re: Class of 2016 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Waiting On Demetris Robertson Edition

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8. ATH Mecole Hardman Jr., Uncommitted

Like Demetris Robertson, Mecole Hardman Jr. is a 5-star athlete.

Also like Robertson, he made splash plays on special teams.

Hardman returned two punts for 57 yards—one for 31 yards, and the other for 26. He buoyed that with an equal impact on offense, catching three passes for 37 yards and rushing once for five yards.

Just get the ball in his hands and watch him work.

Grade: B+

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The college football season will officially end in a few days with the national championship game, and then fans will be able to dive right into the final frenzied weeks of the 2016 recruiting cycle.

Every recruit will have to adjust to the new systems and practices of his school once he enrolls. But one thing that will set the elite recruits apart from day one is their measurables—their raw size, speed, strength and overall athleticism.

Here are 10 players who have stood out in this year's recruiting cycle for their freakish measurables. Some tore up national testing at The Opening this past summer, while others have blown away people at weigh-ins for national all-star games.

Of course, these are just 10 of the freakish recruits in this year's class—not necessarily the 10 freakiest. You can find incredible athleticism and size all over the country.

If you know of other 2016 recruits who should get noticed for their top-notch measurements, shout them out in the comments below.

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The Battle for No. 1 ATH Recruit Lives on at 2016 Army Bowl

SAN ANTONIO — Lasting words overheard Tuesday by 5-star prospect Mecole Hardman Jr.: "We're just out here having fun, man."

He's right. The atmosphere blanketing both the Blossom Athletic Center and Heroes Stadium—the practice sites for the two U.S. Army All-American Bowl teams—reminds everyone that although this is a prestigious all-star event, it's also an opportunity for 90 of the best athletes in the 2016 class to relax and enjoy the moment.

But let's not kid ourselves. These same prospects, who are having a good time preparing for Saturday's game, didn't get to where they are as football players by living lighthearted full-time. It's all about competition and being the best of the best.

So when Saturday's kickoff goes down, don't be surprised if Hardman, Demetris Robertson, Jack Jones and Devin Asiasi all play the game as if it were their last. According to 247Sports.com's composite rankings, these four individuals represent the top four classified at the "athlete" position.

"You don't get this opportunity all the time," Jones said. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing, so you have to take advantage of it. You want to show you're the best."

"We all work so hard to get to this point," Asiasi added. "To be able to be here and play in this game is surreal. It motivates me knowing I'm just in the top five, but you always want more."

Saturday's U.S. Army All-American Bowl is supposed to be played just for fun, but both Jones and Asiasi agreed that when you're surrounded by talent, it's only natural for competitive natures to rear their heads.

Consider it a time to determine who's the No. 1 "athlete."

Hardman currently occupies that top spot and is ranked No. 21 overall in the composite rankings. Robertson is the No. 2 athlete and No. 24 overall. Hardman and Robertson, two from the state of Georgia, will play for the East team Saturday.

The West team will feature Jones and Asiasi, two California players considered top-50 players by many. Jones is the No. 3 athlete and the No. 44 overall player according to the composite rankings. Asiasi is the No. 4 athlete and just missed the top-50 cut in the composite rankings at No. 51, but that could change with his play in practices throughout the week.

Saturday, everybody will look to make multiple plays. The game will be televised on NBC, which means there will be an opportunity to shine on a global level.

"That motivates me, but being in the top five motivates me, too," said Asiasi, who is looking to play tight end and not defensive end in college. "All those athletes are crazy. They're fast, they've got good hands and they're all-around great players. Every day, I have to come out with the mentality that I have to prove something."

Being No. 1 is strictly for bragging rights, but playing well against the talent on the field further enhances their already stellar recruiting resumes. Collectively, the quartet has 103 reported offers.

