College Football Recruiting 2012: Ranking The Top 10 Athletes

I know those of you who follow recruiting always see some players having an "ATH" listed by their name instead of a position. This stands for "athlete" as the player shows a skill set that can project them to several different positions on the college level. It really speaks volumes to a player's versatility and talent level.

With the 2012 class, there seems to be a great deal of athletes in the crop and today we're going to power rank the top 10 of the group. You may also find some players I have left off other position rankings on this list as I find they can play other positions than where they are listed at.

So let's see who the top 10 ATH players are in the 2012 class. 

10. Corey Thompson

Thompson is a 6'2" 195-pounder from Texas who lit up the Army combine and splashed on to the national scene. A big ATH, he has been timed in the 4.5 range in the 40 and it shows up on tape. Thompson is an instinctive player who has a knack for being around the football each play.

Thompson's skill set could have him play safety, big corner, receiver or running back in college, which will be Texas A&M.

9. Kendall Sanders

If your program is in search of an offensive playmaker, then they should have been recruiting Kendall Sanders, full tilt. At 6'1" 175 pounds, Sanders can factor effectively both at running back and receiver.

As a junior, Sanders topped 1000 yards on ground and over 800 receiving, with 28 touchdowns. He shows smooth athletic ability, a burst, elusiveness and instincts with the ball. Once he gets the reception as a receiver, Sanders' running back skills take over as he is deadly after the catch.

Sanders is committed to Oklahoma State.

8. Ricardo Louis

Louis is a 6'2" 190-pounder who most likely will play receiver in college. He is very physical at the line on defenders, and relishes them to dare to press him.

Strong in his release, Louis also has good speed to get out of his route stems, the ability to get upfield to eat cushion and the athleticism to drop his weight, sink his hips and explode out of his cuts. Then he can snatch balls out of the air or simply adjust in flight and come down with the catch.

He has offers from the likes of Miami, Alabama, Florida, Ohio State and Florida State among others.  

7. Bralon Addison

Oklahoma State also has another elite ATH coming to Stillwater by the name of Bralon Addison. Addison plays QB for his high school squad, as he passed for nearly 2000 yards and rushed for 1000 as a junior.

At 5'10" 185 pounds, Addison is an uber-athletic player who is a terror with the ball. His team has him at QB to ensure he touches the ball every single play and, as per his numbers, you can see he produces.

Whether he becomes a running back, slot receiver or corner, Addison's athleticism, speed and quickness will allow him to excel. 

6. Jaydon Mickens

At 5'8" 170 pounds, Mickens will remind you a lot of DeAnthony Thomas when you watch him on tape. He's excellent with the ball in his hands and deadly quick in the slot.

He missed five games last year, but still finished with nearly 40 grabs and over 500 yards as a receiver. Another degree to Mickens' game is his ability as a return man. Punt or kickoff, you boot the ball Mickens' way—that means you are betting six points vs. your coverage team because he's dynamic as a returner.

Mickens is headed to USC.

5. Angelo Jean-Louis

At 6'0" 185 pounds I could have listed Jean-Louis as a receiver and not had any problem with it. Yet he can also play defensive back well, so I list him as an ATH.

The name to Jean-Louis' game is burst. His burst and explosiveness are very apparent on film, and he blows by defenders on the edge. Look for Jean-Louis to play receiver in college, but don't be shocked if he ends up as a corner.

USC, Miami, Ohio State, Florida, Oklahoma, Clemson, Alabama and Florida State are just a few offers he has lined up.

4. Marvin Bracy

There is talk that Bracy could be the fastest player in the country this year, as he has near 10.0 flat times in the 100 meter dash. He's a 5'10" 165 pound speedster who is also very sudden, explosive and plays with a sheer burst.

Bracy can factor as a receiver, runner and return man as he can return a kick for you, rush a long score or simply catch a smoke screen, taking the rock to the house all in one game, or half, or quarter. 

He has offers from many well-known FBS programs and seems wide open right now.

3. Cyrus Jones

I've kept Jones out of my running back rankings. No, I haven't forgotten about him—he's been on my ATH board. At 5'11" 185 pounds, many will have him listed as a running back but he can also play corner.

Not to mention, you can't rule out Jones being able to play slot receiver. He's super quick, a big home run threat and has very good moves in the open field. You get him the ball and let him do his thing if you have him in your huddle.

He has offers from just about all of the big time programs in college football. 

2. Eddie Williams

Williams is a 6'4" 200-pounder from Florida who committed to Alabama as a junior. He has the ability to play receiver and linebacker for a team, but many feel he will be best as a safety in college.

He shows a great ability to get off the hashes, occupy throwing lanes and intercept passes. This stems from Williams' possessing great instincts, recognition and awareness in coverage. He'll stick his nose in the run game, and has great hands and speed at receiver. 

1. Nelson Agholor

Agholor may be the most athletic player in Florida this year. That's saying something, because we all know how high the talent and skill level is year and year out around the Sunshine State.

Yet the 6'2" 180-pounder may be at the top as he can play receiver, running back, quarterback, cornerback, linebacker and safety. His tape shows him making play after play after play wherever he's at. I'm sure wherever Agholor ends up, there will be a big feud between the offensive and defensive coaches as to where he should play.

He has a plethora of offers and will look to narrow his list in the coming months.