Class of 2012 Football Top 100 Watch List

There are still over five months until National Signing Day for the class of 2011, but colleges have already began assembling the foundations of their respective 2012 classes.

Some programs, like USC and Stanford, will pounce on top targets with early offers. Others, such as Texas, opt to show interest but hold off on issuing scholarships until later in the recruiting cycle.

For fans, it’s never too early to get a head start on next year’s big names, because they will likely be stars on the high school level this season.

Leading the way is MaxPreps National Sophomore of the Year Johnathan Gray.



Gray rushed for 2,670 yards and 45 TDs while also adding 457 receiving yards and eight scores. He helped lead Aledo (Texas) to a 4A-II state title.

Also headlining the list is receiver Dorial Green-Beckham, who was MaxPreps National Athlete of the Year in 2009-2010. He caught 23 TD passes last season.

Here is MaxPreps’ take on 100 juniors to watch from the class of 2012.

RNK	NAME	POS	HT/WT	SCHOOLS
NR.	Kwon Alexander Oxford (AL)	LB	6-2/200
Punishing linebacker with sideline-to-sideline range.
NR.	Vadal Alexander Buford (GA)	OL	6-5/320
Considered one of the top recruits in Georgia regardless of class.
NR.	Ladarius Anthony Kilgore (TX)	RB	6-0/180
Averaged over seven yards per carry and scored 24 TDs.
NR.	Arik Armstead Pleasant Grove (Elk Grove, CA)	OL, DL	6-7/270	Committed to USC
Brother of Armond has already pledged to the Trojans.
NR.	Warren Ball St. Francis de Sales (Columbus, OH)	RB	6-1/185
Big back with good hands, great balance, and a high octane motor.
NR.	Zach Banner Lakes (Lakewood, WA)	OT	6-9/310
Has the look of a Sunday afternoon player.
NR.	Adam Bisnowaty Fox Chapel (Pittsburgh, PA)	OL	6-6/275
It looks to be a strong year for Pennsylvania recruits,and Bisnowaty might be the best lineman.
NR.	Chris Black First Coast (Jacksonville, FL)	WR	5-11/190
Great ability to get upfield after the catch.
NR.	Deion Bonner Carver (Columbus, GA)	CB, WR	5-11/170
Should be one of the top corner backs in this class.
NR.	Carnell Boyd Westlake (Atlanta, GA)	WR	5-11/170
NR.	George "Bam" Bradley Trotwood-Madison (Trotwood, OH)	DB	6-2/200
Hard-hitting safety is also a good tackler.
NR.	Connor Brewer Chaparral (Scottsdale, AZ)	QB	6-2/185
Should have a great junior season for one of Arizona'stop teams.
NR.	Ryan Brodie Long Branch (NJ)	OL	6-5/270
Two-way lineman is teammate of 2010 standout Miles Shuler.
NR.	Coy Brown NorthWood (Nappanee, IN)	RB, LB	6-0/210
NR.	Wes Brown Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, MD)	RB	6-0/190
Speedy back will face a challenging schedule.
NR.	Neal Burcham Greenbrier (AR)	QB	6-3/175
Posted video game numbers in 2009, throwing for 3,3384 yards and 34 TDs while only being intercepted seven times.
NR.	Joel Caleb Clover Hill (Midlothian, VA)	WR	6-2/185
Multi-talented athlete can player several position.
NR.	Tyler Cameron Jupiter (FL)	QB	6-3/200
NR.	Chris Casher Faith Academy (Mobile, AL)	DE	6-4/210
One of the state's top recruits in a loaded year for Alabama.
NR.	Nathan Cole Mitchell (Memphis, TN)	WR, DB	6-1/190
Along with Brian Kimbrow and Drae Bowles, it's a strong year for receivers in the Volunteer State.
NR.	Landon Collins Dutchtown (Geismar, LA)		6-0/200
Looks absolutely vicious on film.
NR.	Gray Crow Countryside (Clearwater, FL)	QB	6-3/200
Back at Countryside, Gray looks to back up the early buzz he's received.
NR.	Derek David Rockdale (TX)	LB	6-3/225	Committed to Texas Tech
One of the top juniors in Texas; already committed Texas Tech.
NR.	Matt Davis Klein Forest (Houston, TX)	QB, DB	6-2/200
Dual-threat QB found the end zone 36 times last year.
NR.	Brionte Dunn GlenOak (Canton, OH)	RB	6-2/200
Already a two-year starter, Dunn has size and speed that colleges covet.
NR.	Travin Dural Breaux Bridge (LA)	WR	6-0/165
Emerging downfield threat has limitless potential.
NR.	Quay Evans Morton (MS)	DT	6-3/300
One of the nation's finest defensive lineman.
NR.	Michael Flint Oxford (AL)	OL	6-4/300
Part of the highly-publicized "Oxford trio".
NR.	Dante Fowler Lakewood (St. Petersburg, FL)	DE	6-3/225
