National Signing Day 2012: Top 5 Instant Impact Recruiting Classes

With National Signing Day fully underway, many pieces to the puzzle are beginning to be put in place. Many top prospects have made their commitments, and we are getting closer to seeing just how these teams are shaping up for the future.

There are a few teams that are winning big, and of course you have your teams that are striking out on nearly every top player. But recruiting is all about adding depth and filling in positions that are weaknesses with players either graduating or heading to the NFL. If you can pick up a few players that will make an immediate impact, you've done your job for the year.

Here are a few schools that have a class that can contribute right away.

Missouri

Missouri will look like a completely different team from a year ago, as the Tigers only return 11 starters on both sides of the ball combined. We know Dorial Green-Beckham will be a starter next season as he's way too talented not to be. The Tigers lost three starters on the offensive line, and that's where Evan Boehm steps in as he has the ability to player center or the guard position.

On defense, middle linebacker Donavin Newsom will receive every opportunity to help a defense that is missing five starters.

The Tigers are a team that's on the rise, and heading into the SEC, we're about to find out exactly what they're made of.

Florida

Florida isn't losing much from a season ago, but has talented players on both sides of the ball that will see playing time next year. Cornerback Brian Poole and defensive end Jonathan Bullard have way too much upside to keep on the bench for a season.

On offense, you will see running back Matt Jones compete for many touches with Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps gone. He's a big back at 6'3", 225 pounds, but has great acceleration as well. Tight ends Kent Taylor and Colin Thompson both will be used on the offense and provide a young starting quarterback with much-needed weapons.

Don't expect Florida to have another down season next year.

Miami

Miami lost a ton of talented players, especially on the offensive side of the ball. That's where running back Duke Johnson can step in and help fill the void that Lamar Miller created when he left early for the NFL draft.

On defense, players like Tracy Howard, Deon Bush, Jelani Hamilton and Raphael Kirby could be difference-makers. Losing players like Sean Spince, JoJo Nicolas and Marcus Fortson isn't easy to overcome, but the incoming freshman has tons of talent to make the transition much easier.

Miami may currently be going through a NCAA scandal, but it hasn't affected the recruiting process for the Hurricanes at this point.  

Notre Dame

Notre Dame may have lost a few top recruits over the last week or so, but the Irish do have several players that will have the opportunity to contribute for quality minutes.

Quarterback Gunner Kiel will have the opportunity to start, although he will have some serious competition with Tommy Rees and Everett Golson. On the defensive side of the ball, the Irish have several holes, particularly in the secondary. Players like Tee Shepard, Elijah Shumate and Sheldon Day could see quality time on the defensive line as well. 

Brian Kelly has done another great job with this recruiting class, and Notre Dame should improve on their two sub-par seasons.

Alabama

Alabama is going through a makeover this offseason, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Linebacker Reggie Ragland could step in and become the starter with players like Dont'a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw leaving. T.J. Yeldon could help give Eddie Lacy and company a break or two at the running back position with his athletic ability and great size.

Another key player in this recruiting class is Cyrus Jones at wide receiver. We all know the Crimson Tide have struggled to find weapons at the wideout position, but Jones is a player with great speed and will be a fantastic downfield threat for AJ McCarron to throw the ball to.

Alabama may be experiencing a few changes, but with recruiting classes like this, they should be fine defending their BCS National Championship.

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]