It's good to be a Gator, at least if you ask this year's top college football recruits.
With the late flurry that saw it land a number of superb defensive players, the University of Florida stands to have the country's top recruiting class in 2010.
The Gators are projected to sign Rancho Verde (Moreno Valley, Calif.) defensive end Ronald Powell, Curtis (Staten Island, N.Y.) defensive tackle Dominique Easley, and Washington (Philadelphia) defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, giving them a potentially epic defensive line.
With roughly two weeks remaining until National Signing Day, MaxPreps breaks down the nation's top 20 recruiting classes as they stand right now.
To calculate how teams' projected classes sized up, we turned to CBS College Sports lead researcher Brian Raab. Raab assigned values to every recruit in the Tom Lemming Top 100, as well as all other recruits in Lemming's database. His mathematical formula takes into account both the quality and quantity of a team's recruits in coming up with the rankings.
These rankings are bound to change as players continue to commit and decommit as Feb. 3 approaches. The list will also be altered with final revisions and changes to the final Lemming rankings for the class of 2010. The analysis on each class is done by MaxPreps' national football editor, Stephen Spiewak.
1. Florida
Verbal commitments: 24
Biggest Grab: DE Ronald Powell
Sleeper: LB Gideon Ajagbe
One that got away: LB Jeff Luc
Early impact: S Matt Elam
Comment: Landing three Top 100 players at the U.S. Army All-American game boosted Florida's class to the top spot. With Powell, Easley, and Floyd, the Gators have the foundation for an absolutely impenetrable front seven. Pulling top recruits from all over the country demonstrates the remarkable job Urban Meyer has done building the Gators' brand on a national level, despite losing several key assistants. 
The Longhorns are in the mix for Jackson Jeffcoat.
Photo by Kyle Dantzler
2. Texas
Verbal commitments: 22
Biggest Grab: DE Reggie Wilson
Sleeper: QB Case McCoy
One that got away: LB Corey Nelson
Early impact: WR Darius White
Comment: This is a well-balanced class particularly strong on interior linemen. Connor Wood is not as seasoned as Garrett Gilbert was at this point last year, but is still a great talent. Landing Jordan Hicks or Jackson Jeffcoat is still a possibility.
3. Oklahoma
Verbal commitments: 28
Biggest Grab: QB Blake Bell
Sleeper: OL Adam Shead
One that got away: ATH Demarco Cobbs
Early impact: RB Roy Finch
Comment: In a down year for quarterbacks, the Sooners landed one of the best in Bell. Their running back duo of Finch and Brennan Clay is probably a bit underrated. Both were sensational this year, and people from the panhandle liken Finch to 2009 star recruit Trent Richardson. Receiver Kenny Stills should flourish in Bob Stoops' air attack.
4. LSU
Verbal commitments: 24
Biggest Grab: DT Cassius Marsh
Sleeper: QB Sam Gibson
One that got away: ATH Trovon Reed
Early impact: ATH Spencer Ware
Comment: Help is on the way for the Tigers' struggling offense, as LSU loaded up on skill players with its 2010 class. Aid on the lines is coming in 2011, when the Tigers will battle for the nation's top class. Ware, imported from Cincinnati, has seen his stock rise recently, and could find his way onto the field as a freshman.
5. Penn State
Verbal commitments: 18
Biggest Grab: LB Khairi Fortt
Sleeper: WR Alex Kenney
One that got away: DT Sharrif Floyd
Early impact: RB Silas Redd
Comment: Joe Paterno did a good job harvesting local talent, both from within Pennsylvania and around the Northeast. Fortt and Redd have star potential. Bringing in Paul Jones and Robert Bolden will add needed depth at the quarterback spot. This collection of recruits should help the Nittany Lions remain near the top of the Big Ten. 
Running back Gio Bernard is a key piece to Notre Dame's recruiting
class.
Photo by Todd Shurtleff
6. Notre Dame
Verbal commitments: 19
Biggest Grab: RB Gio Bernard
Sleeper: DB Austin Collinsworth
One that got away: LB Chris Martin
Early impact: WR Tai-ler Jones
Comment: Brian Kelly did a good job maintaining most of the verbal commitments from the Charlie Weis era, with Chris Martin being the notable defector. If healthy, Bernard is an exceptional back, but he's been slowed by nagging injuries. After missing on in-state talent James Hurst and likely being passed on by Seantrel Henderson, this class is light on offensive linemen, and would benefit greatly by landing St. Xavier's (Cincinnati, Ohio) Matt James.
