Bryan Bresee in the top spot for USA TODAY’s Chosen 25 2020 High School Football Recruiting Rankings

The USA TODAY Chosen 25 is compiled by USA TODAY Sports Staff and is based heavily on high school and spring/summer production. We also take into account how the player projects as a prospect at the next level and beyond.

Damascus (Maryland) High School defensive end Bryan Bresee holds down the top spot in the initial Chosen 25 for 2020 after dominating the high school season last year and combines this spring and summer.

RELATED: ALL-USA Defense | ALL-USA Offense

A devastating combination of quickness, power and will, Bresee, a Clemson commit, was named to the top five at The Opening Finals in Dallas in July after dominating the one-on-one linemen challenge.

He won Maryland’s ALL-USA Player of the Year and was first team ALL-USA defense, after racking up 46 tackles, 34 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks for the Swarmin’ Hornets.

North Shore High School (Houston) running back Zach Evans, Hammond School (Columbia, South Carolina) defensive end Jordan Burch, Southern Columbia (Catawissa, Pennsylvania) wide receiver Julian Fleming, an Ohio State commit, and Hillgrove High School (Powder Springs, Georgia) defensive end Myles Murphy, a Clemson commit, round out the top five.

RELATED: Bryan Bresee dominates at The Opening

St. John Bosco High School’s (Bellflower, California) D.J. Uiagalelei is the top quarterback in the Chosen 25, checking in at No. 12.

<p><strong>1. <a href="chosen-25-recruiting-profile-bryan-bresee-defensive-tackle-damascus-md" target="_blank">Bryan Bresee</a><br/>School: </strong>Damascus (Maryland)<br/><strong>Position:</strong> Defensive Tackle<br/><strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-5/290<br/><strong>College:</strong> Clemson<br/><strong>Noteworthy:</strong> Bresee is a physically imposing bully of a pass rusher, who uses his size, quickness, explosion and a wide variety of evasion maneuvers to punish his opponent. <a href="https://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-bryan-bresee-defensive-tackle-damascus" target="_blank"></a><a href="chosen-25-recruiting-profile-bryan-bresee-defensive-tackle-damascus-md" target="_blank">Recruiting Profile >></a></p><p><em>Photo: Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>2. <a href="chosen-25-recruiting-profile-zachary-evans-running-back-north-shore-houston-texas" target="_blank">Zach Evans</a><br/>School: </strong>North Shore (Houston, Texas)<br/><strong>Position:</strong> Running Back<br/><strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-0/200<br/><strong>Considering:</strong> Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Texas, Texas A&M<br/><strong>Noteworthy: </strong>Evans is the most talented playmaker carrying the ball in the country, using strength, athleticism, speed and quickness to dominate in all facets. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-zachary-evans-running-back-north-shore" target="_blank"></a><a href="chosen-25-recruiting-profile-zachary-evans-running-back-north-shore-houston-texas" target="_blank">Recruiting Profile >></a></p><p><em>Photo: Godofredo A. Vasquez/Houston Chronicle</em></p>

