Top High School Football Recruits of All Time by State
Mark Schiefelbein / AP Photo
In American sports folklore, high school football heroes have a special place. They capture our imagination because we know we could be seeing something special.
Not too long ago, colleges pursued these elite players by stuffing mailboxes full of letters and racking up massive long-distance phone bills. Today, that process is a 365-day operation with recruiting rankings and social media. The public gets to see every offer, commitment and de-commitment in real time.
Each state has its tall tales of legendary high school football recruits. These are the most highly recruited players in the history of all 50 states.
Alabama: Julio Jones, Wide Receiver
High school: Foley High (Foley)
High school graduation year: 2008
High school stats: Alabama Mr. Football (2007). USA Today All-American (2007). Gatorade Track and Field Athlete of the Year (2007).
College: University of Alabama
College stats: SEC Freshman of the Year (2008). National champion (2009). Single-season record 78 catches for 1,133 yards and 15 TDs in 2010.
After college: Drafted by Atlanta Falcons in the first round in 2011 (No. 6 overall)
Bottom Line: Julio Jones
Julio Jones was the No. 1 wide receiver in the nation in 2008 and won multiple state titles in the long jump, high jump and triple jump at Foley High School in Alabama.
He was the first true freshman to start a season opener at wide receiver for Alabama.
Jones was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons and signed a five-year, $71.5 million contract extension in 2015.
Alaska: Reggie Tongue, Defensive Back
High school: Lathrop High (Fairbanks)
High school graduation year: 1991
High school stats: Alaska Player of the Year (1990). 11 interceptions, 932 rushing yards, 12 TDs as a senior. School-record 49.34-second 400-meter dash.
College: Oregon State University
College stats: All-Pac-10 (1995, 1996). Tied Division I record with three interception returns for touchdowns in one game Tied Pac-10 record with four interceptions returned for touchdowns in one season.
After college: Drafted by Kansas City Chiefs in the second round in 1996 (No. 58 overall)
Bottom Line: Reggie Tongue
Reggie Tongue led Lathrop High from a one-win season in 1989 to the state semifinals in 1990.
At Oregon State, he switched from running back to safety, then put together a decade-long NFL career, playing for the Chiefs, Seahawks, Jets and Raiders. His son, Makiya, was one of the nation’s top recruits in the Class of 2019 and signed with Georgia.