's clear when you watch Townsend on tape that he has learned how to rush the passer from his father, who starred at TCU and in the NFL. The younger Townsend has an array of moves in his plan and uses his hands extremely well.

He is a 6'4", 245-pound defensive end that should become one of the top pass rushers in the Pac-12 before his senior year at USC. Some talk has Townsend with a higher ceiling than Lawrence Jackson had coming out.

With the Trojans having Nick Perry and Wes Horton as their top two pass rushers, and Armond Armstead as a strong-side defensive end, I think Townsend redshirts in 2011.

44. Jeoffrey Pagan, DE: Alabama

Pagan may have been ranked higher on the 2011 board for me if he weren't hurt. He tore his ACL and missed just about his whole senior season. Yet he still was a prime-time recruit on the trail.

He came to high school thinking he'd be a college receiver, but kept growing and now stands 6'4", 275 pounds and is a defensive lineman. I think he will be a great 3-4 end, as his athleticism will give the Tide front a dynamic that it rarely sees from its ends.

But he is still rehabbing that ACL and he'll redshirt in 2011.

43. Odell Beckham, WR: LSU

Beckham is a 5'10", 170-pound receiver that can also factor as a return man due to his speed and quickness. He lit up the Under Armour combine last spring and had three grabs in the Army game.

He can fly off the line and beat press with quickness. He explodes out of breaks and is a very sudden player. Beckham then is a terror as a RAC receiver, showing great elusiveness with the ball in the open field.

LSU is poised for an SEC and BCS run in 2011, yet I think Beckham is held back by Les Miles this year.

42. Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE/OT: Washington

Seferian-Jenkins is a big, 6'7", 250-pound tight end. Although he may not be overly athletic, he catches everything in his zip code. He uses his size well and his strike zone may be the largest of any pass-catching player in the 2011 class.

Yet, I don't think he will end up at tight end in Seattle. Seferian-Jenkins has the tools to be an All-Pac-12 left tackle. His athleticism projects better there and his length and wingspan will allow him to wash the rush with ease.

He redshirts in 2011 to begin tacking on weight and girth for his move to the trenches.

41. Lamar Dawson, LB: USC

I was a bit stunned to see Dawson chose USC over staying home and playing for Kentucky. Joker Phillips told Dawson that he wanted to make the linebacker the face of UK football. That's a lot to turn down.

Yet USC struck gold here in getting the 6'2", 230-pound Dawson. He was recruited to Troy as a SAM linebacker and could be the next No. 55 for the Cardinal and Gold.

Not only do I think Dawson sees time as a true freshman this year, I think he starts four games for USC.

40. Michael Bennet, OL/DT: Ohio State

For most of the year, I had Bennett listed as defensive tackle on my board, but during the week of the Army game practices, he revealed that Ohio State was actually aiming for him to line up as a guard in Columbus.

Anywhere he is listed, he is still one of the better talents in the class. Standing 6'3", 275 pounds, Bennett is a terror on the defensive front, combining strength and snap quickness. His works well as a guard as well, showing solid athletic ability to work in the short areas and toughness as a run blocker.

I think OSU redshirts him in 2011 to add some meat to his 275-pound frame to hold up in the offensive interior.

39. Mike Blakely, RB: Florida

Blakely is coming to Gainesville as the top running back in the class and one of the elite prospects that Will Muschamp signed in his first class. Charlie Weis will gladly take the 5'9", 200 pound dynamite that is Blakely.

First, Blakely knows how to pick and slide well to find holes. He has nimble feet and shows a solid burst to and through alleys. Then he has the run strength to break tackles and pop you to finish runs at the point. Finally, Blakely has some wiggle and speed to make a long run.

In 2011, I predict Blakely averages four yards a carry as a true freshman.

38. Devon Blackmon, WR: Oregon

Did you hear all the laughing that was coming from Eugene, Oregon during the Under Armour game? That was just Chip Kelly getting giddy over watching his next offensive toy display his speed. Even Blackmon is laughing in this photo.

Blackmon killed defensive backs during the game, routinely finding himself behind them. Standing 6'0", 175 pounds, he has 4.4 speed. Yet he's not just a speedster, as Blackmon has solid hands and is very good in RAC situations.

