College Football Recruiting 2011: The Top Big 12 Defensive Position Classes
Defense wins championships, and its no different in the Big 12. For the 2011 recruiting classes around the conference, there are a slew of incoming freshmen that have great potential to start, and many of them could see the field in 2011.Texas usually is top dog, along with Oklahoma, in recruiting but Will Muschamp left to take over Florida. Did this hurt the Longhorns in recruiting? We'll see.
Mack Brown always gave Muschamp free reign over the defensive recruiting board, and new defensive chief Manny Diaz likely will ascend to the same status soon. The conference as a whole has recruited more speed on the defensive side of the ball, since many teams in the Big 12 run some version of the spread, which requires defenders to be better in space and in coverage.
Let's check out the top defensive position classes in the Big 12 for 2011 recruiting.
Top DT Class: Oklahoma
1 of 5
Texas finished second in the category, as I think Desmond Jackson showed in the Under Armour game that he's one of the best defensive tackles in the country. He played in the backfield all night and routinely used his 6'1" and 280 pound frame to jump blockers with quickness.
But Oklahoma's signing of Jordan Phillips, Jordan Wade and Marquis Anderson is an overall better coup. Wade and Anderson look like potential starting caliber players, but its Phillips that has the Sooner defensive coaches giddy over.
At 6'6" and 300 pounds, Phillips is so athletically gifted that he returned punts for his high school team this past season. He also could play tight end at his size. No not blocking tight end, I'm talking about flex-move-split out tight end. Phillips also can play left tackle, but it looks like DT will be his home spot.
Top DE Class: Texas Tech
2 of 5
Most teams in the Big 12 only signed upwards of one or two defensive ends in the 2011 cycle, except Texas Tech, who signed six pass rushers in total.
Tommy Tubervillle has always maintained the key to being good in the SEC is defensive line play, and it seems like he has taken that theory with him to Lubbock.
The best of the group is Leon Mackey, a JUCO prospect that stands at 6'5", 260 pounds. Mackey is a terror off the edges and has the skill set to play the strong or weak side.
Top LB Class: Texas
3 of 5
The Texas LB class was tops in this category, hands down. The Longhorns convinced three 4-star second level defenders to head to Austin 2011.
I like Chet Moss a lot, as do I Kendall Thompson. But I love Steve Edmond and think he will fit well in the multiple 4-3 scheme Manny Diaz will use for Texas.
Edmond can play all three spots for Diaz as a MIKE, SAM or even WILL and stands 6'2", 225 pounds. He's an effective blitzer and can provide a good rush as well in sub packages.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Top DB Class: Texas
4 of 5
Texas and Texas A&M made this hard for me as either school could have gotten the nod. A&M signed two 4-star defensive backs in Howard Matthews and sniped Floyd Raven from Ole Miss.
But Texas got three 4-star defensive backs by securing Josh Turner, Quadre Diggs and Sheroid Evans. There is a growing defensive back tradition in Texas, and all three of these back end defenders have the makings of carrying on the torch.
Mykkele Thompson is listed as an ATH, but will more than likely wind up as a defensive back for Texas too. Kansas, Baylor, Kansas State and Missouri all signed at least four defensive backs in their classes.
Top ATH Class: Texas Tech
5 of 5
I gave the honor to the Red Raiders in the ATH department. Tommy Tuberville feels he can put the talents DeAndre Washington, Ronnie Daniels and J.J. Gaines to use somewhere on the field in Lubbock.
Washington is shifty with the ball in his hands, and whether he will be used a running back or receiver, getting him the ball will be a priority. Gaines is a similar player, and he could even find himself at defensive back.
Daniels is 6'1", 175 pounds and can play receiver, running back, big corner and safety for his squad.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