Hardman (31 reported offers) is eyeing schools such as Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Tennessee, Florida and Clemson. Robertson (28 offers) has schools like Georgia, Alabama, Notre Dame and Stanford high on his list. Jones (22 offers) posted a top-five video with Bleacher Report, including USC, UCLA, Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas A&M. Asiasi (22 offers) is eyeing USC, UCLA, Alabama, Washington and others.

All four could have announcements on national signing day. But on Saturday, the casual fans—those slightly unfamiliar with their talents—get to see why they are top-five talents at the position in the first place.

And expect all four to compete for the No. 1 spot as we inch closer to signing day.

"Everybody's going to compete," Jones said, "but I'll let you know that I'm coming to play and will get you better on the field and off the field. I'll let the reporters will decide on who they think is the best athlete."

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MaxPreps 2015 Football All-American Team

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FIRST TEAM OFFENSE

WR – Donnie Corley, 6-2, 195, King (Detroit), Undecided
Corley was a human highlight reel this season. The Michigan State Player of the Year netted 59 catches for 1,403 yards and 16 touchdowns for an undefeated state champion.

WR – Michael Pittman, 6-4, 195, Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, Calif.), USC
Pittman was the Ventura County Star Player of the Year, the L.A. Daily News Player of the Year and an all-Southland pick. He recorded 81 catches for 1,990 yards and 24 scores.

WR – J.P. Shohfi, 6-1, 190, San Marino (Calif.), Undecided
Shohfi set a national record for receiving yards in a season with 122 catches for 2,464 yards. He was an all-Southland pick by the Los Angeles Times and the Star-News Player of the Year.

TE – Thaddeus Mekhi Moss, 6-4, 260, Mallard Creek (Charlotte, N.C.), Undecided
Moss posted 58 catches for 885 yards and 13 scores, helping to lead Mallard Creek to a 4AA title. He was an all-area pick by the Charlotte Observer.

OL – Ben Bredeson, 6-5, 305, Arrowhead (Hartland, Wis.), Michigan
The Ann Arbor-bound Bredeson was the Journal-Sentinel Player of the Year.

OL – Liam Eichenberg, 6-6, 290, St. Ignatius (Cleveland), Notre Dame
Eichenberg helped St. Ignatius roll up more than 3,500 total yards. He was a first team all-area selection by the Cleveland Plain-Dealer and a first team all-state pick.

OL – John Simpson, 6-5, 296, Fort Dorchester (North Charleston, S.C.), Undecided
Simpson was the All-Lowcountry Player of the Year after he paved the way for Fort Dorchester's state title run.

OL – Gregory Little, 6-6, 300, Allen (Texas), Ole Miss
Little, the nation's top-ranked played at his position, was a first team all-state pick.

OL – Parker Boudreaux, 6-4, 290, Bishop Moore (Orlando, Fla.), Notre Dame
An all-area and all-state selection, Boudreaux helped lead Bishop Moore to a Class 5A state title.

QB – Austin Scott, 6-1, 195, Spartanburg (S.C.), Undecided
Scott took home numerous awards, including All-Upstate Player of the Year and Gatorade State Player of the Year. He amassed 5,163 yards and 63 touchdowns.

QB – Sam Ehlinger, 6-1, 205, Westlake (Austin, Texas), Texas, Junior
Ehlinger, the All-Central Texas Player of the Year, threw for 3,833 yards, rushed for 1,419 yards and tallied 71 total touchdowns in leading Westlake to a state title berth (as well as a victory over Allen).

RB – Trevor Speights, 5-10, 188, McAllen Memorial (Texas), Stanford
Speights dazzled as a senior, rushing 233 times for 3,195 yards and 50 touchdowns. He finished with nearly 10,000 career rushing yards.

RB – Deshawn Smith, 5-8, 185, Nature Coast Tech (Brooksville, Fla.), Undecided
Smith practically established residency in the end zone. He rushed for 3,715 yards and 60 touchdowns on 241 carries.

RB – Najee Harris, 6-2, 222, Antioch (Calif.), Alabama, Junior
Harris was sensational. He carried 243 times for 2,744 yards and 36 touchdowns. He also added 129 receiving yards and three scores through the air.

