Morrison, who's the best linebacker in Illinois and probably the best linebacker in the Midwest, is the first major commitment secured by Florida assistant coach Bryant Young. Young starred in high school at Bloom and in college at Notre Dame before going on to the NFL.

Morrison can run with the backs and looks thin at 220 pounds, so expect him to get bigger and stronger. I think he can be a major star at Florida.

Stars
1. ••••• WR Dorial Green-Beckham 6-6, 220, 4.4 Springfield-Hillcrest, MO
2. ••••• QB Gunner Kiel 6-4, 216, 4.7 Columbus East, IN
3. ••••• WR Cayleb Jones 6-2, 190, 4.5 Austin High, TX
4. ••••• DL Noah Spence 6-3, 230, 4.5 Harrisburg-Bishop McDevitt, PA
5. ••••• OL Mario Edwards 6-3, 270, 4.69 Denton-Ryan, TX
6. ••••• OL John Theus 6-6, 301, 5.1 Jacksonville-Bolles, FL
7. ••••• DL Ellis McCarthy 6-4, 300, 4.9 Monrovia, CA
8. ••••• RB Jonathan Gray 6-0, 195, 4.4 Aledo, TX
9. ••••• DB Landon Collins 6-1, 205, 4.4 Geismar-Dutchtown, LA
10. ••••• RB Barry Sanders 5-9, 185, 4.3 Oklahoma City-Heritage Hall, OK
11. ••••• RB Rushel Shell 6-0, 215, 4.45 Aliquippa-Hopewell, PA
12. ••••• OL Zach Banner 6-8, 320, 5.2 Lakewood Lakes, WA
13. ••••• OL Jarron Jones 6-6, 310, 5.2 Rochester Aquinas, NY
14. ••••• ATH Stefon Diggs 6-0, 175, 4.4 Olney-Good Counsel, MD
15. ••••• OL D.J. Humphries 6-6, 265, 4.86 Charlotte-Mallard Creek, NC
16. ••••• DB Travis Blanks 6-1, 195, 4.5 Tallahassee N.F.C., FL
17. ••••• OL Andrus Peat 6-7, 280, 4.9 Tempe-Corona Del Sol, AZ
18. ••••• DT Eddie Goldman 6-4, 295, 5.2 Washington D.C.-Friendship
19. ••••• CB Geno Smith 6-0, 165, 4.4 Atlanta-St. Pius X, GA
20. ••••• DB Shaq Roland 6-2, 180, 4.39 Lexington, SC
21. ••••• QB Jameis Winston 6-4, 196, 4.56 Hueytown, AL
22. ••••• ATH Nelson Agholor 6-2, 180, 4.5 Tampa-Berkeley Prep, FL
23. ••••• RB Matt Jones 6-3, 215, 4.47 Seffner Armwood, FL
24. ••••• RB Keith Marshall 5-11, 190, 4.3 Raleigh-Millbrook, NC
25. ••••• ATH Davonte Neal 5-10, 180, 4.4 Scottsdale-Chaparral, AZ
26. ••••• ATH Ron Darby 5-11, 175, 4.36 Oxen Hill-Potomac, MD
27. ••••• OL Jordan Simmons 6-5, 300, 5.2 Encino Crespi, CA
28. ••••• QB Connor Brewer 6-2, 195, 4.7 Scottsdale-Chaparral, AZ
29. ••••• DL Dante Fowler 6-3, 235, 4.65 St. Pete-Lakewood, FL
30. ••••• QB Zeke Pike 6-6, 230, 4.7 Edgewood Dixie Heights, KY
31. ••••• LB Kwon Alexander 6-3, 215, 4.5 Oxford, AL
32. ••••• DL Arik Armstead 6-7, 275, 5.0 Pleasant Grove, CA
33. ••••• DB Terry Richardson 5-9, 170, 4.4 Detroit Cass Tech, MI
34. ••••• TE Kent Taylor 6-5, 218, 4.7 Land O'Lakes, FL
35. ••••• CB Tee Shepard 6-1, 190, 4.5 Fresno-Central, CA
36. •••• OL J.J. Denman 6-6, 310, 5.1 Fairless Hills-Pennsbury, PA
37. •••• LB Derek David 6-4, 230, 4.5 Rockdale, TX
38. •••• ATH Brian Kimbrow 5-9, 165, 4.35 Memphis-East, TN
39. •••• DB Shaq Thompson 6-1, 185, 4.5 Sacramento Grant, CA
40. •••• ATH Joel Caleb 6-3, 205, 4.55 Midlothian Clover Hill, VA
41. •••• OL JORDAN DIAMOND 6-6, 310, 5.2 SIMEON
42. •••• DT Malcolm Brown 6-2, 280, 4.89 Brenham, TX
43. •••• OL Josh Garnett 6-4, 300, 5.1 Puyallup, WA
44. •••• DL Quay Evans 6-3, 318, 4.9 Morton, MS
45. •••• OL Evan Goodman 6-5, 280, 5.0 Lakeland, FL
46. •••• DL Tommy Schutt 6-3, 300, 5.0 Glen Ellyn-Glenbard West, IL
47. •••• WR Durron Neal 6-0, 190, 4.4 St. Louis-DeSmet, MO
48. •••• RB Byron Marshall 5-10, 191, 4.4 San Jose Valley Christian, CA
49. •••• LB Ifeadi Odenigbo 6-4, 210, 4.5 Centreville, OH
