College Football Recruiting 2012: 5 Classes Coming on Strong to Finish the Year

With 2011 coming to a close, there are some programs that choose to put recruiting on the back burner to focus on their bowl games. Other programs try to double their efforts of game-planning and recruiting.

The latter usually see their classes notch a few more pledges before the ball drops in NYC and they also get in good standing with other recruits.

I'm going to give you five programs/classes that could be on their way to executing this plan.

5. California

I've been tough on Cal this cycle, as they only have 11 commits. Yes, I like the quality of their class, but the numbers are lacking.

Well, the cavalry could be on the way as 5-star DT Eddie Goldman still is interested in coming to Berkeley, as is 4-star WR Jordan Payton and 5-star DB Shaq Thompson.

I fully expect Thompson to sign with the Bears and would not be shocked if Cal got the other two big names.

4. Ohio State

Urban Meyer is almost like the new-age Bobby Bowden; he can close with the best of 'em. He's already gotten the Buckeyes into the top five for Noah Spence, a 5-star DE.

5-star DT Tommy Schutt is a bit softer on his Penn State verbal and Ohio State is in his view, plus RB Brionte Dunn says he was nervous speaking to Meyer.

Dunn has been going back and forth between Michigan and OSU, and Meyer's magic could keep him home.

3. Vanderbilt

Yes, Vanderbilt.

James Franklin has the program on the up and up and he's working the trail. The Commodores already have a pledge from 4-star RB/ATH Brian Kimbrow and are looking for more.

Gunner Kiel, the 5-star QB from Indiana, will likely take a visit to Vandy in the coming weeks. Then 4-star RB Wes Brown, one of the top 100 players in the country, has Vanderbilt actually leading at this point.

The Commies are working to finish strong.

2. LSU

If LSU wins the national title, then they could really close out this cycle in a flash. But for the end of 2011, they look to be in good shape.

They're in play for 5-star recruits like LB Kwon Alexander, DE Mario Edwards, DE Noah Spence, DB/LB Landon Collins and QB Gunner Kiel.

Landing just one of those prospects would be huge. There's a chance the Tigers could land a couple of them if things shake out right.

1. Florida

I'm most interested to see the final 2012 recruiting for Florida. The Gators are in play for many of the top elite uncommitted prospects and already have a top-five class.

From Nelson Agholor to Noah Spence to Avery Young to Jordan Jenkins to Stefon Diggs, it just seems 5-star prospects really dig Gainesville this cycle.

Will Muschamp didn't have the season he wanted in year one and Charlie Weis is now gone to Kansas, but his recruiting class could be one of the best UF has seen.