LSU Football: Power Ranking the Top 5 SEC Recruiting Classes

Les Miles has been known for his ability to land top-notch recruiting classes since he arrived at LSU back in 2005.

The Tigers reeled in the No. 1 class in the nation back in 2009 and a top-10 class in each of the past two seasons. But this year's LSU recruiting class simply isn't shaping out that way as of now.

The Tigers have not landed a single 5-star prospect yet and with National Signing Day upon us, time is certainly of the essence. 

While LSU needs to make up ground, several other SEC schools have dominated this year's recruiting trail thus far. Of course Alabama always brings in top-notch talent, but what other SEC programs are stealing some of the nation's top recruits?

Let's break down the Top Five recruiting classes in the SEC in 2012.

Bleacher Report Style!

1. Alabama

Not only did Alabama finish the 2011-12 season as the best team in the nation, bu the Tide are also bringing in the top recruiting class of the year.

Nick Saban and his staff have already received 27 verbal commitments this season, 17 of which are rated 4 or 5 stars and 12 of whom are ranked in this year's ESPNU Top 150 Players.

The gem of this class is 5-star safety Landon Collins, who chose the Tide over an offer from LSU.

Other top prospects in this class include: Eddie Williams (athlete), Cyrus Jones (athlete), Chris Black (WR) and Geno Smith (CB)

2. Florida

Another year, another exceptional recruiting class for the Florida Gators.

Heading into Wednesday, the Gators have already landed 18 commitments, eight of which are in the ESPNU Top 150.

A total of 15 of those 18 commitments are either 4- or 5-star prospects, which is exceptional at this point in the recruiting process.

D.J. Humphries highlights this great looking recruiting class. He is the No. 1-ranked offensive tackle in the nation and the No. 2 overall player in the country, according to Rivals.com.

With a recruiting class like this one, Florida should be able to work its way back to national relevance in no time.

3. Georgia

Whatever Mark Richt and his staff at Georgia are doing, it seems to be working to perfection when it comes to recruiting.

For a second straight year, the Bulldogs have delivered another dynamite recruiting class, this one coming in at No. 5 in the nation according to ESPN.com 2012 Team Football Recruiting Rankings.

Thus far, Georgia has reeled in 17 commitments, five of which are ranked in ESPNU's Top 150 of 2012.

The gem of this class is running back Keith Marshall, who is the No. 2-ranked running back in the country, according to ESPNU. 

4. South Carolina

Another Top 15 class appears to be in place for Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks in 2012.

South Carolina already appears to have a full class with 25 verbal commitments heading into Wednesday, three of which are ranked in ESPNU's Top 150 prospects of 2012.

Leading the way in this class is 4-star wide receiver Shaq Roland, who is an in-state product and the No. 5-rated WR prospect in the country according to ESPN.

Of those 25 verbal commitments, 10 are 4-star recruits, which is why this class is once again one of the best in the nation in 2012.

5. LSU

Despite what many people believe to be an off-year for LSU recruiting standards, the Tigers should bring in another Top-15 class in 2012.

With a verbal (which was later made official) from 4-star athlete Jeremy Liggins, the Tigers had 19 total commitments heading into Wednesday, three of which are ranked in the ESPNU Top 150.

The gem of this class right now is 4-star offensive lineman Vadal Alexander, who should be a stud for this program in the near-future.

If the Tigers can land 4-star linebacker Kwon Alexander on Wednesday (which they did), then this class has the potential to move into the top-10 range and possibly overtake South Carolina.

National Signing Day commitments are being announced throughout the day, so now all we can do is sit back and just wait to see how it all unfolds.

On the Cusp

6. Auburn: With only 15 current commitments, two of which are ranked in ESPNU's Top 150, and a number of top-notch prospects still considering, Auburn has the chance to hit it big on National Signing Day.

7. Tennessee: The Vols have already secured 10 4-star prospects, two of which are ranked in ESPNU's Top 150. Drae Bowles and Alton Howard are two of the top 25 wide receivers in the country, both headed to Knoxville in 2012.

8. Missouri: If Missouri can land Dorial Green-Beckham, who is the No. 1 recruit in the country according to Rivals.com, then you should see this team skyrocket up this recruiting list. Maty Mauk is a stud at QB and should be the next great one to come through Mizzou. 

9. Arkansas: The Razorbacks look to be the other finalist in on Green-Beckham, and their class could take a jump if they land the talented wideout. He would join two other talented receivers, D'Arthur Cowan and Keon Hatcher, in forming the top freshman wide receiving trio in the country in 2012.

10. Texas A&M: Texas A&M already has 20 commitments, 11 of which have received a 4-star ranking, according to ESPNU. Trey Williams is a stud at running back and Matt Davis is one of the top dual-threat quarterback prospects in the country.

For updates on National Signing Day, follow me on Twitter @srmerriman.