50. •••• DL Michael Moore 6-4, 260, 4.8 Hyattesville DeMatha, MD
51. •••• RB Trey Williams 5-9, 178, 4.4 Spring-Dekaney, TX
52. •••• LB Josh Clemons 6-5, 200, 4.5 Valdosta-Lowndes, GA
53. •••• DB Trae Elston 6-0, 180, 4.4 Oxford, AL
54. •••• OL Vadal Alexander 6-6, 310, 5.3 Buford, GA
55. •••• LM Jordan Watkins 6-5, 260, 5.1 College Park Woodward, GA
56. •••• DL Eli Harold 6-4, 220, 4.6 VA Beach-Ocean Lakes, VA
57. •••• DL Chris Wormley 6-5, 255, 4.8 Toledo Whitmer, OH
58. •••• WR Avery Johnson 6-2, 185, 4.5 Pompano Beach-Ely, FL
59. •••• OL Jessamen Dunker 6-5, 315, 5.0 Boynton Beach, FL
60. •••• DL Darius Hamilton 6-4, 255, 4.7 Ramsey Don Bosco, NJ
61. •••• OL Kyle Kalis 6-5, 300, 5.2 Lakewood St. Edwards, OH
62. •••• DB Chris Black 6-0, 175, 4.4 Jacksonville First Coast, FL
63. •••• DL Sevon Pittman 6-5, 240, 4.7 Canton McKinley, OH
64. •••• DL Jonathan Taylor 6-4, 295, 4.8 Millen-Jenkins Co., GA
65. •••• DB Deon Bush 6-1, 180, 4.4 Miami-Columbus, FL
66. •••• OL Pat Destefano 6-6, 280, 5.0 Roebuck-Dorman, SC
67. •••• OL DAN VOLTZ 6-4, 290, 5.3 BARRINGTON
68. •••• DB T.J. Davis 6-1, 173, 4.38 Tallahassee Godby, FL
69. •••• OL Freddie Tagaloa 6-8, 290, 5.3 Richmond-Salesian, CA
70. •••• QB Cyler Miles 6-4, 215, 4.4 Denver Mullen, CO
71. •••• WR Leonte Carroo 6-2, 200, 4.4 Ramsey Don Bosco, NJ
72. •••• QB Bennie Coney 6-3, 210, 4.7 Plant City, FL
73. •••• QB Matt Davis 6-2, 200, 4.4 Houston Klein Forest, TX
74. •••• LB James Ross 6-0, 220, 4.5 Orchard Lakes St. Mary's, MI
75. •••• OL Ty Darlington 6-3, 274, 5.1 Apopka, FL
76. •••• DL Troy Hinds 6-5, 230, 4.6 Kaysville Davis, UT
77. •••• DL Jelani Hamilton 6-5, 250, 4.8 Ft. Lauderdale Aquinas, FL
78. •••• OL Brock Stadnik 6-5, 285, 5.1 Greensboro-W. Guilford, NC
79. •••• OL Curtis Riser 6-4, 280, 5.0 Desoto, TX
80. •••• ATH Devin Fuller 6-0, 185, 4.5 Old Tappan, NJ
81. •••• WR Jordan Payton 6-2, 200, 4.4 Westlake Village Oaks Christian, CA
82. •••• RB Greg Garmon 6-1, 195, 4.5 Erie McDowell, PA
83. •••• LB Dillon Lee 6-4, 225, 4.5 Buford, GA
84. •••• QB Anthony Alford 6-1, 211, 4.5 Petal, MS
85. •••• QB Tyler Matthews 6-3, 210, 4.7 McPherson, KS
86. •••• ATH D.J. Foster 6-0, 185, 4.5 Scottsdale Saguaro, AZ
87. •••• DL Javonte Magee 6-6, 260, 4.7 San Antonio-Houston, TX
88. •••• ATH Cyrus Jones 5-11, 190, 4.47 Baltimore Gilman, MA
89. •••• ATH Ricky Parks 6-4, 225, 4.6 Hoganville-Callaway, GA
90. •••• DB Yuri Wright 6-2, 190, 4.4 Ramsey Don Bosco, NJ
91. •••• RB Jonathan Williams 6-0, 195, 4.45 Allen, TX
92. •••• ATH Justin Thomas 5-10, 175, 4.3 Prattville, AL
93. •••• LB Trey Granier 6-1, 225, 4.6 Thibodaux, LA
94. •••• DL Nick James 6-5, 330, 5.1 Long Beach Harrison Co., MS
95. •••• LB Vince Biegel 6-3, 215, 4.6 Wisconsin Rapids-Lincoln, WI
96. •••• LB Deaysean Rippy 6-2, 205, 4.6 McKees Rocks-Sto-Rox, PA
97. •••• DL Jordan Jenkins 6-3, 230, 4.6 Hamilton-Harris Co., GA
98. •••• DL Sheldon Day 6-2, 280, 4.9 Indianapolis Warren Central, IN
99. •••• RB MALIN JONES 6-2, 210, 4.4 JOLIET CATHOLIC
100. •••• RB Mario Pender 5-11, 188, 4.4 N. Ft. Myers-Island Coast, FL

For the first time ever, there are more spread-type quarterbacks than pro-style quarterbacks. High schools are taking their cue from the colleges with the spread offense.

Nationally, it's an average year for quarterbacks. The top kid may be Gunner Kiel (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) from Columbus East (Ind.). His uncle, Blair Kiel, played for Notre Dame.

