Recruiting blitz: Ranking the classes
CHAT:Nationalrecruitingchatat1p.m.ET
Werundownthecurrentstateofrecruitinginthe2012classineverymajorconferenceandpredicthowthefinalclassrankingsintheconferencesmightlookafterNationalSigningDayonFeb.1.
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ACC|BigTen|Big12|BigEast|SEC|Pac-12
1.FloridaStateClickACCHeretoviewthisLink.
It'snotahugeclassbutthequalityisundeniablewithtopprospectsfromTexas,Alabama,Georgiaandotherareas.
Biggestcatch:MarioEdwards,DT,Denton(Tex.)Ryan
2.ClemsonClickCouldsteal:ReggieNorthrup,LB,Jacksonville(Fla.)FirstCoastHeretoviewthisLink.
TheTigersloadedupondefenseandontheoffensivelineafterlastyear'ssurprisinghaul.
Biggestcatch:TravisBlanks,DB,Tallahassee(Fla.)NorthFloridaChristian
3.MiamiClickCouldsteal:JaMichaelWinston,DE,Prichard(Ala.)VigorHeretoviewthisLink.
TheCanesreallyloadedupattheskillpositionswitheliteathletesandthisisadeepclass.
Biggestcatch:RandyJohnson,RB,Miami(Fla.)Norland
4.VirginiaTechClickCouldsteal:TracyHoward,CB,Miramar,Fla.HeretoviewthisLink.
TheHokiesdidverywellwithin-statetalentandcomplementedthatwithsolidcommitsinFloridaandGeorgia.
Biggestcatch:J.C.Coleman,RB,Chesapeake(Va.)OscarSmith
5.VirginiaClickCouldsteal:KorrenKirven,DT,Lynchburg(Va.)BrookvilleHeretoviewthisLink.
Aflurryofsummercommitments,plusacoupleofsurprises,vaultedUVaintotheupperhalfoftheACCrankings.
Biggestcatch:EliHarold,DE,VirginiaBeach(Va.)OceanLakes
6.NorthCarolinaClickCouldsteal:Noone,theyaredoneHeretoviewthisLink.
LarryFedorahadtheunenviabletaskoftakingajoblatewhilerecruitingagainstthethreatofsanctions.
Biggestcatch:JamesSummers,QB,Greensboro(N.C.)Page
7.GeorgiaTechClickCouldsteal:DavonteNeal,WR,Scottsdale(Ariz.)ChaparralHeretoviewthisLink.
IthasbeenafrustratingrecruitingyearforTechastheJacketscouldhavefinishedmuchhigherbuttheycouldclosestrong.
Biggestcatch:JustinThomas,ATH,Prattville(Ala.)
Couldsteal:BeauHankins,OLB,Birmingham(Ala.)Jackson-Olin
8.MarylandClickHeretoviewthisLink.
Asexpected,RandyEdsallhittheDMVareahardinhisfirstclass.
Biggestcatch:WesBrown,RB,Olney(Md.)GoodCounsel
9.N.C.StateClickCouldsteal:StefonDiggs,WR,Olney(Md.)GoodCounselHeretoviewthisLink.
ThePack'sclassisveryheavyondefensivetalent,especiallyupfront.
Biggestcatch:TylerKnox,TE,MyrtleBeach(S.C.)
Couldsteal:Noone,theyaredone
10. DukeClick Here to view this Link.
Once again, the Blue Devils were able to pull in some surprise commitments under David Cutcliffe.
Biggest catch:Shaquille Powell, RB, Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman
11. Boston CollegeClick Could steal: Jela Duncan, RB, Charlotte (N.C.) Mallard CreekHere to view this Link.
The Eagles limped to the finish line this year with several top targets and even verbal commitments opting for other schools.
Biggest catch:Win Homer, OL, Christchurch (Va.) Christchurch School
12. Wake ForestClick Could steal: Michael Giacone, LB, Jersey City (N.J.) St. Peter's PrepHere to view this Link.
The Deacs knew this would be a small class but they feel good about the offensive skill position talent.
Biggest catch:Tyler Cameron, QB, Jupiter (Fla.)
Could steal:Quinshad Davis, WR, Gaffney (S.C.)
1. Ohio StateClick BIG TEN Here to view this Link.
A very average class in October has turned into one of the top three in the nation heading into National Signing Day due to the work of new Buckeye's head coach Urban Meyer.
Biggest catch:Noah Spence, DE, Harrisburg (Pa.) Bishop McDevitt
2. MichiganClick Could steal: Stefon Diggs, WR, Olney (Md.) Good CounselHere to view this Link.
The Wolverines had 20 commitments in the 2012 class before the end of July, and built most of their class with prospects from Michigan and Ohio.