I think he sees the field in multi-receiver sets in 2011, and catches 25 passes while learning the offense and returning a few kicks.

37. Marcus Roberson, DB: Florida

Yeah, Roberson actually signed with Florida. You may have thought he was slated for Texas Tech...then Auburn...but in the end it was Florida that came out on top, or should I say came away with his signed LOI.

Roberson has been telling those around him that wants to play corner, but the 6'1", 170-pounder may be best suited as a free safety. I think he can play the boundary corner role, though, and use his length and athleticism to press and be sticky on the perimeter.

Florida will have a young secondary, which is good for a young and super talented Roberson to come in and take a role from the jump.

36. Brent Calloway, LB/RB: Alabama

Calloway went through a flip-flop Iron Bowl-style, as he had a bit of a falling out with the Alabama coaches and John Rose and Kiehl Frazier got him to pledge to Auburn at the Army game. In the next few weeks Calloway would state how he's solid with the Tigers and that he was a done deal.

Then his Russelville area locals, which is a largely pro-Alabama town, urged him to switch back to the Tide. On NSD, Calloway did indeed switch back, signing with Alabama.

He wants to play running back, but the 6'1", 210-pounder is viewed as a linebacker in Tuscaloosa.

He will redshirt in 2011.

35. Marqise Lee, DB/ATH: USC

Lee held out on committing to USC for longer than some Trojan fans would have liked, but he's signed and delivered now. He looked at Miami hard, but he was always a Trojan lean.

At 6'1", 190 pounds, Lee has not been playing football too long, as he came to high school with dreams of playing in March Madness—not the Rose Bowl. However, he has shown to be a quick study and an extremely instinctive player. He has a high ceiling and could play safety or receiver at the Coliseum.

I think he redshirts in 2011 to learn the USC defense or offense, and continue developing.

34. Steve Edmond, LB: Texas

When Will Muschamp was at Texas, he ran the defensive recruiting board. Mack Brown gave him free reign to go after the prospects he liked and felt fit his system. It's a reason Muschamp had Edmond as one of the very elite recruits on the board: Edmond is super good.

At 6'3", 245 pounds, he's a big 'backer and also has some pass rush to his game. Instinctive, athletic and physical, Edmond can play any spot in the 4-3 scheme and will make Manny Diaz a happy man.

In 2011, look for Edmond to see some limited time and total 30 stops and play special teams.

33. Braxton Miller, QB: Ohio State

Miller is a celebrity around the state of Ohio and has been compared to Pat White, Troy Smith and Donovan McNabb. Standing 6'2", 190 pounds, he is the top dual threat QB in the 2011 class and there is nothing that he can't physically do.

Miller has a strong arm, is an accurate passer and has solid pocket presence. He can escape the rush and roll or spring to the edges and make throws on the run. Then Miller also can just outrun a defense to make long gains to keep his offense on the field.

An easy prediction is to say Miller will start this year, but a bigger and bolder prediction is to say he will be the Big Ten Offensive Freshman of the Year.

32. Jay Rome, TE: Georgia

If you really thought Rome was headed anywhere but Georgia then you were mistaken. It was always Georgia for the big tight end. I have Rome ranked ahead of O'Leary on my board, as Rome is bigger and more athletic.

He lacks O'Leary's strength but he has great hands, incredibly long arms, a big catch radius and solid speed. At 6'6", 250 pounds, I think once Rome gets stronger, he will be a first-round NFL prospect.

I think he sees the field in Athens, mainly as a pass catcher in his first year, catching 20 passes from Aaron Murray behind Orson Charles.

31. Aaron Lynch, DE: Notre Dame

At 6'6", 255 pounds, Lynch is a super athletic pass rusher for such a big end and should develop into a solid player in South Bend. He's already enrolled, taking classes and will suit for spring ball in Bran Kelly's second season at the helm.

There was some switching involved with Lynch's recruitment as he routinely went back and forth in committing to both Notre Dame and Florida State. Yet he is a Golden Domer now, and big things are expected from him, even in 2011.

I predict Lynch comes out of this season with four starts and six sacks for Notre Dame. 

