Ranking The Number One College Football Recruits Since 1986
By Ty Duffy
Hines Ward (Georgia – 1994) Starred at wide-receiver and quarterback at Georgia, third-round pick, four-straight Pro Bowls, Super Bowl MVP
Shaun Alexander (Alabama – 1995) Very good career at Alabama, first-round pick, three-time Pro Bowler, 2005 NFL MVP
Ricky Watters (Notre Dame – 1987) Good career at Notre Dame winning National Title, five-straight Pro Bowls, Won Super Bowl with 49ers
Vince Young (Texas – 2002) Great career at Texas, Won National Title, First CFB player to throw for 3,000 yards and run for 1,000, first-round pick, two Pro Bowls
Anquan Boldin (Florida State – 1999) Good career at Florida State, second-round pick after slow 40-time, Rookie of the Year in 2003, Three-time Pro Bowler
Amani Toomer (Michigan – 1992) Solid career at Michigan, second-round pick, five 1,000-yard seasons with Giants
D.J. Williams (Miami – 2000) Two-time All Big East at Miami, first-round draft pick, starting linebacker for Broncos since 2004
Jeff George (Purdue/Illinois – 1986) Very good career after transferring to Illinois, No. 1 overall pick, average NFL QB (to everyone except Jason Whitlock and Jeff George)
Chris Weinke (Florida State – 1990) Played professional baseball until 1996, won national title and Heisman at Florida State, backup NFL quarterback
Ted Ginn Jr. (Ohio State – 2004) Three-time All American at Ohio State as KR/All Purpose Guy. First-round draft pick. Average at best NFL wide receiver.
Kevin Jones (Virginia Tech – 2001) He had a very good career at Virginia Tech. First-round draft pick by Lions. 1,000-yard season his first year but never replicated success. Now in UFL.
Tim Couch (Kentucky – 1996) Heisman trophy finalist at Kentucky, No. 1 NFL Draft Pick, Bust
Terry Kirby (Virginia – 1989) Third-round draft pick, backup NFL running back
David Givens (Notre Dame – 1998) Okay career at Notre Dame, Member of two Patriots Super Bowl winners
Marquette Smith (Florida State/Central Florida 1991) Second-team All-American at Central Florida, 5th round draft pick
Ron Powlus (Notre Dame – 1993) Average Notre Dame quaterback, undrafted free agent in NFL. Beano Cook’s predicted two Heisman trophies never materialized.
Randy Fasani (Stanford – 1997) Honorable mention for All Pac 10 team at Stanford, 5th Round NFL Draft Pick
Kyle Wright (Miami – 2003) Unconvincing as Miami quarterback, undrafted.
Xavier Crawford (Memphis – 1988) Bust. On trial for rape.
[Photo via Getty]