Category Rankings: The best of the best
CATEGORY RANKINGS: QUARTERBACKS
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STRONGEST ARM
1. Matt Barkley, Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei
COMMITMENT: Already enrolled at USC
BUZZ: Showed incredible zip on his passes at the Under Armour practices and game.
2. Zach Mettenberger, Watkinsville (Ga.) Oconee County
COMMITMENT: Georgia
BUZZ: His dominating performance at the preseason Tuscaloosa Nike Camp remains mind-boggling.
3. Tom Savage, Springfield (Pa.) Cardinal O'Hara
COMMITMENT: Rutgers
BUZZ: He demonstrated that he can throw a beautiful deep ball at U.S. Army practices.
4. Aaron Murray, Tampa (Fla.) Plant
COMMITMENT: Already enrolled at Georgia
BUZZ: Despite being injured, he still led his team to the state Class 4A championship.
5. Tyrik Rollison, Sulphur Springs (Texas) High
COMMITMENT: Auburn
BUZZ: He led his team to a state championship by throwing 51 touchdown passes.
MOST ACCURATE
1. Tyrik Rollison, Sulphur Springs (Texas) High
COMMITMENT: Auburn
BUZZ: He completed an amazing 73.6 percent of his 428 attempts.
2. Garrett Gilbert, Austin (Texas) Lake Travis
COMMITMENT: Texas
BUZZ: He led his team to the 4A DI state championship by completing 68.9 percent of his passes.
3. Cody Green, Dayton (Texas) High
COMMITMENT: Nebraska
BUZZ: This dual-threat quarterback completed 65.5 percent of his passes.
4. Richard Brehaut, Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.) Los Osos
COMMITMENT: Already enrolled at UCLA
BUZZ: This Under Armour game participant completed 63 percent of his passes.
5. Allan Bridgford, Mission Viejo (Calif.) Mission Viejo
COMMITMENT: California
BUZZ: This U.S Army competitor finished the season completing 61.3 percent of his passes.
BEST SCRAMBLER
1. Russell Shepard, Houston Cypress Ridge
COMMITMENT: LSU
BUZZ: He was able to run for 1,947 yards and 29 TDs from the quarterback position.
2. Cody Green, Dayton (Texas) High
COMMITMENT: Nebraska
BUZZ: He bullied his way for 1,610 yards and 25 TDs for his state runner-up team.
3. Morgan Newton, Carmel (Ind.) High
COMMITMENT: Kentucky
BUZZ: He rushed for 1,462 yards and 24 TDs this season.
4. Blaine Dalton, Blue Springs (Mo.) South
COMMITMENT: Missouri
BUZZ: Dalton ran for 1,164 yards and 14 TDs this season.
5. Tyrik Rollison, Sulphur Springs (Texas) High
COMMITMENT: Auburn
BUZZ: While he's known for his passing acumen, he also ran for 1,094 yards and 14 TDs.
CATEGORY RANKINGS: RUNNING BACKS
HOME-RUN THREAT
1. Bryce Brown, Wichita (Kan.) East
COMMITMENT: Miami
BUZZ: He demonstrated his big-play ability in the U.S. Army game by catching two long TD passes.
2. David Wilson, Danville (Va.) George Washington
COMMITMENT: Virginia Tech
BUZZ: He flashed his big-play ability during the week at the Hawaii vs. Mainland Bowl.
3. Trent Richardson, Pensacola (Fla.) Escambia
COMMITMENT: Alabama
BUZZ: He's a big, bruising back who also runs the 100-meter dash and can score from anywhere.
4. Christine Michael, Beaumont (Texas) West Brook
COMMITMENT: Texas A&M
BUZZ: He showed at the U.S. Army practices that he can score at any time.
5. Cierre Wood, Oxnard (Calif.) Santa Clara
COMMITMENT: Notre Dame
BUZZ: All he needs is a seam and a head of steam, and he can go the distance.
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BEST INSIDE RUNNER
1. Trent Richardson, Pensacola (Fla.) Escambia
COMMITMENT: Alabama
BUZZ: He runs defenders over for fun, a la Earl Campbell.
2. Bryce Brown, Wichita (Kan.) East
COMMITMENT: Miami
BUZZ: He's another big back who can punish linebackers.
3. Waymon James, Sherman (Texas) High
COMMITMENT: TCU
BUZZ: His low center of gravity makes this back a pinball wizard, a la Barry Sanders.
4. Michael Ford, Leesville (La.) High
COMMITMENT: LSU
BUZZ: Most of his yards this season came the hard way – after contact.
5. Washaun Ealey, Twin City (Ga.) Emanuel County Institute
COMMITMENT: Georgia
BUZZ: He does a great job of keeping his feet moving after contact.
BEST IN SPACE
1. Chris Thompson, Madison (Fla.) Madison County
COMMITMENT: Florida State
BUZZ: He's dangerous as a punt returner and flexed out as a receiver.
2. Jarvis Giles, Tampa (Fla.) Gaither
COMMITMENT: Already enrolled at South Carolina
BUZZ: This guy is nearly impossible to tackle in the open field because his hips are on a swivel.
3. Eric Stephens, Mansfield (Texas) Timberview
COMMITMENT: Texas Tech
BUZZ: You couldn't hit him with a handful of sand if he were standing in a phone booth.
4. Tavon Austin, Baltimore Dunbar
COMMITMENT: West Virginia
BUZZ: He's a threat to score as a return man, a receiver and once he gets into the secondary.
5. David Oku, Midwest City (Okla.) Carl Albert
COMMITMENT: Tennessee
BUZZ: He can leave a defender corkscrewed in the ground.
