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1-25 Link
Plenty of stars in Nos. 1-25
1. Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
Despite some November hurdles, Clowney lived up to his billing as the top prospect in the 2011 class. The five-star defensive end suffered a mild concussion in November and was cleared to play one week later versus Clemson, but missed the first quarter due to a violation of team rules. Clowney was second on South Carolina in two categories: tackles for loss (10) and sacks (6). He also had a team-leading five forced fumbles, showcasing the explosive playmaking ability that made him an elite prospect. Clowney registered 32 tackles on the season despite starting only one game.
2. Anthony Johnson, DT, LSU
Adjusting to playing defensive tackle in the SEC is no easy feat, yet Johnson did a more than commendable job. It's also not easy for a freshman to work himself into LSU's deep rotation, yet Johnson did that too. He played in all 12 games, registering 10 tackles, including three for loss and a sack.
3. Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama
Kouandjio was playing well in reserve duty until he suffered a knee injury against Tennessee in October. He was forced to undergo surgery the next week. Alabama coaches have high expectations for Kouandjio, who is expected to be the left tackle of the future in Tuscaloosa.
4. Isaiah Crowell, RB, Georgia
Crowell lived up to the billing on the field, giving Georgia an explosive back when he was in the lineup. Crowell started seven games, leading the Bulldogs in rushing with 894 yards and a 4.7-yard average on 182 carries. While there have been flashes of greatness, Crowell has had two suspensions for violations of team rules, fumbling issues and some injury concerns.
5. Karlos Williams, S, Florida State
Williams played in all 12 of the Seminoles' games and registered eight tackles in a limited role. Playing time was hard to come by with older, more experienced safeties above him on the depth chart.
26-50 Link
Sammy Watkins tops Nos. 26-50
26. Gabe Wright, DT, Auburn
Wright has had a solid freshman season, getting spot duty early on before winning the starting job in Week 9. Wright finished the season with 11 tackles, two for loss, and forced one fumble while playing in all 12 games for the Tigers this year.
27. Giorgio Newberry, ATH, Florida State
Newberry redshirted this season for the Noles. He came in as an athlete with the ability to play defensive end or offensive tackle, but worked out all year with the scout team on the defensive side of the ball.
28. Savon Huggins, RB, Rutgers
When he signed with Rutgers, Huggins was called the biggest recruit in the history of the program. He played mainly a backup role this past season, rushing 56 times for 146 yards and five touchdowns. He injured his knee in a game with South Florida in November and missed the last three regular-season games.
29. James Wilder, Jr., ATH, Florida State
Wilder was the third-string running back for the Noles. He rushed 31 times for 150 yards and one touchdown but should play an increased role next season as the Noles were loaded in the backfield this past season. "He took the role as a special-teams guy and became a force in our coverage and return game," said Eddie Gran, FSU's running back and special-teams coach. "As the year went on he picked up stuff on offense and got better and better. James is the type of back that can pound a defense. He's that guy. You think he has zero yards on a carry and it will turn into three, then six and then he will break one."
30. Steve Miller, DE, Ohio State
Miller played in two games this season, finishing with one tackle. The defensive end came into Ohio State as one of the Buckeyes' most-heralded recruits but sat behind a few upperclassmen. With a year to get bigger and stronger, look for Miller to have an impact season as a sophomore a year from now.
51-75 Link
Curt Maggitt shines from Nos. 51-75
51. Trey Metoyer, WR
Metoyer, who committed to Oklahoma, was declared academically ineligible for the 2011 season and played at Hargrave Military Academy this fall.
52. Erique Florence, S, Auburn
Florence played a key role in Auburn's secondary as a freshman, seeing a lot of time at safety. He played in all 12 games and finished the regular season with 23 tackles for the Tigers.
53. Jeoffrey Pagan, DE, Alabama
Pagan saw time sparingly as a true freshman with the Tide in 2011. He played mop-up duty in six games and finished with four tackles.
54. Angelo Mangiro, OG, Penn State
Mangiro did not play for Penn State this season, but he will have a chance to make an impact next season as a redshirt freshman, as the Nittany Lions will lose both their starting guards.
55. Steve Edmond, ILB, Texas
Playing in 10 games, Edmond was an ace on Texas' special teams. He made five tackles on the unit, which was fourth on the team. He also forced a fumble and had two tackles for loss this season for the Longhorns
76-100 Link
Braxton Miller stars from Nos. 76-100
76. Damian Swann, ATH, Georgia
Swann is a reserve cornerback who played in 10 games and started one for the Bulldogs. He recorded five tackles and one tackle for loss.
77. Ben Koyack, TE, Notre Dame
Used more for blocking situations, Koyack has played in 11 games and started one. He caught one pass for 5 yards.
