As soon as the last hat has been chosen on National Signing Day, our immediate response is to overreact. We are left with a sense of supremacy or betrayal depending on the choices of 18-year-old kids. Now that some time has passed, and we have had time to effectively evaluate the classes as a whole, the arguments begin across the country concerning who reeled in the superior classes. These quarrels have no resolution because recruiting is not an exact science. Recruiting websites all have different standards for ranking players and classes. What if there was a ranking that took the numbers from Rivals, ESPN, 247 Sports, and Scout, and combined them into one ranking? Now there is.
This ranking system has adopted the number of stars, national ranking, and position ranking, and put them into the Score Atlanta formula. It is meant to combine quantity and quality of the classes.
Score Atlanta 2012 Recruiting Class Top-10
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
Score: 84.038
It seems odd stating Alabama had holes to fill because the Crimson Tide signs a top-5 class yearly. However, this year, Alabama did have some positions that needed to be replenished. Alabama is losing two first-round draft picks at linebacker (Dont’a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw), three starters in the secondary (Dre Kirkpatrick, DeQuan Menzie, and Mark Barron), and their two leading receivers (Marquis Maze and Darius Hanks). Those who worship the Houndstooth commonly say, “We do not rebuild, we reload.” This year, Alabama certainly reloaded.
Key Commitments
Landon Collins, S (Geismar, LA)
Rivals ★★★★★
ESPN ★★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★★
Scout ★★★★★
Eddie Williams, WR (Panama City, FL)
Rivals ★★★★★
ESPN ★★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★★
Scout ★★★★
T.J. Yeldon, RB (Daphne, AL)
Rivals ★★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Reggie Ragland, ILB (Madison, AL)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★★
Ryan Anderson, OLB (Daphne, AL)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Geno Smith, CB (Atlanta, GA)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Quote of the Class:
“Even though we have some good defensive players here, we felt it was really important to have a really good year on the defensive side of the ball. We feel good about the five defensive linemen, five linebackers, four (defensive backs) we were able to attract in this class.” -Nick Saban, TuscalossaNews.com
2. Texas Longhorns
Score: 80.869
Recruiting in Texas is not difficult. When your state is bigger than most countries, you throw out a bunch of offers, and wait while your class fills up. After a disappointing 13-12 record the past two seasons, Mack Brown has continued to bring in talent-loaded classes. Texas had a young team in 2011 and did not have a lot of holes to fill. They needed to replace their two leading tacklers at linebacker (Emmanuel Echo and Keenan Robinson) and kicker (Justin Tucker).
Key Commitments
Johnathan Gray, RB (Aledo, TX)
Rivals ★★★★★
ESPN ★★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★★
Scouts ★★★★★
Malcom Brown, DT (Brenham, TX)
Rivals ★★★★★
ESPN ★★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Peter Jinkens, OLB (Dallas, TX)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Dalton Santos, ILB (Van, TX)
Rivals ★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Cayleb Jones, WR (Austin, TX)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★★
Nick Jordan, PK (Coppell, TX)
Rivals ★★
ESPN ★★★
247 Sports ★★
Scout ★★★
Quote of the Class:
“I had a chance to spend some time with Malcom (Brown) and Joe (Bergeron) and some of the class of 2012. I’m really looking forward to getting to Austin this summer. –Johnathan Gray, Rivals
3. Florida State Seminoles
Score: 74.324
Florida State put together another solid recruiting class after vastly underachieving one year ago. The Noles were a young team in 2011 and only required help in the secondary for the 2012 season. Looking forward to 2013, FSU needed to bring in some guys to refill the defensive front seven. Jimbo Fisher did an excellent job signing a ton of talent to ensure there will not be a drop-off.
Key Commitments
Mario Edwards, DT (Denton, TX)
Rivals ★★★★★
ESPN ★★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★★
Scout ★★★★★
Eddie Goldman, DT (Washington D.C.)
Rivals ★★★★★
ESPN ★★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★★
Scout ★★★★★
Chris Casher, DE (Mobile, AL)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★★
Jameis Winston, QB (Hueyton, AL)
Rivals ★★★★★
ESPN ★★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★★
Ukeme Eligwe, OLB (Stone Mountain, GA)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Ronald Darby, CB (Oxon Hill, MD)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★★
Scout ★★★★★
Quote of the Class
“He (Ronald Darby) weighed his options and felt he could come in and play early and play nickel right away at Florida State. He also figured he and (FSU commit) Marvin Bracy could be a great 1-2 punch in the return game as well.” –Darby’s assistant high school coach Donnell Douglas, Bleacher Report.
4. Florida Gators
Score: 68.420
7-6 is unacceptable in Gainesville, and Will Mushcamp is already feeling some heat after one season. Although last season was disappointing, Florida is preaching patience. Muschamp needs time to mold the roster to fit his scheme. The 2012 class was a great start to achieving this goal. The Gators needed to add bodies up front on both the offense and defense. Tight ends and a punishing running back were also key targets. Will Muschamp may not have figured out the head-coaching thing yet, but he certainly proved he can recruit SEC country.
