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They just won the national championship and now Gene Chizik and Auburn are speeding up the class rankings. The Tigers landed four-star DT Gabe Wright, who's No. 26 in the ESPNU 150 and the No. 3 DT, and four-star S Erique Florence. Five-star OT Cyrus Kouandjio committed to the Tigers, but has yet to send a letter of intent. Still, it's a haul that propelled Auburn to No. 2 in the class rankings.
A few other programs from the South also moved up the rankings. Georgia landed five-star RB Isaiah Crowell, Clemson landed the top ILB and OLB in Tony Steward and Stephone Anthony, while Tennessee surprised many by landing OLB Curt Maggitt, who is the nation's No. 3 OLB and No. 63 in the ESPNU 150, and 6-6, 310-pound four-star OT Antonio Richardson, who is No. 105 inthe ESPNU 150 and the nation's No. 8 OT, on signing day.
Florida State holds on to the top spot, following by Auburn, Alabama, USC and Texas. But it's still a fluid situation.
1) Florida State Seminoles
Signings: 29
ESPNU150 Signings: 12
Top Prospect: Karlos Williams
Five-star commits: 1
Four-star: 16
Three-star: 6
Others: 2
The depth and speed of this class, which features 12 ESPNU 150 commits, is scary. The Seminoles added a pair of top 20 players in DT Tim Jernigan (Lake City, Fla./Columbia) and TE Nick O'Leary (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla./Dwyer) on signing day. Defensive back was a major focus for FSU, with three top-10 safeties on board and four total in this class. The odds of Karlos Williams (Davenport, Fla./Ridge Community), Keelin Smith (Port St. Lucie, Fla./Treasure Coast), Tyler Hunter (Valdosta, Ga./Lowndes) and Lamarcus Brutus (Port St. Lucie, Fla./Treasure Coast) sticking at that one position are unlikely, however. Pay special attention to Williams. The five-star safety has a blend of size, speed, physicality and athleticism that will make him an impact player in Tallahassee. The Seminoles added two top offensive tackles in Bobby Hart (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./Saint Thomas Aquinas) and Jordan Prestwood (Plant City, Fla./Plant City), and athlete Giorgio Newberry (Fort Pierce, Fla./Central) could play either offensive or defensive line. Even at 6-foot-5, 249 pounds, he's that athletic and versatile. And don't forget four-star athlete James Wilder (Tampa, Fla./Plant), who will play running back at FSU but might be better suited for linebacker.
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2) Auburn Tigers
Signings: 25
ESPNU150 Signings: 8
Top Prospect: Christian Westerman
Five-star commits: 2
Four-star: 14
Three-star: 9
Others: 0
Auburn closed fast. Already armed with the nation's No. 2 ranked offensive tackle, Christian Westerman (Chandler, Ariz./Hamilton), the Tigers landed the No. 1 OT in five-star Cyrus Kouandjio (Hyattsville, Md./DeMatha). It also got a boost with the addition of hard-hitting S Erique Florence (Valley, Ala./Valley). Auburn also hit on needs with the addition of a trio of UA All-Americans in the nation's No. 2 QB Kiehl Frazier (Springdale, Ark./Shiloh Christian), No. 1-ranked C Reese Dismukes (Spanish Fort, Ala./Spanish Fort) and top-10 OG Thomas O'Reilly (Marietta, Ga./Pope). Frazier is 6-foot-2, 210 pounds and well built with a frame to add bulk. He has the potential to be a force as both a runner and a passer. Dismukes is not satisfied until his opponent is out of the play. O'Reilly, at 6-3 and 296 pounds, is a dominant drive-blocker. Four-star Quan Bray (LaGrange, Ga./Troup County), Auburn's highest-ranked recruit, is an electrifying athlete who runs like the wind and possesses outstanding quickness. The Tigers added some defense with four-star S Robenson Therezie (Miami, Fla./Jackson), a physical prospect who thrives off high-impact collisions and four-star corner Jonathan Rose (Leeds, Ala./Leeds).
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3) Alabama Crimson Tide
Signings: 24
ESPNU150 Signings: 10
Top Prospect: Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 13
Three-star: 7
Others: 3
Nick Saban and Alabama have 10 ESPNU 150 prospects, led by well-rounded four-star safety Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix (Orlando, Fla./Dr. Phillips). They added firepower to their passing attack with four wide receivers, led by four-star recruits Bradley Sylve (Port Sulphur, La./South Plaquemines) and Marvin Shinn (Pritchard, Ala./Vigor). They also added some depth in the backfield with top-10 RB Demetrius Hart (Orlando, Fla./Dr. Phillips). The Tide made a great pickup at outside linebacker in the explosive Trey DePriest (Springfield, Ohio/Springfield), who's rated No. 2 at the position nationally, and landed top-5 DE Xzavier Dickson (Griffin, Ga./Griffin). They also made a nice grab with under-the-radar tight end Malcolm Faciane (Picayune, Miss./Picayune Memorial), a four-star player who has size as well as good hands and the ability to be an asset as a blocker.
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4) USC Trojans
Signings: 11
ESPNU150 Signings: 2
Top Prospect: George Farmer
Five-star commits: 1
Four-star: 8
Three-star: 10
Others: 6
It was just a matter of time until Lane Kiffin had USC in the top five, right? The Trojans move up based on players like five-star George Farmer (Gardena, Calif./Serra), now the No. 1 wide receiver, and Max Wittek (Corona Del Mar, Calif./Mater Dei), now the No. 3 quarterback, making big jumps in the final ESPNU 150 as well as the recent additions of Amir Carlisle (Sunnyvale, Calif./The King's Academy) and Anthony Sarao (Absecon, N.J./Holy Spirit), who both left Stanford for USC. Don't forget that the Trojans also have elite players like four-star recruit DeAnthony Thomas (Los Angeles/Crenshaw), who is perhaps the most explosive athlete USC has recruited in the past five years, and Under Armour All-American DT Antwaun Woods (Woodland Hills, Calif./Woodland Hills-Taft), who has the ability to be a disruptive force against the run and pass. The scary thing is USC is still in the mix for some of the nation's top uncommitted players, so Kiffin & Co. could climb higher.
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5) Texas Longhorns
Signings: 22
ESPNU150 Signings: 7
Top Prospect: Malcolm Brown
Five-star commits: 1
Four-star: 13
Three-star: 8
Others: 0
The turnover on the coaching staff has impacted the Longhorns' class, which is still strong despite the loss of five-star OT Christian Westerman (Chandler, Ariz./Hamilton). The Longhorns' class, which was built right out of the gate, boasts seven ESPNU 150 prospects, including four players ranked in the top five at their respective positions. The class is led by five-star RB Malcolm Brown (Cibilo, Texas/Steele), the nation's No. 2 back, who picked the Horns over Alabama and is a difference-maker. The defense is receiving plenty of attention with a pair of top-10-rated corners, led by Quandre Diggs (Angleton, Texas/Angleton), the top-ranked player at his position nationally. Desmond Jackson (Houston/Westfield) is very disruptive and plays with intensity, and ILB Steve Edmond (Daingerfield, Texas/Daingerfield) has the playing speed and athleticism to make an early impact.