I interviewed him in November and I really liked him. He can play both pro and spread. He's got great arm strength, good overall athletic ability, great mechanics. I think he'll be the most sought-after quarterback in the country.

Here are some other QBs to watch:

* Zeke Pike of Edgewood Dixie Heights (Ky.), 6-5, 225. Plays in a spread offense and has a live arm, a quick release. Very good quickness for a big guy, can fit into any offense. The No. 1 player in Kentucky for sure; has close to 50 offers nationally.

* Connor Brewer of Scottsdale Chapparal (Ariz.), 6-2, 190. He's legit, more of a spread quarterback. Committed to Texas. Led his team to two straight state titles. Can run and throw.

* Bennie Coney of Plant City (Fla.), 6-2, 215. Spread offense QB; throws and runs very well. Built like a linebacker. Probably the most athletic quarterback in the state of Florida.

* Janeis Winston of Hueytown (Ala.), 6-4, 205. Passed for more than 2,000 yards, rushed for more than 1,000 last year. Also the best baseball player in the state of Alabama and may go for baseball over football. Leaning toward Alabama.

* Maty Mauk of Kenton (Ohio), 6-1, 190. Threw for 5,600 yards and 69 TDs last season. His brother Ben played for Brian Kelly at the University of Cincinnati. The most prolific junior QB in the country, he threw on every down.

* Cyler Miles of Denver Mullen (Colo.), 6-3, 210. A sleeper; top prospect in the state of Colorado. Completed 70 percent of his passes for around 2,000 yards and 20 TDs. Can run out of trouble.

* Zach Kline of Danville San Ramon Valley (Calif.), 6-2, 195. Committed to California. Not super big big, but he does everything well from the spread. Good live arm.

* Robert Gregory of Simeon, 6-4, 200. The best QB in Illinois. He's being underrated by a lot of people. I think he's the biggest sleeper in the country. Great skills and potential. Whoever gets him has got a dynamic future quarterback.

* Wes Lunt of Rochester (Ill.), 6-5, 190. Passed for 2,000 yards with just one interception last season. Slingshot passing motion, stands tall in the pocket.

The best town to spend New Year's Eve in is San Antonio. The Riverwalk is especially festive.

There is nothing to do in Longview. But it is better than Crowley, La., in Cajun country. One year, I met with Cajun people for dinner on New Year's Eve. I had to leave the party at 9 because I had to get up at 3 to drive to Beaumont, Texas, to meet some players. I got woke up by some shotguns going off outside my room at the Quality Inn in Crowley. They were celebrating the New Year. I haven't been back since.

Along the way, I plan to meet with one of the three best juniors in the nation--6-6, 190-pound wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckum of Springfield, Mo., the closest wide receiver I have seen to Randy Moss. He also is a basketball star. As a junior, he caught 77 passes. As a senior, he caught 80 for 1,700 yards and averaged over 20 yards per catch.

Green-Beckum is one of three players I rate as primary candidates for Player of the Year recognition in 2012. The others are running back Jonathan Gray of Aledo, Texas, whom I met last week in Dallas, and 6-8 320-pound offensive tackle Zach Banner of Seattle, Wash.

Gray, a 6-0, 195-pounder, has over 30 offers, more than anyone else in Texas. He has been offered by Notre Dame and Iowa. He is the best back I have seen since Adrian Peterson. The Texas Player of the Year, he rushed for more than 3,000 yards in 2010. He is the top-rated player in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. He'll play in the NFL someday.

Why is it so important to go on the road and see kids? Because you have to get to know them, what they think, how they look, their passion for the game. This is what the NFL does. You can't evaluate players accurately by talking on the telephone and looking at U-Tube video. Sure, I miss holidays and New Year's Eve. But this is the only way to do it. I met the top 40 players in Houston on Sunday, then will go to San Antonio and have lunch with Texas coach Mack Brown on Wednesday. I have no time to watch bowl games.

Who are the other top players in the Dallas/Fort Worth area?

Mario Edwards, a 6-3, 230-pound defensive end from Denton, a top 25 player whose father played in the NFL. Thomas Johnson, a 6-0, 180-pound wide receiver from Dallas Skyline who has 20 offers. Johnson's teammate, 6-1, 200-pound linebacker Peter Jinkens, who has 4.4 speed. Tra Rabon, a 6-2, 185-pound wide receiver from Dallas Skyline. Curtis Riser, a 6-4, 280-pounder from Desoto who is the best offensive lineman in Texas. Jonathan Williams, a 6-0, 200-pound running back from Allen who has no offers at the moment but is the biggest sleeper in the country at his position.

Also 6-4, 185-pound wide receiver Jeff Thomas of Duncanville, another sleeper who has no offers but will be highly recruited. Jeremiah Tshimanga, a 6-3, 220-pound linebacker from North Richland Hills who has offers from Oklahoma State and Texas A&M. Corey Coleman, a 5-11, 175-pound running back/defensive back from Richardson who has been timed in 10.5 seconds for 100 meters. Michael Richardson, a 6-2, 220-pound defensive end from Desoto who has been offered by Notre Dame. Devin Rushing, a 5-10, 180-pound running back from Desoto, who has 10.5 speed for 100 meters. Damien Neroes, a 6-2, 210-pound defensive back/outside linebacker from Garland who projects to have more than 30 offers.