7. Alabama
Verbal commitments: 22
Biggest Grab: ATH Keenan Allen
Sleeper: DB Nick Perry
One that got away: WR Jeremy Richardson
Early impact: LB C.J. Mosley
Comment: With a boatload of returning starters and a stellar 2009 recruiting class already in the fold, another Top 10 class for the Crimson Tide is just what the doctor ordered to keep Alabama rolling along. Nick Saban's secondary will be among the nation's best for years to come, as he adds Allen, Perry, and DeMarcus Milliner to an already-talented group.
8. USC
Verbal commitments: 14
Biggest Grab: WR Kyle Prater
Sleeper: P Matt Darr
One that got away: DE Ronald Powell
Early impact: ATH Dillon Baxter
Comment: This is certainly not the Trojans' best class, but it's still teeming with superstar potential. With the hiring of Lane Kiffin, USC preserved most of the top talent that Pete Carroll landed commitments from. With Prater and Robert Woods, Matt Barkley will have two targets that may see time as freshmen. Baxter can play anywhere and may have the biggest impact in this class.
9. Michigan
Verbal commitments: 25
Biggest Grab: QB Devin Gardner
Sleeper: ATH Josh Furman
One that got away: DB Dior Mathis
Early impact: LB Marvin Robinson
Comment: Michigan has been involved in a lot of recruiting action over the past month. The Wolverines landed Pahokee (Fla.) defensive tackle Richard Ash and as well as athlete Josh Furman, who had a monster senior season for Old Mill (Millersville, Md.). However, Michigan lost out on WR Kenny Stills and DB Tony Jefferson, two San Diego players who would've given this class a major boost.
10. Georgia
Verbal commitments: 18
Biggest Grab: WR Da'Rick Rogers
Sleeper: QB Hutson Mason
One that got away: ATH Blake Sims
Early impact: DB Alec Ogletree
Comment: With Brent Benedict's knee injury making him a bit of a question mark, the future of the Bulldawgs' offensive line could be in question following a 2009 season that saw them allow the fewest sacks in the SEC. Mark Richt did a great job of luring most of the top in-state talent to Athens. The late addition Zander Ogletree, twin brother of Alec, could be a steal. Rogers has superstar written all over him.
11. Stanford
Verbal commitments: 25
Biggest Grab: QB Brett Nottingham
Sleeper: DB Devon Carrington
One that got away: DB Tony Jefferson
Early impact: LB Jordan Zumwalt
Comment: Jim Harbaugh has been making alot of other Pac-10 fan bases mad, and with good reason. He's now putting the pieces together to compete with anyone program in the conference on a yearly basis. Nottingham is arguably the top QB recruit heading to the Pac-10. Cornerback Louis Young will bring athleticism and swagger to a secondary that allowed over 3,000 passing yards in 2009. 
Louis Young should boost the Cardinal secondary in 2010.
Photo by Michael Starghill Jr.
12. Auburn
Verbal commitments: 22
Biggest Grab: RB Michael Dyer
Sleeper: DE Justin Delaine
One that got away: RB Corey Grant
Early impact: ATH Trovon Reed
Comment: Auburn fans have to be excited about this year's recruiting class. The Tigers have a strong slew of JuCo transfers entering, but this bunch of incoming freshman also gives great reason for optimism. Dyer, Reed, and receiver Jeremy Richardson all have a chance to make an impact early, with Reed a likely candidate for kick return duties. Giant tackle Shon Coleman will help anchor the line. Landing Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.) star Marcus Lattimore would be the icing on the cake.
13. Tennessee
Verbal commitments: 16
Biggest Grab: WR Markeith Ambles
Sleeper: WR Matt Milton
One that got away: DL Brandon Willis
Early impact: QB Tyler Bray
Comment: No school was more affected by late coaching changes than Tennessee. The Vols lost defensive end Brandon Willis, and were in the mix for a number of other top recruits before Lane Kiffin's departure. Derek Dooley may be able to salvage a good group, but this class is still very volatile. There will likely be more decommitments before National Signing Day.
