College Football Recruiting: 5 Schools to Watch out for in 2012

As the Clemson Tiger's Sammy Watkins showed this year, and guys like Adrian Peterson have shown in the past, an elite freshman can make a difference right away.

There are a number of college football teams that are currently in the process of reeling in excellent recruiting classes. For some of them, one (or a few) of these players could make a significant difference in how the team fares in 2012.

Here are five programs that could be primed for a breakout season in the fall thanks to their recruiting success this year.

Miami Hurricanes

The Miami Hurricanes are trying to rebound from a terrible recruiting class last year, and so far they are succeeding. The Hurricanes have already snagged 30 commitments, including nine 4-stars and a 5-star recruit.

With Jacory Harris and Travis Benjamin departing, Miami will be in need of some help on offense. They might get some right away from tailback Randy Johnson and wide receivers Malcolm Lewis and Robert Lockhart.

The Hurricanes always have a ton of talent, they've just been unable to turn it into any kind of success the last few seasons. This recruiting class, and a more experienced Al Golden, could change that. The Hurricanes certainly showed some potential this year, especially in close losses to the Kansas State Wildcats and Virginia Tech Hokies on the road.

Texas Longhorns

The Texas Longhorns are finding success yet again in the recruiting game, as they are currently in the process of bringing in a top-five class for the third straight year.

With a team that looks like it will return 17 starters, the Longhorns are already optimistic for the 2012 college football season. This recruiting class only makes things better.

The real prize of the class so far is 5-star running back Johnathan Gray. The speedy Gray could be ready to contribute for the Longhorns from the moment he gets to Austin.

Ohio State Buckeyes

Perhaps due to the boost from Urban Meyer coming to town, the Ohio State Buckeyes are bouncing back nicely this year with a great recruiting class.

The offense will be adding two excellent running backs in Bri'onte Dunn and Warren Ball along with wide receiver Michael Thomas. These guys could be integral in helping replace Boom Herron and DeVier Posey.

But perhaps the best additions will be along the defensive line. The Buckeyes picked up two 5-star defensive ends in Noah Spence and Adolphus Washington.

Florida State Seminoles

The Florida State Seminoles were supposed to be back in BCS National Championship contention this year, and they sorely disappointed with a 9-4 season. However, next year could be the year they actually return to powerhouse status.

Not only will the Seminoles return 17 starters, they also are currently in the process of bringing in a top-10 recruiting class. 

Like the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Seminoles have a pair of 5-star defensive ends in Mario Edwards and Dante Fowler, Jr. Florida State also has added a few offensive weapons in wide receiver Marvin Bracy (who may be ready to step in for Bert Reed right away) and 5-star quarterback Jameis Winston (who may be on the field if EJ Manuel is banged up at any point next season). 

Florida Gators

With John Brantley, running backs Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey and wide receiver Deonte Thompson all seniors, the Florida Gators will need to reload with some offensive firepower.

They have a number of solid offensive players coming in their 2012 recruiting class. They currently have commitments from receiver Latroy Pittman, running back Matt Jones and tight ends Kent Taylor and Colin Thompson. All four players are 4-star recruits.

With 10 starters returning on defense, finding success on offense could be the difference between the Gators going 6-6 again or returning to a BCS game.