Top 20 college football recruiting classes

The 2010 University of Texas Longhorns had a completely different experience from the playing field to the recruiting trail.

While Mack Brown and players endured a 5-7 season, the Longhorns lit up the recruiting scene, landing nearly every prospect they targeted.

Led by Malcolm Brown, the No. 10 recruit in the class of 2011 Top 100, Texas has gained verbal commitments from seven Top 100 recruits and has stockpiled firepower at nearly every position.

With its deep, diverse class, Texas currently sits at No. 1 in the CBS College Research Rankings.



Alabama and LSU currently check in at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, as top recruits continue to flock to SEC schools.

Perhaps the school with the best change of surpassing Texas on National Signing Day is No. 4, Florida State.

The Seminoles have overtaken Florida this year as the dominant recruiting power in the Sunshine State. With the likes of Jadeveon Clowney and Tony Steward still hanging in the balance, Florida State could make a push toward the top in February.

MaxPreps national football editor Stephen Spiewak breaks down the Top 20 classes in the CBS College Research Rankings. To see how the rankings are compiled, click here.

1. Texas
Number of commitments: 23
Biggest grab: Malcolm Brown
Sleeper: Joe Bergeron
One that got away: Aaron Green
Early impact: Steve Edmond
Analysis: It's hard not to love this Texas recruiting class, which is balanced, talented, and, with respect to other teams in Texas and other teams in the Big XII, totally dominant. Mack Brown and staff landed nearly all of their early targets way back in February, and other priorities, like Christian Westerman and Malcolm Brown, later made their pledges. While the Longhorns struggled on the field in 2010, their recruiting did not suffer whatsoever.

2. Alabama
Number of commitments: 18
Biggest grab: Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix
Sleeper: Vinnie Sunseri
One that got away: Brent Calloway
Early impact: Demetrius Hart
Analysis: Alabama continues to thrive in the dog-eat-dog landscape of SEC recruiting. The Crimson Tide scored major recruiting victories by landing several out-of-state gems. Hart could be a change-of-pace back as a freshman, while Tennessee cornerback Jabriel Washington will add to the team's already deep secondary. Adding either Cyrus Kouandjio or Clowney would be an 11th-hour home run by Nick Saban.



3. LSU
Number of commitments: 21
Biggest grab: La'El Collins
Sleeper: Paul Turner
One that got away: Greg Robinson
Early impact: Anthony Johnson
Analysis: This class started strong very early, and did not disappoint. Les Miles has secured commitments from Collins, Johnson, and running backs Kenny Hilliard and Jeremy Hill, all highly sought-after recruits from Louisiana. Quarterback Stephen Rivers, brother of Philip, needs to get bigger, but he could be a real boom-or-bust signal-caller for the Tigers.

4. Florida State
Number of commitments: 22
Biggest grab: James Wilder
Sleeper: Tyler Hunter
One that got away: Aaron Lynch
Early impact: Karlos Williams
Analysis: Put simply, this is a statement recruiting class for Jimbo Fisher. Last year, Florida was the apple in many top recruits' eyes. In 2010, Florida State regained much of that prestige, landing Wilder, Williams, and top receiver Kelvin Benjamin. Amazingly, the team's 2012 class has the potential to be even stronger.

5. Ohio State
Number of commitments: 20
Biggest grab: Braxton Miller
Sleeper: Evan Spencer
One that got away: Trey DePriest
Early Impact: Doran Grant
Analysis: After a mediocre 2009 class, the Buckeyes rebound nicely with a 2010 haul teeming with pass rushers and skilled defensive backs, but highlighted by Miller, who could vie for playing time in 2011. If Grant lives up to his billing, expect to see him compete to fill in at cornerback spots opening up due to graduation. Spencer was often overshadowed by teammate DaVaris Daniels, but is a solid pickup who could pay dividends.
{PAGEBREAK}6. Notre Dame
Number of commitments: 20
Biggest grab: Stephon Tuitt
Sleeper: Bennett Okotcha
One that got away: Justice Hayes
Early impact: Brad Carrico
Analysis: Brian Kelly has made it clear he's focused on recruiting defense, and that's evident in Notre Dame's class. The defensive line and secondary are major strengths in this group for the Fighting Irish. On offense, keep an eye on former UNC commit Everett Golson. He's undersized, but was nothing short of phenomenal in high school. He could be the perfect quarterback for Kelly's system.