14. Ohio State
Verbal commitments: 16
Biggest Grab: OL Andrew Norwell
Sleeper: QB Taylor Graham
One that got away: DB Latwan Anderson
Early impact: RB Rod Smith
Comment: This is not Ohio State's finest class, but it's still among the best in the Big Ten. Latwan Anderson committing to West Virginia left this class void of defensive backs, which may be a problem eventually given the Buckeyes starting safeties were both seniors. Rod Smith and Corey Brown give them a nice thunder and lighting combo at running back. Jamel Turner has been under the radar this year, but could blossom into an outstanding pass rusher. 
Nick Montana may eventually take over for current Huskies QB
Jake Locker.
Photo by Juliann Tallino
15. Washington
Verbal commitments: 29
Biggest Grab: RB Deontae Cooper
Sleeper: ATH Chris Young
One that got away: QB Jake Heaps
Early impact: DT Sione Potoae
Comment: Steve Sarkisian netted quite a large class, filled with many intriguing, high-ceiling players. With Cooper and Nick Montana, he may have found his running back/quarterback combo of the future. Chris Young was having a phenomenal senior season before a November suspension. Don't be surprised if he develops into one of the better players in this class. Keanon Lowe should also boost the secondary.
16. Miami
Verbal commitments: 24
Biggest Grab: OL Brandon Linder
Sleeper: LB Kelvin Cain
One that got away: DL Todd Chandler
Early impact: OL Malcolm Bunche
Comment: The Canes looked local and grabbed a number of talented players from southern Florida. With Linder and Bunche, Miami addressed its need for offensive line help. Both may have a shot at early playing time, which is uncommon at that position. However, the Canes missed on a number of nearby recruits, including DT Todd Chandler and WR Greg Dent. Improved recruiting by USF, UCF, and out-of-state schools took its toll on what could've been an even better class.
17. California
Verbal commitments: 14
Biggest Grab: LB Chris Martin
Sleeper: OL Geoffrey Gibson
One that got away: DL Cassius Marsh
Early impact: LB Cecil Whiteside
Comment: Cal's class is currently small, but there's no dead weight. This group is strong at linebacker, even if Chris Martin ends up playing with his hand on the ground. However, with the departure of Marsh to LSU, Cal is void of a true interior lineman. Another defensive back would be nice for the Bears as well. QB Austin Hinder may be a high-ceiling, low-floor type player with the chance to lead the Bears' offense down the road.
18. North Carolina
Verbal commitments: 12
Biggest Grab: OL James Hurst
Sleeper: ATH Brandon Felder
One that got away: OL Robert Crisp
Early impact: DL Brandon Willis
Comment: The Tar Heels are very strong in the trenches on both sides of the ball, but ultimately struggled to land a much-needed stud running back. UNC benefited from Tennessee's uncertainty by landing Brandon Willis, who should do well in Chapel Hill. While he stole several big recruits from outside state lines, Butch Davis had difficulty keeping in-state recruits at home. 
Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.) defensive end Brandon Willis is a polished pass rusher.
Photo by Cecil Copeland
19. Texas A&M
Verbal commitments: 23
Biggest Grab: LB Corey Nelson
Sleeper: LB Dominique Patterson
One that got away: DT Ashton Dorsey
Early impact: OL Jake Matthews
Comment: The strength of Texas A&M's class looks to be the offensive line, with Matthews, Luke Joeckel and Shep Klinke providing the foundation for a very solid future line. This class lacks playmakers at quarterback or wide receiver, but Mister Jones and D.J. Jones all add nice depth at running back. Cedar Hill star Ben Malena is another back to add in the mix when he's healthy.
20. Oklahoma State
Verbal commitments: 26
Biggest Grab: LB Shaun Lewis
Sleeper: DB Larry Stephens
One that got away: OL Trent Spurgeon
Early impact: DL Calvin Barnett
Comment: Cowboys fans should be excited about this year's class, which is replete with defensive backs and talented linebackers. Offensively, Oklahoma State is pinning its hopes on running back Joseph Randle, who has a chance to see the playing field early on. Barnett and defensive end Joseph Okafor are great building blocks on the defensive line.
The next five:
21. Iowa
22. Michigan State
23. Missouri
24. Oregon
25. Florida State
Five more to watch on National Signing Day:
UCLA
South Carolina
N.C. State
West Virginia
Virginia Tech
