National Signing Day 2011: Ranking All 120 Classes Heading into Wednesday
National Signing Day is almost here. Come Wednesday morning, college coaches will gather around the fax machine waiting on National Letters of Intent to come filing in.
On Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, commits can sign and send their letters of intent to play collegiate football at a particular program.
A couple of housekeeping notes before you actually read this article: These rankings are from Scout.com. I love college football and think I know a lot about it, but I am not going to attempt to rank these teams or rate these players. I just don't have the resources to do that myself.
Second, players can and will change their minds. It has happened before, and it will happen again before signing day. These rankings are compiled with the data that has been provided through the players themselves. However, it can always change.
Players, coaches and fans all across the country eagerly await the decisions from these athletes and for many teams it can make or break them.
Several top-level talents have yet to make their decision including the No. 1 overall prospect, DE Jadeveon Clowney, and the No. 1 ranked RB, Isaiah Crowell.
The SEC is not only the most dominant conference on the playing field, but they are the most dominant in regards to recruiting as well. They occupy 11 of the top 33 spots and four of the top nine.
Recruiting is an important aspect of college football, and here are the rankings of the 120 FCS teams.
120. Florida Atlantic, 119. North Texas, 118. Northern Illinois, 117. Utah State
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Florida Atlantic Class Overview
Commits: 8
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 0
Offense/Defense: 4/4
Overview: They have no recruits ranked any higher than a 3-star, and none of their recruits are nationally ranked, which is why they have the lowest ranking on this list.
North Texas Class Overview
Commits: 11
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 0
Offense/Defense: 4/7
Overview: Just like Florida Atlantic, they have no commits that are above a 2-star rating. The only nationally ranked commits they have are 131st ranked S in Kerry Swarn and 147th ranked DT in Micah Thompson.
Northern Illinois Class Overview
Commits: 8
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 2
Offense/Defense: 5/3
Overview: 3-star and 116th ranked OT Matt Killian, and 3-star JC RB Jamal Womble lead their Class. The only other nationally ranked recruit is the 30th ranked and 2-star C Andrew Ness.
Utah State Class Overview
Commits: 10
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 1
Offense/Defense: 5/4
Overview: The Aggies' class is led by their only 3-star commit to date, Chuck Keeton. Keeton is the 64th ranked QB and has the ability to make an instant impact.
116. New Mexico State, 115. New Mexico, 114. San Jose State, 113. W. Michigan
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New Mexico State Class Overview
Commits: 14
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 1
Offense/Defense: 9/5
Overview: 3-star JC WR Kemonte Bateman leads the Aggies' class. The only other ranked players are 37th ranked C Valerian Ume-Ezeoke and 136th ranked S Austin Franklin.
New Mexico Class Overview
Commits: 14
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 1
Offense/Defense: 9/5
Overview: The class is led by 3-star JC OT Korian Chambers. At 6'6" and 350 pounds he should be able to come in and make an immediate impact.
San Jose State Class Overview
Commits: 9
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 2
Offense/Defense: 5/4
Overview: The class is lead by a pair of 3-star commits, Joseph Gray and Mercy Maston. Gray is the 68th ranked QB, and Maston is the 76th ranked CB.
Western Michigan Class Overview
Commits: 9
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 2
Offense/Defense: 6/3
Overview: Dustin Pringle (3-star and 82nd ranked OG) and Kendrick Roberts (3-star and 177th ranked WR) lead the Western Michigan recruiting class of 2011 right now.
112. Idaho, 111. Eastern Michigan, 110. Troy, 109. Kent State
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Idaho Class Overview
Commits: 13
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 2
Offense/Defense: 7/6
Overview: The Vandals’ class is led by a pair of 3-star commits; Peni Vea (110th ranked S) and MarQuan Major (178th ranked WR).
Eastern Michigan Class Overview
Commits: 13
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 0
Offense/Defense: 5/8
Overview: 3-star and 59th ranked S Sean Cotton leads their class. Other ranked players include Kris Strange (141st ranked CB), Demarius Reed (145th ranked CB) and Darius Scott (266th ranked WR).
Troy Class Overview
Commits: 13
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 5
Offense/Defense: 6/7
Overview: Troy has locked up commitments from five 3-star recruits. 3-star commits DE Marty Stadom, DT Tony Gillespie, and S Brynden Trawick are all junior college transfers. Other 3-star commits include 85th ranked DE Deon Lee and a 117th ranked DE.
