While there is not an official All-American team for anyone other than seniors, ESPN RISE has put together it list of sophomore players who are sure to be on the top of every college's radar and All-American lists come their senior seasons.
This who's-who of 2012 graduates includes the son of one of the NFL's all-time greatest running backs, a player who accounted for 57 touchdowns and a player who came close to the 3,000-yard rushing mark.
OFFENSE | DEFENSE | ALL-PURPOSE
DEFENSE
DL Robert Lewis, Pulaski Southwestern (Somerset, Ky.) 6-3, 278
A starter since his freshman year, Lewis earned AP all-state honors this fall after tallying 82 tackles and four sacks.
DL Derek Dowrey, John Handley (Winchester, Va.) 6-2, 275
Super active d-tackle led his team with 128 stops and eight sacks, earning second team all-state honors.
DL Quay Evans, Morton (Miss.) 6-3, 300
He anchored a defense that surrendered just over nine points per game with over 100 total tackles and 14 sacks.
DL Greg McMullen, Archbishop Hoban (Akron, Ohio) 6-5, 240
One of a ridiculous Class of 2012 d-line group in Ohio, McMullen totaled 58 tackles and 11.5 sacks to earn second team all-Ohio DIII honors despite playing the entire season with cast on broken wrist.
LB Kwon Alexander, Oxford (Ala.) 6-2, 207
Tremendous prospect registered 147 tackles and nine sacks this fall to earn Class 6A all-state honorable mention honors.
LB Josh Harris, Mason County (Maysville, Ky.) 6-2, 190
A second-team all-state pick in the Bluegrass State, Harris tallied 115 stops and also scored 23 touchdowns as a running back.
LB Ralph Reeves, North Penn (Lansdale, Pa.) 6-1, 215
The Times-Herald's Defensive Player of the Year has longtime North Penn coach Dick Beck comparing him to NFL great Zach Thomas.
LB Juwann Rogers, Amite (La.) 6-0, 220
Sturdy 'backer was an LSWA Class 3A all-state pick, the only sophomore to make the first team.
DB Deion Bonner, Carver (Columbus, Ga.) 5-11, 185
He earned Class AAA all-state honors and is pegged as the next big-time recruit out of Carver.
DB Rhaheim Ledbetter, Crest (Shelby, N.C.) 5-10, 180
The only sophomore on The Charlotte Observer's all-region team had two interceptions and many more hard hits in '09.
DB Amos Leggett, Booker T. Washington (Miami, Fla.) 5-10, 170
Leggett's six interceptions tied for the Dade County lead and helped the Tornadoes to a big win over rival Miami Northwestern.
DB Shaquille Thompson, Grant (Sacramento, Calif.) 6-1, 180
The younger brother of Cal corner Syd'Quan Thompson is one of many talented Grant defenders returning next fall.
P Cullen Rhoden, Strom Thurmond (Johnston, S.C.) 5-10, 210
The only sophomore on the South Carolina all-state team averaged 41.3 yards per boot while also starting at linebacker.
ALL-PURPOSE
QB/RB Matt Davis, Klein Forest (Houston, Texas) 6-2, 190
In earning District 13-5A Player of the Year honors, Davis passed for 1,393 yards and 14 scores while rushing for 1,427 yards and 22 TDs in just 11 games.
RB/DB Byron Marshall, Valley Christian (San Jose, Calif.) 5-11, 185
Younger brother of Arizona State freshman starter Cameron Marshall has been named the CalHiSports.com State Sophomore of the Year.
WR/DB Jordan Payton, Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, Calif.) 6-2, 190
Super soph caught 45 passes for 1,088 yards and 15 TDs while also intercepting three passes and should ensure there is little fall off at Oaks Christian next year.
RB/DB/P Barry Sanders Jr., Heritage Hall (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 5-11,180
The son of NFL great scored 30 touchdowns all told, rushing for 1,707 yards, totaling 314 yards receiving, intercepting six passes and averaging nearly 36 yards per punt.