College Football Recruiting 2012: The Top Commitment for Every BCS Team
We did this once, so I figured to take another stab at it and update a couple teams and their top committed players.
Again, we're naming the top player in every BCS team's recruiting class right now. But keep in mind that things will change, as we have many 5-star and 4-star players still on the market.
Here we go!
Boston College: Frank Taylor, OL
1 of 68Taylor is a 6'3", 285-pound OG prospect that has a good amount of meanness to his game. He plays nasty and flashes some solid technique and leverage.
He's a sound pass protector and that's why I think he could be best suited for the left guard spot. He has some second-level ability, with an ability to pull, trap, seal and reach up on LBs.
Clemson: Travis Blanks, DB
2 of 68Blanks is listed as a DB because he can play both corner and safety, but Clemson must have promised him a chance at corner as Blanks stated he would only commit to a school that did so.
At 6'1" and 195 pounds, he's a big, long and physical DB that can jam at the line in press-man and has the speed to carry WRs deep. I would like to see him come out of transition a bit more, but he flashes the athleticism to be solid in that area as well.
Florida State: Mario Edwards, DE and Jameis Winston, QB
3 of 68Edwards is the best player in the country according to some publications. He's a 6'4" DE that weighs almost 270 pounds with great athleticism.
He has a great first step, can bend for a big man and has a nice close to finish on the passer. He will gain more strength in Tallahassee and should become a complete DE that makes several All-ACC teams.
Jameis Winston is the top QB prospect in the country. 6'4", 190-pounds, Winston is a dual threat type with excellent arm strength and athleticism.
Maryland: Mike Madaras, OT
4 of 68At 6'6", 270 pounds, Madaras should be a nice addition to the Terps offensive front. He's a 4-star recruit with great size and length. He could play LT, but do not be shocked to see him at RT or even inside at guard.
NC State: James Summers, QB
5 of 68Summers is a 6'2", 196-pound QB that can school a defense all night both ways.
You want to stack the box? He can make some throws to back your safeties up off him. You want to sit in cover-2 shells all night? He'll make some dazzling runs with his legs.
Wake Forest: Anthony Rook, TE
6 of 68Rook is a 6'3", 215-pound TE that I think can be a Joker-type at Wake Forest. He has the body type that will likely have him be used as a multi-use move guy, with some in-line stuff, some slot stuff, etc.
He'll need to gain some weight and strength to move ends and 'backers off their marks in the run game, but he should be solid.
Duke: Dan Bellinson, TE
7 of 68At 6'5", 230 pounds, Bellinson is a solid TE prospect rated 3-stars. He caught nearly 40 balls for over 550 yards and two TDs as a junior. David Cutcliffe should be able to make a ton of use for him at Duke.
Georgia Tech: Pat Gamble, DT
8 of 68Gamble is a 6'4", 275-pound DT headed for the Yellowjacket program. He's a 3-star recruit ranked 29th at his position by Scout.com.
Look for him to become a starter in a few years at GaTech and grow into a nearly 300 pound run stuffer or perhaps shedding some weight and being a strong-side DE.
Miami: Jelani Hamilton, DE
9 of 68Hamilton is one of the top 100 players overall in the country and he's a huge get for Al Golden. He stands in the 6'5", 250-pound range and can explode off the ball.
Duke Johnson, a 4-star RB and Keith Brown, a 4-star OLB were also considered.
North Carolina: J.J. Patterson, DT
10 of 68Patterson is a huge 6'4", 310-pound DT that I think fits best either as a NT or a 1-technique DL. He is extremely strong and very quick off the ball per his film study.
I just question his play range and pursuit ability. Other than that, I fully expect Patterson to routinely make a mess vs. the run in Chapel Hill for the next few years.
Virginia: Eli Harold, OLB/DE
11 of 68Harold pledged to the Wahoos over Florida earlier this summer and he's a huge get. One of the top 100 players in America, the 6'3", 230-pound OLB is a great edge defender.