BEST DOWNHILL RUNNER
1. Trent Richardson, Pensacola (Fla.) Escambia
COMMITMENT: Alabama
BUZZ: He demonstrated great forward body lean and power at Under Armour practices.
2. Edwin Baker, Oak Park (Mich.) High
COMMITMENT: Michigan State
BUZZ: This is a rocked-up, smash-mouth running back who will run it down your throat.
3. Christine Michael, Beaumont (Texas) West Brook
COMMITMENT: Texas A&M
BUZZ: He can do a little bit of everything, including uncoiling like a rattler just before contact.
4. Michael Ford, Leesville (La.) High
COMMITMENT: LSU
BUZZ: He left plenty of shoulder pad and helmet bruises on his opponents this season.
5. Knile Davis, Missouri City (Texas) Fort Bend Marshall
COMMITMENT: Already enrolled at Arkansas
BUZZ: A big, bruising back with a running style similar to Eddie George.
CATEGORY RANKINGS: WIDE RECEIVERS
BEST DEEP THREAT
1. Andre Debose, Sanford (Fla.) Seminole
COMMITMENT: Florida
BUZZ: Has tremendous speed and can get behind almost any defender, as he did at the Under Armour game.
2. Jheranie Boyd, Gastonia (N.C.) Ashbrook
COMMITMENT: North Carolina
BUZZ: This track star has the speed, vertical ability and lateral moves to get deep every time.
3. Kevin Norwood, D'Iberville (Miss.) High
COMMITMENT: Alabama
BUZZ: He proved to be the fastest of the Mississippi receivers at the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic.
4. Terry Hawthorne, East St. Louis (Ill.) High
COMMITMENT: Illinois
BUZZ: He's a similar player to Debose, but just a bit slower.
5. Logan Heastie, Chesapeake (Va.) Great Bridge
COMMITMENT: West Virginia
BUZZ: Running deep routes with blazing speed is his specialty.
BEST HANDS
1. Patrick Patterson, Macon (Miss.) Noxubee County
CONSIDERING: Alabama, Ole Miss, Southern Miss, Tennessee
BUZZ: He demonstrated all week at Alabama-Mississippi all-star practices and in the U. S. Army game that he can go up and get it.
2. Duron Carter, Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas
COMMITMENT: Ohio State
BUZZ: He was the most consistent pass catcher the entire week at Under Armour practices.
3. Rueben Randle, Bastrop (La.) High
CONSIDERING: Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Oklahoma
BUZZ: Even after playing quarterback this season, he didn't look rusty catching passes at U.S. Army practices.
4. Michael Bowman, Rossville (Ga.) Ridgeland
CONSIDERING: Alabama
BUZZ: He was a human Venus flytrap at the preseason Tuscaloosa Nike Camp.
5. Orson Charles, Tampa (Fla.) Plant
CONSIDERING: Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Tennessee, USC
BUZZ: This muscular receiver just reaches out and takes the air out of the ball in mid-flight.
BEST AFTER CATCH
1. Andre Debose, Sanford (Fla.) Seminole
COMMITMENT: Florida
BUZZ: He will remind Gators fans of Percy Harvin when he gets on campus.
2. Nu'Keese Richardson, Pahokee (Fla.) High
COMMITMENT: Florida
BUZZ: He is a quick and fast water bug who is hard to capture.
3. Rueben Randle, Bastrop (La.) High
CONSIDERING: Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Oklahoma
BUZZ: His combination of size and speed makes it hard to tackle him.
4. Jheranie Boyd, Gastonia (N.C.) Ashbrook
COMMITMENT: North Carolina
BUZZ: He has the speed and hips to hit any crease between defenders and keep going.
5. Chad Bumphis, Tupelo (Miss.) High
COMMITMENT: Mississippi State
BUZZ: He's a shifty receiver after the catch, as he demonstrated at the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star practices.
BEST ATHLETE
1. Rueben Randle, Bastrop (La.) High
CONSIDERING: Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Oklahoma
BUZZ: Not only is Randle the top wide receiver prospect, but he also could be a quarterback at the next level.
2. Jheranie Boyd, Gastonia (N.C.) Ashbrook
COMMITMENT: North Carolina
BUZZ: An all-around track athlete who has serious football skills.
3. Marlon Brown, Memphis (Tenn.) Harding Academy
CONSIDERING: Florida, Georgia, Ole Miss, Ohio State, Tennessee
BUZZ: He's a basketball star – and a mismatch for cornerbacks.
4. Bryce McNeal, Minneapolis Breck
COMMITMENT: Clemson
BUZZ: He's a 100-meter star and basketball player whose first love is football.
5. Nu'Keese Richardson, Pahokee (Fla.) High
COMMITMENT: Florida
BUZZ: He's a wide receiver who was forced into playing quarterback – and he led his team to a state title.
CATEGORY RANKINGS: TIGHT ENDS
FASTEST
1. Dion Sims, Orchard Lake (Mich.) St. Mary's
COMMITMENT: Michigan State
BUZZ: Running back and forth on the hardwood has translated to speed on the gridiron.
2. Richard Wilson, Spanish Fork (Utah) High
COMMITMENT: BYU
BUZZ: He runs routes with the swiftness of a wide receiver.
3. Logan Thomas, Lynchburg (Va.) Brookville
COMMITMENT: Virginia Tech
BUZZ: He showed good speed at the preseason FBU Top Gun Showcase.
4. Barrett Matthews, Galena Park (Texas) North Shore
COMMITMENT: Texas
BUZZ: This undersized yet muscular tight end has the ability to go deep.
