Breaking down Tom Lemming's top Class of 2013 defensive linemen

Robert Nkemdiche is clearly the nation's top defensive lineman and No. 1 player overall. But the pool of talented defensive linemen in Tom Lemming's Class of 2013 Top 100 is deep.

Nkemdiche, who was the U.S. Air Force National Junior of the Year, certainly leads the way. The 6-foot-5, 270-pound end has dominated Georgia football for the past two seasons.

He compares favorably to Jadeveon Clowney, the consensus No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2011. Nkemdiche is not quite as tall or fast as Clowney, but he's got a much bigger frame that could potentially allow him to play on the interior in college.

"Clowney was the better pass rusher, but Nkemdiche might be the better all-around lineman," Lemming said, likening Clowney to Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers and Nkemdiche to NFL Hall of Fame legend Reggie White.

The No. 2 defensive lineman in the country is also an end, Eastern Christian Academy (Elkton, Md.) standout Kenny Bigelow. The USC commit is extremely impressive on film and gives Lane Kiffin yet another superb talent on the defensive side of the ball. Against a challenging schedule, he recorded 20 sacks as a junior.

Dee Liner, the nation's top tackle, checks is next on Lemming's list. The 6-foot-2, 270-pound Auburn commit was a Lineman of the Year finalist in Alabama. He's part of an impressive recruiting haul for the Tigers that also features Carl Lawson and Trey Johnson.

It's a much better year for talent in Louisiana this recruiting cycle, and a big reason why is University Lab (Baton Rouge, La.) defensive end Tim Williams, the nation's No. 4 defensive lineman.

More of a hybrid outside linebacker/weak side defensive end, Williams is the No. 1 recruit from The Pelican State and undoubtedly a priority for Les Miles and staff, still feeling the string from losing the top in-state recruit last season, Landon Collins.

Williams helped lead University Lab to a 12-1 season last year, and the team could be poised for an even better season in 2012. It also returns 6-2, 220-pound running back Nicholas Brousette, a U.S. Air Force Freshman All-American a year ago.

Next on Lemming's list is Gilman (Baltimore) tackle Henry Poggi. The son of Gilman head coach Biff Poggi, the younger Poggi is firmly in the crosshairs of Michigan, which could really use a big run stuffer up the middle, especially after missing on Greg Webb.

Following Poggi in the rankings are Jonathan Allen, Montravius Adams and D.J. Ward.

Allen came out of nowhere as a sophomore to earn All-American honors for one of northern Virginia's top programs. He followed it up with an impressive junior year that has helped him net countless offers.

Adams has enjoyed a meteoric rise this spring, on the heels of an outstanding performance in the Rising Seniors Bowl in December. The Dooly County standout will likely be the subject of a major recruiting war involving most of the big players in the SEC.

The top player in Oklahoma, Ward has been on the recruiting radar since his freshman season. He's an aggressive pass rusher off the edge with good lateral quickness.

Next on the list is Indiana sensation Elijah Daniel, followed by the top defensive lineman in Texas, Torrodney Prevot.

St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) defensive lineman Joey Bosa then checks in at No. 67.

On a defensive line that featured Jelani Hamilton and Bryan Cox, Cosa emerged as an elite talent, and his offer sheet reflects it. Alabama appears to be in good standing with the 6-5, 260-pound end, but both Ohio State and Michigan would love his services, not to mention a host of other SEC schools.

Following Bosa in the rankings is arguably the nation's strongest player, Dadeville (Ala.) tackle Rod Crayton. The U.S. Air Force All-American made 162 tackles and 10 sacks as a junior. He is quickly becoming a YouTube legend for his weightlifting exploits. He can leg press 1,300 pounds and is bench pressing in the 450-pound range.

He's been making rounds at colleges and is quickly becoming one of the South's most-coveted recruits.

Greg Gilmore and Marcus Farria round out the defensive linemen in the Top 100.

GIlmore is the No. 4 player in North Carolina in what is a very deep crop of a recruits, while Farria is the No. 3 player from Arizona. Both Todd Graham and Rich Rodriguez will try to keep Farria in-state, something that has been a challenge for both schools in recent years.

Lemming's Top Defensive Linemen
1. Robert Nkemdiche
2. Kenny Bigelow
3. Dee Liner
4. Tim Williams
5. Henry Poggi
6. Jonathan Allen
7. Montravious Adams
8. D.J. Ward
9. Elijah Daniel
10. Torrodney Prevot
11. Joey Bosa
12. Rod Crayton
13. Greg Gilmore
14. Marcus Farria