The top 10 2016 recruiting battles in Texas

With five five-star prospects and 10 recruits among the top 76 players in the country, the state of Texas will once again host hordes of college recruiters this spring, though the recruitments of many of the top prospects have already begun in earnest.

Here’s a look at the top 10 recruits in Texas, with rankings from the 247Sports Composite.

Allen | 6’5 | 282 pounds | 5 stars | No. 2 prospect | No. 1 OT

The second highest-rated prospect in the country calls the Metroplex his home. Blessed with tremendous quickness and punch, Little is equally effective in pass protection and run blocking. He has the lower body strength to fire off and create displacement, then acquire targets at the second level.

Despite holding more than 25 offers from top programs, Little ended his recruitment in June of 2014, as a close relationship with 2015 five-star A&M signee Kyler Murray helped the Aggies secure his pledge. Unless Murray opts to jump to baseball this spring, Little looks headed to College Station.

Silsbee | 6’5.5 | 325 pounds | 5 stars | No. 12 prospect | No. 2 OT

Remarkably nimble for his size, Hudson is at his best using his punch in the running game. He’s getting a little heavy to play left tackle in college, but could still play there because he pass sets so well.

Hudon’s recruitment already featured one decommitment -- a pledge to the Aggies in March of 2014 held until the middle of July, when he flipped to the Bears after visiting Waco. Since the only subsequent visit was another to Baylor, schools hoping to cause a second decommitment face an uphill battle.

Nacogdoches | 5’11 | 183 pounds | 5 stars | No. 20 prospect | No. 1 S

The in-state safety crop is elite, and Jones is the best of that group. His verified testing numbers last year backed up his on-field performance -- he ran a 4.56 40-yard dash, posted a 4.35 shuttle, and registered a 34-inch vertical leap. Physical enough to play in the box, Jones also has the speed and hips to play cornerback.

Jones has a national offer list that includes more than 30 schools. Texas A&M is considered the runaway leader after hosting him twice last fall on unofficial visits. The Aggies hold all 19 predictions in his 247Sports Crystal Ball.

Houston Westfield | 6’2 | 285 pounds | 5 stars | No. 24 prospect | No. 7 DT

The best defensive tackle in another strong position group, Oliver is not only explosive, he has a high motor and a unique slipperiness after opponents get their hands on him:

Even after defensive coaching turnover, LSU is considered the leader, a spot the Tigers have occupied for months. It doesn’t hurt that former teammate Toby Weathersby signed in February.

Galena Park North Shore | 6’0 | 180 pounds | 4 stars | No. 26 prospect | No. 2 S

Slowed by injuries as a junior, Monroe doesn’t have as much coverage versatility as Jones. He’s a pure downhill safety most comfortable running the alley, but he’s instinctive and capable of making plays from deep.

LSU was the early favorite after Monroe camped in Baton Rouge last summer, but Texas A&M surged after a junior day in late January. Was a junior day at Texas enough for the Longhorns to become contenders? North Shore is a pipeline to Austin, and Monroe is close with Kerwin Roach, a 2015 Texas basketball signee.

Manvel | 6’1 | 192 pounds | 4 stars | No. 37 prospect | No. 3 S

One of the few 2016 prospects to earn an invitation to The Opening last summer, Anderson is a three-year starter equally comfortable in coverage and run support.

As he’s enamored with the SEC’s reputation for producing NFL prospects, it may be difficult for any other school to pull Anderson out of Texas. Still, don’t count out Nick Saban.

Sachse | 5’11 | 185 pounds | 4 stars | No. 38 prospect | No. 3 WR

His eye-popping 40-yard dash is legit in an age of questionable times, as his 4.46 came at the Dallas NFTC last year. Throw in excellent ball skills and elusiveness, and it’s easy to understand why he’s so highly ranked.

Considered high on Texas early, a visit to Texas A&M last summer helped the Aggies gain ground, aided by the fact that Duvernay is a cousin of Kyler Murray. Keep on eye on the recruitment of Duvernay’s twin brother, Donovan. The two aren’t necessarily a package deal, but the opportunity to play together could impact Devin’s decision.

Kileen Shoemaker | 6’4 | 364 pounds | 4 stars | No. 61 prospect | No. 10 DT

Among the talented Lone Star State defensive tackles, none has as much physical upside as the freakish Jones, who is rightfully nicknamed “The Hulk.”

He’s a bit raw, but because of his strength and good ball get-off, Jones projects as a potentially dominant two-gap player if he can refine his technique.

Jones is a frequent visitor on the Texas campus, making at least four visits to Austin over the last year. As the result, the industry considers the Horns the runaway leaders. Oklahoma and Texas A&M also received visits last fall.

Flower Mound Marcus | 6’5 | 235 pounds | 4 stars | No. 66 overall | No. 2 TE

Just how rare is Smith’s talent? No tight end has finished among the state’s top 10 prospects since Alief Taylor’s Martellus Bennett ranked third in 2005. Unlike most high school tight ends, Smith has extensive experience as an in-line blocker and can stretch the seam vertically with solid speed.

He’s been to Stanford three times in the last year and also tripped to Alabama three times during the same stretch. The Cardinal may be the best fit because of head coach David Shaw’s tight end-friendly offense, but watch out for the Tide because it’s difficult to turn down serious interest from Saban.

Manor | 6’1 | 235 pounds | 4 stars | No. 84 overall | No. 7 WDE

Once considered a possible outside linebacker, Fowler is quickly filling out his frame, but may lack ideal size to play defensive end in college. Still, he’s physical enough to play along the line of scrimmage, while also possessing the quickness to excel in coverage -- Fowler is a versatile prospect who could succeed at either position.

A recent attendee at the Texas junior day in late February, Fowler looks like a heavy Longhorn lean, as Texas holds 80 percent of his Crystal Ball predictions. Since he hasn’t taken many trips yet, his official visits in the fall could loom large.