He possesses great play speed, instincts and athleticism. Harold is at his best in space where he can rush the passer and also track the run from the backside.
Virginia Tech: Donavan Riley, DB
12 of 68Riley is a tall and long CB prospect at 6'0", 185 pounds. His size should allow him to match up with many different types of WRs on the perimeter and he also has solid coverage instincts.
Iowa State: Grant Rohach, QB
13 of 68Rohach is going to be a starter for the Cyclones. Book it. I like this guy, as he's a 6'2", 185-pound QB with mobility and a strong arm. He's also got quick feet and some "gamer" to him as well.
Kansas: Brian Beckmann, OT
14 of 68Beckmann is listed as an OT, but he may best suited for guard. If he's to play on the offensive front's edge, then it will be on the right side.
He's a big 6'6", 310-pounder with solid play strength, girth and can continuously lean on DLs all contest long.
Kansas State: Will Davis, LB
15 of 68Davis is a 6'1", 210-pounder that fits best as a versatile guy for the 4-3. He can play the MIKE, WILL or SAM spots and do it effectively.
Listed as a 3-star recruit by various outlets, Davis shows solid instincts, good play speed and can be a productive defender.
Missouri: Evan Boehm, OC
16 of 68Rated the No. 1 overall center prospect in the country, Boehm is headed to Mizzou. He's 6'3", 290 pounds and has excellent pad level, play leverage and hand quickness.
He'll learn the nuances of setting protections, making scheme adjustments and front calls for Gary Pinkel early in his career, because I expect him to become an All-Big 12 center.
Baylor: Kiante Griffin, DB/WR
17 of 68Griffin is listed as a safety prospect but he plans to be a WR for the Bears. He's 6'1", 205-pound speedy player that could become a No. 1 receiver for Baylor.
He feels he is a big-play WR that can be used in a variety of ways to make plays. If he doesn't impact as a WR, he can always move over to safety.
Oklahoma: Durron Neal, WR
18 of 68Neal has drawn comparisons from OU's own Ryan Broyles to Jeremy Maclin. He's a 6'0" 185-pound WR that can scoot around the field like he's on, well...a scooter.
Neal has sound release quickness, good separation quickness and great hands. I think he can also return some punts and kicks and will make big plays in the Sooners offense.
Oklahoma State: Kendall Sanders, WR/DB
19 of 68Sanders is listed as a CB but he could also be a WR, DS or RB. He's 6'0", 175 pounds and has great athletic ability.
Mike Gundy and the Cowboy staff will have some work to do in determining where Sanders best fits, because he's so athletically gifted and versatile. He should be a stud wherever he plays.
Texas: Johnathan Gray, RB
20 of 68Gray is the best RB in the nation and one of the most productive players to ever play high school football in U.S. history. I sincerely urge you to look up his stats if you haven't. It's like he's three players in one.
At 5'11", 195 pounds, Gray proved at The Opening a few weeks ago that he is a complete rock-toter, showing off soft hands in seven-on-seven drills. Whatever a RB needs to have to be a stellar player, Gray has it and more.
Texas A&M: Matt Davis, QB
21 of 68Davis is a 5-star recruit that is listed as a QB. I think the 6'1", 200-pounder can play QB for Mike Sherman, but he's very athletic and could be a WR.
He's a dual-threat type that missed his junior year with a torn ACL. But as a sophomore he held his own against Metro Houston area competition. He's a playmaker and a cornerstone player.
Trey Williams was also considered.
Texas Tech: Dominique Wheeler, CA
22 of 68Wheeler has a high status according to Scout.com and likely should be a No. 1 WR in Lubbock. He's a 6'1", 180-pound speedster that is very instinctive in the open field.
He shows solid release quickness, can stem up a DB quickly and has great deep speed. I expect Wheeler to put up some video game-like numbers in the Red Raider offense.
Cincinnati: Josh Posley, DE
23 of 68At 6'1", 235 pounds at DE, Posley reminds many people of (gasp) Dwight Freeney. He's stout, but just a terror off the edges as a pass-rusher.
