High school: Best of the best national recruits
By Compiled By Jerry Dipaola
Published: Thursday, February 7, 2013, 12:01 a.m.
Updated: Thursday, February 7, 2013
Robert Nkemdiche DE, Ole Miss
No one disputes the Nigerian-born Nkemdiche's status as the top high school prospect in the U.S. He is everybody's No. 1. Nasty pass-rusher with what recruiting expert Tom Lemming calls “violent hands,” he already is referring to his “three-year” college career. He says he plays like “my hair's on fire.” Self-described bottom line: “I'm a freak.” Will join brother Denzel, a redshirt freshman linebacker, at Ole Miss.
Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn
The most interesting aspect of Lawson's recruitment was that he gave Auburn a verbal commitment in March and kept his word over the past 11 months. Oh … and this: He totaled 41 sacks in his junior and senior seasons.
Vernon Hargreaves III, DB, Florida
Hargreaves was named MVP of the Under Armour All-America game last month, recording five tackles, two pass breakups and an interception against the best talent in the nation. Word throughout Dixie is he will be Florida's best cornerback by Thanksgiving.
Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
Aside from the fact Smith has his own Wikipedia page, he is a special player. Applied constant pressure in All-American Bowl, he is the Irish's first five-star linebacker since Manti Te'o.
Max Browne, QB, USC
Rated the No. 1 pro-style quarterback in the nation by Rivals and Scout, Browne displayed efficiency, arm strength and touch. Frustrated USC fans who suffered through a 7-6 season will like this: Brown threw only five interceptions, with 49 touchdowns.
Derrick Greene, RB, Michigan
The scouting report on Greene is that he can run between tackles, catch passes or stay in the backfield and protect his quarterback. His 4.4 speed sets him apart from most high school kids and has made him Rival.com's No. 1 running back.
Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
He could have chosen any of the top schools in the country, but he picked Ole Miss — a doormat in the SEC only two seasons ago. He helped lead Crete-Monee to a state title with 81 catches, 1,071 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
It wouldn't be difficult to find Tunsil's numbers — 6-foot-6, 295 pounds and 5.12-second time in the 40-yard dash — next to the name of any number of NFL Draft prospects. Freshman O-linemen seldom start at BCS schools, but Tunsil could buck that trend.
Eddie Vanderdoes, DT, Notre Dame
The target of an intense recruiting battle, Vanderdoes had 42 offers before finally choosing Notre Dame. The reason for his popularity is clear: Not many high school kids can squat press 500 pounds with a 30-inch vertical leap.
Reuben Foster, MLB, Alabama
Foster decommitted from Alabama and Auburn before settling on Alabama. “Alabama has been in the mix since I was a pup,” he said. “I've loved them since day one.”
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