National Signing Day 2011: Ranking The Top 50 Recruiting Classes
National Signing Day is only a couple weeks away. College recruits will be able to sign a National Letter of Intent starting Feb. 2.
With a couple weeks left in the recruiting period, it's time to take a look at the top 50 recruiting classes heading into the final countdown.
Coaches and fans eagerly await what decisions the top recruits will make, and to take a look at the best remaining recruits from ESPN's Top 150, you can read here.
First, these rankings are courtesy of Scout.com. I love college football, I know a lot about it, but I am in no way, shape, or form going to give an educated look at the recruiting rankings or the rankings of prospects in general.
With that being said it is first important to point out how these rankings are put together. Teams are allowed to sign and give scholarships to 25 players in the fall. This ranking reflects each team's top 25 recruits. Some teams already have more than that, and the players that exceed that limit don't affect the rankings.
First, here are two things to keep in mind when looking through this ranking.
1) Most of these commits are only verbal commits, only a handful of players have actually signed their National Letter of Intent. So there is still a chance that some of these players change their minds; it has happened before.
2) This is not a ranking of the best teams going into next year. It is a difficult task in judging high school talent because you're not sure how good they truly are because they face different levels of competition. Another thing is that these are young kids, and how they deal with college life will go a long way in determining how well they perform at the collegiate level.
The sales pitches have all been made by the head coaches, the players are coming down to their final decisions, and with a couple weeks left until Signing Day, here is a ranking of the top 50 recruiting classes.
50. Maryland, ACC (8)
1 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 22
5 star: 0
4 star: 0
3 star: 14
Offense/ Defense: 12/10
Overview: A team that came within one game of reaching the ACC Championship hasn't done anything really special in the recruiting world this season.
They have no top-tier (4- and 5-star) talent and have relied on 3-star recruits.
The Terrapins are in the running for 4-star CB Lafayette Pitts, RB Bishop Sankey, DT Marquise Wright, but all three have schools that they are more interested in, and they are not likely to add any of those.
With Florida State having a top-5 recruiting class, the Terrapins have their work cut out for them.
49. Washington State, Pac-10 (7)
2 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 23
5 star: 0
4 star: 2
3 star: 8
Offense/ Defense: 7/16
Overview: The Cougars' 2011 class is led by 4-star OLB Chester Sua and RB Bishop Sankey. Having two 4-star recruits is somewhat impressive for a team that won two games last year.
The rest of their class is the mid-tier talent, but those players still could make an impact for this Washington State team.
48: Baylor, Big 12 (8)
3 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 17
5 star: 0
4 star: 2
3 star: 11
Offense/ Defense: 9/8
Overview: 4-star WR Jonathan Lee and OT Spencer Drango lead the 2011 recruiting class for the Bears. They are also in contention for 5-star RB Hershel Sims, but he has a soft verbal with Oklahoma State. The Baylor Bears finished with a 4-4 record in the Big 12 last year.
With Colorado and Nebraska leaving the Big 12, there will be no more divisions in the Big 12 and the schools will play a nine-game round robin.
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47. SMU, C-USA (1)
4 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 26
5 star: 0
4 star: 1
3 star: 11
Offense/ Defense: 11/15
Overview: 4-star OLB Devon Moreland leads the Mustangs' 2011 recruiting class. Other than that, nothing else really stands out about this class.
The come into 2011 with C-USA with the best recruiting class to date, and they will need it after losing to Central Florida in the C-USA Championship game.
Don't expect their ranking to change much, and if it does it will falter, due to the fact that they already have the 25 recruit limit, and they aren't in contention for any top talent.
46. West Virginia, Big East (5)
5 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 23
5 star: 0
4 star: 0
3 star: 17
Offense/ Defense: 13/10
Overview: The Mountaineers have nobody who really stands out from this recruiting class, but they are in the running for a couple of four-star recruits.
Those include CB Dominique Terrell and RB Tre Mason, both of whom are considering other schools as well.
West Virginia came one win away from winning the conference and reaching a BCS bowl game last year, and they won't necessarily need a great recruiting class to compete in the Big East.
45. Syracuse, Big East (4)
6 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 26
5 star: 0
4 star: 1
3 star: 13
Offense/ Defense: 15/9
Overview: Junior College 4-star WR Defarrel Davis leads the Syracuse recruiting class in 2011.
The Orange were, like almost every other Big East team, one win away from winning the conference and being in a BCS bowl game.