Kent State Class Overview
Commits: 14
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 1
Offense/Defense: 9/5
Overview: The best commit is 3-star and fourth-ranked FB Trayion Durham. At 6'0" and 200 pounds he should be able to come in and make an immediate impact.
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108. Miami (OH), 107. Nevada, 106. Arkansas State, 105. Ball State
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Miami (OH) Class Overview
Commits: 16
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 1
Offense/Defense: 8/8
Overview: 87th ranked and 3-star OG Marcus Matthews leads the Redhawks’ recruiting class in 2011. Other ranked commits include 86th ranked QB Andrew Kummer, 97th ranked OG Treran Brown, and 100th ranked TE Andrew Gudeman
Nevada Class Overview
Commits: 14
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 3
Offense/Defense: 7/7
Overview: The Nevada Wolfpack recruiting class of 2011 includes a pair of 3-star recruits; 87th ranked OLB Burton DeKoning and 147th ranked DE Reggie Coates.
Arkansas State Class Overview
Commits: 12
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 1
Offense/Defense: 10/2
Overview: 3-star and 170th ranked WR Kyle Coleman leads the Arkansas State recruiting class in 2011. Other nationally ranked players include Chris Stone (98th ranked TE), Darion Griswold (120th ranked QB) and Quinton Sparkmon (162nd ranked RB).
Ball State Class Overview
Commits: 16
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 1
Offense/Defense: 10/6
Overview: The only 3-star commit of this class is 82nd ranked OT Jalen Schlachter. Ball State also has a commit from the 20th ranked FB Keenan Noel.
104. Hawaii, 103. Middle Tennessee, 102. UAB, 101. Temple
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Hawaii Class Overview
Commits: 15
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 2
Offense/Defense: 6/9
Overview: It can’t be that difficult to recruit players to come play at Hawaii. With that being said, the Hawaii class is led by two 3-star recruits; 64th ranked CB Ellis Henderson and 96th ranked CB Brian Clay.
Middle Tennessee Class Overview
Commits: 13
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 3
Offense/Defense: 6/7
Overview: Middle Tennessee has landed three 3-star recruits. They include 21st ranked J.D. Jones, 68th ranked CB Rodney O’Neal, and 121st ranked CB Jared Singletary.
UAB Class Overview
Commits: 16
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 3
Offense/Defense: 8/6
Overview: Three 3-star recruits lead the Blazers’ 2011 class. Their 3-star commits include 54th ranked TE Kennard Backman, 81st ranked OG Uneik Crumbley, and 94th ranked OLB Shaquille Roberson.
Temple Class Overview
Commits: 13
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 4
Offense/Defense: 7/6
Overview: The 2011 Owls class is led by a foursome of 3-star recruits that include Brandon Chudnoff (52nd ranked TE), Daquan Cooper (124th ranked WR), Khadeem Wilson (142nd ranked DE) and Antonio Belt.
100. Buffalo, 99. Tulane, 98. UNLV, 97. Fresno State
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Buffalo Class Overview
Commits: 13
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 3
Offense/Defense: 7/6
Overview: A trio of 3-star recruits leads the Buffalo class for 2011. They include the 66th ranked DT Kendall Patterson, 108th ranked CB Michael Bonner and 150th ranked DE Joe Felicia.
Tulane Class Overview
Commits: 15
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 3
Offense/Defense: 10/5
Overview: Like most teams in this section of the ranking, they have anywhere from two to four 3-star commits. Tulane has three of them that include QB Nick SanGiacomo, S Renaldo Thomas, and WR Marc Edwards.
UNLV Class Overview
Commits: 13
5-star: 0
4-star: 1
3-star: 2
Offense/Defense: 8/5
Overview: The Rebels are the first team on this ranking with a 4-star commit. JC MLB Princeton Jackson has decided that he wants to go play college football at UNLV.
Fresno State Class Overview
Commits: 12
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 5
Offense/Defense: 4/8
Overview: The Bulldogs have commits from five 3-star recruits. The highest ranked amongst those players include 93rd ranked S Charles Washington, 95th ranked OLB Donavon Lewis, and 98th ranked OLB Ejiro Ederaine.
