Recruiting 2012 - Class Rankings 41 to 50

Ranking the recruiting classes from 1 to 124 ... 41 to 50

Recruiting 2012 ... CFN Rankings

Class Rankings No. 41 to 50

CFN 2012 Recruiting Rankings
- No. 1 to 10 | No.11 to 20 | No. 21 to 30
- No.  31 to 40 |  No. 41 to 50 | No. 51 to 60
- No. 61 to 70 | No. 71 to 80 | No. 81 to 90
- No. 91 to 100 | No. 101 to 110 | No. 111 to 124 
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- 2011 CFN Recruiting Rankings | Recruiting 2012  

5 Recruits For Each Team You Must Know
- ACC Atlantic | ACC Coastal | Big East | Big Ten Leaders | Big Ten Legends
- Big 12 | C-USA | Ind. | MAC | M-West | Pac-12 North | Pac-12 South
- SEC East | SEC West | Sun Belt | WAC

50. Maryland | The Entire 2012 Recruiting Class

The 2012 Class Was Heavy On ... The running backs. The defense will end up getting the most help with a ton of great linebackers coming in, but head coach Randy Edsall wants to run the ball, run the ball, run the ball. His ground attack is what made him such a success at UConn, and his first job in his first full recruiting cycle is to beef up the talent in the backfield.

Team Concerns For 2012: The Terps have to find a consistent offense, and again, that’s going to start with the ground game. Almost everyone is back on O except for top back Davin Meggett, while the defense gets everyone back except for corner Trenton Hughes, and gets yet another year out of safety/linebacker Kenny Tate, a future NFL star who’s coming back from injury. The experience will be there across the board. Can the production start to come? For Edsall, it had better.

The 2011 Class Was Heavy On … Receivers. Apparently, Randy Edsall is going to start throwing the ball more in College Park than he did at UConn. He brought in four new targets with decent speed and impressive size with Jeremiah Hendy and Nigel King the future of the air show. His offensive line class is small, but excellent with some good guard prospect and a nice center in Evan Mulrooney. Picking up corners Makinton Dorleant and Michael Williams was a plus, and end Quinton Jefferson should be a terror.

2010 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 49. That Class Was Heavy On ... Defense. Wasn't Ralph Friedgen supposed to be a lame duck head coach? This class certainly didn't reflect that with several very good, very promising prospects to provide both instant help and a foundation for the future. Tyler Smith was the key to the offensive class as the quarterback to be groomed for down the road, and Sean Conaboy is a promising guard who should be a steady starter in a few years. The defense was the key starting with linebacker Javarie Johnson, a lightning fast playmaker who'll be all over the field the second he gets a chance. 13 good defensive players signed on, and they need to be factors early.

2009 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 28. That Class Was Heavy On ... linebackers. Maryland continues to stockpile the type of versatile linebackers that eventually move on to play on Sundays. Seven, in fact, are packing their bags for College Park, even though there’s no urgency for any to play right away. From New Jersey to South Carolina, Ralph Friedgen swept down the Eastern seaboard searching for athletic defenders who can play with range. It’s obviously early in the process, but Lorne Goree appears to be the best of a deep bunch.

49. Arizona State | The Entire 2012 Recruiting Class

The 2012 Class Was Heavy On ... Defense, and lots of it. The last three classes under Dennis Erickson loaded up with offensive talent and firepower. New head man Todd Graham’s biggest job in a short time is to keep everyone already schedule to come in, but mostly he has to work on improving a defense that came up short time and again. The cornerbacks should be good, the linebackers better, and JUCO transfers Mike Pennel and Jake Sheffield are expected to immediately play a big role at tackle.

Team Concerns For 2012: With QB Brock Osweiler leaving early for the NFL, the Sun Devils need one of last year’s key recruits, Mike Bercovici, to be more of an all-around playmaker than the bomber Osweiler was. The defensive front seven needs an overhaul, especially at linebacker, where all three starters are gone including Vontaze Burfict in the middle. In all, seven starters have to be replaced on defense giving all the new recruits a chance at seeing time right away.

