UPDATE: Top Eleven Overall Players of 2011

Here is the updated Top Ten overall players of 2011, as of November 1st.  Plus, the 11th player overall is included, because it is a player who has jumped up from number 21, to number 11, after a tremendous senior year.

1. •••••  Dorial Green-Beckham                            6-6, 220, 4.43                       Springfield-Hillcrest, MO

I’ve had Dorial ranked as the #1 player in his class for the past two years. Seventeen years ago I went to Belle, West Virginia to see Randy Moss, and since then few have come close in comparison. While Dorial has not only come close, I believe he’s the equal of Randy Moss.

On Film–He’s a combination of A.J. Green, Julio Jones, and Randy Moss. At the WR position, he can do it all. The prototypical WR at 6-6, 220, he’s sort of a hybrid and is more suited to be spread out to create miss-matches. He gets a great initial burst off the line, a long strider who can get to top speed in a hurry, and shows good lateral agility and very impressive acceleration, which he uses to avoid tacklers. His size, speed, and body control is second to none. If he stays healthy, he should become an instant impact player as a true freshman. He does it all, he’s a good downfield blocker, catches the ball with his hands and in full stride, and shows the lateral agility to cutback against the grain. He possesses elite speed and he’s most of all one of the most productive high school WR prospects in the country. He is capable of making sensational catches look routine and uses his 6-6 frame, long arms, and 32″ VJ to snag high throws. Just the consummate WR.

Stats–Caught 78 passes for 1,743 yds and 15 TDs averaging 22.3 yds per catch.

Other Sports–Took state in the 100 meters with a time of 10.59. Also took state in the triple jump with a leap of 47′ 2″, and came in second in state in the long jump with a leap of 24′ 3″ to his credit. He also averages 22 points and 12 rebounds a game as a PFW in basketball. Like Randy Moss, he was named All-State in three sports.

Grades–His GPA is a solid 3.0 and he scored an 18 on the ACT and benches 305.

Favorite Schools–Everyone wants to know where Mr. Green-Beckham is going. Never rule out the local school of Missouri. Other schools very high on his list are AL, AUBURN, NOTRE DAME, OK, TX, USC, OH STATE, AR (which is less than a two hour drive away), LSU, MI, NE, FL, and FL STATE.

2. •••••  Gunner Kiel                                                6-4, 216, 4.7                         Columbus East, IN

His Uncle Blair was in my 1980 magazine and listed as one of the top QB prospects in the country. Gunner is now listed as the nation’s #1 QB prospect and #2 overall player in the country.

On Film–What you are looking for in a big-time difference maker QB, you will find in #11. He shows a strong arm and can make all the necessary throws. He shows a good follow through, consistently strides into his throws, shows outstanding footwork, and can throw blue darts while on the move. His accuracy is uncanny and his ability to accurately throw deep is a major plus. He also shows the ability to lead receivers with his passes. He can be elusive in the pocket and although he weighs close to 220 pounds, he can cause defense nightmares once he decides to tuck and run. He can play in any offense, pro-style or spread, and should become an instant impact player in college. A coach on the field, he’s a team player with a high football IQ. I’ve seen every top quarterback in person and on film and it’s my belief that Mr. Kiel should top that list.

Stats–Completed 161 of 238 passes for 2,742 yds and 36 TDs and was picked off 6 times. He also ran for 621 yds and 7 scores. As a sophomore he threw for 2,500 yds and 25 TDs. He reminds me an awful lot of Blaine Gabbert.

Other Sports–

Grades–His GPA is 3.8. Benches 270 and has a 31″ VJ. His Uncle Blair Kiel played at Notre Dame, his father Kip Kiel played LB at Butler, his brother Drew played QB at Illinois State, and his other brother Dusty a QB at Indiana.

Favorite Schools – Committed to INDIANA.

3. •••••  Noah Spence                                              6-3, 240, 4.52                       Harrisburg Bishop McDevitt, PA

The #1 prospect in Pennsylvania and we rank him as the #4 overall player in the country.

