Assistant Coaches Quietly Dominating College Football Recruiting Trail

Summertime is a crucial recruiting period—not just because there are a plethora of camps but also because this is the time when relationships between coaches and recruits can really take off.

While head coaches are often used to close the deal, the assistant coaching staff puts in plenty of hours as well. Some of the best recruiters in the country are assistants.

Which assistant coaches have quietly—as in, we're less inclined to include a traditional name like Ed Orgeron, Tim Brewster or Tee Martin—been crushing it on the recruiting trail for the 2016 class? We provide some answers based on verbal commitments in the following slides.

All recruiting information is courtesy of 247Sports.

LSU DBs Coach Corey Raymond

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A few schools like to claim that they're "DB U," but LSU has a legitimate case, thanks in large part to the efforts of defensive backs coach Corey Raymond.

The former Tigers standout has been killing it on the recruiting trail, landing a verbal commit from 5-star corner Saivion Smith. In all, the Tigers have four defensive back commits for the 2016 class, and Raymond was responsible for the three blue-chip players: Smith, Eric Monroe and Andraez Williams.

Additionally, 247Sports' Crystal Ball expects 4-star corners Kristian Fulton and Trayvon Mullen to sign with LSU. 

The Tigers have the No. 1 class in 2016 as of late June. There's a long way to go before signing day, but Raymond is a huge reason why LSU is having so much success.

Michigan RBs Coach Tyrone Wheatley

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Head coach Jim Harbaugh's 2015 recruiting class was always going to be on the smaller side, but there's already no comparison between that group and the 2016 class-to-be. A big reason for the recent string of success is running backs coach Tyrone Wheatley. 

Going into Detroit and grabbing 4-star lineman Michael Onwenu was a spark that helped the Wolverines land 14 verbal commits in the month of June. Five of those verbals were directly tied to Onwenu. Of course, Harbaugh's "Summer Swarm Tour" has played a big role in the recent recruiting hot streak as well, but don't underestimate what Wheatley has brought to the recruiting trail.

"Wheatley's work in his hometown of Detroit, where he is a legendary figure, has helped Michigan get back into an area where they have struggled in recent years as far as keeping local talent home," B/R recruiting analyst Sanjay Kirpalani said.

There was a time, not too long ago, when the Wolverines had recruiting issues because of the uncertainty surrounding former head coach Brady Hoke. Now, though, Michigan currently has the No. 7 class in the country.

Alabama DL Coach Bo Davis

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A couple of Alabama assistants, defensive coordinator Kirby Smart and wide receivers coach Billy Napier, have earned nods as top recruiters over the years. Not to take away from what either coach is doing, but defensive line coach Bo Davis is also putting in work.

Specifically, Davis has been getting kids from Texas to commit to the Tide. Alabama has three verbals from the Lone Star State: defensive tackle Kendell Jones, offensive lineman Chris Owens and quarterback Jalen Hurts. Davis is responsible for Jones and Hurts.

Davis played a key role in the recruitment of 5-star cornerback Kendall Sheffield leading up to his 2015 signing," B/R recruiting analyst Tyler Donohue said. "Last month, he helped Alabama beat the Longhorns in a head-to-head showdown for prized Texas defensive tackle Kendell Jones."

Right now, Alabama has more blue-chip players from Texas than Texas has from Texas. Yes, it's June—but still.

Houston TEs Coach Corby Meekins

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In the words of B/R recruiting guru Damon Sayles, "Anyone who can get 5-star Ed Oliver at Houston has to be doing something right."

Without a doubt, the Cougars have been the surprise of the 2016 recruit cycle. Tight ends coach Corby Meekins landed Oliver, a 5-star defensive tackle and the top-rated member of Houston's class.

One day later in a separate instance, 4-star defensive tackle Jordan Elliott gave his verbal pledge to Houston as well.

Texas A&M DEs Coach Terry Price

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Texas A&M has surged on the in-state recruiting trail over the past few years. The Aggies once again have the pieces in place for another top-15 class.

Defensive ends coach Terry Price has already landed six of A&M's 12 verbal commitments for 2016, including 4-star cornerback Travon Fuller and defensive end Mark Jackson. In the past, he's been responsible for getting players like Myles Garrett and Daylon Mack.

Additionally, 5-star safety Brandon Jones, one of Price's top targets, is likely to land with the Aggies.

Ben Kercheval is a lead writer for college football. All quotes obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.