National Signing Day 2011: FSU and the Top 10 Programs in the Driver's Seat
National Signing Day 2011 approaches and soon enough, we'll be able to look back on the recruiting classes across the country and assess which teams addressed problems and those that didn't fix their needs.
The recruiting game is undoubtedly important and vital to any college football program. It serves as a chance to pick up players in order to address issues seen on the field in a prior year with the hopes of improving and moving up the ranks.
It's also a chance for national powers to stay at the top of the rankings with the addition of immediate-impact style freshmen who can jump right in from the start and make a difference for years to come.
Some schools have addressed their needs this recruiting season and others haven't.
As National Signing Day 2011 approaches, here are the top 10 programs in the driver's seat for next year.
10. USC
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Despite the bowl ban and the limiting of scholarships, Lane Kiffin and Co. have continued to put together a stellar class at USC.
The Trojans have some of the nation's top wide receivers in 5-star George Famer and 4-star Victor Blackwell, a 4-star quarterback in Max Wittek and a solid core of defensive talent with 4-star defensive tackle Antwaun Woods and 4-star defensive end Greg Townsend, Jr.
9. LSU
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LSU has remained among the top recruiting classes in the country while battling for recruits along with Alabama, Auburn, Texas and Georgia.
The Tigers have top-ranked defensive tackle Anthony Johnson and No. 3 offensive tackle La'El Collins secured for next year and beyond, which will add plenty of consistency on both sides of the ball.
8. Clemson
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The Tigers needed a big year on the recruiting front and that's exactly what they got.
Clemson has three of the nation's top receivers committed for next year in Charone Peake, Sammy Watkins and Martavis Bryant. The Tigers also have a defensive presence in Jeoffrey Pagan and Lateek Townsend, offering plenty of balance moving forward.
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7. Georgia
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The Bulldogs are another team that was in desperate need of a solid recruiting class. Luckily for Mark Richt and Co. that's exactly what they got.
Ray Drew, Jay Rome, Malcolm Mitchell and Damian Swann lead a group of immediate-impact freshmen. The Bulldogs also have yet to hear from top-ranked running back Isaiah Crowell, who is considering Georgia and Alabama.
6. Notre Dame
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The Irish are in a great spot. They just wrapped up a solid year on the field and appear to have backed up their improvement with a solid recruiting class.
For Notre Dame to get back to the top of the polls, the Irish needed to make a splash. With Stephon Tuitt, Aaron Lynch, Ishaq Williams and many other talented recruits, it appears that the splash was made.
5. Oregon
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After reaching the national championship game, the Ducks clearly have something to build upon.
They'll add a solid class to what will be a viable group for years to come. No. 2 athlete Devon Blackmon and 4-star wide receiver Tacoi Sumler lead the way for the Ducks heading into 2011.
4. Alabama
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The Tide fell short of defending their National Championship this season, but they've made strides on the recruiting trail to get back there.
No. 2 safety Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix, No. 3 defensive end Xzavier Dickson and 4-star outside linebacker Trey DePriest will surely be key cogs in Alabama's success this year and beyond.
3. Auburn
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Much like Oregon, the Tigers had plenty to build off of.
And Auburn surely added to its National Championship squad with some of the best talent across the nation.
Top offensive tackle Christian Westerman leads a group of talented recruits, who'll help Auburn remain in the mix in the SEC and for the national championship.
2. Texas
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The Longhorns had an uncharacteristically down season on the field. But fans of Texas should take comfort in yet another terrific recruiting year.
All told, the Longhorns are set for years to come with another deep and talented class.
Top-ranked running back Malcolm Brown leads the way along with top-ranked cornerback Quandre Diggs.
1. Florida State
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It only make sense that the nation's best recruiting class also sets up its program to be in the driver's seat.
Immediate-impact freshman and ultimate upside recruits make for plenty of balance and sustainability moving forward for Florida State.
Led by top-ranked safety Karlos Williams and No. 1 tight end Nick O'Leary, the Seminoles' 2011 recruiting class has balance across the field.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