On Film–I’ve had Noah in my magazine for the past three seasons and he’s gone from a potential All-American to super All-American. His strengths are getting to the QB consistently and in a hurry. He blends great size with speed, quickness, and power. Has a keen sense for the football and uses it on every down. Remarkable active with a terrific burst, he’s able to rip off blocks with strong hands and tremendous natural strength. His closing speed is second to none, he’s terrific when in pursuit, will keep outside leverage, and must be double-teamed at all times. An expert at chasing down the QB, he possesses an elite first step and is the consummate edge rusher. A difference maker in high school, he should be an instant impact player as a freshman in college.

Stats–Recorded 21 sacks and 89 tackles on his way to earning class AAA 1^st Team All-State honors at DE. Totaled 20 sacks and 80 tackles in 2009. He’s been collecting sacks since his freshman year, in fact, in one game in 2008 he had 4½ sacks and 9 tackles. So Noah has not snuck up on anyone, he’s been an elite player for four years.

Grades–His GPA is 3.5. Benches 350.

Favorite Schools–You name the school, he’s been offered by it. Right now he’s looking at PITT, PENN ST, OH ST, AL, AUBURN, BC, CAL, FL, GA, NOTRE DAME, USC, TN, NC, and VA TECH.

4. •••••  Mario Edwards, Jr.                                    6-3½, 269, 4.69                    Denton Ryan, TX

He’s rated 5^th overall nationally.

On Film–#17 proves to be unstoppable as a pass rusher. He shows a great combination of quickness, strength and size. Has superior speed off the ball and is relentless in pursuit, shows quick hands, dominates the point of attack, runs well laterally, can redirect, and hustles on every play. He seems to be a natural at the DE position and he’s an impact player with All-American written all over him. As explosive as they come, he has the kind of quickness and burst rarely seen in anyone over 230 pounds. He just jumps off the screen at you when you are watching his film, he’s very fluid for his size, and can get into gaps and disrupt the flow of the offense. He should be an impact player as a true freshman.

Stats–Earned the state’s Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2010 after totaling 127 tackles, 16 QB sacks, 38 tackles for losses, and returned 2 fumbles back for scores, all of this despite the fact he was double and triple-teamed the entire season.

Other Sports–Has been timed in an 11.5 100 meters in track.

Grades–His GPA is over a 2.0. Benches 350 and has a 30″ VJ.

Favorite Schools–Committed to FLORIDA STATE after having been offered by every major school in the country. His father, Mario Edwards, was an All-American at FSU and played several years in the pros.

5. •••••  Shaq Thompson                                        6-2, 210, 4.47                       Sacramento Grant, CA

A five-star player and one of the country’s finest all around football players.

On Film–#22 shows All-American skills at TB and at SS. On offense he’s a big back with great vision, balance, strength, runs with his pads low, shows nifty moves, and the burst to get outside and turn the corner. On defense he is smart, quick, fast, hard working, and an incredible athlete. He shows the burst and pure speed to cut in front of a receiver and make the tough interception. Quick to diagnose, he can jump routes and has been blessed with exceptional ball skills. He hits like a Mack truck and can turn and run with the best of them. His coach reminds me that Shaq is bigger, faster, and stronger than any SS you will find, and I concur. There are no better SS prospects in the country than Mr. Thompson.

Stats–On offense he carried the ball 195 times for 2,000 yds and 25 TDs averaging 10 yds per carry. Caught 17 passes for 350 yds and 4 scores and totaled 54 tackles, 1 pick, and broke up 9 others at SS.

Other Sports–In track he’s been timed in a 10.8 100 and is the sectional champ in the 200 meters with a time of 21.6, and has long jumped 22′ 10″.

Grades–His GPA is 3.0. Benches 290 and has a 33″ VJ.