The Big East won't get the best recruits because of the SEC, Big Ten, and ACC. Those are just better locations because of the level of competition.
So this ranking, and the overall ranking of the Big East, is expected.
44. Oregon State, Pac-10 (6)
7 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 23
5 star: 0
4 star: 1
3 star: 14
Offense/ Defense: 11/12
Overview: The Beavers' 2011 recruiting class is led by 4-star DE Dylan Wynn, who should make an immediate impact on the next season for Oregon State.
They have a shot at a couple more 4-star recruits, but aren't likely because both have low interest in Oregon State.
Oregon State came within one game of being eligible for a bowl, and the recruiting class they have won't necessarily help them out. But they should make an valiant attempt to reach a bowl game next year.
43. Missouri, Big 12 (7)
8 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 16
5 star: 1
4 star: 1
3 star: 13
Offense/ Defense: 7/9
Overview: The 2011 Missouri class is led by JC 5-star DT Sheldon Richardson. The only other 4-star or above athlete they have committed to them is DE Shane Ray.
With only 16 recruits, the Missouri coaching staff has their work cut out for them in the final couple weeks before Signing Day.
They have no 4 or 5 stars interested in them, so they will finish their 2011 class out with 2- and 3-star high school players, which doesn't bode well for their ranking.
42. Kansas, Big 12 (6)
9 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 24
5 star: 0
4 star: 0
3 star: 18
Offense/ Defense: 13/10
Overview: Like most schools outside the top 30, there aren't many players who really stand out from the rest, and players of high caliber aren't interested in them this year.
Competing with other Big 12 foes is a tough test especially when those teams include Texas and Oklahoma.
Another factor being Kansas isn't a football factory like Florida, Texas, Ohio, California, Pennsylvania and Georgia.
Turner Gill is a great coach, and he has potential. But he is just in a very difficult position.
41. Illinois, Big Ten (8)
10 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 25
5 star: 0
4 star: 0
3 star: 18
Offense/ Defense: 15/9
Overview: The Illini finished with a 7-6 record last year, and the recruiting class they have won't have much of an impact on improving that mark.
With no top-tier talent, look for no immediate impact from any freshman. They have a chance at getting 4-star TE Jon Davis, but he has a soft verbal to Kentucky.
40. Georgia Tech, ACC (7)
11 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 21
5 star: 0
4 star: 0
3 star: 17
Offense/ Defense: 15/6
Overview: This is the last team on this list without at least one four-star recruit.
The triple-option offense isn't the best offense for star offensive players to come into, so their lack of high-end talent is to be expected. Especially being located in the heart of SEC recruiting.
But the Yellow Jacket offense doesn't require the best talent, they just need role players, which is what they get with 2- and 3-star talent.
39. Rutgers, Big East (3)
12 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 22
5 star: 0
4 star: 3
3 star: 12
Offense/ Defense: 11/10
Overview: After finishing last in the Big East, it is imperative for the Scarlet Knights to bring in a good recruiting class.
With three four-star recruits, they are well on there way to a good recruiting class. Their top recruits include WR Miles Shuler, OT Keith Lumpkin, and OT Josue Matias.
The best recruit remaining for them is 5-star RB Savon Huggins who is also interested in North Carolina and Rutgers. He has turned down offers from Auburn, Tennessee, and Southern California.
38. Texas A&M, Big 12 (5)
13 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 19
5 star: 0
4 star: 3
3 star: 14
Offense/ Defense: 8/10
Overview: The Aggies come in with three 4-star recruits from the 2011 recruiting class so far. They include S Howard Matthews, S Devonta Burns and DE Shayvion Hatten.
The Aggies are getting consideration from other top-level talent, have a decent amount of mid-level talent, and they could improve their ranking if they get some top-tier recruits.
37. Wisconsin, Big Ten (7)
14 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 20
5 star: 0
4 star: 1
3 star: 17
Offense/ Defense: 9/11
Overview: The Badgers are led by their only 4-star recruit so far, OLB Jake Keefer. Other than that, there isn't anything too special about this Wisconsin recruiting class.
If only they can build on the success of the Packers leading into National Signing Day, which probably won't happen.
There are a few top-level talents considering the Badgers, but no one who is really going to improve their ranking that dramatically.
