Since I live on Rivals (and work for them) I feel somewhat qualified to make these selections. It will be interesting to see how these recruits, along with a number of others not mentioned, turn out once they hit the D-1 gridiron this summer.
Here's my look at the top players coming into the Big 12 North.
QB: James Franklin (Missouri) > I'm with Jeremy Crabtree of Rivals.com on this one. Franklin is a true talent at this position and has all the tools to be a threat on the ground and through the air at the next level. His collected presence in an often times shrinking pocket particularly stands out to me on film. Too bad for James he'll have to fight with the Gabbert brothers for playing time.
RB: DeMarcus Robinson (Kansas State) > While Nebraska fans might be upset at this selection do to the fact that they just picked up a monster com
mitment in Braylon Heard from Ohio, Robinson is the man here. His vision and cutting ability alone have left K-Staters drooling since April. His speed would compliment nicely with Daniel Thomas in next year's backfield had the Wildcats not brought in some talent at this position in the '09 class. Look for Robinson to red-shirt and make his impact in the '11 season.
WR: Ricki Herod Jr. (Kansas) / Marcus Lucas (Missouri) > This was a particularly tough decision for me, so I decided to take the easy route and choose 2 players. Herod lacks the breakaway speed at the next level, but his hands stood out to me on film; very soft and like glue. He also uses his body very nicely to shield off defenders and make use of his leaping abilities. Lucas is a giant threat at the outside standing 6'5". He's a prototype Missouri wide receiver and has surprisingly good speed. If he can add some weight to his frame and show more of a physical threat along with his finesse, he could be yet another great Tiger player. However, if Lucas doesn't work out, Missouri is blessed to have a dark horse: Jimmie Hunt. He could be a special freshman as well.
TE: Ricky Howard (Iowa State) > The Cyclones finally made a return to respectability this season and don't think it hasn't made an impact with recruits. Howard is a solid mix of strength and consistency. He's not the fastest guy in the world, but you can send him out to make simple catches. He's not the biggest guy either, but he blocks surprisingly well and uses his feet aga
inst sometimes larger ends.
OL: Mike Moudy (Nebraska) / Jemarcus Hardrick (Nebraska) > Take your pick Husker fans because you've got some really good lineman headlining a talented '10 class. Hardrick is the clear cut choice and is a mammoth tackle. He's still a little raw and has gotten away with using his size alone at the JUCO level. Moudy is the sleeper here though. His hands and lower body strength caught my attention initially. Constantly makes sure he's in the right position against his defensive foes and I think he could be a productive guard or tackle at the next level.
DE: Geneo Grissom (Kansas) > While Grissom isn't 100% on board with the Jayhawks since the firing of Mark Mangino, fans in Lawrence are praying he sticks around and for good reason. Grissom was a standout on the standout team in Kansas (Hutchinson). He has an amazing frame to work with at the next level and has a quickness off the edge that is fun to watch for a kid his size. The sky is the limit for Grissom.
DT: Chase Rome (Nebraska) > Wildcat fans may not like me for this choice, but I like what Rome brings to the table. Don't get me wrong, Javonta Boyd could easily slide in here, but Rome gets the nod for more than just his strength. The Rock Bridge product shoots out of his stance like a cannon, making it difficult for offensive lineman to pick him up off the snap. When they do manage to get a hold of him, he drives them backwards with his
lower body, nearly always disrupting the quarterback's rhythm in the process.
LB: Jeremiah George (Iowa State) / Laton Dowling (Kansas State) > Yet another tough decision at linebacker. Both George and Dowling are two of the least talked about prospects, not only on their individual squads, but also in the North. George's vision gets him on the list. There are plenty of linebackers who appear impressive on film simply because they're always blitzing. However it was George who got my nod because of his ability to track down the ball in spy and coverage situations. He also shares a talent with the future Wildcat Dowling in that their closing speed is phenomenal. Dowling stands 6'4" and could easily be made into a defensive end. However it's what he does in the open field that makes him so appealing at linebacker. He could be the next Mark Simoneau if he puts his mind to it.
CB: Dave Clark (Kansas) > No disrepsect to Clark, but this wasn't much of a unit for the North all around. There are a number of defensive back commitments, but none are really spectacular. Clark impressed me with his ability to disrupt his opponent. He may not intercept it or even get a piece of the ball while defending a receiver, but he does enough to make sure they don't come down with the catch. His size and arms are similar to another Jayhawk - Aqib Talib. Now if only Kansas can keep him locked in Lawrence.
S: Harvey Jackson (Nebraska) > So far, there are no safeties committed to any North team. Yet when you watch Harvey Jackson on film, it's pretty clear the Huskers have plans to put on some weight and potential have him fill the void left by Larry Asante. Jackson patrols the last line of defense like a snake and seemingly always knows where the QB is throwing. He's definitely more of an interception threat than a hard nosed hitter, but with a little time in the weight room, things could change.
ATH: Donnie Duncan (Colorado) > Don't think I'm choosing Duncan only so every North team can be represented. No, no, no. This kid could be the surprise of the entire division come '10. The Buffs could use him either at wide receiver or corner and that's because of his distinctive athletic ability. On offense, his breaks off the line of scrimmage are marveling and while his routes could be crisper, he makes sure to catch the ball. On defense, it's his feet once again that are most impressive, sticking with defenders all around the field. I really like the idea of having Duncan on the turf in some way, shape, or form if I'm Dan Hawkins.
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