Athlon Consensus 100: No. 61-70

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The state of Florida has finally made its move in the AC100 with three top talents in this group (Brandon Harris, Ramon Buchanan, Nigel Carr). All three are staying in state to play their college ball, and all three will be solid defenders.

Defense seems to be another theme of this group. The first six names in this release will all play on that side of the football. With the exception of Steven Filer, all of these defenders could play multiple positions on the field. Aaron Williams and Buchanan most likely will be safeties, but Williams has corner ability and Buchanan has linebacker potential. Carr and William Green both have end ability and linebacker skills.

Four solid offensive skill position players also highlight this release. The first tight end of the AC100 shows up at No. 69. Jake Stoneburner is arguably the fastest tight end prospect in the nation and probably has the best hands. That seems only fitting for a guy named Stoneburner.

The talented duo at running back is also intriguing. Jonas Gray, a Detroit product, might be the best power back in the nation and is the top player in the Wolverine State. Aundre Dean is a promising player who uses his big frame and nasty open-field moves to change the complexion of the game.

This release wraps up with the second pro-style quarterback of the AC100. Landry Jones is the complete package. He has a big frame, an arm that can make any throw and plays with a level of intelligence any head coach would want. The only issue for Jones is playing time. He is headed to Oklahoma, where Sam Bradford just set NCAA freshman passing records. How soon does Jones see action?

STATE: It was only a matter of time before the states of Florida and Texas made a big splash. Florida had three prospects and Texas added two in this release. Georgia and Texas now each have five prospects, with California, Florida and Alabama in a close second each with four prospects. Every year the race for No. 4 is highly contested. Georgia and Alabama are making their early cases. (GA-5, TX-5, FL-4, AL-4)

POSITION: The defensive backs are making a strong run. Corner added Harris, and the safety tandem of Williams and Buchanan is very talented. The first tight end of the AC100 shows up as well. Linebacker and running back also added two solid prospects each. (CB-5, WR-5, ATH-5, LB-4, S-4) 
 
SCHOOL: UCLA and Ohio State are tied for the lead with four AC100 commits. All the usual suspects are close: Texas, Georgia, Oklahoma and Notre Dame each have three prospects in the AC100 — so far. With the exception of UCLA, none of these names are very surprising. After a poor season on the field and a coaching change off, it will be difficult for UCLA to keep all of its recruits. Florida State also shows up with its first AC100 commit in Nigel Carr. More to come from Bobby Bowden and the Noles is a guarantee.

CONFERENCE: The story continues to be the Big East and its lack of talent. The league has yet to claim a member of the AC100. Otherwise, the five other BCS leagues are cruising right along. (Big Ten-8, Pac-10-7, Big 12-7, ACC-5, SEC-6)

View the Athlon Consensus 100

Past Articles:
Deeper Look: No. 71-80
Deeper Look: No. 81-90
Deeper Look: No. 91-100