Tom Lemming unveils early Class of 2013 Top 100
April 9, 2012 by MaxPreps, AZPreps365
Photos by MaxPreps professional photographers Graphic by Ryan Escobar
Reigning U.S. Air Force National Junior of the Year Robert Nkemdiche enters the spring as the nation's No. 1 player.
The 6-foot-5, 270-pound Nkemdiche is a physical specimen at defensive end. He played both sides of the ball for Grayson, leading his team to a AAAAA state title and an undefeated season.
Lemming likens him to one of the NFL's all-time greats.
"I saw Reggie White in Chattanooga in 1980. I'm not saying he's the next Reggie White, but he's as good at the same stage and has almost identical size," Lemming said.
Mickey Conn, Grayson's (Loganville, Ga.) head coach, said that Nkemdiche is the complete package.
"I've seen a lot of guys with the body, but not quite the motor; their coordination and speed hadn't caught up with their body," he said. "Robert has it all. He works hard, too."
Overall, Lemming thinks the talent in the Class of 2013 is superior to that of the class of 2012.
"This year is a better year talent-wise," he said. "Last year was weak for linebackers and tight ends, but this year, every position seems loaded.
Lemming has spent the spring touring most of the country, seeing players in person. He plans to update his top 100 in June, after making a West Coast swing to make in-person visits to top recruits in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado and Hawaii.
