The New ESPNU 300: 12 Programs That Are Flexing Their Power

ESPNU unveiled a new list today, as they usually hold picks down to just 150. However, today they released their first ever ESPNU 300 of the top 300 prospects in the country.

For this read, I'm going to give you 12 programs that are really flexing their power and dominating the list. These 12 programs have gobbled up most of the top prospects on the list and are not done exerting their recruiting power.

Let's get started.

12. Oklahoma

The Sooners are among the elite in the ESPNU 300, as they have six commitments on the list. 

They're stud group is led by the RB tandem of Greg Bryant and Keith Ford. Also, DE DJ Ward is a solid pass rusher that can be moved around among a defense.

Look for Oklahoma to try to nab a couple more on the list before Signing Day finishes. 

11. Texas A&M

The Aggies clearly understand that if they want to survive in the SEC, they'll need to recruit great talent to College Station.

That is evidenced by Kevin Sumlin already having six commitments within the ESPNU 300. Keeping elite WR/TE prospect Derrick Griffin will be perhaps Sumlin's biggest challenge this cycle.

Also, watch out for QB Kohl Stewart. 

10. Alabama

The Crimson Tide surely would be on this list, as they recruit as well as any program in the country.

'Bama has six commitments in the ESPNU 300, yet I doubt they finish with only that as they have their hand in many big time pots. LB Reuben Foster, TE OJ Howard and QB Cooper are their top-three prospects on the list.

If there's one school to watch out for that will certainly rise up this list, it has to be Alabama.

9. Florida State

The Seminoles are flexing their power on the trail once again, as they also have six commitments in the ESPNU 300.

Although they are a bit behind last year's class' pace, FSU has DT Maquedis Bain, OT Austin Golson and WR Tony Stevens as it's top-three prospects on the list.

Look for Florida State to have a good burst between now and next February. 

8. Notre Dame

The Irish are enjoying a very good cycle, especially since they have seven commitments inside the ESPNU 300.

OLB Jaylon Smith is the headliner here, as he has risen to the No. 20 overall prospect. The rest of the group is heavy on the offensive line as Colin McGovern, Hunter Bivin and John Montellus are among the top tier of the group.

The Irish are not done working this list and could have a surprise in the works. 

7. LSU

The Tigers also hold seven commitments on the ESPNU 300 and are recruiting some of the other top uncommitted prospects hard.

Les Miles' program has a elite group led by OG Tevin Lawson and ATH Jeryl Brazil. QB Hayden Rettig appears to "have the chest" to be an LSU QB and is also among the top 300.

Look for LSU to notch up a couple more on this list and finish around the top 10 nationally again. 

6. USC

The Trojans came into the day with six commitments inside the ESPNU 300, but will leave the day with seven as DB/OLB Su'a Cravens announced for Troy this morning.

Cravens gives USC three commits within the top 14 of the list. While USC's class won't be too large, it'll be likely high in quality.

The Trojans have a good class in the works and it'll be interesting to see if their low numbers hurt them in the final recruiting rankings.

5. Texas

The Longhorns sit in a state that breeds football players like thoroughbreds and as the premier program in that state, they basically "draft" recruits.

Texas has an excellent nine commitments in the ESPNU 300 and seem to be pretty ok with that.

They'll kick the tires on a few other prospects, but for the most part, what you see know from the Longhorns is what you're going to see on Signing Day.

4. Ohio State

Michigan fans, we all know you hate Ohio State and they are your rivals, but even you guys had to cringe a bit when Urban Meyer was hired to coach the Buckeyes late last fall.

Meyer surged Ohio State up to a top class last cycle and this year, he already 10 commitments inside the ESPNU 300.

Eli Woodard and Cam Burrows are two elite CB prospects that are within the top 20 players nationally. Toss in DT Joey Bosa, ATH Jalin Marshall, TE Marvin Baugh and OL Evan Lisle among more and you see why the Buckeyes won't be down for long.

3. Georgia

Georgia has 10 commitments within the ESPNU 300, but they are going to have to work to keep RB Derrick Henry committed.

Yet, any way you slice it, Mark Richt is putting together a top-10 recruiting class this year. DB Shaq Wiggins, ATH Tramel Terry and QB Brice Ramsey are the pillars of the group.

The Dawgs are on the trail of several other prospects on the list and could add to their arsenal before it's over. 

2. Florida

Florida is really flexin' their muscles, as the guys in Gainesville have 12 commitments inside the ESPNU 300.

RB Kelvin Taylor and DT Caleb Brantley lead the group, along with LB Daniel McMillan, WR Ahmad Fulwood and more. The Gators definitely are not done and could finish with the No. 1 class if things shake out the way the want.

I may be wrong here, but I think Will Muschamp has proven he can recruit in the SEC, hasn't he?

1. Michigan

Big Blue is leading the pack, as the Wolverines hold 16 commitments among the ESPNU 300.

QB Shane Morris is the headliner, but he's just the tip of the iceberg. CB Gareon Conley, OG David Dawson, OG Patrick Kugler, ATH Dymonte Thomas and DE Taco Charlton are all standouts.

This class is chalked with talent and looking at the ESPNU 300 it's clear that Michigan is the program flexing the most power on the recruiting trail right now.

Edwin Weathersby has worked in scouting/player personnel departments for three professional football teams, including the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns and the Las Vegas Gladiators of the Arena League. He spent a year evaluating prep prospects & writing specific recruiting and scouting content articles for Student Sports Football (now ESPN Rise-HS). A syndicated scout and writer, he's also contributed to WeAreSC.com, GatorBait.net and Diamonds in the Rough Inc., a College Football and NFL Draft magazine.