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6) Georgia Bulldogs
Signings: 25
ESPNU150 Signings: 6
Top Prospect: Isaiah Crowell
Five-star commits: 2
Four-star: 14
Three-star: 7
Others: 1
A strong class just got a lot stronger as five-star RB Isaiah Crowell (Columbus, Ga./Carver) picked the Bulldogs over Alabama. Crowell, No. 4 in the ESPNU 150 and the top-ranked RB, is the second five-star player to join this Dawgs, joining Ray Drew (Thomasville, Ga./Thomas County Central), who is No. 13 in the ESPNU 150 and the nation's No. 2 DE. The Dawgs also upgraded their pass catchers and quarterback, two positions of need. TE Jay Rome (Valdosta, Ga./Valdosta), the highest ranked player in the class, is active in the passing game and can be a weapon. Four-star QB Christian LeMay (Matthews, N.C./Butler) has a silky-smooth delivery, and his best football is ahead of him. ATH Damian Swann (Atlanta, Ga./Grady) shows promising skills at receiver and is also a scheme-versatile defensive back. Simply put, he's just a great overall athlete. Four-star WR Justin Scott-Wesley (Camilla, Ga./Mitchell-Baker) is a speedster, but his route-running is a little green. He has the potential to be a threat in the return game. Scott-Wesley is joined by four-star wideout Chris Conley (Dallas, Ga./North Paulding), who really grows on you the more you watch him, not only as a receiving threat but also as a runner after the catch. Four-star DE Sterling Bailey (Gainesville, Ga./East Hall) is the Dawgs' highest-ranked defensive player.
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7) Ohio State Buckeyes
Signings: 22
ESPNU150 Signings: 6
Top Prospect: Steve Miller
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 13
Three-star: 8
Others: 1
The Buckeyes cleaned up in Ohio, but an out-of-state player on signing day helped boost this class. Curtis Grant (Richmond, Va./Hermitage), the nation's No. 3 ILB, will join a star-studded class from Ohio that includes No. 4-ranked QB Braxton Miller (Huber Heights, Ohio/Wayne), top-six DE Steve Miller (Canton, Ohio/McKinley), top-three CB Doran Grant (Akron, Ohio/St.Vincent-St. Mary) and top-10 OG Michael Bennett (Centerville, Ohio/Centerville). Braxton Miller, an Under Armour All-American, fits the mold of a Troy Smith, but Miller is more explosive as a runner. He has a big arm, can make all the throws and just needs to be a little more consistent. Steve Miller displays the ability to be tough against the run and pass and still has good upside. Grant is a playmaking corner with great quickness and athleticism, while Bennett is a dominant run-blocker. Jim Tressel and his staff went outside the state as well, plucking two talented four-stars out of Florida -- safety Jeremy Cash (Plantation, Fla./Plantation) and tight end Jeff Heuerman (Naples, Fla./Barron Collier) -- and top-20 WR Evan Spencer (Vernon Hills, Ill./Vernon Hills) from Illinois.
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8) Florida Gators
Signings: 18
ESPNU150 Signings: 7
Top Prospect: Jeff Driskel
Five-star commits: 1
Four-star: 9
Three-star: 5
Others: 2
Will Muschamp is doing a good job of keeping this top-five class together. It's anchored by No. 1-ranked QB Jeff Driskel (Oviedo, Fla./Hagerty), who is the highest-ranked player in the class. The five-star prospect has rare speed and athleticism for a quarterback as well as great arm strength and polished throwing mechanics. The class also features four-star RB Mike Blakely (Bradenton, Fla./Manatee) and four-star DE Clay Burton (Venice, Fla./Venice), who flipped from Notre Dame to Florida. De'Ante Saunders (DeLand, Fla./DeLand), one of the most elusive prospects in the 2011 class, and Ja'Juan Story (Brooksville, Fla./Nature Coast Technical), one of the few big receivers (he's 6-foot-3) in this class who can really run well, are four-star wideouts. And four-star ATH A.C. Leonard (Jacksonville, Fla./University Christian) could play tight end or H-back. Defensively, S Jabari Gorman (Miami, Fla./Pace) is the top prospect.
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9) Oklahoma Sooners
Signings: 17
ESPNU150 Signings: 6
Top Prospect: Brandon Williams
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 9
Three-star: 9
Others:0
The Sooners have a solid and well-balanced class. They added speed to their offense and depth to their defensive line. Four-star wide receiver Trey Metoyer (Whitehouse, Texas/Whitehouse) is a great get at a position in need of young playmakers. The more you watch this guy, the better he gets. With his size (6-foot-2, 194 pounds), strength and speed, Metoyer has all the physical attributes, and making plays seems to come naturally for him. Keep your eye on four-star athlete Danzel Williams (Arlington, Texas/James Martin). He is being recruited as a running back, but he has excellent footwork that might lead to a look at corner. Fellow four-star speedster Brandon Williams (Brookshire, Texas/Brookshire) might have the most upside in this entire running back class.
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10) Clemson Tigers
Signings: 29
ESPNU150 Signings: 7
Top Prospect: Tony Steward
Five-star commits: 2
Four-star: 5
Three-star: 15
Others: 3
Offense is seemingly the theme of this Clemson class, but it got a pair of the nation's two top linebackers in five-star Tony Steward (St. Augustine, Fla./Menendez), who is the No. 1 ILB, and four-star Stephone Anthony (Wadesboro, N.C./Anson), who is the No. 1 OLB. Still offense stole the show, headlined by five-star Charone Peake (Roebuck, S.C./Dorman), the No. 2 wideout in the country. Although top-flight receivers can be a dime a dozen, it's rare to find many with Peake's supreme blend of size, speed and playmaking ability. It doesn't stop there for coach Dabo Swinney. He landed another difference-maker in the backfield with Mike Bellamy (Punta Gorda, Fla./Charlotte). It's hard not to make the C.J. Spiller comparison here, as Bellamy is one of the faster and more explosive backs in this class. The Tigers weren't done there, though, as they brought in two more four-star WRs in Martavis Bryant (Anderson, S.C./Hargrave Military Academy) and Sammy Watkins (Fort Myers, Fla./South Fort Myers). On defense, Clemson landed four-star DE Jeoffrey Pagan (Asheville, N.C./Asheville), who recently flipped from Florida to Clemson.
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11) LSU Tigers
Signings: 21
ESPNU150 Signings: 5
Top Prospect: Anthony Johnson
Five-star commits: 2
Four-star: 4
Three-star: 15
Others: 1
Louisiana is loaded with top prospects, and many of them seem to be heading to LSU. Coach Les Miles' class has two five-star prospects at key positions with commitments from No. 1-ranked defensive tackle Anthony Johnson (New Orleans/O. Perry Walker) and No. 3 offensive tackle La'El Collins (Baton Rouge, La./Redemptorist). Johnson is a potential impact playmaker at 6-foot-3, 295 pounds. He has great first-step quickness and the ability to wreak havoc. Collins has the tools to be an anchor at the left tackle position. He is a crushing, dominant run-blocker with the size (6-5, 281 pounds), athleticism and balance to potentially make an instant impact. The Tigers added a weapon in four-star Jarvis Landry (Lutcher, La./Lutcher), who is now the No. 3 wide receiver in the country. He is strong, has great hands and will be a playmaker both at wide receiver and in the return game. The Tigers also added a pair of four-star running backs in Kenny Hilliard (Patterson, La./Patterson) and Jeremy Hill (Baton Rouge, La./Redemptorist).
