3 locals among ESPN's top 40 recruits

ESPN’s updated list of the country’s top 300 recruits has a strong Tampa Bay flavor.

Three area players are ranked in the top 40, while two others cracked the top 80, according to the latest list, which was updated today.

The locals are:

No. 4: DB Vernon Hargreaves (Wharton, five stars, uncommitted)

No. 34: RB Ryan Green (St. Petersburg Catholic, four stars, Florida State commit)

No. 40: S Leon McQuay III (Armwood, four stars, uncommitted)

No. 71: ATH Alvin Bailey (Armwood, four stars, uncommitted)

No. 77: TE Travis Johnson (Jesuit, four stars, Miami)

No. 184: WR Ryan Benjamin (Tampa Bay Tech, four stars, UCF)

No. 218: OT Richy Klepal (Plant, four stars, uncommitted)

No. 249: DE Jordan Sherit (Hillsborough, four stars, uncommitted)

Clemson commit Robert Nkemdiche, a defensive end from Georgia, is ESPN’s top overall prospect. Other notables include Florida commit Kelvin Taylor (No. 22, running back, Glades Day), UF commit Caleb Brantley (No. 31, defensive tackle, Crescent City), UM commit Kevin Olsen (No. 67, quarterback, New Jersey), USF commit Asiantii Woulard (No. 195, quarterback, Winter Park) and Mississippi State commit Cord Sandberg (No. 229, quarterback, Manatee).

Twelve of the top 300 players are Gators commits. FSU has 10 recruits on the list, and UM has five. UCF and USF each have one.

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