Middle Tennessee may not be known for producing a lot of major college football prospects but that is soon to change. After the area produced 18 FBS prospects in last year's class, the area may be on the verge of seeing as many as 30 prospects to sign with Division 1-A schools this coming February.
Some of the top players, Antonio Richardson, Cody Robinson, Deon Meadows, Jeremiah Bryson and Derek King are well known, but others like Aaron Simms, Nick Hill and Alex Vick are emerging onto the scene.
VandySports.com ranked the Top 15 prospects in the area back in June, and with a updated ranking coming in the next few weeks, the 615 Report takes a look at some of the other top prospects in the area.
Quarterbacks
Perhaps the only FBS senior prospects in the area this year are Brentwood Academy's Matthew Hamby and Smyrna's Stevie Wilson. Possessing solid size and mechanics, Hamby has the luxury of playing at one of the state's most successful programs and is surrounded by several talented players. However, the first-year starter also has a lot of tools that make him a legit D1-A prospect. So far this season, Hamby has completed 24-of-33 passes for 367 yards and six touchdowns and has ran for 138 yards and another score on 13 carries. He's shown poise in the pocket and leadership, but also the ability to get out on the edge and make plays with either his feet or arm that way. Vanderbilt, Western Kentucky and MTSU have shown the most attention so far. Tulane could be a program to watch as well. See some highlights of his first three games here:
Wilson (6-foot-2, 185) has a lot of intangibles that colleges look for: athleticism, speed, the ability to make quick plays and a strong arm. Wilson also has a lot of games under his belt, starting his third year as the QB for the Bulldogs. He has completed 25-of-43 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns as well as 121 yards and two scores on 30 carries. Wilson's made better decisions from a year ago and could be a solid fit at a program like Memphis or Troy.
Ensworth's Wirth Campbell also has good size and a cannon for an arm, but his accuracy and decision making are still a concern. Plus he's still splitting snaps for the 0-2 Tigers.
Running Backs
Jeremiah Bryson might have the offers but the guy who still seems to be the most overlooked back in not only the area but the state is Victor Caro of Brentwood Academy. Though he's only 5-foot-8, 173-pounds, he runs with quickness and power, perhaps moreso than Bryson. He's ran for 292 yards and five scores on 32 carries in limited action because the Eagles keep blowing away the competition. Caro has great vision, is slippery and has great leadership. Someone needs to offer him. Vanderbilt has been interested from day one. If they don't offer, someone like Western Kentucky, Tulane or MTSU needs to. Take another look at middle TN's best home-run threat:
While Caro's a home-run threat, two guys who are the classic, yardage chewing power backs are Overton's Tez Humphrey and Oakland's Tee Mayberry. Nicknamed "the Little Bus", the 5-foot-11, 215-pound Humphrey might be recruited as a fullback in major college football but what he possesses that most FB's don't is vision and a solid ability to cut back. Mayberry, checking in at 5-foot-10, 205-pounds, also possesses solid vision and an ability to make quick moves for his size. He also has a nose for the end zone and has already scored 10 touchdowns in three games. Neither has seemed to get enough recruiting attention past some FCS schools. Vanderbilt has looked at both, as has MTSU and Western Kentucky, but these two would fit well as a power option.
Beech back Travis Haymer has done all he can do to impress scouts. At 5-foot-9, 180-pounds, he has a typical scat back frame. He rushed for nearly 1,700 yards last season while leading the Buccaneers to a state championship and already has nearly 400 yards and seven touchdowns through the first three games of this season. Haymer has a low to the ground running style, runs a sub-4.5 in the 40 and uses cut back lanes to his advantage. He also has some deceptive moves in the open field. It's been surprising to not hear too much about Haymer's recruitment in the early going, but he would be perfect at a place like Arkansas State or bigger.
A similar back to Haymer, with perhaps better speed is Father Ryan's Prince Iworah. Though a member of the Irish's team in the past, this appears to be Iworah's first serious year. He's already gained 305 yards and a couple of scores through Ryan's first three games and the 5-foot-9, 175-pound talent has displayed some of the raw athletic ability he showed as a track star. Straight ahead, there might not be a running back as fast but now he's also showing some vision and patience when looking for holes.
Other backs that deserve college attention as well include Page's Markeise Lockridge, Maplewood's Stanley Hagan, Cookeville's Daylyn Martin, JP2's Jordan Adams, Davidson Academy's Justin Williams, MBA's Tyler Franks and Pearl-Cohn's D'Anthony Hall.
Check back later when we look at WR/TE/OL.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Long Hiatus is almost over...
The 615Report is coming back after a long time off. Check back later for a new entry about the mid-state's top prospects.
Friday, June 4, 2010
615 Report National Top 100
As Rivals.com, Tom Lemming and other recruiting networks begin to release their rankings of the nation's top prospects, so does the 615 Report. Though I haven't been able to see many of these prospects in person, I have been able to see video on everyone of them and judge the prospects according to their video, performance, competition level, etc.
The 615 Report initial National Top 100:
1. Jadaveon Clowney (DE)- Rock Hill, South Pointe, S.C.
2. Curtis Grant (LB)- Hermitage, Richmond, Va.
3. George Farmer (WR)- Junipero Serra, Gardena, Calif.
4. Cyrus Kouandjio (OT)- DeMatha, Hyattsville, Md.
5. Malcolm Brown (RB)- Steele, Cibolo, Texas
6. La'El Collins (OL)- Redemptorist, Baton Rouge, La.
7. Mike Bellamy (RB)- Charlotte, Punta Goode, Fla.
8. Kenny Hilliard (RB)- Patterson, La. (Committed to LSU)
9. Tony Steward (LB)- Pedro Menendez, St.Augustine, Fla.
10. Christian Westerman (OL)- Hamilton, Chandler, Ariz. (Committed to Texas)
11. Steve Edmond (LB)- Daingerfield, Texas (Committed to Texas)
12. Trey Metoyer (WR)- Whitehouse, Texas (Committed to Oklahoma)
13. James Wilder Jr. (LB)- Plant, Tampa, Fla.
14. Stephone Anthony (LB)- Anson, Wadesboro, N.C.
15. Aaron Green (RB)- James Madison, San Antonio, Texas
16. Ray Drew (DE)- Thomas County Central, Thomasville, Ga.
17. Lawrence Thomas (LB)- Renaissance, Detroit, Mich. (Committed to Michigan State)
18. Jeff Driskel (QB)- Hagerty, Oviedo, Fla. (Committed to Florida)
19. Doran Grant (DB)- St. Vincent-St.Mary, Akron, Ohio
20. Anthony Johnson (DT)- O.Perry Walker, New Orleans, La. (Committed to LSU)
21. Matthew Hagerty (OL)- Aztec, New Mexico (Committed to Notre Dame)
22. Jeoffrey Pagen (DE)- Asheville, N.C. (Committed to Florida)
23. Viliami Moala (DT)- Grant, Sacremento, Calif.
24. Hasean Clinton-Dix (ATH)- Dr.Phillips, Orlando, Fla. (Committed to Alabama)
25. DeAnthony Thomas (RB)- Crenshaw, Los Angeles, Calif. (Committed to USC)
26. Mike Blakely (RB)- Manatee, Bradenton, Fla.
27. Karlos Williams (DB)- Ridge, Davenport, Fla. (Committed to Florida State)
28. Sammy Watkins (ATH)- South Fort Myers, Fort Myers, Fla.
29. Gregory Robinson (OL)- Thibodaux, La.
30. Timmy Jernigan (DT)- Columbia, Lake City, Fla.
31. Max Wittek (QB)- Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (Committed to USC)
32. Michael Bennett (OL)- Centerville, Ohio (Committed to Ohio State)
33. Wayne Lyons (DB)- Dillard, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
34. Brent Calloway (LB)- Russellville, Ala. (Committed to Alabama)
35. Kenny Hayes (DE)- Whitmer, Toledo, Ohio (Committed to Ohio State)
36. Demetrius Hart (RB)- Dr.Phillips, Orlando, Fla.
37. Stephon Tuitt (DE)- Monroe, Ga.
38. Greg Townsend Jr. (DE)- Beverly Hills, Calif.
39. Austin Seferian-Jenkins (TE)- Gig Harbor, Wash.
40. Christian LeMay (QB)- Butler, Matthews, N.C.
41. Nick O'Leary (TE)- Dwyer, West Palm Beach, Fla.
42. Brey Cook (OL)- Har-Ber, Springdale, Ark.
43. Herschel Sims (RB)- Abilene, Texas (Committed to Oklahoma State)
44. Devon Blackmon (ATH)- Summit, Fontana, Calif.
45. DeAnthony Arnett (WR)- Saginaw, Mich.
46. Colt Lyeria (ATH)- Hillsboro, Ore.
47. Jay Rome (TE)- Valdosta, Ga.
48. Brandon Shell (OL)- Goose Creek, S.C.
49. Brandon Williams (RB)- Royal, Brookshire, Texas (Committed to Oklahoma)
50. Daryl Collins (WR)- Gadsden City, Gadsden, Ala. (Committed to Alabama)
51. Isaiah Crowell (RB)- Carver, Columbus, Ga.
52. Jarvis Landry (WR)- Lutcher, La. (Committed to LSU)
53. Darrian Miller (RB)- Blue Springs, Missouri
54. LaDarius Brown (ATH)- Waxahatchie, Texas
55. Sedrick Flowers (OL)- North Shore, Galena Park, TX (Committed to Texas)
56. Marlin Lane (RB)- Mainland, Daytona Beach, Fla. (Committed to Clemson)
57. Bobby Hart (OL)- St.Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
58. Antonio Richardson (OL)- Ensworth, Nashville. Tenn.
59. Trey DePriest (LB)- Springfield, Ohio
60. Savon Huggins (RB)- St. Peters Prep, Jersey City, NJ
61. Kiehl Frazier (QB)- Shiloh Christian, Springdale, Ark. (Committed to Arkansas)
62. Charone Peake (WR)- Dorman, Roebuck, S.C.
63. Aundrey Walker (OL)- Glenville, Cleveland, Ohio
64. Braxton Miller (QB)- Wayne, Huber Heights, Ohio (Committed to Ohio State)
65. Jamaal Poteat (RB)- Bishop McDevitt, Harrisburg, Pa.
66. Kelvin Benjamin (WR)- Glades Central, Belle Grade, Fla.
67. Kasen Williams (WR)- Skyline, Sammamish, Wash.
68. Ben Koyack (TE)- Oil City, Pa. (Committed to Notre Dame)
69. Jermauria Rasco (DE)- Evangel Christian, Shreveport, La.
70. Kris Frost (ATH)- Butler, Matthews, N.C.
71. Todd Barr (DE)- Lakewood, Calif.
72. Marquise Wright (DT)- Paramus Catholic, Paramus, NJ
73. Desmond Jackson (DT)- Westfield, Houston, Texas (Committed to Texas)
74. Jonathan Rose (DB)- Leeds, Ala.
75. Quandre Diggs (ATH)- Angleton, Texas (Committed to Texas)
76. Erique Florence (DB)- Valley, Ala.
77. Andrew Buie (RB)- Trinity Christian, Jacksonville, Fla.
78. Aaron Lynch (DE)- Island Coast, Cape Coral, Fla.
79. Josh Turner (DB)- Millwood, Oklahoma City, Okl.
80. Watts Dantzler (OL)- Dalton, Ga.
81. Victor Blackwell (WR)- Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (Committed to USC)
82. Giorgio Newberry (DE)- Fort Pierce Central, Fort Pierce, Fla.
83. Ron Tanner (DB)- Eastmoor Academy, Columbus, Ohio
84. Trip Thurman (OL)- Dover, Delaware
85. Christian French (Ath)- Kennedy, Cedar Falls, Iowa
86. Ishaq Williams (DE)- Abraham Lincoln, Brooklyn, N.Y.
87. Jay Whitmire (OL)- Williams, Alexandria, Va.
88. Ka'Deem Carey (RB)- Canyon Del Oro, Oro Valley, Ariz.
89. Ronny Vandyke (Ath)- South County, Lorton, Va. (Committed to Virgina Tech)
90. Tony Morales (OL)- Sam Houston, Arlington, TX (Committed to Texas Tech)
91. Brendon Bigelow (RB)- Central East, Fresno, Calif. (Committed to Washington)
92. Damian Swann (Ath)- Grady, Atlanta, Ga.
93. Jason Gibson (DE)- Junipero Serra, Gardena, Calif.
94. Davaris Daniels (WR)- Vernon Hills, Ill.
95. Nickolas Brassell (WR)- South Panola, Batesville, Miss.
96. Eric MacLain (TE)- Jack Britt, Fayetteville, NC (Committed to Clemson)
97. Lateek Townsend (LB)- Marlboro County, Bennettsville, SC
98. Sterling Bailey (DE)- East Hall, Gainesville, Ga. (Committed to Georgia)
99. Tyler Moore (OL)- Countryside, Clearwater, Fla. (Committed to Nebraska)
100. Quan Bray (RB)- Callaway, Hogansville, Ga.
The 615 Report initial National Top 100:
1. Jadaveon Clowney (DE)- Rock Hill, South Pointe, S.C.
2. Curtis Grant (LB)- Hermitage, Richmond, Va.
3. George Farmer (WR)- Junipero Serra, Gardena, Calif.
4. Cyrus Kouandjio (OT)- DeMatha, Hyattsville, Md.
5. Malcolm Brown (RB)- Steele, Cibolo, Texas
6. La'El Collins (OL)- Redemptorist, Baton Rouge, La.
7. Mike Bellamy (RB)- Charlotte, Punta Goode, Fla.
8. Kenny Hilliard (RB)- Patterson, La. (Committed to LSU)
9. Tony Steward (LB)- Pedro Menendez, St.Augustine, Fla.
10. Christian Westerman (OL)- Hamilton, Chandler, Ariz. (Committed to Texas)
11. Steve Edmond (LB)- Daingerfield, Texas (Committed to Texas)
12. Trey Metoyer (WR)- Whitehouse, Texas (Committed to Oklahoma)
13. James Wilder Jr. (LB)- Plant, Tampa, Fla.
14. Stephone Anthony (LB)- Anson, Wadesboro, N.C.
15. Aaron Green (RB)- James Madison, San Antonio, Texas
16. Ray Drew (DE)- Thomas County Central, Thomasville, Ga.
17. Lawrence Thomas (LB)- Renaissance, Detroit, Mich. (Committed to Michigan State)
18. Jeff Driskel (QB)- Hagerty, Oviedo, Fla. (Committed to Florida)
19. Doran Grant (DB)- St. Vincent-St.Mary, Akron, Ohio
20. Anthony Johnson (DT)- O.Perry Walker, New Orleans, La. (Committed to LSU)
21. Matthew Hagerty (OL)- Aztec, New Mexico (Committed to Notre Dame)
22. Jeoffrey Pagen (DE)- Asheville, N.C. (Committed to Florida)
23. Viliami Moala (DT)- Grant, Sacremento, Calif.
24. Hasean Clinton-Dix (ATH)- Dr.Phillips, Orlando, Fla. (Committed to Alabama)
25. DeAnthony Thomas (RB)- Crenshaw, Los Angeles, Calif. (Committed to USC)
26. Mike Blakely (RB)- Manatee, Bradenton, Fla.
27. Karlos Williams (DB)- Ridge, Davenport, Fla. (Committed to Florida State)
28. Sammy Watkins (ATH)- South Fort Myers, Fort Myers, Fla.
29. Gregory Robinson (OL)- Thibodaux, La.
30. Timmy Jernigan (DT)- Columbia, Lake City, Fla.
31. Max Wittek (QB)- Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (Committed to USC)
32. Michael Bennett (OL)- Centerville, Ohio (Committed to Ohio State)
33. Wayne Lyons (DB)- Dillard, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
34. Brent Calloway (LB)- Russellville, Ala. (Committed to Alabama)
35. Kenny Hayes (DE)- Whitmer, Toledo, Ohio (Committed to Ohio State)
36. Demetrius Hart (RB)- Dr.Phillips, Orlando, Fla.
37. Stephon Tuitt (DE)- Monroe, Ga.
38. Greg Townsend Jr. (DE)- Beverly Hills, Calif.
39. Austin Seferian-Jenkins (TE)- Gig Harbor, Wash.
40. Christian LeMay (QB)- Butler, Matthews, N.C.
41. Nick O'Leary (TE)- Dwyer, West Palm Beach, Fla.
42. Brey Cook (OL)- Har-Ber, Springdale, Ark.
43. Herschel Sims (RB)- Abilene, Texas (Committed to Oklahoma State)
44. Devon Blackmon (ATH)- Summit, Fontana, Calif.
45. DeAnthony Arnett (WR)- Saginaw, Mich.
46. Colt Lyeria (ATH)- Hillsboro, Ore.
47. Jay Rome (TE)- Valdosta, Ga.
48. Brandon Shell (OL)- Goose Creek, S.C.
49. Brandon Williams (RB)- Royal, Brookshire, Texas (Committed to Oklahoma)
50. Daryl Collins (WR)- Gadsden City, Gadsden, Ala. (Committed to Alabama)
51. Isaiah Crowell (RB)- Carver, Columbus, Ga.
52. Jarvis Landry (WR)- Lutcher, La. (Committed to LSU)
53. Darrian Miller (RB)- Blue Springs, Missouri
54. LaDarius Brown (ATH)- Waxahatchie, Texas
55. Sedrick Flowers (OL)- North Shore, Galena Park, TX (Committed to Texas)
56. Marlin Lane (RB)- Mainland, Daytona Beach, Fla. (Committed to Clemson)
57. Bobby Hart (OL)- St.Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
58. Antonio Richardson (OL)- Ensworth, Nashville. Tenn.
59. Trey DePriest (LB)- Springfield, Ohio
60. Savon Huggins (RB)- St. Peters Prep, Jersey City, NJ
61. Kiehl Frazier (QB)- Shiloh Christian, Springdale, Ark. (Committed to Arkansas)
62. Charone Peake (WR)- Dorman, Roebuck, S.C.
63. Aundrey Walker (OL)- Glenville, Cleveland, Ohio
64. Braxton Miller (QB)- Wayne, Huber Heights, Ohio (Committed to Ohio State)
65. Jamaal Poteat (RB)- Bishop McDevitt, Harrisburg, Pa.
66. Kelvin Benjamin (WR)- Glades Central, Belle Grade, Fla.
67. Kasen Williams (WR)- Skyline, Sammamish, Wash.
68. Ben Koyack (TE)- Oil City, Pa. (Committed to Notre Dame)
69. Jermauria Rasco (DE)- Evangel Christian, Shreveport, La.
70. Kris Frost (ATH)- Butler, Matthews, N.C.
71. Todd Barr (DE)- Lakewood, Calif.
72. Marquise Wright (DT)- Paramus Catholic, Paramus, NJ
73. Desmond Jackson (DT)- Westfield, Houston, Texas (Committed to Texas)
74. Jonathan Rose (DB)- Leeds, Ala.
75. Quandre Diggs (ATH)- Angleton, Texas (Committed to Texas)
76. Erique Florence (DB)- Valley, Ala.
77. Andrew Buie (RB)- Trinity Christian, Jacksonville, Fla.
78. Aaron Lynch (DE)- Island Coast, Cape Coral, Fla.
79. Josh Turner (DB)- Millwood, Oklahoma City, Okl.
80. Watts Dantzler (OL)- Dalton, Ga.
81. Victor Blackwell (WR)- Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (Committed to USC)
82. Giorgio Newberry (DE)- Fort Pierce Central, Fort Pierce, Fla.
83. Ron Tanner (DB)- Eastmoor Academy, Columbus, Ohio
84. Trip Thurman (OL)- Dover, Delaware
85. Christian French (Ath)- Kennedy, Cedar Falls, Iowa
86. Ishaq Williams (DE)- Abraham Lincoln, Brooklyn, N.Y.
87. Jay Whitmire (OL)- Williams, Alexandria, Va.
88. Ka'Deem Carey (RB)- Canyon Del Oro, Oro Valley, Ariz.
89. Ronny Vandyke (Ath)- South County, Lorton, Va. (Committed to Virgina Tech)
90. Tony Morales (OL)- Sam Houston, Arlington, TX (Committed to Texas Tech)
91. Brendon Bigelow (RB)- Central East, Fresno, Calif. (Committed to Washington)
92. Damian Swann (Ath)- Grady, Atlanta, Ga.
93. Jason Gibson (DE)- Junipero Serra, Gardena, Calif.
94. Davaris Daniels (WR)- Vernon Hills, Ill.
95. Nickolas Brassell (WR)- South Panola, Batesville, Miss.
96. Eric MacLain (TE)- Jack Britt, Fayetteville, NC (Committed to Clemson)
97. Lateek Townsend (LB)- Marlboro County, Bennettsville, SC
98. Sterling Bailey (DE)- East Hall, Gainesville, Ga. (Committed to Georgia)
99. Tyler Moore (OL)- Countryside, Clearwater, Fla. (Committed to Nebraska)
100. Quan Bray (RB)- Callaway, Hogansville, Ga.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Looking for talent in Alabama
Vanderbilt signed three prospects from the state of Alabama last year, and the Commodores basically went across the state to get those three with Jared Morse coming from just outside the Tennessee/Alabama border in Oxford, Jordan Matthews coming out of Madison two hours away and then Chase Garnham coming from all the way down in Mobile. It was one of the first times during Bobby Johnson's tenure that Vanderbilt went to Mobile and really recruited the area, much less signed a prospect from there. Two years ago, the team also grabbed Zac Stacy out of Centreville which was just about an hour out of Prattville. So VU's covering a number of areas in the state.
For this reason, I've expanded my research beyond the Birmingham and North Alabama region to see what prospects are where. Vanderbilt's already made some moves on a few prospects from the state including Linden High running back Kendarius Fritts, Cordova linebacker Maleki Harris, John Carroll defensive end Brandon Wood, Baldwin County offensive tackle David Simon and Minor High defensive back Chris Jones. Other guys from the state they offer include Alabama commitments Daryl Collins and Brent Calloway as well as Louisville DB Jacquese Kirk.
