Top high school football players by jersey number

You're never going to see a shortage of quality running backs wearing the number 28, or impact wide receivers choosing numbers in the 80s for their jerseys.

As for top recruits that choose other numbers, like 49, that's where things get tricky.

MaxPreps details the top player who wears each jersey number from 1 to 99, and the consideration is mostly based on recruiting prowess, especially the Class of 2012 Top 100 recruits. But there are some numbers that require some deeper digging, and the winners aren't necessarily the names you've been hearing about all season.

TOP PLAYER FOR EACH JERSEY NUMBER 1-99

1. Rushel Shell, Hopewell (Aliquippa, Pa.), Sr., RB, 5-11, 215, Pittsburgh
Shell is No. 1 on his jersey and No. 1 in the history of the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League. He might even break the all-time state record of 9,027 career yards. The Pitt-committed running back, who currently leads his state in rushing, is the No. 1 Big Back as rated by Lemming and the No. 11 overall recruit in the Class of 2012. (Feature story)

2. Landon Collins, Dutchtown (Geismar, La.), Sr., S/RB, 6-1, 205, Uncommitted
Collins plays safety, linebacker and running back — and excels at all. At a camp at the University of Alabama, he got coach Nick Saban to say that Collins was the hardest-working player he's ever seen. Collins is averaging 14.8 yards per carry this year and though he wears No. 2, he's No. 1 on Lemming's list of the best safeties. His list is down to five schools and he plans to commit at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. (Feature story)

3. Nelson Agholor, Berkeley Prep (Tampa, Fla.), Sr., ATH, 6-2, 185, Uncommitted
Agholor could end up as a wide receiver in college. He could also end up as a defensive back. He's very likely to return kicks. Lemming says Agholor has the talent to play whichever position, and he has superior quickness. He's a touchdown machine this season with 18 in six games and has rushed 67 times for 767 yards, backing up Lemming's statement that he's the No. 2 athlete and No. 22 overall recruit.

4. Cayleb Jones, Austin (Texas), Sr., WR, 6-3, 200, Texas
Jones' father played for the Dallas Cowboys, and Lemming says his skills remind him of another Cowboys legend: Michael Irvin. Jones has 41 catches for 738 yards and two touchdowns this season, and is coming off an All-State campaign in which he caught 53 passes. Jones is the No. 3 overall recruit, one less than his jersey number, and is the No. 2 wide receiver.

5. Dorial Green-Beckham, Hillcrest (Springfield, Mo.), Sr., WR, 6-6, 225, Uncommitted
Green-Beckham is so good, you don't need to remember his full name: Just call him DGB. The No. 1 recruit in the nation has played seven games this season and has 78 catches, 1,494 yards and 15 touchdowns, and the receiving totals are the best in the state of Missouri. Lemming says DGB is the first wide receiver he's seen in 17 years that is as good as Randy Moss was in high school. He has a shot this weekend at setting the national record for career receiving yards as well.

6. Dante Fowler, Lakewood (St. Petersburg, Fla.), Sr., DE, 6-3, 235, Florida State
Fowler is ranked as the No. 4 defensive end prospect, and Lemming describes him as "A quarterback's nightmare" and says that he comes off the edge faster than any other player this season. Fowler was a MaxPreps Junior All-American last season, and is the No. 29 recruit in the Class of 2012. He's helped lead Lakewood to a 7-0 record so far this season.

7. Connor Brewer, Chaparral (Scottsdale, Ariz.), Sr., QB, 6-2, 195, Texas
Brewer led Chaparral to a 14-0 record, a state title and the state record for most points scored in a season (727) last season. This year, he's completed 105 of 168 passes for 1,721 yards and 27 touchdowns against just four interceptions. The MaxPreps Junior All-American is the No. 28 recruit overall and the No. 2 pro-style quarterback according to Lemming. (Feature story)

8. Travis Blanks, North Florida Christian (Tallahassee, Fla.), Sr., DB/WR, 6-1, 195, Clemson
The No. 2 safety in this year's recruiting class is also an honorable mention in the cornerback group, and in college, Lemming says he can play either because he has the cover skills and the big hits. Blanks is reported as wanting to play corner at Clemson. Blanks has helped lead NFC to a 6-0 record and is the No. 16 overall recruit.

9. Noah Spence, Bishop McDevitt (Harrisburg, Pa.), Sr., DE, 6-4, 245, Uncommitted
Spence is a large, powerful and quick player who has played varsity all four years. The MaxPreps Junior All-American has said he will make his commitment at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. His father played at North Carolina State and he has 38 tackles and four sacks thus far this season. Last year, he posted 23 sacks and 10 forced fumbles. (Feature story)

10. Tommy Schutt, Glenbard West (Glen Ellyn, Ill.), Sr., DE/DT, 6-3, 290, Penn State
Schutt is playing defensive end for Glenbard West this season but is projected as a defensive tackle in college, and he's reportedly now around 300 pounds. Lemming says he is the No. 5 defensive tackle in the Class of 2012 and No. 46 overall. He was a MaxPreps Junior All-American as well. (Feature story)