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12) Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Signings: 23
ESPNU150 Signings: 7
Top Prospect: Aaron Lynch
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 9
Three-star: 13
Others: 0
A trio of elite defensive ends carry the Irish into the top 10. Four-star recruits Aaron Lynch (Cape Coral, Fla./Island Coast), who's the No. 3 defensive end in the nation, Ishaq Williams (Brooklyn, N.Y./Lincoln), who's rated seventh, and Anthony Rabasa (Miami/Christopher Columbus), the No. 12 defensive end, are impact players at an impact position. Four-star offensive lineman Matthew Hegarty (Aztec, N.M./Aztec), the nation's fifth-ranked offensive tackle, beefs up the offensive line. Four-star WR DaVaris Daniels (Vernon Hills, Ill./Vernon Hills) has a great blend of length and athleticism that will allow him to compete for early playing time. He joins Under Armour All-American tight end Ben Koyack (Oil City, Pa./Oil City) as players who will fit well in coach Brian Kelly's system. Don't forget about four-star ATH Everett Golson (Myrtle Beach, S.C./Myrtle Beach), who was previously committed to North Carolina.
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13) North Carolina Tar Heels
Signings: 25
ESPNU150 Signings: 3
Top Prospect: T.J. Thorpe
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 10
Three-star: 11
Others: 2
Despite all the problems with the NCAA, North Carolina continues to sit on the fringe of the top 10. Four-star recruit T.J. Thorpe (Durham, N.C./Charles E. Jordan) is a smooth and gifted athlete who has big-time potential regardless of which side of the ball he ends up on in Chapel Hill. Four-star OT Travis Hughes (Virginia Beach, Va./Kempsville) has size, downhill strength and lateral agility. He's a great fit for what North Carolina does on defense with its middle linebackers. Four-star quarterback Marquise Williams (Charlotte, N.C./Mallard Creek) brings great athleticism to the position as well as sought-after size and arm strength. North Carolina also has a top-15 running back in four-star Tavis Riley (Kannapolis, N.C./A.L. Brown), who has every-down capabilties. He can run, catch the ball and pick up blitzers.
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14) Nebraska Cornhuskers
Signings: 16
ESPNU150 Signings: 3
Top Prospect: Aaron Green
Five-star commits: 1
Four-star: 5
Three-star: 9
Others: 3
This class got a big boost when five-star RB Aaron Green (San Antonio/Madison) committed to the Huskers over Texas, Cal and FSU. Green, No. 11 in the ESPNU 150, provides a back who's a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball. Nebraska, for the most part, hasn't had that in years. He's joined by four-star Jamal Turner (Arlington, Texas/Sam Houston), who is one of the better athletes in 2011 and an electrifying playmaker. Nebraska also landed four-star Bubba Starling (Gardner, Kansas/Gardner Edgerton), one of the more physically gifted QBs in this year's class. He might not ever play in Lincoln, however, as he's projected to be a first-round pick in the MLB draft. It's big up front with No. 2 center Ryne Reeves (Crete, Neb./Crete) and 6-6, 299-pound OT Tyler Moore (Clearwater, Fla./Countryside). Four-star DT Kevin Williams (Holland, Ohio/Springfield) and top-five CB Charles Jackson (Klein, Texas/Klein Collins) will help the defense.
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15) California Golden Bears
Signings: 22
ESPNU150 Signings: 5
Top Prospect: Todd Barr
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 8
Three-star: 9
Others: 3
Within a week in December, the Bears landed three ESPNU 150 defensive prospects and RB Brendon Bigelow (Fresno, Calif./Central East), a former Washington commit who has been slowed by injuries (if he hadn't been, he might also be in the ESPNU 150). That -- plus recent additions like four-star DT Viliami Moala (Sacramento, Calif./Grant), a 6-2, 325-pounder who is a physical presence in the heart of the trenches -- is a big reason Cal sits in the top 25. Still, it is the defensive firepower that is most impressive, and the biggest reason for Cal's jump in the rankings. Safety Avery Walls (McDonough, Ga./Eagles Landing Christian Academy) is one of the more explosive and productive safeties in the country and is instinctive enough to see early playing time. Defensive tackle Todd Barr (Lakewood, Calif./Lakewood) and outside linebacker Jason Gibson (Gardena, Calif./Serra) are disruptive front-seven defenders who fit well into Cal's 3-4 defensive scheme.
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16) Oregon Ducks
Signings: 1
ESPNU150 Signings: 0
Top Prospect: Devon Blackmon
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 9
Three-star: 8
Others: 5
Coach Chip Kelly keeps collecting key pieces for his explosive offense. Top-five ATH Devon Blackmon (Fontana, Calif./Summit) will likely end up at receiver and should fit right in with the Ducks' fast-paced, high-powered offense. Oregon reached into Florida for two of the best players at their positions in the fertile Sunshine State. Tacoi Sumler (Miami, Fla./Christopher Columbus) should quickly emerge as a weapon upon his arrival in Eugene. He might lack ideal size (he's only 5-7, 157 pounds), but there aren't many quicker, faster or better-in-space players in the country. Four-star QB Jerrard Randall (Hollywood, Fla./Chaminade-Madonna) possesses all the tools to shine in Kelly's zone-read offense and is a huge pickup for the program. Top-10 offensive tackle Andre Yruretagoyena (Scottsdale, Ariz./Chaparral) needs to add some bulk but is agile and can block in space, which are ideal attributes for the system he is joining.
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17) Tennessee Volunteers
Signings: 27
ESPNU150 Signings: 6
Top Prospect: DeAnthony Arnett
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 10
Three-star: 12
Others: 5
Tennessee coach Derek Dooley is building another top-25 class and got a big boost on signing day with the addition of speedy four-star Curt Maggitt Palm Beach Gardens, Fla./Dwyer), the No. 3 OLB in the country who could eventually end up as a rush end, and 6-6, 310-pound Antonio Richardson (Nashville, Tenn./Pearl-Cohn), who's the No. 8 OT in the country and No. 108 in the ESPNU 150. The class is highlighted by WR DeAnthony Arnett (Saginaw, Mich./Saginaw), who's No. 57 in the ESPNU 150. He has tremendous physical tools in terms of speed, quickness and the ability to be a home run threat from anywhere on the field. The Vols also scored by landing former Miami commit Marcus Jackson (Vero Beach, Fla./Vero Beach), a top-five OG who is a dominant run-blocker with a tough, aggressive, finishing attitude. The top defensive player is top-five ILB A.J. Johnson (Gainesville, Ga./Gainesville). The four-star Under Armour All-American has the ability to dominate as an edge player with athleticism and playing strength. He could make an instant impact. Four-star Patrick Martin (Greenville, S.C./J.L. Mann) is a top-15 safety who plays the position with some intangibles you can't coach.