96. Western Kentucky, 95. Akron, 94. UTEP, 93. Navy
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Western Kentucky Class Overview
Commits: 16
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 3
Offense/Defense: 9/7
Overview: A trio of 3-star recruits leads the Hilltoppers' class. They include RB Quarterrio Morgan (83), CB Eric Robinson-Berry (84), and S Champ Lewis (108).
Akron Class Overview
Commits: 16
5-star: 0
4-star: 1
3-star: 0
Offense/Defense: 11/5
Overview: Akron doesn’t have any 3-star recruits so far, but they have locked in a commitment from a 4-star prospect—the 13th ranked MLB Nick Rossi picked Akron over Temple and West Virginia.
UTEP Class Overview
Commits: 16
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 3
Offense/Defense: 9/7
Overview: The 2011 class is led by a trio of 3-star recruits. They include 56th ranked CB Zoey Williams, 151st ranked DE Roy Robertson, and JC MLB Josh Fely.
Navy Class Overview
Commits: 26
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 1
Offense/Defense: 8/18
Overview: The Midshipmen have 26 commits, but their class only has one 3-star recruit. Bernie Sarra is the 108th ranked DT and is the highest ranked recruit headed to Navy.
92. Army, 91. Florida International, 90. Wyoming, 89. Louisiana
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Army Class Overview
Commits: 28
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 0
Offense/Defense: 19/9
Overview: Army has received no commits from any recruit higher than a 2-star rating. The highest nationally ranked commits include OG David Evans (100), OG Bill Allen (112) and DT Tala Atimalala (128).
Florida International Class Overview
Commits: 21
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 2
Offense/Defense: 10/11
Overview: With a plethora of talent in Florida, FIU was able to grab a couple of 3-star commits. They include OG Derrink Thorpe (55) and CB Corey Tindal (117).
Wyoming Class Overview
Commits: 20
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 1
Offense/Defense: 10/8
Overview: Wyoming has landed the 25th ranked and 3-star QB Adam Pittser. Other than that, Wyoming’s class is full of 2-star recruits
Louisiana Class Overview
Commits: 28
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 2
Offense/Defense: 15/12
Overview: A duo of 3-star recruits leads the 2011 Louisiana recruiting class. They include the 2nd ranked FB Alonzo Harris and the 116th ranked RB Montrel Carter.
88. Louisiana Monroe, 87. East Carolina, 86. Ohio, 85. Air Force
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Louisiana-Monroe Class Overview
Commits: 21
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 2
Offense/Defense: 11/8
Overview: The 2011 ULM class is led by two 3-star recruits. They include the 66th ranked QB in Earnest Carrington and the 199th ranked WR in Prince McJunkins.
East Carolina Class Overview
Commits: 18
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 4
Offense/Defense: 7/11
Overview: The Pirates’ have received commitments from three 3-star recruits. They include MLB Zeek Bigger (55), S Danny Webster (104), S Dominique Lennon (105), and JC DE John Lattimore.
84. Bowling Green, 83. Lousiana Tech, 82. San Diego State, 81. Toledo
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Bowling Green Class Overview
Commits: 18
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 5
Offense/Defense: 11/6
Overview: Bowling Green has room to grow with only 18 commits, but have done fairly well with five 3-star commits. They include C Alex Huettel (25), QB Matt Johnson (56), DE Bryan Baird (139), DE Zach Colvin (144) and OT Christian Piazza.
Louisiana Tech Class Overview
Commits: 21
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 5
Offense/Defense: 10/11
Overview: The strength of this class comes from commitments from three 3-star JC transfers. They include WR Quinton Patton, OT Oscar Johnson, and DE Daniel Hayden. Other 3-star commits include OLB Beau Fitte and DT Malcolm Pichon.
San Diego State Class Overview
Commits: 22
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 4
Offense/Defense: 14/8
Overview: San Diego State has a foursome of 3-star commits. They include QB Chad Jeffries (59), RB Brandon Wright (60), TE Sam Meredith (60) and WR Jemond Hazely (155).
Toledo Class Overview
Commits: 16
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 7
Offense/Defense: 8/7
Overview: Toledo finished two games out last season and they have been able to lock up commitments from seven 3-star recruits. The highest rated players include the 9th ranked K J.D. Detmer and 20th ranked C Kyle Cameron.
