College Football Recruiting 2012: The Hardest-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 followed by 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 shock waves through their opponent and makes them hesitate the next time around.

With that in mind, here are the 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!! We've got video proof this time!

Jabari Ruffin, LB

Ruffin is a rare find on the prep level, as he is 6'3", 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 is strong to fill run alleys.

Ruffin shows solid athletic ability and will be a 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.

Shaquille Thompson, DB

At 6'2", 210 pounds, Thompson is a versatile DB; 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 sit back and hunt for receivers across the middle.

LaDarrell McNeil, DB

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.

With him on the field, I'm not so sure I'd want the ball or dare to go across the middle.

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 or drags down, Lewis gets his man on the grass.

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

Kwon Alexander, LB

At 6'2", 210 pounds, Alexander has outstanding play speed and range; he is the definition of a sideline-to-sideline defender.

Alexander has the ability to play Will due to his range and speed, but also Sam due to his athletic ability and coverage skills.

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

Landon Collins, DB

Collins is a 6'0", 210-pound strong safety type who has a great skill set. He is at his best versus the run, as he can play as an 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 or shy away from contact; he seems to relish it. He's one of my favorite players in this class overall.

Reggie Ragland, LB

At 6'4", 245 pounds, Ragland has excellent straight-ahead, downhill speed and strength at the point of attack.

With excellent explosion upon contact, he is a sheer thumper.

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 being an ILB in Alabama's 3-4 scheme will be his best fit.