There's no place like Saturday...


February 4, 2008

Top Defensive Tackle Recruits

The Nations Top 10 Defenisve Tackles:


1. Marcus Forston (above) - Miami, FL 6-3 305 4.90 Miami (Fla.)
Most complete defensive lineman in the country, was unstoppable during Army All American Bowl week

2. DeAngelo Tyson - Statesboro, GA 6-3 278 5.00 Georgia
Tremendous quickness for someone of his size, the top lineman from Georgia in a loaded class

3. Brandon Thompson - Thomasville, GA 6-2 295 4.82 Clemson
As a senior brought in over 100 tackles from his inside position to go along with 12 sacks

4. Omar Hunter (left) - Buford, GA 6-1 299 4.90 Florida
A wreckingball that bulls over opposing lineman with brute strength

5. Solomon Koehler - Kaneohe, HI 6-2 310 5.00 Arizona
Athletic and agile for someone of his size, showed during Army Bowl he can also play along the offensive line

6. Jarvis Humphrey - Cedar Hill, TX 6-2 290 5.00 Texas
Exceptional first step and plays low making it a hard task for lineman to gain leverage

7. Garrett Goebel - Lombard, IL 6-4 273 5.00 Ohio State
Tough hardnosed player, could line-up on either side of the ball for the Buckeyes

8. Roderick Davis - Houston, TX 6-3 295 5.10 Texas A&M
Looks the part of a college nightmare for opposing runningbacks, gets great penetration

9. Lawrence Guy - Las Vegas, NV 6-6 270 4.80 Arizona State
Terrific frame to add weight at the college level, the next step twards greatness for the Las Vegas native

10. Mike Martin - Novi, MI 6-2 285 4.90 Michigan
One of the strongest football players in the country with a 420 pound bench max

Top Defensive End Recruits

The Nations Top 10 Defensive Ends

1. Daquan Bowers (above) - Bamberg, SC 6-4 265 4.75 Clemson Has the size of an NFL defensive end, will be a force for the homestate Tigers

2. Chancey Aghayere - Garland, TX 6-3 240 4.70 LSU
Strong end for size, excellent pass rush skills

3. R.J. Washington (left) - Keller, TX 6-3 235 4.78 Oklahoma
Showed all week during the Army All American bowl why he is one of the best pass rushers in the country

4. Shayne Hale - Monroeville, PA 6-4 240 4.65 Pittsburgh
Enough athletic ability to play linebacker at the next level, but could add weight and stay at end

5. Nick Perry - Detroit, MI 6-4 240 4.50 Miami (Fla.), Michigan, Michigan St., USC
Set Michigan high school record with 37 sacks in his senior campaign, led team to state title win

6. Ethan Johnson - Portland, OR 6-4 260 4.80 Notre Dame
Will have to bounce back from an injury plagued senior season, but has the physical tools to do so


7. Corey Liuget - Hialeah, FL 6-3 260 4.80 Illinois, Miami (Fla.)
Top end from the sunshine state, will head north to play for Zook if the Canes dont make a late push

8. Toby Jackson (right) - Griffin GA 6-4 248 4.90 Georgia
One of the most physical players in the state of Georgia, will stay home and play for the Dawgs

9. Courtney Upshaw - Eufaula, AL 6-3 240 4.70 Alabama
Under the radar player, recorded six fumble recoveries as a senior returning two for scores, above average tight end as well

10. Wes Horton - Sherman Oaks, CA 6-6 235 4.80 USC
Racked up over 100 tackles as a senior, heads to USC from local Trojan high school factory Sherman Oaks

January 27, 2008

Top Inside Linebacker Recruits






The Nations Top 10 Inside Linebackers





1. Nigel Bradham - Crawfordville, FL 6-2 225 4.60Florida State
May be the most physically opposing player in country, plays with a mean streak, hits with tremendous force

2.Brendan Beal (top, right) - Bethlehem, PA 6-3 240 4.60 Florida
Has all the tools to be an exceptional player for the Gators

3. Jon Major - Parker, CO 6-4 225 4.58 Colorado
Could put his hand down for the Buffs with the size and frame to fill out as an edge rusher