76. Memphis, 75. Vanderbilt, 74. Arizona, 73. Purdue
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Memphis Class Overview
Commits: 20
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 5
Offense/Defense: 11/9
Overview: Memphis finished with a 1-11 record and they will only look to improve in 2011. Their recruiting class will hope to help that. The class is led by 3-star recruits DT Terry Redden, RB Artaves Gibson, CB Bobby McCain, WR Ryan Byrd and WR Jermaine Johnson.
Vanderbilt Class Overview
Commits: 13
5-star: 0
4-star: 1
3-star: 7
Offense/Defense: 10/3
Overview: Recruiting in the SEC is tough, and Vanderbilt has the lowest ranked recruiting class by a long shot. The Commodores have seven 3-star recruits, but their class is led by their only 4-star recruit, TE Dillon van der Wal. He is the 12th ranked TE in the country.
Arizona Class Overview
Commits: 15
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 8
Offense/Defense: 7/7
Overview: The Arizona Wildcats will have their work cut out for them in the new look Pac-12 next year. They willl need to put together a better recruiting class in order to compete. They have eight 3-star recruits and MLB Rob Hankins, RB KaDeem Carey and DE Reggie GIlbert lead that group.
Purdue Class Overview
Commits: 14
5-star: 0
4-star: 1
3-star: 7
Offense/Defense: 7/7
Overview: Purdue only has 14 commits and they need to improve that number if they want to compete in the new look Big Ten, but chances are they will have difficulty either way. They have seven 3-star commits, but their class is led by 4-star and 23rd ranked DE Robert Kugler.
80. Rice, 79. Colorado, 78. Southern Miss, 77. Colorado State
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Rice Class Overview
Commits: 16
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 6
Offense/Defense: 9/7
Overview: The Owls' 2011 class is led by six 3-star recruits that they hope will help them compete in C-USA next year. The class is led by OLB Nick Elder, CB Jaylon Finner, DE Michael Sam, and OT Matt Wofford.
Colorado Class Overview
Commits: 14
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 6
Offense/Defense: 7/6
Overview: Colorado will compete in the new look Pac-12 next year and to-date they have the lowest ranked recruiting class. Their 2011 class is led by a trio of 3-star athletes that include C Alex Kelley, MLB Brady Daigh, and OT Marc Mustoe.
72. Connecticut, 71. Central Michigan, 70. Minnesota, 69. Iowa State
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Connecticut Class Overview
Commits: 16
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 9
Offense/Defense: 8/8
Overview: The Huskies haven't recruited like they have just played in a BCS bowl, and playing in the Big East conference has a lot to do with it. They have put together average talent, but they don't have that instant playmaker in this 2011 class.
The class is lead by the 39th ranked S Wilbert Lee and the 63rd ranked OLB Marquise Vann. The Huskies will still be able to compete in the Big East though, because it isn't that good to begin with.
Central Michigan Class Overview
Commits: 24
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 5
Offense/Defense: 14/10
Overview:Central Michigan finished 3-9 last year and they look to improve that record in 2011. Their 2011 recruiting class is led by five 3-star recruits that include TE Ben McCord (58), QB Alex Niznak (60), OT Ramadan Ahmeti (94), DT Shafer Johnson (94) and DT Matt Losiniecki (104).
Minnesota Class Overview
Commits: 19
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 9
Offense/Defense: 12/7
Overview: The Golden Gophers have been able to lock up nine 3-star recruits for their 2011 class. They are led by MLB Quinn Bauducco (40), OG Kyle McAvoy (51), QB Max Shortell (58), and TE Peter Westerhaus (73).
Iowa State Class Overview
Commits: 18
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 10
Offense/Defense: 11/7
Overview: Iowa State finished with a 5-7 record last year, and with this recruiting class they have the ability to improve on that record. They have commits from 10 3-star recruits and they are led by QB Jaquarius Daniels (62), RB DeVondrick Nearly (69), OG Ono Omoile (86) and OT Brock Dagel (89).
68. Kansas State, 67. UCLA, 66. Tulsa, 65. Wake Forest
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Kansas State Class Overview
Commits: 20
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 10
Offense/Defense: 8/11
Overview: Just like Iowa State, Kansas State has commits from 10 3-star recruits. They finished 7-6 last year and will hope for similar results in the new-look Big 12. Their class includes commits from DE Marquel Bryant (75th ranked), OT Boston Stiverson (95) and DT Lamonte Clark (96).