RB - Keishaun Sims, 5-11, 170, Perry (Massillon, Ohio), Undecided
The state's Mr. Football, Sims rushed for 3,108 yards and 43 touchdowns to lead Perry to the Division II title game. Perry was winless in 2013.

ATH - Lindsey Scott, 5-11, 205, Zachary (Zachary, La.), Syracuse
Scott was electric this fall. The Class 5A Offensive MVP passed for 3,039 yards and 33 touchdowns and rushed for 1,963 yards and 28 scores.

K – Keith Duncan, 5-11, 160, Weddington (Matthews, N.C.), Undecided
North Carolina's career leader in field goals, Duncan was 58 of 58 in extra point attempts and nailed 22 of 29 field goal attempts, with a long of 54 yards.

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SECOND TEAM OFFENSE

WR – Dekaylin Metcalf, 6-4, 210, Oxford (Miss.), Ole Miss
Metcalf, an all-state pick, hauled in 94 passes for 1,455 yards and 22 touchdowns.

WR – Tren'Davian Dickson, 6-0, 171, Navasota (Texas), Baylor
Last year's National Junior of the Year produced 82 catches for 1,525 yards and 24 touchdowns.

WR – Byron Murphy, 6-0, 175, Saguaro (Scottsdale, Ariz.), Undecided
Arizona's Division II Player of the Year and a member of the All-Arizona team, Murphy made 88 catches for 1,733 yards and 21 scores.

TE – Octavious Cooley, 6-3, 200, Laurel (Miss.), Ole Miss
Cooley was once again among the nation's most productive tight ends. An all-state pick by the Clarion-Ledger, Cooley netted 68 catches for 1,448 yards and 13 touchdowns.

OL – Tommy Kraemer, 6-5, 290, Elder (Cincinnati), Notre Dame
The future member of the Fighting Irish was a first team all-state selection playing in one of the country's toughest leagues.

OL - Josh Myers, 6-6, 295, Miamisburg (Ohio), Ohio State, Junior
Myers was a first team all-state pick in Ohio's Division II.

OL – John Raridon, 6-3, 275, Valley (West Des Moines, Iowa), Nebraska
Raridon was an all-area and all-state selection.

OL – Erik Swenson, 6-7, 305, Downers Grove South (Ill.), Michigan
Swenson was an all-state selection for the third-consecutive year.

OL – Ben Cleveland, 6-7, 320, Stephens County (Toccoa, Ga.), Georgia
Also a prolific baseball player, Cleveland was a first team all-state pick in Georgia's Class AAAA.

QB – Jacob Eason, 6-6, 215, Lake Stevens (Wash.), Georgia
Eason was the Seattle Times Player of the Year after throwing for 3,587 yards and 43 touchdowns.

QB – Brandon Peters, 6-2, 200, Avon (Ind.), Michigan
Indiana's Mr. Football and an all-state pick by the Indianapolis Star, Peters threw for 3,103 yards and 37 touchdowns.

RB – Tavien Feaster, 6-0, 204, Spartanburg (S.C.), Clemson
Feaster was arguably the nation's deadliest running back out of the backfield. In addition to his 1,071 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground, he added 963 receiving yards and 12 scores.

RB – J.J. Taylor, 5-6, 170, Centennial (Corona, Calif.), Arizona
Centennial fell just short of a national title, and Taylor carried the Huskies for much of the way. He rushed for 2,049 yards and 41 touchdowns.

RB – Sean McGrew, 5-8, 175, St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.), Washington
The Press-Telegram Player of the Year and all-Southland pick, McGrew carried 200 times for 1,852 yards and 27 touchdowns. He added 264 receiving yards and an additional three scores. He was the driving force behind a St. John Bosco team that was No. 1 in the country for a good part of the season.

