Top High School Football Recruits of All Time by State

These are the most prized high school football players in high school football history.

Top High School Football Recruits of All Time by State

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.

Arizona: Everson Griffen, Defensive End

High school: Agua Fria High (Avondale)

High school graduation year: 2007

High school stats: USA Today High School All-American (2006). 16 sacks as a senior despite double and triple teams. Shot put and discus state champion (2007).

College: University of Southern California

College stats: Pac-10 Defensive Freshman of the Year (2007). 18 sacks in three seasons. All-Pac-10 (2009).

After college: Drafted by Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round in 2010 (No. 100 overall)

Bottom Line: Everson Griffen

Everson Griffen was the most highly recruited player in Arizona since his idol, Terrell Suggs.

Griffen picked USC over Michigan, Notre Dame, UCLA, Oregon and Florida. After a standout college career, he left USC one season early for the NFL draft.

Griffen has had a solid NFL career with the Vikings. A three-time Pro Bowler, he was second-team All-Pro in 2017.

Arkansas: Mitch Mustain, Quarterback

High school: Springdale High (Springdale)

High school graduation year: 2006

High school stats: 26-1 in two seasons as a starter. State champion (2005). State single-season-record 47 touchdown passes (2005).

College: University of Arkansas/University of Southern California

College stats: Started career 8-0 as a true freshman at Arkansas. Threw for 894 yards, 10 TDs and nine interceptions. One start in three seasons at USC.

After college: Chicago White Sox Single-A (2012), Arena Football League (2013-14)

Bottom Line: Mitch Mustain

The most heralded recruit in Arkansas state history, Mitch Mustain swept the 2006 national player of the year awards.

He followed his high school coach, Gus Malzahn, to Arkansas, then transferred to USC after his freshman season.

After an unheralded career with the Trojans, he played Single-A baseball for one season, followed by two seasons in the Arena Football League.

California: John Elway, Quarterback

High school: Granada Hills High (Granada Hills)

High school graduation year: 1979

High school stats: Parade All-American (1978). 5,711 career passing yards, 49 TD passes. Drafted in 18th round by Kansas City Royals (1979).

College: Stanford University

College stats: Pac-10 Player of the Year (1981, 1982). Consensus AP All-American (1982). Drafted in the second round by New York Yankees (1981).

After college: Drafted by Baltimore Colts in the first round in 1983 (No. 1 overall)

Bottom Line: John Elway

John Elway, the son of San Jose State head coach Jack Elway, was the No. 1 player in the nation as a high school senior.

A two-sport star in football and baseball, Elway went on excel at Stanford and was the top pick in the 1983 NFL draft. He refused to play for Colts and forced a trade to Broncos.

Elway then won two Super Bowls with Denver and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.

Colorado: Marcus Houston, Running Back

High school: Thomas Jefferson High (Denver)

High school graduation year: 2000

High school stats: Rushed for 1,743 yards, 23 touchdowns as a senior. Averaged 7.5 yards per carry. Denver Post Gold Helmet winner (1999).

College: University of Colorado/Colorado State University

College stats: Rushed for over 100 yards in first two games as a true freshman. 1,355 career rushing yards, 13 TDs. 842 rushing yards in final two seasons at Colorado State.

After college: Undrafted, retired from football

Bottom Line: Marcus Houston

Marcus Houston was the top running back in the country in 2000 and picked the Colorado Buffaloes over Florida State, UCLA and Michigan.

He was the first true freshmen running back in CU history to go over 100 yards in each of his first two games, but he could not keep up that pace of production.

Injuries and conflicts with coaches led to a transfer to Colorado State, where his football playing days ended after two more seasons.

Connecticut: Aaron Hernandez, Tight End

High school: Bristol Central High (Bristol)

High school graduation year: 2007

High school stats: State-record 1,807 receiving yards, 24 TDs as a senior. Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year (2006). State single-game-record of 376 receiving yards.

College: University of Florida

College stats: John Mackey Award (2009). AP All-American (2009).111 career receptions, 1,132 yards, 12 TDs.

After college: Drafted by New England Patriots in the fourth round in 2010 (No. 113 overall)

Bottom Line: Aaron Hernandez

Aaron Hernandez was rated the No. 1 high school tight end in the nation in 2007 and chose Florida over Connecticut, where his brother, D.J. started at quarterback.

Hernandez helped lead the Gators to the BCS national title in 2009 and got off to a strong start in his NFL career. Hernandez even signed $40 million contract extension with Patriots in 2012.

He was convicted of first-degree murder in 2013 for the killing of Odin Lloyd, his girlfriend's sister's fiance, and committed suicide in prison in 2017.

Delaware: Kwame Harris, Offensive Lineman

High school: Newark High (Newark)

High school graduation year: 2000

High school stats: USA Today High School All-American (1999). Three-time All-State selection. Delaware Gatorade Player of the Year (1999).

College: Stanford University

College stats: All-Pac-10 (2001, 2002). Started final 23 games of career. Honorable mention AP All-American (2002).