30. Malcolm Mitchell, WR/DB: Georgia

Mitchell is a teammate of Rome's and also a member of the Georgia Dream Team. He may be the most athletic prep corner slated for Athens since, yes, Champ Bailey. However, it seems like Mitchell will transition to receiver for Georgia.

A big cover corner in high school at 6'1", 190 pounds, Mitchell can press at the line well due his long arms. He's quick out of his backpedal and has the speed to carry receivers deep. His athletic ability, speed and playmaking with the ball will easily make him a great receiver.

In 2011, he will start six games and be used mostly as the Bulldogs' main nickel back.

29. Colt Lyerla, LB/ATH: Oregon

Remember earlier when I said that Christian French would be the second-best special teams player for the Ducks in 2011? That's because I think Lyerla will be the best.

He's an incredible athlete and could factor at several positions for Oregon, including outside linebacker, tight end, defensive end, receiver and fullback. Standing 6'5", 225 pounds, he has great straightline speed, quickness, lateral movement, strength and quick feet.

He easily will be dynamic on punt and kickoff cover units while learning how to play the SAM linebacker position for the Ducks.

28. Mike Bellamy, RB: Clemson

Bellamy may be the most elusive back in the country. At 5'10", 180 pounds, he is extremely sudden, quick and has probably the best start-and-stop ability among running backs in 2011.

Headed to Clemson, yes there is banter he is the next CJ Spiller. Although Spiller was a bit thicker coming out of high school and stronger than Bellamy, Bellamy is still a playmaker with the ball in his hands like Spiller is.

I predict he will become the Tigers' primary third-down back in 2011.

27. Tim Jernigan, DT: Florida State

Jernigan grew up a Florida fan, but decided to take FSU up on their offer...that was extended to him when he was 13 years old. At 6'2" and rumored to be in the 290-plus-pound range, Jernigan's biggest asset is his snap quickness.

He jumps guards in the middle and climbs on top of them with ease. He's an excellent gap penetrator and the top 4-3 defensive tackle in the country. Jernigan is super athletic for a big man and could even play strong side end at FSU.

I think he sees time in sub package situations for FSU as an interior sub rusher, totaling 4.5 sacks and 20 tackles while learning the ropes.

26. Christian Westerman, OL: Auburn

Westerman was a devout Longhorn for much of the process but started to falter toward the fall. He began to look around elsewhere and settled on Auburn. Regarded as the top pure run blocker in the nation, he can play both tackle and guard.

I think his best spot is right tackle, where the 6'5", 290-pounder can put the right side of the line on his back and anchor a team's running game by himself. He's headed to Auburn along with Greg Robinson and Reese Dismukes; think about the future offensive front they will form with the Tigers in the coming years.

With Auburn being young, there's a chance he can crack the two-deep and start a few games this year.

25. Stephone Anthony, LB: Clemson

On NSD, Dabo Swinney's eyes must have bugged out his head when he saw two of the top linebackers in the country both announce for the Tigers, one being Stephone Athony. Regarded as the top outside linebacker prospect in the country, Anthony is super athletic on the second level.

Standing 6'3", 220 pounds, he's tough for linemen to hit, sheds well and has the speed and instincts to make plays sideline to sideline. I think he best suits for the WILL spot, but he can easily play MIKE or WILL at Clemson.

I predict he plays 10-15 snaps a game as a sub-package linebacker and lines up on the special teams units in 2011.

24. Isaiah Crowell, RB: Georgia

It came down to an Alabama vs. Georgia race for Crowell, and the in-state Bulldogs won out in the end. The best player from the Peach State according to many, Crowell is even talked as the top back in nation for 2011.

He's 5'11", 200 pounds, but has 4.4 speed, super quickness and great instincts. He has tree trunks for legs, good vision and does a solid job of letting blocks develop. He should be an immediate star.

I predict he rushes for over 750 yards and seven scores as a true freshman in Athens.

23. Kris Frost, LB: Auburn

Standing 6'3", 210 pounds, Frost is one of the better pure athletes in the 2011 crop. He can play an array of positions; some say he himself thinks receiver is his best spot. I have to disagree as I think he could be an All-SEC caliber outside linebacker, which is why I list him there over ATH.

Interestingly enough, so do the Auburn coaches, which is where he will play as a Tiger. He has great range, and can also cover running backs well out of the backfield. He needs some seasoning, but his ceiling is high.