5. Tracy Moore, Tulsa (Okla.) Union
COMMITMENT: Oklahoma State
BUZZ: This speedy tight end was one of the top receivers in the state with 71 catches.
BEST ATHLETE
1. Dion Sims, Orchard Lake (Mich.) St. Mary's
COMMITMENT: Michigan State
BUZZ: He had scholarship offers in football and basketball.
2. Logan Thomas, Lynchburg (Va.) Brookville
COMMITMENT: Virginia Tech
BUZZ: Another basketball star who played quarterback in 2008.
3. Philip Lutzenkirchen, Marietta (Ga.) Lassiter
COMMITMENT: Auburn
BUZZ: He made numerous acrobatic catches and is one of the nastiest blockers I saw this season.
4. Tracy Moore, Tulsa (Okla.) Union
COMMITMENT: Oklahoma State
BUZZ: He has the athletic ability to also line up at fullback and wide receiver at the next level.
5. Zach Ertz, Danville (Calif.) Monte Vista
COMMITMENT: Stanford
BUZZ: He found the end zone 14 times this season.
BEST HANDS
1. Philip Lutzenkirchen, Marietta (Ga.) Lassiter
COMMITMENT: Auburn
BUZZ: His amazing catches are all over the Internet.
2. Zach Ertz, Danville (Calif.) Monte Vista
COMMITMENT: Stanford
BUZZ: He finally was healthy for a full season and was able to manage double-digit touchdowns.
3. Richard Wilson, Spanish Fork (Utah) High
COMMITMENT: BYU
BUZZ: He finished the season with 43 receptions and 11 TDs.
4. Tracy Moore, Tulsa (Okla.) Union
COMMITMENT: Oklahoma State
BUZZ: He finished the season with 1,023 receiving yards and 11 TDs.
5. Tyler Eifert, Fort Wayne (Ind.) Bishop Dwenger
COMMITMENT: Notre Dame
BUZZ: He had 73 receptions and 13 TDs over the past two seasons.
CATEGORY RANKINGS: OFFENSIVE LINE
BEST RUN BLOCKER
1. D.J. Fluker, Foley (Ala.) High
COMMITMENT: Alabama
BUZZ: I watched him collapse the whole right side of the Mississippi defense in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic.
2. Mason Walters, Wolfforth (Texas) Frenship
COMMITMENT: Texas
BUZZ: He's just too big and too athletic not to dominate less-athletic lineman.
3. Morgan Moses, Richmond (Va.) Meadowbrook
CONSIDERING: North Carolina, Ohio State, Virginia
BUZZ: On film, he is just a road grader in the running game.
4. Stanley Hasiak, Kapolei (Hawaii) High
COMMITMENT: California
BUZZ: So wide and powerful; he dominated more athletic lineman at the USC camp.
5. Chris Burnette, LaGrange (Ga.) Troup
COMMITMENT: Georgia
BUZZ: His expertise is in getting downfield and picking off linebackers.
BEST PASS BLOCKER
1. Xavier Nixon, Fayetteville (N.C.) Jack Britt
COMMITMENT: Florida
BUZZ: Watching him slide his feet while in contact with a defender is poetry in motion.
2. D.J. Fluker, Foley (Ala.) High
COMMITMENT: Alabama
BUZZ: If a defender lets this monster lock his hands, a trip to the turf will follow.
3. Mason Walters, Wolfforth (Texas) Frenship
COMMITMENT: Texas
BUZZ: Just such a natural hip- and knee-bender; he can get in and out of his stance with ease.
4. Xavier Su'a Filo, Provo (Utah) Timpview
CONSIDERING: BYU, LSU, UCLA, USC, Utah
BUZZ: He uses sheer toughness and a little nastiness to keep defensive linemen at bay.
5. Marcus Hall, Cleveland Glenville
CONSIDERING: Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Tennessee
BUZZ: He did a great job against the bull rush all week at the U.S. Army practices.
STRONGEST
1. D.J. Fluker, Foley (Ala.) High
COMMITMENT: Alabama
BUZZ: At both Alabama-Mississippi all-star and U.S. Army All-American practices Fluker threw defensive linemen around like a bundle of sticks.
2. Michael Philipp, San Bernardino (Calif.) Arroyo Valley
COMMITMENT: Oregon State
BUZZ: Dominated opponents during the entire one-on-one session at Los Angeles Nike Combine.
3. Stanley Hasiak, Kapolei (Hawaii) High
COMMITMENT: Cal
BUZZ: Dominating performances during one-on-ones at USC camp and Mainland/Hawaii Bowl.
4. Kevin Graf, Agoura (Calif.) High
COMMITMENT: USC
BUZZ: Proved to be a real physical mauler at Los Angeles Nike Camp and Under Armour All-American practices.
5. Patrick Lewis, LaPlace (La.) East St. John
COMMITMENT: Texas A&M
BUZZ: Was able to get lower and nastier than any lineman at the Baton Rouge Nike Camp.
MOST AGILE
1. Xavier Nixon, Fayetteville (N.C.) Jack Britt
COMMITMENT: Florida
BUZZ: During the U.S. Army practices, he looked like a contestant on "Dancing with the Stars."
2. Brandon Thomas, Roebuck (S.C.) Dorman
COMMITMENT: Clemson
BUZZ: His coach claims this muscular lineman runs a sub-4.8 40 despite a 285-pound frame.
3. Brennan Williams, West Roxbury (Mass.) Catholic Memorial
COMMITMENT: North Carolina
BUZZ: Athletically, he could be another contestant on "Dancing with the Stars."