Explosive pass rusher had a fine summer.
NR.	Abraham Garcia University (Fort Lauderdale, FL)	OL, DL	6-6/340
NR.	Josh Garnett Puyallup (WA)	OT	6-5/275
Very athletic for his size, Garnett may end up on the defensive side of the ball.
NR.	Eddie Goldman Friendship Collegiate Academy (Washington, DC)	DT	6-3/300
Goldman is part of a talented group of players from the nation's capitol that often goes overlooked.
NR.	Trey Granier Thibodaux (LA)	LB	6-1/230
Strong enough to help stuff the run but quick enough to aide in pass coverage.
NR.	Johnathan Gray Aledo (TX)	RB	5-10/185
It will be hard for Gray to top his phenomenal sophomore season in which he rushed for 45 TDs.
NR.	Dorial Green-Beckham Hillcrest (Springfield, MO)	WR	6-6/220
The National Athlete of the Year was utterly dominant in 2009, with 23 receiving TDs.
NR.	Isaac Gross South Panola (Batesville, MS)	DT	6-3/245
One of the top players on one of the nation's top teams.
NR.	Eli Harold Ocean Lakes (Virginia Beach, VA)	WR	6-4/215
NR.	Drew Harris Downingtown East (Exton, PA)	RB	6-2/195
Enjoyed a 2000-yard season as a tenth grader.
NR.	Josh Harris Mason County (Maysville, KY)	LB	6-2/185
Should be one of Kentucky's best players this season.
NR.	Troy Hinds Davis (Kaysville, UT)	DE, TE	6-4/225
NR.	Tracey Howard Miramar (FL)		6-0/190
Helped lead Miramar to a 6A crown a year ago.
NR.	Trent Jackson Cuero (TX)	RB, DB	5-11/195
Dynamic back scored 34 times as a sophomore.
NR.	Jordan Jenkins Harris County (Hamilton, GA)	DE	6-2/205
10 sacks as a sophomore netted Jenkins multiple offers.
NR.	Avery Johnson Ely (Pompano Beach, FL)	WR	6-2/180
One of the biggest playmakers in the junior class.
NR.	Nigel Jones Holy Spirit (Absecon, NJ)	RB, LB	5-11/194
Third-year starter comes from a talent-rich program.
NR.	Matt Jones Armwood (Seffner, FL)	RB	6-3/210
A powerful rusher with game-changing speed.
NR.	Cayleb Jones Austin (TX)	WR	6-3/190
Acrobatic receiver stepped it up against tough competition.
NR.	Kyle Kalis St. Edward (Lakewood, OH)	OL	6-5/300
Strong summer has raised Kalis' profile on the recruiting trail.
NR.	Greyson Lambert Wayne County (Jesup, GA)	QB	6-5/180
NR.	Nick Laspada Billerica Memorial (Billerica, MA)	QB	6-2/185
The best is still yet to come from this deceptively quick dual-threat QB.
NR.	Terrell Lathan West Monroe (LA)	DE	6-4/210
Hybrid defensive end/linebacker should thrive with two more season at West Monroe.
NR.	Rhaheim Ledbetter Crest (Shelby, NC)	DB	5-11/180
Hard hitter is also dangerous on offense.
NR.	Amos Leggett Washington (Miami, FL)	DB	5-10/180
Recent transfer to Gulliver Prep is one of the best corner backs around.
NR.	Latroy Lewis Archbishop Hoban (Akron, OH)	DE	6-4/225
Along with Greg McMullen,Lewis makes up one of the most potent defensive lines around
NR.	Jeremy Liggins Lafayette (Oxford, MS)	QB	6-3/235
Liggins could have 1000 yards on the ground and through the air in 2010.
NR.	Jafar Mann Stephenson (Stone Mountain, GA)	DT	6-3/270
Powerful defensive tackle earned an offer from Tennessee as a freshman.
NR.	Byron Marshall Valley Christian (San Jose, CA)	RB	5-10/190
Track star really excels on the football field.
NR.	Keith Marshall Millbrook (Raleigh, NC)	RB	5-11/180
One of the top running backs on the East Coast.
NR.	Maty Mauk Kenton (OH)	QB, DB	6-2/185
Threw for 4,540 yards in 2009.
NR.	Greg McMullen Archbishop Hoban (Akron, OH)	DE	6-5/255
There's a bevy of defensive ends in Ohio, and McMullen is one of the best.
NR.	LaDarrell McNeil A. Maceo Smith (Dallas, TX)	RB, FS	6-1/190
Impressive, versatile defensive back broke up 12 passes and had four sacks last season.
NR.	C.J. Meredith Hanna (Anderson, SC)	TE	6-5/215
Plays quarterback for Hanna, but should be a tight end on Saturdays.
NR.	Kwontie Moore Norfolk Christian (Norfolk, VA)	LB	6-3/240
An accomplished basketball player, Moore's athleticism transfers nicely to the gridiron.
NR.	Wayne Morgan Erasmus Hall (Brooklyn, NY)	DB	5-11/180
Projects to be one of the top recruits from the Northeast.
NR.	Skyler Mornhinweg St. Joseph's Prep (Philadelphia, PA)	QB	6-3/215	Committed to Stanford
