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Major on top of Colorado state ranking

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When it comes to the top players in Colorado for the class of 2008, you have to start with the only Rivals100 selection on the list. And that elite prospect is four-star linebacker Jon Major of Parker (Colo.) Ponderosa. The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder is the nation's No. 6 inside linebacker, the No. 83 player overall, and without a doubt the top player in the Rivals.com Colorado top 25.
While Major has reeled in more than 50 scholarship offers – he's still looking at around 20 schools – he isn't one to flaunt or brag about himself.
"I like being a linebacker because you're the leader of the defense," Major, who is one of the top junior prospects in the Midlands, said. "You get to control that side of the ball. It's also the most hit-able position. You get to knock some heads.
"I started football when I was in 7th grade. My father got me into it. I always wanted to be into it. I guess I was good at first. I want to be modest about it. That's just how I am. I'm not a real talkative guy."
He lets his play do the talking.
"I am versatile," Major said. "I play safety some times and go back into coverage. I'm also good at supporting the run. I like to take on blockers and knock some heads."
There's also some major talent behind Major in the Colorado rankings.
Denver Mullen teammates Bryce Givens and Nolan Brewster come in at No. 2 and No. 3 in the state. Givens, who is a 6-foot-6, 265-pound offensive tackle, is heading to Nebraska. He was the most valuable player for linemen at the Boulder NIKE Training Camp, and he's got the building blocks of a special offensive tackle in college.
Brewster is the son of Minnesota coach Tim Brewster, but the 6-foot-1, 195-pound safety is heading to Texas. Brewster was named first-team all-conference and second-team all-state as a junior in 2006 after racking up 133 tackles.
Denver George Washington athlete Joe Harris comes in at No. 4 on the list, followed by Littleton Columbine defensive tackle Curtis Cunningham at No. 5 and Aurora Overland offensive lineman Andrew Sampson at No. 6. Rounding out the three-star prospects in Colorado are Boulder linebacker Will Pericak at No. 7 and Mullen offensive lineman Jimmy Miller at No. 8.
There's also a strong crop of players from nine to 15 that could easily be eventually ranked as three-star prospects.
Castle Rock Douglas County defensive back Tyler Jackson had 17 pass breakups in 2006, and he's ranked at No. 9 on the list. Right behind him at 10 is Mullen running back Jonathan Gaye. The 6-foot, 190-pound running back missed some time because of an injury in 2006, but still averaged almost 16 yards a carry. He impressed also at the Boulder NIKE Camp and has landed offers from Air Force, Colorado State, Illinois, Wyoming, New Mexico State and Boise State.
Quarterback Collin Klein, who committed to Kansas State earlier this spring, is at No. 11 on the list. Klein threw for 1,457 yards and 15 touchdowns in a junior season that was shortened by two games due to a broken foot. He rushed for an additional 403 yards and five scores last fall.
He's followed by Mullen offensive linemen Alec Johnson and Englewood Cherry Creek quarterback Jack Elway at No. 13. Fast-rising offensive tackle Joe Caprioglio comes in at No. 14 and Colorado Springs Doherty running back Darius Turner rounds out the top 15.
Rivals.com Colorado top 25
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