4. Chris Burnette, LaGrange (Ga.) Troup
COMMITMENT: Georgia
BUZZ: He is known for sliding from block to block until he is 15 yards downfield.
5. Taylor Lewan, Scottsdale (Ariz.) Chaparral
COMMITMENT: Michigan
BUZZ: He's raw but nimble on his toes on film.
BEST ATHLETE
1. Brennan Williams, West Roxbury (Mass.) Catholic Memorial
COMMITMENT: North Carolina
BUZZ: He can project at any of the offensive line positions, as well as defensive tackle and strong side defensive end.
2. Brandon Thomas, Roebuck (S.C.) Dorman
COMMITMENT: Clemson
BUZZ: He has the body and athletic ability of a defensive lineman.
3. Taylor Lewan, Scottsdale (Ariz.) Chaparral
COMMITMENT: Michigan
BUZZ: It's easy to see that he was a defensive lineman before this season.
4. Blake Treadwell, East Lansing (Mich.) High
COMMITMENT: Michigan State
BUZZ: His game film looked like a highlight film from both sides of the ball.
5. Xavier Nixon, Fayetteville (N.C.) Jack Britt
COMMITMENT: Florida
BUZZ: He is adept at moving his feet in any direction while keeping his balance.
CATEGORY RANKINGS: DEFENSIVE TACKLES
QUICKEST
1. Sheldon Richardson, St. Louis Gateway Tech
COMMITMENT: Missouri
BUZZ: He ran back-to-back 4.7s while weighing 290 pounds at Mizzou's camp.
2. Gary Brown, Quincy (Fla.) West Gadsden
COMMITMENT: Florida
BUZZ: He showed a tremendous burst off the ball all week at Under Armour practices and in the game.
3. Jacobbi McDaniel, Madison (Fla.) Madison County
COMMITMENT: Florida State
BUZZ: Most of his strength and power comes from his quick burst off the ball.
4. Josh Downs, Bastrop (La.) High
COMMITMENT: LSU
BUZZ: He was able to sidestep linemen at the Under Armour practices.
5. Jared McAdoo, Chapel Hill (N.C.) High
COMMITMENT: North Carolina
BUZZ: He had a dominating performance at the Carolinas' Shrine Bowl, spending most of the day in the backfield.
STRONGEST
1. Jacobbi McDaniel, Madison (Fla.) Madison County
COMMITMENT: Florida State
BUZZ: I watched him pummel much bigger linemen at the U.S. Army All-American Combine and at Under Armour practices.
2. William Campbell, Detroit Cass Tech
COMMITMENT: Michigan
BUZZ: He really did a number wearing out the centers during the U.S. Army practices.
3. Dillon Quinn, Trinity (N.Y.) Trinity Pawling
COMMITMENT: Boston College
BUZZ: This prospect benched 405 pounds six times.
4. John Simon, Youngstown (Ohio) Cardinal Mooney
COMMITMENT: Ohio State
BUZZ: He may not be the biggest lineman, but he has the physique of a bodybuilder and the bench numbers to go with it.
5. Darrington Sentimore, Destrehan (La.) High
COMMITMENT: Alabama
BUZZ: He embarrassed offensive linemen all across Louisiana while leading his team to back-to-back state titles.
BEST ATHLETE
1. Sheldon Richardson, St. Louis Gateway Tech
COMMITMENT: Missouri
BUZZ: He played some wide receiver – and returned kicks – while weighing 290 pounds.
2. Jacobbi McDaniel, Madison (Fla.) Madison County
COMMITMENT: Florida State
BUZZ: Most people only hear about his defensive prowess, but he is a two-way star.
3. Gary Brown, Quincy (Fla.) West Gadsden
COMMITMENT: Florida
BUZZ: He's athletic enough to also play either defensive end position at the next level.
4. Josh Boyd, Philadelphia (Miss.) High
COMMITMENT: Mississippi State
BUZZ: He has the ability to play strong side defensive end or tackle, which is the most sought-after body type in college football.
5. Calvin Howell, San Antonio Warren
COMMITMENT: Texas
BUZZ: He probably has one of the better physiques of any tackle in the country.
BEST RUN STUFFER
1. William Campbell, Detroit Cass Tech
COMMITMENT: Michigan
BUZZ: He has great size and was able to get lower than the offensive linemen at U.S. Army practices.
2. Chris Davenport, Mansfield (La.) High
COMMITMENT: LSU
BUZZ: Another mammoth lineman who exerted his will on interior linemen at the U.S. Army game.
3. Jamarkus McFarland, Lufkin (Texas) High
COMMITMENT: Oklahoma
BUZZ: He really did a number this season against the run.
4. Tyler Stockton, Princeton (N.J.) The Hun School
COMMITMENT: Notre Dame
BUZZ: It was really hard for any offensive lineman to get lower than Stockton at the U.S. Army practices.
5. Latu Heimuli, Salt Lake City Highland
COMMITMENT: Utah
BUZZ: One of the widest and most muscular two-way linemen in the country.
BEST PASS RUSHER
1. Gary Brown, Quincy (Fla.) West Gadsden
COMMITMENT: Florida
BUZZ: He had 26 sacks as a junior and was in the backfield all week at Under Armour practices.
2. Corey Adams, Scottsdale (Ariz.) Saguaro
COMMITMENT: Arizona State
BUZZ: He recorded 24 sacks as a junior and had a strong week at Under Armour practices.
3. Sheldon Richardson, St. Louis Gateway Tech
COMMITMENT: Missouri
BUZZ: It's really not fair. Richardson has the speed of a weakside defensive end in a defensive tackle body.