Overall, there are currently 34 prospects from the state of Alabama with either offers or listed as receiving interest from the Commodores in the Rivals.com database. A lot of these guys we've mentioned in the War Room and there will likely be more offers to come with some prospects.
However, there's still a few guys that I have found that intrigue me and should end up being D1-A signees by next February (grades permitting). Who knows, maybe Vanderbilt will get involved with some of them.
Justin "J.J." Hudson- Prattville Christian
Athlete
5-foot-11, 175-pounds
What's not to like about this kid. He's a two-sport star who definitely brings it on the football field. He's quick, athletic, could play multiple positions. On video, Hudson reminds me of a Marsalis Teague type, or the kid down in Florida last year, LaVaughn Whigham, whom signed with Texas Tech. Accounted for 2,203 all-purpose yards and 21 total TDs in 2009. He also caught 14 touchdowns in 2008. I think if he was at Prattville High or somewhere else like a MBA or Brentwood Academy, people would be all over him. At the moment, I'm not sure what his recruiting picture is like but Wake Forest signed a kid from PC last year, so I'd have to think that people are going to take notice of this kid, if they haven't already.
Jason Webb- Auburn High
Wide Receiver
6-foot-3, 195-pounds
Tall receiver who seems a bit raw right now but I think there's a tremendous growth in his game coming. In fact, when I watch him, I feel like I'm seeing Chris Boyd's junior film all over and anyone that followed Boyd could see a significant jump from junior to senior film. I think there's the same potential there. He's considered to be one of the better WR's that no one's talking about in Alabama but I'd have to think that schools like Auburn, UAB and Alabama have to know about him. He's another guy like Boyd and Hudson in the respect that he has a basketball background as well.
Desmond Wills- Lincoln High
Linebacker
6-foot-1, 215-pounds
A very physical looking linebacker with real solid speed, lateral quickness and instincts. Flies to the ball and better yet, he can pluck the ball out of the air too. Has had two solid years and should be a major prospect. He reportedly has an offer from Kentucky already but I think he'll be a guy that racks up about a handful of SEC offers and some ACC and Big East offers. Reminds me of Georgia's Darryl Gamble in a way. The more I watch him, the more I like. Can be a playmaking linebacker.
Find more videos like this on Lincoln High School Athletic Network
Rashad Cunningham- Davidson
Wide Receiver
6-foot-4, 200-pounds
It's a little surprising that Alabama hasn't been all over this kid. It wasn't surprising to go back to his profile today and see that Arkansas, Kentucky and Memphis have offered him. The kid is a big strong target who can flat out play. Not sure what his numbers are exactly but I'd have to think they'd be a little stunted by his quarterback's lack of a real arm. Davidson's style of offense probably doesn't help either. Still, Cunningham jumps off the tube to me. I like his hands, his wheels, his overall cut, etc. Looks like a definite SEC WR to me.
Jaren Jackson- T.R. Miller High
Safety/Running Back
5-foot-11, 175-pounds
Another physical guy whether he's laying hits at safety or bringing power at running back. A real downhill runner, I believe Jackson could be effective as a tailback in an I-formation. He really gets behind his pads, has solid balance and even churns his legs high circa Roger Craig in 1988. His speed is adequete but I think he could still be effective due to his quickness. His best spot in terms of SEC play in my opinion would be at safety though. I think he moves real well in space, seems to read very well and will bring contact. I would like him to be bigger for safety, but I think he could be a good free safety on the major level. It sounds like Georgia's pretty interested.
Other Players:
Traj Ragland- Bob Jones
Running Back, 5-foot-11, 200-pounds
Speedy, elusive back. Has a good initial burst and sees the field pretty well. Probably a back that's going to end up at a BCS school with continued growth.
Charles Benning- McGill Toolen
Linebacker, 6-foot, 220-pounds
Undersized and not the fastest LB in the world but seems to have a good head for the game. Can also bring the power on hits.
Rico Dunn- Hoover
Defensive Back, 6-foot-2, 185-pounds
The son of former Alabama defensive lineman Eric Curry, Dunn's physical and plays with a lot of energy. He's a prospect that I'm hoping to get more info about because he may be a fringe SEC player.
Antwan Rogers- Williamson High
Linebacker, 6-foot-1, 233-pounds
Plays defensive end in high school but everyone believes he'll project to LB. I haven't actually seen video of him but everything I've found about him says that he lays some vicious hits and runs very well. Some have compared him to DT Shackelford.
Denzel Bynum- North Jackson High
Defensive Back, 5-foot-11, 165-pounds
A very speedy DB, running in the 4.3's in the 40 and a 10.65 in the 100 meter dash in track. He's pretty explosive and has the talent to be an effective corner in college if he can get a bit bigger.
Corey Johnson- Anniston High
DE/Linebacker, 6-foot-4, 206-pounds
Long, rangy defender that has the athleticism to play end or linebacker. Needs to add size but should start seeing offers soon.
Brodrick Hughes- Blount High
Defensive End, 6-foot-3, 272-pounds
A real quick big man that just looks like a monster on the football field. Also has pretty solid strength. Won DL MVP in Mobile NUC.
Dre'Shon McGaster- Foley High
Defensive End, 6-foot-2, 225-pounds
Very quick off the edge player who could possibly be a linebacker as well. I would not be surprised to see Alabama come up and offer him because I think he'd fit well in Saban's system.
More:
RB. Tray Cosby- Tanner High (5-foot-10, 175-pounds)
ATH. Ryan Watson- Decatur High (5-foot-10, 175-pounds)
OL. Reginald Patrick- Clay High (6-foot-3, 275-pounds)
DE. Lonnie "L-Train" Freeman- Luverne (6-foot-3, 250-pounds)
OL. Jabree N'jemanze- Shades Valley (6-foot-4, 295-pounds)
OL. Bartavis Whigham- Northview (6-foot-3, 303-pounds)
RB. Cedric Brooks- Midfield (5-foot-10, 166-pounds)
RB. Dedrick Forsythe- Leeds (6-foot, 195-pounds)
QB. Matt Hamner- Maplesville (6-foot-4, 175-pounds)
QB. Breyuane Sanders- Robert E. Lee (6-foot-2, 175-pounds)
For this reason, I've expanded my research beyond the Birmingham and North Alabama region to see what prospects are where. Vanderbilt's already made some moves on a few prospects from the state including Linden High running back Kendarius Fritts, Cordova linebacker Maleki Harris, John Carroll defensive end Brandon Wood, Baldwin County offensive tackle David Simon and Minor High defensive back Chris Jones. Other guys from the state they offer include Alabama commitments Daryl Collins and Brent Calloway as well as Louisville DB Jacquese Kirk.
Overall, there are currently 34 prospects from the state of Alabama with either offers or listed as receiving interest from the Commodores in the Rivals.com database. A lot of these guys we've mentioned in the War Room and there will likely be more offers to come with some prospects.
However, there's still a few guys that I have found that intrigue me and should end up being D1-A signees by next February (grades permitting). Who knows, maybe Vanderbilt will get involved with some of them.
Justin "J.J." Hudson- Prattville Christian
Athlete
5-foot-11, 175-pounds
What's not to like about this kid. He's a two-sport star who definitely brings it on the football field. He's quick, athletic, could play multiple positions. On video, Hudson reminds me of a Marsalis Teague type, or the kid down in Florida last year, LaVaughn Whigham, whom signed with Texas Tech. Accounted for 2,203 all-purpose yards and 21 total TDs in 2009. He also caught 14 touchdowns in 2008. I think if he was at Prattville High or somewhere else like a MBA or Brentwood Academy, people would be all over him. At the moment, I'm not sure what his recruiting picture is like but Wake Forest signed a kid from PC last year, so I'd have to think that people are going to take notice of this kid, if they haven't already.
Jason Webb- Auburn High
Wide Receiver
6-foot-3, 195-pounds
Tall receiver who seems a bit raw right now but I think there's a tremendous growth in his game coming. In fact, when I watch him, I feel like I'm seeing Chris Boyd's junior film all over and anyone that followed Boyd could see a significant jump from junior to senior film. I think there's the same potential there. He's considered to be one of the better WR's that no one's talking about in Alabama but I'd have to think that schools like Auburn, UAB and Alabama have to know about him. He's another guy like Boyd and Hudson in the respect that he has a basketball background as well.
Desmond Wills- Lincoln High
Linebacker
6-foot-1, 215-pounds
A very physical looking linebacker with real solid speed, lateral quickness and instincts. Flies to the ball and better yet, he can pluck the ball out of the air too. Has had two solid years and should be a major prospect. He reportedly has an offer from Kentucky already but I think he'll be a guy that racks up about a handful of SEC offers and some ACC and Big East offers. Reminds me of Georgia's Darryl Gamble in a way. The more I watch him, the more I like. Can be a playmaking linebacker.
Find more videos like this on Lincoln High School Athletic Network
Rashad Cunningham- Davidson
Wide Receiver
6-foot-4, 200-pounds
It's a little surprising that Alabama hasn't been all over this kid. It wasn't surprising to go back to his profile today and see that Arkansas, Kentucky and Memphis have offered him. The kid is a big strong target who can flat out play. Not sure what his numbers are exactly but I'd have to think they'd be a little stunted by his quarterback's lack of a real arm. Davidson's style of offense probably doesn't help either. Still, Cunningham jumps off the tube to me. I like his hands, his wheels, his overall cut, etc. Looks like a definite SEC WR to me.
Jaren Jackson- T.R. Miller High
Safety/Running Back
5-foot-11, 175-pounds
Another physical guy whether he's laying hits at safety or bringing power at running back. A real downhill runner, I believe Jackson could be effective as a tailback in an I-formation. He really gets behind his pads, has solid balance and even churns his legs high circa Roger Craig in 1988. His speed is adequete but I think he could still be effective due to his quickness. His best spot in terms of SEC play in my opinion would be at safety though. I think he moves real well in space, seems to read very well and will bring contact. I would like him to be bigger for safety, but I think he could be a good free safety on the major level. It sounds like Georgia's pretty interested.
Other Players:
Traj Ragland- Bob Jones
Running Back, 5-foot-11, 200-pounds
Speedy, elusive back. Has a good initial burst and sees the field pretty well. Probably a back that's going to end up at a BCS school with continued growth.
Charles Benning- McGill Toolen
Linebacker, 6-foot, 220-pounds
Undersized and not the fastest LB in the world but seems to have a good head for the game. Can also bring the power on hits.
Rico Dunn- Hoover
Defensive Back, 6-foot-2, 185-pounds
The son of former Alabama defensive lineman Eric Curry, Dunn's physical and plays with a lot of energy. He's a prospect that I'm hoping to get more info about because he may be a fringe SEC player.
Antwan Rogers- Williamson High
Linebacker, 6-foot-1, 233-pounds
Plays defensive end in high school but everyone believes he'll project to LB. I haven't actually seen video of him but everything I've found about him says that he lays some vicious hits and runs very well. Some have compared him to DT Shackelford.