36. Cincinnati, Big East (2)
15 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 24
5 star: 0
4 star: 1
3 star: 16
Offense/ Defense: 13/11
Overview: 4-star RB Jameel Poteat leads the 2011 Bearcat recruiting class. And like most teams outside the top 25, there really isn't anything special about their class.
The Big East will be wide open until TCU joins, so Cincinnati could have a chance to do some damage, but that could be said about any Big East team.
35. Michigan, Big Ten (6)
16 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 15
5 star: 0
4 star: 5
3 star: 9
Offense/ Defense: 5/9
Overview: Brady Hoke has brought a much-needed attitude change to the Michigan football program. I'm not saying anything bad about Rich Rod, but he and the Wolverines just weren't the right match.
The Wolverines have commits from five 4-star athletes. They include DE Brennen Beyer, MLB Kellen Jones, RB Justice Hayes, and CB Blake Countess.
Michigan needs more quantity to this class. They only have 15 commits so far, but they will need to get that number into the mid-20s.
Come Signing Day, look for the Wolverines to end up with a top-25 class if they are able to get into that commit-range.
34. Penn State, Big Ten (5)
17 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 15
5 star: 0
4 star: 5
3 star: 9
Offense/ Defense: 5/9
Overview: Will Joe Paterno ever stop coaching or recruiting? Probably not, and I don't have any problem with that. The man just simply loves football and he doesn't know what he would do without it.
The Nittany Lions have a solid class led by five 4-star recruits. They include OG Angelo Mangiro, OG Anthony Zettel, WR Bill Belton, OT Donovan Smith and DE Shawn Oakman.
The most important aspect of winning football is having a great offensive line, and Joe Pa has done a great job in recruiting top level offensive line talent.
Whether it was actually Joe Pa that recruiting them, the fact is they are going to Penn State, and they should make Penn State better.
33. Virginia Tech, ACC (6)
18 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 19
5 star: 0
4 star: 4
3 star: 12
Offense/ Defense: 8/10
Overview: The Hokies won the ACC this past year, and looking forward, they hope to do it again by bringing in a great recruiting class.
But they haven't necessarily done that so far. They have four 4-star commits: DE Corey Marshall, CB Kyshoen Jarrett, DT Kris Harley, and WR Lafonte Thourogood.
The Hokies rebounded nicely after losing their first two games, and they will need a strong recruiting class to compete with Florida State, who is bringing in a top-5 class.
32. Kentucky, SEC (11)
19 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 18
5 star: 0
4 star: 3
3 star: 14
Offense/ Defense: 12/6
Overview: Kentucky is the 11th-ranked SEC team on this list. But they are the 32nd-best recruiting class in the nation. If that doesn't go to show how strong the SEC is, nothing else will.
The 11th-ranked SEC class is led by a trio of 4-star recruits. They include OT Darrian Miller, S Glen Faulkner, and TE Jon Davis.
There isn't a much harder business than recruiting in the SEC, and the Wildcats have done a decent job in regards to national recruiting, but it just isn't going to cut it in the SEC.
31. Mississippi State, SEC (10)
20 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 24
5 star: 0
4 star: 3
3 star: 15
Offense/ Defense: 12/12
Overview: Recruiting in the SEC is tough, and Dan Mullen has done a pretty good job. Their 2011 class is led by three 4-star recruits: S Darion Arrington, WR Joe Morrow, and CB Jermaine Whitehead.
They are also in the mix for some more top-tier talent, and if the money is right, they will sign.
Regardless, it is tough to recruit in the SEC, and the Bulldogs are 31st in the national ranking, but 10th in the SEC.
30. Boston College, ACC (5)
21 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 24
5 star: 0
4 star: 2
3 star: 16
Offense/ Defense: 11/12
Overview: Just like recruiting is tough in the SEC, it is tough to recruit in the ACC for completely different reasons. Top level talent wants to play in the best conference, and the ACC just isn't up to par.
With that being said, the Eagles' 2011 class is led by a pair of 4-star recruits: S Albert Louis-Jean and OLB Graham Stewart.
The Eagles were two games out of being in the ACC Championship Game, but their recruiting class isn't going to make a huge impact. They will be fighting the defending Atlantic champs, the Seminoles of Florida State, who are bringing in a top-5 class.
29. Louisville, Big East (1)
22 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 22
5 star: 0
4 star: 3
3 star: 16
Offense/ Defense: 9/12
Overview: If recruiting is tough in the SEC, which funnels down to the ACC, then it is even tougher in the Big East. But the Cardinals have done a good job in recruiting a top-30 class to date.