4.Etienne Sabino - Miami, FL 6-3 235 4.60 Ohio State
The one that got away from the big three of Florida, will head north to play for the buckeyes

5.Steven Filer - Chicago, IL 6-3 220 4.65 Notre Dame
From Chicago powerhouse Mt. Carmel high school, a longtime commit of the Irish

6. Darius Fleming - Chicago, IL 6-2 230 4.58 Notre Dame
A bit of an inbetween prospect between end and backer, plays the run real well

7. Lynn Katoa - Salt Lake City, UT 6-2 220 4.60 Colorado
Will team with fellow recruit Major to create a fearsome linbacking corps for a rising Colorado team

8. Mike Zordich (left) - Youngstown, OH 6-1 220 4.70 Penn State
Will follow in the footsteps of his father who played safety for the Nittany Lions

9. Dravannti Johnson - Nederland, TX 6-2 230 4.60 Texas Tremendous athlete with a never quit motor

10. J.B. Fitzgerald - Princton Junction, NJ 6-3 225 4.70 Michigan
May be asked to step in right away for a depleated Big Blue defense

January 15, 2008

Top Outside Linebacker Recruits

The Nations Top 10 Outside Linebackers:
1. Arthur Brown (above) - Wichita, KS 6-1 225 4.50 Miami (Fla.)
One of the top athletes in the country, exceptional pursuit and closing speed

2. Jerrell Harris - Gadson, AL 6-2 220 4.50 Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, USC
Played some end for high school team showing a nack for getting after the quarterback, racked up 140 tackles and 19 sacks

3. Sean Spence (below) - Miami, FL 6-0 200 4.65 Miami (Fla.)
One of the best cover linebackers in the country, also a ferocious hitter, racked up over 415 tackles in three seasons

4. Marcus Robinson - Homestead, FL 6-2 210 4.47 Miami (Fla.)
Excellent pass rush speed, could play some rush end at the next level

5. Nigel Carr - Jacksonville, FL 6-3 240 4.70 Florida State
Has the size to step in right away for the Seminoles, will fill the void left by draft departure Geno Hayes

6. Ramon "Cookie" Buchanan - Melbourne, FL 6-1 195 4.50 Miami (Fla.)
Athletic enough to play safety at the next level yet has the frame to fill out to play close to the line

7. Mark Barron - Mobile, AL 6-2 210 4.50 Alabama
Late rising prospect, an excellent receiver on high school team, looks to play linebacker in Tuscaloosa

8. Mike Yancich - Washington, PA 6-2 217 4.55 Penn State
May be the next great linebacker in Happy Valley, could play early with the departure of Sean Lee and Dan Conor

9. Jordan Futch - Hollywood, FL 6-3 215 4.60 Miami (Fla.)
Projects as a strong side linebacker for the Canes but would like to give safety a try

10. William Green (right) - Hoover, AL 6-5 210 4.67 Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida
May be moved to end at the next level as he has the frame to add the weight, favors the Gators

January 14, 2008

Top Offensive Line Recruits

The Nations Top 15 Offensive Linemen:
1. Michael Brewster (above) - Orlando, FL 6-5 300 5.10 Ohio State Most dominating blocker in country, plays with mean streak and never quits on a play, could play any of the line positions in college

2. Matt Kalil - Anaheim, CA 6-7 285 5.31 USC
Will follow in footsteps of brother and past USC All American lineman Ryan Kalil

3. Tyron Smith - Moreno Valley, CA 6-5 270 5.10 USC
Has plenty of room on athletic frame to add weight, may have the best feet of any linemen in the country

4. Matt Patchan - Seffner, FL 6-7 270 4.70 Florida
Transferred to Seffner Armwood after last season for better competition, has run a 4.62 40 yard dash

5. J.B. Shugarts (left) - Klein, TX 6-8 305 5.15 Ohio State
Quick and nimble for such a large frame, one of the most physical players in the country

6. Josh Jenkins - Parkersburg, WV 6-4 303 5.20 Florida State, Ohio State, Pittsburgh.
Recorded a blocking grade of 98.5 on the season, one of the top players still undecided

7. Tyler Love - Mountain Brook, AL 6-7 285 5.10 Alabama
Strong, long armed player, held offers from every top program in the country