4. Josh Boyd, Philadelphia (Miss.) High
COMMITMENT: Mississippi State
BUZZ: The minute he was added to the roster for the U.S. Army game, the athleticism and speed at defensive tackle increased dramatically.
5. Jacobbi McDaniel, Madison (Fla.) Madison County
COMMITMENT: Florida State
BUZZ: He's probably the most technically sound all-around tackle.
CATEGORY RANKINGS: DEFENSIVE ENDS
STRONGEST
1. Justin Chaisson, Las Vegas Bishop Gorman
COMMITMENT: Oklahoma
BUZZ: He was able to just smash the Under Armour offensive linemen all week.
2. Demonte McAllister, Tampa (Fla.) Alonso
COMMITMENT: Florida State
BUZZ: He's another strong side end/tackle hybrid who has tremendous upper-body strength, as he demonstrated at Under Armour.
3. Malliciah Goodman, Florence (S.C.) West Florence
COMMITMENT: Clemson
BUZZ: He uses his peach basket-sized hands to control and discard linemen.
4. Jason Ankrah, Gaithersburg (Md.) Quince Orchard
COMMITMENT: Nebraska
BUZZ: This strong side end/tackle hybrid had a dominant week of practice at the Crab Bowl.
5. DeOnte Arnett, Forestville (Md.) Forestville Military Academy
COMMITMENT: Already enrolled at Maryland
BUZZ: Uses his sheer speed and athleticism to overpower offensive tackles.
BEST AGAINST THE RUN
1. Nick Kasa, Broomfield (Colo.) Legacy
COMMITMENT: Colorado
BUZZ: He probably did the nicest job I saw this season chasing the run down from behind at U.S. Army practices.
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2. Justin Chaisson, Las Vegas Bishop Gorman
COMMITMENT: Oklahoma
BUZZ: He's a strong side end with the strength of a tackle and the lateral movement of a dancer.
3. DeOnte Arnett, Forestville (Md.) Forestville Military Academy
COMMITMENT: Already enrolled at Maryland
BUZZ: He probably was the most dominant performer at Crab Bowl practices at any position; he can really stretch plays to the boundary.
4. Devon Kennard, Phoenix Desert Vista
COMMITMENT: USC
BUZZ: He's not just a speed rusher. He probably uses leverage better than anyone in the country.
5. Jason Ankrah, Gaithersburg (Md.) Quince Orchard
COMMITMENT: Nebraska
BUZZ: A huge strong side end who stands his ground.
BEST PASS RUSHER
1. Devon Kennard, Phoenix Desert Vista
COMMITMENT: USC
BUZZ: He missed most of his senior season with an injury, but his junior film was the best in the country.
2. Ryne Giddins, Seffner (Fla.) Armwood
COMMITMENT: USF
BUZZ: He did not have the same sack totals as a senior than he put up as a junior, but he still is fast off the edge.
3. Donte Moss, Jacksonville (N.C.) Northside
COMMITMENT: North Carolina
BUZZ: He's an end with the athletic ability of an outside 'backer; he has one of the best speed rushes in the entire country.
4. Craig Roh, Scottsdale (Ariz.) Chaparral
COMMITMENT: Michigan
BUZZ: He showed off his speed and determination in the Under Armour game.
5. Alex Okafor, Pflugerville (Texas) High
COMMITMENT: Texas
BUZZ: This gifted lineman has the body of a strong side end, but the athletic ability of a weakside end. He had the best Nike Camp performance of any end this season.
QUICKEST FIRST STEP
1. Devon Kennard, Phoenix Desert Vista
COMMITMENT: USC
BUZZ: Before to his season-ending injury, there was no end in the nation who could get into the backfield as fast as Kennard.
2. Donte Moss, Jacksonville (N.C.) Northside
COMMITMENT: North Carolina
BUZZ: His first step gave D.J. Fluker a real surprise in the U.S. Army game.
3. Craig Roh, Scottsdale (Ariz.) Chaparral
COMMITMENT: Michigan
BUZZ: He has two goals in mind at the line of scrimmage – maintaining a low pad level and beating the snap count.
4. Fletcher Cox, Yazoo City (Miss.) High
COMMITMENT: Mississippi State
BUZZ: This track star wreaked havoc at the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic.
5. Sam Montgomery, Greenwood (S.C.) High
CONSIDERING: LSU, Michigan, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee
BUZZ: He was banged up at the Carolinas' Shrine Bowl, but bounced back with a stellar performance in the Under Armour game.
CATEGORY RANKINGS: LINEBACKERS
BEST INSTINCTS
1. Manti Te'o, Honolulu Punahou
CONSIDERING: BYU, Notre Dame, Stanford, UCLA, USC
BUZZ: He always seemed to take the right tackling angle at Under Armour practices and in the Hawaii/Mainland Bowl.
2. Zeke Motta, Vero Beach (Fla.) High
COMMITMENT: Notre Dame
BUZZ: He had more than 100 tackles for the third consecutive season.
3. Larvez Mars, Apopka (Fla.) High
CONSIDERING: Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Iowa State, UAB
BUZZ: Not the biggest linebacker – he's listed at 5 feet 11 and 205 pounds – but he managed to be one of the most impressive tacklers at U.S. Army practices.
4. Chris Williams, Abilene (Texas) High
COMMITMENT: Nebraska
BUZZ: At the Texas State 7-on-7 Championships, he always seemed to be around the ball.
5. Todd Golper, Arcadia (Calif.) High
COMMITMENT: UCLA
BUZZ: He always seems to be around the ball, whether forcing a fumble or intercepting a pass.