They bring in three 4-star recruits: S Gerod Holliman, WR DeVante Parker and QB Teddy Bridgewater.
Louisville finished two games out of the Big East last year, but they have the No. 1 class in the Big East to date. The Cardinals will need to hold onto this ranking in the hopes that this can translate onto the football field.
28. Iowa, Big Ten (4)
23 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 20
5 star: 0
4 star: 3
3 star: 15
Offense/ Defense: 12/8
Overview: Face it, recruiting is tough regardless of the conference. The only difference is the exact reason why it is difficult.
The Hawkeyes bring in a trio of 4-star talent. They have verbal commits from the No. 2-ranked OG Jordan Walsh, OLB Rodney Coe, and S Nicholas Law.
Iowa is keying in on a couple other top-tier talent. If they get some more top level talent they could wind up with a top-25 recruiting class.
But that will mean some other teams ahead of them, will need to fall down, so who are those potential teams?
27. Florida, SEC (9)
24 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 15
5 star: 1
4 star: 6
3 star: 8
Offense/ Defense: 7/7
Overview: It shocks me that the Florida Gators are this far down on this ranking, especially being located in the state of Florida and the recruiting hotbed that lies in Florida and Georgia.
Look, I used Florida and Georgia in a sentence and no one got mad at each other. The transition from Urban Meyer to Will Muschamp will be very interesting and it will go a long way in determining the success of the Gators in 2011.
The star of this recruiting class is the best QB prospect in the 2011 class. The Gators were able to lock up a commit from 6-4, 225 pound, 5-star recruit, Jeff Driskel.
But the Gators will be looking to add some more top-tier talent in the final weeks leading up to Signing Day, and if they can do that, expect this team to be ranked in the top 15. Considering they only have 15 commits so far, it's not too far-fetched.
26. Virginia, ACC (4)
25 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 25
5 star: 0
4 star: 2
3 star: 20
Offense/ Defense: 11/14
Overview: The Cavaliers' class in 2011 is led by a pair of 4-star recruits: CB Demetrious Nicholson and WR Brandon Phelps.
I would expect this top-30 ranking to suffer in the final weeks as teams behind them add more recruits.
Virginia will add more recruits, but the way the rankings work, it will not have a drastic impact on their overall value, which is used to determine their ranking.
Other top level talent is considering the Cavaliers, and they will need to add some more stars to make this a solid recruiting class.
25. Mississippi, SEC (8)
26 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 26
5 star: 0
4 star: 3
3 star: 19
Offense/ Defense: 14/12
Overview: Despite their 4-8 record last year, the Rebels have been able to put together a top-30 class, which is quite impressive.
The Rebels/ Black Bears recruiting class is led by 4-star recruits, including WR Tobias Singleton, CB Senquez Golson, and WR Donte Moncrief.
Even if Mississippi recruits well, they will still have to compete against the likes of Alabama, Auburn, LSU, and Arkansas. And that is just in the Western Division of the SEC. So the Rebels have their work cut out for them.
24. Michigan State, Big Ten (3)
27 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 20
5 star: 1
4 star: 3
3 star: 15
Offense/ Defense: 7/13
Overview: The Spartans have locked up a commitment from 5-star DE Lawrence Thomas, and he is at the head of their 2011 class.
Michigan State also has a trio of 4-star recruits in OG Donovan Clark, DE Joel Heath, and RB Onaje Miller.
After finishing 11-2 in 2010, the Spartans have their work cut out for them in the new-look Big Ten competing against the likes of Ohio State, Wisconsin, and new member Nebraska.
They have to compete with those teams not only on the football field, but the recruiting field as well. And so far, they have done enough to have a top 25 recruiting class.
23. Nebraska, Big Ten (2)
28 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 17
5 star: 1
4 star: 7
3 star: 7
Offense/ Defense: 10/7
Overview: Although technically still in the Big 12, for the purposes of this ranking the Cornhuskers are considered members of the Big Ten, because that is where they will be playing their football in 2011.
Nebraska's class is led by the sixth-ranked RB, Aaron Green, who comes out of San Antonio, Texas.
They have also locked up seven commits from other top-level, 4-star talent, which include the second-ranked CB, Charles Jackson, and the seventh-ranked QB, Jamal Turner.