ATH - Kiel Pollard, 6-2, 220, Colquitt County (Moultrie, Ga.), Arkansas
Georgia's Class AAAAAA Offensive Player of the Year, Pollard teamed with quarterback Chase Parrish to form a productive -- and explosive -- duo. He made caught 76 passes for 1,163 yards and 18 touchdowns for state champion Colquitt County.

K – Sage Ledbetter, 6-0, 165, Auburn (Ala.), Undecided
Ledbetter set a state record when he nailed a 61-yard field goal.

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SECOND TEAM DEFENSE

DL – McTelvin Agim, 6-3, 240, Hope (Ark.), Arkansas
The future Razorback was an all-state pick after finishing with 75 tackles and 24 sacks.

DL - Ed Oliver, 6-2, 277, Westfield (Houston), Houston
Oliver posted nine sacks and, as a fullback, found the end zone three times. He was an all-area pick by the Houston Chronicle.

DL – Brian Burns, 6-5, 210, American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.), Undecided
Burns earned all-state honors and was the Sun-Sentinel Small School Defensive Player of the Year for the Florida power.

DL – Rashan Gary, 6-4, 290, Paramus Catholic (N.J.), Undecided
Gary was a second team all-area pick by MSGVarsity and the State Defensive Player of the Year by NJ.com for the second-straight season. He compiled 55 tackles and 13.5 sacks.

LB – Michael Divinity, 6-2, 200, John Ehret (Marrero, La.), LSU
Divinity led Ehret to its first title game in three decades. He posted 60.5 tackles, 13 sacks and two forced fumbles and was the Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year.

LB – Tori Delesline, 6-1, 200, Hillcrest (Simpsonville, S.C.), Undecided
Delesline made a whopping 158 tackles and seven sacks. He was an all-Upstate pick.

LB – Jonah Morris, 6-4, 195, Archbishop Hoban (Akron, Ohio), Undecided
Morris helped Hoban win a state title by starring at linebacker as well as wide receiver. He was the Akron Beacon-Journal Player of the Year.

LB – Dylan Moses, 6-3, 215, University Lab (Baton Rouge, La.), Undecided, Junior
Moses was all over the field, registering 104 tackles and two sacks. He was an all-state selection.

LB – Ben Davis, 6-3, 240, Gordo (Ala.), Undecided
The all-state pick posted 105 tackles and three sacks. He was Mississippi's MVP in the Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Classic.

DB – Dillon Stoner, 5-11, 185, Jenks (Okla.), Oklahoma State
Stoner was the Defensive Player of the Year according to The Oklahoman. He helped lead Jenks to yet another state title. The Tulsa World named him the state's Player of the Year.

DB – Levonta Taylor, 5-11, 185, Ocean Lakes (Virginia Beach, Va.), Florida State
Taylor, an all-Tidewater pick, helped Ocean Lakes to a 12-1 season.

DB – Rayshad Lewis, 5-8, 165, Bishop Moore (Orlando, Fla.), Undecided
Lewis, the Sentinel Varsity Player of the Year, did everything for Bishop Moore, which captured a Class 5A state title.

DB - Brandon Jones, 6-0, 193, Nacogdoches (Texas), Undecided
Jones rebounded from a junior-year injury to post 135 tackles and two interceptions. He was the Regional Defensive MVP.

P – Tucker McCann, 6-1, 185, O'Fallon (Ill.), Missouri
McCann was an all-state pick and an all-metro selection by the Post-Dispatch. He averaged over 45 yards per punt.

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MaxPreps 2015 Football Junior All-American Team

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FIRST TEAM OFFENSE

WR – Donovan Peoples-Jones, 6-2, 192, Cass Tech (Detroit)
A first team all-state pick, Peoples-Jones compiled 30 catches for 714 yards and 11 touchdowns in Cass Tech's first 10 games.

WR – Tee Higgins, 6-4, 184, Oak Ridge (Tenn.)
Higgins had a knack for finding the end zone. He snagged 51 catches for 912 yards and 18 touchdowns. He was a nominee for East Tennessee Player of the Year as well.