8. Baker Steinkuhler - Lincoln, NE 6-6 290 4.70 Nebraska
Unique prospect who could play on the defensive side of the ball for the Huskers


9. Dan O'Neill - Grand Haven, MI 6-8 285 5.00 Michigan
Stood out week long at Under Armour All American Bowl, Long time Michigan commit

10. Stephen Good (below) - Paris, TX 6-6 300 5.00 Oklahoma
Like top rated Brewster, plays with a mean streak who tries to bury opponents on every play


11. Mike Adams - Dublin, OH 6-7 310 5.30 Ohio State
Army All American who has reportedly never allowed a sack in high school career

12. A.J. Harmon - Louisville, GA 6-4 305 5.60 Georgia
Projected guard at Georgia, plays quicker than recorded speed

13. Lucas Nix - Clairton, PA 6-5 280 5.30 Pittsburgh
Leads a top class for Pittsburgh, numerous post season award winner including Army All American Game

14. Matt Meyer - Stockton, CA 6-7 285 5.10 USC
Will team with fellow Californians Kalil and Smith to create a top-notch class of linemen for the Trojans

15. Trevor Robinson - Omaha, NE 6-6 300 5.20 Notre Dame
Led team to state championship helping offense gain nearly 300 yards on the ground a game

January 11, 2008

Top Tight End Recruits

The Nations Top 10 Tight Ends:


1. Blake Ayles - Orange, CA 6-4 245 4.70 USC
Stood out amongst the Under Armour All Americans all week long, brought in over 700 yards as a senior
2. Kyle Rudolph (above) - Cincinnati, OH 6-7 235 4.70 Notre Dame
Rudolph, an Army Bowl All American, may be able to step in right away to fill the void left by John Carlson
3. Kavario Middleton - Lakewood, WA 6-6 225 4.75 Washington
Middleton is also a standout defensive end and could find himself going both ways for the Huskies
4. Jonathan Baldwin - Aliquippa, PA 6-6 225 4.40 Pittsburgh
A mix between a wideout and tight end, Baldwin is an athlete that can play anywhere on the offense
5. Kevin Koger (below) - Toledo, OH 6-4 225 4.65 Michigan
After an early commitment, Koger was able to keep his faith in the Wolverines after a sub par season in Ann Arbor

6. Dwayne Allen - Fayetteville, NC 6-3 240 4.70 Georgia
Allen will visit other schools to finish out the recruiting process but remains a Bulldog
7. Jacob Stoneburner - Dublin, OH 6-5 220 4.45 Ohio State
Stoneburner, one of many Ohio tight ends, may be the best athlete amongst the group
8. Austin Holt - South Jordan, UT 6-6 240 4.90 BYU
Polished tight end who runs crisp routes, will stay in the state of Utah to play at BYU

9. Brandon Moore - Trotwood, OH 6-6 245 4.65 Michigan
Exciting player for new coach Rich Rodriguez to play with, can line up inside or strung out wide
10. Tyler Edwards - Monroe, LA 6-4 240 4.70 LSU
LSU couldn't be beat for this home state product

Top Wide Receiver Recruits


The Nations Top 10 Wide Receivers:

1. Julio Jones (above) - Foley, AL 6-4 215 4.50 Alabama, Auburn, Florida, FSU, Oklahoma, Texas Tech. May be the top recruit in the country, whoever lands Jones will be getting a rare play maker at the position
2. A.J. Green - Summerville, SC 6-4 190 4.60 Georgia
Has been on the recruiting radar since sophomore year in high school, a two year commit to the Dawgs
3. D.J. Shoemate - Aneheim, CA 6-1 205 4.50 USC
Top notch athlete from USC recruit factory Anaheim Servite High School
4. DeAndre Brown - Ocean Springs, MS 6-6 225 4.50 LSU, Ole Miss, Southern Miss.
The prize of Mississippi will be a hard deal for the Rebels to land with Orgeron out of the show
5. Aldarius Johnson - Miami, FL 6-3 195 4.54 Miami (Fla.)
The Northwestern High product reminds some of a young Andre Johnson
6. Michael Floyd - Saint Paul, MN 6-3 200 4.55 Notre Dame
Shined in Army All American Bowl giving glimpses of what could be a bright future in South Bend