Biggest catch:Ondre Pipkins, DT, Kansas City (Mo.) Park Hill
3. NebraskaClick Could steal: Jordan Diamond, OL, Chicago SimeonHere to view this Link.
It took Bo Pelini and his staff a long time to add numbers in the 2012 class, but they are starting to gain steam in the lead-up to National Signing Day.
Biggest catch:Paul Thurston, OL, Arvada (Colo.) West
4. PurdueClick Could steal: Devian Shelton, CB, Inglewood, Calif.Here to view this Link.
The Boilermakers have commitments from an amazing 14 different states in their 2012 class, ranging from New York to California.
Biggest catch:Ryan Watson, DE, Olney (Md.) Good Counsel
5. IowaClick Could steal: Robert Gregory, QB, Chicago SimeonHere to view this Link.
The Hawkeyes have been one of the most active Big Ten teams on the recruiting trail leading up to Signing Day, and could see their class rankings rise late as a result.
Biggest catch:Jaleel Johnson, DT, Lombard (Ill.) Montini
6. Michigan StateClick Could steal: C.J. Beathard, QB, Franklin (Tenn.) Battle Ground AcademyHere to view this Link.
The Spartans picked up a big commitment Sunday night in wide receiver Monty Madaris and have a chance to close with a couple more late additions.
Biggest catch:Aaron Burbridge, WR, Farmington Hills (Mich.) Harrison
7. WisconsinClick Could steal: Kyle Dodson, OT, Cleveland Heights (Ohio)Here to view this Link.
The Badgers got off to a fast start back in the spring, but the loss of six assistant coaches and low scholarship numbers thwarted their momentum down the stretch.
Biggest catch:Vince Biegel, LB, Wisconsin Rapids (Wis.) Lincoln
8. Penn StateClick Could steal: Jake Meador, OT, Whiteland (Ind.) CommunityHere to view this Link.
A strong, early start in the 2012 class was almost completely erased by the scandal in State College that resulted in the dismissal of legendary head coach Joe Paterno.
Biggest catch:Eugene Lewis, WR, Plymouth (Pa.) Wyoming Valley
9. NorthwesternClick Could steal: Beau Hankins, LB, Birmingham (Ala.) Jackson-OlinHere to view this Link.
The Wildcat's class may be the most underrated in the Big Ten, highlighted by two four-star prospects from the state of Ohio.
Biggest catch:Ifeadi Odenigbo, DE, Centerville, Ohio
10. IllinoisClick Could steal: Quanzell Lambert, LB, Sicklerville (N.J.) Timber CreekHere to view this Link.
New Illini head coach Tim Beckman is using his Midwest ties to fill out the 2012 class before National Signing Day.
Biggest catch:Dami Ayoola, RB, Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas
11. MinnesotaClick Could steal: Lakeith Walls, ATH, Cleveland (Ohio) RhodesHere to view this Link.
The Gophers dominated recruiting in their home state, landing seven of the top 10 prospects in Minnesota.
Biggest catch:Philip Nelson, QB, Mankato (Minn.) West
12. IndianaClick Could steal: Pedro Sibiea, DE, Homestead, Fla.Here to view this Link.
Head coach Kevin Wilson has a large class of 24 prospects going, including seven who enrolled early.
Biggest catch:Tevin Coleman, RB, Oak Forest, Ill.
Could steal:Dimitric Camiel, OL, Houston (Texas) Westfield
Notre Dame
Notre DameClick Here to view this Link.
The Irish are still in on some big battles down the stretch, and are looking to secure help at defensive back and wide receiver before National Signing Day.
Biggest catch:Gunner Kiel, QB, Columbus (Ind.) East
Could steal:Brian Poole, CB, Bradenton (Fla.) Southeast
BIG 12
1. TexasClick Here to view this Link.
Unlike in recent years the Longhorns have closed strong late and have added several commits in the last month.
Biggest catch:Johnathan Gray, RB, Aledo (Texas)
2. OklahomaClick Could steal: Bryce Cottrell, DE, Plano (Texas) WestHere to view this Link.
The Sooners don't have many defenders in the class but that could change soon as they are in on several late.
Biggest catch:Trey Metoyer, WR, Chatham (Va.) Hargrave Military Academy
3. TCUClick Could steal: Courtney Gardner, WR, Roseville (Calif.) Sierra C.C.Here to view this Link.
With the move to the Big 12, the Horned Frogs have been able to go head-to-head with the major powers.
