| 23 August 2011
I wanted to wait until camps and combines were over before putting out my Ohio top 50 for the class of 2012. It always takes longer than you think it will. I kept going back over some films. I am now satisfied with my top 50. I will work my way backward from 50 to 1. Without further ado, the Duane Long Report top 50 for the class of 2012:
40. Myles Hilliard, DL , 6-6, 250, Bedford
I liked Hilliard when I first saw him but what put me over the top with him was learning that he was playing defense for the
first time last year. Great body on this kid and with so little experience I think we are only seeing a player who is
scratching the surface of what he will be. He has mostly played offense and with his length he could still grow into an offensive tackle.
41. Jermaine Edmondson, CB, 6-0, 170, Canton McKinley
The best corner prospect most fans probably do not know about. He ended up with a Big Five offer in addition to Illinois and Michigan State, who he committed to. Just an all-around solid corner. He is solid in zone, a very willing tackler, can play man when asked to and has excellent ball skills. His film came out late. If Edmondson had been more patient he might have added to that one big Five offer from Nebraska. Michigan State may have stole one here.
42. Terrell Jackson, DT, 6-4, 255, Marion-Franklin
Jackson is one of those players who talent evaluators are watching his film and shaking their heads but not turning off the film. They are not turning off the film because he is such a great player. They are shaking their heads because he is not an ideal sized player. If Jackson were a big framed kid he would have his pick of Big Five offers. He is explosive off the snap. He does a great job of getting rid of blockers and has a burst to get to the ball carrier or quarterback. He does a great job of finding the ball. If he is patient one of those Big Five could come back on him late.
43. LaTroy Thomas, DE/LB, 6-4, 230, Akron Hoban
Highly rated prospect early. As more lineman came out in this incredible class we saw him slide further and further. He is still a fine prospect. Any other class he is likely a top 20 player and a top 5 lineman. Tennessee got a good one.
44. Jacoby Boren, C/FB, 6-2, 250, Pickerington Central
Boren is not a legacy offer. He is a solid prospect. He is explosive off the snap and a good athlete. I am not sure which of his brothers he will follow, Justin Boren on the offensive line or Zack Boren at fullback but I think the Buckeyes got a future starter in Jacoby Boren.
45. Cameron Wilson, WR, 6-2, 190, Dublin Coffman
I was always a big fan of Wilson. He is what I want to see in a big split end. He is ever bit his listed 6-2 and plays big. Throw it up and he will go get it. Wilson is outstanding after the catch. He is an elusive guy after the catch but at the same time he runs hard like a running back. Very hard to get him on the ground. Iowa has had great success recently coming into Ohio and getting receiver. I think Wilson could be the best of them.
46. Alden Hill, RB, 6-2 210, Marlington
I was very high on Hill early on. I will always like power backs. I was always concerned that Hill would outgrow the position. He has not done so yet. That is likely why his offer list has exploded recently with Virginia, Northwestern, Pittsburgh, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Tennessee all coming in on him. Some think he is going to be a great linebacker.
47. Darryl Render, DL, 6-3, 240, Lakewood St. Edward
Mark Porter always liked Render. I was not that high on him but when I started to put together this top 50 I looked at him again. I see what Mark likes about Darryl Render. He is just a solid football player. He is not going to make all-star teams but he is going to make his team better. He is a worker with a good motor and a high football I.Q.
48. Caleb Stacey, OL, 6-4, 275 Cincinnati Oak Hills
The most underrated offensive lineman in Ohio. This kid is just a solid football player who has been well schooled. Ohio
players get so much more exposure if the Buckeyes showed interest but Stacey is a guard, a very good guard. The Buckeyes have been offering tackles this year. I am sure we will see him in the Michigan starting lineup in three years time.
49. Zach Higgins, OL, 6-5, 275, Marlington
If Caleb Stacey is not the most underrated lineman in Ohio then Zack Higgins is. He is not as athletic and not as technically
sound as Stacey but what a wrecking machine he is.
50. Mason Monheim, LB, 6-1, 225, Orrville
Monheim is a great football player. He has a read-react-run of an elite linebacker prospect. He is a great tackler and a hitter.
His instincts are top drawer. The only reason Mason Monheim does not have his choice of Big Five offers to choose from is his frame. The consensus is he has topped out. Any more weight on that frame and he is going to lose his speed, his athleticism and his explosiveness. He is one of those players I would preach patience to. I could see a Big Five school coming back on him late in the process.
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