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18) Arkansas Razorbacks
Signings: 30
ESPNU150 Signings: 3
Top Prospect: Mitch Smothers
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 8
Three-star: 11
Others: 12
Arkansas brings in some help for its offensive line with a pair of top-five offensive guards in Brey Cook (Springdale, Ark./Har-Ber) and Mitch Smothers (Springdale, Ark./Springdale). Lonnie Gosha (Lake Butler, Fla./Union County), who's the nation's No. 13 DE, is a versatile defender who could end up at a number of positions defensively for the Hogs. Arkansas also landed two four-star wide receivers in Keante Minor (East St. Louis, Ill./East St. Louis) and Quinta Funderburk (Chesapeake, Va./Oscar Frommel Smith). Minor makes plays downfield and is a dangerous vertical receiver, while Funderburk is a factor in all three phases of the passing game and has very quick hands. They're joined by three top-20 tight end prospects, Demetrius Dean (Fayetteville, Ark./Fayetteville), Jervohnte Riles (Bessemer, Ala./Jess Lanier) and Chris Barnett (Hurst, Texas/L.D. Bell).
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19) Virginia Cavaliers
Signings: 26
ESPNU150 Signings: 5
Top Prospect: Demetrious Nicholson
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 4
Three-star: 16
Others: 4
Coach Mike London is getting it done on the recruiting trail. The focus of this class has been on defense and recruiting the Virginia area, where London has deep roots. A pair of cornerbacks top this class. Top 15 ATH Darius Jennings (Baltimore, Md./Gilmore), who is No. 98 in the ESPNU 100. UA All-American Demetrious Nicholson (Virginia Beach, Va./Bayside) isn't ideal size (5-11, 170 pounds), but always seems to make the big play. Four-star CB Brandon Phelps (Damascus, Md./Demascus) is a great athlete and blend of size and speed. Both Nicholson and Phelps are top 10 corners. Four-star athlete Clifton Richardson (Newport News, Va./Menchville) is likely will line up in the backfield for the Cavs with his great combination of size and speed. The interior on the defensive line has numbers and quality. Four-star David Dean (Virginia Beach, Va./Green Run) and three-star Vincent Croce (Olney, Md./Our Lady of Good Counsel) are quicker, short-area defenders with the tools to develop into disruptive ACC linemen.
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20) Stanford Cardinal
Signings: 19
ESPNU150 Signings: 2
Top Prospect: James Vaughters
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 4
Three-star: 14
Others: 1
The loss of coach Jim Harbaugh has left a mark on this class with several recent defections. Still, this class was never built on big names, it was built on depth -- and it still has that. It's led by a pair of ESPNU 150 prospects in James Vaughters (Tucker, Ga./Tucker), the No. 2 inside linebacker in the country, and top-7 S Wayne Lyons (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./Dillard), a hard-hitting, physical defensive back with all the tools needed to develop into a great strong safety. Four-star wide receiver Ty Montgomery (Dallas/St. Mark's) isn't a game-breaker but is a well-rounded wideout. The Cardinal helped their defense by adding two solid three-star ends in Charlie Hopkins (Spokane, Wash./Gonzaga Prep) and Kevin Anderson (Palo Alto, Calif./Palo Alto).
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21) Louisville Cardinals
Top Prospect: Gerod Holliman
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 4
Three-star: 14
Others: 3
Using his ties to the region from his days as a Gators coach and also taking advantage of the coaching turnover at both Miami and Florida, Louisville coach Charlie Strong continues to clean up in Miami. In a short period of time, Louisville has landed three significant ESPNU 150 members from the area, including a prolific offensive connection in teammates WR Eli Rogers (Miami/Northwestern) and QB Teddy Bridgewater (Miami/Northwestern). The Cardinals latest commitment is one of the top safeties in the country. We except Gerod Holliman (Miami/Southridge) to challenge for early playing time thanks to the total package he brings to the table, particularly his coverage skills. Overall this class is very deep and stacked with great midrange quality at positions of need.
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22) Oklahoma State Cowboys
Signings: 27
ESPNU150 Signings: 1
Top Prospect: Herschel Sims
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 3
Three-star: 17
Others: 8
The Cowboys boast a pair of four-star playmakers in RB Herschel Sims (Abilene, Texas/Abilene) and QB J.W. Walsh (Denton, Texas/John H. Guyer). Sims is well-rounded and has big-play potential on any touch. He is a highly productive rusher with a knack for finding the end zone and carrying his team. Walsh is one of the better quarterbacks in this class and has been well-coached. His delivery is lightning-quick, and that is one of his best traits. The ball jumps out of his hand smoothly and with zip. He possesses that tough swagger you want, and he can play in the spread or from under center in the pro set or a West Coast scheme. Four-star OLB Nico Ornelas (North Richland Hills, Texas/Richland) needs to bulk up (he's just 6-3, 200 pounds) but is an outstanding athlete with good production against the pass and run.
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23) Washington Huskies
Top Prospect: Kasen Williams
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 3
Three-star: 18
Others: 6
Washington has a very solid class, but the biggest key is that Steve Sarkisian and the Huskies landed the state's top two prospects -- Kasen Williams (Sammamish, Wash/Skyline) and Austin Seferian-Jenkins (Gig Harbor, Wash./Gig Harbor). Williams, a four-star wide receiver, has size (6-2, 200 pounds), good speed and very quick hands. Seferian-Jenkins is a talented TE, but he might have bigger upside at OT (we rank him the No. 10 OT in the nation). Three-star WR Josh Perkins is a big, physically imposing outside receiving threat who has a terrific combination of size and strength.
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24) South Carolina Gamecocks
Signings: 30
ESPNU150 Signings: 0
Top Prospect: Kelcy Quarles
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 5
Three-star: 23
Others: 4
Armed with some postgraduate players like four-star DT Kelcy Quarles, who originally signed with the 2010 South Carolina class, this class will provide immediate impact players for the Gamecocks. It also features two top-20 back-seven defenders in safety Kadetrix Marcus (Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson) and outside linebacker Edward Muldrow (Snellville, Ga./South Gwinnett), who fit well into South Carolina's defensive scheme. Four-star TE Drew Owens (Charlotte, N.C./Ardrey Kell) likely will earn his keep as a blocker but can be a good all-around college tight end. This class is deep and composed of great midrange quality, highlighted by the pickups of offensive tackles Brandon Shell (Cross Creek, S.C./Cross Creek) and receiver Shamier Jeffery (Saint Matthews, S.C./Calhoun County).
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25) Mississippi Rebels
Signings: 27
ESPNU150 Signings: 1
Top Prospect: Tobias Singleton
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 3
Three-star: 15
Others: 10
Ole Miss sits in the top 25 for the most part because of its midrange quality, not necessarily because it signed a bunch of difference-makers. Tobias Singleton (Madison, Miss./Central) is a four-star wideout and the Rebels' lone member in the ESPNU 150. The 6-foot-1 Singleton is tall and lanky but is a valuable commodity because he's a big receiver with little-guy moves. Four-star outside linebacker Serderius Bryant (Sanford, Fla./Seminole) is short but an explosive defender who could see early playing time. QB Maikhail Miller (Fulton, Miss./Itawamba Agricultural), 6-3, 225 pounds, is a monster of a quarterback prospect with nice upside. Donte Monchief (Raleigh, Miss./Raleigh) is a raw athlete but is big and physical, has great hands and can run for a player of his size. He has nice upside.