7. DeVier Posey (right) - Cincinnati, OH 6-3 190 4.50 Ohio State
Amounted for over 1,300 yards of offense for La Salle High, decided to say instate with the Buckeyes
8. Darryl Stonum - Sugar Land, TX 6-1 180 4.40 Michigan
Perfect fit for the Wolverines, could shine in Rodriguez spread system
9. Josh Jarboe - Ellenwood, GA 6-3 195 4.40 Oklahoma
A surprise pick-up for the Sooners, Jarboe could step in right away in Norman
10. Dan Buckner - Allen, X 6-4 206 4.55 Texas
Following in the footsteps of past Longhorn WR's Roy Williams and Limas Sweed

Recruiting Player Predictions

Ask the 8-Ball, Player Predictions: Offensive Recruits


Terrelle Pryor - QB, PA 6-6 210 4.40 Florida, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon
Pryor, considered the best recruit in the country, could end up anywhere as he has given little showing of where he plans to play. A fast scrambling quarter who has drawn comparisons to Vince Young. The spread offense fits Pryor the best and with the addition of spread offense guru Rich Rodriguez to Michigan and the departure of quarterback Ryan Mallet, the boys in blue seem like the right choice for Pryor's future.
Prediction: Michigan


Julio Jones - WR, AL 6-4 215 4.50 Alabama, Auburn, Florida FSU, Oklahoma, Texas Tech
Jones, like Pryor, has given little indication of where he plans to wow fans come fall Saturdays. Most likely Jones should be staying within the SEC though. Alabama and Auburn make sense, but with visits already scheduled for Florida State, Florida, and Oklahoma in January anyone could be in the mix. If Alabama head coach Nick Saban can do anything to save a season that ended in disappointment for thousands of over-excited Tide fans, it would be to keep the top homegrown prospect in the state, or if nothing else away from Auburn.
Prediction: Alabama


DeAndre Brown - WR, MS 6-6 220 4.50 LSU, Florida, Ole Miss, Southern Miss
Brown is a physically gifted rarity to the game that any quarterback would love to have in the red-zone. The favorites currently look like LSU and Ole Miss. This season both programs headed in opposite directions as LSU is coming off of a national championship win and Mississippi, the firing of head coach Ed Orgeron, LSU would seem like the right choice. It feels though that it will be hard for Brown to leave the state of Mississippi, who awaits a visit to the home state school at the end of the month.
Prediction: Mississippi


Tommy Streeter (left) - WR, FL 6-5 200 4.50 Boston College, FSU, Miami (Fla.), Oregon, S. Florida
Streeter is a late rising prospect who is among many of Miami Northwestern recruits holding multiple division 1 offers. Streeter could follow his teammates to "The U" as the Bulls already have six players committed to the Canes. Boston College has been on the radar for a while now with a visit dating back to September that reportedly went well. Streeter's most recent scheduled visit to South Florida was missed by the four star recruit, showing little doubt that this Bull, could be a Cane.
Prediction: Miami (Fla.)



Darrelle Scott - RB, CA 6-2 215 4.32 Colorado, Florida, LSU, Texas
It appears Scott will be another top recruit to not make a move until signing day. Narrowing a list of more than 50 offers Scott came down to his favorite four schools without a clear leader amongst the group until a few days ago. With the departure of Texas running back Jamal Charles to the draft, the Longhorns have taken the late lead. With little depth behind Charles on the Longhorns bench, the other schools may have to pull something out of a hat to land Scott.
Prediction: Texas

Jamie Harper - RB, FL 6-0 205 4.35 Clemson, Florida, FSU, Illinois, Miami (Fla.)
The speedy running back from Jacksonville appeared to be heading somewhere warm until recruiting specialist Ron Zook of Illinois came into the picture, now making it a more challenging race for the southern schools. Clemson and Illinois look hard to beat but with a late January visit to Miami the Canes could be within reach for Harper. The News of Clemson running back James Davis intrigued Harper who could team with current Tiger back C.J. Spiller to create a potent backfield for the men of Death Valley.
Prediction: Clemson


