National Signing Day 2013: Top 10 Recruiting Classes Heading into Wednesday
By Josh Sanchez
As we prepare for National Signing Day, there are some big decisions to be made along the recruiting trail. Many of the nation’s top recruits are undecided and their choice on Wednesday could make or break a recruiting class. Let’s take a look at some of the top recruiting classes heading into National Signing Day and evaluate how the impending signings could boost or drop their ranking.
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
It should come as no surprise that the two-time defending BCS National Champions are leading the race to the top. It was just a season ago that the Crimson Tide were able to land immediate stars T.J. Yeldon and Amari Cooper and this year they have another all-star class loaded with superstar potential.
Some of Alabama’s prized recruits include Derrick Henry and Robert Foster, who continue the tradition of star rushers and receivers in Tuscaloosa. Alabama has also added some great defensive help with five-star linebacker Jonathan Allen. They also added Reuben Foster late Monday night.
Along with the four five-star recruits that they have already landed, the Crimson Tide are in the running to sign a few more.
Don’t expect Alabama to lose the top spot.
2. Florida Gators
The Gators recruiting class is just a notch below Alabama’s and has the potential to grow into the best of the bunch. Florida’s 2013 class should help immensely on the defensive side of the ball with 13 of their early commits landing on the defense.
Among the Gators early star recruits is the top rated cornerback in the nation, Vernon Hargreaves III.
We know the SEC is built on strong defense and Will Muschamp is setting himself up to have one of the greatest units in the conference. This Florida program was knocking on the door just a season ago and they could be poised to come smashing through in 2013.
3. Ohio State Buckeyes
Urban Meyer is one of the top recruiters in the nation and he is proving that once again in 2013. Meyer has been able to keep the same recruiting areas in the northeast that Ohio State has been able to hammer in the past, but he brings the added ability to use his connections in the south and convince players to come up and join the Big Ten.
After going undefeated last season, the Buckeyes are loading up on talent once again and are ready to make another run at a perfect record.
4. Michigan Wolverines
Michigan needs to compete with the Buckeyes and they are giving it their best effort this season. Head coach Brady Hoke has been an all-star on the recruiting trail and has been able to put together a stunning class.
The biggest potential star for the Wolverines is running back Derrick Green, who could shape up to be a superstar in Ann Arbor. The Richmond, Virginia product has the potential to jump into the starting line up immediately and contribute to the offense. There is little doubt that he will live up to his five-star status.
Pair Green with four-star quarterback Shane Morris in the future and Michigan could boast a dangerous backfield for the next few years.
5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Following a disappointing performance in the BCS National Championship, the Notre Dame football team is hoping to stay on the right track and build on the level of success that they reached just a season ago. There was concern that the lack of success in the title game could hurt Notre Dame on the recruiting trail, but they have not lost any momentum and Brian Kelly was able to land a handful of five-star recruits.
Among the stars of the Fighting Irish 2013 recruiting class are linebacker Jaylon Smith, who is the top-rated linebacker in the nation, and safety Max Redfield. The two can help keep the Notre Dame defense at a top level.
6. USC Trojans
The appeal of Southern California always pays dividends on the recruiting trail and this year was no different. The Trojans were able to and five five-star recruits heading in to National Signing Day.
Max Wittek is entering his sophomore year and looked shaky at the end of last season, but the Trojans will have some added security with their incoming freshman signal-caller Max Browne, who is the top-rated quarterback recruit in the nation.
No matter what USC does on the field, they are able to secure elite talent from around the nation. It will be interesting to see how they finish off their 2013 class.
7. LSU Tigers
The LSU Tigers roster was ripped to shreds after double-digit underclassmen decided to bolt for the 2013 NFL Draft. However, in typical LSU fashion, the Tigers were able to reload and prepare themselves for another serious run in the SEC.
LSU has secured 28 recruits with 21 being four-star recruits or better and the class can just improve on Wednesday.
8. Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M is capitalizing on their success from last season and having the reigning Heisman Trophy winner sure does not hurt.
The Aggies have attracted 38 recruits heading in to Wednesday’s National Signing Day and a number of the recruits are four-star recruits. The big prize for the Aggies is five-star athlete Ricky Seals-Jones, who could blossom into a star target for Johnny Manziel.
9. Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia is sitting pretty in the top ten heading in to tomorrow, but they are still in the running for a number of the top undecided prospects. Even if the Bulldogs are unable to secure any more elite recruits, they will still finish the process with an incredible class.
Many believe that Mark Richt and company could jump into the top five if they land a few of the top undecided recruits. Georgia is a team to watch on Wednesday.
10. Ole Miss Rebels
The Rebels are the talk of the recruiting trail as they have managed to secure a number of top prospects. Head coach Hugh Freeze and company have done an amazing job at returning the Rebels to SEC relevancy. A strong showing on Wednesday will shoot Ole Miss’ recruiting class up the ranks.
If the current group of 23 commits wasn’t strong enough, Ole Miss is considered the favorite for two of the best remaining prospects — No. 1 overall recruit Robert Nkemdiche and No. 1 ranked offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil.
Securing those two would be a huge accomplishment for the ever improving program.
Stay tuned to FanSided.com for the latest college football recruiting news and be sure to visit us on National Signing Day for up to date signing announcements on the nation’s top recruits.