WR – Tyjon Lindsey, 5-8, 165, Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
Lindsey was explosive after the catch. He tallied 45 receptions for 1,117 yards and 14 touchdowns.

TE – Hunter Bryant, 6-3, 240, Eastside Catholic (Sammamish, Wash.)
Bryant was a top target in Eastside Catholic's offense with 48 catches for 1,137 yards and 17 touchdowns.

OL – Wyatt Davis, 6-5, 315, St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.)
Davis was an all-Southland pick. He opened up holes for St. John Bosco star running back Sean McGrew.

OL – Wes Harris, 6-3, 285, Aledo (Texas)
Harris was a first team all-state pick in Texas' Class 5A.

OL – Josh Myers, 6-6, 295, Miamisburg (Ohio)
Myers was a first team all-state pick in Ohio's Division II.

OL – Kayden Lyles, 6-3, 260, Saguaro (Scottsdale, Ariz.)
Lyles won his third state title, anchoring the Saguaro offensive line.

OL – Austin Jackson, 6-6, 270, North Canyon (Phoenix)
Jackson was a first team all-Arizona selection.

QB – Tate Martell, 5-11, 170, Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
Martell was brilliant yet again for Bishop Gorman. He completed 133 of 237 passes for 2,608 yards and 32 touchdowns. He rushed for an additional nine scores.

QB – Sam Ehlinger, 6-1, 205, Westlake (Austin, Texas)
Ehlinger, the All-Central Texas Player of the Year, threw for 3,833 yards, rushed for 1,419 yards and tallied 71 total touchdowns in leading Westlake to a state title berth (as well as a victory over Allen).

RB – Najee Harris, 6-2, 222, Antioch (Calif.)
Harris was sensational. He carried 243 times for 2,744 yards and 36 touchdowns. He also added 129 receiving yards and three scores through the air.

RB – Biaggio Walsh, 5-9, 179, Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
Walsh came up big for Bishop Gorman time and time again. He carried 203 times for 2,451 yards and 33 touchdowns.

RB – Khalan Laborn, 5-9, 190, Ocean Lakes (Virginia Beach, Va.)
Laborn was an all-area pick by the Virginian-Pilot after rushing for 2,205 yards and 32 touchdowns. He was also the Coastal Conference Player of the Year and the Regional Player of the Year.

ATH - Dylan McCaffrey, 6-5, 200, Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch, Colo.)
In leading Valor Christian to a state title, McCaffrey threw for 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns and rushed for 592 yards and 13 touchdowns.

K – Brenton King, 6-0, 165, Mill Creek (Hoschton, Ga.)
King nailed 19 of 24 attempts, with a long of 50 yards.

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SECOND TEAM OFFENSE

WR – Darnay Holmes, 5-10, 190, Calabasas (Calif.)
Also a shutdown cornerback, Holmes caught 55 passes for 886 yards and 10 scores, earning first team all-area honors by the Ventura County Star.

WR – Sage Surratt, 6-2, 200, East Lincoln (Denver, N.C.)
Surratt made 97 catches for 1,734 yards and 25 scores. He was an All-Observer pick and earned NCPreps all-state honors.

WR – Osiris St. Brown, 6-1, 170, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
An all-county pick by the OC Register, Brown recorded 43 catches for 884 yards and 12 touchdowns in just 10 games.

TE – Grant Calcaterra, 6-4, 210, Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.)
Calcaterra tallied 48 receptions for 926 yards and nine touchdowns.

OL – Isaiah Wilson, 6-7, 320, Poly Prep Country Day (Brooklyn, N.Y.)
Wilson was an MSGVarsity all-city pick.

OL – Calvin Ashley, 6-7, 300, Dr. Phillips (Orlando, Fla.)
Ashley, a three-year starter, once again dominated at tackle for Dr. Phillips. He was a second team all-Central Florida pick.

OL – Henry Bainivalu, 6-7, 295, Skyline (Sammamish, Wash.)
Bainivalu was an all-state pick by the Seattle Times.

