Published Jan 22, 2007
New names in the final Rivals250
Mike Farrell
Recruiting Analyst
Some save the best for last.
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Numerous prospects played well enough to enter the Rivals250 for the first time on this, our last list of the year.
Among those proving that they belong in the top 250 players in the country is Tennessee commitment Donald Langley. He showed a non-stop motor and strong leadership skills during - and after - his senior season.
Langley may not be the biggest or strongest defensive tackle, but his quickness off the ball, his non-stop hustle and his excellent technique make him one of the best inside defensive players in the country. The 6-foot-2, 295-pounder from Germantown (Md.) Seneca Valley earned more and more offers during his senior season thanks to his outstanding play. He was one of the sparkplugs for the East team at the Offense-Defense All American Bowl in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Langley is joined on the list by some other unsung heroes along the defensive and offensive lines. Waxahachie, Texas, offensive lineman Jason Hannan is a new addition to the list. The 6-foot-4, 277-pounder showed off his versatility at the Offense-Defense Bowl by successfully playing center for the first time.
Weakside defensive end Frank Alexander from Baton Rouge (La.) Southern Lab also makes his debut in the Rivals250. A standout at the East Meets West All American Game, the 6-foot-5, 227-pounder showed his quickness off the edge with 15 sacks as a senior. He's joined by teammate Earl Patin, a 6-foot-1, 228-pound linebacker who was also a standout during his senior year.
Alexander and Patin are joined on the defensive side of the ball by weakside end Kourtnei Brown, who emerged as one of the nation's best pass rushers during his senior year. Brown, from Charlotte (N.C.) Victory Christian, has drawn comparisons to Julius Peppers because of his speed off the edge.
Wheaton, Md., linebacker Pat Lazear jumped into the Rivals250 following a great senior season - and the end of a court case that could have held him out of football.
On the offensive side of things, quarterback BJ Coleman from Chattanooga (Tenn.) The McCallie School enters the Rivals250 after a senior year in which he threw for 19 touchdowns and nearly 3,000 yards.
Madison (Wis.) Middleton wide receiver Nick Toon also jumps into the Rivals250. The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder is the son of former NFL standout Al Toon.
Midlothian (Va.) Clover Hill offensive tackle Blake DeChristopher also pushed his way into the Rivals250 after emerging as the best offensive lineman in his home state during his senior season.