In the 100 days leading up to signing day 2015, RecruitingNation will looking back at our ESPN recruiting rankings from 2006 to the present and count down the best player of the past 10 years at each ranking position, No. 100 to No. 1.
Jonathan Baldwin, No. 25 in 2008 class
Baldwin came out of Aliquippa High in Pennsylvania as a big wide receiver prospect with special speed for his size. He chose nearby Pittsburgh, where his father played on the defensive line, in December of 2007 over offers from Florida, USC, Michigan and many other top national programs.
Baldwin was an impact player for the Panthers in 2008 making 18 catches for 404 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games, including three starts.
As a sophomore, the then 6-foot-4, 215-pound receiver with 4.4-speed would become one of college football’s most dangerous wide receivers. In 13 games, the All-Big East selection made 57 receptions for 1,111 yards and eight touchdowns. He was also an All-Big East Academic Team member.
The 2010 season at Pittsburgh would be Baldwin’s last. While he didn’t put up the sensational numbers as a junior he did in 2009, he still hauled in 55 passes for 822 yards and five scores earning all-league honors.
Baldwin left Pittsburgh with 130 receptions for 2,337 yards and 16 touchdowns in 39 games over three seasons.
Balwin was selected No. 26 overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2011 NFL draft. He has 44 receptions for 607 yards and two scores in three seasons.
Honorable mention: Sharrif Floyd, No. 25 in 2010 class. Floyd picked Florida in 2010 out of Washington High in Philadelphia. In three years in Gainesville, the quick and powerful defensive tackle earned All-SEC and All-American honors making 100 tackles, including 21.5 tackles for loss in three seasons. He was selected No. 23 overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2013 NFL draft.