The 2011 Class Was Heavy On … Quarterbacks. The defensive tackles should be strong with Mo Latu and David Moala two big, tough inside presences, and safeties Isreal Marshall and Ezekial Bishop two fast prospects for the secondary. The attention will be paid to the quarterback situation. JUCO transfer Kipeli Koniseti will provide depth, but he’s not likely going to be a starter, while Michael Eubank, the star of the class, is a big, tall bomber who knows how to spread the ball around. Mike Bercovici doesn’t have the tools, but he’s a baller.

2010 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 34. That Class Was Heavy On ... Receivers. Instant help was desperately needed for an offensive line that hasn't kept a quarterback upright since Dennis Erickson took over, and players are on the way in JUCO transfers Aderious Simmons and Brice Schwab at tackle and Calvin Tonga at guard. Four running backs were signed, led by Deantre Lewis, but the offensive stars were at receiver with JUCO transfers George Bell and Mike Willie looking to see time right away, while Kevin Anderson and Randy Kurst are speedsters for the near future.

2009 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 37. That Class Was Heavy On ... Running backs. Four backs are headed to Tempe determined to light a spark under a running game that floundered a year ago. Cameron Marshall, Shane McCullen, and Jamal Miles are three-star Sun Devils and among the top 100 high school runners in the country. While Marshall is a 208-pound thumper, McCullen is an intriguing blend of good size and blazing speed, who could also wind up playing on defense if the need arises.

48. Nebraska | The Entire 2012 Recruiting Class

The 2012 Class Was Heavy On ... More players. It was a concern when Nebraska joined the Big Ten that it wouldn’t be able to fight off the top conference teams for talent in the Midwest, and that appears to be the case with a light class that’s painfully lacking in top prospects. The linebacking corps is loading up a bit with some hard-nosed options for the future, and JUCO transfer Zaire Anderson for now, but for an offense that needs more options the class is lacking in skill prospects.

Team Concerns For 2012: Offensive pop in the passing game. There’s Taylor Martinez, Rex Burkhead, and a prayer for good field position. The receiving corps is still young and emerging, but Martinez is hardly Tom Brady and the offense isn’t going to start pushing the ball down the field more. Most of the top defensive starters are back, but the stars – MLB Lavonte David and CB Alfonzo Dennard – won’t be easily replaced. The offensive line has to find three new starters including both tackles.

The 2011 Class Was Heavy On … Quarterback. Either the coaching staff doesn’t 1) believe Taylor Martinez is a reliable part of the mix and/or 2) can’t stay healthy and other options are needed. Jamal Turner was taken away from Oklahoma and other Big 12 schools, and while he might be moved somewhere else, he could be a terror of a runner with his sub-4.5 speed. 6-5 Bubba Starling could be the answer with the passing ability to add more pop to the passing game to go along with the speed to be Martinez-like. The running will mostly be done by Aaron Green, a special back out of San Antonio who turned down Alabama, LSU, and Texas to be a Husker. Defensively, JUCO transfer safety Daimion Stafford will make an immediate impact.

2010 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 30. That Class Was Heavy On ... defensive backs. Again. Bo Pelini wants to make sure the defense remains special, and he reinforced the secondary with more great prospects after loading up the secondary last year. Corey Cooper is a talented safety who has the NFL size and speed to get the pro scouts drooling now, while Ciante Evans is a good looking corner who could play a role as a nickel and dime back early on. Overall this was a good class, but it would've been a special one had Pelini been able to win a few of the bigger battles, most notably the fight for top end Owamagbe Odighizuwa, who ended up signing with UCLA.

2009 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 31. That Class Was Heavy On ... defensive backs. It was a common theme for teams throughout this recruiting season after everyone’s defense got ripped apart … get better against the pass. Nebraska was no exception with five good defensive backs to go along with DE Jason Ankrah and linebackers Eric Martin and Chris Williams for the front seven. JUCO transfer Dejon Gomes is a big, fast corner, while Lazarri Middleton and Andrew Green have good size and excellent speed.