After college: Drafted by San Francisco 49ers in the first round in 2003 (No. 26 overall)

Bottom line: Kwame Harris

Every major recruiting service rated Kwame Harris as the No. 1 offensive lineman in the nation for the Class of 2000.

He left Stanford for the 2003 NFL draft with one year of eligibility remaining.

Harris played six seasons in the NFL but struggled with penalties and learning blocking schemes.

Florida: Ernie Sims, Linebacker

High school: North Florida Christian (Tallahassee)

High school graduation year: 2002

High school stats: Class 1A state champions (1998-2001). 133 tackles, 1,081 rushing yards and 23 TDs as a senior. USA Today All-American (2001).

College: Florida State University

College stats: Second on the team with 86 tackles in 2004. Started 25 straight games over final two seasons. ESPN All-American (2004).

After college: Drafted by Detroit Lions in the first round in 2006 (No. 9 overall)

Bottom Line: Ernie Sims

Ernie Sims is the only linebacker to be ranked as a consensus No. 1 overall prospect by all of the major recruiting services.

He picked hometown Florida State over Georgia, Florida, Auburn and Miami. After strong college career, Sims signed a five-year, $15.75 million rookie contract with $12.1 million guaranteed and led the Lions with 126 tackles as a rookie.

He played three more seasons in Detroit, then was traded to the Eagles and finished his career with the Colts and Cowboys.

Georgia: Trevor Lawrence, Quarterback

High school: Cartersville High (Cartersville)

High school graduation year: 2018

High school stats: Won 41 straight games, two state titles. Career-record 13,902 passing yards and 161 touchdown passes. USA Today Offensive Player of the Year (2017).

College: Clemson University

College stats: ACC Rookie of the Year (2018). National Freshman of the Year (2018). 3,280 passing yards, 30 TDs. Cotton Bowl and national championship game Most Valuable Player.

After college: Drafted No. 1 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2021 NFL Draft

Bottom Line: Trevor Lawrence

Trevor Lawrence's life is straight out of a movie.

After being the consensus No. 1 overall prospect out of Cartersville High in 2018, he was named Clemson’s starter in Week 5, then led the team to an undefeated season and national title.

Lawrence was the first true freshman to start for a national champion since Oklahoma’s Jamelle Holloway in 1985, and he led Clemson back to the championship game in 2020, where it lost to LSU. Lawrence left college with one season of eligibility remaining and was the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Hawaii: Manti Te’o, Linebacker

High school: Punahou School (Honolulu)

High school graduation year: 2009

High school stats: State champion (2008). 129 tackles, 11 sacks three forced fumbles as a senior. USA Today Defensive Player of the Year (2008).

College: University of Notre Dame.

College stats: Maxwell Award (2012). 437 tackles third on Notre Dame’s career list. 47 consecutive starts.

After college: Drafted by San Diego Chargers in the second round in 2013 (No. 38 overall)

Bottom Line: Manti Te'o

Manti Te’o was the first five-star recruit out of Hawaii since 2002 and picked Notre Dame over BYU and USC.

Recruiting analysts described him as the best linebacker to arrive at Notre Dame in decades, and he lived up to the hype. A three-time All-American, he led Irish to BCS championship game as a senior.

Injuries, including a torn Achilles tendon in 2016, have hampered his pro career, but he remains the pride of the Aloha State.

Idaho: Jake Plummer, Quarterback

High school: Capital High (Boise)

High school graduation year: 1992

High school stats: State champion (1991). State runner-up (1993). Idaho Gatorade Player of the Year (1992). 6,097 passing yards, 68 TDs in final two seasons.

College: Arizona State University

College stats: Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year (1996). AP All-American (1996). 8,626 career passing yards, 64 TDs.

After college: Drafted by Arizona Cardinals in the second round in 1997 (No. 42 overall)

Bottom Line: Jake Plummer

Jake Plummer led Capital High to its only state title in 1991 and was a missed PAT from winning back-to-back titles.

He started all four years at Arizona State and got the team within one win of a national title in 1996.

He played 10 years in the NFL but retired early, turning down a $5.3 million offer from the Buccaneers in 2007.

Illinois: Eric Steinbach, Offensive Lineman

High school: Providence Catholic (New Lenox)

High school graduation year: 1999

High school stats: State champion (1994-98). School-record 26 sacks as a senior. PrepStar All-American (1998).

College: University of Iowa

College stats: Two-time All-Big Ten (2001, 2002). Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year (2002). AP All-American (2002).

After college: Drafted by Cincinnati Bengals in the second round in 2003 (No. 33 overall)

Bottom Line: Eric Steinbach

Eric Steinbach, a massive offensive lineman, was one of most highly recruited players in the country as a senior out of Providence Catholic in Illinois.

He chose to play for Kirk Ferentz at Iowa and was a consensus All-American, then started 62 of 63 games with Bengals.

Steinbach signed a seven-year, $49.5 million free-agent contract with the Browns in 2007.