By the way, in case you didn't notice, Thornridge running back Mikail McCall confirmed my original report that he had committed to Iowa. The reason I got it first was because I talked to other prospects who were being recruited by Iowa. It was common knowledge among recruits, Iowa coaches and Iowa media. The Iowa Press-Citizen asked me to comment on McCall's commitment. He told everybody he had committed.

It is the biggest and best combine in the nation. It is conducted early--on the Friday prior to the U.S. Army's annual All-American Bowl, which will be televised at noon on Jan. 8 on NBC--so players can get a lot of publicity and exposure.

College coaches aren't permitted to attend the event. But word gets out on the Internet. It is a good venue for juniors to make national reputations for themselves or prove they are as good as their hype.

Among the other players who will be in San Antonio are Brother Rice running back Martez Walker, Bartlett quarterback A.J. Bilyeu, Glenbrook North offensive lineman Mike Ermel, Joliet Catholic running back Malin Jones, Lemont linebacker Brad Uher, Curie quarterback Maurice Fleming, Oswego quarterback Ryan West, Wheaton Warrenville South running back Dan Vitale and lineman Jeremy Brazil of Vernon Hills.

Also Barrington wide receiver Sam Handler, Hubbard linebacker Mikail Dubose and defensive lineman Mario Jones, Conant lineman Paul Perschonn, St. Joseph defensive lineman Jaleel Johnson, Crystal Lake Central running back Gage Harrah, Wauconda wide receiver Jake Ziolkowski, Lockport quarterback Billy Reed and Lake Forest wide receiver Bo Dever.

Two Chicago area products will be listed in my final postseason top 100--wide receiver/defensive back DaVaris Daniels of Vernon Hills and quarterback Reilly O'Toole of Wheaton Warrenville South.

Center Brian Bobek of Fremd, offensive tackle Jordan Walsh of Glenbard West and defensive lineman James Adeyanju of Curie will be among the top 150.

Let's set the record straight: Despite what you may have read elsewhere, running back Mikail McCall of Thornridge, who originally had committed to Michigan State but was dropped by coach Mike Dantonio because he expressed an interest in visiting Iowa, did make an oral commitment to Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz during a recent visit to the Iowa City campus. The committed was confirmed by other recruits. After we printed that McCall had committed to Iowa, he denied it on a recruiting web site, the same web site that had made an agreement with McCall to make an exclusive announcement. In this case, McCall is being manipulated. Look for him to make an "official" declaration for Iowa in the near future, when the web site says he can.

Illinois landed two good recruits in offensive lineman Pat Flavin of Benet, who waited and waited for Notre Dame to offer but grew wearisome when the Irish didn't show him some live, and quarterback/tight end Matt Lacosse of Naperville North, who had committed to Minnesota but changed his mind when coach Tim Brewster was fired. Lacosse would develop into the kind of player that former Naperville Central star Owen Daniels was at Wisconsin and now in the NFL. He has similar athletic ability.

December is a dead period for recruiting. Uncommitted players will begin to make pledges in January when recruiting heats up, beginning after Jan. 10 when college coaches can hit the road again. They are allowed to attend the U.S. Army All-American Game in San Antonio and talk to the seniors after they are released and also watch the junior combine.

What's going on at Michigan? Michigan recruiting is in limbo. Coach Rich Rodriguez hasn't been given a vote of confidence. Officials say he will be evaluated after the bowl game. Consequently, Michigan recruiting has been on hold and the Wolverines haven't been able to land any major commitments in December.

One of Michigan's top recruits, running back Demetrius Hart of Orlando, Fla., still is committed but he is getting interest from Alabama. Another top recruit, running back/defensive back Avery Walls from Georgia, is considering Michigan, Oregon and California.

If Michigan waits until after the bowl game, it will destroy the Wolverines' recruiting for the year. Rodriguez came in with a new staff and a new offense and has been trying to find the right players to fill in the right slots. But Michigan officials aren't sure if they want to give him more to time to improve the program.

Top names to replace Rodriguez are Jim Harbaugh of Stanford and Brady Hoke of San Diego State, both of whom have Michigan connections. Harbaugh is the hottest property and the hottest young coach in college football. But does he want to move? Hoke served on the staff of former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr.

It is a weak year for recruiting in the Big 10, a lean year for talent in the Midwest. Ohio State is the leader and Nebraska, the conference's newest member, is No. 2.

1. James Wilder of Tampa, Fla., is a 6-2, 220-pound running back/linebacker with 4.5 speed who is the son of a former NFL star. He is rated as the No. 1 player in the nation in my preseason list but will drop a bit in my final evaluations because he was injured during the season and wasn't able to play up to expectations. He is committed to Florida State, an All-American at both positions. In my view, he would be the best linebacker in the nation if he wanted to be. But he wants to be a running back in college. He is one of the 10 best running backs in the nation but not the best.

3. Colt Lyerla of Hillsboro, Ore., is a 6-5, 225-pounder with 4.59 speed who is rated as the No. 35 player in the nation. He has off-the-field problems but is terrific on the field. He also is a great basketball player. He is the best big athlete in the nation. He could play wide receiver or running back or tight end or defensive end or linebacker or safety in college. Uncommitted, he is considering Oregon, Washington, UCLA, Oregon State, Arizona, California, Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas Tech.

4. Rodney Coe of Edwardsville, Ill., is a 6-3, 235-pound running back/linebacker who is rated as the No. 49 player in the nation. He recently committed to Iowa. I thought he was best suited to play at linebacker but recruiters love him at running back. He is big, fast, aggressive and productive when healthy. He was injured during his senior year and though he was the No. 1 player in Illinois, he didn't play up to preseason expectations.