Key Commitments
D.J. Humphries, OT (Charlotte, NC)
Rivals ★★★★★
ESPN ★★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★★
Scout ★★★★★
Johnathan Bullard, DE (Shelby, NC)
Rivals ★★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★★
Dante Fowler Jr., DE (St. Petersburg, FL)
Rivals ★★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Kent Taylor, TE (Land O’ Lakes, FL)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Jessamen Dunker, OG (Boynton Beach, FL)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Matt Jones, RB (Seffner, FL)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Quote of the Class
“We’re building a program and not a team. We’re building this for the long haul. We’re building this into something that’s going to withstand, and that’s what I’m excited about. We’re doing it the right way, and with this recruiting class, we certainly helped ourselves.” Will Muschamp, ESPN
5. USC Trojans
Score: 67.033
It is nothing short of amazing what Lane Kiffin was able to do with 15 scholarships in the 2012 class. He was able to make every scholarship count, propelling his Trojans to the top of the recruiting rankings. Many believe Southern Cal has the makings of a National Championship program next year. To make this run, Southern Cal needed to fill some holes. They needed to beef up the offensive line after OT Matt Kalil declared for the NFL Draft. The Trojans also needed to patch up the defense, as well as add some targets at receiver for Matt Barkley. They were able to find players to fill these voids.
Lane Kiffin was not completely satisfied with this class. USC did have trouble filling one important need. They were hoping to find a running back but were unable to do so. Running back will be a point of emphasis in the 2013 class.
Key Commitments
Zach Banner, OT (Lakewood, WA)
Rivals ★★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Nelson Agholor, WR (Tampa, FL)
Rivals ★★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Jordan Simmons, OG (Encino, CA)
Rivals ★★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Jabari Ruffin, OLB (Downey, CA)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Max Tuerk, OT (Santa Margarita, CA)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Leonard Williams, DE (Daytona Beach, FL)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Quote of the Class
“It was just one of those years, especially on the West Coast. We just didn’t find any (Running Backs).” –Lane Kiffin, L.A. Times
6. Ohio State Buckeyes
Score: 66.780
Urban Meyer took over the Buckeyes, and he has already caused a stir in the Big Ten. Opposing conference coaches are criticizing Meyer for targeting players who were committed elsewhere. The rejuvenated coach is showing the Big Ten how cut-throat recruiting is in the SEC. Even with all the turmoil surrounding the tattoo mess in Columbus, Meyer put on a recruiting clinic. Ohio State stated their primary goal was to begin rebuilding the program with pass rushers, and they were able to add an abundance of talent up front on defense.
Key Commitments
Noah Spence, DE (Harrisburg, PA)
Rivals ★★★★★
ESPN ★★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★★
Scout ★★★★★
Adolphus Washington, DE (Cincinatti, OH)
Rivals ★★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★★
Scout ★★★★★
Tommy Schutt, DT (Glenn Ellyn, IL)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★★
Se’von Pittman, DE (Canton, OH)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Joey O’Connor, OL (Windsor, CO)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★
Scout ★★★
Bri’onte Dunn, RB (Canton, OH)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★★
Quote of the Class:
“At the end of the day, it’s what happens two or three years from now. I’m very pleased with the work ethic our guys showed. It’s impressive to pull this class together.” –Urban Meyer, The News-Herald
7. Georgia Bulldogs
Score: 58.500
Georgia signed a relatively small class bringing in 19 recruits. The only real need Georgia had to address this year was on the offensive line, specifically at tackle. Cordy Glenn and Justin Anderson both were seniors. With the beasts that attack the Quarterback in the SEC, offensive tackles are crucial. Georgia was able to sign John Theus early in the class; however, letting Avery Young slip through their grasp on National Signing Day was a big loss. Another position on offense Georgia thought they would add depth to was wide receiver; however, Cordarrelle Patterson chose Tennessee and JaQuay Williams confirmed his commitment to Auburn. Although they missed out on receivers, the Dawgs were able to add depth at running back by adding Keith Marshall and Todd Gurley.
On the other side of the ball, Georgia will have a squad to mirror the Junkyard Dawgs of old. Although the Dawgs do not need much help for 2012, there is the possibility 10 starters will graduate/declare for the draft after next season. Therefore, Georgia needed to haul in players on defense to be ready to play in 2013. Richt and Co. did some good things and some not so good. Georgia was able to bring in defensive linemen and outside linebackers. The problems were at inside linebacker and in the secondary. Christian Robinson and Mike Gilliard will be seniors in 2012, and there is a good chance Alec Ogletree will go pro. Georgia did not sign any Middle Linebackers. In the secondary, Bacarri Rambo, Shawn Williams, Sanders Commings, and Branden Smith will all be seniors this season. With the dismissals of Nick Marshall and Chris Sanders, the secondary will be extremely thin in 2013. Georgia was able to steal Sheldon Dawson (Memphis, TN) late in the game, but was unable to corral anyone else for the defensive backfield.