BEST RUN STOPPER
1. Vontaze Burfict, Corona (Calif.) Centennial
COMMITMENT: USC
BUZZ: This U.S. Army All-American is looking to lift the ball carrier out of his shoes.
2. Manti Te'o, Honolulu Punahou
CONSIDERING: BYU, Notre Dame, Stanford, UCLA, USC
BUZZ: This Under Armour All-American loves tackling in heavy traffic.
3. Nico Johnson, Andalusia (Ala.) High
COMMITMENT: Alabama
BUZZ: During the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, he was able to chase down Christine Michael from behind, not an easy task.
4. Shayne Skov, Pawling (N.Y.) Trinity Pawling
COMMITMENT: Stanford
BUZZ: During U.S. Army practices, he didn't make many friends during inside drills.
5. Tana Patrick, Stevenson (Ala.) North Jackson
CONSIDERING: Alabama, Auburn, Miami, USC
BUZZ: He was the most consistent linebacker at the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic.
BEST CLOSING SPEED
1. Jelani Jenkins, Olney (Md.) Our Lady of Good Counsel
CONSIDERING: Florida, Penn State
BUZZ: I saw him chase down running backs and wide receivers from behind on many occasions.
2. Dorian Bell, Monroeville (Pa.) Gateway
COMMITMENT: Ohio State
BUZZ: He really gets up a head of steam just before contact.
3. Vontaze Burfict, Corona (Calif.) Centennial
COMMITMENT: USC
BUZZ: If you have the ball downfield, be very afraid because Burfict will catch you.
4. Nico Johnson, Andalusia (Ala.) High
COMMITMENT: Alabama
BUZZ: Running backs better not dilly-dally finding a hole because Johnson will catch them from behind.
5. Tom Wort, New Braunfels (Texas) High
COMMITMENT: Oklahoma
BUZZ: He has only one gear and it is throttling at 110 percent all the time.
BEST ATHLETE
1. Barkevious Mingo, West Monroe (La.) High
CONSIDERING: Alabama, LSU, Michigan
BUZZ: He's a three-sport star – basketball, track and now football.
2. Jelani Jenkins, Olney (Md.) Our Lady of Good Counsel
CONSIDERING: Florida, Penn State
BUZZ: No doubt, he's the fastest linebacker in the nation.
3. Ronnell Lewis, Dewar (Okla.) High
COMMITMENT: Already enrolled at Oklahoma.
BUZZ: When he wasn't starring on the gridiron, he was winning 100-meter races.
4. Marquis Simmons, Compton (Calif.) Dominguez
COMMITMENT: USC
BUZZ: He was the most impressive linebacker physically during drill work at the Los Angeles Nike Combine.
5. Dorian Bell, Monroeville (Pa.) Gateway
COMMITMENT: Ohio State
BUZZ: Not only is he a big-time linebacker, but he also could project as a running back at the next level.
CATEGORY RANKINGS: CORNERBACKS
FASTEST
1. Branden Smith, Atlanta Washington
COMMITMENT: Georgia
BUZZ: He owns the fourth-fastest 100-meter time in Georgia history.
2. Justin Green, Louisville (Ky.) Male
COMMITMENT: Ohio State
BUZZ: He's the defending Kentucky 100-meter champion.
3. Darius Winston, West Helena (Ark.) High
COMMITMENT: Arkansas
BUZZ: Simply electrifying with the ball in his hands after an interception or on a kick return.
4. Greg Reid, Valdosta (Ga.) Lowndes
CONSIDERING: Alabama, Florida State, Georgia
BUZZ: He is a home-run threat as a running back or a punt returner.
5. Dre Kirkpatrick, Gadsden (Ala.) Gadsden City
CONSIDERING: Alabama, Florida, Texas
BUZZ: When he is healthy, any interception has a chance of becoming a pick-six.
BEST BALL SKILLS
1. Janzen Jackson, Lake Charles (La.) Barbe
COMMITMENT: LSU
BUZZ: This two-way starter has 10 picks over the past two seasons.
2. Terry Shankle, Norwood (N.C.) South Stanly
COMMITMENT: North Carolina
BUZZ: He showed during Shrine Bowl practices that he knows where the ball is even when his back was turned.
3. Corey Brown, Monroeville (Pa.) Gateway
COMMITMENT: Ohio State
BUZZ: This two-way starter had three picks in the Hawaii/Mainland Bowl.
4. Marcus Trice, Mesquite (Texas) High
COMMITMENT: Oklahoma
BUZZ: Easily the best two-way player at the Texas State 7-on-7 Championships.
5. Derrick Thomas, Greenbelt (Md.) Eleanor Roosevelt
COMMITMENT: Penn State
BUZZ: Looked impressive as a receiver catching the ball at Crab Bowl practices.
BEST COVERAGE SPEED
1. Greg Reid, Valdosta (Ga.) Lowndes
CONSIDERING: Alabama, Florida State, Georgia
BUZZ: No corner had a better week of practice at the Under Armour event.
2. Branden Smith, Atlanta Washington
COMMITMENT: Georgia
BUZZ: This four-year, two-way starter's track speed translates nicely to the football field.
3. Cliff Harris, Fresno (Calif.) Edison
CONSIDERING: Oregon, USC
BUZZ: He had a phenomenal week of practice at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
4. Osahon Irabor, Upland (Calif.) High
COMMITMENT: Arizona State
BUZZ: This is one of the most underrated two-way starters in the country.
5. Dre Kirkpatrick, Gadsden (Ala.) Gadsden City
CONSIDERING: Alabama, Florida, Texas
BUZZ: His tremendous height and long arms seem to always keep him in reach of the receiver.
