SEC fans are often paying attention to recruiting rankings.
Which team is ranked the highest? Who is the top-rated player? Why did John Smith drop from four stars to three?
I’m not a big rankings guy when it comes to services because so much goes into it, including the size of the class and how many points a team can accumulate.
I look more at team needs and the value of the prospects. Below are my rankings for the 12 SEC teams, and I will periodically update the list as schools add to their lists of commitments.
1. LSU – The Tigers have what every class needs: a star quarterback and a big-time interior lineman. Quarterback Russell Shepard is enrolling in January, which will give him extra time to learn the Tigers’ system. LSU needs help at quarterback, and Shepard might provide it. LSU also has a commitment from defensive tackle Chris Davenport, who could be the next Glenn Dorsey.
Other highlights – Pay attention to defensive backs Janzen Jackson and Craig Loston, and defensive linemen Akiem Hicks and Josh Downs will challenge Davenport for playing time.
2. Alabama – Offensive lineman D.J. Fluker could be the second Foley (Ala.) High School prospect in as many years to make an immediate impact at Alabama. Fluker, who many say already looks like a pro, will follow receiver Julio Jones to Tuscaloosa. Running back Trent Richardson could earn immediate playing time, especially if Glen Coffee leaves early for the NFL.
Other highlights – A.J. McCarron could be the Tide’s next great quarterback. Alabama has seven other linemen committed to go along with Fluker. I love classes deep with linemen.
3. Florida – The Gators are gaining momentum after picking up commitments from linebacker Jon Bostic, offensive lineman Xavier Nixon and wide receiver Andre Debose during the weekend. Debose is supposed to be the next Percy Harvin – pretty good if true.
Other highlights – Athlete Nu’Keese Richardson is another solid prospect, and the Gators have seven total linemen committed.
4. Georgia – Mark Richt should have his quarterback of the future in this class. Aaron Murray from Tampa, Fla., and Zach Mettenberger from Watkinsville, Ga., are both committed to play quarterback at Georgia.
Other highlights – Georgia just received a commitment from star Atlanta cornerback Branden Smith, the state’s top prospect. The next Champ Bailey? Sounds good.
5. Tennessee – Despite losing a number of commitments after Phillip Fulmer was fired, new head coach Lane Kiffin is holding onto a solid class. Jerod Askew is a highly-touted linebacker from Chesapeake, Va., and offensive lineman Aubrey Phillips just finished the week at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio.
Other highlights – Cornerback Eric Gordon was Kiffin’s first commitment as the Vols’ head coach, and he’s held on to running backs David Oku and Toney Williams.
6. South Carolina – The recruiting services rank South Carolina higher because they have 26 commitments for 2009. South Pointe High teammates DeVonte Holloman and Stephon Gilmore stand out, and tailback Jarvis Giles could be the home run threat Steve Spurrier’s offense needs.
Other highlights – Damario Jeffery is a talented athlete from hometown Columbia, and the Gamecocks have found immediate help at Georgia Military Junior College.
7. Arkansas – Bobby Petrino’s first full class at Arkansas already has 23 commitments. The key has been holding the commitment from star cornerback Darius Winston.
Other highlights – Colby Berna and Anthony Oden look to be solid offensive line prospects, and running back Knile Davis is a nice prospect from Texas. Don’t forget tailback Broderick Green is transferring home from Southern Cal.
8. Auburn – The Tigers would have been higher if they didn’t lose a number of prospects after Tommy Tuberville left. Despite the losses, Auburn still has 20 commitments. Junior college defensive lineman Nick Fairley could be an immediate replacement for Sen’Derrick Marks.
Other highlights – Wide receiver Cameron Kenney is still committed, although many teams are pursuing him. Four linebackers are committed. Tuberville has always found good linebackers.
9. Kentucky – The Wildcats found bonus points from me because they have commitments from two quarterbacks, Morgan Newton from Carmel, Ind., and Ryan Mossakowski from Frisco, Texas. Wide receiver Chris Matthews could be a nice target for them.
Other highlights – Kentucky has commitments from three LaGrange (Ga.) High products – linebackers Qua Huzzie and Demetri Merritt and defensive end Tristian Johnson. Kentucky has had plenty of success with LaGrange products.
10. Mississippi State – The Bulldogs already have six prospects enrolled for the spring semester. I love that. New head coach Dan Mullen has plenty of building to do for 2009, but defensive tackle Josh Boyd is a nice start.
Other highlights – Mullen needs to hang on to tailback Montrell Conner from Monroe, La. He’s an athlete Mullen needs for his offense.
11. Ole Miss – The Rebels are filling up fast with 25 commitments for 2009. Running back Rodney Scott from Cross City, Fla., is the star. Head coach Houston Nutt needs to hold on to Scott. Ole Miss has needed to upgrade its pass defense. Good thing the Rebels have commitments from six defensive backs.
Other highlights – One of the DBs is Jamar Hornsby, who was kicked off the Florida team last year. Hornsby brings baggage, but he also has plenty of talent. If he stays out of trouble, he’ll be a nice pickup for Nutt.
12. Vanderbilt – Recruiting should improve for Vanderbilt after the Commodores won the Music City Bowl in Nashville. Vanderbilt only has 14 commitments so there’s still room to join the Commodores. Warren Norman is a talented tailback from Chamblee, Ga. Linebacker Blake Southerland brings name recognition because of brother Brannan Southerland, the Georgia fullback.
Other highlights – Vandy is also helped by cornerback D.J. Moore declaring early for the NFL Draft. Coach Bobby Johnson can sell that to prospects, although the university might not like it. The Commodores also has four commitments from Florida, one of the nation’s most talent-rich states.
