West 2012 Preseason Rankings: Athletes

Two-way threat Davonte' Neal from Scottsdale (Ariz.) Chaparral leads the list of the top two-way threats in the West, followed by Venice (Calif.) receiver/cornerback Gabriel Marks and Pasadena (Calif.) Muir's Kevon Seymour...

1. Davonte' Neal (CB)

Scottsdale (Ariz.) Chaparral
Neal has been rated as a top 12 receiver nationally by Scout.com, but the more we saw him this summer, the more we think he's one of the best lockdown corners in the country.

2. Gabriel Marks (CB)
Venice (Calif.)- Committed to SMU Made a name for himself on the camp circuit as a bigtime receiving threat, but was also an all-state selection as a defensive back.  Wherever he is, Marks loves the ball in his hands.

3. Kevon Seymour (CB)
Pasadena (Calif.) Muir Like Marks and Neal, Seymour has made a name mostly as a gifted receiver but he projects as a top-notch cornerback at the next level.

4. Derrick Woods (S)

Inglewood (Calif.)
Another versatile playmaker, Woods played both sides of the ball at The Opening and Gridiron Kings but his build has bigtime safety written over it..

5. Cedric Dozier (CB)

Lakewood (Wash.) Lakes
Has been strong all spring and summer as a receiver, and as a defensive back, while also being Lakes' starting quarterback the past two years.  We think he's destined for the secondary.

6. Ryan McDaniel (MLB)

Torrance (Calif.) North
Plays running back, and several schools like him there, but he also loves to play linebacker, and schools recruiting him there are doing well for him.

7. Richard Smith (CB)

Long Beach (Calif.) Poly- Committed to Arizona State
Another smooth route runner with excellent pass-catching ability, his size may make him a better prospect in the secondary.

8. Robert Lewis (WR)

South Gate (Calif.) South East- Committed to SMU
A mini-version of DeAnthony Thomas, Lewis is dangerous catching the ball out of the backfield and will likely end up in the slot in college.

9. Christian Tago (S)

Palmdale (Calif.) Highland
First caught our attention as a quarterback, where he's got some offers (and a strong arm) but played a lot of safety this spring and starts at linebacker for his school.

10. Oshay Dunmore (S)

Newport (Ore.)- Committed to Oregon
The top athlete in the state of Oregon, Dunmore plays quarterback but could play either receiver or safety.

National Recruiting Analyst and West Regional Manager Brandon Huffman, Southwest Recruiting Analyst Jason Jewell and Northwest Recruiting Analyst Jake Worthen contributed to these rankings.