47. Northwestern | The Entire 2012 Recruiting Class

The 2012 Class Was Heavy On ... Offensive linemen. The last three classes have tried to improve the skill spots, and they’re going to need time to work. Led by a great get out of Pennsylvania – guard Adam DePietro – this could be Pat Fitzgerald’s best class of linemen yet. He’s also getting the best linebacker prospect in his era with Ifeadi Odenigbo out of Ohio, but 2012 is about an O line that should be ready to roll in three years.

Team Concerns For 2012: The defensive line loses both starting tackles, but the big hit comes in the secondary with safety Brian Peters done along with corners Jordan Mabin and Jeravin Matthews. QB Dan Persa might have been special, but Kain Colter got in enough work last year to be ready to go. However, he’ll be missing key targets Jeremy Ebert, Charles Brown, and Drake Dunsmore.

The 2011 Class Was Heavy On … Skill players. The Wildcats always get some decent misfits, like Dan Persa, who have the talent but seem to have one minor thing missing. This year, the program got some real, live talents including Zack Oliver, a quarterback out of Baton Rouge with the talent to be the best of the latest strong run of quarterbacks. Running back is a need, and Jordan Perkins, Nick VanHoose, and Trevyon Green will all get their chances right away. Receives Christian Jones and Cameron Dickerson are big targets who’ll be major factors in a few years.

2010 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 59. That Class Was Heavy On ... Receivers. Northwestern doesn't always get the superstar talented, but it upgraded the receiving corps with three good prospects who should shine in the system. Tony Jones is a speedy target out of Michigan, while Rashad Lawrence and Venric Mark can also move. The coaching staff isn't looking to Trevor Siemian and Kain Colter to replace Mike Kafka at quarterback right away, but the opportunity will be there this fall to take the gig. This was a small class of defensive prospects, but there are some good ones including linebacker Chi Chi Ariguzo, an all-star name if nothing else.

2009 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 69. That Class Was Heavy On ... running backs. It’s never a positive to recruit to fill an immediate need, but that’s exactly what Northwestern had to do with Tyrell Sutton gone and Omar Conteh hurt. The Wildcats need running backs, and it got them led by Arby Fields; a speedy, shifty back who should fit the offense to a T. Mike Trumpy and Davion Fleming might be relied on right away if injuries hit the backfield.

46. Vanderbilt | The Entire 2012 Recruiting Class

The 2012 Class Was Heavy On ... Offensive linemen. The Commodores have gone after the best players possible over the last few years, and head coach James Franklin was terrific last year at beefing up the skill spots, but now he needs offensive linemen to build up for the future. The line should be fine for the next few years, but this class has to be about the building blocks for down the road.

Team Concerns For 2012: Defensive playmakers. The Commodores return enough starters to be solid next season, but they lose some key parts on the line and corner Casey Hayward and safety Sean Richardson. The potential is there for 2011 to be a terrific year with so much experience returning, so this year’s class will be about the future. This is for 2014.

2011 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 43. That Class Was Heavy On ... Skill players. New head coach James Franklin did a magnificent job of bringing in one of Vanderbilt’s best recruiting classes in years. Signing Day pickups of WR Lafonte Thourogood, a 6-3, 225-pound former quarterback, and QB Josh Grady should be a big help in the near future for the always middling offense. The running backs got better with speedy Mitchell Hester and small, quick Jerron Seymoure to add more pizzazz to the attack. Tight end Dillon van der Wal out of California was a big-time coup, taking him away from Arkansas and Arizona State.

2010 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 55. That Class Was Heavy On ... Defensive linemen. The Commodores got a little bit of everything for both sides of the ball and came up with some good defensive back prospects, led by corners Andre Hall and Karl Butler, and some intriguing receivers with 6-5 Chris Boyd and lightning-fast Jonathan Krause leading the way. But the need was the defensive front and that's where the stars are with tackles Vince Taylor, Kyle Woestmann, and Jared Morse leading the way. Thomas Ryan and James Kittredge might be needed right away on the end.