A few other programs from the South also moved up the rankings. Georgia landed five-star RB Isaiah Crowell, Clemson landed the top ILB and OLB in Tony Steward and Stephone Anthony, while Tennessee surprised many by landing OLB Curt Maggitt, who is the nation's No. 3 OLB and No. 63 in the ESPNU 150, and 6-6, 310-pound four-star OT Antonio Richardson, who is No. 105 inthe ESPNU 150 and the nation's No. 8 OT, on signing day.
Florida State holds on to the top spot, following by Auburn, Alabama, USC and Texas. But it's still a fluid situation.
1) Florida State Seminoles
Signings: 29
ESPNU150 Signings: 12
Top Prospect: Karlos Williams
Five-star commits: 1
Four-star: 16
Three-star: 6
Others: 2
The depth and speed of this class, which features 12 ESPNU 150 commits, is scary. The Seminoles added a pair of top 20 players in DT Tim Jernigan (Lake City, Fla./Columbia) and TE Nick O'Leary (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla./Dwyer) on signing day. Defensive back was a major focus for FSU, with three top-10 safeties on board and four total in this class. The odds of Karlos Williams (Davenport, Fla./Ridge Community), Keelin Smith (Port St. Lucie, Fla./Treasure Coast), Tyler Hunter (Valdosta, Ga./Lowndes) and Lamarcus Brutus (Port St. Lucie, Fla./Treasure Coast) sticking at that one position are unlikely, however. Pay special attention to Williams. The five-star safety has a blend of size, speed, physicality and athleticism that will make him an impact player in Tallahassee. The Seminoles added two top offensive tackles in Bobby Hart (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./Saint Thomas Aquinas) and Jordan Prestwood (Plant City, Fla./Plant City), and athlete Giorgio Newberry (Fort Pierce, Fla./Central) could play either offensive or defensive line. Even at 6-foot-5, 249 pounds, he's that athletic and versatile. And don't forget four-star athlete James Wilder (Tampa, Fla./Plant), who will play running back at FSU but might be better suited for linebacker.
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2) Auburn Tigers
Signings: 25
ESPNU150 Signings: 8
Top Prospect: Christian Westerman
Five-star commits: 2
Four-star: 14
Three-star: 9
Others: 0
Auburn closed fast. Already armed with the nation's No. 2 ranked offensive tackle, Christian Westerman (Chandler, Ariz./Hamilton), the Tigers landed the No. 1 OT in five-star Cyrus Kouandjio (Hyattsville, Md./DeMatha). It also got a boost with the addition of hard-hitting S Erique Florence (Valley, Ala./Valley). Auburn also hit on needs with the addition of a trio of UA All-Americans in the nation's No. 2 QB Kiehl Frazier (Springdale, Ark./Shiloh Christian), No. 1-ranked C Reese Dismukes (Spanish Fort, Ala./Spanish Fort) and top-10 OG Thomas O'Reilly (Marietta, Ga./Pope). Frazier is 6-foot-2, 210 pounds and well built with a frame to add bulk. He has the potential to be a force as both a runner and a passer. Dismukes is not satisfied until his opponent is out of the play. O'Reilly, at 6-3 and 296 pounds, is a dominant drive-blocker. Four-star Quan Bray (LaGrange, Ga./Troup County), Auburn's highest-ranked recruit, is an electrifying athlete who runs like the wind and possesses outstanding quickness. The Tigers added some defense with four-star S Robenson Therezie (Miami, Fla./Jackson), a physical prospect who thrives off high-impact collisions and four-star corner Jonathan Rose (Leeds, Ala./Leeds).
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3) Alabama Crimson Tide
Signings: 24
ESPNU150 Signings: 10
Top Prospect: Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 13
Three-star: 7
Others: 3
Nick Saban and Alabama have 10 ESPNU 150 prospects, led by well-rounded four-star safety Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix (Orlando, Fla./Dr. Phillips). They added firepower to their passing attack with four wide receivers, led by four-star recruits Bradley Sylve (Port Sulphur, La./South Plaquemines) and Marvin Shinn (Pritchard, Ala./Vigor). They also added some depth in the backfield with top-10 RB Demetrius Hart (Orlando, Fla./Dr. Phillips). The Tide made a great pickup at outside linebacker in the explosive Trey DePriest (Springfield, Ohio/Springfield), who's rated No. 2 at the position nationally, and landed top-5 DE Xzavier Dickson (Griffin, Ga./Griffin). They also made a nice grab with under-the-radar tight end Malcolm Faciane (Picayune, Miss./Picayune Memorial), a four-star player who has size as well as good hands and the ability to be an asset as a blocker.
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4) USC Trojans
Signings: 11
ESPNU150 Signings: 2
Top Prospect: George Farmer
Five-star commits: 1
Four-star: 8
Three-star: 10
Others: 6
It was just a matter of time until Lane Kiffin had USC in the top five, right? The Trojans move up based on players like five-star George Farmer (Gardena, Calif./Serra), now the No. 1 wide receiver, and Max Wittek (Corona Del Mar, Calif./Mater Dei), now the No. 3 quarterback, making big jumps in the final ESPNU 150 as well as the recent additions of Amir Carlisle (Sunnyvale, Calif./The King's Academy) and Anthony Sarao (Absecon, N.J./Holy Spirit), who both left Stanford for USC. Don't forget that the Trojans also have elite players like four-star recruit DeAnthony Thomas (Los Angeles/Crenshaw), who is perhaps the most explosive athlete USC has recruited in the past five years, and Under Armour All-American DT Antwaun Woods (Woodland Hills, Calif./Woodland Hills-Taft), who has the ability to be a disruptive force against the run and pass. The scary thing is USC is still in the mix for some of the nation's top uncommitted players, so Kiffin & Co. could climb higher.
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5) Texas Longhorns
Signings: 22
ESPNU150 Signings: 7
Top Prospect: Malcolm Brown
Five-star commits: 1
Four-star: 13
Three-star: 8
Others: 0
The turnover on the coaching staff has impacted the Longhorns' class, which is still strong despite the loss of five-star OT Christian Westerman (Chandler, Ariz./Hamilton). The Longhorns' class, which was built right out of the gate, boasts seven ESPNU 150 prospects, including four players ranked in the top five at their respective positions. The class is led by five-star RB Malcolm Brown (Cibilo, Texas/Steele), the nation's No. 2 back, who picked the Horns over Alabama and is a difference-maker. The defense is receiving plenty of attention with a pair of top-10-rated corners, led by Quandre Diggs (Angleton, Texas/Angleton), the top-ranked player at his position nationally. Desmond Jackson (Houston/Westfield) is very disruptive and plays with intensity, and ILB Steve Edmond (Daingerfield, Texas/Daingerfield) has the playing speed and athleticism to make an early impact.
