College Football Recruiting 2012: Top 10 Big Hitting Recruits (With Video)

There's really nothing quite like a big hit to get the crowd going and the adrenaline flowing for a defense.

The sound of the pop and then the rumble from the stands is synonymous with football.

At any level of the game, there are guys who simply know how to lay down the law with a monster hit that sends shockwaves through their opponent and makes them hesitate the next time around.

With that in mind, here are the 10 hardest-hitting recruits of the 2012 college football recruiting class. But there's no point in just describing a big hitter, right?

That's what the highlights are for.

10. Brian Nance, LB

At 6'3", 210 pounds, Nance is a highly productive Mike LB for his current high school tean, but will likely kick out to the flanks in college. He has incredible instincts, play speed and range, but it's what he does when he arrives at the ball that has him on this list.

Nance has a solid strike, good thump and will punish a ball carrier when he gets locked on his targets.

9. Tyler Haynes, LB

At 6'3", 220 pounds, Haynes coming downhill at you is a nightmarish feeling and sight. He's very physical at the point of attack, and shows a clear understanding of knowing he has great power and force, generated by his tremendous play speed. 

Haynes is an extremely strong player, and bullies his way around the football field. He brings the wood not only as a LB, but will also deliver a blow to a defender as a punishing RB.

8. Elijah Shumate, DS

Shumate is a 6'1", 205-pounder who currently plays OLB for his rep team, but projects as a college safety. He has 4.5 speed, and it shows up on tape through his solid closing speed and ability to finish tackles.

He can cover defenders in the intermediate passing game, but what he does best is play the run. Shumate has solid take on and shed ability and will pop a ball carrier with good strength and power. He's one of the best pure tacklers in this class.

7. Jabari Ruffin, LB

Ruffin is a rare find on the prep level, as he is 6'4", 230 pounds with a skill set that projects to Sam LB at USC. He is physical at the point of attack, explodes upon contact and strong to fill run alleys.

Yet Ruffin shows solid athletic ability and will be able to factor in underneath coverage. He is a punishing hitter who delivers a pop whether he is on defense or carrying the ball as a runner.

6. Shaquille Thompson, DS

At 6'1", 185 pounds, Thompson is a versatile DB, as he can play all four back end spots for a defense if asked. His likely best position is safety, as he shows a solid ability to attack the line of scrimmage as a run defender and the speed and athleticism to patrol the deep middle as a free safety.

Thompson will come up and light a ball carrier up, or he can also so sit back and hunt for receivers across the middle.

5. LaDarrell McNeil, DS

McNeil is a 6'2", 190-pound safety prospect that plays very physical, whether it be on the back end in coverage or in the box versus the run. He delivers a blow upon contact and shows excellent explosion at the point of attack.

When he's on he field, not so sure I'd want the ball or dare to go across the middle.

4. Kaiwan Lewis, LB

"I'm a great hitter," says Lewis.

And right he is. Lewis lays the wood and seems to play with the intent of bringing down his target by any means necessary. Whether he wraps, pops and drags down, Lewis gets his man on the grass.

At 6'2", 225 pounds, Lewis plays with reckless abandon and does with a physical prowess. He'll throw his body around, close out on a ball carrier and deliver a thump to finish.

3. Kwon Alexander, LB

At 6'2", 210 pounds, Alexander is like a suped-up version of Brian Nance. He has outstanding play speed and range, and defines the term "sideline to sideline" defender. He has the ability to play Will due to his range and speed, but also Sam due to his athletic ability and coverage skills.

But as a hitter, Alexander ranks up there in this category as well.

2. Landon Collins, DS/OLB

Collins is a 6'0", 205-pound strong safety type who has a great skill set. He is at his best versus the run, as he can play as a OLB/eighth defender type and has the speed to close out and finish on stops.

He hits with jarring force and is physical all night long. He doesn't back down nor shy away from contact and seems to relish it. He's one of my favorite players in this class overall.

1. Reggie Ragland, LB

At 6'4", 245 pounds, Ragland has excellent straight ahead, downhill speed. Strong at the point of attack. Excellent explosion upon contact, a sheer thumper. Ragland is an excellent overall player, and looks like the next Dont'a Hightower in my opinion.

He's very, very, very physical and is a bully at LB. I think he has to gather a bit too much to change direction, but that's why as an ILB in Alabama's 3-4 scheme will be his best fit.

Just watch his tape, and if you're not sold on Ragland within the first 45 seconds, then I don't know what's wrong with you.