Denzel Bynum- North Jackson High
Defensive Back, 5-foot-11, 165-pounds
A very speedy DB, running in the 4.3's in the 40 and a 10.65 in the 100 meter dash in track. He's pretty explosive and has the talent to be an effective corner in college if he can get a bit bigger.
Corey Johnson- Anniston High
DE/Linebacker, 6-foot-4, 206-pounds
Long, rangy defender that has the athleticism to play end or linebacker. Needs to add size but should start seeing offers soon.
Brodrick Hughes- Blount High
Defensive End, 6-foot-3, 272-pounds
A real quick big man that just looks like a monster on the football field. Also has pretty solid strength. Won DL MVP in Mobile NUC.
Dre'Shon McGaster- Foley High
Defensive End, 6-foot-2, 225-pounds
Very quick off the edge player who could possibly be a linebacker as well. I would not be surprised to see Alabama come up and offer him because I think he'd fit well in Saban's system.
More:
RB. Tray Cosby- Tanner High (5-foot-10, 175-pounds)
ATH. Ryan Watson- Decatur High (5-foot-10, 175-pounds)
OL. Reginald Patrick- Clay High (6-foot-3, 275-pounds)
DE. Lonnie "L-Train" Freeman- Luverne (6-foot-3, 250-pounds)
OL. Jabree N'jemanze- Shades Valley (6-foot-4, 295-pounds)
OL. Bartavis Whigham- Northview (6-foot-3, 303-pounds)
RB. Cedric Brooks- Midfield (5-foot-10, 166-pounds)
RB. Dedrick Forsythe- Leeds (6-foot, 195-pounds)
QB. Matt Hamner- Maplesville (6-foot-4, 175-pounds)
QB. Breyuane Sanders- Robert E. Lee (6-foot-2, 175-pounds)
Monday, April 5, 2010
Central Florida Prospects emerging
The state of Florida is always full of prospects, wherever you go. Whether it's Miami, Ft.Lauderdale, Tampa, Tallahasee or even Orlando, prospects are everywhere, each year. A few prospects in the Orlando/Central Florida area have caught my attention recently, so I thought I'd highlight them in my newest blog entry.
Roderick Ryles- Safety/Cornerback
Dr. Phillips, Orlando
6-foot-1, 185 pounds
Summary: Long, very impressive frame. Can do great things with the ball in his hands and can tackle with the best of them. Maybe another Myron Lewis in the making.
Trenier Orr- Cornerback
Ocoee High
5-foot-11, 175-pounds
Summary: Looks to be one of the best DB's in Florida from what I've seen. Very instinctful, good ball skill and quick. Also a good WR that reminds me of a Bradley Roby.
Luther McDowell- Athlete
Leesburg High
5-foot-11, 180 pounds
Summary: Versatile runner with good quickness, but probably a better corner prospect. Strong ankle, balanced feet, has a lot of upside.
Darryl Monroe- Linebacker
Olympia High, Orlando
6-foot-1, 215 pounds
Summary: Strong, athletic, quick. Reminds me of Brandon Bryant, or at least what VU would've gotten out of a healthy Bryant. Gets overshadowed by teammates, but someone's bound to find him.
Corian Hamilton- Safety
Olympia High, Orlando
6-foot-1, 210 pounds
Summary: Solid two sport athlete who's already pulled in some BCS offers. Looks like a solid in-the-box safety to me, probably won't get out of Florida.
Sophomore Highlights Only:
Garrett Clark- Offensive Tackle
Daytona Beach Mainland
6-foot-5, 285 pounds
Summary: Punishing offensive tackle, absolutely manhandles opponent. Definite BCS prospect in my opinion.
Sophomore Video only:
Keon Brooks- Athlete
Apopka High
6-foot, 180 pounds
Summary: Impressive running QB, who could be a solid DB in college. Has some Casey Hayward in him.
Dante Campbell- Receiver
East Ridge High, Orlando
6-foot-4, 195-pounds
Summary: Long, impressive looking target. Has good speed, but better agility. Could be a highly effective possession or red zone receiver in college.
Eric Farkas- Safety/Special teams player.
Seminole High, Sanford
6-foot, 185 pounds
Summary: Very smart safety with good ball skill and some toughness. Reminds me of Jay Fullam in a way and also a very good punter and kicker. Someone's going to get a good overall football player with this guy.
Deion Green- Defensive End/Tight End
Edgewater
6-foot-3, 220 pounds
Summary: Versatile to play on either side of the ball at a major school. Reminds me of UGA's Orson Charles in a way. Probably won't get out of Florida.
Sam Richardson- Quarterback
Winter Park
6-foot-3, 185 pounds
Summary: An athletic QB with good touch. Can beat people with his arm or quickness. Reminds me of Goro in a way.
Aaron Nielsen- Tight End
Freedom High, Kissimmee
6-foot-5, 225 pounds
Summary: Sound extra blocker and good 10-yard route runner. Might not be overly athletic as a TE but could be a pretty athletic tackle. A possibl weapon either way.
Thomas Smith III- Running Back
Apopka High
6-foot, 200 pounds
Summary: A strong and athletic runner. Has good speed, good instincts, toughness. Should start racking up offers soon.
Breon Allen- Running Back/Athlete
Warner Christian Academy
5-foot-9, 170 pounds
Summary: A small school talent with speed, quicks, everything really. Needs more size, but could be a running back or corner. Comparative to local star Jeremiah Bryson.
RJ Altman- Defensive Back
Edgewater High
5-foot-10, 185 pounds
Summary: Small but physical and quick. A top DB prospect who would probably be 4 or 5 star status if he was just 2 inches taller.
Kevin Richardson- Linebacker/Defensive End
Deltona High
6-foot-4, 200 pounds
Summary: Hybrid defender, rangy with good speed. Needs to shed blocks better and add more size but someone to watch in the future.
Josh Jones- Quarterback
East River, Orlando
6-foot-6, 185 pounds
Summary: A tall QB from new school so he may be really under the radar. Has good accuracy, smooth delivery and good feet. Lots of upside.
Brian King Jr.- Defensive Back
Evans High, Orlando
6-foot-2, 190 pounds
Summary: Physical, smart, quick. Has the look of a definite D1 safety to me.
Steven Hughes- Quarterback
Palm Bay High, Melbourne
6-foot-3, 175 pounds
Summary: Good arm and good feet. An athlete that reminds me of Miami signee Stephen Morris.
Teddy Dwork- Quarterback
Benjamin School
6-foot-5, 200 pounds
Summary: A bit of a project but with a solid frame. Throws a tight ball and seems to have a lot of upside.
Roderick Ryles- Safety/Cornerback
Dr. Phillips, Orlando
6-foot-1, 185 pounds
Summary: Long, very impressive frame. Can do great things with the ball in his hands and can tackle with the best of them. Maybe another Myron Lewis in the making.
Trenier Orr- Cornerback
Ocoee High
5-foot-11, 175-pounds
Summary: Looks to be one of the best DB's in Florida from what I've seen. Very instinctful, good ball skill and quick. Also a good WR that reminds me of a Bradley Roby.
Luther McDowell- Athlete
Leesburg High
5-foot-11, 180 pounds
Summary: Versatile runner with good quickness, but probably a better corner prospect. Strong ankle, balanced feet, has a lot of upside.
Darryl Monroe- Linebacker
Olympia High, Orlando
6-foot-1, 215 pounds
Summary: Strong, athletic, quick. Reminds me of Brandon Bryant, or at least what VU would've gotten out of a healthy Bryant. Gets overshadowed by teammates, but someone's bound to find him.
Corian Hamilton- Safety
Olympia High, Orlando
6-foot-1, 210 pounds
Summary: Solid two sport athlete who's already pulled in some BCS offers. Looks like a solid in-the-box safety to me, probably won't get out of Florida.
Sophomore Highlights Only:
Garrett Clark- Offensive Tackle
Daytona Beach Mainland
6-foot-5, 285 pounds
Summary: Punishing offensive tackle, absolutely manhandles opponent. Definite BCS prospect in my opinion.
Sophomore Video only:
Keon Brooks- Athlete
Apopka High
6-foot, 180 pounds
Summary: Impressive running QB, who could be a solid DB in college. Has some Casey Hayward in him.
Dante Campbell- Receiver
East Ridge High, Orlando
6-foot-4, 195-pounds
Summary: Long, impressive looking target. Has good speed, but better agility. Could be a highly effective possession or red zone receiver in college.
Eric Farkas- Safety/Special teams player.
Seminole High, Sanford
6-foot, 185 pounds
Summary: Very smart safety with good ball skill and some toughness. Reminds me of Jay Fullam in a way and also a very good punter and kicker. Someone's going to get a good overall football player with this guy.
Deion Green- Defensive End/Tight End
Edgewater
6-foot-3, 220 pounds
Summary: Versatile to play on either side of the ball at a major school. Reminds me of UGA's Orson Charles in a way. Probably won't get out of Florida.
Sam Richardson- Quarterback
Winter Park
6-foot-3, 185 pounds
Summary: An athletic QB with good touch. Can beat people with his arm or quickness. Reminds me of Goro in a way.
Aaron Nielsen- Tight End
Freedom High, Kissimmee
6-foot-5, 225 pounds
Summary: Sound extra blocker and good 10-yard route runner. Might not be overly athletic as a TE but could be a pretty athletic tackle. A possibl weapon either way.
Thomas Smith III- Running Back
Apopka High
6-foot, 200 pounds
Summary: A strong and athletic runner. Has good speed, good instincts, toughness. Should start racking up offers soon.
Breon Allen- Running Back/Athlete
Warner Christian Academy
5-foot-9, 170 pounds
Summary: A small school talent with speed, quicks, everything really. Needs more size, but could be a running back or corner. Comparative to local star Jeremiah Bryson.
RJ Altman- Defensive Back
Edgewater High
5-foot-10, 185 pounds
Summary: Small but physical and quick. A top DB prospect who would probably be 4 or 5 star status if he was just 2 inches taller.
Kevin Richardson- Linebacker/Defensive End
Deltona High
6-foot-4, 200 pounds
Summary: Hybrid defender, rangy with good speed. Needs to shed blocks better and add more size but someone to watch in the future.
Josh Jones- Quarterback
East River, Orlando
6-foot-6, 185 pounds
Summary: A tall QB from new school so he may be really under the radar. Has good accuracy, smooth delivery and good feet. Lots of upside.
Brian King Jr.- Defensive Back
Evans High, Orlando
6-foot-2, 190 pounds
Summary: Physical, smart, quick. Has the look of a definite D1 safety to me.
Steven Hughes- Quarterback
Palm Bay High, Melbourne
6-foot-3, 175 pounds
Summary: Good arm and good feet. An athlete that reminds me of Miami signee Stephen Morris.
Teddy Dwork- Quarterback
Benjamin School
6-foot-5, 200 pounds
Summary: A bit of a project but with a solid frame. Throws a tight ball and seems to have a lot of upside.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Three 2011 Quarterbacks to Watch
While a big focus on Vanderbilt's 2011 recruiting efforts should focus on quarterback, there are a few prospects who have caught my eye that may or may not end up on VU's radar. One is already considered one of the top prospects nationally and may end up being a reach for the Commodores. Another is out of Texas and has already reportedly caught the attention of VU. The other is a prospect that we stumbled across recently and believe should emerge soon on the recruiting scene. Here's videos of all three prospects. We suggest you book mark these prospects and keep a look out for them within the next few months.