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6) Georgia Bulldogs
Signings: 25
ESPNU150 Signings: 6
Top Prospect: Isaiah Crowell
Five-star commits: 2
Four-star: 14
Three-star: 7
Others: 1
A strong class just got a lot stronger as five-star RB Isaiah Crowell (Columbus, Ga./Carver) picked the Bulldogs over Alabama. Crowell, No. 4 in the ESPNU 150 and the top-ranked RB, is the second five-star player to join this Dawgs, joining Ray Drew (Thomasville, Ga./Thomas County Central), who is No. 13 in the ESPNU 150 and the nation's No. 2 DE. The Dawgs also upgraded their pass catchers and quarterback, two positions of need. TE Jay Rome (Valdosta, Ga./Valdosta), the highest ranked player in the class, is active in the passing game and can be a weapon. Four-star QB Christian LeMay (Matthews, N.C./Butler) has a silky-smooth delivery, and his best football is ahead of him. ATH Damian Swann (Atlanta, Ga./Grady) shows promising skills at receiver and is also a scheme-versatile defensive back. Simply put, he's just a great overall athlete. Four-star WR Justin Scott-Wesley (Camilla, Ga./Mitchell-Baker) is a speedster, but his route-running is a little green. He has the potential to be a threat in the return game. Scott-Wesley is joined by four-star wideout Chris Conley (Dallas, Ga./North Paulding), who really grows on you the more you watch him, not only as a receiving threat but also as a runner after the catch. Four-star DE Sterling Bailey (Gainesville, Ga./East Hall) is the Dawgs' highest-ranked defensive player.
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7) Ohio State Buckeyes
Signings: 22
ESPNU150 Signings: 6
Top Prospect: Steve Miller
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 13
Three-star: 8
Others: 1
The Buckeyes cleaned up in Ohio, but an out-of-state player on signing day helped boost this class. Curtis Grant (Richmond, Va./Hermitage), the nation's No. 3 ILB, will join a star-studded class from Ohio that includes No. 4-ranked QB Braxton Miller (Huber Heights, Ohio/Wayne), top-six DE Steve Miller (Canton, Ohio/McKinley), top-three CB Doran Grant (Akron, Ohio/St.Vincent-St. Mary) and top-10 OG Michael Bennett (Centerville, Ohio/Centerville). Braxton Miller, an Under Armour All-American, fits the mold of a Troy Smith, but Miller is more explosive as a runner. He has a big arm, can make all the throws and just needs to be a little more consistent. Steve Miller displays the ability to be tough against the run and pass and still has good upside. Grant is a playmaking corner with great quickness and athleticism, while Bennett is a dominant run-blocker. Jim Tressel and his staff went outside the state as well, plucking two talented four-stars out of Florida -- safety Jeremy Cash (Plantation, Fla./Plantation) and tight end Jeff Heuerman (Naples, Fla./Barron Collier) -- and top-20 WR Evan Spencer (Vernon Hills, Ill./Vernon Hills) from Illinois.
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8) Florida Gators
Signings: 18
ESPNU150 Signings: 7
Top Prospect: Jeff Driskel
Five-star commits: 1
Four-star: 9
Three-star: 5
Others: 2
Will Muschamp is doing a good job of keeping this top-five class together. It's anchored by No. 1-ranked QB Jeff Driskel (Oviedo, Fla./Hagerty), who is the highest-ranked player in the class. The five-star prospect has rare speed and athleticism for a quarterback as well as great arm strength and polished throwing mechanics. The class also features four-star RB Mike Blakely (Bradenton, Fla./Manatee) and four-star DE Clay Burton (Venice, Fla./Venice), who flipped from Notre Dame to Florida. De'Ante Saunders (DeLand, Fla./DeLand), one of the most elusive prospects in the 2011 class, and Ja'Juan Story (Brooksville, Fla./Nature Coast Technical), one of the few big receivers (he's 6-foot-3) in this class who can really run well, are four-star wideouts. And four-star ATH A.C. Leonard (Jacksonville, Fla./University Christian) could play tight end or H-back. Defensively, S Jabari Gorman (Miami, Fla./Pace) is the top prospect.
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9) Oklahoma Sooners
Signings: 17
ESPNU150 Signings: 6
Top Prospect: Brandon Williams
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 9
Three-star: 9
Others:0
The Sooners have a solid and well-balanced class. They added speed to their offense and depth to their defensive line. Four-star wide receiver Trey Metoyer (Whitehouse, Texas/Whitehouse) is a great get at a position in need of young playmakers. The more you watch this guy, the better he gets. With his size (6-foot-2, 194 pounds), strength and speed, Metoyer has all the physical attributes, and making plays seems to come naturally for him. Keep your eye on four-star athlete Danzel Williams (Arlington, Texas/James Martin). He is being recruited as a running back, but he has excellent footwork that might lead to a look at corner. Fellow four-star speedster Brandon Williams (Brookshire, Texas/Brookshire) might have the most upside in this entire running back class.
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10) Clemson Tigers
Signings: 29
ESPNU150 Signings: 7
Top Prospect: Tony Steward
Five-star commits: 2
Four-star: 5
Three-star: 15
Others: 3
Offense is seemingly the theme of this Clemson class, but it got a pair of the nation's two top linebackers in five-star Tony Steward (St. Augustine, Fla./Menendez), who is the No. 1 ILB, and four-star Stephone Anthony (Wadesboro, N.C./Anson), who is the No. 1 OLB. Still offense stole the show, headlined by five-star Charone Peake (Roebuck, S.C./Dorman), the No. 2 wideout in the country. Although top-flight receivers can be a dime a dozen, it's rare to find many with Peake's supreme blend of size, speed and playmaking ability. It doesn't stop there for coach Dabo Swinney. He landed another difference-maker in the backfield with Mike Bellamy (Punta Gorda, Fla./Charlotte). It's hard not to make the C.J. Spiller comparison here, as Bellamy is one of the faster and more explosive backs in this class. The Tigers weren't done there, though, as they brought in two more four-star WRs in Martavis Bryant (Anderson, S.C./Hargrave Military Academy) and Sammy Watkins (Fort Myers, Fla./South Fort Myers). On defense, Clemson landed four-star DE Jeoffrey Pagan (Asheville, N.C./Asheville), who recently flipped from Florida to Clemson.
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11) LSU Tigers
Signings: 21
ESPNU150 Signings: 5
Top Prospect: Anthony Johnson
Five-star commits: 2
Four-star: 4
Three-star: 15
Others: 1
Louisiana is loaded with top prospects, and many of them seem to be heading to LSU. Coach Les Miles' class has two five-star prospects at key positions with commitments from No. 1-ranked defensive tackle Anthony Johnson (New Orleans/O. Perry Walker) and No. 3 offensive tackle La'El Collins (Baton Rouge, La./Redemptorist). Johnson is a potential impact playmaker at 6-foot-3, 295 pounds. He has great first-step quickness and the ability to wreak havoc. Collins has the tools to be an anchor at the left tackle position. He is a crushing, dominant run-blocker with the size (6-5, 281 pounds), athleticism and balance to potentially make an instant impact. The Tigers added a weapon in four-star Jarvis Landry (Lutcher, La./Lutcher), who is now the No. 3 wide receiver in the country. He is strong, has great hands and will be a playmaker both at wide receiver and in the return game. The Tigers also added a pair of four-star running backs in Kenny Hilliard (Patterson, La./Patterson) and Jeremy Hill (Baton Rouge, La./Redemptorist).