UCLA Class Overview
Commits: 9
5-star: 1
4-star: 0
3-star: 6
Offense/Defense: 6/3
Overview: With only nine recruits, UCLA will need to have a big day on National Signing Day. They should finish with a much higher recruiting classes if they get that number up to around 20. As it stands now, their class is led by 5-star and third ranked QB Brett Hundley.
Tulsa Class Overview
Commits: 21
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 8
Offense/Defense: 10/11
Overview: Tulsa finished one game out of clinching a berth in the C-USA championship game, and they look to improve on that result in the 2011 campaign. Their 2011 class includes eight 3-star recruits that includes CB Kwame Sexton (54th ranked), OLB Trent Martin (64) and OG Garrett Gladd (66).
Wake Forest Class Overview
Commits: 14
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 10
Offense/Defense: 6/8
Overview: Wake Forest finished last in the ACC last year and they hope to improve on that mark with their 2011 recruiting class. It is led by 10 3-star recruits. MLB Anthony Harrell (36), QB Kevin Sousa (42), OG Cody Preble (45) and CB Allen Ramsey (57) lead this group.
64. Pittsburgh, 63. North Carolina State, 62. Arizona State, 61. Central Florida
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Pittsburgh Class Overview
Commits: 16
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 10
Offense/Defense: 9/7
Overview: With the off-season turmoil that the Pittsburgh Panther football program has gone through it is expected that they have a low recruiting ranking, but they have still done a decent job, and they look to improve that on signing day.
As it stands today, the Panthers have commits from 10 3-star recruits. The highest rated amongst those include C Artie Rowell (14th ranked), MLB LaQuentin Smith (23), RB Malcolm Crockett (41) and TE Sam Collura (41).
North Carolina State Class Overview
Commits: 19
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 11
Offense/Defense: 5/11
Overview: The 2011 Wolfpack recruiting class is special, and it's not because of the 11 3-star recruits. It is because they have locked up commitments from the 3rd ranked P Wil Maumann and 3rd ranked K Niklas Sade. Other than that the class is led by DT Chris Jones (47), QB Brian Taylor (57) and TE Benson Browne (65)
60. Indiana, 59. Houston, 58. Boise State, 57. Marshall
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Indiana Class Overview
Commits: 15
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 13
Offense/Defense: 7/8
Overview: Indiana has their work cut out for them after finishing last in the Big Ten last year. The 2011 recruiting class isn't going to produce any players that are going to drastically change that.
They have commitments from 13 3-star recruits and TE Jake Reed (46), MLB Mike Replogle (53), OG Bernard Taylor (69) and RB D'Angelo Roberts (71) lead this class.
Houston Class Overview
Commits: 59
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 12
Offense/Defense: 12/9
Overview: Houston finished two games out of being in the C-USA Championship and they hope to improve on that in the 2011 campaign. Their 2011 class includes 12 3-star commits that are led by QB Bram Kohlhausen, OG Kourtlandt Akins, RB Kenny Farrow and OLB Derrick Mathews.
Boise State Class Overview
Commits: 19
5-star: 0
4-star: 1
3-star: 9
Offense/Defense: 8/10
Overview: Boise State will have their work cut out for them in the 2011 season and it starts with their opening game against Georgia. In recruiting, they are led by 4-star JC S Dextrell Simmons. The Broncos have to replace a lot of starting talent, and they hope their nine 3-star recruits can help them out.
Marshall Class Overview
Commits: 26
5-star: 0
4-star: 0
3-star: 9
Offense/Defense: 16/9
Overview: Marshall finished 2010 with a 5-7 record. They hope their 2011 recruiting class can help them improve on that mark. Their class includes nine 3-star recruits that include OLB Armonze Daniel (26), MLB Deon Meadows (48), TE Rakim Reed (56) and OT Jamar Lewter (59).
56. BYU, 55. Duke, 54. Washington State, 53. South Florida
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BYU Class Overview
Commits: 18
5 star: 0
4 star: 0
3 star: 10
Offense/ Defense: 7/11
Overview: BYU will be leaving the MWC and will be an independent in the 2011 season. On the recruiting side, their class includes 10 3-star recruits. They are led by FB Manoa Pikula (eighth-ranked), TE Colby Jorgensen (29) and MLB Austin Heder (30).
