College Football National Signing Day: Biggest Impact Classes
College football's national signing day 2011 is in the books. Looking at the top 25 classes, one will find the usual cast of characters. No non-BCS automatic qualifiers will crash this party. Powerhouse schools from powerhouse conferences always pull the powerhouse recruits.
Who were the big winners this year? What class will have the greatest impact on their program?
Florida State: Back to the Future
1 of 10
While it is never a surprise to see Florida State high on a signing class list, this batch of freshmen comes to the Seminoles at a bit of a crossroad for the program.
Sure, the team was 10-4 last season and brought home the Chick-fil-A bowl title. Sure, most schools would be happy with that outcome. But this is Florida State. For the fanbase to be happy, they need to contend for BCS games and titles.
The focus in this class seems to be defense and speed. Defensive tackle Tim Jernigan recorded 77 tackles during his senior year at Columbia High School in Lake City, Fla., with nearly half of those for loses. Defensive end Anthony Chicklillo recorded 18 sacks for Alonso High in Tampa.
USC: Fixing the Holes
2 of 10
USC might still be in the NCAA doghouse, but that didn't stop a bevy of quality talent from signing on the dotted line. The Trojans struggled to get to eight wins last season and that will not cut it in Los Angeles.
The Trojans signed the top wide receiver prospect (George Farmer), the No. 3 quarterback (Max Wittek) and the No. 5 defensive tackle (Antwaun Woods).
With Oregon fast becoming a national powerhouse, USC desperately needed to keep the blue chippers coming to keep pace in the expanding Pac-10.
Clemson Tigers: Signing Day Surprise
3 of 10
After a 6-7 season that ended with a loss in the Meinke Car Care Bowl to South Florida, Clemson needed a top-tier recruiting class.
They got exactly that.
Tony Steward, the nation's top linebacker recruit, joins a defense that ranked 18 in the nation in scoring. Wide receiver Charone Peake has the size and playmaking ability to make an immediate impact. Running back Mike Bellamy scored 107 touchdowns for Charlotte High School in Punta Gorda, Fla.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Notre Dame: Getting Defensive
4 of 10
Notre Dame's Brian Kelly has always been regarded as a talented offensive coach. The knock has always been his defense.
That might change after signing this class.
After an 8-5 season that included ugly losses to Michigan, Michigan State, Navy and Tulsa, Kelly goes into season two at the helm with a focus on beefing up his defensive front.
The Irish snagged several talented defensive ends. Aaron Lynch finally decided on Notre Dame after going back and forth between the Irish and Florida State. At 6'5", he has the size and frame to be an imposing rusher off the corner. Stephon Tuitt has a similar build and the ability to move well in space.
North Carolina: Keep the Talent Flowing
5 of 10
The Tar Heels disappointed on a couple levels last season. Their 8-5 mark was well below expectations and problems away from the gridiron had the team mired in controversy.
Butch Davis shook that off and did what he does best: recruit.
The haul included Eric Ebron and Jack Tabb—two highly regarded tight ends, Marquise Williams—a quarterback with huge upside and 6'5" offensive tackle Kiaro Holt.
Virgina: Depending on the Locals
6 of 10
Virginia only won one game in the ACC last season. Head coach Mike London hopes a strong recruiting class helps turn that around.
Darius Jennings and Dominique Terrell give the Cavs athleticism. Demetrious Nicholson ranks as one of the premier corners in the 2011 class.
California: Keeping Up with the Joneses
7 of 10
The Golden Bears look to add talent to a team that won just five games last year and is watching the top of their conference pull further and further away from the pack.
The defense gave up 22.6 points, putting them at No. 40 in the nation. This class hopes to shave that number considerably.
Todd Barr and Viliami Moala give Cal a duo of talented defensive tackles. Safety Avery Walls could crack the starting lineup quickly.
Stanford: Life After Harbaugh
8 of 10
Jim Harbaugh built Stanford into one of the top programs in the nation, but he is gone now.
Bradford Freeman takes over after a successful tenure as the team's offensive coordinator. Keeping the hire in the family not only convinced Andrew Luck to pass up millions of dollars in the NFL, but also kept a top 20 recruiting class intact.
James Vaughters anchors the class. The No. 2 inside linebacker is one of just four 4-star recruits in a class that focused more on depth than marquee signings.
Wayne Lyons should help the defensive backfield sooner rather than later.
Lousiville: Looking for Respect
9 of 10
Charlie Strong knows about the talent-rich state of Florida from his days as Urban Meyer's defensive coordinator for the Florida Gators.
Now he is convincing some of that talent to head to...Kentucky?
Despite playing in the worst BCS automatic qualifying conference, Strong has convinced several big time recruits to head to the bluegrass state.
He raided Miami for a pair of high school teammates—wide receiver Eli Rogers and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater—and safety Gerod Holliman.
Washington: Looking Upward
10 of 10
Steve Sarkisian has already made Washington a better program, but that's not saying much. The Huskies were awful before the former USC assistant came to town.
He has brought the program into the national spotlight with strong recruiting, but will it be enough to translate into wins?
Washington's top two high school players stay in state as wide receiver Kasen Williams and offensive tackle Austin Seferian-Jenkins commit to play for Coach Sarkisian.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