He can leverage a tackle, get up under their pads, walk them back and close with ease on the passer. I love his quickness and speed and he could be a sleeper in this class.
UConn: Mikal Myers, DT
24 of 68Myers will be a player for UConn. A major player. He's a 6'0", 310-pound DT that has great play strength inside. He flashes a quick scheme-read instinct and can anchor in the middle to make a mess.
He is very instinctive for a DT and works every snap. He's a prime commit for the Huskies.
Louisville: Will Gardner, QB
25 of 68Gardner is a big QB prospect at 6'5", 200 pounds and flashes solid athleticism and pocket mobility. He doesn't have a cannon for an arm but his arm strength is good enough.
He's plenty accurate and can buy time in the pocket or make plays on the edges.
Pittsburgh: Myles Hilliard, DE
26 of 68Hilliard is a 6'7", 250-pound ostrich of a player due to his length, speed and agility. He has a chance to develop into one of the better DEs and pass-rushers in the Big East at Pitt. He's an interesting prospect.
Rutgers: Blake Rankin, QB
27 of 68Rankin seems to always know what type of throw he needs to make. Whether he needs to loft balls with touch or fire a rocket into a window, the 6'4", 195-pounder knows what to do.
He is solid in his climbs from center, will look and stand tall in the pocket, survey the field and get after a defense. Rutgers has a solid one en route to Piscataway here.
South Florida: Sean Price, TE
28 of 68Price is a rare TE that loves to block more than catch passes. He loves to reach and seal ends and backers, but he can be used a wide flank blocker on corners due to his athleticism and ability to adjust in space.
He's 6'4", 225 pounds and can catch in a crowd due to his leaping ability. Look for the Bulls to use Price as a Joker-type and as an in-line type.
Syracuse: Josh Parris, TE
29 of 68Parris is a 6'3", 225-pound TE that was once pledged to South Florida. There's a chance he ends up as a LB or DE for the 'Cuse, but he's a solid TE prospect and should get his first shot there. He needs more reps as a receiver, as he caught only 11 passes last year.
West Virginia: Tyler Orlosky, OG
30 of 68Orlosky will be an All-Big East OG. He's a 6'4", 290-pound guard with amazing play strength, power, force and leg drive. He can move a DT off his mark with ease and also has great technique.
He may be even a bit underrated, as Orlosky is a physical player that also can hold his own as a pass protector in a short area.
Illinois: J.J. Robertson, WR
31 of 68Robertson is a fine WR prospect that has a great route-running ability. He's crisp in his gets and has good separation quickness.
He's a 6'0",185-pound receiver that has great hands and is excellent in the open field. I love Robertson as a RAC player and he could be a steal for Illinois.
Indiana: Gunner Kiel, QB
32 of 68Easy choice here, as Kiel is the biggest recruit to come to Indiana...ever. He's viewed as the premier QB prospect by a lot of publications and could challenge his brother for early playing time.
6'4", 200-pounds, Kiel has a solid arm, good accuracy to all levels, makes good decisions and has above average athleticism. The Hoosiers are going to build their program around Kiel going forward.
Ohio State: Brionte Dunn, RB
33 of 68Something tells me I should go with RB Warren Ball here, as I like him a tad more than Dunn and his commitment is way more solid. However, I'll stick with Dunn for now.
He's a 6'1", 225-pound big and physical back that attacks the LOS downhill. He's a bell-cow type that will be able bang inside with strength and power.
Penn State: Tommy Schutt, DT
34 of 68Schutt is a 6'3", 290-pound DT prospect that flashes great point of attack strength. He's solid off the ball, can slip gaps if he has to and has the strength to stop, stack and shed.
He's a motor player that I think could play some strong side end in a pinch. Eugene Lewis was also considered here.
