Where Does Ole Miss Rank Among the Most Surprising Signing Day Classes Ever?

Ole Miss has created an earthquake in the recruiting world, as the Rebels are picking up any and every top prospect during the 2013 national signing day.

Starting with the No. 1 overall recruit in Robert Nkemdiche, the best of the best kept falling in the hands of a program that has had a sketchy winning history.

This is by far the top story of the 2013 recruiting process, and the group of players that are heading to Oxford will forever be linked together.

Whether these players end up becoming huge stars or busts, Ole Miss certainly has done its job, putting itself in position to win many games in the future.

But while we are on the topic of surprises, where does this Rebels recruiting class sit among the most shocking of all time?

Let's take a peek.

5. North Carolina State 2003

Key Players Picked Up: Mario Williams, Derek Morris, Darrell Blackman and LeRue Rumph

What Was Expected: North Carolina State was an average team for a couple of seasons under head coach Mike O'Cain, staying competitive and doing what it took to reach a bowl game.

The 2002 season came along, and the Wolfpack won 11 games, which is the most in school history.

An above-average recruiting class was to be expected, but it was a surprise to see the Wolfpack in the top 10.

What Actually Happened: North Carolina State picked up Mario Williams, who became the eventual No. 1 overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft. Derek Morris was considered the prize of this class and ended up carving out a nice career.

Stephen Tulloch became an absolute steal as a 3-star player and was a tackling machine for the Wolfpack. He also went on to a solid professional career.

Overall, this team put together a surprisingly well-recruited class and shocked a few people along the way.

4. USC 2010

Key Players Picked Up: Robert Woods, Markeith Ambles, Dion Bailey and Nickell Robey

What Was Expected: Nobody knew what to expect from USC in the 2010 offseason. You knew the Trojans were going to land their fair share of great recruits, but most didn't think it would be this good.

Pete Carroll just left for the Seattle Seahawks' head coaching position and Lane Kiffin took over after leaving Tennessee high and dry. An uncertain coaching situation usually means a dip in the recruiting rankings.

Furthermore, there were future NCAA sanctions hanging over the school's head.

What Actually Happened: USC didn't miss a beat and picked up nearly any and every recruit it wanted, landing 5-star players such as Kyle Prater, Dillon Baxter, Markeith Ambles and Robert Woods. They also added some depth with guys like Hayes Pullard, George Uko and Demetrius Wright.

These players formed arguably the Trojans' best class ever.

It never comes as a surprise when USC recruits well, because this is one of the few schools that sells itself.

However, a down season could have been expected this year.

3. Notre Dame 2008

Key Players Picked Up: Dayne Crist, Kyle Rudolph, Michael Floyd and Braxston Cave

What Was Expected: Lately, Notre Dame rarely recruits as well as it should. With its prestige effect and national recognition, the Irish should consistently have one of the top recruiting classes.

Unfortunately, that has not always been the case. It had just finished with a 3-9 record under Charlie Weis and missed a bowl game for the first time since 2003.

You knew the team was still going to recruit well, but nobody saw this coming.

What Actually Happened: The Irish landed three 5-star players on the offensive side of the ball to immediately help a struggling unit. With a top-10 wide receiver, top-five quarterback and the best tight end of the 2008 class, the Irish were in great shape.

But it also loaded up on the line with guys such as Braxston Cave, Kapron Lewis-Moore and Mike Golic, who all turned out to be pretty good players.

This wasn't exactly a recruiting class you expected to see from a team that only won three games the previous year.

2. Clemson 2011

Key Players Picked Up: Sammy Watkins, Mike Bellamy, Stephone Anthony and Tony Steward

What Was Expected: Head coach Dabo Swinney was only two full years into the position at Clemson, and many were still skeptical about the job he was doing.

He showed flashes of potential throughout the two-and-a-half seasons, but with a 6-7 record in 2010, which included three losses in the final four games, folks couldn't quite put a finger on him.

It was clear that brighter days were ahead for Clemson, but just an average recruiting class was expected.

What Actually Happened: Clemson had one of the more shocking recruiting classes in recent memory. Landing 5-star recruit Sammy Watkins, a true game-changer, was the biggest surprise.

But the elite players didn't stop there. Linebackers Stephone Anthony and Tony Steward, as well as running back Mike Bellamy, were all top recruits at their position. A lot of these guys have panned out and become contributors for the Tigers.

This was the class that put Clemson on the map and really made everyone notice Swinney's true capabilities.

1. Ole Miss 2013

Key Players Picked Up: Robert Nkemdiche, Laremy Tunsil, Laquon Treadwell and Tony Conner

What Was Expected: Head coach Hugh Freeze is entering his second season with a program that only won two games in 2011. He made terrific progress in his first year, winning seven games and leading the Rebels to a bowl victory.

Due to the improved play and culture change, the Rebels were gaining respect, but nobody in their right mind had this program landing numerous 5-star players. Ole Miss' goal was a decent recruiting class to continue forward.

What Actually Happened: Ole Miss cleaned house and picked up nearly every top recruit in the country. You would think Nick Saban had taken over this program or that the Rebels had won the last two national titles.

Ole Miss has not been ranked in the AP Poll since 2009 and hasn't exactly had a consistent track record of winning games.

This class proves that elite players trust the coaching staff and like where the Rebels are heading.

Some will say I'm caught up in the moment, but just look at where Ole Miss was a couple of seasons ago. This group is loaded with talent and makes the Rebels legit SEC contenders as early as 2014.

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