The SEC is long renowned for getting it done on the recruiting trail and once again the nation’s top conference dominated on National Signing Day with a total of 12 classes ranked in the top 25 of the country.
It is no surprise that the Alabama Crimson Tide is the top ranked SEC team for recruiting, not to mention the nation’s number one ranked class. Old SEC standby recruiting powers Auburn, Georgia, and LSU again impressed. But what was most impressive were the classes hauled in by Tennessee, Mississippi State, and Mizzou. Conversely Ole Miss and Florida suffered drops from their normal status as top schools for recruiting classes.
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The Next One
Five-star quarterback Blake Barnett appears to be the next long term Alabama signal caller in the mode of A.J. McCarron and Greg McIlroy. Although a classic passer, he is a deceptively strong runner as well. Best yet, Barnett is considered to be a player with plenty of upside and improvement potential.
Four star wide receiver Calvin Ridley could prove to be Barnett’s top partner in the future. Barnett is projected to be among the top playmakers in the country and has tremendous confidence. He has the raw ability to become a number one receiver for the Tide.
Plenty of Top Volunteers
Speaking of top talented receivers, Preston Williams brings playmaking ability to the Tennessee Volunteers. Williams is a dynamic playmaker and has a respected maturity that could put him in the lineup sooner, rather than later.
Four-star defensive tackles Kahlil McKenzie and Shy Tuttle should continue the rapid improvement of the Vols defensive unit.
Four star quarterback Quinten Dormady is likely to be given every opportunity possible to crack the starting lineup. Tennessee has remained woeful on offense despite their improvement under third year head coach Butch Jones. Dormady is an excellent pocket passer with the ability to read defenses. That read ability bodes well for his chances of cracking the lineup early in his career.
Mizzou Fortifies Front Wall
Since joining the SEC, the Tigers have become renowned for their outstanding defensive linemen and dominant pass rushing. Five star defensive tackle Terry Beckner should carry that tradition. Beckner has the size and athleticism to become one of the all-time greats in Tiger history. Much like former Missouri standouts Kony Ealy or Sheldon Richardson, he combines strength with speed to make for the complete pass rushing package.
Head coach Gary Pinkel is respected as one of the top quarterback coaches in the game and should work wonders with four star recruit Drew Lock. Much like current Mizzou starting quarterback Maty Mauk, Lock has a bit of a gunslinger mentality in him. With Pinkel as a mentor, Lock will be able to combine his raw athletic talent, great size and arm strength, with the polish of one of the game’s better teachers.
High Marks for Richt
It’s another Grade-A class for Georgia head coach Mark Richt, who recently signed an extension to remain in Athens and continue his quest for a national championship. Five star defensive tackle Trenton Thompson leads the class.
Perhaps the most intriguing signee for Georgia is four star athlete Terry Godwin. Godwin could play defensive back or wide receiver. He will also be a superb kick returner.
The question remains as to whether or not Richt can develop all of this talent into a championship team. Georgia has never been short of raw ability but has continued to be a program that has perennially disappointed as a great unfulfilled promise.
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Hail State
Head coach Dan Mullen led the Mississippi State Bulldogs to the best season in their history and has capitalized on that with what must be considered the top recruiting class in school history.
Four-star wide receiver Donald Gray heads the impressive Bulldog class with an impressive combination of strength and separation speed. Just as important, Gray has the reputation for having good hands.
Four-star safety Jamal Peters will further fortify a defense that became one of the best in the SEC. Peters boasts supreme size, speed, and versatility.
Mullen continues to lead Mississippi State to heights previously unreached in their history.