5. C.J. Uzomah of Suwanee, Ga., is a 6-5, 235-pounder who played quarterback in high school but will be converted to tight end or defensive end in college. He looks like Auburn star Cam Newton. Uncommitted, he is considering Georgia, Clemson, Auburn, LSU, Tennessee, Northwestern, Florida, Alabama and North Carolina.

6. Kris Frost of Matthews, N.C., is a 6-3, 210-pounder who is a unique player, a wide receiver/linebacker. He is big and strong and catches the ball. But he is best suited to be an outside linebacker in college. A splendid runner, he is very productive on defense. Uncommitted, he is considering Michigan, North Carolina State, North Carolina, Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia Tech, California, Illinois and Auburn.

7. Darius Jennings of Baltimore, Md., is a 5-11 175-pounder with 4.38 speed. He is the most exciting player in Maryland. He plays quarterback in high school but will be a running back and kick returner in college. He can play in a spread offense. He creates a lot of openings with his speed and instinct. Uncommitted, he is considering Penn State, Virginia Tech, UCLA, Pittsburg, Virginia, Iowa, Ohio State, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Boston College, Michigan, Nebraska, North Carolina and North Carolina State.

8. Richard Rodgers of Shrewsbury, Mass., is a 6-5, 233-pounder who is committed to California, where his father played. He has great size. He plays wide receiver in high school but will be a defensive end in college, maybe tight end or wide receiver. He is an outstanding blocker.

9. Clifton Richardson of Newport News, Va., is a 6-1, 195-pounder with 4.4 speed who is one of the leading prospects in the Tidewater area. He is a two-way player who is a standout at running back, wide receiver and defensive end. He is quick and instinctive and has a good burst. He is committed to Virginia.

10. Miles Shuler of Long Branch, N.J., is a 5-11, 175-pounder with 4.4 speed. He is the fastest player in New Jersey. He has been timed in 10.6 seconds for 100 meters. He plays wide receiver and cornerback but his best position in college is cornerback. He has speed, is quick to the ball and also returns kicks. Uncommitted, he is considering Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Boston College, Duke, Michigan, Northwestern, Oklahoma, Stanford, Rutgers, Wisconsin, North Carolina State and West Virginia.

1. Jabriel Washington of Jackson, Tenn., is a 5-11, 165-pounder with 4.5 speed who is rated as the No. 57 player in the nation. He is committed to Alabama, which has recruited a stable of gifted defensive backs in recent years. He is an outstanding quarterback on offense but is even more valuable on defense. Alabama jumped on him early.

2. Josh Turner of Oklahoma City, Okla., is a 6-1, 175-pounder with 4.5 speed who is the No. 73 player in the nation. He is the top-rated player in Oklahoma. He is committed to Texas. An outstanding athlete, he was recruited as a wide receiver and cornerback.

4. Doran Grant of Akron, Ohio, is a 5-11, 190-pounder with 4.4 speed who is the No. 90 player in the nation. He is expected to chose Ohio State or Michigan State. His father played at Michigan State. He is a great all-around athlete. His reputation preceded him. Opponents opted to stay away from him. No one threw in his direction.

5. Nick Waisome of Groveland, Fla., is a 5-10, 170-pounder with 4.4 speed who is expected to commit to Florida or Florida State. A good cover corner, he can turn and run with the best of them.

6. Blake Countess of Olney, Md., is a 5-10, 173-pounder with 4.4 speed. I didn't rate him high early but I saw him play and I think he has as much potential as any cornerback in the nation. He always anticipates well and always is around the ball. He recently committed to Michigan.

7. Jermaine Whitehead of Greenwood, Miss., is a 6-0, 183-pounder with 4.5 speed who is one of the top three players in Mississippi. He isn't super fast. He has been timed in 11.1 seconds for 100 meters. But he can play the game, makes few missteps and has great timing and anticipation. He is committed to Mississippi State.

8. Marcus Roberson of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is a 6-1, 180-pounder with 4.5 speed who plays in the leading program in the nation, St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale. He has come on strong and will play safety or cornerback in college. Uncommitted, he is considering Florida, Notre Dame, Miami, Illinois, Oklahoma, Purdue, Texas A&M, Wisconsin and Texas Tech.

9. Sheroid Evans of Sugar Land, Texas, is a 6-0, 182-pounder with 4.35 speed who is the fastest of all cornerbacks. He can make up for mistakes with a great burst of speed. He is committed to Texas.

10. Terrell Chestnut of Pottstown, Pa., is a 5-11, 176-pounder with 4.5 speed who is one of the most physical cornerbacks in the class. He will play cornerback or safety in college. He has excellent football speed, great 10-yard bursts. Uncommitted, he is considering Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, West Virginia, Temple, Michigan, Michigan State, Duke, Boston College, Syracuse and Connecticut.

Coe, a 6-3, 230-pounder, chose Iowa over Illinois. He could be an All-America at running back or linebacker but he prefers to play running back. He was slowed by injuries as a senior but, when healthy, he has 4.5 speed and is one of the best big backs in the country, a perfect fit for Iowa's offense. Coe and McCall could form a pony express backfield that could remind old-timers of SMU's Eric Dickerson and Craig James.

