by Bryan KellyAnyone new to the sport of recruiting must wonder what the term "ATH" means next to a player's name.
What is an "athlete"? Aren't all players athletes?
The answer is both simple and complex. Yes, all football players are athletes. But some are such good athletes that deciding where they should play—and what they could be best at—is difficult.
Dropping in on the 2011 recruiting class early, we've been able to see how talented some of these players are in different positions on offense and defense, and sometimes, in entirely different sports.
I've ranked the 10 kids (with video!) I consider to be the best pure athletes in the 2011 class. These kids have played and mastered a multitude of positions in high school.
Now that college is around the corner, they have not one but two important decisions to make: where to play their college ball, and what to play when they get there.
10. Everett Golson, QB/PG (UNC)I'd like to kick things off by giving accolades to North Carolina's 2011 commitment, ATH/QB Everett Golson.
Not only did Golson surpass South Carolina's state record for touchdown passes during his junior season, but he will also try out for UNC's basketball team once he enrolls on campus.
Put the cynicism away, folks. Despite missing the NCAA tournament this year, playing for UNC still means something.
Golson is a top-five pro-style quarterback who held offers from many of the leading programs across the country before committing to UNC a few days after National Signing Day.
Aside from the SC touchdowns record, Golson is a threat to take off and score on his own. He has the athletic edge to burn defenses, and he racked up 400 yards and five scores to go with a 47-touchdown, three-interception passing season in 2009.
He has a clean delivery and great confidence in the pocket. UNC's favorable depth chart situation at quarterback is conducive to a redshirt year followed by open competition with Bryn Renner as a redshirt freshman in 2012.
Tar Heels fans—of both football and basketball—should be excited.
Rest of the 2011 top 10 prospects.
