Written by Duane Long | 17 August 2010

Bill Kurelic has released his latest early bird Ohio top 10 list for the class of 2012. I thought I would do him one better and release my early bird top 20 for the state. Keep in mind that we have two more years for this class to show on the field. We are talking about very young players. They are headed into their junior year. Many of them are just now getting their drivers license. This list could be quite a bit different by the time it matters. It could be quite a different by this time next year.

 

The class of 2012 is so impressive that it will definitely be one of the best ever in the state of Ohio. The defensive line class is one that Florida or Texas would love to have, especially the defensive ends. It is a great looking back class, and I see the beginnings of a good offensive line class. I think the quarterbacks need to be watched.

1. Adolphus Washington, DE/LB, 6-5, 245, Cincinnati Taft.We throw around the word  freak alot now. This kid is a true freak.

2. Chris Wormley, DL, 6-5, 250, Toledo Whitmer. I had Wormley in the top five but seeing him in t-shirt and shorts is what pushed him up this high. No question better than his teammate Kenny Hayes.

3. Warren Ball, RB, 6-1 195, DeSales. He will be in the argument for top back in the country.

 

4. Bam Bradley, FS, 6-2, 200, Trotwood-Madison. As good as any safety I have ever seen in Ohio. Big, physical and athletic. Could grow into a linebacker.

 

5. DeShawn Hall, Athlere, 6-2, 205, Canton Glen Oak. I list him as an athlete because up close he looks like he is sure to grow into a linebacker.

 

6. Kaleb Ringer, LB, 6-2, 225, Clayton Northmont. The lack of conversation about Ringer is surprising. You think Trey DePriest is the best linebacker in the state? Take a look at Ringers film before you answer that question.

 

7. Greg McMullen, DE, 6-5, 235, Akron Hoban. That a player of this caliber is not in the top five shows the strength of the class. Playing with two healthy hands could push him to the top of this list.

 

8. Tom Strobel, DE, 6-6, 235, Mentor. Strobel is the best defensive line prospect that nobody knows about. He has the best body outside of Wormley.

 

9. LaTroy Thomas, DE/LB, 6-4, 230, Akron Hoban. We have been talking about McMullen for so long that nobody is looking to the other end of the line where this Big Four caliber prospect is as high on recruiting boards as his much more ballyhooed teammate.

 

10. Kyle Kalis, 6-5, 305, OL, Lakewood St. Edward. Kalis is looking like the best offensive line prospect from Ohio since Marcus Hall. Yes, he is a tackle.

 

11. Jamire Westbrook, RB, 5-10, 200, Kings Mill. His favorite player in LaDainian Tomlinson. His game reminds me of LaDainian Tomlinson.

 

12. Brionte Dunn, Athlete, 6-2, 225, Canton Glen Oak. Don't be surprised if this specimen gets as many offers, if not more, as an athlete than as a back.

 

13. Sevon Pittman, DE, 6-4 225, Massillon. Fell off the radar after his junior year where he did not make a big splash. His performance this summer reminded everyone how little football he has played.

 

14. Joe Bolden, LB, 6-3, 220, Colerain. A name very few people are aware of. Time to get up to speed.

 

15. Collin Michael, QB, 6-5, 200, Lexington. Threw so well this summer. His good size and showed a great arm.

 

16. William Mahone , RB, 6-1,190, Austintown Fitch. Fell off the radar for awhile but had a good summer. Some like him better at safety.

 

17. Allen Gant, SS, 6-1, 180, Sylvania Southview. He did not leap out at me on film as an athlete but impressed this summer. Big framed kid who could grow into a linebacker.

 

18. Will McCollister, QB, 6-3, 210, Ironton Rock Hill. Threw very well this summer and put himself on the radar.

 

19. Terrell Jackson, DT, 6-3, 260, Marion-Franklin. In this class it is easy for a defensive lineman to get overlooked. This kid has a great first step and makes plays.

 

20. Joshua Perry, LB, 6-3, 210, Olentangy. Rangy athlete that blew up at camp this summer and earned an offer.

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