Texas, Michigan and Alabama have dominated the recruiting trail early on this spring.
National Signing Day for the Class of 2013 is more than 10 months away, but that has not stopped a number of teams from already loading up on current juniors.
Texas, Michigan and Alabama have led the way when it comes to recruiting the 2013 class. The trio of schools has recruited aggressively and has already locked some of the nation's top players.
Giving a slight nod to quality over quantity, as teams have plenty of time to bolster their ranks, MaxPreps takes a look at the Top 20 recruiting classes for 2013.
Early 2013 Top 20 Recruiting Classes1. Texas
Number of verbal commitments: 13
Tyrone Swoopes, Whitewright
Photo by Kyle Dantzler
Mack Brown and staff tried a slightly different approach on the trail this year: Not pressuring for commitments on junior days in February. Since then, the Longhorns have been stockpiling talent at nearly all positions. In Swoopes and Ricky Seals-Jones, Texas gets two of the most impressive athletes in the class. The current haul of offensive linemen rivals Michigan's impressive group. Texas will still add to its secondary and may go out of state to do so.
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2. Michigan
Number of verbal commitments: 16
Shane Morris, De La Salle Collegiate
Courtesy MrMack.com
Brady Hoke has simply torn it up the recruiting trail since National Signing Day. The Wolverines have loaded up across the offensive line, winning decisive recruiting battles against rivals Ohio State and Notre Dame. It has a great shot to land Treadwell and fellow blue-chip skill player Ty Isaac, one of the nation's top running backs. It might be a rather undramatic National Signing Day for Michigan, which could be wrapped up long before then.
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3. Alabama
Number of verbal commitments: 9
Robert Nkemdiche, Grayson
Photo by Dennis Carter
This class is high on talent, yet short on numbers so far. That's hardly a concern for Nick Saban and staff, who will almost certainly finish in the Top 5, if not Top 3. The much ballyhooed Nkemdiche is considered an Alabama lean, though his recruitment is far from over. Alabama has already raided Georgia for top running back Tyren Jones and plucked cornerback Artie Burns from South Florida. With Saban at the helm, it's hard to imagine Alabama not closing strong. In fact, if a few recruits fall into place, Alabama could finish with not only the No. 1 class, but one of the more impressive classes ever.
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4. Texas A&M
Number of verbal commitments: 14
Laquvionte Gonzalez, Cedar Hill
Photo by Lonnie Erickson
Kevin Sumlin has landed some highly impressive skill players, including Griffin, Kohl Stewart and Laquvionte Gonzalez. On the other side of the ball, defensive tackle Isaiah Golden could finish as one of the top interior linemen in the class. It's not necessarily winning head-to-head battles vs. Texas for elite recruits, but Texas A&M is still thriving.
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5. Georgia
Number of verbal commitments: 8
Derrick Henry, Yulee
Photo courtesy of Yulee High School
In an exceptionally deep year of in-state talent, it's crucial for Georgia to keep its top recruits near home, which it has done reasonably well lately. However, linebacker Reuben Foster is already committed to Alabama and Robert Nkemdiche may land there as well. With Henry, quarterback Brice Ramsey and receiver Tramel Terry, the Bulldgos already have plenty of offensive firepower. Certain defensive pieces are already in place, like safety Tray Matthews. If Matthews can help flip his friend Foster, the potential to land a very strong defensive group is certainly there.{PAGEBREAK}
6. Ohio State
Number of verbal commitments: 5
Jalin Marshall, Middletown
Photo by Michael Noyes
Jimmy Byrne
Freshman to follow: Steven ClarkComment: While it's a safe bet that Urban Meyer will recruit nationally with more consistency than his predecessor Jim Tressel, he's also demonstrated that Ohio State will not budge in its own backyard. In addition to landing Marshall and Cam Burrows, the Buckeyes will also be a headache for Notre Dame and others in recruiting Indiana and other neighboring areas. With a commitment from defensive back Eli Woodard, the Buckeyes are carving out a nice presence in New Jersey. They are also pursuing defensive tackle Greg Webb and defensive end Tashawn Bower, and should figure to be a major player for both.
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7. Penn State
Number of verbal commitments: 5
Garret Sickels, Red Bank Regional
Photo by Bill Normile
The 2013 recruiting class is off to a blazing start for Bill O'Brien, who has re-energized a fan base that had grown accustomed to slow starts on the recruiting trail. Breneman, perhaps the nation's top tight end, was a huge pickup while Garrett Sickels gives the Nittany Lions a pass rusher who turned down SEC offers. Kincade, a top 2014 quarterback, is verbally committed to Pitt but is likely still in play for Penn State. Foster would give Penn State the type of highly touted skill player it hasn't seen since Derrick Williams.
