Jeff Luc leads this extremely deep defensive group that has four five-star prospects

Originally Published: September 22, 2009

Sunshine State loaded on defense

Jeff Luc leads this extremely deep defensive group that has four five-star prospects

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By Billy Tucker
Scouts Inc.
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From a defensive standpoint, the state of Florida boasts the best back-seven personnel in the country. The state is filled with nationally ranked impact linebackers and defensive backs. The unit's collective blend of size, speed and athleticism is off the charts.

Florida lays claim to four five-star defenders, including the nation's No. 1 overall linebacker in tackling machine Jeff Luc (Port St. Lucie, Fla./Treasure Coast), while explosive playmaker Lamarcus Joyner (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./Saint Thomas Aquinas) holds down the top spot at corner. At safety, the rangy Jonathan Dowling (Bradenton, Fla./Southeast) is ESPN's premier guy and scheme-versatile Demar Dorsey (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./Boyd Anderson) is right behind him. On the perimeter, four-star prospect Christian Jones (Oviedo, Fla./Lake Howell) is our second-rated outside linebacker and will join the above players at the Under Armour All-American game in January.

On the inside, underrated Kevin Nelson (Gainesville, Fla.) is the No. 3-ranked middle linebacker. In all, if you count the No. 4-ranked athlete, Matt Elam (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla./Dwyer), who expects to play DB for the Gators, and his future college teammate, corner Jaylen Watkins (Fort Myers, Fla./Cape Coral), the state has a whopping seven back-seven prospects ranked in the top five nationally at their respective positions.

The state doesn't lack elite talent up front, either, particularly on the interior. Todd Chandler (Miami/Northwestern) lacks an inch or two of ideal height, but the No. 3-rated defensive tackle is quick and disruptive in the trenches. Florida-commit Leon Orr (New Port Richey, Fla./Gulf) is one of the more athletic 315-pounders you will see and is ranked in the top five nationally. Louis Nix (Jacksonville, Fla./Raines) is also in the top 10 for defensive tackles and will be heading to Miami with Chandler.

For a look at the state's top player, a name to remember who might not be the highest-rated prospect and which programs are doing the best job of recruiting in Florida this year, become an ESPN Insider.