Indiana: Rod Woodson, Defensive Back

High school graduation year: 1983

High school: R. Nelson Snider High (Fort Wayne)

High school stats: Averaged 9.8 yards per carry, scored 12 TDs as a senior running back. USA Today All-American (1982). Four-time state champion in hurdles.

College: Purdue University

College stats: Two-time first-team AP All-American (1985, 1986). 13 individual Purdue career records. NCAA record in 60-meter hurdles.

After college: Drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round in 1987 (No. 10 overall)

Bottom Line: Rod Woodson

Rod Woodson, a high school football standout and track star in Fort Wayne, Ind., picked Purdue for its engineering program.

He played both ways and returned kicks for the Boilermakers during an All-American college career and graduated with a degree in criminal justice.

Woodson is in both the College Football and Pro Football Hall of Fames and still holds the NFL record for interceptions returned for touchdowns with 12.

Iowa: Roger Craig, Running Back

High school: Central High (Davenport)

High school graduation year: 1979

High school stats: State champion (1976). Parade All-American (1978). Rushed for 1,565 yards and 27 TDs as a senior.

College: University of Nebraska

College stats: All-Big 8 (1981). 2,446 career rushing yards, 26 TDs. School-record 94-yard run from scrimmage (1981).

After college: Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round in 1983 (No. 49 overall)

Bottom Line: Roger Craig

Roger Craig was the second in his family to play for Nebraska, following older brother Curtis.

Roger, who played alongside 1983 Heisman Trophy winner Mike Rozier and 1984 No. 1 overall pick Irving Fryar with the Huskers, went on to have a stellar NFL career.

Craig won three Super Bowls with the 49ers and was the 1988 NFL Offensive Player of the Year.

Kansas: Bryce Brown, Running Back

High school: East High (Wichita)

High school graduation year: 2009

High school stats: Two-time USA Today All-American (2007, 2008). U.S. Army National Player of the Year (2008). City League-record 7,209 career rushing yards.

College: University of Tennessee/Kansas State University

College stats: Rushed for 460 yards and three touchdowns as a true freshman at Tennessee. Also had 10 catches for 137 yards and one touchdown. Only played two games for Kansas State.

After college: Drafted by Philadelphia Eagles in the seventh round in 2012 (No. 229 overall)

Bottom Line: Bryce Brown

Bryce Brown’s older brother, Arthur, also was a five-star recruit at linebacker.

Bryce left Tennessee after coach Lane Kiffin took the job at USC, then ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at Kansas State’s Pro Day in 2012.

He set an Eagles single-game rookie rushing record with 178 yards against the Carolina Panthers and retired in 2012 after playing in 42 NFL games.

Kentucky: Tim Couch, Quarterback

High school: Leslie County High (Hyden)

High school graduation year: 1996

High school stats: Set national records for pass completions (872), passing yardage (12,104) and touchdowns (132). USA Today All-American (1995). Averaged 36.0 points during junior basketball season.

College: University of Kentucky

College stats: SEC Player of the Year (1998). AP All-American (1998). SEC single-season record 4,275 passing yards.

After college: Drafted by Cleveland Browns in the first round in 1999 (No. 1 overall)

Bottom Line: Tim Couch

One of the most highly recruited quarterbacks of all time, Tim Couch decided to stay in-state for college.

Kentucky head coach Hal Mumme set up the offense around Couch as a sophomore, and he thrived.

He left school for the NFL draft one year early but lasted only five injury-plagued seasons with the Browns.

Louisiana: Peyton Manning, Quarterback

High school: Isidore Newman School (New Orleans)

High school graduation year: 1994

High school stats: Went 34-5 in three years as a starter. Gatorade National Player of the Year (1993). 7,207 career passing yards, 92 TDs.

College: University of Tennessee

College stats: 11,201 career passing yards, 82 TDs. Maxwell Award (1997). Consensus AP All-American (1997).

After college: Drafted by Indianapolis Colts in the first round in 1998 (No. 1 overall)

Bottom Line: Peyton Manning

The son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning, Peyton Manning was the consensus No. 1 quarterback in the nation out of Newman High School in 1994.

He had a superb college career at Tennessee and finished as runner-up to Charles Woodson in the 1997 Heisman Trophy voting.

Manning saved his football best for last. A five-time NFL MVP and two-time Super Bowl champion, Manning holds the NFL record with 539 touchdown passes.

Maine: Davis DiVall, Offensive Lineman

High school: Bridgton Academy (Bridgton)

High school graduation year: 2019

High school stats: Arizona state runner-Up (2017). 247Sports rated as a three-star recruit. 4.9-second 40-yard dash.

Colleges: Baylor University/University of Arizona

Bottom Line: Davis DiVall

Davis DiVall is the highest-rated recruit in Maine history, but only moved there from Arizona before his senior season.

Originally committed to Temple, he flipped and signed with Baylor and head coach Matt Rhule, the former Temple head coach.DiVall, who enrolled in January 2019, has elite guard size at 6-foot-5, 285 pounds.

DiVall eventually transferred to the University of Arizona.