Purdue: Ryan Morris, TE
35 of 68As a junior, Morris caught 30 balls for almost 500 yards and four scores. He's a big 6'6", 250 pounds, and I think he has a high ceiling. He can factor as a blocker due to his size and I think with the reps he'll get as a TE in Purdue's offense, his receiving ability will increase.
Wisconsin: Dan Voltz, OG
36 of 68Voltz is a 6'4", 290-pound guard with great strength, power and toughness. He's a perfect fit for Wisconsin.
Voltz can play both guard spots, some tackle and even snap in a pinch if need be. He should grow into an excellent player for the Badgers.
Iowa: Jaleel Johnson, DT
37 of 68At 6'3", 290 pounds, Johnson is the top player right now for the Hawkeyes' class. He's a stout DT that had 44 stops, seven TFLs and three sacks as a junior. He will be a multi-year starter for Iowa and can play the run and pass well.
Michigan: Kyle Kalis, OT
38 of 68Kalis was to be listed on this list under Ohio State, but now he's a Michigan man. Kalis is a 5-star OT at 6'5", 305 pounds and can play LT and RT. He could be the next Jake Long in Ann Arbor.
Michigan State: Se'Von Pittman, DE
39 of 68Pittman is a super athletic DE that plays in the 6'4", 225-pound range. I have questions about his point of attack strength and anchor ability, but there's no denying his speed and range.
He can get upfield in a flash and cause damage on the edges. I think, at the very worst, Pittman becomes a dynamic DPR-type for the Spartans.
Minnesota: Phil Nelson, QB
40 of 68Nelson is a 6'2", 210-pound QB that flashes some dual-threat ability. He tossed for 2,300 yards and 30 touchdowns as a junior while also tallying over 600 yards and 13 TDs rushing. He should make a solid fit in Jerry Kill's offense.
Nebraska: Michael Rose, LB
41 of 68Even though Rose missed six games last year, the 6'0", 230-pounder still had 17 TFLs. That's a great stat as it shows Rose is an attacking defender that can read and react very, very quickly and also has the speed to finish plays.
He's the top player right now for Bo Pelini's class and a prospect that I really think can play. I also like Paul Thurston, Jordan Westerkamp and Tommy Armstrong.
Northwestern: Adam DePietro, OG
42 of 68DePietro is a 6'4", 250-pound OL that plays OT right now, but all signs point to him moving inside to guard. He is still a bit light in the fanny, but once he fills out and adds weight to his frame and combines that with his solid footwork, production in space and pulling ability, this dude could be special.
California: Zach Kline, QB
43 of 68Kline is a solid-looking QB prospect that stands in the 6'2", 200-pound range. He has a very, very strong strong arm and really is solid mechanically.
He watches a lot of film, loves throwing fastballs and flashes needle-threading accuracy. Jeff Tedford has a future starter in Kline.
Oregon: Jake Rodrigues, QB
44 of 68At 6'3", 215 pounds, Rodrigues is viewed as the top dual-threat QB prospect on the Pacific coast. He has a very strong arm, sees the field very well and has great play speed.
He can get too arrogant with his arm and force some throws, but with his canvas, skill set, size and talent level, Rodrigues will be a special fit in Eugene.
Oregon: Isaac Seumalo, OL/DL
45 of 68Seumalo reminds me a bit of Fred Matua coming out of high school: similar build, same quick hands and an ability to play OG or DT. He's 6'3", 275 pounds and has a good amount of stamina to go both ways. Wherever Seumalo ends up, be it DT or OG, he should be a multi-year starter.
Stanford: Noor Davis, LB
46 of 68Davis has a chance to be a great defender for the Cardinal. He stands 6'4", 225 pounds and can play LB or DE. I think due to his athleticism and coverage skills he may be a better fit as a LB.
But don't count Davis out as a pass-rusher, as he can snap off the ball and use his length to stay clean and free and close on the passer well.
Washington: Jeff Lindquist, QB
47 of 68Lindquist is a 4-star QB that stands 6'3", 225 pounds. He has good dual-threat ability and has been compared to, yes, Jake Locker. Lindquist probably is an even better pure passer than Locker was at this time.
