Star Watch: 2010 College Football Recruiting

By: Brad Etheridge

Early Top Ten Classes

(Note: the “0 star” rating means the player has yet to be evaluated. These players should generally be associated with a 3 star to 2 star rating)

*All ratings based on Rivals

1. Texas

5 star athletes: 0

4 star athletes: 16

3 star athletes: 3

0 star athletes: 0

Headline prospect: Reggie Wilson, DE, 4 star

Coach Mack Brown’s early-offer approach has worked its magic this year as Texas has jumped out to an amazing start. Featuring a class most programs would be ecstatic with nine months from now, Texas is still in the loop with many top prospects. Reaping its state of its top talent, Texas has assembled a diversified group of players spanning almost every position on the field. Colt McCoy’s little brother, Case, is a potential gem.

2. Alabama

5 stars: 1

4 stars: 6

3 stars: 5

0 stars: 1

Headliner: DeMarcus Milliner, DB, 5 star

While a 12-2 record was incredibly impressive for coach Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide, his continued success recruiting points toward even better things down the line. Milliner is without a doubt one of the fastest players in the country and has the height to be a great corner in college. The duo of Phillip and Blake Sims (of no relation) gives the Tide the option for either a traditional (Phillip) or dual-threat (Blake) quarterback.

3. Florida

5 stars: 1

4 stars: 9

3 stars: 2

0 stars: 0

Headliner: Matt Elam, ATH, 5 star

Elam is a versatile guy that can run, catch and tackle. His size and knack for finding the ball will most likely land him on the defensive side of the line. The rest of the class consists of mostly high-talent defensive players. Jaylen Watkins is another speedy athlete coach Urban Meyer will love to utilize.

4. Texas A&M

5 stars: 0

4 stars: 3

3 stars: 7

0 stars: 6

Headliner: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, 4 star

Even with the Longhorns raking up top Texas talent, A&M has managed to snag their fair share of marquee prospects. Ogbuehi leads a class heavy on both offensive and defensive linemen. Props to the coaching staff for reeling in highly-touted twin brothers Luke and Matt Joeckel. The intriguing part: Luke is a 6′6”, 280 pound offensive tackle; Matt a 6′4”, 220 pound quarterback.

5. Stanford

5 stars: 0

4 stars: 2

3 stars: 7

0 stars: 6

Headliner: Tai-ler Jones, WR, 4 star

Coach Jim Harbaugh has done an amazing job recruiting at The Cardinal, a school whose football program has lately failed to lived up to the standards of its academics. Jones is a great get out of Georgia, and put with talented running back Anthony Wilkerson and dual-threat quarterback Dallas Lloyd, a dynamic offense could develop down the line. Now if Harbaugh would only shut his mouth before he talks trash about the only program to succeed in taking him to a Rose Bowl.

6. Michigan

5 stars: 0

4 stars: 4

3 stars: 7

0 stars: 1

Headliner: Devin Gardner, QB, 4 star

Speaking of Harbaugh and the only program to take him to a Rose Bowl, number 6 takes us to my real area of interest: the Michigan Wolverines. Gardner is an incredibly athletic dual-threat quarterback who is perfect for coach Rich Rodriguez’s option scheme and should definitely make an impact in his career. Marvin Robinson is the top-rated player in the class, and could perform aptly at either safety or linebacker in college. Ricardo Miller heads an impressive group of wide receivers, one of which includes running backs coach Fred Jackson’s son, Jeremy. Christian Pace should be a perfect fit for the offensive line, probably at guard or center, with his ability to block downfield key in a spread offense. Michigan has given itself options at halfback with the duo of Tony Drake and Stephen Hopkins, both out of Texas. Almost polar opposites of one another, Hopkins is big and bruising while Drake is small, fast, and agile. While it is impressive that Michigan has jumped out to 12 commitments already, the concern with fans right now is the rate at which the coaches are handing out scholarships. As Michigan is still in the running with many top 100 players, including the top prospect in the country offensive tackle Sentreal Henderson, the question is if Michigan will have enough open spots come signing day.

7. Oklahoma

5 stars: 0

4 stars: 6

3 stars: 4

0 stars: 1

Headliner: Brennan Clay, RB, 4 star

Clay is a great all-purpose back who could be next in a line of great Sooner rushers. Blake Bell is an on-target 6′6” quarterback who should excel behind the three talented linemen already committed to the program. Eddrick Loften is an impressive defensive back prospect with a highlight tape packed with interceptions and monster hits. I’d also like to use this opportunity to state that I will forever despise Jason White.

8. BYU

5 stars: 0

4 stars: 4

3 stars: 4

0 stars: 4

Headliner: Jake Heaps, QB, 4 star

One of the most storied non-BCS programs in the nation, BYU should continue to prosper if this class continues to develop at its current pace. Last Thursday could’ve been a holiday for Cougar fans as a trio of 4 stars, Jake Heaps, linebacker Zac Stout, and wide receiver Ross Apo, all committed. Bronson Kaufusi is a tall strong-side defensive end who should do great getting in the faces of opposing quarterbacks.

9. LSU

5 stars:0

4 stars:5

3 stars:4

0 stars:1

Headliner: Eric Reid, DB, 4 star

If coach Les Miles can assemble half the quality of last year’s dynamite class, he’ll be in very good shape. He seems well on his way with Reid, a tall safety who’s great at spanning the field to make plays. Mike Davis and Justin Hunter should make an impressive duo at wide receiver, and outside linebacker Justin Maclin could prove to be nightmarish for opponents looking to run the ball outside.

10. Virginia Tech

5 stars: 0

4 stars: 2

3 stars: 6

0 stars: 1

Headliner: Zack McCray, DE, 4 star

Coach Frank Beamer’s ability to win games with his defense should remain intact with a group of impressive linemen already committed to the Hokies. Lead by McCray and defensive tackle Nick Acree, the group should have no problem making an impact early. Solid quarterback commitments Mark Leal and Ricardo Young should scare defenses with their ability to make plays with their feet.

Other Important Commitments

James Hurst (OL)

5 star prospect- UNC

This monster proved his worth at the U.S. Army Combine when he secured MVP honors.

Robert Crisp (OL)

4 star prospect- N.C. State

One of the most sought-after tackles in the country, Crisp was a huge get for the Wolfpack.

Kelcy Quarles (DT)

4 star prospect- South Carolina

Deceptive speed and burst off the line makes Kelcy a dangerous lineman.

Top Uncommitted Players

1. Sentreal Henderson, OT, St. Paul (MN)

Considering: BC, UF, FSU, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, UNC, ND, Ohio State, Oregon, UCLA, USC, Wisconsin

The best thing to come out of Minnesota since Nick Swardson, Henderson is a towering 6′8” tackle who dominates any lineman in front of him. He is also a great basketball player with a spot on an AAU team.

2.Lache Seastruck, RB, Temple (TX)

Considering: Auburn, Baylor, Cal, UF, LSU, Miami (FL), Nebraska, UNC, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Texas A&M, UCLA, USC

Seastruck has all the tools to make a big play any time he touches the ball. He has rushed for over 3,000 yards in the past two seasons.

3. Darius White, WR, Fort Worth (TX)

Considering: Auburn, UF, LSU, Nebraska, ND, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon, TCU, Texas, Texas A&M, TTU, USC

Great height and speed go far in the college game, and this kid proved he could play as he averaged 26 yards per catch last season.