College Football Recruiting 2012: 5 Top Recruits Who'll Go Small School

NOTE: For this read, the term "small school" will apply to non-traditional smaller profile programs, rather than "smaller" universities.

As college football has its dominant schools that win on the field along with cleaning up nice on the recruiting trail, each year we see some prospects sign with schools that are not considered a "hot" name.

These recruits choose to spurn the Alabamas, USCs, Floridas, Ohio States and Texas type of schools to go another route.

These schools aren't small per se, but the players on this list are recruits I believe will go to programs with a smaller current profile than the normal powers.

5. Eli Harold, OLB/DE

One of the most explosive pass rushers in the country, Eli Harold is the top player out of The Ol' Dominion and one of the top 100 recruits in the country. At,6'3", 215 pounds, Harold can play both OLB and DE in a front seven.

Possessing a quick first step, a burst to finish and athleticism to claim his range as the entire field, Harold has a top three of Florida, North Carolina and in-state Virginia.

With Harold not shy to tell anyone his love is for the Cavs, I believe he indeed will spurn Florida for the Wahoos soon enough.

4. Quay Evans, DT

Considered the top DT prospect in the country over Eddie Goldman, Evans is a 6'2", 320-pound man-child in the middle. Strong on his feet, he has a stout anchor versus the run and can make a mess, all while showing great snap quickness and athleticism as a pass rusher.

He has interest from many top programs around the country such as Alabama, LSU and USC.

However, as it sits right now, Mississippi State will be the school Evans signs with, as he has stated he has a great relationship with the Bulldog coaches.

3. Jarron Jones, DT

Jones is another top level and 5-star DT prospect in the 2012 recruiting class. He stands 6'5", weighs 290 pounds and has great quickness, strength and play instincts in the middle.

He is a soft commit to Penn State and has Notre Dame hot after him, but I believe over time, Jones' relationship and comfort level with Syracuse will win out and make him part of the of Orange program.

2. Darius Hamilton, DE

Hamilton is a 5-star DE prospect, that stands 6'4", 245 pounds and plays with great play strength, athleticism, snap quickness, range, speed in pursuit and sheer athletic ability.

If he wants, Hamilton is strong enough to add on the necessary weight in college and grow into an elite DT. His skill set projects him to be one of the better defensive players in college football in a few seasons.

That's why powerhouses like Florida, Michigan, USC, Oregon and Penn State are after him. But Hamilton currently lists Rutgers as his leader, and I believe the local Scarlet Knights are going to win him over. 

1. Rushel Shell, RB

Shell, 5'11", 215 pounds is a future every-down, starting RB in college. He has the size and strength to hold up inside, while displaying the speed, quickness and hands to factor as a perimeter runner and receiver out of the backfield on third down.

Shell has big time programs like Ohio State, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and Oregon recruiting him, but he stated a few months ago that he feels a connection to Pitt and likes the direction new head coach Todd Graham is taking the program in.