22. TCU, MWC (1)
29 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 25
5 star: 0
4 star: 3
3 star: 17
Offense/ Defense: 12/12
Overview: The Horned Frogs' 2011 class is led by a trio of 4-star WRs in Ladarius Brown, Brandon Carter and Cameron White.
Other than that, TCU is relying on three-star talent to fill up the rest of their class. Already having 25 commits, their ranking will most likely drop as other teams behind them pick up more recruits.
The rankings only take into account the best 25 commits because you are only allowed to give out 25 new scholarships.
21. Tennessee, SEC (7)
30 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 22
5 star: 0
4 star: 4
3 star: 18
Offense/ Defense: 11/11
Overview: The Tennessee recruiting class of 2011 is led by four 4-star recruits. They include eighth-ranked WR DeAnthony Arnett, MLB A.J. Johnson, OT Kyler Kerbyson, and junior college transfer DT Maurice Couch.
But the Volunteers have their work cut out for them being in the SEC and going up against the likes of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.
The SEC East will be wide open next year, and Tennessee needs to bring in some more recruits if they want to have a chance of getting to Atlanta.
20. Stanford, Pac-10 (5)
31 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 18
5 star: 0
4 star: 7
3 star: 11
Offense/ Defense: 10/8
Overview: Even with Jim Harbaugh leaving, the Stanford Cardinal has ended up with a top-20 recruiting class to-date and are looking to improve on that ranking.
Stanford has commits from seven 4-star recruits. The class is led by the seventh-ranked MLB James Vaughters, eighth-ranked S Wayne Lyons, and 13th-ranked QB Kevin Hogan.
The Cardinal should fare well in 2011 regardless of how well they do in recruiting because of the return of Andrew Luck. But recruiting will be important to how well they perform in the future.
19. Washington, Pac-10 (4)
32 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 23
5 star: 2
4 star: 2
3 star: 18
Offense/ Defense: 11/12
Overview: Washington brings in two of the best hands in the nation, receiving commits from a pair of 5-star recruits with second-ranked WR Kasen Williams and second-ranked TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins.
The Huskies also have commits from a pair of 4-star recruits: S James Sample and DE Taniela Tupou.
Washington will have their work cut out for them in the Pac-10 next season, and their recruiting ranking won't improve that drastically. If anything, it might suffer a couple of spots.
18. California, Pac-10 (3)
33 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 18
5 star: 1
4 star: 7
3 star: 10
Offense/ Defense: 8/10
Overview: California is led by their only 5-star recruit in DT Viliami Moala, the second-ranked defensive tackle in the 2011 class.
The Bears have beefed up their class in signing seven 4-star recruits. These players include ninth-ranked DT Mustafa Jalil and OLB Jason Gibson.
Considering the fact that California went 5-7 last year speaks volumes of what this team has done in winning recruiting battles. There is a chance this ranking improves with additional recruits.
17. Oklahoma State, Big 12 (4)
34 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 24
5 star: 1
4 star: 5
3 star: 16
Offense/ Defense: 9/14
Overview: The 2011 Oklahoma State class is led by 5-star RB Herschel Sims, who they were able to steal out of the state of Texas. But every recruit can't go to Texas, and the state of Texas is a hotbed of high school football.
The Cowboys also have commits from five 4-star recruits. The leaders of this group are fifth-ranked QB J.W. Walsh and 11th-ranked OG Travis Cross.
Don't expect Oklahoma State to finish any higher than this ranking because they have already received 24 commits.
16. North Carolina, ACC (3)
35 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 22
5 star: 1
4 star: 5
3 star: 13
Offense/ Defense: 10/11
Overview: Winning in football starts at the offensive line, and the Tar Heels have recruited some of the best offensive linemen in the 2011 class. They have commits from 5-star OT Kiaro Holts and 4-star OG Landon Turner.
Other than that, North Carolina has four other 4-star commits: MLB Travis Hughes, QB Marquise Williams, OLB Norkeithus Otis and DT Sylvester Williams.
15. Texas Tech, Big 12 (3)
36 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 25
5 star: 0
4 star: 7
3 star: 14
Offense/ Defense: 14/11
Overview: The Red Raiders have no 5-star recruits, but they have seven 4-star recruits. The leaders of this class include third-ranked C Tony Morales, fourth-ranked S Marcus Roberson, and fifth-ranked TE Jace Amaro.
Texas Tech went 8-5 last year and will have to compete in the new-look Big 12 that now has 10 teams.