Russell Bellomy
Martin High, Arlington, Texas
6-foot-4, 180-pounds
Looks like a tremendous athlete and seems to have at least 4.6 speed. Seems to really pick up speed in the open field too, looks like a natural carrying the football. Passing wise, his arm looks strong. Not Jay Cutler strong, but comparable strength to someone like Jordan Rodgers or even Aaron Rodgers. He also makes several throws while on the run and seems to be a guy that could work in both a pro-set or a spread system. Vanderbilt is one of several schools listed among his interests in his Rivals.com profile and we intend to learn more about this signal caller in the coming months. He looks pretty similar to Don Bosco Prep QB Gary Nova, whom Vandy offered over the weekend.
Derek Bryant
Carrboro, N.C.
6-foot-4, 220-pounds
Another "WOW" athletically. Has all of the prototypical measurables you want in a QB and look at his gaudy stats. What seperates Bryant to me from some of the other QB's I've seen is his feet. No, they are not completely at the right form just yet in his career, but they look extremely athletic and very projectable. He's got a solid arm and he's also got that thing called "touch" already. He may "point" the ball at times or flip it over the top, but it works for him. I can just see him getting work for two years and becoming a RS Fr or RS Sophomore that just takes off and becomes one of the nation's best and most feared passers. A part of him really reminds me of former Kansas State turned Tampa Bay QB Josh Freeman. Why he hasn't been talked about on Rivals yet is beyond me. The only thing I can see about him that is keeping him off the radar is his school. His football program has only been around for 3 years, so that might keep him off most school's contact lists. Either way, someone's going to get this kid.
Max Wittek
Mater Dei, Santa Ana, California
6-foot-3, 200 pounds
A Connecticut kid that moved out to California last year and basically has been a star at Mater Dei ever since. Someone said he may be better than Barkley and I think that's possible. Really has a pro-ready arm in my opinion and there's no surprise he has offers from people like Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Clemson and Cal already. He's been quoted as saying he'd like to play in the SEC and though it could be tough for VU to get a kid like this to pick them over Florida or even Spurrier, remember that both of those programs also have other QBs they are heavily pursuing. So I'm personally hoping VU really gets involved. He's just a no brainer type to me, and will probably be among my 615 Top 100 for the 2011 class when I rank the prospects later on this spring.
Russell Bellomy
Martin High, Arlington, Texas
6-foot-4, 180-pounds
Looks like a tremendous athlete and seems to have at least 4.6 speed. Seems to really pick up speed in the open field too, looks like a natural carrying the football. Passing wise, his arm looks strong. Not Jay Cutler strong, but comparable strength to someone like Jordan Rodgers or even Aaron Rodgers. He also makes several throws while on the run and seems to be a guy that could work in both a pro-set or a spread system. Vanderbilt is one of several schools listed among his interests in his Rivals.com profile and we intend to learn more about this signal caller in the coming months. He looks pretty similar to Don Bosco Prep QB Gary Nova, whom Vandy offered over the weekend.
Derek Bryant
Carrboro, N.C.
6-foot-4, 220-pounds
Another "WOW" athletically. Has all of the prototypical measurables you want in a QB and look at his gaudy stats. What seperates Bryant to me from some of the other QB's I've seen is his feet. No, they are not completely at the right form just yet in his career, but they look extremely athletic and very projectable. He's got a solid arm and he's also got that thing called "touch" already. He may "point" the ball at times or flip it over the top, but it works for him. I can just see him getting work for two years and becoming a RS Fr or RS Sophomore that just takes off and becomes one of the nation's best and most feared passers. A part of him really reminds me of former Kansas State turned Tampa Bay QB Josh Freeman. Why he hasn't been talked about on Rivals yet is beyond me. The only thing I can see about him that is keeping him off the radar is his school. His football program has only been around for 3 years, so that might keep him off most school's contact lists. Either way, someone's going to get this kid.
Max Wittek
Mater Dei, Santa Ana, California
6-foot-3, 200 pounds
A Connecticut kid that moved out to California last year and basically has been a star at Mater Dei ever since. Someone said he may be better than Barkley and I think that's possible. Really has a pro-ready arm in my opinion and there's no surprise he has offers from people like Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Clemson and Cal already. He's been quoted as saying he'd like to play in the SEC and though it could be tough for VU to get a kid like this to pick them over Florida or even Spurrier, remember that both of those programs also have other QBs they are heavily pursuing. So I'm personally hoping VU really gets involved. He's just a no brainer type to me, and will probably be among my 615 Top 100 for the 2011 class when I rank the prospects later on this spring.
Monday, February 15, 2010
My Breakdown of SEC's 2010 recruiting
After a few weeks to take everything in, here's my own positional breakdown of how the SEC teams faired:
Quarterback
1. Alabama
2. LSU
3. Arkansas
4. Auburn
5. Tennessee
6. Vanderbilt
7. South Carolina
8. Florida
9. Georgia
10. Kentucky
11. Miss. State
12. Ole Miss
Analysis: In my opinion, Alabama signed one of the classes top five overall QB's in Phillip Sims, he really impressed me with his arm strength during all-star competitions and I think he can be a future 3-year starter. LSU finished second with Zach Lee who I think has possibly more upside than any QB the conference signed. I've been a Jacoby Walker fan for quite a while so I think Arkansas did well there. I'm not a big fan of Cam Newton, but he does have good athleticism and Rivals chose to make him a 5-star so I ranked them 4th. Tennessee's 3 QBs I'm not that big of a fan of individually but you'd think one of the three would prove to be worth something so the volume of their class is what pushed them slightly ahead of Vanderbilt's signing of Jordan Rodgers. However, I do think Rodgers could potentially have a better career than any of the 3 UT signed. I like Connor Shaw's athleticism but don't think he's a natural thrower and I haven't been that impressed with Thompson so that's why SC finished 7th. I think Trey Burton could be a good QB for Florida but he didn't have the kind of senior year I thought and I think that's why UF stole Temple's QB commitment in the two-star Muprhy. I think Hutson Mason could be a decent QB for Georgia, and he set a lot of records, still I think as an actual prospect, he's no better than Logan Gray. There's nothing that impressed me about Tyler Brause and I'm shocked that he's even a 3-star by Rivals. I literally didn't know that until I looked that up today. I think MSU really reached to sign Brett Favre's nephew. I know he had great numbers but he's small and he doesn't jump out on video and he was absolutely horrible in the Offense-Defense All-American game I saw. Ole Miss didn't sign a true QB for this class.
Running Back
1. Auburn
2. Florida
3. LSU
4. Alabama
5. Georgia
6. South Carolina
7. Kentucky
8. Vanderbilt
9. Mississippi State
10. Tennessee
11. Ole Miss
12. Arkansas
Analysis: I think Dyer has a chance to be another Barry Sanders type and think Auburn got a great back, so they won this one going away. I think Brown has a lot of ability to be a difference making every down back in Meyer's system. I've always really liked Mack Brown. LSU got three good backs that could provide speed, elusiveness and power to the backfield. However I wouldn't be surprised if one comes a linebacker, so that's why they were behind AU and Florida. Alabama adds more speed in Grant and another skilled fullback in Fowler. I really like Malcome for UGA, but just not as much as the other collection of backs that those in front of UGA signed. South Carolina got their local jewel in Lattimore but I've never been that happy about him, seeing as though he fumbles the ball a lot. He reminds me of Demetrius Summers in a way. Kentucky closed with a good RB group of Gainer, Sanders and Simpson, though I've never been that high on Simpson. Still, I've always liked Gainer and Sanders is a scatback who can make things happen. I loved the addition of Rajaan Bennett to Vandy's backfield because I think he's a true combo of Zac Stacy and Wesley Tate and could be a future 1,000 yard back at VU as well. I think MSU had a good hall with Nick Griffin, but I wasn't that impressed with Ballard so that's why the finished just a little below Kentucky and Vandy. Rajion Neal had some good stats his senior year but I don't know if its the fact that MSU didn't have a problem with him going to Tennessee or what, but my opinion of him is just a little lower than what Rivals.com's is. I was definitely not impressed with Nick Parker in the Alabama vs. Mississippi all-star game and think he should be a linebacker in college. Same thing for Eastland honestly..and will he even qualify coming out of high school? Jeff Scott's probably the only true back of the guys OM signed and he just seems like a straight ahead runner with little upside to me. Arkansas didn't sign any true running backs in this class.
Wide Receivers
1. Florida
2. Alabama
3. Tennessee
4. LSU
5. Mississippi State
6. Auburn
7. Ole Miss
8. Vanderbilt
9. South Carolina
10. Arkansas
11. Georgia
12. Kentucky
Analysis: Florida had one of the top WR hauls nationally and what's not to like about the group. They got a beast in Dunbar, a big playmaker in Coxson, a highly skilled guy in Dunkley and a guy like Patton that draws comparisons to Percy Harvin. Alabama also got a lot of versatility with guys like Carswell, DeAndrew White and Keiwone Malone who might be one a better WR than 2009's Marlon Brown ever was. Tennessee closed with the athletic freak of Darick Rogers and while I hate his incosistent hands, someone like Justin Hunter should make up for it. I've been kind of "blah" with Matt Milton and think he's more a future TE than WR. The guy that might be the best overall though for them is Ted Meline..he might be their next Peerless Price and outshine them all. LSU didn't have the volume of signees as the others, but certainly had quality with Kadron Boone and James Wright. I'm not sure if either will be immediate high end impact guys though, but they might prove to be better than UT's class when all is said and done in a few years. MSU grabbed quite a talented guy in Robert Johnson, him alone puts them at 5th place, but I like Malcolm Johnson too. Auburn's class is a bit of a mystery to me but I'll go with Rivals on this one. I know that Richardson's talented but I'm not sure if Goodwin's as consistent as a 4-star is supposed to be. Ole Miss got a real good local player in Sanders but they might have got a real jewel in Mireles and that's why they finished 7th. I think Vanderbilt got real quality with their four and think there is the potential for any of the four to become very valuable playmakers for VU. Matthews and Krause especially could be guys that could prove to have been underrated. I put VU slightly ahead of South Carolina because even though they got Ace Sanders, when you watch his film, there's a question to me if his quickness is really all that much better than Pruitt's. Their speed is comparable. Also Sanders profile seemed to explode because of how coy he was with reporters. Arkansas class could end up being better than I think it is because they've got some athletes in Humphreys and Wade, but Hoover people would tell anyone that Humphreys only seems to play when he wants too and Wade is thought to be a better DB prospect than true WR prospect. Add to Jay Herndon who's questionable as a D1-A prospect much less SEC prospect, and it makes me rank them at 10th. Georgia seemed to only get marginal additions here. I know that Michael Bennett is well thought off in his area and friends with VU signees but I don't know if he's that much better than someone like Michael Moore was. Don't really know much of Outlaw. Kentucky signed no prospects who have been projected as true WR's this year.