Josh Jenkins (right) - OL, WV 6-3 300 5.10 Florida State, Ohio State, Pittsburgh
Jenkins, along with the state of West Virginia, had their heart broken when head coach Rich Rodriguez left for Michigan which in result Jenkins de-comited from the Mountaineers placing himself back in the recruiting race. The current favorite for Jenkins expertise remains FSU with the Buckeyes coming in a close second. Pitt remains in the mix with a late visit in the near future. Jenkins will visit Bobby Bowden and the Seminoles this coming weekend and may just force the West Virginian to call the recruiting process the quits once again.
Prediction: Florida State

January 10, 2008

Top Running Back Recruits




The Nations Top 10 Running Backs:





1. Darrell Scott (right) - Ventura, CA 6-2 215 4.32 Colorado, Florida, LSU, Texas
Most exciting back in the country, has the power to run inside and speed to bounce outside
2. Jamie Harper - Jacksonville, FL 6-0 205 4.35 Clemson, Florida, FSU, Illinois, Miami (Fla.)
Great change of direction runner, above average receiver out of the backfield as well
3. Jermie Calhoun - Van, TX 6-0 210 4.60 Oklahoma
Powerful patient runner, waits for blocks to develop, then shows burst
4. Ryan Williams - Manassas, VA 5-10 205 4.45 Virginia Tech
Head coach Frank Beamer wouldn't let Williams slip from their grasp
5. Richard Samuel - Cartersville, GA 6-1 205 4.50 Georgia
Two position star who could play linebacker at the next level as well as compete for the running back job
6. Aundre Dean - Katy, TX 6-1 200 4.50 Alabama, ASU, Louisville, LSU, Ohio State
The running back Nick Saban needs to bring wins to Tuscaloosa, can Saban land Dean?

7. Sam McGuffie (left) - Cypress, TX 6-0 190 4.40 Michigan
May be the most explosive player in the country, rare physical attributes in a runner
8. Justin Johnson - Gilmer, TX 6-1 205 4.50 Oklahoma
Will team with fellow recruit Jermie Calhoun to establish a feared Sooner backfield
9. Jonas Gray - Detroit, MI 5-11 215 4.35 Notre Dame
Can step in right away and help an almost non existent running game from a year ago
10. Cyrus Gray - Desoto, TX 5-11 195 4.45 Cal, Florida, Kansas, Louisville, Notre Dame
Powerful burst, a runner who can reach top speed after his first step

Top Quarterback Recruits


The Nations Top 10 Quarterbacks:
1. Terrelle Pryor (above) - Jeannette, PA 6-6 225 4.40 Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Florida
Could be the quarterback Rich Rodriguez needs to take the reins in Michigan
2. E.J. Manuel - Virginia Beach, VA 6-5 210 4.60 Florida State
Can Manuel finally break the quarterback disappointment at Florida State?
3. Blaine Gabbert - Ballwin, MO 6-5 230 4.60 Missouri
The successor to Chase Daniel looks to keep Missouri among the rising programs of college football
4. Dayne Cist - Sherman Oaks, CA 6-5 225 4.70 Notre Dame
Another top single-caller from California for Charlie Weis, will compete with last year #1 Jimmy Clauson
5. Mike Glennon - Chantilly, VA 6-6 195 4.85 NC State
Tom O'Brein lands Glennon, a tall strong armed passer, reminding some of past O'Brein player Matt Ryan
6. Star Jackson - Lake Worth, AL 6-3 185 4.60 Alabama
Elusive passer, top candidate for Saban to build offense around
7. Andrew Luck - Houston, TX 6-3 215 4.80 Stanford
Smart student of the game, a prize recruit for Harbaugh and the Cardinals
8. Landry Jones - Artesia, NM 6-5 215 4.70 Oklahoma
Precision pocket passer with great size to carry on the tradition of great Sooner quarterbacks
9. Kyle Parker - Jacksonville, FL 6-1 180 4.65 Clemson
Excellent pocket awareness with the ability to avoid the rush
10. Jacory Harris (below) - Miami, FL 6-4 175 4.62 Miami (Fla)
Hometown talent sticks around for Hurricanes re-building process
All writing and views subject to © Drew P. Kochanny, All Rights Reserved. Photo's credited to rights owner.