College Football Recruiting 2012: The Top 5 Up-and-Coming Recruiting Schools

In recruiting, we have our yearly traditional powerhouse programs such as Texas, Alabama, Florida State, USC, Florida and so forth. These schools attract top talent and know how to recruit to get the best players in the country to come join their programs.

But, are there any programs that appear to be on the verge of joining the ranks of the recruiting juggernauts? Maybe so.

In this slideshow, we're going to have a look at the top five up-and-coming schools that appear to be en route to joining the ranks of the elite on the recruiting trail.

Big things are on the horizon! Let's proceed.

5. Virginia

Yes, the Wahoos folks. Virginia just isn't home to The Clipse, Timbaland and Michael Vick. There's also a wealth of football talent all throughout the state.

Mike London knows that, and has gotten a good pulse and feel for the hot bed areas in VA. The Cavs are on track to land a top 25 class this year and I think this 2012 cycle could be just the tip of the iceberg for London and Co. on the trail.

4. Vanderbilt

I know there have been some rumors about James Franklin leaving after a year, perhaps to North Carolina. But I have Vandy on here because I believe Franklin is staying at Vanderbilt. Besides, he has a bone to pick with Derek Dooley and he's not leaving until he has his revenge.

For a solid portion through the summer and early fall, the Commodores were inside many top 25 recruiting rankings, which is almost like hell freezing over. That's thanks to Franklin, whose energy, passion, moxy, smarts and drive seems to be infectious to the players.

Watch out for Vanderbilt.

3. Baylor

Sure, RG3 is gone after this year and some of the buzz from this season will go with him to the NFL. But don't worry Bears fans, there's some talent coming to the Brazos River.

Art Briles has a borderline top 25 class this year and has gotten the attention of prospects around the Lone Star state. This season is the foundation that could set Baylor up well for the long haul and put them on the map with some top Texas players going forward.

2. Texas A&M

The only reason I have the Aggies at No.2 here is because they are without a head coach right now. But if they can get Kevin Sumlin out of Houston to head to College Station, combined with their move to SEC, wowsers for the future.

The Aggies are not Texas, we know that, but they have the capability to become a national power on the field and a recruiting juggernaut around Texas and throughout the South. Mike Sherman knew that, which is why and how he assembled a top 10 class this year before he was fired.

Whoever takes over this job is inheriting a potential fortune.

1. Clemson

Dabo Swinney landed four five-star recruits last year and about five other four-star players that really have a chance to be very, very good football players. This year, he's followed that up by assembling another top 10 class.

Clemson has not always been an ideal stop for the prep prospects, but going forward, Swinney and his staff will become must-sees for top prospects in the south and coastal regions. Even Jadeveon Clowney was awfully close to committing to Clemson last year. The campus is gorgeous, they're in a BCS conference and there's a great atmosphere in the town.