College Football Recruiting 2012: 10 Star Recruits Who Will Be 4-Year Starters

Before I start, please realize that I hold a separate distinction for a player who's a "four-year starter." I think based on talent, there are several players in this class who could be gone after three years. So if you don't see a big-name recruit on the list, no, I did not forget him. 

The four-year starter is a hard feat, as it takes an extremely high level of skill and talent, along with high character, durability and leadership, among other qualities. Coming up with this list was a complicated formula, but I have 10 guys I think could fit the mold.

Let's get started.

10. Troy Hinds, DE

Hinds has been such a problem on the Utah high school football scene that many teams just shy away from him. At 6'5" and 225 pounds, he is an excellent pass-rusher.

Hinds has a great burst off the edge, can close to finish and has great pursuit ability. He can play the run with strength, but also has the range to chase.

He's headed to BYU, where I think Hinds will be a mainstay for the Cougars' DL.

9. Joshua Perry, LB

Perry is a big, strong linebacker at 6'3" and 225 pounds. He has the prototypical size to play the strong-side spot or inside in a 3-4. Perry can also get after the passer a bit as a blitzer.

He moves around pretty solidly for a big man, and I'd like to see how he covers in space, but he plays effectively and big at the point in straight ahead take-ons. Perry's size really allows him to hold his own to shed and escape offensive linemen.

Perry was Ohio State's first 2012 commit and has been one of the leaders of the class. His work ethic and drive got him on this list.

8. Jelani Hamilton. DE

I have Hamilton on here, based on if he sticks with his Miami pledge. I think Al Golden is trying to change the culture, Hamilton is willing to work and you always have a bit of "favoritism" when you're a recruit the coach brought in.

Hamilton shows the ability to become a good end, as he can play the pass and run. He has adequate snap quickness, solid use of hands, strength and a burst. He also flashes good range to chase ball carriers around in stopping the run.

7. Eugene Lewis, WR

Lewis is a 6'2", 180-pounder who will see his mark mostly made in the intermediate passing game and has the tools develop into a very good No. 2 receiver.

He works his routes well, sets up defenders and can break out quickly from cuts at the junction point. Lewis won't wow you deep, but he can get by if he has to.

Lewis is pledge to Penn State. I know it's rare to see a four-year WR starter, but Lewis showing up to Happy Valley just days after JoePa's firing shows his love for PSU.

6. Randy "Duke" Johnson, RB

With Lamar Miller likely calling the NFL home next year and Johnson being a "Miami Kid" through and through, I think there are no quarrels of having him on this list.

Johnson shows athleticism that speaks to me as being quicker than fast. At 5'9" and 180-pounds, he's an elusive ball carrier who can shake and bake with the best of them.

Dangerous in the open field, Johnson always looks for the even the smallest crease to skate through and can hide well behind his blockers to pick and slide to holes.

5. Eli Harold, LB

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" and 215 pounds, Harold can play both OLB and DE in a front seven.

Harold is the type of player who could come in, be the face of Mike London's program going forward and help the Wahoos get back on top of the ACC's elite.

4. Gunner Kiel, QB

At 6'4" and more than 200 pounds, Kiel has reopened his recruitment from Indiana, and is the type of QB you can build your program around. On and off the field, Kiel will represent his program well.

He is one of the top prospects at the moment and has a great arm, mobility, accuracy and solid vision. Kiel also flashes some athletic ability inside the pocket and just seems in total command of his offense. 

3. Adolphus Washington, DE

At 6'5" and 250 pounds, Washington has the size to play the strong side in college, but he also has the athleticism, play speed and quickness to man the weak side as well.

Washington has a long frame to stay clean, he can convert speed into power quickly and forcefully, and he bends solidly. He is also a noted hoops prospect, which is why you hear the Julius Peppers comparisons.

Since he is also a solid basketball player, for some reason I can see him staying in Columbus for four years.

2. John Theus, OT

At 6'6" and 295 pounds, Theus excels at drive-blocking and has the ability to finish. He moves targets off their marks with ease, has quick feet and plays physically at the point of attack.

I can see Theus finding a niche on the Dawgs' front as a freshman and just staying there until it's time to leave Athens.

1. Kyle Kalis, OT

Kalis a is a 6'5", 305-pounder who can play both left and right tackle. He's a lunch pail type who just has the makings of a typical prominent Big Ten OL—one that says, "plays for four years as a starter."

Kalis was once pledged to Ohio State, but switched when the controversy started to leak out in the spring. He may be Big Blue's class headliner come signing day.