I think he plays mainly special teams or even redshirts in 2011.

22. Stephen Tuitt, DE: Notre Dame

Tuitt is the second of the big-time defensive end quartet the Irish signed in their 2011 recruiting class. He is the biggest of the four at 6'5", 260 pounds, and looks to be the one who will transition the purest from a 4-3 to a 3-4 end.

He verballed to Georgia Tech briefly before switching back to the Irish down the home stretch. He has solid strength to anchor against the run, and should be able to keep his snap quickness as a rusher even as he tacks on the needed girth to be a 3-4 end. 

I expect Tuitt to start six games for the Irish in their 30 front base look.

21. C.J. Johnson, LB: Ole Miss

Johnson's recruitment is another case of how crucial assistant coaches are to a program's recruiting efforts. He formed a great relationship with former Mississippi State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz, but Diaz left for Texas.

This prompted Johnson to reopen his recruitment, and prompted the Bulldogs to see him bolt for hated rival Ole Miss. At 6'3", 235 pounds, Johnson is a huge backer that has little-man athleticism and can hit like a truck.

He's ready to play now, and I think he can hit the 50-tackle mark as a true freshman.

20. Dee Hart, RB: Alabama

Hart originally planned to go to Ann Arbor and play for Rich Rodriguez and Michigan. Then Rich-Rod got canned and Hart chose to head south for Tuscaloosa.

He showed during the Army game that a 5'8", 190-pound running back can still do damage against the big boys. He's super quick, slippery with the ball and reminds me a lot of Eric Metcalf. Hart enrolled early at Alabama and will practice this spring for Nick Saban's squad.

I predict Hart will impact the roster as a runner, receiver and returner. But more boldly, I predict we will see Hart in some wildcat this year. 

19. Jarvis Landry, WR: LSU

Landry is considered the next great LSU receiver, following in the steps of Dwayne Bowe, Buster Davis, Josh Reed and Brandon LaFell. He will compete with Russell Shepard and Rueben Randle this year for top honors.

At 5'11", 170 pounds, Landry is sudden off the line and really works well on smoke and bubble screens, along with reverses and slants. He's fast enough to get deep and will work wonders outside the numbers in the Tiger passing game.

But I just think Landry is too light right now to get off of press coverage, and needs to redshirt to add weight and strength.

18. Ishaq Williams, DE/OLB: Notre Dame

Williams is the highest rated and ranked of the incoming pass rushing quartet to South Bend. However, he will kick outside to stand-up outside linebacker/rush end in the 3-4 scheme Notre Dame runs.

Standing 6'6", 230 pounds, he has great athleticism, a quick first step, length to stay clean from blockers and a burst to finish on passers in the pocket. Versus the run, it's nothing usual to see Williams hawk down ball carriers around the field, showing great range.

He's at Notre Dame already, and will start eight games this year. 

17. Sammy Watkins, WR: Clemson

Watkins is one of the four 4-star recruits and one of the elite receiver prospects Clemson signed in the 2011 recruiting cycle. He may the most elusive RAC receiver prospect in the country, and that's saying something in class that has Jarvis Landry, Odell Beckham and others in it.

A quicker than fast athlete, Watkins is suddenly off the line, eats cushion with ease and snatches balls around his frame. However, he is dynamite on smokes and bubbles and just needs you get him the ball and get out of his way.

He'll catch 20 passes and return a few kicks for big gains this year easy.

16. Brandon Williams, RB: Oklahoma

Williams is a 6'1", 190-pound rock toter that is a 5-star recruit and headed to Norman. He has a great combo of both home-run ability and run strength. He's runs with a great forward lean and has solid explosion to scoot past defenders.

Williams also can factor out of the backfield as a receiver, and work on linebackers underneath. He has good hands and puts his running back skills to use in RAC situations.

I predict boldly that he will win the starting running back role at OU during training camp.

15. Jeff Driskel, QB: Florida

Driskel is the top QB in the 2011 class on my board as well on that of many others. I expect him to be a Heisman candidate and perhaps a first-round draft pick in the coming years.