7. USC
Number of commitments: 24
Biggest grab: De'Anthony Thomas
Sleeper: Charles Burks
Early impact: George Farmer
One that got away: Colt Lyerla
Analysis: USC's perception among recruits seemingly was not damaged by the NCAA sanctions it received over the summer. The Trojans are not quite as high in the recruiting rankings as they often finished under Pete Carroll, but they really bolstered their ranks at defensive line and quarterback. Lane Kiffin is still actively recruiting help on the offensive line, in the form of Westerman, Aundrey Walker, and Kouandjio. Another linebacker is also on the wish list. Whether or not USC wins its appeal to the NCAA over its sanctions could affect the size of this class.

8. Clemson
Number of commitments: 23
Biggest grab: Mike Bellamy
Sleeper: Robert Smith
One that got away: Brandon Shell
Early impact: Sammy Watkins
Analysis: Despite the Tigers' disappointing season, head coach Dabo Swinney has delivered on the trail. He has stockpiled a serious arsenal of offensive weapons, including Bellamy, Watkins, and Charone Peake. However, the team's interior defensive linemen could be a question mark, particularly with DaQuan Bowers leaving early for the NFL.

9. South Carolina
Number of commitments: 26
Biggest grab: Brandon Shell
Sleeper: Shamier Jeffery
One that got away: Justin Worley
Early impact: Damiere Byrd
Analysis: This is a huge class, ripe with solid (but mostly unspectacular) recruits. Shell is a terrific lineman and was a big pull for Steve Spurrier. Byrd's speed will fit right in with other elite SEC recruits. Quarterbacks coach G.A. Mangus has made major inroads in New Jersey, and other Garden State recruits could still follow. The Gamecocks never seemed interested in Worley, who ended up having a prodigious season and committing to Tennessee.



10. Auburn
Number of commitments: 17
Biggest grab: Kiehl Frazier
Sleeper: Angelo Blackson
One that got away: Daryl Collins
Early impact: Jonathan Rose
Analysis: It's good to be champions, as Auburn is experiencing. While the perks of bringing home the BCS crown will likely be seen more in 2012, it certainly didn't hurt the Tigers with this class. Linebacker Brent Calloway flipped from Alabama days before the BCS title game. Quan Bray and Robenson Therezie were other late pick-ups. Had Frazier enrolled early, he could have asserted himself into the quarterback competition in the post-Cam Newton era. With his mobility and 6-3, 215-pound frame, he'll help the Tigers retain a Newton-like flavor to the offense.
{PAGEBREAK}11. Florida
Number of commitments: 16
Biggest grab: Jeff Driskel
Sleeper: Valdez Showers
One that got away:Mike Bellamy
Early impact: Mike Blakely
Analysis: This class is not ripe with star recruits, as Gator fans have become accustomed to, but it's certainly not hurting for talent either. If Blakely is healthy, expect him to contribute at running back. He's too talented not to make a quick impact. With Connecticut offensive lineman Thomas Jordan, Florida continues its recent history of snatching recruits from the Constitution State. With some new faces on staff, Will Muschamp has done a good job retaining most of Urban Meyer's recruits and should do well moving forward.

12. California
Number of commitments: 17
Biggest grab: Brendon Bigelow
Sleeper: Jason Gibson
One that got away: George Atkinson
Early impact: Viliami Moala
Analysis: At 19, this Cal class certainly seems underrated. After all, it's teeming with firepower on both sides of the ball. Bigelow battled injuries, but if healthy, will flourish in Cal's offense. Daniel Lasco, a four-year starter for Texas 5A-power The Woodlands, adds depth at the position. The Golden Bears' assembly of defensive linemen, with Moala, Todd Barr, Mustafa Jalil, and Brennan Scarlett, could be the country's best. Gibson, often overshadowed by teammates George Farmer and Marqise Lee, can likely add to the defensive line or play with his hand off the ground.

13. Oregon
Number of commitments: 21
Biggest grab: Colt Lyerla
Sleeper: Tyson Coleman
One that got away: Johnny Manziel
Early impact: Tacoi Sumler
Analysis: There's certainly a good deal for Ducks fans to like about this class. Not only did Chip Kelly mine Oregon for local talent, but he also landed significant recruits from across the country, namely Sumler, fellow Florida product Jerrard Randall, and Texas linebacker Anthony Wallace. Oregon could still use a defensive back or two to help a defense that ranked fifth in passing yards allowed in the Pac-10.