Maryland: Joe Haden, Defensive Back

High school: Friendly High (Fort Washington)

High school graduation year: 2007

High school stats: State champion (2006). State-record 7,371 career passing yards and 80 TDs. National underclassmen combine MVP (2005).

College: University of Florida

College stats: Consensus AP All-American (2009). Sporting News National Defensive Player of the Year (2009). Eight career interceptions.

After college: Drafted by Cleveland Brown in the first round in 2010 (No. 10 overall)

Bottom Line: Joe Haden

Joe Haden, who was recruited as an "athlete," picked Florida over Ohio State, Tennessee and Pittsburgh.

He helped lead the Gators to a 2009 BCS national championship, returning an interception 88 yards for a touchdown against Oklahoma in the title game.

Haden has made $102.7 million in salary in nine NFL seasons.

Massachusetts: Ken MacAfee, Tight End

High school: Brockton High (Brockton)

High school graduation year: 1974

High school stats: State champion (1972, 1973). 23 career TD receptions. High School All-American (1972, 1973).

College: University of Notre Dame

College stats: Consensus AP All-American (1976, 1977). Walter Camp Award (1977). 128 career receptions, 1,759 receiving yards, 15 TDs.

After college: Drafted by San Francisco 49ers in the first round in 1978 (No. 7 overall)

Bottom Line: Ken MacAfee

Ken MacAfee would be a five-star recruit today at 6-foot-5, 225 pounds coming out of high school.

He teamed with quarterback Joe Montana to lead Notre Dame to the 1977 national title.

MacAfee retired from football when the 49ers tried to move him to guard in his third season.

Michigan: Drew Henson, Quarterback

High school: Brighton High (Brighton)

High school graduation year: 1998

High school stats: Parade/USA Today All-American (1997). State single-season-record 26 touchdown passes (1997). USA Today High School Baseball Player of the Year (1998).

College: University of Michigan

College stats: Honorable mention All-Big Ten (2000). Citrus Bowl champion (2000). Single-game-record four touchdown passes against Northwestern (2000).

After college: Drafted by Houston Texans in the sixth round in 2003 (No. 192 overall)

Bottom Line: Drew Henson

Drew Henson was widely viewed as the top prospect in the nation in both football and baseball out of high school.

At Michigan, he split time with Tom Brady in first two seasons, then made good on a six-year, $17 million contract with the New York Yankees.

Henson played one season in Major League Baseball, then three seasons in the NFL.

Minnesota: Joe Mauer, Quarterback

High school: Cretin-Durham Hall High (St. Paul)

High school graduation year: 2001

High school stats: State champion (1999). USA Today High School Football Player of the Year (2000). USA Today High School Baseball Player of the Year (2001).

College: None

After high school: Drafted by Minnesota Twins in the first round in 2001 MLB draft (No. 1 overall)

Bottom Line: Joe Mauer

Joe Mauer is the only high school athlete to be named national player of the year in both football and baseball.

He committed to play football at Florida State, but went straight to pro baseball.

Mauer was a six-time major league All-Star and tallied $223.7 million in career earnings over 14 seasons.

Mississippi: Marcus Dupree, Running Back

High school: Philadelphia High (Philadelphia)

High school graduation year: 1982

High school stats: Set national record with 87 career TDs. Rushed for 2,955 yards, 36 TDs as a senior. Ran 4.29-second 40-yard dash.

College: University of Oklahoma

College stats: Big Eight Newcomer of the Year (1982). Second-team AP All-American (1982). 1,393 rushing yards, 12 TDs as a true freshman.

After college: USFL’s New Orleans Breakers (1984-85). Drafted by Los Angeles Rams in the seventh round in 1986 (No. 227 overall)

Bottom Line: Marcus Dupree

Marcus Dupree was athletic freak of nature and is perhaps the most sought-after high school running back of all time.

As a true freshman at Oklahoma, he ran for 1,393 yards and 12 touchdowns despite not starting until the seventh game of the season.

He only played one full college season, two seasons in the USFL, then two seasons in the NFL. Some call him the "best that never was."

Missouri: Dorial Green-Beckham, Wide Receiver

High school: Hillcrest High (Springfield)

High school graduation year: 2012

High school stats: National-record 6,356 career receiving yards. USA Today High School All-American (2010, 2011). USA Today Offensive Player of the Year (2011).

College: University of Missouri

College stats: Sporting News Freshman All-American (2012). Second-team All-SEC (2013). 1,278 receiving yards, 17 TDs in two seasons.

After college: Drafted by Tennessee Titans in the third round in 2015 (No. 40 overall)

Bottom Line: Dorial Green-Beckham

Dorial Green-Beckham was the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit in 2012, according to Rivals.

He picked in-state Missouri over Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Green-Beckham started strong but was dismissed from the team at Missouri after two seasons and two drug arrests.

He was out of the NFL after two seasons and arrested on drug charges in December 2018.

Montana: Brock Osweiler, Quarterback

High school: Flathead High (Kalispell)

High school graduation year: 2009

High school stats: Montana Gatorade Player of the Year (2008). 3,443 yards of total offense, 42 TDs as a senior. All-State (2008).