Favorite Schools–His brother, Syd’Quan Thompson, played ball at CAL and is now with the Denver Broncos. Shaq is also looking at WA, NOTRE DAME, USC, UCLA, AUBURN, and OR.

6. •••••  John Theus                                                 6-6, 301, 5.1                         Jacksonville Boles, FL

The #1 ranked LT prospect in the country, he reminds me an awful lot of Joe Thomas.

On Film–#71 proves to be an exceptional pass and run blocker. One of the more athletic 300 pounders you will find, he shows great footwork, an aggressive and tenacious style of play, gets great leverage, dominates the point of attack, always gives good effort, and always plays under control. He keeps his shoulders square, presents tremendous lateral agility to slide and mirror, and has proven to be the prototypical left tackle with the long arms, quick feet, and outstanding technique.

Stats–In 2010 he dominated from start to finish earning 1^st Team All-Coast. Has the frame to weigh between 320 and 330 in college.

Other Sports–Has thrown the shot put over 47′ and the discus 135′ in track. Averages 16 points and 15 rebounds a game as a center in basketball. His brother, Nathan, is a freshman at Georgia.

Grades–His GPA is 3.0 and he scored an 1100 on the SAT. Benches 300.

Favorite Schools – Committed to GEORGIA.

7. •••••  Andrus Peat                                                6-7, 280, 4.9                         Tempe Corona Del Sol, AZ

I first got a look at Andrus over a year ago when I went to Tempe to check out his brother Todd Peat, Jr. I was impressed then and even more so now. He’s every bit of 6′ 7″, looks very thin at 280, and has been blessed with extraordinary athletic ability.

On Film–#75 amazes you with his quickness off the ball and his ability to get out into the open field and block down on linebackers. As nimble footed as they come, he has the potential and ability to become a college All-American and a future all-pro. Shows that quickness, balance, change of direction, and mentality the college scouts look for in an All-American. He plays LT in high school and will wind up playing LT in college. As soon as he forgets about being a basketball player Andrus will become even more accomplished. He shows natural power, can dominate the point of attack, always seems to get good positioning effortlessly, stays low, and can get under the defender to drive him off the play. He just seems to do everything well and effortlessly. Once he hits a college weight program there could be no stopping him. He has a very polished kickslide to mix things up quickly and is technically the best big guy I’ve seen in the country.

Stats–Graded out at over 90% in his blocking assignments, led the league in pancake blocks, and totaled 5½ sacks at DE.

Other Sports–In basketball he averages over 15 points and 10 rebounds a game as a PFW.

Grades–His GPA is 3.6 and he’s been on the honor roll throughout his high school career.

Favorite Schools–His brother signed with Nebraska so look out for the Cornhuskers but Andrus is also keeping an eye on STANFORD, USC, NOTRE DAME, ASU, MIAMI, CLEMSON, TX, LSU, MI, CO, FL, and AL.

8. •••••  Ellis McCarthy                                           6-4, 305, 4.9                         Monrovia, CA

Ranked as the #1 player in the west and the country’s #7 overall player.

On Film–A one man wrecking crew, he reminds me a little bit of Ndamukong Suh. He combines great size with explosive moves, terrific strength, quick hands, and an aggressive and tenacious style of play. Shows explosive strength on the edge, uses his long arms to quickly disengage, and shows exceptional closing speed. You also got to be impressed with his ability to quickly change direction, avoid traffic, and make plays, A fluid 305 pounder who is capable of becoming a dominating DE or DT in college. He played more DE in 2010 but does have a lot of experience at the DT position. I was sold on him after watching the CIF semi-final game this past December, a game in which Ellis dominated despite the fact that he was double and triple-teamed on every play. A humble and easy going guy off the field, and a mean, tough, and aggressive player on it.

Stats–Totaled 72 tackles and 14 QB sacks on his way to earning All-State honors in 2010.

Other Sports–Has thrown the shot put over 50′ and the discus 140′ in track.