Duke Class Overview
Commits: 19
5 star: 0
4 star: 0
3 star: 11
Offense/ Defense: 7/11
Overview: The Blue Devils finished in last place of the ACC Coastal last year and it will be difficult to improve on that mark. Their 2011 recruiting class includes 11 3-star recruits and they are led by P Will Monday (1), OG Lucas Patrick (50) and CB Jared Boyd (51).
Washington State Class Overview
Commits: 23
5 star: 0
4 star: 1
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.
South Florida Class Overview
Commits: 19
5 star: 0
4 star: 1
3 star: 10
Offense/ Defense: 11/8
Overview: South Florida competes in a conference where anyone can win it. They finished two games out last year and will look to come closer next year.
Their 2011 class includes 10 3-star recruits, but they are led by 4-star and 46th ranked WR Andre Davis. Other top players include 3-star WR Ruben Gonzalez, S Corian Hamilton, CB Kenneth Durden and OT Darrell Williams (all 3-star commits).
52. Maryland, 51. Northwestern
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Maryland Class Overview
Commits: 20
5 star: 0
4 star: 0
3 star: 12
Offense/ Defense: 10/10
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.
Northwestern Class Overview
Commits: 17
5 star: 0
4 star: 0
3 star: 15
Offense/ Defense: 12/5
Overview: Northwestern finished with a 7-6 mark in 2011 and they will have their work cut out for them in the new look Big Ten.
Nothing really stands out about this class, but they do hold commitments from 15 3-star recruits. RB Jordan Perkins, OG Geoff Mogus, and QB Zack Oliver lead the Wildcats' 2011 recruiting class.
50. Utah, Pac-12 (7)
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Commits: 17
5 star: 0
4 star: 1
3 star: 13
Offense/ Defense: 10/7
Overview: The Utes' 2011 class is led by their only 4-star commit to date, RB Harvey Langi.
Other than that, Utah has received commitments from 13 3-star recruits, and that group is led by OG Isaac Asiata, OG Siaosi Aiono, MLB Jared Norris and RB Jarrell Oliver.
They only have 17 commits so if that number can get into the twenties look for the Utes' ranking to improve.
49. Baylor, Big 12 (8)
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Commits: 18
5 star: 0
4 star: 2
3 star: 11
Offense/ Defense: 9/9
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.
48. West Virginia, Big East (5)
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Commits: 22
5 star: 0
4 star: 0
3 star: 16
Offense/ Defense: 12/10
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.
One of those prospects is 23rd-ranked CB Dominique Terrell
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.
47. Oregon State, Pac-12 (6)
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Commits: 22
5 star: 0
4 star: 1
3 star: 14
Offense/ Defense: 11/11
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.
46. Missouri, Big 12 (7)
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Commits: 17
5 star: 1
4 star: 1
3 star: 13
Offense/ Defense: 7/10
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.
45. SMU, C-USA (1)
24 of 68
Commits: 28
5 star: 0
4 star: 1
3 star: 12
Offense/ Defense: 11/17
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.
44. Syracuse, Big East (4)
25 of 68
Commits: 29
5 star: 0
4 star: 1
3 star: 14
Offense/ Defense: 16/11
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.
43. Illinois, Big Ten (8)
26 of 68
Commits: 27
5 star: 0
4 star: 0
3 star: 17
Offense/ Defense: 17/9
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.
42. Miami (Fla.), ACC (8)
27 of 68
Commits: 15
5 star: 1
4 star: 2
3 star: 11
Offense/ Defense: 3/10
Overview: Seeing Miami so far down this list is surprising especially with the amount of talent that lies in the state of Florida.
The 2011 class is led by 5-star and third-ranked DE Anthony Chickilo. Other top tier talent includes a pair of 4-star recruits: CB Kevin Grooms and MLB Denzel Perryman.
The Hurricanes only have 15 commits so look for their ranking to improve alongside an increase in commits come signing day.
41. Cincinnati, Big East (3)
28 of 68
Commits: 23
5 star: 0
4 star: 1
3 star: 14
Offense/ Defense: 13/10
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.
40. Georgia Tech, ACC (7)
29 of 68
Commits: 22
5 star: 0
4 star: 0
3 star: 16
Offense/ Defense: 14/7
Overview: This is one of the last teams 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. Texas A&M, Big 12 (6)
30 of 68
Commits: 20
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.