<p><strong>3. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-jordan-burch-defensive-end-hammond-school-columbia-s-c" target="_blank">Jordan Burch</a><br /> School: </strong>Hammond School (Columbia, S.C.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Defensive End<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-5/250<br /> <strong>Considering:</strong> Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, South Carolina<br /> <strong>Noteworthy: </strong>Burch uses his athleticism to maneuver around slower offensive linemen and his quick first steps to get where he wants to in the backfield. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-jordan-burch-defensive-end-hammond-school-columbia-s-c" target="_blank">Recruiting Profile >></a></p> <p><em>Photo: Hale McGranahan/247Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>4. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-julian-fleming-wide-receiver-southern-columbia-catawissa-pa" target="_blank">Julian Fleming</a><br /> School: </strong>Southern Columbia (Catawissa, Penn.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Wide Receiver<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-2/200<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Ohio State<br /> <strong>Noteworthy: </strong>Fleming is a matchup nightmare for most corners because of his elite athleticism and speed (4.3). Fleming also boasts a 43-inch vertical leap. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-julian-fleming-wide-receiver-southern-columbia-catawissa-pa" target="_blank">Recruiting Profile >></a></p> <p><em>Photo: Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>5. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-myles-murphy-defensive-end-hillgrove-powder-springs-ga" target="_blank">Myles Murphy</a><br /> School: </strong>Hillgrove (Powder Springs, Ga.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Defensive End<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-5/275<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Clemson<br /> <strong>Noteworthy: </strong>Murphy is a headache of an assignment for offensive tackles because of his speed (4.65) and size. He uses both simultaneously to dominate at the line of scrimmage. <a href="https://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-myles-murphy-defensive-end-hillgrove-powder-springs-ga" target="_blank">Recruiting Profile >></a></p> <p><em>Photo: Cory Fravel/247Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>6. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-savell-smalls-linebacker-kennedy-catholic-burien-wash" target="_blank">Sav'ell Smalls</a><br /> School: </strong>Kennedy Catholic (Burien, Wash.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Linebacker<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-3/230<br /> <strong>Considering:</strong> Alabama, Florida State, Florida, Oregon, Washington State, Washington<br /> <strong>Noteworthy: </strong>Smalls is one of the hardest hitting high school football players in the country, with the speed and feel for the game that allows him to dominate. <a href="https://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-savell-smalls-linebacker-kennedy-catholic-burien-wash" target="_blank">Recruiting Profile >></a></p> <p><em>Photo: Brandon Huffman/247Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>7. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-elias-ricks-cornerback-mater-dei-santa-ana-calif" target="_blank">Elias Ricks</a><br /> School: </strong>Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Cornerback<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-2/190<br /> <strong>College:</strong> LSU<br /> <strong>Noteworthy: </strong>Ricks uses his speed and agility to stay step-for-step with receivers and his strength and instincts to make plays in the secondary. <a href="https://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-elias-ricks-cornerback-mater-dei-santa-ana-calif" target="_blank">Recruiting Profile >></a></p> <p><em>Photo: Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>8. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-michael-mayer-tight-end-covington-catholic-alexandria-ky" target="_blank">Michael Mayer</a><br /> School: </strong>Covington Catholic (Alexandria, Ky.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Tight End<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-5/240<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Notre Dame<br /> <strong>Noteworthy: </strong>Mayer is a load with great footwork and quickness which allow him to get open and created after the catch. Mayer has a high IQ and uses his athleticism and great hands to dominate opposing players. <a href="https://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-michael-mayer-tight-end-covington-catholic-alexandria-ky" target="_blank">Recruiting Profile >></a></p> <p><em>Photo: Michael Noyes/Cincinnati Enquirer</em></p>

<p><strong>9. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-justin-flowe-linebacker-upland-calif" target="_blank">Justin Flowe</a><br /> School: </strong>Upland (Calif.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Linebacker<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-2/230<br /> <strong>Considering:</strong> Alabama, Clemson, LSU, Oregon, Miami, Ohio State, Texas, USC<br /> <strong>Noteworthy: </strong>Flowe is arguably the most feared linebacker patrolling the gridiron in the country. He combines size and agility to consistently stop the run and wreak havoc on the opposing team’s backfield. <a href="https://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-justin-flowe-linebacker-upland-calif" target="_blank">Recruiting Profile >></a></p> <p><em>Photo: 247Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>10. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-desmond-evans-defensive-end-lee-county-sanford-n-c" target="_blank">Desmond Evans</a><br /> School: </strong>Lee County (Sanford, N.C.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Defensive End<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-6/235<br /> <strong>Considering:</strong> Alabama, Clemson, North Carolina, North Carolina State, South Carolina<br /> <strong>Noteworthy: </strong>Evans is super quick and agile and that translates into domination against the run and as a pass rusher. <a href="https://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-desmond-evans-defensive-end-lee-county-sanford-n-c" target="_blank">Recruiting Profile >></a></p> <p><em>Photo: Don Callahan/Inside Carolina via 247Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>11. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-demond-demas-wide-receiver-tomball-texas" target="_blank">Demond Demas</a><br /> School: </strong>Tomball (Texas)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Wide Receiver<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-3/190<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Texas A&M<br /> <strong>Noteworthy: </strong>Demas is an exceptional athlete, who doubles as a track star, and uses his athleticism to his advantage in every facet of the game. <em><a href="https://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-demond-demas-wide-receiver-tomball-texas" target="_blank">Recruiting Profile >></a></em></p> <p><em>Photo: Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>12. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-d-j-uiagalelei-quarterback-st-john-bosco-bellflower-calif" target="_blank">D.J. Uiagalelei</a><br /> School: </strong>St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Quarterback<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-5/240<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Clemson<br /> <strong>Noteworthy: </strong>Uiagalelei has a gun for an arm and hits his marks with precision short and deep. His mobility in the pocket allows him to keep plays alive and create. <a href="https://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-d-j-uiagalelei-quarterback-st-john-bosco-bellflower-calif" target="_blank">Recruiting Profile >></a></p> <p><em>Photo: EC Sabin/St. John Bosco Football</em></p>