Grades–His GPA is 3.0. Benches 325 and has a 32″ VJ.

Favorite Schools–USC, UCLA, OK, FL, CAL, AZ, WA, TN, and MI.

9. •••••  Johnathan Gray                                         6-0, 195, 4.4                         Aledo, TX

The country’s #1 tailback prospect is a prep superstar who possesses all the tools for college stardom.

On Film–He shows tremendous speed, vision, agility, balance, and surprising strength. A combination power runner/slasher, he can accelerate to full speed, quickly, and can cut on a dime and change directions in the blink of an eye. Explosive should be his middle name, he can create in the open field and shows a good pair of hands. He never stops moving his legs and runs low to the ground. A workhorse type of back who gets stronger as the game progresses. He dominated just about every game he played in 2010.

Stats–Carried the ball 358 times for over 2,000 yds and 60 TDs on his way to earning 1^st Team All-State honors.

Grades–His GPA is over a 2.0. Benches 295. His father was the career rushing leader at Texas Tech.

Favorite Schools–Committed to TEXAS.

10. •••••  Rushel Shell                                                6-0, 215, 4.45                       Aliquippa Hopewell, PA

Three years ago I ranked Rushel as the #1 player for the class of 2012. This year he ranks #11 and is one of the country’s top three RB prospects.

On Film–This season Rushel, despite being a marked man for the past couple of years, still put together one heck of a year. An exceptional between the tackles runner, he keeps his pads low, punishes defenders, and gets significant yardage after initial contact. He shows an explosive second level burst and is a physical back with quick feet, reads his blocks, and displays good vision. He shows remarkable balance, body control, and lateral agility. When he is on, there may not be a better back in the country. A workhorse who never lets up and he seems to get stronger as the game progresses. As reliable as they come, he does not possess elite speed but good enough to carry the ball a long way. Hails from the same school that produced Tony Dorsett.

Stats–Earned 1^st Team All-State honors for the third year in a row rushing for 2,510 yds and 27 TDs on 323 carries. He is just 880 yds away from the WPIAL all-time rushing record. For his career he has 6,551 yds and 77 TDs. A prep superstar and he should be an instant impact player as a true freshman.

Other Sports–Has been timed in a 10.8 100 meters in track.

Grades–His GPA is around a 2.7. Benches 330 and has a 33″ VJ.

Favorite Schools–The Buckeyes of OHIO STATE were a longtime leader for his services and now it looks like they are in for a battle with several other schools including PITT, PENN ST, AL, AUBURN, TN, FL, FSU, GA, NC, and UCLA.

11. •••••  Jameis Winston                                          6-4, 196, 4.56                       Hueytown, AL

The state’s #1 prospect and one of the country’s top rated signal callers.

On Film–I first met Jameis last November, in fact, he was the first player I interviewed for this season. I drove down to Hueytown and sat down with him and his coach and watched the first eight games of his junior season. I came away impressed enough to give him five stars. He is truly a gifted QB, who if he sticks with football, has a chance to be special. He shows a very strong arm, tremendous running ability, presents excellent size and overall athletic ability, can make throws with defenders on top of him, throws the deep out with authority, can throw exceptionally well while on the run, shows very good field vision, and performed exceptionally well in 2010 despite not having much talent around him. If Jameis decides that football is his sport, and if he chooses a school that will work around his talents, there will be no stopping him. A difference maker. His coach Matt Scott compares Jameis to Cam Newton. His pocket management is great and scrambling ability is excellent, so good in fact that he does not want to be labeled a runner.

Stats–Threw for 2,342 yds and 17 TDs and ran for 870 yds on his way to earning All-State honors.

Other Sports–He’s the state’s #1 baseball player, he batted over .400 with 7 home runs, 17 doubles, and 9 triples last spring.

Grades–His GPA is a perfect 4.0 and he scored an 18 on the ACT. Benches 265.

Favorite Schools – Committed to FLORIDA STATE.