Recruiting Roundup

We are just three days away from National Signing Day, February 4, 2009. Things are really starting to heat up on the recruiting trail, and commits are coming in daily.

I have decided to post some links to rivals.com so that you can look at the top recruits for each position.

Quarterbacks

Rivals.com Top 50 Pro-style Quarterback Prospects for 2009

Rivals.com Top 35 Dual-Threat Quarterback Prospects for 2009

Running Backs

Rivals.com Top 50 All-Purpose Running Back Prospects for 2009

Rivals.com Top 75 Running Back Prospects for 2009

Rivals.com Top 20 Fullback Prospects for 2009

Wide Receivers

Rivals.com Top 100 Wide Receiver Prospects for 2009

Tight Ends

Rivals.com Top 50 Tight End Prospects for 2009

Offensive Lineman

Rivals.com Top 95 Offensive Tackle Prospects for 2009

Rivals.com Top 85 Offensive Guard Prospects for 2009

Rivals.com Top 25 Offensive Center Prospects for 2009

Defensive Lineman

Rivals.com Top 65 Weakside Defensive End Prospects for 2009

Rivals.com Top 60 Strongside Defensive End Prospects for 2009

Rivals.com Top 90 Defensive Tackle Prospects for 2009

Linebackers

Rivals.com Top 85 Inside Linebacker Prospects for 2009

Rivals.com Top 85 Outside Linebacker Prospects for 2009

Cornerbacks

Rivals.com Top 85 Cornerback Prospects for 2009

Safeties

Rivals.com Top 90 Safety Prospects for 2009

Kickers

Rivals.com Top 35 Kicker Prospects for 2009

Athletes

Rivals.com Top 100 Athlete Prospects for 2009

There are the links to every position ranked by Rivals.com for the upcoming 2009 recruiting class. Signing Day should prove to be exciting, as there are always some player who have last-second changes.

Stay tuned for more recruiting news and Signing Day coverage.

 

The Top 5 Players of 2008: Defensive Ends

Defensive end is one of the most critical positions on defense. This position requires great speed, good hands, strength and quick reflexes. I decided to make a list for defensive ends seperate from the other defensive lineman. I believe the importance of the defensive end position deserves that recognition. There were many superb defensive ends in 2008, but here are my top 5:


Texas Defensive End Brian Orakpo

1. Brian Orakpo (Texas) - Brian Orakpo had a sensational year wrecking havoc on the Big 12 offenses in 2008. The 6'4", 260 lbs DE posted 35 tackles ( 26 solo), 9 sacks, 15 TFL, 23 pressures and 3 forced fumbles in eight games. Orakpo received the 2008 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the 2008 Ted Hendriks Award, 2008 Lombardi Award, unanimous consensus All-American and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Honors. He is expected to be drafted very high in the first round come April in the NFL Draft.
2. Everette Brown (Florida State) - Everette Brown is as fast as lightning coming off the end position for Florida State for a 6'4", 248 lbs player. He had 37 tackles (31 solo), 13 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles in 2008.
3. Michael Johnson (Georgia Tech) - Michael Johnson is a monster 6'7", 260 lbs DE for The Ramblin' Wreck. You could say he IS a ramblin' wreck! Johnson had 45 tackles (27 solo), 9 sacks, and 1 INT resulting in a 26 yard TD. Johnson is a top 15 prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft.
4. Aaron Maybin (Penn State) - At 6'4", 236 lbs, Aaron Maybin is the smallest DE in my list. But don't let the lighter weight fool you, this guy packs a wallop! Maybin posted 49 tackles (30 solo), 12 sacks, and 1 forced fumble in 2008. He received All-American honors from several sources in 2008.
5. Paul Kruger (Utah) - Paul Kruger had a stellar year in 2008, helping the Utes accomplish an undefeated season. Kruger had 56 tackles (26 solo), 7 sacks and 1 INT. He was named 2008 All-MWC Defensive Lineman of the Year.

This is certainly a great crop of defensive ends for 2008. Check back tomorrow for the top 5 defensive lineman (interior) of 2008.