College: Arizona State University

College stats: First true freshman to start for ASU since 1993. 4,036 passing yards, 26 TDs (2011). 7-8 career record as a starter.

After college: Drafted by Denver Broncos in the second round in 2012 (No. 57 overall)

Bottom Line: Brock Osweiler

The 6-foot-7 Brock Osweiler originally committed to play basketball for Gonzaga before becoming a big-time football recruit.

After throwing for 4,036 yards and 26 touchdowns in one season as the full-time starter for Arizona State, he left school early for the NFL draft.

Osweiler played four seasons for the Broncos, then signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Texans.

Nebraska: Chris Septak, Tight End

High school: Millard West (Omaha)

High school graduation year: 2000

High school stats: Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year (1999). USA Today All-American (1999). 12 catches for 200 yards as a senior.

College: University of Nebraska

College stats: Received medical hardship in 2004, ending career. Never lettered for the Cornhuskers.

After college: Playing career ended in college

Bottom Line: Chris Septak

The last five-star recruit out of Nebraska, Chris Septak committed to the Cornhuskers one year before national signing day.

Injuries derailed and ultimately ended his college career, and he never registered a catch in college.

He is one of only two five-star recruits, along with Marlon Lucky in 2005, to sign with Nebraska.

Nevada: Tate Martell, Quarterback

High school: Bishop Gorman High (Las Vegas)

High school graduation year: 2017

High school stats: Went 45-0 as starter. Gatorade National Player of the Year (2016). USA Today Offensive Player of the Year (2016).

College: Ohio State University/University of Miami

College stats: Redshirted in 2017. 397 yards of total offense, 3 TDs in 2018 as a backup. 7 yards passing, 7 yards receiving in 2019.

Bottom Line: Tate Martell

Tate Martell, a five-star recruit, committed to the University of Washington at 14 years old, switched his commitment to Texas A&M and ultimately signed with Ohio State.

He announced a transfer to Miami in January 2019 after five-star recruit Justin Fields announced a transfer from Georgia to Ohio State and became eligible immediately.

Martell was eventually switched to wide receiver, then switched back to quarterback.

New Hampshire: Wil Froumy, Offensive Lineman

High school: Exeter High (Exeter)

High school graduation year: 2018

High school stats: New Hampshire USA Today All-State (2017). Led team to 2017 state playoffs. Multiple state powerlifting records.

College: Syracuse University

College stats: Redshirted in 2018.

Bottom Line: Will Froumy

Wil Froumy is one of only a handful of three-star recruits in New Hampshire history. He picked Syracuse over offers from UMass and Maine.

Froumy, at 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds, enrolled early and worked primarily at offensive tackle during his redshirt season.

He did not play in any games in 2019.

New Jersey: Rashan Gary, Defensive Lineman

High school: Paramus Catholic (Paramus)

High school graduation year: 2016

High school stats: USA Today Defensive Player of the Year (2015). 55 tackles, 13.5 sacks, 29 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles as a senior. Under Armour All-American Game MVP (2016).

College: University of Michigan

College stats: Two-time All-Big Ten (2017, 2018). Preseason AP All-American (2018). 123 tackles, 9.5 sacks in three seasons.

After college: Drafted by Green Bay Packers in the first round in 2019 (No. 12 overall)

Bottom Line: Rashan Gary

Rashan Gary is one of just three players to be a unanimous No. 1 player for all four major recruiting services.

He picked Michigan over Auburn, Clemson, Ole Miss and USC.

Gary declared himself eligible for the 2019 NFL draft after three seasons with the Wolverines, and the Packers selected him in the first round at No. 12. Gary had two sacks in his rookie season.

New Mexico: O’Maury Samuels, Running Back

High school: Los Lunas High (Los Lunas)

High school graduation year: 2017

High school stats: All-State (2015, 2016). PrepStar Top 350 All-American (2016). 4,306 career rushing yards, 50 TDs.

College: University of Michigan

College stats: 21 carries for 79 yards in two seasons. Played in nine games as a true freshman. Career-high six carries for 23 yards against Nebraska in 2018.

Bottom Line: O'Maury Samuels

O'Maury Samuels, the rare four-star recruit from New Mexico, chose Michigan over Arizona, TCU, New Mexico State and New Mexico.

He played sparingly for the Wolverines in 2017 and 2018 on special teams and as a backup running back.

In December 2018, he was dismissed from the team at Michigan after a domestic violence arrest.

New York: Jim Brown, Running Back

High school: Manhasset Secondary School (Manhasset)

High school graduation year: 1953

High school stats: Nassau County Football Player of the Year (1952). Lettered 13 times in four years in football, lacrosse, basketball and track. Averaged 39.6 points per game in basketball (1952-53).

College: Syracuse University

College stats: AP Football All-American (1955, 1956). Lacrosse All-American (1957). Lettered in football, basketball, track and lacrosse.