Kicker Blair Walsh and Punter Drew Butler were also seniors in 2012. Commitments Marshall Morgan (Kicker) and Collin Barber (Punter) will fill these vacancies in the fall
Although Georgia did not meet all team needs, 2013 has the potential to be a record year for high school recruits in the State of Georgia. Mark Richt could have been saving room to bring in a large class next year.
Key Commitments
John Theus, OT (Jacksonville, FL)
Rivals ★★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★★
Josh Harvey-Clemons, OLB (Valdosta, GA)
Rivals ★★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★★
Todd Gurley, RB (Tarboro, NC)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Keith Marshall, RB (Raleigh, NC)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★★
Scout ★★★★★
Jordan Jenkins, DE (Hamilton, GA)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Jonathan Taylor, DT (Millen, GA)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Quote of the Class:
“That was from my heart. When I woke up this morning, that’s where I knew I needed to go.” Keith Marshall, ESPN
8. Stanford Cardinal
Score: 58.136
Stanford’s recruiting success was a direct result of their performance on the field. Andrew Luck was able to bring some much-needed attention to a football program that has been dormant for years. The Cardinal grabbed 22 commitments from 14 different states. Stanford needed to beef up the offensive line, as well as reinforce the defense. They did an excellent job of filling these needs.
Key Commitments
Kyle Murphy, OT (San Celemente, CA)
Rivals ★★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★★
Scout ★★★★★
Aziz Shittu, DE (Atwater, CA)
Rivals ★★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Andrus Peat, OT (Tempe, AZ)
Rivals ★★★★★
ESPN ★★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Joshua Garnett, OG (Puyallup, WA)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★★
Alex Carter, S (Ashburn, VA)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Noor Davis, OLB (Leesville, FL)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Quote of the Class:
“I think everything that could have fallen into place for them (Stanford) did.” Adam Gorney (Rivals Recruiting Analyst), USA Today.
9. Michigan Wolverines
Score: 56.460
Brady Hoke did his best to hang with Urban Meyer and Ohio State. Much like its archrival, the priority for Michigan was the defensive line. Big Blue is losing both Mike Martin and Ryan Van Bergen from 2011. They addressed the issue with great pickups that included DT Ondre Pipkins and DE Mario Ojemudia. Michigan also picked up several linebackers to further improve on the defensive side of the ball.
Key Commitments
Ondre Pipkins, DT (Kansas City, MO)
Rivals ★★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Kyle Kalis, OT (Lakewood, OH)
Rivals ★★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★★
Eric Magnuson, OT (Carlsbad, CA)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Joe Bolden, OLB (Cincinatti, OH)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
James Ross, OLB (Orchard Lake, MI)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Mario Ojemudia, DE (Farmington Hills, MI)
Rivals ★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★
Scout ★★★★
Quote of the Class:
“We all are at this time of year. That’s a question you always get, is it a good class? We think so, and we think it’s a class with a high degree of integrity and character and a class that’s going to represent Michigan the right way.” Brady Hoke, Detroit Free Press
10: Oklahoma Sooners
Score: 56.347
Oklahoma is no stranger to great recruiting classes. After thinking they had a shot at the National Title, the Sooners ended the season with three losses. It became evident as the season progressed that Oklahoma needed some playmakers on offense, specifically at the receiver position. Oklahoma did a great job filling this team need signing five wide receivers. Oklahoma also had other needs on offense they filled successfully.
Key Commitments
Trey Metoyer, WR (Hargrave Military Academy)
Rivals ★★★★★
ESPN N/A
247 Sports ★★★★★
Scout ★★★★★
Courtney Gardner, WR (Siera C.C.)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN N/A
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Durron Neal, WR (St. Louis, MO)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Alex Ross, RB (Jenks, OK)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Try Darlington, C (Apopka, FL)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★★
Derrick Woods, WR (Inglewood, CA)
Rivals ★★★★
ESPN ★★★★
247 Sports ★★★★
Scout ★★★★
Quote of the Class:
On Durron Neal: “One of my favorite kids I’ve ever recruited. This kid absolutely loves Oklahoma, can tell you everything about the history. He wants to be great. His highlights are off the charts. Played running back, receiver, return man, corner, Wildcat guy. Incredibly explosive, tough, competitor. Will be a tremendous leader for us as well as a great player.” –Jay Norvell (Oklahoma WR coach), ESPN
Just Missed: Miami (FL), Auburn
Themes of 2012 Recruiting
Name Brand Recognition
It is becoming more evident that a great season is not required for a great class. There are certain schools that will have great recruiting classes regardless of their success the prior season. If you look through this top-10, with the exception of Stanford, you see schools with a long history of success. The lesson to take away is that if one of these schools under performs one season, you better beat them while you have the chance because they are reloading quickly.
State Lines Becoming Permeable
As technology makes the world smaller, recruiting footprints are growing larger. More teams are on television more often. High School recruits get a chance to see schools outside of their state and region. Recruiting is becoming a much more national process. Coaches cannot be content relying solely on the talent in their state. You must go after players all over the nation because other coaches are going to reach into your state as well.
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