College Football Recruiting 2012: Top 5-Star Recruits with Bust Potential

Many times, we see these 5-star high-school players get all of the accolades because they have dominated their peers and possess great size and speed. Then they enter the college ranks and fizzle out, and we find ourselves asking, "what happened?"

The term "bust" can be a subjective phrase, but it is a recurring theme among 5-star recruits. 

For this list, please note that I am not saying these players will be busts. This is a list of players who, when I watch on film and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, could be busts.

5. Kyle Kalis, OL

Kalis is a 6'5", 305-pound offensive lineman headed for Ohio State this fall. He plays with great power, force and strength, most notably at left tackle.

Klais shows a mean streak, playing nasty and finishing his blocks very well. He has a quick feet and seems to mirror and slide well.

However, I do notice that he struggles reaching rushers in his punch at times, which tells me his arms may be a bit short. Short arms at left tackle is almost a cardinal sin, so if the Buckeyes leave Kalis on the left island, he could fizzle out.

Of course, the same thing was said about Joe Thomas, and he's now an All-Pro LT for the Browns. 

4. Reggie Ragland, MLB

Ragland is a sight to see. He's 6'4", 245 pounds and lines up at receiver most of the time. Ragland has very good athleticism for a player of his size and even flashes soft hands.

However his future college position at Alabama will be at ILB in the Crimson Tide's 3-4 oriented defensive scheme. He projects well for this role, as he has thumper ability and sheds well against the run.

The only concern I have is his quickness to scrape and pursue laterally. Ragland lacks quickness to scrape side to side and plug the run, playing more as a straight-line player, which will limit his range and not allow him to make tackles he is supposed to make.

3. Jordan Simmons, OG

There is a debate between rather Simmons is a true tackle or guard. In watching him play on tape and meeting him in person, Simmons looks like a guard to me. At 6'5", 340 pounds, he flashes great feet and athleticism for a big man inside.

Simmons displays excellent quickness off the ball and the snap, solid strength and can even play center in a pinch.

My concern for him is his weight. Simmons' frame clearly shows an excess of baby fat, and he needs to get better conditioning. Not being able to control his weight and not being in shape could keep Simmons from being the player he has the potential to be. 

2. Brionte Dunn, RB

Dunn, who's an Ohio State pledge, shocked many last weekend by taking an unofficial visit to rival Michigan. He still claims he's committed to Ohio State, but with the rumors of heavy sanctions coming to Columbus, Dunn is keeping his options open.

On the field, he's a 6'1", 220-pound monster running back that plays with a downhill running style, power, strength and natural running instincts.  Dunn is the top "big back" prospect in the country.

Yet when I watch Dunn on tape, I see a lack of top end speed and a minimal burst at best. I also notice a lack of wiggle and elusiveness, all critical traits to have for a running back.

1. Zeke Pike, QB

Pike is a 5-star QB prospect that recently committed to Auburn over a plethora of other elite programs. At 6'6", 225 pounds, Pike has a rifle for an arm and also shows good mobility and athleticism.

Many QBs who have the arm strength Pike has fail to develop touch and awareness. Pike flashes that awareness, as he can put great touch on his throws.

A concern I have for Pike is his field vision. This likely stems from only having one season as a QB under his belt. He doesn't see the full field at times and doesn't always go through his progressions.

The other concern is Pike's on-field demeanor. He can lose his cool at times and this could be detrimental to his team, especially with him being a quarterback.