OL – Popo Aumavae, 6-4, 300, St. Mary's (Stockton, Calif.)
Aumavae was the TCAL Most Valuable Player and an all-area pick by the Stockton Record.

QB – Jake Fromm, 6-3, 225, Houston County (Warner Robins, Ga.)
Fromm completed 250 of 424 passes for 4,099 yards and 36 scores. He was the Class AAAAA Offensive Player of the Year in Georgia.

QB – Tim Tawa, 6-0, 175, West Linn (Ore.)
The Class 6A Player of the Year, Tawa threw for 4,420 yards and 50 touchdowns on 269 of 394 passing. He also rushed for four touchdowns.

RB – Malik Davis, 5-11, 180, Jesuit (Tampa, Fla.)
The Hillsborough County Offensive Player of the Year according to the Tampa Bay Times, Davis rushed for 2,337 yards and 28 touchdowns.

RB – J.K. Dobbins, 5-9, 184, La Grange (Texas)
A first team All-Central Texas pick by the Austin Statesman, Dobbins rushed for 2,740 yards in just 11 games.

RB – Cam Akers, 6-0, 210, Clinton (Miss.)
Akers lined up behind center for Clinton, but he was deadly with his legs. He rushed for 1,418 yards and 16 scores. He also threw for 2,231 yards and 20 touchdowns, earning Clarion-Ledger all-state honors. He's committed to Alabama as a running back.

ATH - Myles Brennan, 6-3, 182, St. Stanislaus (Bay St. Louis, Miss.)
Brennan tallied a remarkable 5,248 yards and 53 touchdowns and was an all-state selection by the Clarion-Ledger.

K – Brayan Diaz, 6-0, 205, Monroe (N.C.)
Diaz was true on 14 of 17 field goal attempts, with a long of 47 yards.

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MaxPreps 2015 Football Sophomore All-American Team

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FIRST TEAM OFFENSE

WR – Marquis Spiker, 6-3, 175, Murrieta Valley (Murrieta, Calif.)
Spiker was a beast, snagging 71 catches for 1,429 yards and 19 touchdowns.

WR – Jalen Hall, 6-4, 180, Hawkins (Los Angeles)
Hall caught 60 passes for 1,010 yards and nine scores in just 10 games.

WR – Ke'von Ahmad, 6-1, 185, Heritage (Colleyville, Texas)
Ahmad, a Class 6A all-state selection, registered 1,399 yards and 18 touchdowns on 67 catches.

TE – Zack Kuntz, 6-7, 215, Camp Hill (Pa.)
An all-state pick, Kuntz caught 49 passes for 743 yards and 11 scores.

OL – Marcus "Tank" Jenkins, 6-4, 315, Park Crossing (Montgomery, Ala.)
In his first season since coming over from Lee, Jenkins lined up at both tackle and guard and overwhelmed opposing defensive linemen.

OL – Brey Walker, 6-6, 280, Southmoore (Moore, Okla.)
The gigantic Walker committed to Oklahoma during his sophomore season.

OL – Jamaree Salyer, 6-3, 265, Pace Academy (Atlanta)
In his second season on the varsity team, Salyer also took reps as a defensive lineman. However, his future is likely on the offense side of things.

OL – Dawson Jaramillo, 6-6, 270, Lake Oswego (Ore.)
Jamarillo is a gifted athlete and has the makings of someone who will be playing on Sundays one day.

OL – Dare Rosenthal, 6-7, 290, Ferriday (La.)
An early Alabama commit, Rosenthal has drawn comparisons to current Crimson Tide star Cameron Robinson.

QB – Trevor Lawrence, 6-5, 188, Cartersville (Ga.)
The reigning MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year followed up with 3,522 yards and 42 touchdowns on 222 of 341 passing attempts.

QB – Matt Corral, 6-3, 190, Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, Calif.)
In his second year starting for the Lions, Corral completed 168 of 247 passes for 3,283 yards and 36 touchdowns.

