Top prospects emerge at each position
It's no secret that linebacker and offensive line both appear to be positions of strength in the Class of 2008 recruiting cycle as multiple prospects at both positions have the chance to be special on the collegiate level.
Without a doubt, the size/speed ratio of many of the linebackers stands out. Players like Wichita (Kan.) East's Arthur Brown and Crawfordville (Fla.) Wakulla's Nigel Bradham and Monroeville (Pa.) Gateway's Shayne Hale all have good size and can run.
Advertisement
Behind those three there is good depth at the position. Massillon (Ohio) Washington's Devoe Torrence and Homestead (Fla.)'s Marcus Robinson, along with several others are high-quality linebacker prospects.
That's in contrast to 2007, when it was Chris Galippo (USC), Chris Donald (Tennessee) and then everyone else.
On the offensive line, what stands out is the abundance of elite tackle prospects. The Class of 2007 featured talented guards like James Wilson (Florida) and Tray Allen (Texas), but there are five tackle prospects at the top of the offensive line board in this year's class. Michael Brewster of Orlando (Fla.) Edgewater, Nebraska commit Baker Steinkuhler of Lincoln (Neb.) Southwest, Kyle Long of Charlottesville (Va.) St. Anne's-Belfield (the son of former NFL great Howie Long), Oklahoma commit Stephen Good of Paris (Texas) and Mountain Brook (Ala.) standout Tyler Love all are tackle prospects.
There is even more depth at tackle behind those five with prospects like USC commit Matt Kalil of Anaheim (Calif.) Servite, Klein (Texas) Collins' J.B. Shugarts, Jefferson Hills (Pa.) Jefferson's Lucas Nix and Seffner (Fla.) Armwood's Matt Patchan.
Louisville (Ga.) Jefferson County standout A.J. Harmon is one of the top prospects at offensive guard.
Below is a look at five of the top prospects at each position for the Class of 2008 with the No. 1 prospect featured followed by the rest of top five in alphabetical order.
[rl]