He sees the field well, has a solid arm, flashes some accuracy and is plenty mobile.
Washington State: Maurice Bennett, DT
48 of 68Wazzu has themselves a high-motor player here. Bennett is a 6'2", 280-pound wrecking ball that plays hard snap to snap to snap. He flies off the ball, fights to pressure and is very quick to slip gaps.
Once he gets some technique and shed ability to his game, he could be a prime-time player for the Cougars.
Arizona: Beau Boyster, OC
49 of 68Boyster is a 6'4", 275-pound OL that has played tackle for his St. John Bosco (CA) squad but is expected kick inside to center for the Wildcats. He's got solid knee bend, good mirror ability, slides well and can adjust. He needs to add some more weight and strength but Boyster is a great prospect for 'Zona.
Arizona State: C.J. Dozier, LB
50 of 68Dozier is a 6'2", 210-pound 3-star LB that plays with very good instincts. You have to love how fast he reads and reacts to the run and pass, how he can track the run and how quickly he can pursue ball carriers. He's probably best as an OLB.
Colorado: Shane Dillon, QB
51 of 68Dillon is a tall and lanky QB prospect at 6'5", 185 pounds that has a pretty quick release. He shows solid pocket poise and awareness, will stand tall and tough in the pocket, look in the gun barrel and deliver a throw.
Colorado is looking to rebuild their program and Dillon could be their top QB going forward.
UCLA: Aaron Porter, LB
52 of 68Porter is a 4-star MIKE 'backer prospect that is 6'2", 230 pounds. He's big, physical, agile and hostile. He had over 150 tackles, 23 TFLs and 11 sacks last year and was the CIF DPOY.
The Bruins have a top-caliber player coming to Westwood in Porter as he is the type of player you can build a defense around.
USC: Arik Armstead, DE/OT
53 of 68Armstead is Scout.com's No. 1 overall recruit and is a huge one at 6'8", 280 pounds. Scout.com lists him as an OT, but Armstead may want to play defensive end.
He's the brother of current Trojan Armond Armstead and has been told he will play the strong-side end spot to start off with. He's a great athlete, quick off the ball and has very good point of attack strength. .
Utah: Travis Wilson, QB
54 of 68Wilson is a 6'6", 210-pound QB prospect with a quirky delivery. It's a bit three-quarters/sidearm and that makes him play a few inches shorter than his listed height.
He flashes some touch deep to lob throws over defenders and is accurate in the short game and to the flats.
Florida: D.J. Humphries, OT
55 of 686'6", 270-pounds, Humphries is a super athletic LT prospect that has been compared to the Jets' D'Brickashaw Ferguson. Humphries moves very well for a big man and has very quick feet.
He can bend, mirror, slide, adjust and wash as a pass protector and also seal, pin, reach, pull, trap in the run game. Humphries has NFL potential.
Georgia: John Theus, OT
56 of 68Theus is the top player for Mark Richt. He's a 5-star recruit and stands 6'6", 295 pounds. He can play LT or RT and has a lunch-pail mentality. He works each snap and is an excellent run blocker.
I think Theus is suited as a RT, but don't be shocked if UGA makes him a LT. Huge get for Georgia. Really huge.
Kentucky: Patrick Towles
57 of 68Towles gets overshadowed in Kentucky by Zeke Pike, but he's also a good QB too in his own right. He's 6'5", 235 pounds, has a cannon for an arm and does what he has to do to win.
Towles also is not opposed to making short throws and being the facilitator of an offense by letting his playmakers and skill players do their thing. He also flashes some mobility and running ability at times.
South Carolina: Shaq Roland, WR
58 of 68Roland is rated as a 5-star WR by Scout.com and is a smooth 6'1" 180-pound playmaker. He's very speedy and quick off the line, smooth out of his breaks and has big-play ability.
He'll need to add some strength to beat press-man off the line, but Roland should develop into a solid No. 1 WR for Steve Spurrier.