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8. Florida
Number of verbal commitments: 10
Kelvin Taylor, Glades Day
Photo by Stuart Browning
This is a solid class, but currently lacks a real elite blue-chip recruit that Florida has become accustomed to. That's likely to change before long, as the Gators are in the running for several five-star recruits. Not to mention, the recent buzz has Florida landing standout receiver Ahmad Fulwood. After missing on Nelson Agholor and Stefon Diggs, a game-breaking threat on offense is just what the doctor ordered for Will Muschamp and staff.
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9. Florida State
Number of verbal commitments: 8
Joseph Yearby, Central
Photo by Mike Janes
Florida State continues to recruit well despite the fact that in-state recruiting is as competitive as ever. Maqaudeis Bain adds to the Seminoles' recent track record of outstanding defensive linemen, while Michael Johnson and Sojourn Shelton add to the legacy of fine defensive back recruits. However, between Vernon Hargreaves, MacKensie Alexander and Marcell Harris among others, Florida State fans are still hopeful for even greater depth in the defensive backfield. Worth watching is Florida State's ability to tap into the Dade/Broward areas that Miami has done a better job of protecting under Al Golden.
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10. Auburn
Number of verbal commitments: 5
Cord Sandberg, Manatee
Photo by Mike Janes
Demetrice Vaughn
Comment: With Johnson and Dee Liner, Auburn has already reeled in two outstanding defensive players. Earnest Robinson is one of the top in-state receivers this year and was a big pickup for the Tigers. Auburn is currently giving Sandburg the hand written-letter-every-day treatment, so it's clear that Gene Chizik really likes the lefty from Florida. In a deep year for quarterbacks, Auburn can afford to miss on Sandberg as it should have a shot at in-state option Jeremy Johnson. The 2014 recruiting cycle should feature two of the top running backs nationally in Thomas and Bo Scarborough. Auburn would be remiss to miss on both of those.
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11. LSU
Number of verbal commitments: 6
Jabrill Peppers, Paramus Catholic
Photo by Dan Coppola
With the eleventh-hour losses of Gunner Kiel and Patrick Miller around Signing Day, LSU was left with a bad taste in its mouth for the Class of 2012. That seems to have dissipated with an early commitment from Brazil, an elite speedster. Expect LSU to take another quarterback from this class, with Riley Ferguson being an option. Despite Brazil and lineman Josh Boutte, this class is clearly behind several SEC rivals. It's still early, but it's a testament to the depth of the league and a reminder of how ultra-competitive SEC recruiting remains.
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12. Stanford
Number of verbal commitments: 3
Ryan Burns, Stone Bridge
Photo by Clarence Thomas
Stanford is riding its momentum from the 2012 class into 2013, with a commitment from Burns and linebackers Doug Randolph and Isaac Savaiinaea. If Burns can lure teammate Jonathan Allen to Palo Alto, the Cardinal will be getting one of the nation's top pass rushers. After a historic haul on the offensive line, defense will likely be a priority. Having already secured two solid linebackers, look for David Shaw and staff to focus on the secondary, with Chris Hawkins looking like the first domino. Gerhart is the younger brother of former Stanford star Toby, while Kaumatule, brother of 2012 Stanford recruit Luke, could be a blue chip recruit in 2015.
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13. North Carolina
Number of verbal commitments: 6
Peter Kalambayi, Butler
Photo by Randy Rimland
In a great year for recruiting in the Tar Heel State, North Carolina already has three good ones in Prince, Khris Francis and Jordan Fieullteau. Butler High's trio of Kalambayi, Riley Ferguson and Uriah Lemay would greatly add to the class. In fact, with Marquez North and Larenz Bryant, locking down the Charlotte area is mission-critical. North Carolina could use a blue-chip running back, and it can't wait for 2015 standout Love. If the Tar Heels miss on Ferguson, prolific passer Connor Mitch would be an outstanding fallback option.
