College Football Recruiting: Top Three Centers of 2013
Assembled is a preseason ranking for the top centers in College Football Recruiting for the class of 2013. This is a group of guys that specialize in versatility, all being able to play multiple positions. Here’s a quick breakdown of the top three…
1. Brandon Kublanow –Marietta (GA) Walton- The 6’3’’ 290lb Kublanow is simply a bulldog. Not only in his school selection, but his playing style. He is incredibly strong, and not just weightroom strong. Kublanow is known for playing until the whistle (and sometimes a little bit after) and being incredibly sound, fundamentally speaking. He also has the strength and athleticism to be able to move over and play either guard spot if called upon. Don’t expect too much to change in the commitment status of Kublanow, he seems born and bred for Georgia football. He reminds me a lot of recently departed Bulldog Ben Jones. Early Prediction: Georgia.
2. Darius James- Killeen (TX) Harker Heights- James is a phenomenal athlete considering his size (6’5’’ 319lbs). While the standout is being recruited as a center, he also has the ability to play either guard or tackle, and there’s even the chance he could get moved to defensive tackle. Being that size and having that kind of versatility is very rare in the recruiting world, and Texas is considering themselves lucky to have his verbal commitment. James is coming off a broken foot, but is expected to come back to 100% shortly. James is known as a very smart player, a trait that is absolutely necessary to play the position. Early Prediction: Texas.
3. Dane Crane- Rancho Santa Margarita (CA) Santa Margarita Catholic- At 6’3’’ 310lbs, Crane already has the size necessary to play in the trenches. Crane’s high school will have arguably the best offensive line in all of high school football this fall, and Crane could have the highest ceiling of them all. Two of his other fellow lineman teammates are being highly recruited as well. Crane gave a verbal to Steve Sarkisian and Washington in late April, and little figures to change. Crane is already calling other recruits and trying to convince them to join the fun in Seattle as well. Early Prediction: Washington.
All three of these players have excellent versatility, and have the potential of playing multiple positions on the line, which is invaluable at this level. All three are also intelligent football players, something you can’t underestimate for the position. Wherever these young men go, their coaches should feel confident with them making all of their line calls for the next few years. Some other players who could make some noise on these rankings are Bryce King and Ja’Braylon Thomas.