One of the biggest differences will be the fact that they will play every Big 12 team, and there will be no divisions or championship game.
14. Clemson, ACC (2)
37 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 26
5 star: 1
4 star: 7
3 star: 13
Offense/ Defense: 14/11
Overview: The Tigers are bringing in some great talent to play football at Clemson University.
The class is led by 5-star WR Sammy Watkins, who they stole from the state of Florida.
Clemson also has seven 4-star commits, and they are led by in this category by seventh-ranked RB Mike Bellamy, ninth-ranked WR Charone Peake, and ninth-ranked TE Eric MacLain.
13. Arkansas, SEC (6)
38 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 28
5 star: 1
4 star: 5
3 star: 9
Offense/ Defense: 16/12
Overview: The Arkansas recruiting class of 2011 is led by 5-star OT Brey Cook, who has already signed his letter of interest to play football at Arkansas.
The Razorbacks also have commits from several 4-star players. They include S Kelvin Fisher, CB Tevin Mitchel, OT Mitch Smothers, WR Quinta Funderburk and WR Keante Minor.
Just like on the SEC field, the Razorbacks have their work cut out for them because they have to compete in the SEC and have to face Auburn, Alabama, and LSU. And that is just in the SEC West.
12. Oklahoma, Big 12 (2)
39 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 17
5 star: 4
4 star: 4
3 star: 9
Offense/ Defense: 9/8
Overview: The Sooners are one of the favorites for 2011 and their recruiting class has something to do with it.
They are bringing in four 5-star recruits. This includes top-ranked WR Trey Metoyer, third-ranked RB Brandon Williams, fifth-ranked DE Nathan Hughes, and sixth-ranked DT Jordan Phillips.
The Sooners also have four 4-star commits as well. Because Oklahoma only has 17 commits to date, look for their ranking to improve as they get into the mid-20s in terms of recruits.
11. Oregon, Pac-10 (2)
40 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 22
5 star: 0
4 star: 10
3 star: 11
Offense/ Defense: 12/10
Overview: The Ducks bring in 10 4-star recruits, and the fact that they haven't locked up any 5-stars is surprising considering their success and how nice their facilities are.
But the Ducks class is led by a pair of 4-star recruits that include the fourth-ranked OLB and the sixth-ranked MLB.
I wouldn't expect the Ducks to crack the top ten in these rankings, but they shouldn't fall either.
10. South Carolina, SEC (5)
41 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 31
5 star: 1
4 star: 4
3 star: 21
Offense/ Defense: 15/16
Overview: First thing, how does South Carolina have 31 commits? You are only allowed 25, for those that don't know, it's called oversigning and it is a major problem. But onto their actual recruiting class.
Five-star OT Brandon Shell leads the Gamecock recruiting class in 2011, but their goals are on the best prospect coming from this class. And the truth is that this player is the best prospect in recent memory, and for good reason.
I am talking about DE Jadeveon Clowney. All you have to do is watch his highlight tape to see what I am talking about. This guy will win awards and trophies at the collegiate level, Steve Spurrier just hopes it is at South Carolina.
9. Georgia, SEC (4)
42 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 21
5 star: 0
4 star: 11
3 star: 8
Offense/ Defense: 9/11
Overview: The Bulldogs received great news this past week when TE Jay Rome and CB Malcolm Mitchell announced their decisions to come to the University of Georgia.
Even with 11 4-star commits, they have yet to lock up a 5-star recruit, but that might change. Top RB recruit Isaiah Crowell, as well as 5-star OLB Stephone Anthony and DE Ray Drew, are all considering the Bulldogs.
Considering the fact that Georgia has struggled in past years, especially with their 6-7 record last year, it is quite impressive what Mark Richt has done in winning some fierce recruiting battles.
Now if only this could translate onto the field.
8. LSU, SEC (3)
43 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 21
5 star: 3
4 star: 6
3 star: 11
Offense/ Defense: 12/8
Overview: The Tigers have commits from three 5-star athletes so far. They include the No. 1 DT recruit Anthony Johnson, OT La'el Collins and WR Jarvis Landry.
LSU is also bringing in Zack Mettenburger to help out their QB situation. I actually played against him in high school, and he is good.
Other than that, the Tigers should end the 2011 campaign with a top ten recruiting class. They have several top-tier athletes considering Baton Rouge.
