National Signing Day Rankings

1. Florida State:

Doesn’t have the biggest names, but the depth of of this class is unreal. The Seminoles also got top players in key positions which is a huge bonus.

2. Georgia:

The Bulldogs landed the top running back in the nation and one of the top defensive linemen. Around them they added a number of other top recruits at key positions. I see a bright future with this class, and think they have a good balance of 1st year and developmental talent.

3. Texas:

The Longhorns were thought to be one team that could challenge for the top spot, but lack the number of overall scholarships this year, keep them from the top. Next to Florida St. no school has as many elite players as Texas, but could use a little better depth. Great job by Texas who lost a number of their assistant coaches to keep together a great recruiting class.

4. Auburn:

The Tigers would probably be higher if the top offensive tackle in the nation (Cyrus Kouandjio), formally declares (earlier he announced for Auburn, but hasn’t signed his letter of intent. Outside of that the Tigers have put together a fantastic class, including a 4 quality offensive linemen (would be 5 with Kouandjio).

5. Alabama:

The Crimson Tide put together a very good class, but they have the best chance to move up these rankings. They are likely on the short list of the two best players who remain unsigned, DE Jadeveon Clowney and OT Cyrus Kouandjio. If the Tide land either one of these players it will give them a truely elite prospect, if somehow they manage to land both, they could supplant FSU as the top class (I don’t see that happening).

6. Ohio State:

The Buckeyes put together a very strong balanced class, with a focus on defense, but also a good young quarterback and receiver that can help stem the tide from the upcoming suspensions. Great job by Jim Tressel who really dominated the state of Ohio.

7. Clemson:

I’m very bullish on Clemson’s class, but I just love how they closed with landing two stud LB’s (Steward and Anthony), as well as 3 top receivers and a very good running back. It’s not a perfect class, but I love the potential. The Tigers are also still in the mix for Clowney that could bump their rankings even higher.

8. Florida:

The Gators don’t have the numbers as they look to hold on to some scholarships, but they did land some talent. Anytime you have the top quarterback in the nation, that is a pretty good start to a recruiting class. You got to like the Gators future and considering they did endure a late coaching change, it’s pretty impressive they put together this type of class.

9. USC:

The Trojans are likely to lose one of their top recruits in RB Deanthony Smith, but still put together a deep class. I like what they did along the defensive line, but if they lose out on Smith I can’t put them higher than 9th. I also thought the Trojans needed to add more talent along the offensive line with Smith declaring for the draft and Henderson transferring. It is a good class, but I have some questions about just how much impact they will have.

10. Notre Dame:

The Fighting Irish went out and decided to put the ‘Fight’ back into their defense. This was a huge defensive recruiting class with a number of front 7 players. The Irish also landed a top OT, WR, TE and an a quarterback who could project at WR as well. I love the general balance, but also the recognition that building up front is most important.

11.LSU

12. Tennessee

13. North Carolina

14. Oregon

15. Oklahoma

16. Virginia

17. Nebraska

18. California

19. Arkansas

20. South Carolina

21. Stanford

22. Washington

23. Mississippi

24. Oklahoma State

25. Iowa