After college: Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round in 1957 (No. 6 overall)

Bottom Line: Jim Brown

Jim Brown was the Paul Bunyan of high school athletics, and his legend grew around his dominance in every sport he played.

He rushed for 962 yards in his senior season at Syracuse despite an eight-game schedule.

Brown retired after nine seasons as the NFL’s career rushing leader and became an action movie star.

North Carolina: Julius Peppers,Defensive End

High school: Southern Nash High (Bailey)

High school graduation year: 1998

High school stats: Parade All-American (1997). 3,051 career rushing yards, 46 TDs. All-State basketball (1998).

College: University of North Carolina

College stats: Bednarik Award (2001). Lombardi Award (2001). 30.5 career sacks.

After college: Drafted by Carolina Panthers in the first round in 2002 (No. 2 overall)

Bottom Line: Julius Pepperrs

Julius Peppers chose a North Carolina football scholarship over a Duke basketball scholarship, then played both sports for the Tar Heels.

His 15 sacks in 2000 were one shy of tying Lawrence Taylor’s single-season UNC record.

Peppers, a nine-time Pro Bowler, has $164.7 million in career earnings and was hired as a special assistant for business operations for the Carolina Panthers for the 2019 season.

North Dakota: James Johannesson, Running Back

High school: South High (Fargo)

High school graduation year: 2015

High school stats: North Dakota Gatorade Player of the Year (2013, 2014). State champion (2013). School-record 6,158 career rushing yards, 81 TDs.

College: University of Minnesota/University of North Dakota

College stats: Redshirted in 2015. Second on UND with four rushing touchdowns in 2017. Second on UND with 657 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns in 2018. Second UND with 530 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in 2019.

Bottom Line: James Johannesson

James Johannesson was the first two-time North Dakota Gatorade Player of the Year.

The only three-star recruit in state history signed with Minnesota, but never saw much of the field in two seasons.

Johanneson transferred to North Dakota, where he rushed for 646 yards and four touchdowns in 2018, then 530 yards and seven touchdowns in 2019.

Ohio: Charles Woodson, Defensive Back

High school: Ross High (Fremont)

High school graduation year: 1995

High school stats: USA Today All-American (1994). Parade All-American (1994). Ohio Mr. Football (1994). Career school records for rushing yards (3,861) and scoring (466 points) as running back.

College: University of Michigan

College stats: National champion (1997). Heisman Trophy winner (1997). Two-time AP All-American (1996, 1997)

After college: Drafted by Oakland Raiders in the first round in 1998 (No. 4 overall)

Bottom Line: Charles Woodson

Charles Woodson was a legendary high school athlete in Ohio. In addition to being all-everything in football (on offense, defense and special teams), he played point guard on the basketball team and ran track.

His college choice boiled down to one fact: He and his older brother were Michigan fans. He’s the only primarily defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy, and won it the same year he led the Wolverines to a national title.

Woodson played 18 NFL seasons and was an eight-time All-Pro.

Oklahoma: Gerald McCoy, Defensive Lineman

High school: Southeast High (Oklahoma City)

High school graduation year: 2006

High school stats: USA Today Defensive Player of the Year (2005). Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year (2005). 40 sacks over final two seasons.

College: University of Oklahoma

College stats: First-team AP All-American (2008, 2009). Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year (2008). 83 career tackles, 14.5 sacks.

After college: Drafted by Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round in 2010 (No. 3 overall)

Bottom Line: Gerald McCoy

Gerald McCoy was a consensus five-star recruit and picked the Sooners over Notre Dame, USC, Miami, LSU and Virginia Tech.

He left Oklahoma with one year of eligibility remaining and was one of three Sooners taken in first three picks of NFL draft.

He signed seven-year, $98 million contract extension in 2014.

Oregon: Thomas Tyner, Running Back

High school: Aloha High (Aloha)

High school graduation year: 2013

High school stats: State single-season-record 3,415 rushing yards (2012). State champion (2010). USA Today All-American (2012).

College: University of Oregon/Oregon State University

College stats: Freshman All-American (2013). Pac-12 champion (2014) .1,581 career rushing yards, 17 TDs.

After college: Undrafted, retired from football

Bottom Line: Thomas Tyner

Thomas Tyner set the Oregon state single-game record with 643 rushing yards and was the nation’s No. 1 running back in the Class of 2013.

He played two seasons for Oregon, then sat out two years with shoulder injuries.

Tyner transferred to in-state rival Oregon State for his final college season in 2017.

Pennsylvania: Ron Powlus, Quarterback

High school: Berwick High (Berwick)

High school graduation year: 1993

High school stats: Parade Magazine National Player of the Year (1992). USA Today Offensive Player of the Year (1992). State champion (1992).

College: University of Notre Dame

College stats: Started 44 career games. Went 0-2 in bowl games. Set 20 school records during career.

After college: Undrafted

Bottom Line: Ron Powlus

Ron Powlus, one of the most heavily recruited high school football players of all time, played in front of 40,000 in his first varsity start.

Injuries hampered his development at Notre Dame, where he was still a four-year starter.