Tight End
1. Florida
2. LSU
3. Alabama
4. Kentucky
5. Ole Miss
6. Arkansas
7. Auburn
8. Tennessee
9. Georgia
9. Mississippi State
9. South Carolina
9. Vanderbilt
Analysis: Only 16 true projected tight ends signed with SEC schools but it's debatable as to where some will really play. Four schools including Vandy, Georgia, MSU and South Carolina didn't sign a guy that was truly projected as a tight end, though for VU and MSU's case, they did sign some "athletes" that will likely play H-back. However, I went by Rivals here and ranked the "athletes" seperately below. Anyways, Florida signed a real talented guy in Gerald Christian who could be another Aaron Hernandez type. They also added McFarland who's legit Top 25 tight end as well, giving them the nod for best TE class. LSU added Travis Dickson who could be the best "h-back" of the class while adding Nick Jacobs and a good athlete in Cameron Fordham, giving them the 2nd rated class. Alabama grabbed Vogler and Jones, and both could be solid. Kentucky snagged 4-star Alex Smith, which greatly improved their class overall and they signed two other guys who could play tight end. Ole Miss, Arkansas and Auburn's tight ends are really a push honestly and Tennessee added a guy in Rivera who may be a tight end or end up at DE, who knows. Doesn't seem like an overally talented group on video, but this position is always hard to project true impact level anyways.
Offensive Line
1. Auburn
2. Alabama
3. Florida
4. Tennessee
5. Arkansas
6. LSU
7. South Carolina
8. Georgia
9. Vanderbilt
10. Ole Miss
11. Miss. State
12. Kentucky
Analysis: In truth, the king of this category really came down to Auburn and Alabama. Auburn got the nod with Shun Coleman and the late swap of Eric Mack. I also like Chris Slade, though I think Ed Christian's a little overrated. Don't know much about the JUCO they signed but Rivals likes him. Alabama closed with Arie Kouandijo to go along with the strong Chad Lindsey and talented Shephard. Florida got two no doubt Top 100 players to me in Ian Silberman and Chaz Green. Tennessee made some NSD headlines with James Stone signing but honestly he's not as good as Jawaun James or Zach Fulton might be, so that's where UT really made the argument for top 3, I think Pair's one of the biggest projects out there though and that's why UF got a slight nod to me. Arkansas got a solid guy in Feldt but I think their stud will be the German kid Denton Simek. LSU only got two OL's but they got quality in Evan Washington and Elliot Porter. Still the lack of more than two put them behind some of the other schools. South Carolina and UGA's hauls seemed pretty close but I ranked SC a little higher with the signing of AJ Cann. I ranked Vandy 9th with three 3-stars and a guy that I think was underrated in White. I liked them a little better than OM's because I was not impressed with Jared Duke, VU basically said thanks but no thanks to Chase Hughes and the Hackney kid is only rated so high because he went to Hargrave. Just liked VU's haul better than OM's. MSU got Muniz who I think is a good addition but when you look at the rest of them, lot of questionable guys. Kentucky's only projected OL signee was a two-star from Ohio who seemed like a fringe prospect. I don't know if any DL's they signed will become OL's either.
Defensive Line
1. Florida
2. Auburn
3. Georgia
4. LSU
5. Alabama
6. Tennessee
7. Ole Miss
8. Vanderbilt
9. Arkansas
10. Mississippi State
11. Kentucky
12. South Carolina
Analysis: Florida won this one without a doubt, five legit 3-stars among a group of six and Ball and Trail could end up being 2-3 year starters too. Great haul by UF and why they're probably going to keep winning the East with regularity. Auburn also had a real good class with Whitaker and Lemonier and Sanders showed me something during the AL vs. MISS all-star game. I do think Carter's a little overrated, but still a good haul for the Tigers. Georgia just finished behind Auburn because I really like Garrison Smith obviously and I think Thornton's a solid addition. I'm not that high on Fields or Morant though, I'm actually a little higher on Burrows. LSU came in 4th with a solid group but it finished this high with the addition of Ego Ferguson Jr. Alabama finished fifth because I think Alfy Hill could be a stud and Hubbard could be a freak athlete on the end. However, I wasn't that high of Ivory when I saw him at VU's camp and I think Love's overrated honestly and probably a future OL. Tennessee got the better of the Byrnes DL's with Corey Miller but I think John Brown's been over valued with Rivals. I wouldn't be surprised if Martaze Jackson ends up being a better player than Brown or even Jacques Smith. I didn't know what to think of Ole Miss class. Bennett, Martin and Thomas seem overrated to me, but Carlos Thompson wasn't and that's why they got 7th place. Hard to believe that probably the best DL haul Vanderbilt's ever had finished 8th but that's the reality of the SEC and why it's so much harder to win than people really realize. Still, I think all 5 of VU's DL's are unquestioned SEC prospects and that's evidence by all having other SEC offers and being pursued by SEC and other major schools as signing day approached. I rated those 5 above Arkansas haul because even though Barnett was a solid addition, I haven't been high on Jones for quite a while and don't know why he's a 4-star for Rivals. Also not high on Chris Smith. MSU had a 4-star in Eulls that I liked but I didn't like Virges and I think Carmon's probably going to end up on the OL. Kentucky's haul is a bit of touch and go with me, because I think McAdoo's a talent obviously but the rumor here in Murfreesboro is that he won't qualify because he doesn't like to go to class. I like Douglas and Henderson's okay, but Delic, Rumph and especially Laughlin seem overrated to me. Just not that impressed with their DLine class overall. South Carolina had a quality player in Quarles but the other 3 players are 2-stars who really no one knew about until the final month of recruiting basically and SC took them when they couldn't get other guys to switch from the schools they were committed to (i.e. Woestmann and Chandler).
Linebacker
1. Florida
2. Auburn
3. Alabama
4. South Carolina
5. Kentucky
6. LSU
7. Mississippi State
8. Ole Miss
9. Georgia
10. Vanderbilt
11. Arkansas
12. Tennessee
Analysis: From a total collection, this position actually looked to be with QB as the weakest in the conference by far. Only 27 projected linebackers were signed for the conference and really, only three classes really jump out and impress you on paper: Florida, Auburn and Alabama. Florida got Michael Taylor to switch from UT to UF and also brought in the talented Kitchens and Ajagbe, which I saw as being slightly better than Auburn who got good ones in Holland and Owens but an overrated guy in Curry. Curry really did nothing to impress me when I saw Calhoun play Buford. Alabama only signed possibly the top linebacker signee period in CJ Mosley but that lack of volume put them behind UF and Auburn to me. South Carolina got a JUCO who's pretty good and Golston seems like he'll be a good prospect, so they finished 4th. Kentucky's class would probably normally be 9th or 10th during most years but I gave a nod to Johnson and Patterson hauls over some of the other schools. LSU's got a pretty decent group but definitely not their typical standard. I really don't know between 7-12 so I went with these factors: MSU got Harrison who seems like a good prospect, Ole Miss got Williams who seems to have some good upside, UGA's writers have tried to convince their fans that Baker's a linebacker and not safety but I don't know, I like him but wouldn't rate their clas higher than 9th. VU checks in at 10th for me because I love Garnham's speed and think Lassing is going to be a quality player for VU. I guess I bought in there, but this is also without a doubt the area of VU's class that I would've liked to have seem them add one more prospect, one more "combo" type guy that could play the middle as well as the outside. Arkansas's Gaston may have been a three-star but I don't know, he seems more like a DE to me. Tennessee got Propst to switch and I think could prove to be a valued player but he's not that impressive on video and he didn't garner a lot of positive reviews during the AL vs. Miss all-star game. Add to it that VU passed over him when they could've got him, I just have my question marks. And then you include Crump who was very unknown and though to be more of an undersized end than LB, it just made them be the last rated class for me.
Defensive Backs
1. Florida
2. Alabama
3. LSU
4. Georgia
5. Vanderbilt
6. Ole Miss
7. Tennessee
8. South Carolina
9. Auburn
10. Arkansas
11. Kentucky
12. Mississippi State
Analysis: This was like the DL, and a group of really talented prospects everywhere, though it's still a little top heavy. Florida and Alabama between them had about 8 guys that I would consider worthy of Top 100. I gave the slight not to the Gators though because I like the 5-star Elam a little more than the 5-star Milliner. Still, Watkins and Shaw are great prospects for the Gators just as Fulton and and Menzie are for the Tide, so it's probably more like 1a and 1b in terms of ranking. LSU got two real solid prospects in Mathieu and Reid, so I went with them a little bit over Ogletree and Hamilton combo at UGA. Also, I'm not high on Derek Owens, so I went with LSU over UGA for that reason as well. I put Vanderbilt's group over Ole Miss and Tennessee's group in large part averaged out to be a little better and well, I just value some like Simmons and Ladler more than I do guys like Grimes or Coleman. In Tennesse's case, they did get two four stars that was good for their rankings, but I feel like Dave Clark is only a 4-star because he went to the Independence CC. He was bound for Memphis three weeks before signing day, with no SEC schools interested but then TN comes in and grabs him just as they stole the 2-star Sapp from East Carolina. On paper they might seem fine, but I just valued Vandy and Ole Miss' overall group more than UT's. South Carolina closed well with Golightly but I think Williams was overrated after seeing him in the Georgia playoffs and everyone believes that Victor Hampton's been overrated for a while. I just didn't like their overall class compared to the other three. Auburn got some value in Mincy but it wasn't enough to put them higher than 9th to me and Arkansas' Carr might have a decent ranking but most know that he wasn't even a real all-region performer this past year at Gainesville and Smith doesn't seem to be that great of a safety prospect. I think Kentucky got a good player in Trimble, but Gibbs, Simmons and Bailey seem like projects to me. Miss. State's haul might end being better but I'm not a fan of Chris Hughes or Love, so there was nowhere else for them to go but 12th.
Athletes
1. LSU
2. Florida
3. Mississippi State
4. Ole Miss
5. Alabama
6. Arkansas
7. Auburn
8. Kentucky
9. Tennessee
10. Vanderbilt
11. Georgia
11. South Carolina
Analysis: LSU really cleared up in this category, I just wonder where some guys are going to play. Still, I really like Spencer Ware and Ronnie Vinson and I was high on Sam Gibson of course. Florida brought in Dowling, Travon Van and Robert Clark and I valued that group over MSU's group of Jay Hughes, Brandon Hill and Michael Carr. Both groups would seem to be defensive backs in the future though I think UF's guys will be better DB's in the long run. Ole Miss' athletes include Randall Mackey, who may be an ahtletic QB for them for the future and Delvin Jones should be a good DE in the future. I like Blake Sims, probably one of the better overall athletes but he's not going to put Alabama's athlete class that much higher. Arkansas and Auburn signed a lot of guys rated as athletes, which makes you wonder what they are going to do with a lot of them. In the end, I picked Beachum's ability as a possible DT above Auburn's addition of Ryan Smith and Ryan White. Kentucky got Priester obviously, and since I always liked him as a possible DB and offensive specialist, I had to rank him accordingly. Tennessee got a good DB/special teams player in Dixon but I think Fugate is a throw away guy honestly. If it was between Blake Gowder and him, I would've put VU ahead of Tennessee, but Dixon made the difference there. Georgia and South Carolina didn't sign any prospects rated as "athletes" for this class.
