Photo courtesy of Darrell Laxton
Marvin Bracy is an elite track runner and an elite football player. His lightning speed captivated Florida State, which wants him for football and track.
Marvin Bracy of
Boone (Orlando, Fla.) skyrocketed into national prominence last spring as a junior.
Noted more for his exploits as a running back in football, Bracy wound up recording the fastest time in the country during the track season by running the 100-meter dash in 10.28 seconds. Along the way, he won Florida state titles in the 100 and 200 and anchored the 4x100 relay to a third title. He also ran a wind-aided 10.05 hundred at the U.S. Junior Nationals.
The 5-foot-9, 167-pounder, who plans to accept a combination football-track scholarship to Florida State University, is the fastest recruit in the Class of 2012.
However, when it comes to shorter distances - say the 40-yard dash - we have to look first at
Ron Darby of
Potomac (Oxon Hill, Md.), who has a blazing best of 4.31 seconds. The 5-11, 180-pound cornerback, who is uncommitted, also has run the 100 in 10.41 and the 200 in 21.05.
Here's a look at eight of the other Top 10 fastest football recruits:
Photo by Sam Soliday
Dorial Green-Beckham, Hillcrest
* The nation's No. 1 recruit,
Dorial Green-Beckham of
Hillcrest (Springfield, Mo.), runs 100 meters in 10.5 seconds. The 6-6, 225-pound national record-holding wide receiver has not yet revealed his college choice.
* No. 10
Landon Collins of
Dutchtown (Geismar, La.) was clocked in a windy 10.58 while placing fourth in his state's Class 5A 100 finals. The 6-1, 205-pound defensive back, who has chosen the University of Alabama, also has run 40 yards in 4.42 seconds.
* No. 67 Wide receiver/defensive back
Davonte Neal ran 200 meters in 21.48 for
Chaparral (Scottsdale, Ariz.) as a junior. The 5-10, 180-pounder has not yet chosen a college.
* No. 51
Brian Kimbrow, a 5-9, 170-pound running back/cornerback from
Memphis East (Tenn.), ran 40 yards in an outstanding 4.3 seconds during the U.S. Army Combine. He is ticketed for Vanderbilt University.
* No. 113
Justin Thomas also has turned in a 4.3-second 40 for
Prattville (Ala.). The versatile 5-10, 175-pounder, who can play several positions, has committed to the University of Alabama.
* No. 167, 6-foot, 175-pound wide receiver
Germone Hopper has run 40 yards in 4.48 seconds for
Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology (Charlotte, N.C.). He is headed for Clemson University.
* No. 32 Texas A&M recruit
Trey Williams has been timed in 4.37 seconds in the 40 at
Dekaney (Houston). He is a 5-10, 176-pound running back.
* No. 122
Trae Elston of
Oxford (Ala.) has a best time of 4.41 in the 40. He is a 6-foot, 180-pound defensive back who has not yet chosen a college.