Top 5 early commits from the class of 2012

Before the summer, MaxPreps looked at some of the top players from the class of 2012.

With many 2011 recruiting classes rapidly filling up, college coaches continue to turn an eye toward the 2012 recruits.

Here’s a look at the five biggest verbal commitments from current high school juniors.

Eddie Williams, ATH, Arnold (Panama City Beach, Fla.) - Alabama

The panhandle of Florida is home to many Crimson Tide fans who feel a stronger allegiance to Alabama than any school in the Sunshine State.

It has also been a productive stop on the recruiting trail for Nick Saban, who recently landed Trent Richardson from the area.

The class of 2012 is assured at least some panhandle flavor after Arnold athlete Eddie Williams verbally committed to Alabama.

Williams has been a standout since his freshman season at Mosley before transferring to Arnold. He can play quarterback, receiver, and defensive back. He accounted for 10 total scores last season while recording 37 tackles last year. In two games this season, he’s made 15 tackles and intercepted a pass.

He could end up being a safety in Alabama’s defense that has stockpiled talented players in the secondary over recent years.

Avery Johnson, WR, Ely (Pompano Beach, Fla.) - LSU
No one was surprised when Avery Johnson offered his verbal commitment to LSU three weeks ago.

After all, Johnson is the younger brother of Tigers star corner back Patrick Peterson. What sets Johnson apart is that Johnson's calling card is offense.

As a sophomore, he caught 46 passes for 705 yards and seven scores for Ely.

Johnson played his freshman season at Redemptorist, alongside 2011 top recruits Jeremy Hill and La’El Collins, before returning home to play for Ely.

He should give Les Miles a dynamic threat on offense and will compete for playing time right away.

Arik Armstead, OL, Pleasant Grove (Elk Grove, Calif.) - USC
With NCAA sanctions limiting the Trojans’ scholarships, Lane Kiffin and staff need to hit a home run with nearly every recruit they land.

Arik Armstead fits the bill.

The 6-foot-7 younger brother of Armond Armstead has had the attention of college coaches since his freshman season at Jesuit. Now a junior at Pleasant Grove, he projects to be one of the top offensive lineman in the 2012 class.

Also a talented player on the hardwood, Armstead brings an unusual amount of athleticism to the tackle position. Although he’ll need to fill out his frame more once he arrives at USC, he displays good strength on film and plays with great tenacity.

In a deep year for offensive tackles, Armstead will be among the best.

Warren Ball, RB, St. Francis de Sales (Columbus, Ohio) - Ohio State
When Ball committed to Ohio State earlier this month, the Buckeyes locked up a versatile back with good vision, speed, and size.

The 6-2, 200-pounder catches the ball nicely out of the backfield and also returns kicks for DeSales. At running back, he has great acceleration and gets upfield quickly. His strength allows him to break any would-be tackles.

Along with Glen Oak running back, Brionte Dunn, Ball will be one of the top offensive threats in Ohio next season.

His commitment means that Ohio State will land another great instate back, following in the footsteps of Maurice Clarett and Beanie Wells.

Duke Johnson, RB, Norland (Miami, Fla.) - Miami
Given the depth of talent around Dade County, it’s very rare for a sophomore to step in at the varsity level and put together the type of season that Duke Johnson enjoyed in 2009.

As a 10th grader a year ago, Johnson piled up 1,540 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns on just 150 carries, earning him a spot on the MaxPreps Sophomore All-American Team.

His commitment reaffirms Miami’s ability to keep top players from leaving the area and gives Randy Shannon one of the most productive running backs in the 2012 class.

Committing this early means that Johnson will have plenty of time to do some recruiting for the Hurricanes himself.

Talent in the state of Florida appears to be pretty well scattered in the 2012 class, as there are top recruits in all corners of the states. South Florida, traditionally a bastion of talent, will once again be a fertile recruiting ground, however.

If Johnson can convince some of the area’s top players to head to Coral Gables, Miami will likely bring in a top haul.