MOST PHYSICAL
1. Janzen Jackson, Lake Charles (La.) Barbe
COMMITMENT: LSU
BUZZ: So physical on film, you would think he was Ronnie Lott.
2. Marcus Davis, League City (Texas) Clear Creek
COMMITMENT: Texas
BUZZ: He tried to physically manhandle receivers at the U.S. Army All-American practices.
3. Michael Carter, Pompano Beach (Fla.) Ely
COMMITMENT: West Virginia
BUZZ: If the officials aren't looking, he is going to try to mug the receivers every chance he gets.
4. Jarvis Byrd, Pahokee (Fla.) High
COMMITMENT: North Carolina State
BUZZ: He is another corner who plays the run like a strong safety.
5. Dominic Clarke, Frederick (Md.) Tuscarora
COMMITMENT: Ohio State
BUZZ: He had a tremendous week of practice at the Crab Bowl.
BEST ATHLETE
1. Branden Smith, Atlanta Washington
COMMITMENT: Georgia
BUZZ: He was a four-year, two-way starter who also excels in track and field.
2. Justin Green, Louisville (Ky.) Male
COMMITMENT: Ohio State
BUZZ: Two-way starter who has been one of the elite track stars in Kentucky.
3. Michael Carter, Pompano Beach (Fla.) Ely
COMMITMENT: West Virginia
BUZZ: Not only one of the top corners in the country but has played almost every position on the baseball diamond for his high school.
4. Greg Reid, Valdosta (Ga.) Lowndes
CONSIDERING: Alabama, Florida State, Georgia
BUZZ: Never comes off the field and plays many positions for his powerhouse high school.
5. Marlon Pollard, San Bernardino (Calif.) Cajon
COMMITMENT: UCLA
BUZZ: Football star has excelled at the triple jump, long jump and high jump.
CATEGORY RANKINGS: SAFETY
FASTEST
1. Jajuan Harley, Tallahassee (Fla.) Rickards
COMMITMENT: Florida State
BUZZ: He is one of the top 100-meter guys in all of North Florida.
2. Craig Loston, Aldine (Texas) Eisenhower
COMMITMENT: LSU
BUZZ: He worked part-time as a corner at the Under Armour practices.
3. Justin Turner, Massillon (Ohio) Washington
COMMITMENT: Michigan
BUZZ: He played corner during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and really excelled.
4. Byron Moore, Harbor City (Calif.) Narbonne
CONSIDERING: Colorado, LSU, Notre Dame, USC
BUZZ: He may be quick enough to play corner at the next level.
5. Jurell Thompson, Wichita Falls (Texas) Rider
COMMITMENT: TCU
BUZZ: He also excelled as a running back in high school.
BEST BALL SKILLS
1. Justin Turner, Massillon (Ohio) Washington
COMMITMENT: Michigan
BUZZ: He was like a Venus Flytrap during ball drills at the U.S. Army All-American practices.
2. Byron Moore, Harbor City (Calif.) Narbonne
CONSIDERING: Colorado, LSU, Notre Dame, USC
BUZZ: He was a real ballhawk all week at the U.S. Army All- American practices.
3. Bradley McDougald, Dublin (Ohio) Scioto
COMMITMENT: Kansas
BUZZ: This two-way starter is used to handling the football as a running back and as a receiver.
4. Jamie Wood, Pickerington (Ohio) Central
COMMITMENT: Ohio State
BUZZ: He is another two-way starter who doubles as a receiver.
5. Craig Loston, Aldine (Texas) Eisenhower
COMMITMENT: LSU
BUZZ: He also is the punt returner for his high school.
BEST COVERAGE SKILLS
1. Justin Turner, Massillon (Ohio) Washington
COMMITMENT: Michigan
BUZZ: He may end up a cornerback at the next level.
2. Byron Moore, Harbor City (Calif.) Narbonne
CONSIDERING: Colorado, LSU, Notre Dame, USC
BUZZ: He is another safety with big-time ball skills and body control.
3. Craig Loston, Aldine (Texas) Eisenhower
COMMITMENT: LSU
BUZZ: He did a great job working against the bigger receivers at Under Armour practices.
4. Darren Myles, Atlanta Carver
CONSIDERING: Alabama, LSU, Ohio State, Purdue, Tennessee
BUZZ: One of the top free safety prospects at the Under Armour practices.
5. Javon Harris, Lawton (Okla.) McArthur
COMMITMENT: Oklahoma
BUZZ: He had a great performance at the Ft. Worth Nike Combine this past year.
HARDEST HITTER
1. Rod Woodson, Olive Branch (Miss.) High
COMMITMENT: Alabama
BUZZ: He looks and plays like a small linebacker.
2. Craig Bills, Provo (Utah) Timpview
COMMITMENT: BYU
BUZZ: He helped lead his team to consecutive undefeated seasons.
3. T.J. McDonald, Fresno (Calif.) Edison
COMMITMENT: USC
BUZZ: He has size and toughness, like his dad, Tim, who played in the NFL.
4. Kevin Brent, Dallas South Oak Cliff
COMMITMENT: Oklahoma
BUZZ: Another safety who is built like – and hits like – a linebacker.
5. Jawanza Starling, Tallahassee (Fla.) Lincoln
CONSIDERING: Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Notre Dame, Stanford, USC
BUZZ: He always is looking to make the big hit and helped lead his team to the state Class 4A finals.
CATEGORY RANKINGS: ATHLETE
FASTEST
1. Devon Smith, Waldorf (Md.) Westlake
COMMITMENT: Penn State
BUZZ: He's 5-7 and was timed in the 40 at 4.19 and 4.23 at Penn State's camp.
