spadukins that was a pretty lame top 10...
I think this is a post that is generally not discussed to much in the current BP forum set-up, but I think with the availibilty of film to most of the recruiting fans it could be a solid discussion if handled correctly.
Any way I have been waiting on a thread like this, so here is mine right now.
1. Ben Martin
Pure physical specimen and a natural pass rusher. Nice explosion and uses all of his strengths to his advantage. Like most lineman at his age he needs to refine a few things, but I think he is the first player off the board in a draft type setting.
2. Brandon Saine
Difference maker type of speed. He already plays the Shot Ginn role in his offense. It is easy to say a guy is fast, but you actually have to witness that speed in a college game to believe it. Everyone knew Ginn was going to be special, but when he first showed how dangerous a weapon his speed was on the collegiate level that is when everyone really took note. Saine has that special type of ability.
3. Eugene Clifford
Clifford is a freak and it is hard to rank him at three because of his talents. He was the best player on the Colerain team that was just stacked with talent. He is silky smooth and shows a real knack for going up and snagging ball out of mid air on offense or defense. It should also be noted that he will make big plays against the run. I think he will be an All-American at FS.
4. Nate Oliver
Oliver is a real stud. I remember watching him for the first time on a game on FSN. I did not really even know who he was, but I had to find out. He brings the wood and is in or around the ball on every play. At first, I was thinking that he could play a Dustin Fox type of role because of his speed, but now I think, he epitomizes what you look for in a SS. I imagine he will be severely underrated by most recruiting services because of his early commitment.
5. Antonio Jeremiah
Wow. This kid is a real specimen. He uses his hands well and shows great footwork and explosion. I think he needs to work on many of his techniques, but the raw physical ability is definitely there. I see a mean and dirty offensive lineman if he does not make the cut as a DT.
6. Soloman Thomas
I really liked what I saw in Thomas's film. Great awareness. Plays well down the line against the run, but really gets after it when rushing the QB. Should be a guy who is recruited by a ton of big names this year, but will need to be coached up to not provide so much of a target for Lineman to get a block on.
7. Dewey Elliot
What more could you want in a MLB prospect. Flies after the ball while not getting himself in a bad situation to make the plays. He approaches the zero angles with bad intentions and keeps his shoulders square for sure tackling. He may not look like Hawk, but he does play a lot like his football idol and possesses many of the same physical characteristics. Most people rank kids downs when there is a lot made of their grades, but how the hell am I supposed to know anything about that.
8. Chris Smith:
He may not be what tOSU is looking for in a QB, but he is a true leader and shows on his films that he can make something special happen at anytime. There is a bunch made of the big Texas qb's arm strength, but I could not see how any QB could get an out pass to arrive any quicker. He is also extremely tough a quality that I think goes unnoticed when talking QB rankings (Tim Tebow).
9. Donnie Evege:
There are many guys in the State this year that could be considered better playmakers or better athletes because of their offensive prowess. I give the nod to Evege for this spot because his value as a shut down corner. He is another prospect with tremendous speed, but having a true position gives him the advantage over other players for the simple fact he will know exactly what skills to refine. Did I say true corners are extremely valuable?
10. Boom Herron: I know that not many would agree with this pick, but I believe that Herron has the ability to be a real difference maker. He employs a healthy dose of explosion, patience, vision, speed, and power to his game. I love the way he cuts and keeps his speed at full tilt. He may not seem like a huge running back, but he has the power to get the tough yards. If it was third and three and I had to pick a back in Ohio to give the ball to for a first down I would pick Herron.
11. CJ Peake
12. Morgan Williams
13. Devon Torrence
14. Andrew Dailey
15. Clay Belton
16. Jermale Hines
17. Brian Gamble
18. Jordan Mabin
19. Charlie Hatcher
20. Chris Givens
21. John Hughes
22. Kyle Hubbard
23. Hosea Simpson
24. David Arnold
25. Derrick Sherman
