While most fans are locked in to their teams' class of 2010 recruiting classes, college coaches have already been targeting and gaining commitments from recruits in the class of 2011, current high school juniors.
Many schools have different timelines and recruiting strategies, so this ranking can certainly change dramatically in the next several months.
Regardless, here's an early peak at the top 10 recruiting classes for 2011:
1. LSU
Comment: This class is extremely far out in front of any other class right now. It's already deep on linemen and offensive skill players. If the Tigers land a quarterback and some defensive help, they have a great shot at finishing at No. 1.
De'Ante Saunders, DeLand
File photo by Chad Pilster
2. Clemson
Comment: Clemson has already won several key recruiting battles, including one for Mainland (Daytona Beach, Fla.) running back Marlin Lane. Time will tell if the Tigers keep up their remarkable early momentum.
3. Florida State
Comment: Pettis is one of the state's top lineman, while Beverly has the makings of a top running back. Landing linebacker Jeff Luc from Treasure Coast (Port St. Lucie, Fla.) this year helped them attract 2011 teammates Lamarcus Brutus and Keelin Smith.
4. Stanford
Key recruits: QB
Evan Crower, RB Amir Carlisle, ATH Justin Scott
Comment: With aggressive early recruiting, Stanford is off to another great start with commitments, and is in the mix for a number of non-committed recruits. Which recruits stick around, and pass academic qualifications, remains to be seen. For now, the Cardinal has one of the most impressive classes in the country.
5. Alabama
Comment: With Shinn and Calloway, Alabama has two of the top players at their respective positions for the class of 2011.
6. Ohio State
Comment: Two top-notch defensive ends highlight the Buckeyes' class early on. Ohio State is also considered the frontrunner for quarterback Braxton Miller, who is one of the nation's best.
7. Louisville
Key recruits: QB
Damarcus Smith, ATH DeVante Parker, ATH Jerrell Moore
Comment: Charlie Strong has wasted no time attempting to turn around Louisville. He's had the job less than two months, and has already put a fence around the city's top recruits in 2011.
8. Nebraska
Comment: So far, Bo Pelini has landed two top offensive linemen, including Tyler Moore, who should be one of Florida's recruits. Pelini knows that he will have to recruit around the country to land the caliber of talent Nebraska needs to continue to compete at a high level.
9. Oklahoma
Comment: Oklahoma already has a lethal combination in quarterback Kendal Thompson and wide receiver Kameel Jackson.
10. Florida
Comment: It will be hard to top its 2010 class, but Florida is off to a good start in 2011. Athlete De'Ante Saunders led Deland (Fla.) to the 6A title came despite battling injuries.
