SEC Media Days 2012: Power Ranking the Top SEC Recruiting Classes Right Now

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We've got you covered all through the week at the annual SEC Media Days. We've already had some crazy press conferences, and this thing isn't even close to being over.

This leads me to look at the SEC from a recruiting perspective. For this read, I'm going to rank the top recruiting classes for 2013 in the SEC as they sit right now.

You may be shocked to see who's got a great class in the works.

Nos. 14-10

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No. 14: Kentucky

Headliner: Alvonte Bell, DE

No. 13: Arkansas

Headliner: Austin Allen, QB

No. 12: Missouri

Headliner: Nick Ramirez, LB

No. 11: Mississippi State

Headliner: Kailo Moore, RB

No. 10: Tennessee

Headliner: Kameron Miles, S

9. Ole Miss

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Headliner: Ryan Buchanan, QB

Hugh Freeze has 14 commitments this year already, including one from the talented QB Buchanan. I also really like safety Antonio Allen, as the Rebels have gone and plucked talent from states other than Mississippi.

Safety Antonio Conner is the big fish that remains uncommitted, and I expect him to sign up to play in Oxford when February comes. 

8. Vanderbilt

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Headliner: Dominic Walker, WR

James Franklin and his staff are working hard to upgrade the talent and skill level at Vanderbilt. Walker hails from Florida and is 6'2" and 195 pounds with the skill set to play early for the Commodores.

QBs Johnathon McCrary and Chad Kanoff are two dual-threat types that can do damage in various ways. Also watch out for 6'4", 220-pound DE Johnathan Wynn in the 15-man class.

7. South Carolina

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Headliner: Matt Rolin, LB

Rolin is a big LB at 6'4" and 210 pounds that can play inside, outside and even on the DL.

He has good strength, hits well and is physical and athletic. QB Connor Mitch is a big-arm talent that should give Steve Spurrier another talented passer to groom.

The OL portion of the class is among the top in the country and is led by Palmetto State native D.J. Park.

However, the gem of the 18-commit class class is OLB Larenz Bryant, who easily could be the class headliner thanks to his 6'1", 210-pound frame and great athleticism. 

6. LSU

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Headliner: Ethan Pocic, OT

The Tigers are off to yet another great start in recruiting with 19 commitments. Sure, their class isn't even top five in the conference right now, but it's still among the top 15 in the country.

Les Miles nabbed Pocic from Illinois, and the 6'7", 285-pound OT is a nasty one in the trenches. CB Jeryl Brazil is a fantastic athlete, and Miles even got another QB in Hayden Rettig from California. 

5. Georgia

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Headliner: Shaq Wiggins, CB

The Dawgs have enjoyed a great cycle. They hold 19 commitments, with four being inside the ESPNU 150. CB Shaq Wiggins is the top prospect, but he's not the only elite player in this class.

You have to love the upside of QB Brice Ramsey and the speed, athleticism and quickness of ATH Tramel Terry. There are almost six players in this class that could play WR for Mark Richt.

4. Texas A&M

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Headliner: Derrick Griffin, WR/TE

The Aggies are booming out on the trail for the second consecutive year, as they have 24 commitments with seven inside the ESPNU 300.

The class is led by big pass-catcher Derrick Griffin, who, at 6'6" and about 220 pounds, could be growing into a TE. QBs Kohl Stewart and Kenny Hill are good ones, and DT Isaiah Golden leads a defensive class full of versatile and athletic players.

The pass-catchers are the gems of the haul though, as Griffin is joined by speedsters LaQuvionte Gonzalez and Jamar Gibson. 

3. Auburn

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Headliner: Reuben Foster, LB

The Tigers' 16-man class is big time on defense, as they got the nation's No. 2-ranked prospect, Reuben Foster, to flip from Alabama last week. Many call Foster the best LB prospect ever, and the Georgia native is 6'2" and about 230 pounds.

DE Carl Lawson and DT Dee Liner are slouches themselves, and are top-15 talents nationally. LB Trey Johnson, DE Tashawn Bower and LB Cam Toney round out the defensive studs.

I also like WR Earnest Robinson.  

2. Florida

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Headliner: Kelvin Taylor, RB

Will Muschamp is recruiting extremely well yet again, as he holds 18 commitments, with 12 being inside the ESPNU 300. RB Kelvin Taylor is Fred Taylor's son and has his daddy's natural instincts for the position. 

DT Caleb Brantley has impressed with his initial quickness and size. S Nick Washington will team well with Keanu Neal in the backfield, and WR Ahmad Fulwood is a long and lean pass-catcher.

OLB Daniel McMillan can play various 'backer positions. Also, don't sleep on RB Adam Lane. 

1. Alabama

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Headliner: O.J. Howard, TE

Howard is a physical freak and athletic marvel, as he wowed all week long at The Opening. 'Bama's class is 17 commits deep, with 13 of them being ESPNU 300 prospects.

QB Cooper Bateman has excellent arm talent and RBs Altee Tenpenny and Tyren Jones are nice with speed. The OL class is 4-deep, led by 6'6", 315-pound OT Leon Brown from Brooklyn.

On defense, you have to like the plucks of CB Mo Smith, DT Darius Paige and DE Jonathan Allen.

 

Edwin Weathersby has worked in scouting/player personnel departments for three professional football teams, including the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns and the Las Vegas Gladiators of the Arena League. He spent a year evaluating prep prospects & writing specific recruiting and scouting content articles for Student Sports Football (now ESPN Rise-HS). A syndicated scout and writer, he's also contributed to WeAreSC.com, GatorBait.net and Diamonds in the Rough Inc., a College Football and NFL Draft magazine.