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12) Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Signings: 23
ESPNU150 Signings: 7
Top Prospect: Aaron Lynch
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 9
Three-star: 13
Others: 0
A trio of elite defensive ends carry the Irish into the top 10. Four-star recruits Aaron Lynch (Cape Coral, Fla./Island Coast), who's the No. 3 defensive end in the nation, Ishaq Williams (Brooklyn, N.Y./Lincoln), who's rated seventh, and Anthony Rabasa (Miami/Christopher Columbus), the No. 12 defensive end, are impact players at an impact position. Four-star offensive lineman Matthew Hegarty (Aztec, N.M./Aztec), the nation's fifth-ranked offensive tackle, beefs up the offensive line. Four-star WR DaVaris Daniels (Vernon Hills, Ill./Vernon Hills) has a great blend of length and athleticism that will allow him to compete for early playing time. He joins Under Armour All-American tight end Ben Koyack (Oil City, Pa./Oil City) as players who will fit well in coach Brian Kelly's system. Don't forget about four-star ATH Everett Golson (Myrtle Beach, S.C./Myrtle Beach), who was previously committed to North Carolina.
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13) North Carolina Tar Heels
Signings: 25
ESPNU150 Signings: 3
Top Prospect: T.J. Thorpe
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 10
Three-star: 11
Others: 2
Despite all the problems with the NCAA, North Carolina continues to sit on the fringe of the top 10. Four-star recruit T.J. Thorpe (Durham, N.C./Charles E. Jordan) is a smooth and gifted athlete who has big-time potential regardless of which side of the ball he ends up on in Chapel Hill. Four-star OT Travis Hughes (Virginia Beach, Va./Kempsville) has size, downhill strength and lateral agility. He's a great fit for what North Carolina does on defense with its middle linebackers. Four-star quarterback Marquise Williams (Charlotte, N.C./Mallard Creek) brings great athleticism to the position as well as sought-after size and arm strength. North Carolina also has a top-15 running back in four-star Tavis Riley (Kannapolis, N.C./A.L. Brown), who has every-down capabilties. He can run, catch the ball and pick up blitzers.
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14) Nebraska Cornhuskers
Signings: 16
ESPNU150 Signings: 3
Top Prospect: Aaron Green
Five-star commits: 1
Four-star: 5
Three-star: 9
Others: 3
This class got a big boost when five-star RB Aaron Green (San Antonio/Madison) committed to the Huskers over Texas, Cal and FSU. Green, No. 11 in the ESPNU 150, provides a back who's a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball. Nebraska, for the most part, hasn't had that in years. He's joined by four-star Jamal Turner (Arlington, Texas/Sam Houston), who is one of the better athletes in 2011 and an electrifying playmaker. Nebraska also landed four-star Bubba Starling (Gardner, Kansas/Gardner Edgerton), one of the more physically gifted QBs in this year's class. He might not ever play in Lincoln, however, as he's projected to be a first-round pick in the MLB draft. It's big up front with No. 2 center Ryne Reeves (Crete, Neb./Crete) and 6-6, 299-pound OT Tyler Moore (Clearwater, Fla./Countryside). Four-star DT Kevin Williams (Holland, Ohio/Springfield) and top-five CB Charles Jackson (Klein, Texas/Klein Collins) will help the defense.
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15) California Golden Bears
Signings: 22
ESPNU150 Signings: 5
Top Prospect: Todd Barr
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 8
Three-star: 9
Others: 3
Within a week in December, the Bears landed three ESPNU 150 defensive prospects and RB Brendon Bigelow (Fresno, Calif./Central East), a former Washington commit who has been slowed by injuries (if he hadn't been, he might also be in the ESPNU 150). That -- plus recent additions like four-star DT Viliami Moala (Sacramento, Calif./Grant), a 6-2, 325-pounder who is a physical presence in the heart of the trenches -- is a big reason Cal sits in the top 25. Still, it is the defensive firepower that is most impressive, and the biggest reason for Cal's jump in the rankings. Safety Avery Walls (McDonough, Ga./Eagles Landing Christian Academy) is one of the more explosive and productive safeties in the country and is instinctive enough to see early playing time. Defensive tackle Todd Barr (Lakewood, Calif./Lakewood) and outside linebacker Jason Gibson (Gardena, Calif./Serra) are disruptive front-seven defenders who fit well into Cal's 3-4 defensive scheme.
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16) Oregon Ducks
Signings: 1
ESPNU150 Signings: 0
Top Prospect: Devon Blackmon
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 9
Three-star: 8
Others: 5
Coach Chip Kelly keeps collecting key pieces for his explosive offense. Top-five ATH Devon Blackmon (Fontana, Calif./Summit) will likely end up at receiver and should fit right in with the Ducks' fast-paced, high-powered offense. Oregon reached into Florida for two of the best players at their positions in the fertile Sunshine State. Tacoi Sumler (Miami, Fla./Christopher Columbus) should quickly emerge as a weapon upon his arrival in Eugene. He might lack ideal size (he's only 5-7, 157 pounds), but there aren't many quicker, faster or better-in-space players in the country. Four-star QB Jerrard Randall (Hollywood, Fla./Chaminade-Madonna) possesses all the tools to shine in Kelly's zone-read offense and is a huge pickup for the program. Top-10 offensive tackle Andre Yruretagoyena (Scottsdale, Ariz./Chaparral) needs to add some bulk but is agile and can block in space, which are ideal attributes for the system he is joining.
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17) Tennessee Volunteers
Signings: 27
ESPNU150 Signings: 6
Top Prospect: DeAnthony Arnett
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 10
Three-star: 12
Others: 5
Tennessee coach Derek Dooley is building another top-25 class and got a big boost on signing day with the addition of speedy four-star Curt Maggitt Palm Beach Gardens, Fla./Dwyer), the No. 3 OLB in the country who could eventually end up as a rush end, and 6-6, 310-pound Antonio Richardson (Nashville, Tenn./Pearl-Cohn), who's the No. 8 OT in the country and No. 108 in the ESPNU 150. The class is highlighted by WR DeAnthony Arnett (Saginaw, Mich./Saginaw), who's No. 57 in the ESPNU 150. He has tremendous physical tools in terms of speed, quickness and the ability to be a home run threat from anywhere on the field. The Vols also scored by landing former Miami commit Marcus Jackson (Vero Beach, Fla./Vero Beach), a top-five OG who is a dominant run-blocker with a tough, aggressive, finishing attitude. The top defensive player is top-five ILB A.J. Johnson (Gainesville, Ga./Gainesville). The four-star Under Armour All-American has the ability to dominate as an edge player with athleticism and playing strength. He could make an instant impact. Four-star Patrick Martin (Greenville, S.C./J.L. Mann) is a top-15 safety who plays the position with some intangibles you can't coach.
