National Signing Day 2011: Power Ranking the SEC Recruiting Classes
Another National Signing Day has come and gone. The first Wednesday in February is always a unique day around the college football world, and today was no exception. In the Southeastern states, recruiting can get quite nasty.
The screaming of recruiting national champions can be heard from the rooftops of a few select fanbases. With many recruiting services that are out there to make the final decision, it is difficult to stamp "No. 1" on any class. However, as every year, there are some stellar classes that have filled out today as the day drew to a close.
The most talented players in the country are known to roam the SEC on Saturdays in the fall, and recruiting is the lifeblood for the schools inside the Southeastern Conference. This February, like every other, has started with hopes and will finish with dreams as the 2011 classes fill out.
Let’s take a look at how the classes have filled out so far and where they look to be ranked inside the conference.
BREAKING NEWS 1806 CT 2/5/11
***Per Arie Kouandjio Cyrus will be attending the University of Alabama.***
Click here to track all the top recruits and their destinations.
12. Vanderbilt
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Vanderbilt walked into signing day with a lot on its plate. After being just one year removed from losing its coach, it lost the interim coach as well. Vandy has never had a powerhouse reputation when it came to football, but these past two years have no doubt set the program back even further.
Enter James Franklin. Franklin stepped onto the scene for the Commodores and hit the recruiting trail hard. Unfortunately, he has not inherited a slammed program with star-studded talent at his doorstep, but there is room for Franklin to build.
This class is a place for Franklin to hang his hat and start building his team to what he wants it to be. Dillon van der Wal is a huge tight end prospect for the 'Dores, and Lafonte Thourogood was a big pickup at the quarterback position.
Some big bodies were picked up at the offensive line positions as well with Jake Bernstein, James Lewis and others signing on. How this class is coached up could say a lot in a few years, but look for some to make impacts early and often.
11. Kentucky
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The Wildcats find themselves in pretty good position after signing day. They are ranked 11th in this top 12, but the ‘Cats did finish strong.
Kentucky was able to pull a wide receiver by the name of Daryl Collins out of the state of Alabama. Collins was previously committed to Alabama, but after not being assured of where he stood as signing day loomed, Collins took his services to Kentucky. Collins has tremendous upside and might see some time early for the Wildcats this season.
Kentucky also landed Glenn Faulkner, a 6'2" defensive back out of East St. Louis, Illinois. Faulkner has tremendous upside and good build. Adding a little more weight to his frame would get him into the 210 range and could make him a very big threat from the safety position in the future.
The wide receiver position and both lines were a need that this class did meet for Joker Phillips and crew. This staff has done well on the field and off in its first full season in Kentucky. If the path is being laid, so to speak, they need to keep on working in line because Phillips has a plan, and it seems to be working.
10. Mississippi State
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It is not often that you can look at a class and really say that it imploded. In no way is this a discredit to the young guys that did sign with the Bulldogs today, but you know the coaches have to be a bit disappointed.
As signing day turned the corner and teams rang in the New Year, Mississippi State felt darn good about their class. C.J. Johnson was one that they had penciled in, as well as Jermaine Whitehead. Both went elsewhere.
It was thought that P.J. Jones was going elsewhere, but in the end he stuck with the Bulldogs. Coach Dan Mullen had a respectable class when it finished, but losing on a 5-star and 4-star is never in the plans. Losing those recruits to Western Division rivals doesn’t help either.
When it all came to a close, State finished with a solid haul at the line positions and in the offensive specialist roles. With the hope to close stronger on the defensive side of the ball, however, this 2011 class can’t be seen as complete. Mullen will need a much better class or some huge development, especially at the linebacker position, if he wants to be in it for the long haul.
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9. Arkansas
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If there is an oversigning issue in college football, Arkansas missed the memo, signing 30 today. How the numbers shake out is of no concern here—how the talent lay out is.
Brey Cook will front this class as a huge offensive lineman pickup for coach Bobby Petrino. Cook was offered by much of the SEC and schools scattered throughout the country. He may be an impact guy early for the Razorbacks.
Brandon Allen is another offensive guy that was handpicked by Petrino. A quarterback that can understand his system and make quick decisions is what makes the offense tick. Allen should be a good fit for what Petrino is looking for.
On the defensive side of the ball, it seemed that Arkansas has every position in the front seven up for grabs. With four defensive ends, three defensive tackles and four linebackers in the fold, it’s a sure sign the interior of the defense needs some support.