14. Virginia
Number of commitments: 24
Biggest grab: Demetrious Nicholson
Sleeper: Rob Burns
One that got away: Travis Hughes
Early impact: Vincent Croce
Analysis: Mike London has Virginia fans excited. He has heavily tapped into the Washington, D.C. and Virginia Beach areas, delivering a recruiting class that will bring lofty expectations. With Nicholson and Brandon Phelps, the Cavaliers are getting a pair of excellent cornerbacks. Jay Whitmire and Daquan Romero were great pick ups on the offensive and defensive lines, respectively.

15. Stanford
Number of commitments: 20
Biggest grab: Wayne Lyons
Sleeper: Kevin Hogan
One that got away: Garrett Gladd
Early impact: Amir Carlisle
Analysis: This is the most uncertain class in the Top 20. Stanford typically has a high attrition rate due to its academic standards, but the departure of Jim Harbaugh compounds the situation. Currently, the Cardinal has a solid class, particularly on defense with Lyons, James Vaughters, and Anthony Sarao. Carlisle, a speedy back with excellent balance, could push for reps right away, especially on special teams. It's unlikely that Stanford adds any big recruits before National Signing Say, but it could certainly lose some.{PAGEBREAK}16. Arkansas
Number of commitments: 27
Biggest grab: Brey Cook
Sleeper: Keante Minor
One that got away: Kiehl Frazier
Early impact: Tevin Mitchel
Analysis: With the Arkansas high school football scene on the rise, it was even more important for the Razorbacks to lock up local recruits. With the exception of Frazier, Bobby Petrino did just that. It will be impossible to replace Ryan Mallett in an offense that was third in passing yards per game last year, but Brandon Allen, son of Arkansas assistant Bobby Allen, will learn quickly and fits the style of the offense. Running back Kody Walker could emerge as a feature back.

17. Georgia
Number of commitments: 18
Biggest grab: Christian LeMay
Sleeper: Nathan Theus
One that got away: James Wilder
Early impact: Justin Scott-Wesley
Analysis: It was a tough season for Georgia, but help is on the way in a hurry. However, it might not come at the positions the Bulldogs need it. LeMay, who has already begun practicing with the team, is outstanding, but will sit behind Aaron Murray. Justin Scott-Wesley, a state-champion track star, will find a way on the field. Sterling Bailey fills a need at defensive end, but Georgia fans are still holding out hope for Ray Drew. They're confident Richt can land stellar running back Isaiah Crowell, a position the team has not currently addressed in the 2011 class.

18. Illinois
Number of commitments: 26
Biggest grab: Dondi Kirby
Sleeper: Donovonn Young
One that got away: DaVaris Daniels
Early impact: Reilly O'Toole
Analysis: A large class that lacks the firepower of some of the others on this list, Illinois is endangered of getting leapfrogged once the dust settles on commitments and signatures. Still, there are some potential difference-makers in Kirby and O'Toole. The real gem, however, could be Young. In an extremely deep year for Texas running backs, Young was passed over by Big XII schools but may thrive in the Big Ten. He's a powerful runner who rushed for 2,309 yards and 36 touchdowns as a senior.

19. Louisville
Number of commitments: 24
Biggest grab: Teddy Bridgewater
Sleeper: Eric Robinson-Berry
One that got away: Steven Daniels
Early impact: DeVante Parker
Analysis: Charlie Strong continues to recruit well, and with the demise of Pitt's class amid coaching turmoil, is poised to bring home the top haul in the Big East. Strong pulled off a major coup by landing Bridgewater and teammate Eli Rogers in the wake of Randy Shannon's firing. Parker is a star in the making, and had one of the more impressive seasons in Kentucky high school football history in 2010. He should help an offense that ranked fifth in the Big East last year in points per game.

20. Washington
Number of commitments: 21
Biggest grab: Kasen Williams
Sleeper: Jamaal Jones
One that got away: Brendon Bigelow
Early impact: Austin Seferian-Jenkins
Analysis: Steve Sarkisian is bringing in another big class in 2011, one that boasts the top players in the state of Washington. Keeping up that fence is something that will be critical for the Huskies looking ahead to the 2012 class. Williams is one of the country's best receivers, and Seferian-Jenkins will eventually play on Sundays. Quarterback depth is a major concern for the Huskies right now, however, and was only addressed with Dorsey signal-caller Joseph Gray.

Next 5:
21. Iowa
22. Boston College
23. North Carolina
24. Wisconsin
25. Ole Miss

Five more to watch on National Signing Day:
Oklahoma
Nebraska
Oklahoma State
Tennessee
Texas Tech