Biggest catch:Tyler Matthews, QB, McPherson (Kan.)
4. Texas TechClick Could steal: Calvin Perry, LB, Hoover (Ala.) Bessemer AcademyHere to view this Link.
The Red Raiders have gone very heavy on junior college prospects in an attempt to reload the roster.
Biggest catch:Michael Starts, DE, Waco (Texas) La Vega
5. BaylorClick Could steal: Damien Williams, RB, Yuma (Ariz.) Arizona Western C.C.Here to view this Link.
In the wake of a 10-win season and a Heisman Trophy campaign the Bears have landed some big-name prospects.
Biggest catch:Javonte Magee, DE, San Antonio (Texas) Sam Houston
6. Oklahoma StateClick Could steal: La'Darius Newbold, CB, Lancaster (Texas)Here to view this Link.
The Cowboys have struggled a bit in the state of Texas this year but have pulled in some solid national recruits.
Biggest catch:C.J. Curry, WR, Flowery Branch (Ga.)
7. Kansas StateClick Could steal: Seth Jacobs, LB, Arroyo Grande (Calif.)Here to view this Link.
As has usually been the case under Bill Snyder, the Wildcats have gone heavy on the junior college prospects.
Biggest catch:Marquez Clark, WR, Corsicana (Texas) Navarro College
8. Iowa StateClick Could steal: Chaquil Reed, DT, El Dorado (Kan.) Butler County C.C.Here to view this Link.
The Cyclone class may not be top-heavy as others but it addresses quite a few needs on the roster.
Biggest catch:Damien Lawry, ATH, Dallas (Texas) Wilmer-Hutchins
9. KansasClick Could steal: D'Vario Montgomery, WR, Winter Park (Fla.)Here to view this Link.
New head coach Charlie Weis came in behind the eight ball a bit with a very small class but has added some pieces in the last few weeks.
Biggest catch:Courtney Arnick, LB, Dallas (Texas) Carter
Could steal:V'Angelo Bentley, CB, Cleveland (Ohio) Glenville
BIG EAST
1. RutgersClick Here to view this Link.
There are obviously a lot of questions marks with this class because of the departure of Coach Greg Schiano, but up to this point the remaining coaching staff has done an extremely impressive job keeping everything together.
Biggest catch: Chris Muller, OL, Boyertown, Pa.
2. LouisvilleClick Could steal: Darius Hamilton, DE, Ramsey (N.J.) Don Bosco PrepHere to view this Link.
Head Coach Charlie Strong has once again proven that he is one of the more respected recruiters in the country for a reason.
Biggest catch: Nick Dawson, LB, Charlotte (N.C.) Phillip O Berry Academy of Technology
3. West VirginiaClick Could steal: Anthony Wales, APB, Louisville (Ky.) CentralHere to view this Link.
West Virginia continues to dive into the deep Florida talent pool by grabbing ten more prospects from the Sunshine State.
Biggest catch: Deontay McManus, WR, Baltimore (Md.) Dunbar
4. CincinnatiClick Could steal: Joel Caleb, ATH, Midlotian (Va.) Clover HillHere to view this Link.
Pulling in a very large class, the Bearcats have grabbed players from eight different states to this point.
Biggest catch: Dennis Norfleet, RB, Detroit (Mich.) Martin Luther King
5. USFClick Could steal: Aaron Harris, RB, Chula Vista (Calif.) Southwestern C.C. Here to view this Link.
Hoping to find an answer to a few of their bigger questions, the Bulls took the junior college route with four prospects.
Biggest catch: D'Vario Montgomery, WR, Winter Park (Fla.)
6. PittsburghClick Could steal: Tashon Whitehurst , LB, Gainesville, Fla.Here to view this Link.
A second coaching change in two years never makes recruiting easy, but Coach Paul Chryst and his new staff are hoping for a big finish.
Biggest catch: Rushel Shell, RB, Aliquipa (Pa.) Hopewell
7. Syracuse Click Could steal: J.J. Denman, OL, Fairless Hills (Pa.) PennsburyHere to view this Link.
The Orange continue to try and control recruiting inside their state borders, and this year have added eight prospects from the Empire State.
Biggest catch: George Morris, RB, Lawrenceville (Ga.) Central Gwinnett
8. ConnecticutClick Could steal: Julian Pinnix-Odrick, DE, Montclair, N.J.Here to view this Link.
The Huskies answered some depth issues at linebacker by bringing in five prospects from four different states.