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18) Arkansas Razorbacks
Signings: 30
ESPNU150 Signings: 3
Top Prospect: Mitch Smothers
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 8
Three-star: 11
Others: 12
Arkansas brings in some help for its offensive line with a pair of top-five offensive guards in Brey Cook (Springdale, Ark./Har-Ber) and Mitch Smothers (Springdale, Ark./Springdale). Lonnie Gosha (Lake Butler, Fla./Union County), who's the nation's No. 13 DE, is a versatile defender who could end up at a number of positions defensively for the Hogs. Arkansas also landed two four-star wide receivers in Keante Minor (East St. Louis, Ill./East St. Louis) and Quinta Funderburk (Chesapeake, Va./Oscar Frommel Smith). Minor makes plays downfield and is a dangerous vertical receiver, while Funderburk is a factor in all three phases of the passing game and has very quick hands. They're joined by three top-20 tight end prospects, Demetrius Dean (Fayetteville, Ark./Fayetteville), Jervohnte Riles (Bessemer, Ala./Jess Lanier) and Chris Barnett (Hurst, Texas/L.D. Bell).
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19) Virginia Cavaliers
Signings: 26
ESPNU150 Signings: 5
Top Prospect: Demetrious Nicholson
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 4
Three-star: 16
Others: 4
Coach Mike London is getting it done on the recruiting trail. The focus of this class has been on defense and recruiting the Virginia area, where London has deep roots. A pair of cornerbacks top this class. Top 15 ATH Darius Jennings (Baltimore, Md./Gilmore), who is No. 98 in the ESPNU 100. UA All-American Demetrious Nicholson (Virginia Beach, Va./Bayside) isn't ideal size (5-11, 170 pounds), but always seems to make the big play. Four-star CB Brandon Phelps (Damascus, Md./Demascus) is a great athlete and blend of size and speed. Both Nicholson and Phelps are top 10 corners. Four-star athlete Clifton Richardson (Newport News, Va./Menchville) is likely will line up in the backfield for the Cavs with his great combination of size and speed. The interior on the defensive line has numbers and quality. Four-star David Dean (Virginia Beach, Va./Green Run) and three-star Vincent Croce (Olney, Md./Our Lady of Good Counsel) are quicker, short-area defenders with the tools to develop into disruptive ACC linemen.
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20) Stanford Cardinal
Signings: 19
ESPNU150 Signings: 2
Top Prospect: James Vaughters
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 4
Three-star: 14
Others: 1
The loss of coach Jim Harbaugh has left a mark on this class with several recent defections. Still, this class was never built on big names, it was built on depth -- and it still has that. It's led by a pair of ESPNU 150 prospects in James Vaughters (Tucker, Ga./Tucker), the No. 2 inside linebacker in the country, and top-7 S Wayne Lyons (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./Dillard), a hard-hitting, physical defensive back with all the tools needed to develop into a great strong safety. Four-star wide receiver Ty Montgomery (Dallas/St. Mark's) isn't a game-breaker but is a well-rounded wideout. The Cardinal helped their defense by adding two solid three-star ends in Charlie Hopkins (Spokane, Wash./Gonzaga Prep) and Kevin Anderson (Palo Alto, Calif./Palo Alto).
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21) Louisville Cardinals
Top Prospect: Gerod Holliman
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 4
Three-star: 14
Others: 3
Using his ties to the region from his days as a Gators coach and also taking advantage of the coaching turnover at both Miami and Florida, Louisville coach Charlie Strong continues to clean up in Miami. In a short period of time, Louisville has landed three significant ESPNU 150 members from the area, including a prolific offensive connection in teammates WR Eli Rogers (Miami/Northwestern) and QB Teddy Bridgewater (Miami/Northwestern). The Cardinals latest commitment is one of the top safeties in the country. We except Gerod Holliman (Miami/Southridge) to challenge for early playing time thanks to the total package he brings to the table, particularly his coverage skills. Overall this class is very deep and stacked with great midrange quality at positions of need.
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22) Oklahoma State Cowboys
Signings: 27
ESPNU150 Signings: 1
Top Prospect: Herschel Sims
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 3
Three-star: 17
Others: 8
The Cowboys boast a pair of four-star playmakers in RB Herschel Sims (Abilene, Texas/Abilene) and QB J.W. Walsh (Denton, Texas/John H. Guyer). Sims is well-rounded and has big-play potential on any touch. He is a highly productive rusher with a knack for finding the end zone and carrying his team. Walsh is one of the better quarterbacks in this class and has been well-coached. His delivery is lightning-quick, and that is one of his best traits. The ball jumps out of his hand smoothly and with zip. He possesses that tough swagger you want, and he can play in the spread or from under center in the pro set or a West Coast scheme. Four-star OLB Nico Ornelas (North Richland Hills, Texas/Richland) needs to bulk up (he's just 6-3, 200 pounds) but is an outstanding athlete with good production against the pass and run.
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23) Washington Huskies
Top Prospect: Kasen Williams
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 3
Three-star: 18
Others: 6
Washington has a very solid class, but the biggest key is that Steve Sarkisian and the Huskies landed the state's top two prospects -- Kasen Williams (Sammamish, Wash/Skyline) and Austin Seferian-Jenkins (Gig Harbor, Wash./Gig Harbor). Williams, a four-star wide receiver, has size (6-2, 200 pounds), good speed and very quick hands. Seferian-Jenkins is a talented TE, but he might have bigger upside at OT (we rank him the No. 10 OT in the nation). Three-star WR Josh Perkins is a big, physically imposing outside receiving threat who has a terrific combination of size and strength.
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24) South Carolina Gamecocks
Signings: 30
ESPNU150 Signings: 0
Top Prospect: Kelcy Quarles
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 5
Three-star: 23
Others: 4
Armed with some postgraduate players like four-star DT Kelcy Quarles, who originally signed with the 2010 South Carolina class, this class will provide immediate impact players for the Gamecocks. It also features two top-20 back-seven defenders in safety Kadetrix Marcus (Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson) and outside linebacker Edward Muldrow (Snellville, Ga./South Gwinnett), who fit well into South Carolina's defensive scheme. Four-star TE Drew Owens (Charlotte, N.C./Ardrey Kell) likely will earn his keep as a blocker but can be a good all-around college tight end. This class is deep and composed of great midrange quality, highlighted by the pickups of offensive tackles Brandon Shell (Cross Creek, S.C./Cross Creek) and receiver Shamier Jeffery (Saint Matthews, S.C./Calhoun County).
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25) Mississippi Rebels
Signings: 27
ESPNU150 Signings: 1
Top Prospect: Tobias Singleton
Five-star commits: 0
Four-star: 3
Three-star: 15
Others: 10
Ole Miss sits in the top 25 for the most part because of its midrange quality, not necessarily because it signed a bunch of difference-makers. Tobias Singleton (Madison, Miss./Central) is a four-star wideout and the Rebels' lone member in the ESPNU 150. The 6-foot-1 Singleton is tall and lanky but is a valuable commodity because he's a big receiver with little-guy moves. Four-star outside linebacker Serderius Bryant (Sanford, Fla./Seminole) is short but an explosive defender who could see early playing time. QB Maikhail Miller (Fulton, Miss./Itawamba Agricultural), 6-3, 225 pounds, is a monster of a quarterback prospect with nice upside. Donte Monchief (Raleigh, Miss./Raleigh) is a raw athlete but is big and physical, has great hands and can run for a player of his size. He has nice upside.