2009 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 67. That Class Was Heavy On ... running backs. The Commodores lived off the ground game ever since Jay Cutler left, but that was mostly because of the mobility at quarterback. The running backs needed to be upgraded, and Bobby Johnson did that, at least for down the road, with Eric Samuels a speedy option, Warren Norman a quick player, and Zach Stacy a bit of a do-it-all prospect.

45. Pittsburgh | The Entire 2012 Recruiting Class

The 2012 Class Was Heavy On ... Keeping Todd Graham’s recruits. New head coach Paul Chryst is behind and has to rally, but first he has to make sure the key recruits from the former head man – like superstar running back prospect Rushel Shell – are happy. Why did Chryst succeed as Wisconsin’s offensive coordinator? Offensive linemen, but that’s going to be for the 2013 class. This year will mostly focus on simply getting the best players possible in an abbreviated recruiting cycle.

Team Concerns For 2012: The defensive front seven. Only two starters are back – end Aaron Donald and linebacker Todd Thomas – meaning the stars from the 2010 class have to start shining through. The offensive line needs a ton of work after losing three starters and both backups at tackle. This class isn’t expected to have any instant answers for either concern.

The 2011 Class Was Heavy On … Running back. New head coach Todd Graham needs receivers to get his passing game going, and he’ll hope that Darius Patton is worth the hype with his 4.4 speed able to stretch the field. The secondary got plenty of help with corner Jason Frimpong and safety Rodrick Ryles two talented prospects, and linebackers Nicholas Grigsby and LaQuentin Smith should be dangerous linebackers once they hit the weight room. The big question is if top recruit Lafayette Pitts will be the team’s No. 1 lockdown corner or if he’ll stick at running back. Either way, the Panthers loaded up in the backfield with Malcolm Crockett and Corey Davis two shifty runners who fit the Panther mold.

2010 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 33. That Class Was Heavy On ... Defensive linemen. T.J. Clemmings is a superior end prospect with 6-6, 260-pound size and the potential to be thrown into the mix right away, but he's hardly the only good defensive lineman signed with tackle Aaron Donald and end Bryan Murphy keeping the shelves stocked. Across the board there isn't a lot of sure-thing star power, but this is a diverse class with several strong prospect; because of the sheer numbers a few of these players will be better than originally expected. The secondary could be just as loaded as the line.

2009 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 26. That Class Was Heavy On ... backs. How do you answer the departure of star LeSean McCoy to the NFL after his sophomore season? You sign four young backs, who’ll be in a position to contribute in a year or two. There’s a nice blend of skills in the group. Dion Lewis and Jason Douglas provide the dash. At 205 pounds, Kevin Adams will bring the punch if he doesn’t move to safety. Raymond Graham, who was also pursued by Rutgers and Maryland, has a chance to be the best of the group.

44. Louisville | The Entire 2012 Recruiting Class

The 2012 Class Was Heavy On ... The lines. The defensive line needs prospects to develop for 2014 and beyond, but the bigger need haul should come for the interior of the offensive line that’s set for a while with John Miller and Jake Smith at guard, but with quality depth a must. The Cardinals won’t go heavy on tackles, but they’ll have more than their share of blockers.

Team Concerns For 2012: The kicking game. The Cardinals are loaded with underclassmen who played a huge role in last year’s success, and while senior experience is going to be a problem, the fundamentals of the team are strong. However, the punters are gone including Chris Philpott, who also served as placekicker. Josh Appleby out of Alabama will challenge for the starting kicker gig right away.

The 2011 Class Was Heavy On … Secondary. The star of the show needs to be Teddy Bridgewater, a tall, talented passer out of Miami who moves well and is the type of calm, cool presence to make an offense shine. He spurned Alabama, Auburn, Florida, LSU, and other big names to be the main man for the Cardinal attack, and head coach Charlie Strong hopes he has his Vince Young. He’ll have a terrific target to throw to in 6-3 speedster DeVante Parker, and Eli Rogers and Charles Gaines out of Miami, with Rogers working as Bridgewater’s main man at Miami Northwestern, will help. The strength is in the secondary with safety Gerod Holliman a future Big East star and corners Andrew Johnson and Terrell Floyd two Floridians who could see time right away.