McCall, who originally had committed to Michigan State, had his scholarship offer pulled by Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio after McCall made his official visit to the East Lansing campus on Dec. 3 and voiced some concerns over the number of running backs in Michigan State's recruiting class.

McCall, who had chosen Michigan State over Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota, informed Dantonio that he wanted to take a recruiting trip to Iowa. Soon afterward, Dantonio pulled his scholarship offer, claiming McCall had broken their non-binding agreement.

Iowa had continued to recruit McCall, a 205-pounder, after he had committed to Michigan State. Thornridge coach Mike Morrissey has close ties to the Iowa program. McCall committed to Iowa on Sunday, during his official visit to the Iowa City campus.

I've never heard of this happening before in major college recruiting, not in all of my 30 years of evaluating high school talent, but Notre Dame has already lost three top 100 commitments from the class of 2011 and the Irish may be on the brink of losing a fourth, defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt of Monroe, Ga.

Tuitt, a 6-6, 255-pounder who is rated as the No. 77 player in the nation, is visiting Auburn. Originally, he chose Notre Dame over Auburn, Georgia, Georgia Tech, South Carolina, Florida and North Carolina. In the wake of Notre Dame's on-campus and on-the-field issues during the past season, and the losses of running back Justice Hayes of Grand Blanc, Mich., to Michigan and offensive lineman Jordan Prestwood of Plant City, Fla., and defensive end Aaron Lynch of Cape Coral, Fla., to Florida State, Tuitt apparently has been persuaded to look elsewhere. Notre Dame also lost defensive back Clay Burton of Venice, Fla., to Florida.

I must admit I really like Tuitt. I had arranged to interview him and several other top prospects in the Atlanta area. But he had a basketball game that day and was going to meet me the night before, despite a driving ice and snow storm that caused hundreds of automobile accidents in the metropolitan area. Even so, Tuitt, his mother and two siblings took four hours to drive the normally 30-minute trip to meet me in Marietta.

He had a breakout season as a senior, rushing for 1,686 yards and 31 touchdowns and earning All-State recognition. As a senior, he rushed for 1,352 yards in only 80 attempts and scored 27 touchdowns. But he was lightly recruited by major Division I schools because it was assumed he would honor his commitment to play lacrosse at Johns Hopkins.

Despite his numbers as a running back, Frysinger projects as a wide receiver at Illinois. He admitted that playing big-time college football never entered his mind until after the 2010 season. He thought he was an Ivy League or small-college player at best. But apparently Zook convinced him otherwise.

A reader missed my point on Notre Dame's inability to sign heavily recruited players, especially offensive linemen. Notre Dame doesn't have to go after projects because they don't have to. They just haven't done a very good job of identifying outstanding offensive linemen, which the program badly needs.

The reader mentioned Anthony Costanzo of Lake Zurich. He was a 6-7, 250-pound offensive lineman coming out of high school who didn't receive any major college offers. So he enrolled at Fork Union Military Academy in Fork Union, Va., and developed into a 6-7, 308-pound standout who was recruited by Boston College and is rated as the top offensive tackle prospect in the 2011 NFL draft.

The point here is Costanzo, now 23, had to go to a prep school to develop physically. He wasn't ready for Boston College or any major Division I school as a true freshman. I didn't rate Costanzo highly coming out of high school. He wasn't ready. If he had been, he wouldn't have had to go to a prep school to develop.

Notre Dame can't afford to take developmental players. The point is Notre Dame didn't go after heavily recruited players, many from Catholic schools, and that's bad recruiting. Boston College has a great evaluating system. If I was at Notre Dame, I would watch who Boston College and Iowa are recruiting, especially offensive linemen, and go after them. They have a much better track record in that area than Notre Dame.

Sean Cotton of Walther Lutheran, who originally had committed to Northwestern but was dropped after he scored only 20 on his ACT, has opened up his recruitment. The 6-2, 195-pound safety is considering Purdue, Indiana, Minnesota, Central Michigan and Western Michigan and hopes to make a decision after taking official visits in January.

Illinois is in the mix for wide receiver Kenny Knight of Detroit. Illinois, Indiana, Western Michigan and Toledo have offered.

Notre Dame is in the mix for 6-5, 255-pound defensive end Brennan Scarlett of Portland, Ore. He has received 18 offers, including Notre Dame, LSU, Nebraska, Oregon, USC, UCLA, Stanford, Oklahoma and Boise State.

So I already have begun evaluating and identifying the most promising prospects in the Class of 2012, this year's juniors. I have made one trip to Alabama and the Deep South and I will leave on Dec. 26 on a month-long trip to Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, North Carolina and Georgia. The annual highlight of the January trip, of course, is the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and combine in San Antonio, Texas.

Some players leap off the board, of course. They appear to be no-doubters. Players such as Simeon quarterback Robert Gregory, Glenbard West defensive end Tommy Schutt, Montini wide receiver Jordan Westerkamp, Barrington offensive tackle Dan Voltz and Lake Forest Academy defensive end Faith Ekakitie.

Schutt could be the best of all. He recorded 32 sacks in two years. He already has emerged as one of the most recruited defensive tackles in the country. He has lost weight, from 305 pounds to 285, which puts him in the mold of mobile and athletic defensive tackles that separates the SEC from other college conferences.

Ekakitie, who hails from Canada, is a big-timer. Like Schutt, he will be heavily recruited as a defensive end. He is big and quick and aggressive and explosive. Playing at Lake Forest Academy, a small and private boarding school, won't keep recruiters away.