Mornhinweg thrives in the spotlight, and is a master of second half comebacks.
NR.	Davonte Neal Chaparral (Scottsdale, AZ)	WR, DB	5-8/175
A local legend, Neal continues to impress in his third varsity season.
NR.	Durron Neal DeSmet Jesuit (St. Louis, MO)	WR	6-1/185
Do-everything athlete in the mold of 2011 recruit Tobias Singleton.
NR.	Jordan Payton Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, CA)	WR	6-2/200	Committed to USC
Started as a freshman for one of the top programs on the West Coast.
NR.	Andrus Peat Corona del Sol (Tempe, AZ)	OT, DE	6-6/280
Huge tackle with great bloodlines.
NR.	Omari Phillips Venice (FL)	OL, DL	6-5/290
Surprisingly quick for his enormous frame.
NR.	Zeke Pike Dixie Heights (Edgewood, KY)	QB, LB	6-5/220
Has a strong list of offers after seeing his stock rise this summer.
NR.	Latroy Pittman North Marion (Citra, FL)	WR, FS	6-1/200	Committed to Florida
After a great summer, became Florida's first 2012 commitment.
NR.	Brian Poole Southeast (Bradenton, FL)	DB	5-10/180
Standout at IMG Madden Football Academy this summer.
NR.	Darius Powe Lakewood (CA)	WR	6-2/180
NR.	Reggie Ragland Bob Jones (Madison, AL)	LB	6-3/225
Should return from offseason surgery to lead Jones to another deep playoff run.
NR.	Terry Richardson Cass Tech (Detroit, MI)	DB	5-9/160
Well-groomed corner back from one of Michigan's top talent-producing programs has offers from across the country.
NR.	Kaleb Ringer Northmont (Clayton, OH)	LB	6-0/200
Already one of the most coveted players in the Buckeye State.
NR.	Curtis Riser DeSoto (De Soto, TX)	OL	6-4/270
Establishing himself as one of the premier pass blockers in this class.
NR.	Michael Rose Rockhurst (Kansas City, MO)	LB	6-1/200	Committed to Nebraska
Seemed to find his way to the quarterback often in 2009, his second season starting for Rockhurst.
NR.	James Ross St. Mary Prep (Orchard Lake, MI)	LB	6-0/200
NR.	Barry Sanders Heritage Hall (Oklahoma City, OK)	RB, CB	5-11/190
Arguably the most exciting player in this class, Sanders accounted for 30 touchdowns last year.
NR.	Tommy Schutt Glenbard West (Glen Ellyn, IL)	DL, TE	6-3/285
At a school with a strong recent history of producing great players in the trenches,Schutt could end up being the best.
NR.	Rushel Shell Hopewell (Aliquippa, PA)	RB	6-0/210
Former MaxPreps Freshman of the Year has dominated stiff WPIAL competition for two season.
NR.	Connor Sherwood Cascia Hall (Tulsa, OK)	LB	6-3/230
NR.	Jordan Simmons Crespi (Encino, CA)	OL, DL	6-5/333
After transferring from Dorsey, Simmons will immediately make a big impact for Crespi.
NR.	Noah Spence Bishop McDevitt (Harrisburg, PA)	DE	6-3/225
Already owns 16.5 career sacks.
NR.	Freddie Tagaloa Salesian (Richmond, CA)	OL	6-8/270
Tagaloa is a big reason why it's considered such a strong year for West Coast offensive linemen.
NR.	Corey Thompson Fort Bend Elkins (Missouri City, TX)	WR	6-2/175
NR.	Shaq Thompson Grant (Sacramento, CA)	RB, DB	6-1/195
Physical defensive back will see time at running back this season.
NR.	Vincent Valentine Edwardsville (IL)	DT	6-2/310
Teammate of 2011 recruit Rodney Coe.
NR.	Fernando Villanueva Independence (San Jose, CA)	DT, OT	6-8/290
One of the most impressive sophomores in California last season.
NR.	Channing Ward Aberdeen (MS)	DE	6-4/225
Another top defensive lineman from the Magnolia State.
NR.	Adolphus Washington Taft (Cincinnati, OH)	DT	6-5/270
Washington may be the best player in a city that is crazy for football.
NR.	Trey Williams Dekaney (Houston, TX)	RB	5-10/175
Burst onto the scene as a sophomore with nearly 2,000 rushing yards.
NR.	Eddie Williams Arnold (Panama City Beach, FL)	DB	6-4/190
Being talked about as one of the top players in the class of 2012, bar none.
NR.	Jameis Winston Hueytown (AL)	QB	6-3/190
After taking some lumps his freshman season, Winston dominated as a sophomore.
NR.	Chris Wormley Whitmer (Toledo, OH)	DE	6-6/250
Wormley and '11 teammate Kenny Hayes may provide an even stronger pair of defensive lineman than Archbishop Hoban.
NR.	T.J. Yeldon Daphne (AL)	RB	6-2/200
NR.	Avery Young Palm Beach Gardens (FL)	OT	6-6/270
Athleticism, long arms will make Young a national recruit.