SEC enjoys another great run
To compete in the Southeastern Conference, a program must sign its share of top athletes from the talent-rich Southeast. This year was no different as multiple elite prospects will play in SEC stadiums next fall.
Here's how the conference's recruiting efforts stack up top to bottom:
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1. Tennessee: The Vols signed one of the nation's top classes, taking advantage of a strong year in the Volunteer state, raiding Florida for top prospects like Demetrice Morley and again cherry-picking stellar talent out of North Carolina like quarterback Jonathan Crompton and athlete Montario Hardesty.
AAverage star rating: 3.63. Points: 2,403
2. Georgia: Despite not having as much success in state as they usually do, the Dawgs signed a great class, including standout out-of-state defensive tackles Kade Weston (New Jersey) and Jeff Owens (Florida). North Carolina wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi will be a nightmare for opposing defensive backs in the coming years. Average star rating: 3.58. Points: 1,814
3. Auburn: Despite losing a few prospects down the stretch, the Tigers rode the wave of the SEC Championship and put together a very solid class, including star linebacker Tray Blackmon, the top prospect in Georgia. Average star rating: 3.35. Points: 1,625
4. Florida: Urban Meyer didn't have a whole lot of time to recruit, but he managed to help himself at wide receiver with four-star wideouts Nyan Boateng and David Nelson and on defense with linebackers Ryan Stamper and Jon Demps. Average star rating: 3.37. Points: 1,536
4. Alabama: The Tide needed help at running back and got in with a pair of four-stars in Roy Upchurch and Mike Ford. This class will make an impact in Tuscaloosa as Mike Shula attempts to restore the Tide's status as one of the nation's premier programs. Average star rating: 3.07. Points: 1,434.
6. South Carolina: Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks finished very strong when four-star tight end Jonathan Hannah switched to USC from Virginia Tech on signing day. Speedy four-star wide receivers O.J. Murdock and Carlos Thomas give Carolina some much-needed speed on offense. Average star rating: 2.96. Points: 1,310
7. Arkansas: Athletes Derrick McPherson and Felix Jones make this an outstanding recruiting class for Houston Nutt, the most underrated coach in the SEC. Average star rating: 3.0. Points: 1,293
8. LSU: Ryan Perrilloux, the nation's top-ranked dual-threat quarterback headlines a small first haul for new Tigers coach Les Miles. Four-star athlete R.J. Jackson and underrated wide receiver Brandon LaFell were big pickups down the stretch Average star rating: 3.43. Points: 1,196
9.Ole Miss: New coach Ed Orgeron got some impact prospects in the trenches with offensive lineman Michael Oher and defensive linemen Jerrell Powe and Quentin Taylor. Average star rating: 2.56. Points: 887
10. Mississippi State: Sylvester Croom put together a pretty good class. Defensive back Derek Pegues was a huge signing day pickup. Offensive lineman Calvin Wilson and defensive lineman Louis Ellis give the Dogs needed strength along the line. Average star rating: 2.75. Points: 887
11. Kentucky: The Wildcats got some solid players in state like quarterback Curtis Pulley and defensive back David Jones. A. Average star rating: 2.15. Points: 211
12. Vanderbilt: Quarterback Mackenzi Adams and athlete Earl Bennett headline the Commodores' class Average star rating: 2.08. Points: 70