Teams could have great class with any of these 10
Only a handful of the nation's top players remain uncommitted five days before national signing day. Here are thumbnails of the 10 best.
1. Martellus Bennett, TE, 6-feet-7, 237, Alief, Texas: Being called the next Tony Gonzalez. Kansas wanted him for football and a walk-on in basketball. He was interested but likely will choose a program where football comes first. But wherever he goes, Bennett will dabble in roundball.
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| Bob Stoops would love to add DeMarcus Granger to his already stingy defense. (Getty Images) |
One story has blue-chip Ryan Perrilloux (Reserve, La.) trying to convince Bennett to come to LSU in a package deal. Perrilloux had committed to Texas but is looking around now that Vince Young is entrenched in Austin.
2. DeMarcus Granger, DT, 6-3, 315, Dallas, Texas: Defensive tackle is the most coveted position in recruiting. Granger is playing the suspense to the hilt. His decision will come Sunday. Oklahoma seems to be the favorite but Arizona State and Oklahoma State like their chances as well.
3. Kenneth Phillips, DB, 6-2, 195, Miami, Fla.: Man-to-man corner who has the ability to stop the run. Tennessee assistant Trooper Taylor is being given credit for getting this South Florida product to consider the Vols.
4. Jason Gwaltney, RB, 6-0, 234, Long Island, N.Y.: The best running back on Long Island in 15 years which, if you talk to recruiters, is kind of like saying he's the best hockey goalie to come out of Texas. Not many blue-chip skill players come from suburban New York.
Gwaltney is a keeper, though. He originally committed to West Virginia but is down to either Southern California or Ohio State.
5. Callahan Bright, DT, 6-2, 315, Bryn Mawr, Pa.: Questions about consistency and off-field problems. It's down to two. Looks like it's Florida State over Texas A&M. Bobby Bowden is a great, late closer.
6. DeSean Jackson, WR, 5-11, 170, Long Beach, Calif.: Another five-star receiver for USC? Seems more than possible. Jackson apparently doesn't mind joining a depth chart that is loaded with Dwayne Garrett, Steve Smith and incoming five-star recruit Patrick Turner of Nashville. If Jackson commits to USC, the Trojans might finish No. 1 overall. Sound familiar?
7. Antone Smith, RB, 5-8, 181, Pahokee, Fla.: Best thighs in the business. Smith looks like he'll stay in the South. Deciding between Auburn and the three Florida schools.
8. Derek Nicholson, LB, 6-0, 220, Winston-Salem, N.C.: Brother of Florida State linebacker A.J. Nicholson that doesn't lack for self-esteem.
"I have speed, finesse and quickness with new school and with old school I am hard-nosed, always hustling and aggressive," Nicholson told Rivals.com. "I know how to shed blocks, attack the line of scrimmage and get to the ball."
Still considering North Carolina, Florida State, Miami and Virginia Tech. Says he'll announce Tuesday.
9. Luthur Brown, LB, 6-3, 227, Lakewood, Calif.: Looks like it's down to Arizona and (surprise!) USC for this hard-hitter who runs a 4.57 40. "I don't know if I've ever seen a defensive player who was able to control a game the way he could," Lakewood coach Mike Christensen told the Los Angeles Times.
10. Derek Pegues, DB, 5-10, 183, Batesville, Miss.: Only defensive back to shut down USC's Turner in the All-American Bowl earlier this month in San Antonio. Down to Mississippi State, Ole Miss, LSU and Tennessee.
