2011's Top 15 College Football Recruiting Classes on Defense

By Bleacher Report Aug 3, 2010, 8:16pm

Bleacherreport.com's 2011 Top 15 College Football Recruiting Classes on Defense.

By Bryan Kelly

No. 15: Tie! Virginia and Indiana

Gotta give some love to two of the most impressive recruiting efforts of the 2011 class, the Hoosiers and their 21 commitments, and the Cavaliers and their 20.

Both have at least one defensive all-star and a ton of depth.

Virginia's Brandon Phelps, assuming he plays safety and not receiver, is a four-star player with competitive offers from Alabama, Michigan, LSU and Ohio State just to name a few.

Curtis Grant from Hermitage High School.
Curtis Grant from Hermitage High School.

Other big names for the Cavs: DT Vincent Croce, another touted recruit with competitive offers from Michigan, UNC and Pitt; and DT David Dean. Also watch for interest from five-star in-state linebacker Curtis Grant, who hinted the Cavs would make his forthcoming cut to six.


Indiana's Zack Shaw is a four-star middle linebacker with offers from West Virginia and Toledo and interest from Michigan.


Other big names to watch for: LB Max Pirman, DB Nick Stoner, and DE CJ Robbins. Recent DT commit Bernard Taylor out of Macomb, MI could also be a big steal.

Rest of the Top 15.