78. De'Ante Saunders, ATH, Florida
Saunders has made an impact during his freshman season, leading the team in interceptions as well as being a valuable member of the punt return team. As a safety, he had 22 tackles and two interceptions.
79. Demetrius Hart, RB, Alabama
Listed as "Dee" on the official roster, Hart is one of several running backs pushing for game time on a very talented unit.
80. Braxton Miller, QB, Ohio State
A true freshman, Miller has taken the reins as the starting quarterback and will lead the Buckeyes in the Gator Bowl against Florida on Jan. 2. Miller has thrown for 997 yards and 11 touchdowns, and rushed for 695 yards and seven scores.
101-125 Link
Kenny Hilliard stars from Nos. 101-125
101. Nathan Hughes, DE, Oklahoma
Hughes redshirted for the Sooners.
102. Andre Yruretagoyena, OT, Oregon
Yruretagoyena redshirted for the Ducks.
103. Jordan Wade, DT, Oklahoma
Wade was academically cleared in October and will be in Norman, Okla., in January.
104. Vad Lee, ATH, Georgia Tech
Lee redshirted, and the Yellow Jackets expect him to compete for playing time at quarterback next fall.
105. Antonio Richardson, OT, Tennessee
Richardson played in all 12 Tennessee games in a backup role. He even had a few snaps playing fullback late in the season against Vanderbilt and Kentucky.
126-150 Link
Bridgewater highlights No. 126-150
126. Jerrard Randall, QB, LSU
Randall originally committed to Oregon but switched to LSU after national signing day. He redshirted this season.
127. Michael Bennett, OG, Ohio State
Bennett played all 12 games at defensive line this season and was tied for third on the team in tackles for loss (5) and sacks (3). He had 16 tackles.
128. Tobias Singleton, WR, Ole Miss
Singleton was Ole Miss' primary kick returner and averaged 24.6 yards on 21 returns. He also caught two passes for 12 yards.
129. Zachary Witchett, ATH, Hinds Junior College
Witchett committed to Georgia, but had his scholarship pulled in January. He enrolled at Hinds (Miss.) Junior College.
130. Jordan Prestwood, OT, Florida State
Prestwood enrolled at FSU in the spring and then transferred to Notre Dame, where he had originally committed in the summer of 2010. He redshirted for the Irish.
Plenty of stars in Nos. 1-25
1. Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
Despite some November hurdles, Clowney lived up to his billing as the top prospect in the 2011 class. The five-star defensive end suffered a mild concussion in November and was cleared to play one week later versus Clemson, but missed the first quarter due to a violation of team rules. Clowney was second on South Carolina in two categories: tackles for loss (10) and sacks (6). He also had a team-leading five forced fumbles, showcasing the explosive playmaking ability that made him an elite prospect. Clowney registered 32 tackles on the season despite starting only one game.
2. Anthony Johnson, DT, LSU
Adjusting to playing defensive tackle in the SEC is no easy feat, yet Johnson did a more than commendable job. It's also not easy for a freshman to work himself into LSU's deep rotation, yet Johnson did that too. He played in all 12 games, registering 10 tackles, including three for loss and a sack.
3. Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama
Kouandjio was playing well in reserve duty until he suffered a knee injury against Tennessee in October. He was forced to undergo surgery the next week. Alabama coaches have high expectations for Kouandjio, who is expected to be the left tackle of the future in Tuscaloosa.
4. Isaiah Crowell, RB, Georgia
Crowell lived up to the billing on the field, giving Georgia an explosive back when he was in the lineup. Crowell started seven games, leading the Bulldogs in rushing with 894 yards and a 4.7-yard average on 182 carries. While there have been flashes of greatness, Crowell has had two suspensions for violations of team rules, fumbling issues and some injury concerns.
5. Karlos Williams, S, Florida State
Williams played in all 12 of the Seminoles' games and registered eight tackles in a limited role. Playing time was hard to come by with older, more experienced safeties above him on the depth chart.
26-50 Link
Sammy Watkins tops Nos. 26-50
26. Gabe Wright, DT, Auburn
Wright has had a solid freshman season, getting spot duty early on before winning the starting job in Week 9. Wright finished the season with 11 tackles, two for loss, and forced one fumble while playing in all 12 games for the Tigers this year.
27. Giorgio Newberry, ATH, Florida State
Newberry redshirted this season for the Noles. He came in as an athlete with the ability to play defensive end or offensive tackle, but worked out all year with the scout team on the defensive side of the ball.
