College Football Recruiting 2011: The Top Defensive Position Classes in the SEC

Earlier this week, we went over the top offensive position recruiting classes in the SEC. So its only fitting we go over the top defensive classes. Remember, just because your favorite program signed a 5-star or highly touted recruit at a position doesn't mean they have the best class at that position. Nor does it mean so if they signed more players at a position than any other team in the conference.

This is by a formula consisting of evaluation, talent, depth and potential. Positional coaching is also factored into the equation. Their are some serious defensive prospects coming into the SEC, and looking at the crop, it's no wonder the conference continues to be top dog in college football.

Here are the best defensive recruiting classes in he SEC.  

Top DT Class: Alabama

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BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 06: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide watches a play during the game against the Louisiana State University Tigers at Tiger Stadium on November 6, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty

This was extremely close to all. LSU, Georgia and South Carolina all have valid claims as the top defensive tackle class. Georgia found an immediate starter in Jonathan Jenkins, a JUCO transfer to help in the middle.

South Carolina signed Kelcy Quarles and Phil Dukes, two defensive tackles that should be starters for the Gamecocks before they leave Columbia, and LSU got a 5-star trencher in Anthony Johnson, who should start as a true freshman. Mickey Johnson is not kitty litter, either.

Yet, when you get Jesse Williams, Quinton Dial and Jeoffrey Pagan on your interior front in one year, you're in good shape. Alabama gets the nod.

Top DE Class: Georgia

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AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Head coach Mark Richt of the Georgia Bulldogs against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The defensive end class was also a tough one to call the best, as Alabama's 30 front base defense makes it tricky when labeling their players at times. The Tide have Xzavier Dickson in the fold, but he likely will become a linebacker.

South Carolina got the No.1 overall recruit in Jadeveon Clowney at defensive end and Gerald Dixon is also a great player that should be staunch on the edges in Columbia.

But Georgia wins out, as I like their signing of Ray Drew, who will flip-flop between standard 4-3 end and 3-4 outside 'backer in Athens. Add in Sterling Bailey, a 4-star 6'5", 260 pounder with strong side potential, and you see Mark Richt and Todd Grantham have something going for the Bulldogs.

Top LB Class: Ole Miss

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 16: Head coach Houston Nutt of the Ole Miss Rebels against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

I could have went with Alabama again, as I like Brent Calloway and Trey DePriest—Xzavier Dickson too. But Calloway may end up as a running back and I'm not convinced he isn't a strong safety type, as he's not natural pass rushing 3-4 outside backer and may be too light to play inside.

Ole Miss edged out the Tide, as you have to like them taking CJ Johnson off the hands of arch rival Mississippi State.

Johnson has college size now at 6'3", 235 pounds. He hits like a truck and has great instincts and athleticism. The Rebels also chipped in Marcus Mayers, Serderious Bryant and Keith Lewis.

Top DB Class: Florida

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GAINESVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 14: Former defensive coordinator for the University of Texas, Will Muschamp speaks to the media after being introduced as the head coach of the University of Florida on December 14, 2010 in Gainesville, Florida. Muschamp is re

Auburn saw their 2011 recruiting cycle sign four 4-star prospects led by big time safety prospects Erique Florence and Jonathan Rose. Add in 6'3", 215 pound Anthony Swain and Robenson Therezie, and you have a fantastic class.

Georgia got Corey Moore, but Malcolm Mitchell may play WR ad Damian Swann is an ATH right now.

But I give Florida top honors in regards to defensive backs. The Gators got six back end players, and no, that is not the reason they have the top spot. It's the depth of talent. Three of the players are labeled 4-star recruits by Rivals, and the class has great versatility.

The big get is obviously Marcus Roberson, a 6'1", 180 pounder that can play safety and corner. Roberson finally settled on the Gators after pledging to Texas Tech and Auburn in the same week before Signing Day.

Top ATH Class: Georgia

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ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 1: Coach Mark Richt of the University of Georgia directs play against the Michigan State Spartans at the 2009 Capital One Bowl at the Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Officially, the Bulldogs signed three players listed at ATH's in Nick Marshall, Devin Bowman and Chris Sanders.

But I also think you can count Dmaian Swann and Malcolm Mitchell in this category as well. Swann likely will play DB, but he is a fantastic return man and a dangerous receiver. He could find himself on offense in Athens.

Mitchell seems destined to play receiver. I always felt he was too good with the ball in his hands to be a corner, and the Bulldog staff is currently feeling the same way.