College Football Recruiting 2012: Ranking the Best Classes by Positional Group

With July here, recruiting classes are starting to take shape by a bit. So with classes being formed, that means positional groupings have started to come into focus.

For this read, we're going to give you the best recruiting classes (so far) by position.

Who has the top QB class? Top LB class?

Some of these programs are really keen on a specific position to add depth and talent to a unit, so this is a good way to see who's doing what.

Let's get started.

Defensive Backs: Notre Dame

You have to love the Irish DB class so far right now. They have two five-star defensive backs en route to South Bend in Ronald Darby and Tee Shepard, along with four-star ATH Nick Barrati.

Darby is viewed by some as the top CB in the country. He's 5'11", 175 pounds and nicknamed "Nitro." He's among the fastest and most athletic talents in the country, and Shepard isn't far behind.

Shepard is a 6'0", 175-pounder who can factor at safety and cornerback. Baratti is a sleeper; at 6'2" and 190 pounds, he plays QB in high school and may be able stay there at Notre Dame. However, many feel his destined spot is as an athletic free safety.

Linebackers: Michigan

As we stand right now, I'm digging Big Blue's LB class the most; they have four commitments from four-star LBs.

From James Ross, Royce Jenkins-Stone, Kaleb Ringer and Joe Bolden, the Wolverines have four potential starters in one class. All players are four-star recruits who play with instincts, ball location skills, athleticism and force.

This is a heck of a coup in Brady Hoke's first full year on the trail for Michigan.

Defensive Linemen: Florida State

The Seminoles are on a roll on the recruiting trail, particularly in addressing their defensive front. They have some serious talent coming in, and this pick was a no-brainer for me.

Mario Edwards is a five-star DE who some say is the best player in the country, regardless of position. He's 6'4", 270 pounds and looks like a DT in person, but moves like a linebacker. Dante Fowler will have to be kept away from Florida, but the 6'3", 240-pounder is an athletic and explosive edge defender.

Chris Casher is a 6'4", 240-pound DE who is so athletic and such a specimen that he plays some WR for his high school squad at times. His awareness and intelligence will get him on the field. DT Dalvon Stuckey has some effort concerns, but the talent is there.

Offensive Linemen: Texas

The Longhorns have the best overall recruiting class in the country—hands down.

A prime unit for their class is the offensive line, as they have three commits rated at least four stars.

The unit is led by five-star OT Kennedy Estelle, a 6'7", 305-pound tackle who can play LT or RT. Camrhon Hughes is a 6'7", 270-pounder rated four stars, and Curtis Riser is a 6'5", 300-pound OG who is a highly-touted prospect as well.

The scary thing is Texas may not be done snagging top talents on the offensive line. By the time this cycle is over, this class could rival Auburn's 2011 OL class.

Tight Ends: Auburn

Auburn has two great TE commits in Ricky Parks and Darrion Hutcherson. Both players can play with the best of them and will be factors for the Tigers.

Parks is super athletic and plays some QB for his prep squad. He's 6'4", 230 pounds, has great speed to attack the seams and can be used as a flex receiver as well. His frame is long, and he can snatch balls out of the air.

Hutcherson stands a long 6'7" and 240 pounds, and he can get out of his stance and upfield in a hurry. Look for him to be used on the perimeter in the red zone for the Tigers. 

Wide Receivers: Texas

Yep, Texas is back on this list again.

The Longhorns have two great WR prospects already in the fold in Cayleb Jones and Thomas Johnson.

Jones is a five-star prospect who stands 6'3" and 190 pounds. He's extremely athletic and has very reliable hands, as Jones has a large strike zone and is QB-friendly. Jones has solid speed, quick feet, avoids well on the move and high points the ball second to none.

Johnson is an explosive WR with great release quickness and is dangerous after the catch. He explodes out of release, in and out of cuts, and has great instincts and creativity with the football.

Running Backs: Florida

Matt Jones and Mike Davis lead the way for the Gators, as UF is my top RB class pick. I think both players have pretty high ceilings.

Jones is a big back at 6'3" and 210 pounds, and can do a little bit of everything. He shows solid foot quickness, run strength, balance, vision and a burst to/through holes.

Davis is a 5'10", 195-pounder with excellent open field ability. He's a great home run threat, has good quickness, nimble feet and can catch the ball well out of backfield.

Quarterbacks: Texas A&M

I almost went with Washington here because I like the tandem of Jeff Lindquist and Cyler Miles. But A&M getting a commit from a five-star QB in Matt Davis, as well as four-star QB Trevor Knight has a tad more value.

Granted, there are some whispers of Davis playing WR for the Aggies, but he's also a fine QB prospect.

At 6'1" and 200 pounds, Davis has dual-threat playmaking ability by combining a solid arm with an ability to make throws on roll-outs and sprints, or getting yards with his legs.

Knight's listed weight varies from 160-200 pounds by some, but he has a cannon for an arm with a lovely, quick release. He can set up and deliver the football in a flash and on time, especially on intermediate routes.