Powlus played one season in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Rhode Island: Xavier Truss, Offensive Lineman

High school: Bishop Hendricken (Warwick)

High school graduation year: 2019

High school stats: U.S. Army All-American (2018). State champion (2018). First-team All-State (2017).

College: University of Georgia

Bottom Line: Xavier Truss

Xavier Truss was rated as a four-star recruit by 247Sports and picked Georgia over Alabama, Auburn and Arkansas.

He was ranked as the No. 15 offensive tackle recruit in the nation.

Truss, at 6-foot-7 and 315 pounds, signed with Bulldogs in December 2018 and enrolled in college in January 2019. He played in three games in the 2019 season.

South Carolina: Jadeveon Clowney, Defensive End

High school: South Pointe High (South Pointe)

High school graduation year: 2011

High school stats: State champion (2008). South Carolina Mr. Football (2010). 162 tackles, 29.5 sacks, five defensive touchdowns as a senior.

College: University of South Carolina

College stats: SEC Defensive Player of the Year (2012). Two-time AP first-team All-American (2012, 2013). 24 sacks in three seasons.

After college: Drafted by Houston Texans in the first round in 2014 (No. 1 overall)

Bottom Line: Jadeveon Clowney

Jadeveon Clowney is just one of three players to be named the nation’s No. 1 recruit by all four major recruiting services.

He was the third consecutive five-star recruit from South Carolina to pick the Gamecocks.

Clowney was named an NFL All-Pro in 2016 and traded to the Seattle Seahawks before the 2019 season.

South Dakota: Matt Farniok, Offensive Lineman

High school: Washington High (Sioux Falls)

High school graduation year: 2016

High school stats: State champion (2015). Parade All-American (2015). South Dakota Gatorade Player of the Year (2015).

College: University of Nebraska

College stats: Academic All-Big Ten (2017, 2018). Started all 12 games in 2018. 456.2 yards offense per game in 2018. Started all 12 games in 2019.

Bottom Line: Matt Farniok

Matt Farniok was the rare four-star recruit out of South Dakota, and one of four brothers who has played Division I football.

He played in the U.S. Army All-American Game in 2016 and started four games for Nebraska as a redshirt freshman in 2017.

In 2018, he became a full-time starter and extended his streak to 24 consecutive starts at the end of the 2019 season.

Tennessee: Patrick Turner, Wide Receiver

High school: Goodpasture Christian (West Madison)

High school graduation year: 2005

High school stats: Parade All-American (2004). 1,801 receiving yards, 23 TDs in final two seasons. U.S. Army All-American Bowl (2005).

College: University of Southern California

College stats: Second-team All-Pac-10 (2008). 49 receptions, 741 receiving yards, 10 TDs as a senior. 1,752 career receiving yards.

After college: Drafted by Miami Dolphins in the third round in 2009 (No. 87 overall)

Bottom Line: Patrick Turner

ESPN ranked Patrick Turner as the No. 1 wide receiver in the country in 2005.

He played backup to a bevy of future NFL wide receivers at USC before having a breakout season as a senior.

He played four seasons in the NFL with 10 catches for 122 yards and one touchdown.

Texas: Adrian Peterson, Running Back

High school: Palestine High (Palestine)

High school graduation year: 2004

High school stats: U.S. Army National Player of the Year (2004). 5,011 rushing yards, 55 touchdowns in two seasons.100-meter state champion (10.26 seconds, 2002).

College: University of Oklahoma

College stats: Unanimous AP All-American (2004). All-Big 12 (2004, 2005, 2006). 4,041 rushing yards, 42 TDs in three seasons.

After college: Drafted by Minnesota Vikings in the first round in 2007 (No. 7 overall)

Bottom Line: Adrian Peterson

Adrian Peterson only played two seasons of varsity football in high school and was the No. 1 overall prospect in the Class of 2004.

He was the Heisman Trophy runner-up as a true freshman.

Peterson, the 2012 NFL MVP, has $103.25 million in career earnings. He rushed for 898 yards and five touchdowns for the Redskins in 2019.

Utah: Haloti Ngata, Defensive Lineman

High school: Highland High (Salt Lake City)

High school graduation year: 2002

High school stats: Utah Gatorade Player of the Year (2001). USA Today All-American (2001). Rugby national champion (2002).

College: University of Oregon

College stats: Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year (2005). Consensus AP All-American (2005). 107 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks in two seasons as a starter.

After college: Drafted by Baltimore Ravens in the first round in 2006 (No. 12 overall)

Bottom Line: Haloti Ngata

Haloti Ngata is the highest-rated recruit in Utah history and was rated as the No. 2 overall prospect in the country by Rivals in 2002.

He was Oregon’s first consensus All-American in 43 years and left school one year early for the NFL draft. Ngata, a five-time All-Pro, has $88.3 million in career earnings and retired in March 2019.

Vermont: Bob Yates, Offensive Lineman

High school: Montpelier High (Montpelier)

High school graduation year: 1956

High school stats: State champion (1955). High School All-American (1955). Four-year starter.