Biggest catch: Casey Cochran, QB, Monroe (Conn.) Masuk
Could steal: Ryan Brodie, OL, Long Branch, N.J.
1. AlabamaClick SEC Here to view this Link.
The Tide has an excellent shot at finishing with the country's top overall class for the fourth time in five years. This class has three five-stars at the moment.
Biggest catch: T.J. Yeldon, RB, Daphne (Ala.)
2. FloridaClick Could steal: Dalvin Tomlinson, DT, McDonough (Ala.) Henry CountyHere to view this Link.
The Gators have an excellent chance to finish with a top-five class or better, however none of their remaining targets are sure things
Biggest catch: D.J. Humphries, OT, Charlotte (N.C.) Mallard Creek
3. Texas A&MClick Could steal: Stefon Diggs, WR, Olney (Md.) Our Lady Of Good CounselHere to view this Link.
Despite a coaching change in College Station, the Aggies are doing quite fine on the recruiting trail. Their class is comparable to the SEC's best.
Biggest catch: Trey Williams, RB, Spring (Texas) Dekaney
4. TennesseeClick Could steal: Hassan Ridgeway, DE, Mansfield (Texas)Here to view this Link.
With 10 four-star prospects currently on board, the Volunteers rank among the SEC - and national - leaders.
Biggest catch: LaDarrell McNeil, S, Dallas (Texas) Wilmer-Hutchins
5. GeorgiaClick Could steal: Quinshad Davis, WR, Gaffney (S.C.)Here to view this Link.
The Bulldogs are locked in several key battles entering the homestretch. With a few strikes, the potential is there for a big finish
Biggest catch: John Theus, OT, Jacksonville (Fla.) Bolles
6. AuburnClick Could steal: Josh Harvey-Clemons, ATH, Valdosta (Ga.) LowndesHere to view this Link.
The Tigers haven't gotten the typical national title bump, nonetheless the average star rating per commit is an excellent 3.60 - and that could go up.
Biggest catch: JaQuay Williams, WR, Tyrone (Ga.) Sandy Creek
7. South CarolinaClick Could steal: Eddie Goldman, DT, Washington (D.C.) Friendship Collegiate AcademyHere to view this Link.
After an 11-win season, the Gamecocks have recruited very well - particularly in neighboring Georgia.
Biggest catch: Mike Davis, RB, Stone Mountain (Ga.) Stephenson
8. LSUClick Could steal: Chris Moody, ATH, McDonough (Ga.) Henry CountyHere to view this Link.
The loss of three high-profile recruits in the past month hurt, yet this class still includes nine four-star prospects with more possible.
Biggest catch: Torshiro Davis OLB Shreveport (La.) Woodlawn
9. ArkansasClick Could steal: Kwon Alexander, OLB, Oxford (Ala.)Here to view this Link.
The Razorbacks have quietly put together a nice class. All it lacks is star power, but there is hope that could be about to change.
Biggest catch: Jonathan Williams, RB, Allen (Texas)
10. VanderbiltClick Could steal: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Springfield (Mo.) HillcrestHere to view this Link.
The Commodores arguably have put together the program's best recruiting class of the modern era, but must hold onto two key recruits at the end.
Biggest catch: Brian Kimbrow, APB, Memphis (Tenn.) East
11. Mississippi StateClick Could steal: Charlie Miller, WR, Vero Beach (Fla.) Here to view this Link.
Thanks largely to their solid work in their home state, the Bulldogs have a chance at a top-25 finish.
Biggest catch: Quay Evans, DT, Morton (Miss.)
12. MissouriClick Could steal: Richie Brown, ILB, Long Beach (Miss.)Here to view this Link.
The Tigers' class of 19, which figures to go up some, includes only one player who isn't at least a three star.
Biggest catch: Evan Boehm, OG, Lee's Summit (Mo.) Lee's Summit West
13. Ole MissClick Could steal: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Springfield (Mo.) HillcrestHere to view this Link.
Getting a late start hurt the new staff, and getting commits hasn't been easy. However, the Rebels have won a few key battles.
Biggest catch: Channing Ward, DE, Aberdeen (Miss.)
14. KentuckyClick Could steal: Sheldon Dawson, ATH, Memphis (Tenn.) RidgewayHere to view this Link.
Without much fanfare, the 'Cats are quietly compiling a reasonably solid class, yet there is only one four-star prospect in it.
