College Football Recruiting 2012: Schools Whose Classes Depend on 2011

There are some teams that are a bit in the middle of the pack as far as recruiting goes. In other words, they could just as easily move up as they could fall behind, and it kind of all depends on their 2011 seasons.

It's a tricky situation, but it happens to programs. I have a couple teams that, if they get hot and have a good year, they could haul in a solid class.

Yet, at the same time, if they have a disappointing season, they could endure a bad recruiting season.

Rutgers

This Rutgers class really hinges on getting the Don Bosco Prep "Core Four". They already have WR Leonte Carroo committed, but Darius Hamilton, Yuri Wright and Elijah Shumate are still weighing their options.

If Rutgers can get hot, make a run and perhaps be in the running for the Big East title and win a bowl game, I think they would sit pretty for the other three players.

If Rutgers has a sub-par year, look for the rest of the Core Four to look elsewhere.

California

Right now, Cal only has five commitments. That's horrible. The only thing saving them from being a disappointment to me is the fact their pledges are quality players.

However, Cal is still in consideration of several big name recruits, including 5-star DT Eddie Goldman, 5-star O-Linemen Zach Banner and Josh Garnett, RB Byron Marshall and WR Jordan Payton.

Even soft commit Bryce Treggs, a WR prospect, is tripping to Notre Dame to be sure. So a lot hinges on Cal's season if they are to gobble up some talent on the trail.

Georgia

Sigh, is Mark Richt on the hot seat or not? I'm not sure. Some say he is, while others say he isn't. Whatever the case may be, Richt needs to get going in 2011.

Georgia's class is led by 5-star OL prospect John Theus and DT Johnathan Taylor. However, they're drooling over RB Keith Marshall, as he paid a visit to Athens last week.

If Georgia can rally the troops to win the SEC East, that would "save" Richt's job, Georgia's class and Marshall would really have to give UGA a long look.

Oklahoma State

I honestly thought the Pokes would be among the top ranked classes by now, as their team has a chance to win the Big 12 this year. However, they've lost some key players out of this class.

Dalton Santos is now committed to Tennessee, the Vols also beat the Pokes for LaDarrell McNeil, and Bralon Addison switched to Texas A&M.

Yet, if Oklahoma State stays the course, continues to win games moving forward this season, their ranking will be higher, which will make them more attractive to players on the trail.

If they stumble and go out with a whimper, OSU will see themselves only sign a marginal at-the-very-best class.