7. Southern California, Pac-10 (1)
44 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 24
5 star: 3
4 star: 8
3 star: 8
Offense/ Defense: 8/13
Overview: Even suffering through a bowl ban and a reduction of scholarships, Lane Kiffin has done a great job recruiting top talent to play at USC.
The class is led by the No. 1 CB recruit DeAnthony Thomas. Other 5-star commits include WR Georgia Farmer and DT Jalen Grimble.
The Trojans have put together a solid class, and being ranked in the top ten is impressive considering the punishments they are facing.
6. Auburn, SEC (2)
45 of 50
Class Overview
Commits: 19
5 star: 2
4 star: 10
3 star: 7
Offense/ Defense: 9/10
Overview: Word on the street is that the Auburn national title has brought in a surplus of cash, so recruiting top talent shouldn't be a problem. Sorry, I couldn't resist that line.
But on a more serious note, the Auburn Tigers 2011 class is led so far by 5-star OG Christian Westerman and 5-star QB Kiehl Frazier.
The Tigers hope to lock up some other top talent as well. Top RB recruit Isaiah Crowell is set to visit Auburn this upcoming Saturday and they have several other top recruits considering Auburn—as long as the money is right. Another thing I couldn't resist.
But Auburn should end up with a top 10 class and they will be in the SEC race for the next couple years.
5. Alabama, SEC (1)
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Class Overview
Commits: 21
5 star: 2
4 star: 11
3 star: 8
Offense/ Defense: 10/11
Overview: As of now, the Crimson Tide's 2011 class is led by the best MLB recruit Trey DePriest and best S recruit Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix. But the Crimson Tide hope to add some more 5-star recruits.
They are also in the running, and have a strong chance at getting the best RB, OT, and the overall best prospect of the 2011 class.
The star of this class is DE Jadeveon Clowney, who has NFL-potential coming out of high school. Just look at his highlight tape.
It is safe to say that he will be a two-time All-American and will be drafted in the top five of the NFL Draft following his junior year, barring any major injury.
4. Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Independent (1)
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Class Overview
Commits: 23
5 star: 4
4 star: 5
3 star: 14
Offense/ Defense: 9/13
Overview: The Notre Dame class is led by four 5-star recruits including the No. 1-ranked TE Ben Koyack. Other 5-star recruits include DE Aaron Lynch, DE Ishaq Williams and DE Stephon Tuitt.
This team has recruiting and has commits from three of the top ten defensive ends.
Their best recruit they are going after is 5-star RB Savon Huggins, but he also has interest in North Carolina and Rutgers.
3. Ohio State, Big Ten (1)
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Class Overview
Commits: 21
5 star: 2
4 star: 12
3 star: 7
Offense/ Defense: 9/12
Overview: Word on the street is that some of the top recruits need some tattoos, and the Ohio State University has a great deal for them. Includes the ability to still play in games, and the ability to avoid punishment.
But on a more serious note, the 2011 Buckeyes class is led by 5-star QB Braxton Miller and DE Steve Miller.
They have also brought in 12 four-star recruits who should make an impact on the Buckeyes in 2011.
The Buckeyes were able to make a BCS bowl game last year, and with this recruiting class, they have a realistic shot at repeating that.
2. Florida State, ACC (1)
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Class Overview
Commits: 23
5 star: 4
4 star: 9
3 star: 10
Offense/ Defense: 12/11
Overview: The Seminoles have taken advantage of the recruiting hotbed that lies in the state of Florida. To put what they have done in perspective they have four 5-star recruits, the University of Florida has one.
Not to mention the Gators come in at 27 on this ranking, the Seminoles are at No. 2.
Their class is led by the 5-star recruits; S Karlos Williams, OLB James Wilder, OT Bobby Hart, DE Cornellius Carradine.
The Seminoles are in the running for several top-tier recruits, and should end the 2011 campaign with a top-five class.
1. Texas, Big 12 (1)
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Class Overview
Commits: 22
5 star: 4
4 star: 11
3 star: 7
Offense/ Defense: 12/10
Overview: There is a reason the Longhorns have the No. 1 recruiting classes, and it has everything to do with their 15 4- and 5-star recruits.
The five-star commits include RB Malcolm Brown, MLB Steve Edmond, DT Desmond Jackson, and WR Jaxon Shipley.
Mack Brown was able to do this coming off of a 5-7 record along with losing Will Muschamp to Florida.
With this strong recruiting class, expect the Longhorns to finish 2011 with a much better record.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