2. Randall Carroll, Los Angeles Cathedral
COMMITMENT: USC
BUZZ: Won CIF track titles in the 100 and 200 meters, clocking 10.42 and 20.91, respectively.
3. Patrick Hall, Ventura (Calif.) St. Bonaventure
COMMITMENT: USC
BUZZ: Actually beat Carroll head-to-head in the 40-yard while at U.S. Army All-American practices.
4. Ronnie Wingo Jr., St. Louis University High
COMMITMENT: Arkansas
BUZZ: As a freshman, he was the AAU 200-meters champ.
5. Josh Robinson, Plantation (Fla.) High
COMMITMENT: UCF
BUZZ: He has been clocked at 10.52 in the 100 meters.
MOST ATHLETIC
1. Ray Ray Armstrong, Sanford (Fla.) Seminole
COMMITMENT: Miami
BUZZ: He possibly could project as a safety, outside linebacker, weakside defensive end, tight end and even wide receiver at the next level.
2. Patrick Hall, Ventura (Calif.) St. Bonaventure
COMMITMENT: USC
BUZZ: He was a star two-way player at a perennial powerhouse in California.
3. Willie Downs, Tallahassee (Fla.) Godby
COMMITMENT: Florida State
BUZZ: He could play wide receiver or safety at the next level, and also stars in several track events for his high school.
4. Donavan Tate, Cartersville (Ga.) High
COMMITMENT: North Carolina
BUZZ: He's one of the top high school baseball prospects in the nation.
5. James Boyd, Los Angeles Jordan
COMMITMENT: USC
BUZZ: Not sure there isn't a position he has played on the gridiron for his team.
BEST BALL SKILLS
1. Willie Downs, Tallahassee (Fla.) Godby
COMMITMENT: Florida State
BUZZ: He made it look easy on a pick-six in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
2. Donavan Tate, Cartersville (Ga.) High
COMMITMENT: North Carolina
BUZZ: Major two-sport star has phenomenal hand-eye coordination.
3. Jamal Reid, Mayo (Fla.) Lafayette County
COMMITMENT: Miami
BUZZ: Another two-way starter who displayed great hands at the Under Armour practices.
4. Stephon Gilmore, Rock Hill (S.C.) South Pointe
COMMITMENT: Already enrolled at South Carolina
BUZZ: This two-way starter looked like a ball-hawking safety in the South Carolina state finals, coming from nowhere to make an acrobatic pick.
5. Jeremy Gallon, Apopka (Fla.) High
COMMITMENT: Michigan
BUZZ: This single-wing quarterback was the most consistent receiver all week at the U.S. Army event.
BEST JUMBO ATHLETE
1. Ray Ray Armstrong, Sanford (Fla.) Seminole
COMMITMENT: Miami
BUZZ: He has the size of a weakside defensive end and the skills of a safety.
2. Chris Whaley, Madisonville (Texas) High
COMMITMENT: Texas
BUZZ: A huge running back who has the size and ability to be a tight end or weakside defensive end at the next level.
3. Damario Jeffery, Columbia (S.C.) High
COMMITMENT: South Carolina
BUZZ: He is a huge safety with excellent ball skills and hits like a linebacker.
4. James Boyd, Los Angeles Jordan
COMMITMENT: USC
BUZZ: This all-around athlete was forced to play quarterback this season – and threw for 4,266 yards and 44 TDs.
5. Adam Hall, Tucson (Ariz.) Palo Verde Magnet
CONSIDERING: Arizona, California, Oregon
BUZZ: He had 860 receiving yards, 1,100 rushing yards and 1,000 return yards this season.
CATEGORY RANKINGS: KICKER
STRONGEST LEG
1. Dustin Hopkins, Houston Clear Lake
COMMITMENT: Florida State
BUZZ: He was the top performer at Chris Sailer's Elite Camp and was an Under Armour participant.
2. Anthony Fera, Houston St. Pius X
COMMITMENT: Penn State
BUZZ: Another top performer and an Under Armour participant.
3. Brendan Gibbons, West Palm Beach (Fla.) Cardinal Newman
COMMITMENT: Michigan
BUZZ: Demonstrated a strong leg at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and Chris Sailer's camp.
4. Chris Boswell, Keller (Texas) Fossil Ridge
COMMITMENT: Rice
BUZZ: He showed off his powerful leg at the U.S. Army All-American practices.
5. Andrew Ritter, Jackson (Miss.) Jackson Academy
ana
COMMITMENT: Ole Miss
BUZZ: He demonstrated great hang time on video.
MOST ACCURATE
1. Brian Egan, Prattville (Ala.) High
CONSIDERING: To be determined
BUZZ: Finished the season 19-of-22 on field-goal attempts, with a long of 52 yards.
2. RC Willenbrock, Englewood (Colo.) Cherry Creek
COMMITMENT: Dartmouth, for lacrosse
BUZZ: He was 12-of-14 on field-goal attempts, with a long of 50 yards.
3. Chris Boswell, Keller (Texas) Fossil Ridge
COMMITMENT: Rice
BUZZ: He finished his high school career 172-of-172 on extra-point attempts.
4. Dustin Hopkins, Houston Clear Lake
COMMITMENT: Florida State
BUZZ: He demonstrated great accuracy at the Under Armour practices.
5. Mitch Ewald, Aurora (Ill.) Waubonsie Valley
COMMITMENT: Indiana
BUZZ: One of the deadliest kickers at Chris Sailer's camp.
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