Biggest catch: Patrick Towles, QB, Ft. Thomas (Ky.) Highlands
Could steal: Khalid Henderson, OLB, Austell (Ga.) Pebblebrook
1. StanfordClick PAC-12 Here to view this Link.
Landing four-star offensive guard Joshua Garnett last week could have been the first big commitment of many to come on Signing Day. It shouldn't go unnoticed that receiver Kodi Whitfield decided to remain committed instead of flipping to UCLA.
Biggest catch: Joshua Garnett, OG, Puyallup, Wash.
2. USCClick Could steal: Kyle Murphy, OT, San Clemente, Calif.Here to view this Link.
Despite limited numbers, coach Lane Kiffin and his staff continue to crank out one of the best recruiting classes in the conference. Things could get even better over the next few days as signing day approaches.
Biggest catch: Jordan Simmons, OG, Encino (Calif.) Crespi
3. UCLAClick Could steal: Zach Banner, OT, Lakewood (Wash.) LakesHere to view this Link.
The two biggest recruiting coups so far under first-year coach Jim Mora was getting five-star DT Ellis McCarthy to flip from Cal and landing four-star athlete Devin Fuller out of New Jersey.
Biggest catch: Ellis McCarthy, DT, Monrovia, Calif.
4. OregonClick Could steal: Bryce Treggs, WR, Bellflower (Calif.) St. John BoscoHere to view this Link.
Receiving the commitment of four-star defensive end Arik Armstead was another strong piece in an impressive recruiting class that now features nine four-star pledges. Are more on the way this week?
Biggest catch: Arik Armstead, DE, Elk Grove (Calif.) Pleasant Grove
5. CaliforniaClick Could steal: Shaq Thompson, S, Sacramento (Calif.) GrantHere to view this Link.
Time will tell with Cal's recruiting class. There are at least a few players who could switch when they announce on National Signing Day.
Biggest catch: Shaq Thompson, S, Sacramento (Calif.) Grant
6. UtahClick Could steal: Aziz Shittu, DE, Atwater (Calif.) BuhachHere to view this Link.
The Utes did a noble job landing some top junior college prospects like four-stars Kelvin York and Visesio Salt. Keeping four-star Cedrick Poutasi in the class will be vital in the coming days.
Biggest catch: Cedrick Poutasi, OG, Las Vegas (Nev.) Desert Pines
7. Oregon StateClick Could steal: Brandon Fanaika, OG, Pleasant Grove, UtahHere to view this Link.
Four-star Isaac Seumalo and three-star Cleveland Wallace were both heavily pursued by other schools but stuck with the Beavers. If four-star Devian Shelton does the same on signing day that would be huge for this class.
Biggest catch: Isaac Seumalo, OG, Corvallis, Ore.
8. ColoradoClick Could steal: Kenny Lawler, WR, Upland, Calif.Here to view this Link.
The Buffaloes' class has really taken shape in the last few weeks with a couple of important commitments and more could be on the way on National Signing Day.
Biggest catch: Yuri Wright, CB, Ramsey (N.J.) Don Bosco Prep
9. Arizona StateClick Could steal: Jontrey Tillman, ATH, Baldwin (La.) West St. Mary SchoolHere to view this Link.
Landing four-star D.J. Foster this week was an outstanding pickup for a class that lacked star power. A commitment from junior college defensive back Chris Young was also important.
Biggest catch: D.J. Foster, RB, Scottsdale (Ariz.) Saguaro
10. WashingtonClick Could steal: Zach Hoffpauir, DB, Peoria (Ariz.) CentennialHere to view this Link.
Washington's class lacks star power as many of the state's top players are going elsewhere this recruiting cycle. If the Huskies could keep four-star quarterbacks Jeff Lindquist and Cyler Miles that would be crucial.
Biggest catch: Cyler Miles, PQB, Denver (Colo.) Mullen
11. ArizonaClick Could steal: Jordan Payton, WR, Westlake Village (Calif.) Oaks ChristianHere to view this Link.
Four-stars Kyle Kelley and Zach Hemmila along with some other standouts remained committed to the Wildcats after the coaching change. Arizona lost wide receiver Julian Brooks this weekend but added another Florida receiver in Clive Georges.
Biggest catch: Kyle Kelley, SDE, Irvine (Calif.) Woodbridge
Could steal: Davonte Neal, WR, Scottsdale (Ariz.) Chaparral
12. Washington StateClick Here to view this Link.
First-year coach Mike Leach and his staff are changing the calculus in Pullman by going after - and getting - some outstanding prospects. Washington State has done an especially good job in Southern California.
Biggest catch: Gabriel Marks, WR, Los Angeles (Calif.) Venice
Could steal: Cedric Dozier, ATH, Lakewood (Wash.) Lakes
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