National Signing Day 2012: Cal and More Underrated Winners

The Cal Golden Bears are flying under the radar with a fantastic recruiting class, and they are planting the seeds for a potentially dominant offense. 

Strong recruiting is the foundation to any great program. The following schools definitely get that, and more importantly, they are succeeding in this area. 

With signing day still a couple of days away there is time for things to change, either for better or worse, but as it is now these teams are in great shape. 

Cal

Take a look at Cal's commitments and signings on ESPN, and you'll see a talented list. Especially on the offensive side of things. 

Four-star prospects QB Zach Kline and OT Christian Okafor are already signed, sealed and delivered. Likely joining them on the offensive side of things are three 4-star receivers and another offensive lineman. 

That right there is the foundation for a frightening offensive attack. They have the QB, the players to protect and the weapons for him to throw it to. 

That's not all either. This school has a host of commitments from 3-star recruits on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. 

Cincinnati

Cincinnati already has 33 commitments, and it is not because they are settling for second-rate players. Take a look at their potential haul on ESPN. 

They have just one 4-star commitment, but that is from dynamic safety Marcus Foster. 

After Foster, they have 23 3-star recruits! This is a diverse group that hits both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. It is especially strong at receiver, as this aerial laden school is bringing in some excellent athletes at that position. 

Penn State

Penn State's class is not particularly strong compared to what they are used to. Scout rates them as having the 38th best recruiting class so far.

What is notable about this is that their class is not among the worst in college football. After the recent scandal that rocked and ripped that campus apart, it is a testament to their recruiting power that they have been able to land enough athletes to keep them in the Top 40.