38. Wisconsin, Big Ten (7)
31 of 68
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.
37. Kansas, Big 12 (5)
32 of 68
Commits: 26
5 star: 0
4 star: 0
3 star: 20
Offense/ Defense: 13/12
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.
36. Louisville, Big East (2)
33 of 68
Commits: 19
5 star: 0
4 star: 3
3 star: 14
Offense/ Defense: 9/9
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-40 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.
35. Boston College, ACC (6)
34 of 68
Commits: 23
5 star: 0
4 star: 1
3 star: 16
Offense/ Defense: 11/11
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 one 4-star recruit: S Albert Louis-Jean. They recently had 4-star OLB Graham Stewart, but he decommited and commited to Florida.
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.
T33. Mississippi State, SEC (10)
35 of 68
Commits: 25
5 star: 0
4 star: 2
3 star: 16
Offense/ Defense: 13/12
Overview: Recruiting in the SEC is tough, and Dan Mullen has done a pretty good job. Their 2011 class is led by two 4-star recruits: S Darion Arrington and WR Joe Morrow.
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.
T33. Penn State, Big Ten (6)
36 of 68
Commits: 15
5 star: 0
4 star: 6
3 star: 8
Offense/ Defense: 9/5
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 six 4-star recruits. They include OG Angelo Mangiro, OG Anthony Zettel, WR Bill Belton, OT Donovan Smith, DE Shawn Oakman and WR Matt Zanellato.
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.
32. Virginia Tech, ACC (5)
37 of 68
Commits: 20
5 star: 0
4 star: 4
3 star: 13
Offense/ Defense: 9/10
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 and they currently hold the top spot on these rankings.
31. Rutgers, Big East (1)
38 of 68
Commits: 22
5-star: 1
4-star: 3
3-star: 13
Offense/Defense: 10/11
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 their way to a good recruiting class. Their top recruits include WR Miles Shuler, OT Keith Lumpkin, and OT Josue Matias.
Rutgers received great news this past weekend with the verbal commitment of the fourth-ranked RB in 2011, Savon Huggins.
30. Kentucky, SEC (10)
39 of 68
Commits: 19
5 star: 0
4 star: 3
3 star: 15
Offense/ Defense: 12/7
Overview: Kentucky is the 10th-ranked SEC team on this list. But they are the 30th-best recruiting class in the nation. If that doesn't go to show how strong the SEC is, nothing else will.
The 10th-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.
29. Iowa, Big Ten (5)
40 of 68
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 of other top-tier talents. 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?
28. Michigan, Big Ten (4)
41 of 68
Commits: 17
5-star: 0
4-star: 5
3-star: 12
Offense/Defense: 6/10
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 17 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.
27. Michigan State, Big Ten (3)
42 of 68
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 30 recruiting class.
26. Virginia, ACC (4)
43 of 68
Commits: 26
5-star: 0
4-star: 2
3-star: 21
Offense/Defense: 12/14
Overview: The Cavaliers' class in 2011 is led by a pair of 4-star recruits: CB Demetrious Nicholson and WR Brandon Phelps. They have 21 3-star recruits which is a great number for them.
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. Nebraska, Big Ten (2)
44 of 68
Commits: 19
5-star: 1
4-star: 7
3-star: 8
Offense/Defense: 11/7
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.
24. Florida, SEC (9)
45 of 68
Commits: 16
5-star: 1
4-star: 7
3-star: 8
Offense/Defense: 7/8
Overview: It shocks me that the Florida Gators are this far down on this ranking, especially being located in the state of Florida among 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 16 commits so far, it's not too far-fetched.
23. TCU, MWC (1)
46 of 68
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.
22. Mississippi, SEC (8)
47 of 68
Commits: 27
5-star: 0
4-star: 4
3-star: 19
Offense/Defense: 14/13
Overview: Despite their 4-8 record last year, the Rebels have been able to put together a Top 25 class, which is quite impressive.
The Rebels/ Black Bears recruiting class is led by 4-star recruits, including WR Tobias Singleton, CB Senquez Golson, WR Donte Moncrief and MLB C.J. Johnson.
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.
21. Stanford, Pac-12 (5)
48 of 68
Commits: 19
5-star: 0
4-star: 7
3-star: 12
Offense/Defense: 10/9
Overview: Even with Jim Harbaugh leaving, the Stanford Cardinal have 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.
