A ranking of the Big Ten recruiting classes according to Joliet analyst Tim O’Halloran of Rivals.com.
1. Michigan: Wolverines sign Thornton defensive end Tim Jamison, considered among nation’s top 30 prospects, and Hubbard defensive tackle Marques Walton.
2. Ohio State: Cleveland defensive back Tedd Ginn, lauded as the No. 1 player in the country, is staying close to home along with in-state linebacker Marcus Freeman.
3. Penn State: Nittany Lions bolstered by Pittsburgh’s Anthony Morelli, the nation’s No. 2-rated pro-style quarterback.
4. Michigan State: Harper’s 6-6, 340-pound Roland Martin beefs up Spartan class, and is joined by Buffalo Grove linebacker Eric Andino.
5. Purdue: Coach Joe Tiller adds five wideouts, including Prosser’s Fabian Martin and Virginia prep school standout Dorien Bryant.
6. Iowa: At the head of this class is Bolingbrook’s Kyle Williams, the No. 2 linebacker in the nation.
7. Wisconsin: Badgers came south and landed quarterbacks Marcus Randle El of Thornton, 6-7 Sean Lewis of Richards and Fremd running back Jamil Walker.
8. Illinois: Too many top recruits went elsewhere, but Illini did sign Simeon wideout Bryant Creamer, Downers Grove South linebacker Sam Carson and Niles West running back Walter Mendenhall.
9. Northwestern: After getting shut out last year, Wildcats sign five in-state prospects led by Thornwood defensive back Andre Butler, Lake Park tight end Ryan Cibulka and Leo running back Akeem Hunter.
10. Minnesota: At the head of the Gophers’ class is Carmel’s 6-6, 210-pound tight end Jack Simmons.
11. Indiana: Hoping to turn program around with help from Joliet Catholic lineman Jim Jadron (6-5, 290) and Thornwood defensive back Leslie Majors.
