College Football Recruiting 2012: The Top 7 Defensive Recruiting Classes

They say defense wins championships. Well, these seven programs are eyeing to win titles because I have seven programs that have great defensive classes so far.

The other day we looked at the top offensive classes, so today we're going to examine the teams that have the best defensive hauls. Elite defenders are needed because if you don't stop anybody, you're going to lose.

Here are the seven elite defensive classes for 2012 thus far.

7. Miami

Miami has a 24-commit class and their defensive haul is quite impressive.

Led by elite DE prospect Jelani Hamilton, Al Golden clearly understands that defense got him the Coral Gables gig and defense will keep him the Coral Gables gig.

Along with Hamilton, Golden has commits from top defensive players, such as OLBs Keith Brown, Raphael Kirby and DE Trent Taylor. 

6. Texas A&M

I think the Aggies are really getting an infusion of more athleticism with this defensive recruiting class.

I really dig Kenny Marshall and his skill set for the back-end and deep-middle as a safety. Otis Jacobs, from the JC ranks, should be an early-impact CB, and Darion Moore should develop into a solid coverman as well.

Michael Richardson is a solid LB recruit, but Jordan Richmond and Corey Thompson should become stars in College Station as LBs.

5. Notre Dame

The Irish could easily be moved higher on this list, so debate if you want. Their defensive class is stellar and follows a great class of last year's.

Their two most-recent commits are 5-star DTs Jarron Jones and Sheldon Day, wowsers. Ronald Darby is the top CB per Scout and Tee Shepard and CJ Prosise are not far behind.

David Perkins is a rock solid LB recruit and Nick Baratti could use his speed at DS or stay at QB.

4. Alabama

 The Tide are headlined by two outstanding and elite defenders: LB Reggie Ragland and DB Eddie Williams.

Ragland is already 6'4", 245 pounds and destroys people at will.  Williams is a 6'4", 200-pound silky smooth back end defender.

Then you get 5-star CB Geno Smith, whom the Tide took from Auburn's grasp, as Smith is a primetime cover man.

Toss DT Dakota Ball, LB Tyler Hayes and a few more and you get my drift. 

3. Texas

Texas has the top class in the country right now and also were on the top offensive class a few days ago. The Longhorns have 10 defensive pledges out of their 18-man class.

It's led by five-star DT Malcom Brown, as the 6'2", 280-pounder is next in line of great UT DTs. Timothy Cole and Peter Jinkens are great LB recruits.

Paul Boyette is another great DL and Hassan Ridgeway should be a pest off the edge.

Bryson Echols and Orlando Thomas are good CB prospects who should see plenty of time in Austin.

2. Florida State

The Seminoles have a slew of defensive star power aligned in their 16-commit class. Of course, it all starts with the nation's No.1 DE in Mario Edwards.

6'4", 270-pound Edwards is a monster who I feel still hasn't gotten close to reaching his ceiling. DE Chris Casher is a star in the making, and Dante Fowler isn't far behind.

DT Dalvon Stuckey is lazy at times, but when he revs up he can be among the elite. But Justin Shanks is and should be a better DT in Tallahassee than Stuckey.

Markus Eligwe is a fine OLB and P.J. Williams should be a great FS one day.

1. Michigan

Fifteen out of Michigan's 23 pledges are on the defensive side of the ball, so by numbers alone they're the winner.

Ten out of those 15 defensive recruits are four-star prospects.  That's not just quantity, that's quality, too.

The Wolverines have the best LB class in the country, plus they also have CB Terry Richardson and a slew of solid DL players.

I just encourage you to check up on Michigan's defensive class and see for yourself.