<p><strong>13. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-paris-johnson-jr-offensive-tackle-princeton-cincinnati-ohio" target="_blank">Paris Johnson Jr.</a><br /> School: </strong>Princeton (Cincinnati, Ohio)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Offensive Tackle<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-7/290<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Ohio State<br /> <strong>Noteworthy: </strong>Johnson has great footwork for his size and anchors down and gets great position on the line. Johnson has great hands and uses his strong upper body to keep defensive linemen at bay. <a href="https://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-paris-johnson-jr-offensive-tackle-princeton-cincinnati-ohio" target="_blank">Recruiting Profile >></a></p> <p><em>Photo: Michael Noyes/Cincinnati Enquirer</em></p>

<p><strong>14. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-haynes-king-quarterback-longview-texas" target="_blank">Haynes King</a><br /> School: </strong>Longview (Texas)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Quarterback<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-2/185<br /> <strong>Considering:</strong> Arkansas, Auburn, Duke, LSU, Tennessee, Texas A&M<br /> <strong>Noteworthy: </strong>King is a concise and accurate pocket passer who hits his targets in all areas. King has great feel for the position and is exceptional with his reads. <a href="https://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-haynes-king-quarterback-longview-texas" target="_blank">Recruiting Profile >></a></p> <p><em>Photo: Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>15. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-kendall-milton-running-back-buchanan-clovis-calif" target="_blank">Kendall Milton</a><br /> School: </strong>Buchanan (Clovis, Calif.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Running Back<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-2/220<br /> <strong>Considering:</strong> Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Ohio State<br /> <strong>Noteworthy: </strong>Milton is a shifty running back with speed, quickness and agility. Milton also has great hands making him a legitimate threat out of the backfield and in the secondary. <a href="https://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-kendall-milton-running-back-buchanan-clovis-calif" target="_blank">Recruiting Profile >></a></p> <p><em>Photo: Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>16. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-arik-gilbert-tight-end-marietta-ga" target="_blank">Arik Gilbert</a><br /> School: </strong>Marietta (Georgia)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Tight End<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-6/245<br /> <strong>Considering: </strong>Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, Oklahoma<br /> <strong>Noteworthy: </strong>Gilbert has great size and hands and the speed and quickness to play tight end or wide receiver. <a href="https://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-arik-gilbert-tight-end-marietta-ga" target="_blank">Recruiting Profile >></a></p> <p><em>Photo: Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>17. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-kelee-ringo-cornerback-saguaro-scottsdale-ariz" target="_blank">Kelee Ringo</a><br /> School: </strong>Saguaro (Scottsdale, Ariz.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Cornerback<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-2/208<br /> <strong>Considering: </strong>Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Texas, USC<br /> <strong>Noteworthy: </strong>Ringo is an athletic lockdown corner who patrols the secondary and offers strong run support with his physical nature on the field. <a href="https://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-kelee-ringo-cornerback-saguaro-scottsdale-ariz" target="_blank">Recruiting Profile >></a></p> <p><em>Photo: Brian Munoz/Arizona Republic</em></p>