RB – Zamir White, 6-1, 205, Scotland (Laurinburg, N.C.)
White was unstoppable as a sophomore. He rushed for 2,159 yards and 41 touchdowns on 260 carries.

RB – Ricky Slade, 5-9, 175, Hylton (Woodbridge, Va.)
A late-season injury slowed Slade, but he once again showed his outstanding playmaking ability that he debuted as a freshman.

RB – Dameon Pierce, 5-11, 205, Bainbridge (Ga.)
Pierce was a handful to bring down. The 205-pounder racked up 308 carries for 2,060 yards and 33 touchdowns.

ATH - Dakereon Joyner, 6-2, 190, Fort Dorchester (North Charleston, S.C.)
Joyner was sensational. He threw for 3,202 yards and 33 touchdowns while rushing for 1,058 yards and another 19 scores.

K – Matt Araiza, 6-2, 170, Rancho Bernardo (San Diego)
Araiza made 18 of 21 attempts, with a long of 45 yards.

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SECOND TEAM OFFENSE

WR – Camron Johnson, 6-0, 185, Brentwood Academy (Tenn.)
Johnson made numerous big plays for 12-1 Brentwood, which captured a Division II-AA state title.

WR – L'Christian Smith, 6-6, 215, Wayne (Huber Heights, Ohio)
Smith was an absolute matchup nightmare for one of Ohio's best teams.

WR – Brian Hightower, 6-3, 200, Calabasas (Calif.)
Hightower was a key cog for one of Southern California's emerging programs, grabbing 60 catches for 1,125 yards and 12 touchdowns.

WR - Justyn Ross, 6-3, 180, Central (Phenix City, Ala.)
Ross was an all-area selection after nabbing 34 catches for 672 yards and seven touchdowns.

OL – Luke Matthews, 6-4, 310, Fort Bend Elkins (Missouri City, Texas)
The youngest Matthews brother made his varsity debut this season and was a key member of Elkins' offensive line.

OL – Jackson Carman, 6-6, 255, Fairfield (Ohio)
Carman was an easy choice for all-area honors and was a Division I all-state special mention.

OL – Will Lawrence, 6-3, 280, Harding Academy (Memphis, Tenn.)
Lawrence had another fine season up front for Harding.

OL – Darrell Simpson, 6-7, 320, Northwest (Justin, Texas)
Also a varsity basketball player, Simpson has a frame that will have college coaches salivating.

OL – Tommy Brown, 6-7, 300, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
Brown, a blue-chip recruit in his own right, helped protect prized freshman quarterback J.T. Daniels.

QB – Cameron Rising, 6-2, 180, Newbury Park (Calif.)
Rising completed 191 of 318 attempts for 3,212 yards and 40 touchdowns. He was intercepted just once.

QB – Phil Jurkovec, 6-5, 190, Pine-Richland (Gibsonia, Pa.)
Jurkovec led Pine-Richland to a 10-2 record by amassing 2,560 yards and 20 touchdowns on 176 of 264 passing.

RB – Justin Watkins, 6-0, 180, North Marion (Citra, Fla.)
The explosive Watkins carried 155 times for 1,350 yards and 14 touchdowns.

RB – Maurice Washington III, 6-0, 175, King's Academy (Sunnyvale, Calif.)
Washington rushed for 1,827 yards and 29 touchdowns on 142 carries.

RB – T.J. Pledger, 5-8, 190, Chaminade (West Hills, Calif.)
Pledger was one of just three sophomores to earn all-Mission League honors.

ATH - Alontae Taylor, 6-1, 178, Coffee County Central (Manchester, Tenn.)
Taylor got it done on the ground, rushing 206 times for 1,547 yards and 19 touchdowns.

K – Grant Gonya, 5-6, 135, Hudson (Ohio)
Gonya was nearly automatic on PATs and made 12 of 17 field goal attempts with a long of 43 yards.

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