T19. Texas Tech, Big 12 (4)
49 of 68
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.
T19. North Carolina, ACC (3)
50 of 68
Commits: 22
5-star: 1
4-star: 5
3-star: 14
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.
18. Clemson, ACC (2)
51 of 68
Commits: 25
5-star: 1
4-star: 6
3-star: 14
Offense/Defense: 14/10
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 six 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.
17. Tennessee, SEC (7)
52 of 68
Commits: 23
5-star: 0
4-star: 5
3-star: 18
Offense/Defense: 12/11
Overview: The Tennessee recruiting class of 2011 is led by five 4-star recruits. They include eighth-ranked WR DeAnthony Arnett, MLB A.J. Johnson, OT Kyler Kerbyson, RB Marlin Lane 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.
16. Oklahoma State, Big 12 (3)
53 of 68
Commits: 25
5-star: 1
4-star: 5
3-star: 17
Offense/Defense: 9/15
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 25 commits.
15. California, Pac-12 (4)
54 of 68
Commits: 20
5-star: 1
4-star: 8
3-star: 10
Offense/Defense: 9/11
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 eight 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.
14. Arkansas, SEC (6)
55 of 68
Commits: 29
5-star: 1
4-star: 5
3-star: 19
Offense/Defense: 16/13
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's just in the SEC West.
13. Oklahoma, Big 12 (2)
56 of 68
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. Oklahoma only has 17 commits, and if that number increases, so will their ranking.
12. South Carolina, SEC (5)
57 of 68
Commits: 30
5-star: 1
4-star: 4
3-star: 20
Offense/Defense: 15/15
Overview: First of all, how does South Carolina have 30 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.
5-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—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.
11. Washington, Pac-12 (3)
58 of 68
Commits: 26
5-star: 2
4-star: 4
3-star: 18
Offense/Defense: 13/13
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 four 4-star recruits: S James Sample, RB Bishop Sankey, OT Paulay Asiata, 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.
10. Oregon, Pac-12 (2)
59 of 68
Commits: 23
5-star: 0
4-star: 11
3-star: 11
Offense/Defense: 12/11
Overview: The Ducks bring in 11 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 Colt Lyeria and the sixth-ranked MLB Anthony Wallace.
The Ducks will float around the 10-spot in these recruiting rankings.
9. LSU, SEC (4)
60 of 68
Commits: 22
5-star: 3
4-star: 7
3-star: 11
Offense/Defense: 12/9
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 10 recruiting class. They also have several top-tier athletes considering Baton Rouge.
8. Alabama, SEC (3)
61 of 68
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 for the best RB, OT, and the overall best prospect of the 2011 class.
The overall 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, but he has at least three years of college ball.
7. Georgia, SEC (2)
62 of 68
Commits: 23
5-star: 1
4-star: 11
3-star: 9
Offense/Defense: 10/12
Overview: The Bulldogs received great news last week when 5-star DE Ray Drew announced his decision 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 4-star DE Jeoffrey Pagan, 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.
6. Southern California, Pac-12 (1)
63 of 68
Commits: 25
5-star: 3
4-star: 9
3-star: 8
Offense/Defense: 10/12
Overview: Although USC is suffering through a bowl ban and a reduction of scholarships, Lane Kiffin has done a great job recruiting top talent to play at Southern California.
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 10 is impressive considering the punishments they are facing.
5. Notre Dame, Independent (1)
64 of 68
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 great recruiting and has commits from three of the top ten defensive ends.
4. Ohio State, Big Ten (1)
65 of 68
Commits: 22
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 Ohio State University has a great deal for them. It also 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.
3. Auburn, SEC (1)
66 of 68
Commits: 22
5-star: 2
4-star: 12
3-star: 8
Offense/Defense: 11/11
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. Auburn should end up with a top 5 class and they will be in the SEC race for the next couple years.
2. Texas, Big 12 (1)
67 of 68
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 second-rated recruiting class, 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 season along with losing Will Muschamp to Florida. With this strong recruiting class, expect the Longhorns to finish 2011 with a much better record.
1. Florida State, ACC (1)
68 of 68
Class Overview
Commits: 25
5-star: 4
4-star: 10
3-star: 11
Offense/Defense: 13/12
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 only has one.
Not to mention, the Gators come in at 24 on this ranking, while the Seminoles occupy the top spot.
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.
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