2010 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 42. That Class Was Heavy On ... The passing game. New head man Charlie Strong brought in three quarterbacks led by Dominique Brown, and they'll have plenty of targets to work with.  Six wideouts signed on and they all fit a type with decent size and tremendous speed. Michaelee Harris out of Miami is the best of the group, but Stephan Robinson could grow into a dangerous playmaker. The defense has its star to build around in end B.J. Butler, a speed rusher who could've gone to Alabama or Florida.

2009 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 63. That Class Was Heavy On ... junior college transfers. Can you smell the desperation coming out of Northern Kentucky? Steve Kragthorpe, in need of instant help, went heavy on JUCO transfers, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The scales tipped overwhelmingly toward the D in this class, though Kragthorpe did land Santa Rosa (Calif.) College QB Andrew Froman, who’ll be in the mix to replace Hunter Cantwell.

43. Kentucky | The Entire 2012 Recruiting Class

The 2012 Class Was Heavy On ... Defensive playmakers. The last three recruiting classes have mostly focused on upgrading the offense, but that didn’t exactly payoff in a dismal 2011. It was a young crew of talented skill players that needed time, but now it’s time to produce. The defense has to stronger and more productive, and this class is focusing on getting more options for an already decent-looking secondary.

Team Concerns For 2012: Offensive line. Three starters are gone from an offensive front that didn’t do nearly enough to a pathetic attack. The skill players are in place for the next few seasons, but the line has to be reloaded. However, O line doesn’t’ appear to be the strength of this recruiting class.

2011 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 45. That Class Was Heavy On ... Receiver. The secondary gets a huge boost with safety Glen Faulkner a find and corners Eric Dixon and Daylen Hall, and the offensive line got help with tackle Darrian Miller a future All-SEC factor, but the bulk is at receiver. Rich Brooks focused on skill players a few years ago, and Joker Phillips loaded up with this class with six good receivers and tight end Alvin Dupree to boost the depth right away, but speedsters like Demarco Robinson and Daryl Collins should be stars in the future.

2010 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 38. That Class Was Heavy On ... The running game. Last year Rich Brooks made sure the future of the passing game was set by bringing in three quarterbacks, five wide receivers and two tight ends. The future became the present with so many issues at quarterback last season. this year, new head man Joker Phillips made sure the running game was secure with four very good prospects led by Brandon Gainer out of Miami and Raymond Sanders out of Georgia. In an interesting move, Phillips also loaded up on tight ends bringing in four with Alex Smith a big blocker and Tyler Brause like a big receiver. Don't dismiss the big signing of Joe Mansour, one of the nation's top punting prospects.

2009 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 32. That Class Was Heavy On ... the passing game. Three quarterbacks, five wide receivers and two tight ends … head coach Rich Brooks is looking for more out of a passing attack that was supposed to feature Curtis Pulley, before he was booted off the team. There aren’t any stars at receiver, but Anthony Kendrick, Ridge Wilson, LaRod King and Chris Matthews are big. Really big. 6-3 and up big. The quarterback battle will be tremendous with Morgan Newton, Ryan Mossakowski and Brian Adams all starting-quality prospects.

42. Oregon State | The Entire 2012 Recruiting Class

The 2012 Class Was Heavy On ... The defensive back seven. The Beavers have done a great job on the defensive line over the last few recruiting classes, and now it’s time to work on the backfield, especially the secondary, with safety the key to the season and a few nice-looking corner prospects ready to sign on. The offensive line was worked on mostly in the 2009 class, and now come the reinforcements for three years from now led by Isaac Seumalo, Scout.com’s No. 1 ranked guard.