<p><strong>18. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-c-j-stroud-quarterback-rancho-cucamonga-calif" target="_blank">C.J. Stroud</a><br /> School: </strong>Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Quarterback<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-3/195<br /> <strong>Considering:</strong> Baylor, California, Oregon, Utah, Washington State<br /> <strong>Noteworthy: </strong>Stroud is a skilled passer with the precision to hit tight windows as well deep balls. Stroud’s timing is impeccable, and his reads tend to be the right call. <a href="https://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-c-j-stroud-quarterback-rancho-cucamonga-calif" target="_blank">Recruiting Profile >></a></p> <p><em>Photo: Andrew Ivins/247Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>19. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-reggie-grimes-defensive-end-ravenwood-brentwood-tenn" target="_blank">Reggie Grimes</a><br /> School: </strong>Ravenwood (Brentwood, Tenn.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Defensive End<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-4/240<br /> <strong>Considering:</strong> Alabama, LSU, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vanderbilt<br /> <strong>Noteworthy: </strong>Grimes is a dual threat; with his superior athleticism and strength he’s able to control the line of scrimmage and pressure the quarterback on blitzes. <a href="https://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-reggie-grimes-defensive-end-ravenwood-brentwood-tenn" target="_blank">Recruiting Profile >></a></p> <p><em>Photo: Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>20. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-marcus-dumervil-offensive-tackle-st-thomas-aquinas-fort-lauderdale-fla" target="_blank">Marcus Dumervil</a><br /> School: </strong>St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Offensive Tackle<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-5/300<br /> <strong>Considering: </strong>Alabama, Arizona, Louisville, LSU, Oklahoma<br /> <strong>Noteworthy: </strong>Dumervil has great footwork and explodes off the ball using his quickness and agility to keep defensive linemen at bay. <a href="https://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-marcus-dumervil-offensive-tackle-st-thomas-aquinas-fort-lauderdale-fla" target="_blank">Recruiting Profile >></a></p> <p><em>Photo: Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>21. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-drew-sanders-athlete-ryan-high-school-denton-texas" target="_blank">Drew Sanders</a><br /> School: </strong>Ryan (Denton, Texas)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Athlete<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-5/230<br /> <strong>College: </strong>Alabama<br /> <strong>Noteworthy: </strong>Sanders is the type of player that you just put on the field because no matter where he’s at he’ll be productive. Sanders uses his size, strength and athleticism to dominate in various facets. <a href="https://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-drew-sanders-athlete-ryan-high-school-denton-texas" target="_blank">Recruiting Profile >></a></p> <p><em>Photo: Gabe Brooks/247Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>22. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-tate-ratledge-offensive-tackle-darlington-rome-ga" target="_blank">Tate Ratledge</a><br /> School: </strong>Darlington (Rome, Ga.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Offensive Tackle<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-6/310<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Georgia<br /> <strong>Noteworthy: </strong>Ratledge is quick off the ball and has great hands and footwork, which allow him to protect his area and run block. <a href="https://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-tate-ratledge-offensive-tackle-darlington-rome-ga" target="_blank">Recruiting Profile >></a></p> <p><em>Photo: Andrew Ivins/247Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>23. <a href="https://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-darnell-washington-tight-end-desert-pines-las-vegas" target="_blank">Darnell Washington</a><br /> School: </strong>Desert Pines (Las Vegas)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Tight End<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-8/250<br /> <strong>Considering: </strong>Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Miami<br /> <strong>Noteworthy: </strong>Washington has great size, solid speed and great hands, which make him a matchup nightmare on short out and in the red zone. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-darnell-washington-tight-end-desert-pines-las-vegas" target="_blank">Recruiting Profile >></a></p> <p><em>Photo: Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>24. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-jase-mcclellan-running-back-aledo-denton-texas" target="_blank">Jase McClellan</a><br /> School: </strong>Aledo (Denton, Texas)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Running Back<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 5-10/200<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Oklahoma<br /> <strong>Noteworthy: </strong>McClellan is a shifty back with good speed and the innate ability to make defenders miss or run through and past hits. His quickness allows him to hit the hole quickly and get to the second level. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-jase-mcclellan-running-back-aledo-denton-texas" target="_blank">Player Profile >></a></p> <p><em>Photo: Mike Roach/247Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>25. <a href="https://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-bryce-young-quarterback-mater-dei-santa-ana-calif" target="_blank">Bryce Young</a><br /> School: </strong>Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Quarterback<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-0/185<br /> <strong>College:</strong> USC<br /> <strong>Noteworthy: </strong>Bryce is dangerous, whether he’s creating with his feet or picking the defense apart through the air. A polished and efficient passer, Young uses his athleticism and IQ to beat teams. <a href="http://usatodayhss.com/2019/chosen-25-recruiting-profile-bryce-young-quarterback-mater-dei-santa-ana-calif" target="_blank">Recruiting Profile >></a></p> <p><em>Photo: Lou Collazo Photography</em></p>

Player rankings will be updated throughout the year as more information becomes available.

Follow Jason Jordan on Twitter: @JayJayUSATODAY