Robert Nkemdiche is the top recruit in the Class of 2013.
Photo by Dennis Carter
As the dust settles after the Class of 2012, it's a perfect time to look ahead to Class of 2013, which is headlined by Grayson defensive end Robert Nkemdiche.
The U.S. Air Force National Junior of the Year also projects as the country's top college recruit heading into the spring.
Nkemdiche is uncommitted, but top programs all over the country have already been courting him over over a year.
It's an extremely special year for talent in the Peach State, which also features dominant linebacker Reuben Foster.
Early Top 10 Recruits in the Class of 20131. Robert NkemdicheSchool: Grayson (Loganville, Ga.)Position: Defensive end
Early offers: Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi et al
Nkemdiche is as athletically gifted as nearly any recruit you'll come across. The 6-foot-5, 270-pound defensive end is simply explosive and needs to be accounted for on each play. He led Grayson to an undefeated, Class AAAAA title-winning season in 2011.
2. Reuben FosterSchool: Troup County (LaGrange, Ga.)Position: Linebacker
Early offers: Committed to Alabama
Nick Saban got a gem when he landed Foster, who is the complete package at linebacker. Endowed with a great frame and solid speed, Foster is a sure-handed tackler and devastating pass-rusher.
3. Su'a Cravens
Su'a Cravens, Vista Murrieta
Photo by John Downey
Defensive back
Early offers: Numerous
Cravens may have been the best player in California this year, and he's only a junior. He's a playmaker in the secondary with all the physical tools to be an impact player at the next level. He's similar to Shaq Thompson, this year's No. 5 recruit, but could prove to be even more dominant.
4. Max BrowneSchool: Skyline (Sammamish, Wash.)Position: Quarterback
Early offers: Cal, Wisconsin, et al
Skyline has not missed a beat since Browne has taken over for All-American Jake Heaps behind center. He's posted video game stats in his two years as a starter, including throwing for 4,034 yards as a junior.
5. Laremy TunsilSchool: Columbia (Lake City, Fla.)Position: Offensive tackle
Early offers: Florida, Alabama, Miami, et al
Hailing from the same high school as former blue-chip recruit Tim Jernigan, Tunsil is dominant on the opposite side of the ball, earning all-state honors for Florida's Class 6A. Currently, Tunsil's athleticism is on display on the hardwood, as he's a member of Columbia's basketball team.
6. Cam BurrowsSchool: Trotwood-Madison (Trotwood, Ohio)Position: Defensive back
Early offers: Committed to Ohio State
Head coach Maurice Douglass cannot speak more glowingly about Burrows, who stands out even among the myriad Division 1 athletes he's coached at Trotwood-Madison. He likens the big, physical defensive back to Arizona Cardinals star Patrick Peterson.
7. Derrick HenrySchool: Yulee (Fla.)Position: Running back
Early offers: Committed to Georgia
The
one-time MaxPreps National Sophomore of the Year should finish his career with more than 8,000 career rushing yards. At 6-foot-4, some expect Henry to move to a different position at the next level. He's certainly athletic enough to make the transition.
8. Jaylon SmithSchool: Bishop Luers (Fort Wayne, Ind.)Position: Linebacker
Early offers: Ohio State, Notre Dame, et al
Blessed with good bloodlines (brother Rod is at Ohio State), Smith is a rangy linebacker who is quick in pursuit and could also line up at defensive end. On offense, he's a load to bring down at running back.
9. Jalin MarshallSchool: Middletown (Ohio)Position: Athlete
Early offers: Committed to Ohio State
Marshall is electric with the ball in his hands. He played quarterback for Middletown but is likely to play in the slot for the Buckeyes. He runs with exceptional balance and vision and has an extra gear when he sees daylight.
10. Tyrone SwoopesSchool: Whitewright (Texas)Position: Quarterback
Early offers: Texas, Notre Dame, TCU, Stanford et al
The most impressive dual-threat quarterback in the 2013 cycle, Swoopes runs extremely well for his size and at times has taken over games. His passing continues to develop, and even though he's not quite as polished as some other QBs in this class, his ceiling could be the highest.
