The Midwest is home to the nation's top passer in the class of 2012, fitting
considering the multitude of skill position talent.
The region is usually known for linemen, and it still has those, but there is also
plenty of great talent at the offensive skill positions with the number one quarterback in the country
in Gunner Kiel, some great tailbacks and receivers and a good group of tight
ends too.
Currently, there are seven five-stars and 43 four-stars and that number could grow.
Ben Braden, Antonio Morrison, Jamal Lyles, and Pharaoh Brown are the next four outside the 300, and
will be evaluated further this season.
The fifth guy outside the group, Wes Lunt, is a kid that we felt was headed
towards four-star range until he recently broke his foot. We're hoping he'll get
back healthy soon and we can see him late in the year or in the playoffs.
The highest rated guy committed to a non-BCS school right now is Jordan Fields, who chose Central Michigan.
The Chippewas are getting a super steal here. The kid can run, cover and has
great ball skills, and while he's not the biggest guy, he'll hit you.
Some guys who moved up included Iowa commitment Maurice Fleming. He's a fantastic athlete and we saw that at the Columbus NIKE Camp and the recent Junior Rank camp after seeing him at the Army Combine and on tape in the Winter.
Ohio State commitment Luke Roberts is a kid we got to see at camp twice this summer and he's a big, physical kid who we think will have a good career there because he's a throwback, classic Big Ten type linebacker.
Minnetonka Hopkins receiver Andre McDonald is the focus of a several team battle
right now, and after seeing him more on film, he warranted a big move up. Roger Lewis from Pickerington Central in Ohio also moved up after standing out at
every event he went to this summer.
Here is a look at Scout.com's Class of 2012 Midwest 101, heading into the season.
2012
Midwest 101