College Football Recruiting 2012: 5-Star Recruits Who Could Sign with Underdogs

College football has several powerhouse programs that seemingly gobble up most of the talented recruits year in and year out. You know, teams like Alabama, USC, Florida, Florida State, Texas and so forth.

Each time we see these types of schools with any interest in a top prospect, we widely assume that prospect is going to end up at a powerhouse, juggernaut program.

But every cycle, we see a couple of 5-star prospects who sign with schools that are "underdogs" of sorts, as they're solid programs with a lower profile than others.

Here are five 5-star recruits who could sign with those underdog programs.

Darius Hamilton, DE

Hamilton is a 6'4", 245-pound DE who is so strong, stout and powerful some claim he could grow into a DT in college. He's expected to be a top-tier defender at the next level.

On the recruiting front, Hamilton has offers from USC, Florida and Tennessee as schools he likes. But I think the New Jersey product could stay home and actually sign with Rutgers.

Ellis McCarthy, DT

McCarthy is a big monster DT who stands in the 6'4", 310-pound range.

He's got a great frame, elite snap quickness, strength and is a playmaker. Once he learns to play with more leverage, he should develop into a premier 3-technique standout.

He has offers from USC, Florida, Oklahoma and Oregon, among others. But right now, McCarthy actually has Cal as his leader, slightly over powers like the Trojans and Ducks.

Arik Armstead, DE

Speaking of Cal, the Bears also could sign another 5-star DL in Arik Armstead, a former USC pledge. At 6'8" and 280 pounds, Armstead can play DE, DT and even OT.

He's also a solid basketball player and could play some power forward too.

Auburn, Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame and Oregon are all after him, but I think Armstead ends up in Berkeley.

Andrus Peat, OT

Peat is the top OT prospect in the country and has close to 40 offers.

He showed at the Under Armour All-America Game last night what a player he is and will be. At 6'7" and 300 pounds, he might be the next Matt Kalil.

On the recruiting front, Peat has powers like Florida State, USC, Auburn, Texas, Notre Dame and Michigan after him. He lists a core four of the Trojans, Nebraska, FSU and Stanford.

I think he signs with Big Red to go play with his brother, spurning all the major recruiting powers around the country.

Dorial Green-Beckham, WR

When you stand 6'6", weigh 220 pounds and run a 4.4 40-yard dash, you should draw some looks, easily.

But when you're a sheer playmaker with excellent ball skills, RAC ability, elite athleticism and a ceiling as high as the top floor at the Trump Towers, you're going to get top offers.

Offers like those from Alabama, Florida, Texas, USC, Oklahoma and more.

However, there is a good chance Dorial Green-Beckham, the top player in the country, signs with Missouri.