College: Syracuse University

College stats: National champion (1959). First-team All-American (1959). Vermont Sports Hall of Fame (2012).

After college: Drafted by NFL’s New York Giants in the seventh round and AFL’s Boston Patriots in the first round (territorial pick) in 1960

Bottom Line: Bob Yates

Bob Yates is perhaps the greatest high school football player in Vermont history.

He was part of Syracuse’s undefeated national championship team in 1959 and blocked for 1961 Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis.

Yates played six seasons in the AFL and was named to Syracuse’s all-century team.

Virginia: Ronald Curry, Quarterback

High school: Hampton High (Hampton)

High school graduation year: 1998

High school stats: Football state champion (1995, 1996, 1997). USA Today Football All-American (1996, 1997). Basketball state champion (1998). USA Today Basketball All-American (1998).

College: University of North Carolina

College stats: Las Vegas Bowl MVP (1998). Peach Bowl MVP (2001). UNC-record 6,236 career total yards.

After college: Drafted by Oakland Raiders in the seventh round in 2002 (No. 235 overall)

Bottom Line: Ronald Curry

Ronald Curry was one of the top recruits in the nation in football and basketball and won the McDonald’s All-American slam dunk title and MVP.

He flipped on a commitment to in-state Virginia at the last second.

Curry played both football and basketball for the Tar Heels, then played seven seasons in the NFL.

Washington: Jacob Eason, Quarterback

High school: Lake Stevens High (Lake Stevens)

High school graduation year: 2016

High school stats: Gatorade National Player of the Year (2015). USA Today All-American (2015). Threw for 3,585 yards, 43 touchdowns as a senior.

College: University of Georgia/University of Washington

College stats: 2,430 passing yards, 16 TDs as a true freshman. SEC champion (2017). ESPN Freshman All-American (2016). 3,132 passing yards, 23 TDs, 8 INT in 2018.

After College: Drafted by Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft (No. 122 overall).

Bottom Line: Jacob Eason

Jacob Eason, the son of former New England Patriots quarterback Tony Eason, was rated as the No. 1 player in the nation in 2016.

He took over as the full-time starter at Georgia in his second game as a true freshman and had a nice season.

Then, he got injured in the first game of 2017, lost his starting job and transferred to Washington.

The Indianapolis Colts selected Eason in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft with the No. 122 overall pick.

West Virginia: Randy Moss, Wide Receiver

High school: DuPont High (Belle)

High school graduation year: 1995

High school stats: Parade All-American (1995). West Virginia Football Player of the Year (1994). West Virginia Basketball Player of the Year (1994, 1995).

College: Notre Dame/Florida State/Marshall University

College stats: Eight NCAA records in just two seasons. 4,436 career all-purpose yards (3,259 receiving), 55 touchdowns. Consensus AP All-American (1997).

After college: Drafted by Minnesota Vikings in the first round in 1998 (No. 21 overall)

Bottom Line: Randy Moss

Randy Moss was on Parade Magazine’s list of the 50 greatest high school football players of all time in 2009, and former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz called him "the best high school football player" he'd ever seen.

But a high school fight derailed Moss' dream of playing in South Bend, and he ended up at Florida State, where he was dismissed for a marijuana violation before ever playing a game.

After all the drama, he found his way to Marshall and led the Division I-AA school to a national title in 1997.

Moss then played 15 seasons in the NFL and was elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.

Wisconsin: Josh Oglesby, Offensive Lineman

High school: Saint Francis High (Milwaukee)

High school graduation year: 2006

High school stats: USA Today All-American (2005). U.S. Army All-American (2006). First-team All-State (2005).

College: University of Wisconsin

College stats: Consensus All-Big Ten (2011 ). Outland Trophy watch list (2010). Big Ten champion (2010, 2011).

After college: Signed undrafted free-agent contract with Washington Redskins

Bottom Line: Josh Oglesby

Josh Oglesby was rated as the No. 1 offensive lineman in the nation in 2007 and is the last five-star recruit from Wisconsin.

He guaranteed "two Rose Bowls and a national championship" when he signed with the Badgers, but didn't live up to that guarantee.

Oglesby also had five major knee surgeries in college and never made an NFL roster.

Wyoming: Taven Bryan, Defensive Lineman

High school: Natrona County High (Casper)

High school graduation year: 2014

High school stats: Wyoming Coaches Association Player of the Year (2013). State champion (2012, 2013). All-State OL/DL (2013).

College: University of Florida

College stats: Second-team All-SEC (2017). 65 career tackles, four sacks, one interception. Started all 11 games in 2017.

After college: Drafted by Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round in 2018 (No. 29 overall pick)

Bottom Line: Taven Bryan

Taven Bryan, the top-rated recruit in Wyoming history, picked Florida over Washington, Nebraska, Oregon and Tennessee, among others.

He blossomed as a full-time starter for the Gators in 2017 and left school one year early for NFL draft.

Bryan signed a four-year, $10.2 million contract with the Jaguars. He started eight games and had two sacks in 2019.