The 2011 National Signing Day provided surprises and plenty reinforcements for several programs in the future. Recruiting philosophies have changed over the past several years where high school seniors want to commit to schools that will give them immediate playing time for there teams success and there own exposure. The following high school players could have immediate impacts and make several All-American freshmen teams this fall.
- Jesse Williams, Defensive tackle, Alabama Crimson Tide: The defensive tackle was the 2nd best prospect in the junior college rankings out of Yuma, Arizona. Alabama will have intense spring practices to see who fills in as the pass rushing specialist with the departure of Marcel Dareus. Holdovers Kerry Murphy & Brandon Lewis are viable options to start, but don’t discount Williams’s chances with his mammoth 330-pound frame and run stopping ability that Nick Saban loves.
- Jadevon Clowney, Defensive end, South Carolina Gamecocks: Clowney is considered the best defensive end prospect in the country with every school in the SEC desperately seeking his commitment. The 6’-6” pass rushing specialist will get immediate playing time at South Carolina and make the most out of his opportunities. Clowney is projected to be the opening day starter at defensive end filling a major need on defense. He chose the Gamecocks over Alabama and Clemson.
- Mike Bellamy, Running back, Clemson Tigers: The Tigers already have running backs Jaime Harper and Andre Ellington as dual threat backs capable of making a long run at any given moment. Dabo Swinney struck gold in landing Mike Bellamy, whose talent is too good to leave on the bench his freshman year. He has a second gear that has been compared to Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson and his 4.3 speed in the 40 yard dash, as well as being an outstanding receiver coming out of the backfield. He headlines a top-ten class on their way to Clemson that has the Tiger fan base expecting big plays. Pairing Bellamy with Ellington and Harper will give the Tigers the deepest set of running backs in the ACC in 2011.
- Colt Lyerla, Athlete, Oregon Ducks: Defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti is losing impact players at the linebacker position in Casey Matthews and Kenny Rowe. Lyerla is considered one of the top athletes in the state of Oregon. He could see immediate playing time as a weak side or strong side linebacker as well at the tight end position. If you take a good look at him, he looks a lot like Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher. If he plays and performs like him, the coaching staff in Eugene will be more than satisfied.
- Marquis Williams, Quarterback, North Carolina Tar Heels: The departure of quarterback T.J. Yates will make the battle for the starting position something to watch in Chapel Hill. Williams is a duel-threat prospect, who’s drawing similar comparisons to former Virginia Tech standout Tyrod Taylor. He’ll battle another skilled player at the position in Bryn Renner. This is a major commitment for Butch Davis and the coaching staff. A player like Williams has the ability to sustain drives with his feet that could bring another dimension to the Tar Heel offense.
- Hershel Sims, Running back, Oklahoma State Cowboys: Sims should receive a good amount of playing time with former running back Kendell Hunter off to the NFL. He will get plenty of opportunities to make plays in an offense that’s returning quarterback Brandon Weeden and receiver Justin Blackmon. The Cowboys lethal passing attack will set up the run and plenty of lanes for Sims to run through. His 4.4 time in the 40-yard dash is jaw dropping and if he gets into the opponents' secondary, he’s more than likely taking it to the end zone. What makes Sims so gifted is his ability to break tackles and pick up extra yardage.
- Malcolm Brown, Running back, Texas Longhorns: The disappointing 2010 season that left the Longhorns out of a bowl game for the first time under Mack Brown can come down to one reason: no running game to keep opposing defenses honest. Running back Malcolm Brown out of Cibolo, Texas, who has a chance to have an immediate impact the same way Adrian Peterson did for the Oklahoma Sooners in 2004. Head coach Mack Brown made the running back spot a position of need this recruiting season. Malcolm Brown is the number one rated player at the position and has a chance to be the schools next great runner joining past players Ricky Williams, Cedric Benson, and Jammal Charles.
- Kris Frost, Inside linebacker, Auburn Tigers: The defending national champions are losing several key players on defense, but the most notable defection is inside linebacker where former starter Josh Bynes is graduating. The open competition will give Frost a chance to start and will be competing with LaDarious Owens and Jonathan Evans for the starting spot. Frost’s speed and great open-field tackling made him one of the best linebacker prospects in this year’s class.
- Brennen Beyer, Defensive end, Michigan Wolverines: If you want to compete in the Big-Ten Conference, then you have to have a defense that makes plays and gets off the field. Local touted prospect Brennan Beyer has a chance to start right away where the Wolverines need playmakers to bring the program back to prominence. The defensive line has been an Achilles heel and a pass rushing specialist is needed. Beyer has similar pass rushing abilities to former Michigan players in Lamarr Woodley (Pittsburgh Steelers), Alan Branch (Arizona Cardinals) and Brandon Graham (Philadelphia Eagles). Look for Beyer to bring energy and see the field right away in Ann Arbor.
- George Farmer, Wide receiver, USC Trojans: Considered to be the best receiver in California and will provide an immediate impact for the Trojans. Farmer is being compared to Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant with his similarities in speed, size, and precise route running. Pairing Farmer with last year’s jewel of the 2010 class Kyle Prater, will give the Trojans a passing attack feared in the Pac-12 for years to come. Give credit to Lane Kiffin and his coaching staff for reeling in a top-10 class despite the sanctions given to the program.
Jonathan Cisowski - From January 2006 to March 2009, Jonathan worked the night-side assignment desk for the 11:00 PM news at KTNV-Television (Journal ...
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