National Signing Day 2012: Recruit Highlights and Commitment Tracker

National Signing Day is less than a week away, and college football coaches and fans are anxiously waiting to see where the best players in the country will go. 

Some elite recruits will make their choice after National Signing Day, but the majority will announce their college choice on Feb. 1, and it will create several debates about the future of college football.

Recruiting is extremely vital for success in college football, and those teams who get shafted on National Signing Day take a big hit. They've been waiting for weeks, hoping a certain top recruit will pick them, and when it doesn't happen, it certainly is devastating. 

On a more positive note, the school that's lucky enough to land these highly coveted recruits will take a big step in reaching the goal of winning a national championship. Of course, it's up to the coaches to make sure these incoming freshmen are prepared for the college life both on and off the field. 

That being said, let's take a look at some of the top prospects in the class of 2012 and where they might be headed. 

Once National Signing Day arrives, be sure to check back here as we update you with the official picks for these elite recruits. 

Dorial Green-Beckham, WR 

The No. 1 wide receiver in the country, as well as the No. 1 overall recruit by Scout and Rivals, Green-Beckham is destined for greatness in his college career. 

Green-Beckham's top five choices are down to Alabama, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. 

Listed at 6'6", 220 pounds, Green-Beckham was a monster in high school, and it won't be any different in college. 

He has the speed to burn you deep, as well as the hands to catch whatever comes his way. Plus, his big frame will greatly benefit him against skilled corners.

Early Prediction: Arkansas 

Arik Armstead, DE 

The No. 2 overall player by Scout, Armstead is a very unique recruit. He has the skills to play offensive line or defensive line, which makes him extremely dangerous. 

His preference is defense, but ultimately the coaching staff of the school he picks will decide where he plays. 

Armstead's final schools are Auburn, Cal, Notre Dame and Oregon.

One of these programs will be getting a 6'8", 280-pound beast of a player ready to make an impact right away. He has room to add bulk, which only makes him scarier. 

Early Prediction: Notre Dame 

Stefon Diggs, ATH 

Arguably the most talented athlete in the class of 2012, Diggs has the talent to play running back or wide receiver. 

Diggs will make an immediate impact on offense wherever he lands, as well as on the return game. 

His final schools are Florida, Cal, Auburn, USC, Maryland, Notre Dame, Virginia and Ohio State, but he will wait until Feb. 10 to make his decision.   

Diggs has elite speed, which is why several schools are after him. He hasn't given many hints about which schools are in the lead, but according to Rivals, he's only visited Cal, Auburn, Florida and Ohio State. 

Early Prediction: Ohio State

Eddie Goldman, DT 

The No. 1 defensive tackle in the class of 2012, Goldman has had offers pour in from all around the country. 

Listed at 6'4", 310 pounds, Goldman has what it takes to thrive at the next level. He's a powerful force up front with the quickness to make big plays on defense, which is why everyone wants him. 

His top schools are Alabama, Auburn and Florida State. 

Goldman has visited all of those schools, and will now spend time figuring out which is the best fit. Wherever Goldman goes, he's going to be a difference maker that is sure to shine bright. 

Early Prediction: Alabama 

Davonte Neal, ATH 

Neal is the other athlete in the class of 2012 that rivals Diggs for the top spot. Look for Neal to be a top-notch return guy for whatever school he picks, but he does have the skills to play corner or wide receiver.  

Listed at 5'10", 175 pounds, Neal will need to get bigger and stronger to thrive at the college level. Still, there's no denying his talents, because what he lacks in size, he makes up for in speed and athleticism. 

His final schools are Arizona, Arkansas, North Carolina, Notre Dame and Ohio State and like Diggs, he too will wait until after National Signing Day to make his choice. 

Neal has visited with all of these schools except Arizona, which he will do on Feb. 10, according to Rivals. 

Early Prediction: Arizona 

Be sure to check back here on Feb. 1 to find out where all the top prospects will be going. And always, head to the Bleacher Report college football home page for all your college football needs, as well as the recruiting home page.

Lead image courtesy of Scout.com.