Despite only signing two defensive backs in this class, Arkansas got a talent in Tevin Mitchel out of Texas and a rangy Canadian, Brett Weir. Yes, Weir is from London, Ontario.
With needs being met, that should be all that could be asked for, but losing some in-state talent again this year is a huge swing and miss for Petrino. Look for Bobby to really try to clamp down on in-state talent in the next couple of years, but with Gus Malzahn on the Auburn staff, it won’t be easy.
8. South Carolina
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With the recent success on the field, the Gamecocks have to have had some impact on the recruiting trail. Last year, keeping Marcus Lattimore home was a huge pull for coach Steve Spurrier. This recruiting class is hopefully not over just yet, as the top-rated player in the country is holding out until Valentine's Day.
Jadeveon Clowney is a guy that could be the missing piece to a defense that Ellis Johnson could make vicious. Keeping Clowney in-state and adding him to this class will shoot Carolina up the rankings.
But more important than recruiting national titles are wins on the field, and with the footprint that Spurrier is trying to make in the recruiting inroads, the wins should continue to come.
Looking at guys that have signed with Carolina, however, the lines on both sides of the ball were a major focus. Picking up Phillip Dukes was a big take for the Gamecocks, as was Brandon Shell.
The defensive back class was anchored by Brison Williams, who may have some shot at an early impact. Two big and rangy tight ends inked with Carolina as well, and a few other offensive skill positions were filled. After last season’s haul and with few leaving on that side of the ball this coming year, however, defense was the name of the game.
7. Ole Miss
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Ole Miss finished this recruiting season better than most expected. A few positions of need for the Rebel Black Bears were in the defensive backfield, at linebacker and on the offensive line.
Ole Miss closed those positions very well today especially with the pickup of 5-star C.J. Johnson. He no doubt headlined a very respectable class for 2011. Picking up talent across the offensive front was accomplished with guys like Aaron Morris and Mitch Hall among others.
The most impressive pick, however, has to be the receiver class that Ole Miss and coach Houston Nutt landed this day in February. With five new additions at the receiver position, and three being rated as 4-stars according to Rivals.com, Nutt is no doubt hoping that Nathan Stanley can step it up in 2011.
6. Florida
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This was a tough battle for fifth and sixth place. Florida gets the nod for middle of the pack, however, after the ball dropped today. Florida had some big pickups with guys like Jeff Driskel and Mike Blakely on board. But when it comes down to it, the depth at Tennessee was too much.
For those who missed Blakely on ESPN early in the season, it was unbelievable to say the least. Blakely is a running back that can come in and make an instant impact for the Gators, which is something the Gators will need this season.
Driskel should not be looking for much playing time too early with John Brantley as the incumbent and Trey Burton getting some reps this past season, but with new coach Will Muschamp comes change, so Burton may end up at wideout to make room for Driskel in the lineup sooner than later.
On the defensive side of the ball Florida had a great day, taking in six talented defensive backs, three of which were rated 4-stars. Marcus Roberson was the surprise of the class with once being committed to Texas Tech and Auburn, only to sign with Florida on signing day. So goes the story of recruiting.
5. Tennessee
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Derek Dooley looked to move into today and make an impact. Dooley needed an impact after all the bad luck that got worked out last season. It looks like the sun shined down on Rocky Top today, as the Volunteers moved into the top half of the SEC with their recruiting class.
Led by huge offensive line pickups in Antonio Richardson and Marcus Jackson, Tennessee looked to continue to build depth at a largely depleted position. Early playing time should not be an issue for these guys, as the depth is needed to compete in the SEC.
A solid defensive class was hashed out by Dooley and Co., as they landed five defensive backs with three being 4-stars. Izauea Lanier is a guy that is listed by most as an athlete but projects very well in the defensive backfield as well at the collegiate level.
Tennessee also made a small splash by landing former lifelong Clemson commit Marlin Lane. Lane is rumored to have had his fair share of off the field issues already, so some steered clear, but Dooley seems confident enough to take a talent when he sees one. Lane could be very special at the next level, assuming he can stay on the good side of Dooley.
4. Georgia
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Mark Richt found his dream team on February 2nd. He signed one of the best classes in the nation on Wednesday. Isaiah Crowell even brought his own bulldog to the ceremony to show his affiliation with the in-state Dawgs.
