1. Lateek Townsend, Marlboro County 6’2” 202 Considering South Carolina, Clemson and USC
My Take: Lateek Townsend is one of the most sought after recruits in the entire 2011. He has offers ranging from coast-to-coast. His brilliant performance at the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas did not hurt his cause. Townsend made many plays in high school freelancing for the most part, something that will have to change at the next level. Along with his personality on the field people are attracted to Townsend’s off the field personality, he will certainly emerge as a team leader wherever he decides to go. Right now it looks like the front runner is South Carolina but Townsend has had a new leader at almost every stage of the recruiting process. He has already made official visits to Clemson, South Carolina and USC.
2. Dexter Staley, Williston Elko 6’2” 215 Considering South Carolina, Illinois, LSU and Michigan State
My Take: Dexter Staley is a football player. He has played on both sides of the ball while at Williston Elko. Speculation has arose about Staley’s grades and whoever signs him will probably have to send him to a JuCo. Staley as a football player has amazing closing speed and doesn’t miss too many tackles when he gets to where he needs to go. At this point in the recruiting process it looks like South Carolina is the leader for his services but this is probably a prospect you won’t see for another two years.
3. Ralph Cooper, Fairfield Central 6’1” 220 Committed to Illinois
My Take: Coopers speed has been clocked at a 4.77 which would be questionable for a linebacker playing in the SEC but Cooper is committed to a Big Ten school. Cooper will probably be able to play inside or out for Ron Zook’s Illinois squad. One thing that stands out about Cooper’s film is that he fills his gaps with precise discipline. When he fills those gaps he wraps up his opponent and brings him to the ground. If he plays inside for Ron Zook he will be one of the most productive linebackers in the Big Ten. Cooper can really develop into a tackling machine – a guy that could have 10 to 13 tackles by the time you check the stats. Cooper also claimed an offer from Georgia Tech but committed to the Illini and former Clemson coaches Ron West and Vic Koenning on October 22, 2010.
4. B.J. Goodson, Lamar 6’1” 225 Committed to Clemson
My Take: Goodson draws a lot of similarities to the aforementioned Ralph Cooper. Goodson will probably play inside when he gets to Clemson because he doesn’t have Lateek Townsend speed. But he could be very productive on the inside. Goodson has tendencies to miss the easy tackles trying to make a highlight reel play. This is something Coach Steele will get corrected. Goodson committed to Clemson over offers from LSU and Tennessee.
5. Quinn Backus, Greenwood 5’9” 190 Only offer is from Coastal Carolina
My Take: Quinn Backus is the defensive version of Summerville running back DeAngelo Henderson. Backus is one of the most productive linebackers in the state of South Carolina but has not drawn any FBS offers because of his height and weight, not his productivity. Backus plays sideline to sideline while also filling the gaps he is assigned to. When he reaches his opponent he usually lays the wood and sends a message. Backus was one of the leaders on the Sandlapper Shrine Bowl team. Backus’ only offer at the moment is from Coastal Carolina and if he ends up as a Chanticleer, that is the FCS steal of the entire recruiting class.
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