Kicking Specialists
1. Auburn
2. Arkansas
3. LSU
4. Vanderbilt
5. Tennessee
6. Alabama
7. Kentucky
8. South Carolina
9. Florida
9. Georgia
9. Mississippi State
9. Ole Miss
Analysis: This position obviously involves just as many walk-ons as scholarship prospects at times, but I still ranked it. I used both production and two actual kicking sources above Rivals rankings for the position, which I really wonder how and where they came up with them quite honestly. I can't believe they didn't rate Spear in their Top 25 yet put him 4th most accurate? Huh? Anyways, I went with Auburn No.1 due to Steve Clark moreso than Parkey who Chris Sailer had as the nation's top kicker. Clark's an impressive punter and I think that's more valued for AU's haul, though Parkey is obviously a good prospect. No.2 was Arkansas who brought in Eddie Camara, a guy from Texas with a lot of positive hype. They also signed another specialist. LSU got a pretty good punter in Wing, I was impressed with his video. I ranked Vandy 4th because of how powerful Spear's leg is supposed to be, his career and versatility as a long kicker and kickoff guy as well as perhaps a punting future. Palardy is hyped by Rivals but aside from kickoffs he's not considered to be that accurate of a field goal kicker according to experts, so I rated UT's class 5th. Alabama got a good athlete in Foster but don't know if he's going to be a good kicker, Williams might be better down the road. Kentucky was 7th with Mansour who Sailer rated 22nd as a kicker. South Carolina was eighth with Fish while Florida, Georgia, MSU and Ole Miss didn't sign a kicker to scholarship.
So according to the average ranking of the positions, this was what the overall ranking of the classes I came to:
1. Florida (2.2)
2. Alabama (3.3)
3. LSU (3.4)
4. Auburn (4)
5. Arkansas (6.9)
5. Tennessee (6.9)
7. Georgia (7)
8. Ole Miss (7.3)
9. South Carolina (7.4)
10. Vanderbilt (7.6)
11. Kentucky (8.3)
12. Mississippi State (8.5)
I thought my analysis was very objective, but hey, it's just my one opinion, so whatever. I agreed with Rivals in a lot of cases, though there were some places where I disagreed and my system was by average, not just doubling up on points and such, so that's probably why some of my takes are different than the network.
Quarterback
1. Alabama
2. LSU
3. Arkansas
4. Auburn
5. Tennessee
6. Vanderbilt
7. South Carolina
8. Florida
9. Georgia
10. Kentucky
11. Miss. State
12. Ole Miss
Analysis: In my opinion, Alabama signed one of the classes top five overall QB's in Phillip Sims, he really impressed me with his arm strength during all-star competitions and I think he can be a future 3-year starter. LSU finished second with Zach Lee who I think has possibly more upside than any QB the conference signed. I've been a Jacoby Walker fan for quite a while so I think Arkansas did well there. I'm not a big fan of Cam Newton, but he does have good athleticism and Rivals chose to make him a 5-star so I ranked them 4th. Tennessee's 3 QBs I'm not that big of a fan of individually but you'd think one of the three would prove to be worth something so the volume of their class is what pushed them slightly ahead of Vanderbilt's signing of Jordan Rodgers. However, I do think Rodgers could potentially have a better career than any of the 3 UT signed. I like Connor Shaw's athleticism but don't think he's a natural thrower and I haven't been that impressed with Thompson so that's why SC finished 7th. I think Trey Burton could be a good QB for Florida but he didn't have the kind of senior year I thought and I think that's why UF stole Temple's QB commitment in the two-star Muprhy. I think Hutson Mason could be a decent QB for Georgia, and he set a lot of records, still I think as an actual prospect, he's no better than Logan Gray. There's nothing that impressed me about Tyler Brause and I'm shocked that he's even a 3-star by Rivals. I literally didn't know that until I looked that up today. I think MSU really reached to sign Brett Favre's nephew. I know he had great numbers but he's small and he doesn't jump out on video and he was absolutely horrible in the Offense-Defense All-American game I saw. Ole Miss didn't sign a true QB for this class.
Running Back
1. Auburn
2. Florida
3. LSU
4. Alabama
5. Georgia
6. South Carolina
7. Kentucky
8. Vanderbilt
9. Mississippi State
10. Tennessee
11. Ole Miss
12. Arkansas
Analysis: I think Dyer has a chance to be another Barry Sanders type and think Auburn got a great back, so they won this one going away. I think Brown has a lot of ability to be a difference making every down back in Meyer's system. I've always really liked Mack Brown. LSU got three good backs that could provide speed, elusiveness and power to the backfield. However I wouldn't be surprised if one comes a linebacker, so that's why they were behind AU and Florida. Alabama adds more speed in Grant and another skilled fullback in Fowler. I really like Malcome for UGA, but just not as much as the other collection of backs that those in front of UGA signed. South Carolina got their local jewel in Lattimore but I've never been that happy about him, seeing as though he fumbles the ball a lot. He reminds me of Demetrius Summers in a way. Kentucky closed with a good RB group of Gainer, Sanders and Simpson, though I've never been that high on Simpson. Still, I've always liked Gainer and Sanders is a scatback who can make things happen. I loved the addition of Rajaan Bennett to Vandy's backfield because I think he's a true combo of Zac Stacy and Wesley Tate and could be a future 1,000 yard back at VU as well. I think MSU had a good hall with Nick Griffin, but I wasn't that impressed with Ballard so that's why the finished just a little below Kentucky and Vandy. Rajion Neal had some good stats his senior year but I don't know if its the fact that MSU didn't have a problem with him going to Tennessee or what, but my opinion of him is just a little lower than what Rivals.com's is. I was definitely not impressed with Nick Parker in the Alabama vs. Mississippi all-star game and think he should be a linebacker in college. Same thing for Eastland honestly..and will he even qualify coming out of high school? Jeff Scott's probably the only true back of the guys OM signed and he just seems like a straight ahead runner with little upside to me. Arkansas didn't sign any true running backs in this class.
Wide Receivers
1. Florida
2. Alabama
3. Tennessee
4. LSU
5. Mississippi State
6. Auburn
7. Ole Miss
8. Vanderbilt
9. South Carolina
10. Arkansas
11. Georgia
12. Kentucky
Analysis: Florida had one of the top WR hauls nationally and what's not to like about the group. They got a beast in Dunbar, a big playmaker in Coxson, a highly skilled guy in Dunkley and a guy like Patton that draws comparisons to Percy Harvin. Alabama also got a lot of versatility with guys like Carswell, DeAndrew White and Keiwone Malone who might be one a better WR than 2009's Marlon Brown ever was. Tennessee closed with the athletic freak of Darick Rogers and while I hate his incosistent hands, someone like Justin Hunter should make up for it. I've been kind of "blah" with Matt Milton and think he's more a future TE than WR. The guy that might be the best overall though for them is Ted Meline..he might be their next Peerless Price and outshine them all. LSU didn't have the volume of signees as the others, but certainly had quality with Kadron Boone and James Wright. I'm not sure if either will be immediate high end impact guys though, but they might prove to be better than UT's class when all is said and done in a few years. MSU grabbed quite a talented guy in Robert Johnson, him alone puts them at 5th place, but I like Malcolm Johnson too. Auburn's class is a bit of a mystery to me but I'll go with Rivals on this one. I know that Richardson's talented but I'm not sure if Goodwin's as consistent as a 4-star is supposed to be. Ole Miss got a real good local player in Sanders but they might have got a real jewel in Mireles and that's why they finished 7th. I think Vanderbilt got real quality with their four and think there is the potential for any of the four to become very valuable playmakers for VU. Matthews and Krause especially could be guys that could prove to have been underrated. I put VU slightly ahead of South Carolina because even though they got Ace Sanders, when you watch his film, there's a question to me if his quickness is really all that much better than Pruitt's. Their speed is comparable. Also Sanders profile seemed to explode because of how coy he was with reporters. Arkansas class could end up being better than I think it is because they've got some athletes in Humphreys and Wade, but Hoover people would tell anyone that Humphreys only seems to play when he wants too and Wade is thought to be a better DB prospect than true WR prospect. Add to Jay Herndon who's questionable as a D1-A prospect much less SEC prospect, and it makes me rank them at 10th. Georgia seemed to only get marginal additions here. I know that Michael Bennett is well thought off in his area and friends with VU signees but I don't know if he's that much better than someone like Michael Moore was. Don't really know much of Outlaw. Kentucky signed no prospects who have been projected as true WR's this year.
Tight End
1. Florida
2. LSU
3. Alabama
4. Kentucky
5. Ole Miss
6. Arkansas
7. Auburn
8. Tennessee
9. Georgia
9. Mississippi State
9. South Carolina
9. Vanderbilt
Analysis: Only 16 true projected tight ends signed with SEC schools but it's debatable as to where some will really play. Four schools including Vandy, Georgia, MSU and South Carolina didn't sign a guy that was truly projected as a tight end, though for VU and MSU's case, they did sign some "athletes" that will likely play H-back. However, I went by Rivals here and ranked the "athletes" seperately below. Anyways, Florida signed a real talented guy in Gerald Christian who could be another Aaron Hernandez type. They also added McFarland who's legit Top 25 tight end as well, giving them the nod for best TE class. LSU added Travis Dickson who could be the best "h-back" of the class while adding Nick Jacobs and a good athlete in Cameron Fordham, giving them the 2nd rated class. Alabama grabbed Vogler and Jones, and both could be solid. Kentucky snagged 4-star Alex Smith, which greatly improved their class overall and they signed two other guys who could play tight end. Ole Miss, Arkansas and Auburn's tight ends are really a push honestly and Tennessee added a guy in Rivera who may be a tight end or end up at DE, who knows. Doesn't seem like an overally talented group on video, but this position is always hard to project true impact level anyways.
Offensive Line
1. Auburn
2. Alabama
3. Florida
4. Tennessee
5. Arkansas
6. LSU
7. South Carolina
8. Georgia
9. Vanderbilt
10. Ole Miss
11. Miss. State
12. Kentucky
Analysis: In truth, the king of this category really came down to Auburn and Alabama. Auburn got the nod with Shun Coleman and the late swap of Eric Mack. I also like Chris Slade, though I think Ed Christian's a little overrated. Don't know much about the JUCO they signed but Rivals likes him. Alabama closed with Arie Kouandijo to go along with the strong Chad Lindsey and talented Shephard. Florida got two no doubt Top 100 players to me in Ian Silberman and Chaz Green. Tennessee made some NSD headlines with James Stone signing but honestly he's not as good as Jawaun James or Zach Fulton might be, so that's where UT really made the argument for top 3, I think Pair's one of the biggest projects out there though and that's why UF got a slight nod to me. Arkansas got a solid guy in Feldt but I think their stud will be the German kid Denton Simek. LSU only got two OL's but they got quality in Evan Washington and Elliot Porter. Still the lack of more than two put them behind some of the other schools. South Carolina and UGA's hauls seemed pretty close but I ranked SC a little higher with the signing of AJ Cann. I ranked Vandy 9th with three 3-stars and a guy that I think was underrated in White. I liked them a little better than OM's because I was not impressed with Jared Duke, VU basically said thanks but no thanks to Chase Hughes and the Hackney kid is only rated so high because he went to Hargrave. Just liked VU's haul better than OM's. MSU got Muniz who I think is a good addition but when you look at the rest of them, lot of questionable guys. Kentucky's only projected OL signee was a two-star from Ohio who seemed like a fringe prospect. I don't know if any DL's they signed will become OL's either.