Crowell was a premier pickup for this Georgia staff. A breakout running back has seemed to be the missing piece since the loss of Knowshon Moreno. How Crowell adjusts will determine whether Georgia will be able to balance its offensive attack this season.
Ray Drew announced his collegiate decision this past Friday. To no surprise he chose the Bulldogs and said that it was his goal to close the class strong. With pickups like Malcolm Mitchell and Damian Swann, it seems that the Bulldogs filled their mission.
There is no doubt that Richt found his dream team this Wednesday. How that dream turns into reality is what really matters.
3. LSU
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LSU finds itself in a hotbed of talent every season. Being a premier team in a state with no competition helps you pull your fair share. Les Miles has been able to ward off outside influences for the most part in his tenure and has held on to much of his in-state talent. This season was no different.
LSU closed the day with a huge offensive line class. Anchored by La’El Collins and filled out with guys like Trai Turner and Corey White, the Bayou Bengals have some depth to lean on for the next four years on the offensive line.
Looking for an impact player at the quarterback was a must for the Tigers after spotty play led LSU down the defeated path or very close to it far too often last season. With a JUCO guy like Zach Mettenberger coming in to fight for the starting nod, it has to be assumed that a change is looming.
Look for Mettenberger to take the reins from the get-go, but Stephen Rivers is the future.
2. Alabama
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Alabama was able to pull some talent across the board at multiple positions. Swaying Brent Calloway back away from Auburn was a huge pull. For the Tide, the focus was defensive end and pile on the talent, and they succeeded at accomplishing both.
The defensive backfield for Alabama is young, so not much was needed in this class, but landing Hasean Clinton-Dix was huge for this 2011 class. Dix is a very talented safety that is sure to make an impact at some point.
Picking up running back Demetrius Hart was another huge pull and a surprising pickup for the Tide, to say the least. Hart is an early enrollee and has a tremendous quickness that will be interesting to watch in the Alabama screen game.
Some big-time receivers like Marvin Shinn and Danny Woodson help the offensive side of the class peak over the top. Look for both of these guys to possibly make an impact early. Most likely it will be Shinn.
Calloway is a guy that originally had committed to Alabama seemingly out of middle school but swayed and jumped to Auburn in late January. Most thought that whoever got the final visit would get the LOI, and Bama got that last visit. Interestingly enough, Auburn pegged him as a runner, and supposedly so does Bama, but look for that to shift to linebacker sooner than later.
1. Auburn
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Auburn entered the day closing out the 2011 class extremely strong. With the commitments of three 4-stars and a 5-star in the month of January alone, Auburn was stealing the spotlight across the country. The national championship has begun to pay its dividends.
Auburn entered the day expecting to sign 25 and so far has 24 LOI on hand. If the 25th is mailed in the near future, Auburn will have the No. 1 class. If it isn’t, they fall behind LSU, Georgia and Alabama in my opinion. With Cyrus Kouandjio they stay No. 1.
The national television commitment, and then non-signing, is surprising to say the least, but hey, the guy needs to be sure.
Outside of Kouandjio, Auburn has arguably one of the best offensive line classes in the nation. Pulling in early enrollees Thomas O’Reilly and Reese Dismukes was huge. Greg Robinson is another big pickup out of the state of Louisiana for Auburn across the line. Christian Westerman was another late addition taken from Arizona and a guy that looks to make an instant impact.
With Kiehl Frazier and Tre Mason as additions to the Tigers backfield, the offensive side filled out nicely for the Tigers.
The defensive backfield for the Tigers in this class is no doubt the No. 1 defensive back class in the nation. With heavy hitters like Robenson Therezie, Erique Florence and Jermaine Whitehead and the cover skills of Jonathan Rose, this class solidified itself at the top.
In Closing
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Putting everything into perspective, these top eight or so are among some of top 20 classes in the nation. Once you make it into the top 10 and easily top five, the talent is interchangeable. The SEC is the strongest conference in the nation, and it will continue to be. It all starts with recruiting.
The recruiting game is still not over with some major recruits still out there left undecided. Two major recruits would be Cyrus Kouandjio and Jadeveon Clowney. Both have the opportunity to impact the SEC in a number of ways. The most shocking is that both could end up at Alabama.
With that finish Alabama takes the first place vote from all. With Kouandjio landing at Auburn and Clowney to Carolina, the Gamecocks may shift, but Auburn would solidify itself at the top.
The next two weeks will finish the amazing whirlwind of a day that we called National Signing Day.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