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14. Notre Dame
Number of verbal commitments: 3
Steve Elmer, Midland
Courtesy of Chopper Photography
Elmer is the clear highlight of the class. A heavily pursued tackle, he has remained firmly committed to the Irish since the fall. Notre Dame is positioned nicely for linebacker Jaylon Smith, despite the fact his brother plays for Ohio State. Isaac would be a major pickup at a position of need. If Isaac lands at Michigan or elsewhere, Ryan Green would be a nice pull from Florida. With the loss of Tee Shepard (transfer) and Ronald Darby (decommitted) from the 2012 class, defensive back is a major priority, with Tre Bell looking like a contender to commit before the fall.
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15. Miami
Number of verbal commitments: 4
Greg Bryant, American Heritage
Photo by Stuart Browning
Alex Collins
Still on the board: Matthew ThomasNext year's name to know: Sony MichelFreshman to follow: Tim IrvinComment: By closing with Tracy Howard, Miami puffed its chest out a bit and proved it will no longer allow top Dade and Broward County prospects to leave the area. To continue that in 2013, players like Thomas and Joey Bosa need to be locked down. If Miami can extend its reach to Palm Beach County and land Will Likely and Greg Bryant, it could finish with the top class in the state. If it misses on Bryant, help should be on the way in 2014, with phenom running back Sony Michel ripe for the picking. Irvin, who starred as a freshman, is the nephew of former St. Thomas Aquinas star Michel Irvin.
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16. UCLA
Number of verbal commitments: 3
Dashon Hunt, Westlake
Photo by David Hood
Under new head coach Jim Mora Jr., UCLA has solid recruiting momentum. If it hopes to compete with USC, not to mention Pac-12 foes Oregon and Washington, it will need it. Hunt is a supreme athlete despite being undersized. Brice Ramsey gives the Bruins a quarterback to build around, although Williams, more of a dual-threat signal caller, could still be an option. S'ua Cravens, arguably the top recruit from Southern California in the last few years, would be an enormous grab.
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17. Oklahoma
Number of verbal commitments: 2
Max Browne, Skyline
Photo by Jeff Napier
Keith Ford
Still on the board: Max BrowneNext year's name to know: Justice HansenFreshman to follow: Austin CantrellComment: Short on numbers is the current Oklahoma recruiting class, but it's deep on talent. Ford is among the top running backs in Texas this year. However, since Adrian Peterson left, the Sooners' track record at recruiting running backs from the Lone Star State is mixed at best. In-state defensive end D.J. Ward would be a nice pickup. The Sooners are likely the favorite to land Browne, the most accomplished quarterback in the country. But, with Alabama, USC and a host of other suitors in the mix, it won't be easy. If Oklahoma lands Browne, that could affect Hansen, a top 2014 signal caller. In addition to Cantrell, Dalton Wood, Conner McGuiness and Terrell Buchanan, Oklahoma's crop of 2015 recruits appears to be above average.
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18. Oregon
Number of verbal commitments: 1
Thomas Tyner, Aloha
Photo by Larry Lawson
Darren Paulo
Comment: Tyner is the only commit so far, but he's good enough to warrant a spot on this list. He was plagued by injury his sophomore year, but has superior speed when healthy and could be the best back in this class. The Ducks landed Arik Armstead last year and have a shot at fellow Sacramento-area defensive lineman Vanderdoes. Ducks fans would like to see some big additions to the offensive line, especially given the pieces that Stanford and USC have added at the position lately.
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19. USC
Number of verbal commitments: 1
Kenny Bigelow, Red Lion Christian
Photo by Jim Stout
It's clearly quality of quantity right now for USC, which has shown no signs of suffering any effects from NCAA sanctions. Bigelow, a teammate of 2015 commit David Sills, was a huge grab for Lane Kiffin. Keep an eye on USC's recruitment of Ty Isaac; the Trojans seem like a legitimate player for the stud running back. With Cravens, Justin Davis, Max Browne and Michael Hutchings all in play, USC should end up with no shortage of talent. USC can afford to be selective at quarterback: If it misses on Browne, Kelly Hilinski is another viable option. David Sills is already committed for the class of 2015 and he could be the top player in the class. Despite having only one recruit in the fold, there's more than a few programs with multiple recruits that wouldn't mind trading places with the Trojans.
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20. Louisville
Number of verbal commitments: 3
James Quick, Trinity
Photo by Jim Owens
Charlie Strong has placed Louisville firmly in the middle of the discussion about a number of national recruits, which, in and of itself, is an accomplishment. Bolin should be a bona fide option at quarterback, while Donald Brooks was a coup at cornerback. This current group is pretty clearly the head of the class in the Big East.
