February 4 is just another day of the year for most folks but among high schools and colleges around the nation it is considered a national holiday. Feb. 4 is National Signing Day, a day where top high school football players hold press conferences in order to announce where they will be playing their football next season. In years past there have been many surprises and 2009 was no different.
Let us review the top 12 players and where you will be able to watch them display their talents in the upcoming seasons.
#1. Quarterback Matt Barkley, USC
The Trojans once again land the top recruit and continue their tradition of promising young talent at the quarterback position. Barkley had great size (6' 3", 222 lbs) and accuracy. His strengths are in his polished mechanics and footwork, also his ability to read and pick apart opposing defenses.
The Trojans once again land the top recruit and continue their tradition of promising young talent at the quarterback position. Barkley had great size (6' 3", 222 lbs) and accuracy. His strengths are in his polished mechanics and footwork, also his ability to read and pick apart opposing defenses.
#2. Outside Linebacker Manti Te'o, Notre Dame
Te'o shocked scouts and colleges alike with his decision to attend school in South Bend. Most experts believed he would choose either USC or UCLA, but Te'o wanted to play for coach Charlie Weis. He is a great pass rusher who plalys sideline to sideline and never gives up on a play.
Te'o shocked scouts and colleges alike with his decision to attend school in South Bend. Most experts believed he would choose either USC or UCLA, but Te'o wanted to play for coach Charlie Weis. He is a great pass rusher who plalys sideline to sideline and never gives up on a play.
#3. Athlete Russell Shepard, LSU
Les Miles stole away another top recruit from his SEC foes. Shepard was looking at Florida but chose to stay close to home and become a Bayou Bengal. He lined up at quarterback in high school but most college scouts believe him to be more in the mold of a running back because of his great speed and quickness.
Les Miles stole away another top recruit from his SEC foes. Shepard was looking at Florida but chose to stay close to home and become a Bayou Bengal. He lined up at quarterback in high school but most college scouts believe him to be more in the mold of a running back because of his great speed and quickness.
#4. Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama
Kirkpatrick has no noticeable flaws in his game and has tremendous coverage skills. With his height (6' 2") he is taller than most plalyers who play at his position. His talent in zone and man coverage are sure to keep Aabama atop the rankings for the next few years.
#5. Defensive tackle Jacobbi McDaniel, Florida State
A little small for a lineman (6', 267 lbs), McDaniel is quick, smart, and very productive. He is a solid prospect at the defensive tackle position but also has the ability of play guard on the offensive line. He may become one the rare two-way players in college football and become an even better athlete in the process.
#6. Running back Trent Richardson, Alabama
Richardson chose the Crimson Tide over Florida and LSU simply because of his playing style and ability. He has the power to run between the tackles and also possesses the speed to outrun defenders. With his compact frame and downhill running style, Richardson will be a high carry back who wears down defenses game in and game out.
#7. Safety Craig Loston, LSU
The SEC got the cream of the crop in recruiting classes and will continue to be the best football conference in America. Loston chose to go play for an LSU defense on the rise over Alabama and Texas A&M. He shows his versatility with his ability to play safety, wide receiver, and be a return specialist.
#8. Bryce Brown, Miami (FL)
Brown's ability to hit the hole with power and vision make him a promising young player. The Hurricanes needed an every down type of player in the backfield and found what they were looking for here. His thick frame and workhorse mentality ensure that Brown will contribute immediately in Miami.
#9. Outside Linebacker Jelani Jenkins, Florida
The main focus for Urban Meyer and his Gators this offseason was to build a defense that mirrors their fast paced, high-scoring offense. Jenkins is a bit small for linebacker ( 210 lbs) but he has the speed and play making ability to contribute right away for the defending National Champions.
#10. Wide receiver Rueben Randle, LSU
Randle's height (6' 3") make him and immediate impact receiver even if it is just in the redzone. The offense in Baton Rouge runs on speed and quickness and they receive both abilitys in this one players. Look for Randle to have the type of immediate impact that Georgia wide receiver A. J. Green had last season in the SEC.
#11. Quarterback Garrett Gilbert, Texas
The Longhorns may have found a predecessor to senior quarterback Colt McCoy by signing Gilbert. His strong arm and pocker pressence show that he has all the tools to be a college quarterback in the always challenging Big 12. Along with his ability to throw the deep ball, Gilbert's speed and scrambling ability must be respected by opposing defenses.
#12. Offensive tackle D. J. Fluker, Alabama
Fluker is the top prospect at tackle but plays on the defensive side of the ball as well. He is a mammoth of a man ( 6' 7", 325 lbs) who has better athleticism than you would think at first glance. With as great an upside and Fluker possesses, look for him to dominating the line for years to come for Nick Saban and crew.
Here is the list of the top five recruiting rankings by team:
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Texas
4. USC
5. Florida
Cory Guinn
www.thejaystick.blogspot.com General Sports Writer
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