Team Concerns For 2012: More offensive production. Sean Mannion appears settled in at quarterback, but the running game that was so miserable has to start getting a push from the line. Two starters are gone up front, while the passing game needs retooling with WR James Rodgers and H-Back Joe Halahuni both gone. Defensively, replacing safety Lance Mitchell will be the biggest job.

The 2011 Class Was Heavy On … Defensive ends. Oregon State can’t get the players that Oregon and other Pac 12 programs can get, so it has to go bulky in numbers when it has to fill a hole. This year, the goal was to improve the defensive front, and with ten linemen brought in including JUCO transfers Rusty Fernando, Rudolf Fifta, and Blake Harrah, the Beavers are hoping for instant depth. Dylan Wynn is the star of the class and could end up being the team’s next great pass rusher. The strength of the offensive class is at receiver with Richard Mullaney a big target and Brandin Cooks and Tyrequek Zimmerman field stretching speedsters.

2010 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 60. That Class Was Heavy On ... Defensive tackles. The Beavers loaded up on offensive linemen last year, and this year Mike Riley concentrated on the defensive front. QB Sean Mannion is the crown jewel of the class and LB Shaydon Akuna is a nice get, but 280-pound Thomas Molesi, 290-pound Fred Thompson, and 290-pound Mana Tuivailala will be the key to the class. Throw in pass rushers in Dominic Glover, who'd be an ideal end in a 3-4, and Scott Crichton and OSU is loaded on the line for the next few years.

2009 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 48. That Class Was Heavy On ... offensive linemen. With so much turnover going on here, it was time for Mike Riley to replenish in the trenches, a key to the program’s success in recent years. A half-dozen new linemen are set to hit Corvallis, hoping to open holes for Jacquizz Rodgers as soon as possible. The name to remember in the short term is Michael Philipp, a can’t-miss guard, who had offers from everyone in the Pac-10 and is physically ready to play right now.

41. NC State | The Entire 2012 Recruiting Class

The 2012 Class Was Heavy On ... The Wolfpack is going hard after the defensive line for the second time in four years. The line is fine for now, but Tom O’Brien needs players to develop for down the road with the wave of strong prospects from the 2009 class are done. The offensive side will get more help for the interior with the guards getting the most attention.

Team Concerns For 2012: The passing game needs more options for QB Mile Glennon to work with after speedy T.J. Graham chose to leave early and receivers Jay Smith, Steven Howard, and tight end George Bryan also done. The defensive side needs help on the inside with starting tackles J.R. Sweezy and Markus Kuhn gone. The Pack has plenty of young players ready to show what they can do, but it’ll be an untested area in spring ball.

The 2011 Class Was Heavy On … Linebackers. There aren’t a ton of great ones in a generally mediocre class, but the hope is for strength in numbers with Mike Rose and Brandon Pittman two safety-sized defenders with the potential to be excellent with a little bit of time. The defensive line got help with Ty McGill for the inside and Dave Mann on the end, and quarterback Brian Taylor and WR Hakeem Flowers will be asked to be the star pitch-catch combo by 2013, but overall the star power isn’t there.

2010 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 43. That Class Was Heavy On ... Offensive lineman. This might not be the sexiest class, but it has teeth. WR Tony Creecy is a speedster who should make a big impact, and JUCO transfer Tobais Palmer will be a part of the running back mix right away. The key is the offensive line with Robert Crisp a massive and very talented offensive tackle who'll end up being the anchor up front. Crisp is 6-8, as is fellow tackle Andy Jomantas, while Tyson Chandler is a 6-6, 340-pound mauler. Defensively, Fre'Shad Hunter will be the star on the inside up front once he adds some weight.

2009 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 36. That Class Was Heavy On ... defensive linemen. Tom O’Brien and his assistants absolutely loaded up on defensive linemen with this class, going as far north as Massachusetts and as far south as Georgia to find space-eaters. Willie Young, Alan-Michael Cash, and Shea McKeen have only one year of eligibility remaining, so this group will be expected to eventually form the backbone of the defensive front for the next four or five seasons.