Standing 6'3', 235 pounds, he showed at the UA game that he was not just a chucker. Driskel has great athleticism for a pocket passer and can escape the rush to make something happen with his legs. Yet he has a cannon for an arm, is pretty accurate and makes solid decisions.

He wins the backup job easily in 2011 and starts for Florida in 2012. I'll even go as far as to say that Driskel sees a couple series per game in 2011 for Charlie Weis to get his feet wet.

14. Trey Metoyer, WR: Oklahoma

Metoyer is a 6'2", 200-pound specimen of a receiver that will join the receiving unit at Oklahoma. He's strong enough to beat press with strength but elusive enough to run around it off the line.

He's a pure deep threat that can get behind a secondary easily but also explode out of his break underneath and separate from a sticky corner. He has a large catch radius, big hands and great leaping ability.

He should be able to top 40 grabs and five touchdowns as a true freshman easily in the spread look OU seems to want to run with Landry Jones this year.

13. James Wilder Jr., RB: Florida State

They say, pound for pound, Wilder may be the strongest player in the 2011 class. Standing 6'2", 220 pounds, he is a physical marvel, as you can see in the picture. He can play outside linebacker, but FSU will let him get his first crack at toting the rock.

As a running back, he has Greg Jones-like potential, but with more speed. He is a bully with ball, and usually makes three, four or five defenders bring him down. He's a tackle-breaker with some wiggle and solid speed.

I predict in 2011 he averages 10 carries and a game and rips off an average of over four yards a pop.

12. Curtis Grant, LB: Ohio State

Grant is one of the elite overall defensive players in this class. A linebacker that stands 6'3", 225 pounds, he can play just about every linebacker position in the 3-4 or 4-3.

He's physical in his take-ons, can shed with strength and is a great wrap tackler. He does a great job of reading and reacting quickly and beats running backs with angles and speed and waits for them in run alleys. He should fit the run defense well in Columbus.

I think Grant is too talented to be left off the field and the Buckeyes will sneak him some snaps in sub packages and as a third-down cover linebacker just to get him on the field in 2011. 

11. Ray Drew, DE/OLB: Georgia

Known as a big-time prankster and also about to become an ordained minister, Drew also has a hobby of sacking quarterbacks when he's bored on Friday and Saturday nights. His recruitment was a fluid process that saw him frequently mention a slew of schools as programs of interest.

After trips to LSU, Clemson and Miami among others, Georgia was the winner. He is a great athlete that combines quickness, size, strength and play speed to form into a great pass rusher. He will move to outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme of Todd Grantham's.

He'll rack up 5.5 sacks as a designated third-down rusher in 2011.

10. HaSean Clinton-Dix, DB: Alabama

There was some talk that "HaHa" was looking at LSU, but the Crimson Tide got his signed LOI on NSD. A 6'2, 190-pound safety prospect, he projects best at the free spot, yet he can factor as a strong guy too.

Athletic and rangy, he has great instincts and rarely allows himself to be looked off by quarterbacks. He gets off the hashes with great transition quickness and has speed to close on receivers. He reads the run well and stick his nose in big-boy business.

I think Clinton-Dix can play a role on special teams, but may be redshirted this year to learn the complex defensive scheme at Alabama.

9. Tony Steward, LB: Clemson

I had predicted Steward to FSU in the weeks before NSD and was shocked when he announced for Clemson. Yet Dabo Swinney and the Clemson program will welcome him with open arms.

Standing 6'2", 220 pounds, he's the most instinctive and athletic second-level defender I evaluated all of last year. Steward reads runs quickly, attacks downhill and matches running backs in holes. He has great range to hawk the run all over the field and can cover tight ends and running backs easily.

I think he starts three games late this year, and finishes with 50 tackles, three sacks and three interceptions.

8. DeAnthony Thomas, DB/RB/ATH: Oregon

Dubbed the original Black Mamba in his Pop Warner days with the help of Snoop Dogg, Thomas strikes you as a player. He's 5'9", 160 pounds, but he's just a football playin' Jessie. He can play RB, WR, CB, DS, PR and KR.

He was thought to be a lock for USC, but on NSD switched his pledge to the Ducks of Eugene. Chip Kelly now has to figure out if he will make Thomas a cover corner or a jack-of-all-trades offensive player at Oregon.