After seeing Westerkamp in the Class 5A state championship game, I am convinced that he is a big-play receiver with 4.5 speed and big-time moves with great ability to catch the ball and run with it.

Other juniors who have made an early impression are running back Malin Jones of Joliet Catholic, who already has committed to Northwestern; running back Michael Panico of Carmel, a 5-8, 175-pounder who has 4.4 speed and averaged 13 yards per carry despite being slowed by a shoulder injury that required surgery; and 6-3, 230-pound linebacker Prentiss Brooks of Palatine.

Also tackles Jordan Diamond of Simeon, Ryan Glasgow of Marmion and Ryan Ward of Providence, quarterback Anthony Maddie of Aurora Christian, 6-4, 334-pound guard Calvin King of Proviso West and offensive lineman David Meyerhoff of Naperville Central.

That's only the beginning. Many of the top juniors in the Chicago area have been invited to attend the San Antonio combine so I will get an opportunity to evaluate them in person, not only on film. The list promises to get longer and longer.

The "Rising Star of the Year" award goes to quarterback Reilly O'Toole of Wheaton Warrenville South. The 6-3, 185-pound senior, who is committed to Illinois, completed a staggering 75 percent of his passes for 3,187 yards and 42 touchdowns while leading the Tigers to their second Class 7A state championship in a row. He was intercepted only three times.

Based on his peformance last year, we knew about him. But he far exceeded expectations this season. He can be a star at Illinois. He is a pure passer with a good arm. His consistency at putting the ball where his receivers can catch it is extraordinary.

Alabama coach Nick Saban receives the "Best Recruiter" award in college football. The top assistant coaches/recruiters are Eric Johnson of Iowa, Bobby Kennedy of Texas and James Franklin of Maryland.

The "Offensive Player of the Year" in high school football is running back Savon Huggins of Jersey City, N.J. This season, the 6-0, 198-pounder with 4.39 speed averaged 12 yards per carry, rushed for 1,800 yards and scored 32 touchdowns against the best competition in New Jersey. Uncommitted, he likely will choose Rutgers, Notre Dame, USC, Florida or Pittsburgh.

The "Defensive Player of the Year" in high school football is defensive end Jadeveon Clowney of Rock Hill, S.C., a 6-6, 240-pounder with 4.6 speed who had 26 sacks this season. I rated him No. 2 in my preseason top 100 list but he will move to No. 1 in my postseason list ahead of Florida State-bound running back/linebacker James Wilder of Tampa, Fla., because of his superior production.

Clowney reminds me of Mario Williams, the No. 1 draft choice in the NFL three years ago. He has natural pass-rushing skills not often seen in an athlete of his size. Uncommitted, he is expected to choose South Carolina or Alabama.

Interesting note: A year ago, Clowney's team was beaten by Everett Colson's team in the semifinals of the state playoff in South Carolina. Colson, a 5-11, 170-pound quarterback from Myrtle Beach, is Notre Dame's latest recruit and I predict he will be a star in South Bend, the next Tony Rice. He has good running skills and a cannon for an arm. He passed for 3,500 yards last season. He will be a top 100 player in my postseason list.

Ironically, Notre Dame discovered Colson by accident. He wasn't listed as one of their top recruits. He committed to North Carolina. But because of the scandal involving the football program, he reopened his recruiting. After Notre Dame lost several other recruits, they came back to Colson. I think they may have backed into a star quarterback.

1. Karlos Williams of Davenport, Fla., is a 6-2, 210-pounder who is the No. 9 player in the nation. He is committed to Florida State. He had outstanding seasons as a junior and senior. He made 105 tackles this year. He is a threat to make a game-changing play with an interception or a hit. He benches 350 pounds.

2. Wayne Lyons of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is a 6-0, 185-pounder who is the No. 16 player in the nation. Unfortunately, he missed most of his senior season with a knee injury. When he is healthy, he is one of the premier playmakers in the country. He was the best defensive player at the San Antonio combine last January. Uncommitted, he is considering Stanford, Nebraska, Notre Dame and Florida.

4. Hasean Clinton-Dix of Orlando, Fla., is a 6-2, 200-pounder who is the No. 55 player in the nation. He is committed to Alabama. He had a very good senior year. He is big and aggressive and tough like Karlos Williams. He will be an impact player in college.

5. Ron Tanner of Columbus, Ohio, is a 6-1, 190-pounder who is rated as the No. 80 player in the nation. Of all the recruiting analysts, I'm the only one who has him rated among the top 100. Why? He is a great open field tackler and has good ball instincts. He is committed to Ohio State. He has all the tools, size and speed.

6. Erique Florence of Valley, Ala., is a 6-2, 200-pounder who is the No. 93 player in the nation. Uncommitted, he is considering Auburn, Alabama, LSU, Florida State, Georgia, Florida, Arkansas, Georgia Tech and South Carolina.

7. Ronny VanDyke of Lorton, Va., is a 6-3, 193-pounder who is the No. 98 player in the nation. He is committed to Virginia Tech. He missed his junior year because of injuries but came on strong this season. He has great athletic skills and is an outstanding tackler in the open field.

8. Dondi Kirby of Monroeville, Pa., is a 6-3, 200-pounder who was one of the best prospects in an otherwise weak year for talent in western Pennsylvania. He played cornerback and safety but will be a safety in college. He could grow into a linebacker. He is very physical and plays sideline to sideline. Uncommitted, he is considering Iowa, Ohio State, Michigan, Illinois, Pittsburgh, Indiana, West Virginia, Syracuse, North Carolina State, Maryland and North Carolina.