28. Savon Huggins, RB, Rutgers
When he signed with Rutgers, Huggins was called the biggest recruit in the history of the program. He played mainly a backup role this past season, rushing 56 times for 146 yards and five touchdowns. He injured his knee in a game with South Florida in November and missed the last three regular-season games.
29. James Wilder, Jr., ATH, Florida State
Wilder was the third-string running back for the Noles. He rushed 31 times for 150 yards and one touchdown but should play an increased role next season as the Noles were loaded in the backfield this past season. "He took the role as a special-teams guy and became a force in our coverage and return game," said Eddie Gran, FSU's running back and special-teams coach. "As the year went on he picked up stuff on offense and got better and better. James is the type of back that can pound a defense. He's that guy. You think he has zero yards on a carry and it will turn into three, then six and then he will break one."
30. Steve Miller, DE, Ohio State
Miller played in two games this season, finishing with one tackle. The defensive end came into Ohio State as one of the Buckeyes' most-heralded recruits but sat behind a few upperclassmen. With a year to get bigger and stronger, look for Miller to have an impact season as a sophomore a year from now.
51-75 Link
Curt Maggitt shines from Nos. 51-75
51. Trey Metoyer, WR
Metoyer, who committed to Oklahoma, was declared academically ineligible for the 2011 season and played at Hargrave Military Academy this fall.
52. Erique Florence, S, Auburn
Florence played a key role in Auburn's secondary as a freshman, seeing a lot of time at safety. He played in all 12 games and finished the regular season with 23 tackles for the Tigers.
53. Jeoffrey Pagan, DE, Alabama
Pagan saw time sparingly as a true freshman with the Tide in 2011. He played mop-up duty in six games and finished with four tackles.
54. Angelo Mangiro, OG, Penn State
Mangiro did not play for Penn State this season, but he will have a chance to make an impact next season as a redshirt freshman, as the Nittany Lions will lose both their starting guards.
55. Steve Edmond, ILB, Texas
Playing in 10 games, Edmond was an ace on Texas' special teams. He made five tackles on the unit, which was fourth on the team. He also forced a fumble and had two tackles for loss this season for the Longhorns
76-100 Link
Braxton Miller stars from Nos. 76-100
76. Damian Swann, ATH, Georgia
Swann is a reserve cornerback who played in 10 games and started one for the Bulldogs. He recorded five tackles and one tackle for loss.
77. Ben Koyack, TE, Notre Dame
Used more for blocking situations, Koyack has played in 11 games and started one. He caught one pass for 5 yards.
78. De'Ante Saunders, ATH, Florida
Saunders has made an impact during his freshman season, leading the team in interceptions as well as being a valuable member of the punt return team. As a safety, he had 22 tackles and two interceptions.
79. Demetrius Hart, RB, Alabama
Listed as "Dee" on the official roster, Hart is one of several running backs pushing for game time on a very talented unit.
80. Braxton Miller, QB, Ohio State
A true freshman, Miller has taken the reins as the starting quarterback and will lead the Buckeyes in the Gator Bowl against Florida on Jan. 2. Miller has thrown for 997 yards and 11 touchdowns, and rushed for 695 yards and seven scores.
101-125 Link
Kenny Hilliard stars from Nos. 101-125
101. Nathan Hughes, DE, Oklahoma
Hughes redshirted for the Sooners.
102. Andre Yruretagoyena, OT, Oregon
Yruretagoyena redshirted for the Ducks.
103. Jordan Wade, DT, Oklahoma
Wade was academically cleared in October and will be in Norman, Okla., in January.
104. Vad Lee, ATH, Georgia Tech
Lee redshirted, and the Yellow Jackets expect him to compete for playing time at quarterback next fall.
105. Antonio Richardson, OT, Tennessee
Richardson played in all 12 Tennessee games in a backup role. He even had a few snaps playing fullback late in the season against Vanderbilt and Kentucky.
126-150 Link
Bridgewater highlights No. 126-150
126. Jerrard Randall, QB, LSU
Randall originally committed to Oregon but switched to LSU after national signing day. He redshirted this season.
127. Michael Bennett, OG, Ohio State
Bennett played all 12 games at defensive line this season and was tied for third on the team in tackles for loss (5) and sacks (3). He had 16 tackles.
128. Tobias Singleton, WR, Ole Miss
Singleton was Ole Miss' primary kick returner and averaged 24.6 yards on 21 returns. He also caught two passes for 12 yards.
129. Zachary Witchett, ATH, Hinds Junior College
Witchett committed to Georgia, but had his scholarship pulled in January. He enrolled at Hinds (Miss.) Junior College.
130. Jordan Prestwood, OT, Florida State
Prestwood enrolled at FSU in the spring and then transferred to Notre Dame, where he had originally committed in the summer of 2010. He redshirted for the Irish.