Drae Bowles, WR
59 of 68Bowles is an explosive player that plays various spots for his high school team. He's 6'1" 205 pounds and was seen at OLB some last year, but the Vols love him as a WR. He is rated 4-stars per Scout.com.
He should be in the 210-pound range easily in college, and combine that thick frame with good strength and speed to become a fantastic WR in Knoxville.
Vanderbilt: Brian Kimbrow, RB
60 of 68Kimbrow is a 5'9", 170-pound speedster that can get it done with quickness, agility, instincts and nimble feet. Kimbrow is a prime-time runner and one of the top 100 overall players according to most.
It was a shock of sorts to see him pledge to Vandy, but I think he could be their best player by his sophomore year.
Alabama: Reggie Ragland, LB & Eddie Williams, DB
61 of 68Ragland is a 6'4", 245-pound LB prospect that is a match made in heaven for Alabama. He fits nicely as an ILB in their scheme as his skill sets projects him best in a 3-4 type of ILB role.
Williams is a 6'4", 205-pound DB prospect that should be a great FS for 'Bama. He's an interceptor type with excellent range, instincts, hands and ball skills.
Arkansas: Jalen Cobb, WR
62 of 68Cobb is one of the most explosive WRs off the line in the country. I love his release quickness and ability to explode out of his cuts. He runs crisp routes and is excellent as a RAC player.
At 6'1", 185 pounds, he fits what Bobby Petrino likes from his WR recruits and should be next in line as a great pass-catcher for the Hogs.
Auburn: Zeke Pike, QB
63 of 68Pike is one of the very elite signal-callers in the 2012 recruiting class. He has a huge amount of upside, is 6'6", 225 pounds and has a full Megatron cannon for an arm.
He has every possible physical tool to become a stellar pocket passer for Auburn. I am more than stoked to see what Gus Malzahn does with him down the road in his development.
LSU: Avery Johnson, WR
64 of 68Johnson has been rumored to be looking around, but everything I read shows him still listed as an LSU commit. He's the younger brother of Patrick Peterson and has been pledged to the Tigers for quite sometime now.
He's 6'2", 185 pounds, long, athletic, quick and very fast. He should be an excellent deep threat in the SEC, and that's saying something because the speed in the SEC is, well, you know.
Ole Miss: Isaac Gross
65 of 68Gross is a likely 3-technique type of DT due to his outstanding snap quickness and ability to slip gaps. He has a great first step to jump on top of OLs and is a menace to an offensive front.
He's only 6'2", 250 pounds, so he needs to get bigger. But put him in a 1-gap scheme and tell him to get upfield. The Rebels may be onto something here, something big.
Mississippi State: Nick James, DT
66 of 68James is a huge DL at 6'5", 335 pounds. Again, he's huge. Yet, James shows great strength and is at his best when he can just make a mess in the middle.
He sheds well vs. the run and can push the pocket from the interior as a pass rusher. I honestly think due to his size alone, James can see time as a true freshman as a natural space eater.
Notre Dame: Ronald Darby
67 of 68Darby is a 5'11", 175-pounder that can be viewed as an ATH or as a CB. Scout.com lists him as the top CB in the country and he is nicknamed "Nitro."
Darby has excellent athletic ability, transition quickness, light feet and coverage ability. Once he hones down some techniques as a cover guy, Darby could be a major factor in South Bend.
Don't be shocked to see him play some offense too.
BYU: Butch Pauu, LB
68 of 68I know right now Troy Hinds is the highest rated player for Bronco Mendenhall, however, Pauu may be the best football player in the class.
You want to talk about being productive? Pauu should be one of the first players you mention. He makes tackle after tackle and is a high-motor LB.
He's only about 5'11", 215 pounds, but I am willing to bet money if he was 6'3", he'd have offers from all the major powers. Instead, BYU has taken advantage of a player that will come to Provo with something to prove and who will prove it, based on what I see of him on tape.
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