National Signing Day 2012: Auburn Tigers and Teams on the Rise

After winning the BCS Championship Game in 2011, the Auburn Tigers took a relative step back last season, finishing No. 25 in the country, as both their offense and defense receded.

But the Tigers have already landed some top recruits this offseason, including athlete Ricky Parks.

Here are three teams that will rise next season.

3. Auburn

Ricky Parks, at 6'4", 230 pounds, projects as a dynamic tight end for Auburn next season. He has very good speed for his size, could be explosive after the catch given his quickness and athleticism and he will knock more than a few defenders on their backs with a full head of steam.

The Tigers also landed two four-star cornerbacks in Joshua Holsey and T.J. Davis, which should help their defense, and four-star outside linebacker Cassanova McKinzy, a complete recruit who stacks up well against the run and the pass and should be a disruption in the pocket.

2. Georgia

After finishing No. 16 in the country last season and losing a squeaker to Kirk Cousins' Michigan State Spartans in the Outback Bowl, Georgia already was a rising program.

Now Georgia has landed the fifth-best recruiting class, according to ESPNU, complete with five-star running back Keith Marshall.

Marshall, the No. 5 recruit in the country according to ESPNU, has elite speed and quickness and his vision makes him even more deadly. You give this kid space and he's going to burn you, likely for a touchdown. He has good size and his balance and footwork is exceptional.

Beyond Marshall, Georgia landed three ESPNU 150 defensive linemen in defensive tackles Jonathan Taylor and John Atkins and defensive end Jordan Jenkins, which should improve a defense that allowed a respectable 20.6 points per game last season.

1. Florida State

Florida State not only landed the No. 1 quarterback recruit in the class, Jameis Winston, but they also landed the No. 1 overall recruit in the class, defensive end Mario Edwards.

On top of this, the Seminoles nabbed No. 23 recruit, defensive end Chris Casher, and ESPNU 150 defensive linemen Dante Fowler and Justin Shanks.

Given all will be freshmen, don't expect Florida State to all of a sudden become a national championship contender, but give them a season or so to grow and this class has the potential to make a deep run as the No. 2 class in college football this year.

Florida State has to be ecstatic.