I predict this year most of his time will come as a punt and kickoff returner.

7. La'El Collins, OL: LSU

Collins is a 6'5", 285-pound offensive line prospect that is a fantastic future left tackle. He shadows rushers with ease, has great set quickness, is super athletic to slide and recover and can wash well.

He also is great in the run game to get on the second level, hit a moving target and can be used on wide pulls. Collins' best trait is his feet, balance and agility, which allows him to make so many kinds of blocks with ease.

I predict he slides right in and starts as a true freshman in 2011 for Joe Barksdale.

6. Anthony Johnson, DT: LSU

Some say Collins was the best player in Louisiana while others will say it was "Freak" Johnson, a 6'4", 300-pound mammoth defensive tackle. I expect big things form Johnson in the scale of a Glen Dorsey in Baton Rouge.

He has excellent, incredible snap quickness, athletic ability and strength. He pushes the pocket in the middle with ease, and is a terror to fight to pressure. He can swallow ball carriers and chase around quarterbacks all series and all night long.

I expect him to start from day one at LSU as he is already enrolled. He will total over 30 tackles in 2011, with six being for loss, and five sacks.

5. Malcolm Brown, RB: Texas

Brown is the top running back in the country, and I think he has NFL potential. At 6'0", 220 pounds, he has just about everything you need in a runner. He is looked at as the next Ricky Williams and Cedric Benson for Texas.

Brown has good speed, great run strength, quick feet, vision, burst, explosiveness and loves to finish runs with a pop. He's dangerous in the red zone as he runs like a shark that smells blood inside the 20. I expect his impact to be immediate and big in Austin.

I predict he rushes for 850 yards and 11 scores as the starting running back for Texas in 2011. 

4. Cyrus Kouandjio, OL: Alabama

Lost in the midst of Kouandjio's post-NSD saga was the notion that he was the best offensive lineman in the country. Sure, he pledged to Auburn but backed off and signed with Alabama days later, but let's not forget this kid has the tools to be a first-round draft pick at left tackle now.

At 6'7", 325 pounds, it's amazing to watch him move around on film. He's not fully developed as a pass protector since his DeMatha (MD) squad is a run-oriented offense, but his pass blocking will become his best skill in a year or two. Kouandjio has the slide, adjust and receiver ability to mirror any rusher and also the strength to anchor.

I think he redshirts in 2011 to continue developing and watch Aaron Douglas and Barrett Jones operate.

3. George Farmer, WR: USC

Farmer is is a 6'2", 200-pound receiver with 4.3 speed and is one of the premier receiver prospects in years. He played on the same team as 5-star recruit and Freshman All-American Robert Woods in high school. Some say he was the better player.

He'll follow Woods again to Troy and joins a deep receiving core at USC. Farmer is a sheer playmaker with deep speed, explosion, solid hands and quickness out of his breaks to gain separation. He should give USC fans what Whitney Lewis should have given them a few years back.

Shockingly, I think Farmer redshirts this year to gain separation from the other receivers on the roster.

2. Karlos Williams, DB: Florida State

Williams takes the second notch on my board, and the big safety is a fantastic player. He lit up the UA game, with big hits, an interception and several great tackles.

At 6'2", 210 pounds already, I think Williams actually is 220 pounds. He's a 4.5 guy right now and is hoping that FSU leaves him on the back end and doesn't make him an outside 'backer. He's very, very instinctive and has great range. He should be an All-American one day.

I think Williams has the talent to come in and take over the third safety role in big nickel packages for Florida State while lighting people up on special teams. He starts in 2012.

1. Jadeveon Clowney, DE: South Carolina

Clowney easily takes the top and final notch of our top 100 college freshmen. He's the best player to come into college football in quite some time and is already a celebrity. He found himself involved in a bit of a mistaken identity "schism" this past week but he is in the clear now.

The 6'6", 250-pounder has been talked about in the Palmetto State since he was a freshman running back, and now is the best player in the country. He should be a first-round pick in three years, as his athleticism, size, speed, snap quickness, range, strength, instincts and awareness make him one of the most elite recruits in history.

He wins SEC Defensive Freshman of the Year, and notches nine sacks as an opening day starter for the Gamecocks in 2011.