Defensive Line
1. Florida
2. Auburn
3. Georgia
4. LSU
5. Alabama
6. Tennessee
7. Ole Miss
8. Vanderbilt
9. Arkansas
10. Mississippi State
11. Kentucky
12. South Carolina
Analysis: Florida won this one without a doubt, five legit 3-stars among a group of six and Ball and Trail could end up being 2-3 year starters too. Great haul by UF and why they're probably going to keep winning the East with regularity. Auburn also had a real good class with Whitaker and Lemonier and Sanders showed me something during the AL vs. MISS all-star game. I do think Carter's a little overrated, but still a good haul for the Tigers. Georgia just finished behind Auburn because I really like Garrison Smith obviously and I think Thornton's a solid addition. I'm not that high on Fields or Morant though, I'm actually a little higher on Burrows. LSU came in 4th with a solid group but it finished this high with the addition of Ego Ferguson Jr. Alabama finished fifth because I think Alfy Hill could be a stud and Hubbard could be a freak athlete on the end. However, I wasn't that high of Ivory when I saw him at VU's camp and I think Love's overrated honestly and probably a future OL. Tennessee got the better of the Byrnes DL's with Corey Miller but I think John Brown's been over valued with Rivals. I wouldn't be surprised if Martaze Jackson ends up being a better player than Brown or even Jacques Smith. I didn't know what to think of Ole Miss class. Bennett, Martin and Thomas seem overrated to me, but Carlos Thompson wasn't and that's why they got 7th place. Hard to believe that probably the best DL haul Vanderbilt's ever had finished 8th but that's the reality of the SEC and why it's so much harder to win than people really realize. Still, I think all 5 of VU's DL's are unquestioned SEC prospects and that's evidence by all having other SEC offers and being pursued by SEC and other major schools as signing day approached. I rated those 5 above Arkansas haul because even though Barnett was a solid addition, I haven't been high on Jones for quite a while and don't know why he's a 4-star for Rivals. Also not high on Chris Smith. MSU had a 4-star in Eulls that I liked but I didn't like Virges and I think Carmon's probably going to end up on the OL. Kentucky's haul is a bit of touch and go with me, because I think McAdoo's a talent obviously but the rumor here in Murfreesboro is that he won't qualify because he doesn't like to go to class. I like Douglas and Henderson's okay, but Delic, Rumph and especially Laughlin seem overrated to me. Just not that impressed with their DLine class overall. South Carolina had a quality player in Quarles but the other 3 players are 2-stars who really no one knew about until the final month of recruiting basically and SC took them when they couldn't get other guys to switch from the schools they were committed to (i.e. Woestmann and Chandler).
Linebacker
1. Florida
2. Auburn
3. Alabama
4. South Carolina
5. Kentucky
6. LSU
7. Mississippi State
8. Ole Miss
9. Georgia
10. Vanderbilt
11. Arkansas
12. Tennessee
Analysis: From a total collection, this position actually looked to be with QB as the weakest in the conference by far. Only 27 projected linebackers were signed for the conference and really, only three classes really jump out and impress you on paper: Florida, Auburn and Alabama. Florida got Michael Taylor to switch from UT to UF and also brought in the talented Kitchens and Ajagbe, which I saw as being slightly better than Auburn who got good ones in Holland and Owens but an overrated guy in Curry. Curry really did nothing to impress me when I saw Calhoun play Buford. Alabama only signed possibly the top linebacker signee period in CJ Mosley but that lack of volume put them behind UF and Auburn to me. South Carolina got a JUCO who's pretty good and Golston seems like he'll be a good prospect, so they finished 4th. Kentucky's class would probably normally be 9th or 10th during most years but I gave a nod to Johnson and Patterson hauls over some of the other schools. LSU's got a pretty decent group but definitely not their typical standard. I really don't know between 7-12 so I went with these factors: MSU got Harrison who seems like a good prospect, Ole Miss got Williams who seems to have some good upside, UGA's writers have tried to convince their fans that Baker's a linebacker and not safety but I don't know, I like him but wouldn't rate their clas higher than 9th. VU checks in at 10th for me because I love Garnham's speed and think Lassing is going to be a quality player for VU. I guess I bought in there, but this is also without a doubt the area of VU's class that I would've liked to have seem them add one more prospect, one more "combo" type guy that could play the middle as well as the outside. Arkansas's Gaston may have been a three-star but I don't know, he seems more like a DE to me. Tennessee got Propst to switch and I think could prove to be a valued player but he's not that impressive on video and he didn't garner a lot of positive reviews during the AL vs. Miss all-star game. Add to it that VU passed over him when they could've got him, I just have my question marks. And then you include Crump who was very unknown and though to be more of an undersized end than LB, it just made them be the last rated class for me.
Defensive Backs
1. Florida
2. Alabama
3. LSU
4. Georgia
5. Vanderbilt
6. Ole Miss
7. Tennessee
8. South Carolina
9. Auburn
10. Arkansas
11. Kentucky
12. Mississippi State
Analysis: This was like the DL, and a group of really talented prospects everywhere, though it's still a little top heavy. Florida and Alabama between them had about 8 guys that I would consider worthy of Top 100. I gave the slight not to the Gators though because I like the 5-star Elam a little more than the 5-star Milliner. Still, Watkins and Shaw are great prospects for the Gators just as Fulton and and Menzie are for the Tide, so it's probably more like 1a and 1b in terms of ranking. LSU got two real solid prospects in Mathieu and Reid, so I went with them a little bit over Ogletree and Hamilton combo at UGA. Also, I'm not high on Derek Owens, so I went with LSU over UGA for that reason as well. I put Vanderbilt's group over Ole Miss and Tennessee's group in large part averaged out to be a little better and well, I just value some like Simmons and Ladler more than I do guys like Grimes or Coleman. In Tennesse's case, they did get two four stars that was good for their rankings, but I feel like Dave Clark is only a 4-star because he went to the Independence CC. He was bound for Memphis three weeks before signing day, with no SEC schools interested but then TN comes in and grabs him just as they stole the 2-star Sapp from East Carolina. On paper they might seem fine, but I just valued Vandy and Ole Miss' overall group more than UT's. South Carolina closed well with Golightly but I think Williams was overrated after seeing him in the Georgia playoffs and everyone believes that Victor Hampton's been overrated for a while. I just didn't like their overall class compared to the other three. Auburn got some value in Mincy but it wasn't enough to put them higher than 9th to me and Arkansas' Carr might have a decent ranking but most know that he wasn't even a real all-region performer this past year at Gainesville and Smith doesn't seem to be that great of a safety prospect. I think Kentucky got a good player in Trimble, but Gibbs, Simmons and Bailey seem like projects to me. Miss. State's haul might end being better but I'm not a fan of Chris Hughes or Love, so there was nowhere else for them to go but 12th.
Athletes
1. LSU
2. Florida
3. Mississippi State
4. Ole Miss
5. Alabama
6. Arkansas
7. Auburn
8. Kentucky
9. Tennessee
10. Vanderbilt
11. Georgia
11. South Carolina
Analysis: LSU really cleared up in this category, I just wonder where some guys are going to play. Still, I really like Spencer Ware and Ronnie Vinson and I was high on Sam Gibson of course. Florida brought in Dowling, Travon Van and Robert Clark and I valued that group over MSU's group of Jay Hughes, Brandon Hill and Michael Carr. Both groups would seem to be defensive backs in the future though I think UF's guys will be better DB's in the long run. Ole Miss' athletes include Randall Mackey, who may be an ahtletic QB for them for the future and Delvin Jones should be a good DE in the future. I like Blake Sims, probably one of the better overall athletes but he's not going to put Alabama's athlete class that much higher. Arkansas and Auburn signed a lot of guys rated as athletes, which makes you wonder what they are going to do with a lot of them. In the end, I picked Beachum's ability as a possible DT above Auburn's addition of Ryan Smith and Ryan White. Kentucky got Priester obviously, and since I always liked him as a possible DB and offensive specialist, I had to rank him accordingly. Tennessee got a good DB/special teams player in Dixon but I think Fugate is a throw away guy honestly. If it was between Blake Gowder and him, I would've put VU ahead of Tennessee, but Dixon made the difference there. Georgia and South Carolina didn't sign any prospects rated as "athletes" for this class.
Kicking Specialists
1. Auburn
2. Arkansas
3. LSU
4. Vanderbilt
5. Tennessee
6. Alabama
7. Kentucky
8. South Carolina
9. Florida
9. Georgia
9. Mississippi State
9. Ole Miss
Analysis: This position obviously involves just as many walk-ons as scholarship prospects at times, but I still ranked it. I used both production and two actual kicking sources above Rivals rankings for the position, which I really wonder how and where they came up with them quite honestly. I can't believe they didn't rate Spear in their Top 25 yet put him 4th most accurate? Huh? Anyways, I went with Auburn No.1 due to Steve Clark moreso than Parkey who Chris Sailer had as the nation's top kicker. Clark's an impressive punter and I think that's more valued for AU's haul, though Parkey is obviously a good prospect. No.2 was Arkansas who brought in Eddie Camara, a guy from Texas with a lot of positive hype. They also signed another specialist. LSU got a pretty good punter in Wing, I was impressed with his video. I ranked Vandy 4th because of how powerful Spear's leg is supposed to be, his career and versatility as a long kicker and kickoff guy as well as perhaps a punting future. Palardy is hyped by Rivals but aside from kickoffs he's not considered to be that accurate of a field goal kicker according to experts, so I rated UT's class 5th. Alabama got a good athlete in Foster but don't know if he's going to be a good kicker, Williams might be better down the road. Kentucky was 7th with Mansour who Sailer rated 22nd as a kicker. South Carolina was eighth with Fish while Florida, Georgia, MSU and Ole Miss didn't sign a kicker to scholarship.
So according to the average ranking of the positions, this was what the overall ranking of the classes I came to:
1. Florida (2.2)
2. Alabama (3.3)
3. LSU (3.4)
4. Auburn (4)
5. Arkansas (6.9)
5. Tennessee (6.9)
7. Georgia (7)
8. Ole Miss (7.3)
9. South Carolina (7.4)
10. Vanderbilt (7.6)
11. Kentucky (8.3)
12. Mississippi State (8.5)
I thought my analysis was very objective, but hey, it's just my one opinion, so whatever. I agreed with Rivals in a lot of cases, though there were some places where I disagreed and my system was by average, not just doubling up on points and such, so that's probably why some of my takes are different than the network.
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