Missouri Strong in Latest Rankings

Week two of TheInsiders.com state rankings begins today with Tennessee, Minnesota, and Missouri. Coming tomorrow are New Jersey, Arizona, Indiana and Arkansas.

You can always count on Missouri to have some special prospects and this season is no different. Wide receiver D.J. Hord leads the pact for TheInsiders.com Missouri Top 15. "It is another strong year in the state of Missouri with several prospects garnering three and four star rankings,” said Josh Clark, Midlands Recruiting Analyst for TheInsiders.com. “While St. Louis remains strong, the Kansas City metro area is having one its best years in recent memory led by Kansas City Rockhurst wide receiver D.J. Hord. A burner with track speed, Hord also possesses great size and the ability to create separation. Leading the Saint Louis area, running back A.J. Jimmerson really came on this summer in proving his ability to get the extra yard also showing excellent toughness and vision."

It’s a very good year in the Volunteer State and atop TheInsiders.com Tennessee Top 20 are a few All-American type prospects like wide receiver Patrick Turner (left), running back LaMarcus Coker, offensive lineman Michael Oher, and linebacker Todd Cox.

“The difference with the Class of 2005 is that the top of the heap is as good as any in the country,” said Scott Kennedy, South Recruiting Analyst for TheInsiders.com. “Lamarcus Coker, Michael Oher, Patrick Turner, and Todd Cox are all 1st Team All-South members by TheInsiders.com, and Jeff Cottam is right there on the bubble. Coker is the highest rated running back in the south. He has speed, good size, and the toughness to run between the tackles if need be. He has the ability to score every time he touches the ball. Oher is the top rated offensive line prospect in the south. He is a fluid big man that is nimble and nasty, a good combination for an offensive lineman. Oher moves like a tight end, but has the size of an NFL offensive tackle. Turner has tight end size but he runs well enough to be a receiver. He can go get the ball high or go low. Patrick really knows how to use his hands and body. He knows how to use his tremendous size to his advantage, his tough to bring down and an above average blocker down field.”

TheInsiders.com Minnesota Top 20 is led by an offensive line prospect from St. Paul Cretin-Durham. In fact, three prospects from that Minnesota football factory made the list – Rafael Eubanks, Reggie Rock and Ned Tavale. It's a pretty deep year in Minnesota for interior linemen. On the offensive side of the ball, Rafael Eubanks and Ryan Ruckdashel are two highly recruited offensive guards,” said Chris Pool, Midwest Recruiting Analyst for TheInsiders.com. “On the defensive side of the ball, Walker Ashley is one of the most sought after prospects in the Midwest. Joey Hiben could be the best tight end prospect in the Midwest and he has a closet full of scholarship offers. Linebacker Zach Larsen is a sleeper to watch.”


Coming on Tuesday are New Jersey, Arizona, Indiana and Arkansas.



2004 TheInsiders.com Preseason State Rankings


Miller Safrit contributed to this report.