The Scout.com Southwest Top 100
It was quite difficult in trying to select the top prospect from the Southwest region for the Scout.com Southwest Top 100, as a handful of blue-chip prospects could all claim the top spot. In the end the nod went to Oklahoma bound running back/linebacker Justin Johnson (Gilmer, Texas). Johnson is a north-south runner that is at his best running between the tackles. He is a downhill runner all the way and once he gets his shoulders square he is a load to bring down. Johnson has great leg drive and can move a pile. He also gives great effort and finishes runs well. At times he can be elusive in the open field. Johnson appears to have good speed, vision and balance. He also shows good hands catching the ball out of the backfield.
Checking in at No. 2 is running back Jermie Calhoun (Van, Texas). Like Johnson he is also headed to Norman, Oklahoma to play for the Sooners. He has the ability to break tackles and runs with tremendous power. Calhoun has terrific leg drive after contact and rarely goes down on the initial contact. He runs with patience, letting things set up before he hits the gas. Calhoun has a nice burst and good speed. He also has great feet and the ability to start and stop and change directions. Calhoun also has good vision and even better balance. He is tough between the tackles and has the speed to run wide. Calhoun is at his best when he is running down hill and his shoulders are square to the line of scrimmage.
R.J. WASHINGTON
The nation's top ranked defensive end, R.J. Washington (Houston, Texas), is considered the No. 3 rated prospect in the Lone Star State. He has great size and speed. Washington is cat quick off the edge and a dynamite pass rusher. At times he also shows great strength and can be powerful and down right overwhelming at the point of attack. Washington plays at 100 mph and is relentless, especially going after the quarterback. He uses his hands well and sheds blockers quickly. Washington has also committed to Oklahoma.
AARON WILLIAMS
Coming it at No. 4 is cornerback Aaron Williams (Austin, Texas). He is one of the top defensive back prospects in the entire nation among the Class of 2008. Williams is versatile enough to play either cornerback or safety. In fact, he is good enough to play anywhere is the defensive backfield. Williams is terrific in run support. He has great instincts, closes to the ball carrier quickly and is a big hitter. Williams is smart and just has great skills in defending the run. He plays the pass well too. Williams has great cover skills, is fluid, quick, fast and shows great hips. The bottom line is that this future Longhorn is a ball hawking defensive back that can play anywhere in the secondary.
DAN BUCKNER
Also headed to Austin is wide receiver Dan Buckner (Allen, Texas), the No. 5 rated prospect in the Scout.com Southwest Top 100. Buckner has great size and very good hands. He can make the tough catch and runs with power and some elusiveness in the open field. Buckner is good in the air and is a dangerous weapon in the redzone. He is big, strong and has good speed as well.
LANDRY JONES
Quarterback Landry Jones (Artesia, N.M.) checks in at No.6 and he is the top rated prospect from New Mexico in the Scout.com Southwest Top 100. He has committed to the Sooners. The top ranked prospect from Arizona is wide receiver Gerell Robinson (Chandler, Az.).
The Scout.com Southwest Top 100
On Thursday, Scout.com will release the Midwest Top 100.
The Scout.com National Top 100
The Scout.com Southeast Top 100
The Scout.com East Top 100
The Scout.com Midlands Top 50