9. Avery Walls of McDonough, Ga., is a 5-11, 185-pounder who was one of the best athletes in Georgia. He played cornerback, running back, wide receiver, safety and returned kicks. He provides good production wherever he plays. He likely will choose Oregon or Michigan or California.

10. James Sample of Sacramento, Calif., is a 6-3, 185-pounder who could be an impact player if he chooses to work at it. He has size and 4.5 speed and great potential. Uncommitted, he is considering Washington, USC, UCLA, California, Oregon, Arizona State, Washington State and Arizona.

1. Lawrence Thomas of Detroit is a 6-4, 260-pounder with 4.6 speed who is rated as the No. 36 player in the nation. He is the leading prospect in Michigan. He is big, aggressive and fast. He could grow into an interior defensive lineman.

2. Curtis Grant of Richmond, Va., is a 6-3, 225-pounder who is rated as the No. 40 player in the nation. He is the best player to come out of Richmond in the last five years. Uncommitted, he is considering Michigan, Florida, Ohio State, Virginia, Alabama, Clemson, LSU, Georgia and North Carolina. He is very productive and has great instincts from sideline to sideline.

4. C.J. Johnson of Philadelphia, Miss., the town that produced Marcus Dupree, is a 6-2, 220-pounder who is rated as the No. 59 player in the nation. He is committed to Mississippi State. He is the top prospect in Mississippi. Speed is his game. He plays with good balance and body control.

5. Shannon Brown of Adel, Ga., is a 6-1, 230-pounder who is the No. 62 player in the nation. He is committed to Alabama. He plays with a chip on his shoulder, like Dick Butkus, mean and aggressive. His teammates refer to him as "Thumper."

6. Anthony Wallace of Dallas, Texas, is a 6-2, 220-pounder who plays at the most productive high school (Skyline) in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. He is one of the best athletes in a very athletic league. Uncommitted, he is considering Texas, USC, UCLA, Georgia, Arizona, Miami, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Stanford, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Texas A&M and Oregon.

7. Lamar Dawson of Danville, Ky., is a 6-2, 230-pounder who is the No. 1 player in Kentucky. He runs well and makes plays. Uncommitted, he is considering Florida, Oregon, Michigan, USC, Tennessee, Kentucky and Louisville.

8. James Vaughters of Tucker, Ga., is a 6-2, 235-pounder who is committed to Stanford. He is the most efficient tackler in the Atlanta area. He doesn't take missteps. He is a leader on and off the field.

9. Chet Moss of Cedar Park, Texas, is a 6-1, 225-pounder who is committed to Texas. He is the leader on a highly rated team. A sure tackler and strong at the point of attack, he is a reliable playmaker.

10. Travis Hughes of Virginia Beach, Va., is 6-1, 217-pounder who has taken a backseat to Curtis Grant in Virginia. But at the San Antonio combine, he demonstrated he has great body control and runs well. He is being heavily recruited by Virginia Tech, North Carolina and Maryland.

Under Fitzgerald, the Wildcats have become a national recruiter, going head-to-head with the elite programs to sign the best players from coast to coast who can meet Northwestern's tougher academic standards. And Fitzgerald also is eager to get in the front door with the best young prospects.

With that in mind, he received a commitment in October from running back Malin Jones of Joliet Catholic, one of the leading players in the class of 2012 in Illinois. Last weekend, he offered a scholarship to sophomore quarterback Matt Alviti of Maine South. And he also has offered wide receiver Jordan Westerkamp of Montini, another top-rated junior.

The class of 2012 in the Chicago area shapes up as one of the best in recent years. At least four of them--Westerkamp, Simeon quarterback Robert Gregory, Glenbard West defensive end Tommy Schutt and Barrington offensive tackle Dan Voltz--will rank among the top 100 prospects in the nation.

I saw Westerkamp's junior film. But when I saw him in the state championship game last Saturday, I said he is a Big 10 receiver without a doubt. He isn't as big or as athletic at last year's star, Proviso West's Kyle Prater (a redshirt at USC), but he is a better receiver. He catches the ball away from his body, catches the ball in stride, runs precise routes, has good separation speed and always seems to get open despite double coverage. He also has been offered by Illinois.

Schutt also is a Big 10 prospect. He has natural football instincts for a big guy. He has great feet and explosive moves. He will be one of the most recruited players in the nation next year. To date, he has nine offers, including Illinois, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Iowa, Michigan and Nebraska.

I also was impressed by Alviti's performance in the state championship game. Honestly, I didn't realize he was only a sophomore. He has great mobility and a good arm. He is a good field general, a take-charge guy, and he looks effortless in everything he does. Sometimes Maine South quarterbacks reach their peak in high school. None of them have made it in college but they continue to be the best in the state year after year. Is it the system more than the quarterback?

Alviti might be the exception. Look at his production. He didn't become a fulltime starter until Week 3, after Maine South lost its first two games, then went on to complete 183 of 281 passes for 3,066 yards and 24 touchdowns and rushed 153 times for 577 yards and 12 touchdowns while guiding the Hawks on an 11-game winning streak that led to their third state championship in a row. In the state final, he ran for one touchdown and was 16 of 21 for 224 yards and one touchdown. No wonder NU coach Pat Fitzgerald took the leap.