Pac-10 Football: USC Leads Rankings For 2011 Recruiting Classes
Perennially one of the top conferences in the nation, the Pac-10 typically competes well in the race for the top recruits too.
This year is no different as Oregon and Stanford finished in the Top 10 with BCS Bowl appearances.
As national signing day approaches, the destinations of top-ranked undeclared recruits will certainly weigh heavily upon 2011 recruiting class rankings.
Here are the Pac-10's recruiting rankings.
10. Washington State
1 of 10
5-Star Commitments: 0
4-Star Commitments: 0
3-Star Commitments: 4
Top recruit Bishop Sankey, the No. 35 running back, is the Cougars' top recruit, but that won't do Washington State any good in the powerful Pac-10.
Sankey is a highly-regarded running back, but the complete list doesn't look as impressive.
The Cougars' recruiting class could improve mightily if 3-star safety Roderick Ryles commits. He's currently considering.
9. Arizona State
2 of 10
5-Star Commitments: 0
4-Star Commitments: 0
3-Star Commitments: 11
Commitments: 13
Top-20 linebacker Gionni Paul is the Sun Devils' top recruit and that's nothing to ignore.
While Arizona State's 2011 recruiting class doesn't necessarily compete with the powers of this conference, it sure can help the Sun Devils improve upon their 6-6 record last year.
Paul is joined by wide receiver Gary Chambers and running back Steward Butler at the top of the class.
8. Arizona
3 of 10
5-Star Commitments: 0
4-Star Commitments: 1
3-Star Commitments: 9
Commitments: 18
The Wildcats have a few solid recruits in their 2011 class but have struggled to compete with the conference's powers.
Led by 4-star inside linebacker Rob Hankins, the 2011 class for Arizona has a powerful offensive theme. Running backs Ka'Deem Carey and Jared Baker join wide receiver Dave Richards and athlete Exekiel Bishop to bring a rather explosive crew.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
7. UCLA
4 of 10
5-Star Commitments: 0
4-Star Commitments: 1
3-Star Commitments: 5
Commitments: 8
As the Pac-10 becomes the Pac-12, the Bruins needed to get after the recruiting trail this season.
Things haven't necessarily gone as planned.
As Oregon, USC, Cal, Utah and Stanford all put together above average or standout classes, the Bruins have fell a few notches.
After 4-star and fifth-ranked quarterback Brett Hundley, UCLA lacks a special recruit. It is reported that top-ranked inside linebacker Tony Steward is considering the Bruins, but the Florida native is likely leaning to a SEC or ACC school.
6. Oregon State
5 of 10
5-Star Commitments: 0
4-Star Commitments: 0
3-Star Commitments: 15
Commitments: 28
Forced to compete with Oregon, the Beavers have done a decent job on their 2011 class.
While it lacks a standout or 4-star recruit, Oregon State's 2011 recruiting class featured 15 3-star recruits and is extremely well-balanced.
Offensive tackle Darryl Jackson and wide receiver Brandin Cooks lead the class.
5. Washington
6 of 10
5-Star Commitments: 2
4-Star Commitments: 2
3-Star Commitments:14
Commitments: 21
The Huskies missed out on quarterback Brett Hundley, who landed at UCLA, but still have a solid core of top recruits in their 2011 class. Led by 5-star wide receiver Kasen Williams and top tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington is set to compete in the improving Pac-10.
4. Stanford
7 of 10
5-Star Commitments: 0
4-Star Commitments: 8
3-Star Commitments: 14
Commitments: 22
Led by 4-star linebacker James Vaughters and 4-star safety Wayne Lyons, who committed last week at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, the Cardinal have a solid class.
With a lot of early commitments, Stanford has cooled things down lately but hopes to hear even better news as national signing day approaches.
3. Cal
8 of 10
5-Star Commitments: 1
4-Star Commitments: 7
3-Star Commitments: 9
Commitments: 17
The Bears' 2011 class became even stronger last week when 5-star defensive tackle Viliami Moala chose Cal over USC. All told though, the Bears have put together a standout class heading into 2011.
Four-star running back Brendon Bigelow, 4-star tackle Todd Barr, 4-star linebacker Jason Gibson and 4-star safety Avery Walls add to a solid list headed up by Moala that will undoubtedly help Cal compete for years to come.
2. Oregon
9 of 10
5-Star Commitments: 2
4-Star Commitments: 7
3-Star Commitments: 8
Commitments: 19
The Ducks' well-balanced class is led by 5-star linebackers Anthony Wallace and Colt Lyerla.
With the defensive front accounted for this recruiting season, the addition of 4-star wide receiver Devon Blackmon has the offense off on the right foot, too. The Ducks await word from 4-star athlete Marqise Lee, 4-star wideouts B.J. Kelly and Hakeem Flowers.
1. USC
10 of 10
5-Star Commitments: 4
4-Star Commitments: 5
3-Star Commitments: 9
Commitments: 23
The Trojans missed out on Moala, but have certainly put together the type of class to absorb that loss.
USC's class is headlined by 5-star athlete De'Anthony Thomas, 5-star wideout George Farmer and 5-star defensive ends Greg Townsend and Jalen Grimble.
As national signing day approaches, the Trojans are awaiting word from standouts like 5-star offensive tackle Cyrus Kouandjio, 4-star guard Cyrus Hobbi, 4-star safety Erique Florence and tight end Junio Pomee, among others.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
