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Ranking the SEC's recruiting classes

Written by From Staff and Wire Reports

Posted on 02.05.09
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There’s abundant new talent headed to the SEC. As many as 10 SEC schools have recruiting classes ranked among the best in the nation by various recruiting services.

How each program fared:

1. ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE

Alabama won the battle for linebacker Tana Patrick over Auburn and Tennessee. The Tide’s top signees include offensive tackle D.J. Fluker, linebacker Nico Johnson and running back Trent Richardson. But Alabama lost Virginia offensive lineman Bobby Massie, who chose Mississippi, and safety Darren Myles, who opted for Tennessee.

S.C. connection: Richland Northeast DT Chris Bonds.

2. LSU TIGERS

The Tigers have five five-star players in their class: defensive tackle Chris Davenport, defensive back Craig Loston, who at one time was a Clemson commitment, quarterback Russell Shepard, defensive back Janzen Jackson and wide receiver Rueben Randle.

S.C. connection: Greenwood DE Sam Montgomery.

3. GEORGIA BULLDOGS

A pair of quarterbacks highlight the class. Aaron Murray of Tampa, Fla., and Zach Mettenberger of Watkinsville, Ga., have enrolled in hopes of replacing Matthew Stafford, who entered the NFL draft after his junior season. The Bulldogs lost cornerback Greg Reid to FSU, but they got a last-minute commitment from Marlon Brown, a 6-foot-6 receiver who chose Georgia over Ohio State, Tennessee and Mississippi.

S.C. connection: No players from the state signed with Georgia.

4. USC GAMECOCKS

The signing-day addition of Calhoun County wide receiver Alshon Jeffery topped a Gamecock class that already included multiple four-star players such as running back Jarvis Giles, and defensive backs Stephon Gilmore, Devonte Holloman and Damario Jeffery. A very solid class for new recruiting coordinator Shane Beamer.

5. FLORIDA GATORS

Wide receiver Andre Debose is already reminding people of Percy Harvin. He’s the centerpiece of Urban Meyer’s latest recruiting class. “It’s not a bad thing. It’s a compliment,” Meyer said of Debose-Harvin comparison. The Gators signed 16 players. Parade All-American Xavier Nixon was one of five offensive linemen to sign with Florida, which lost both starting tackles from last season.

S.C. connection: Greer TE Desmond Parks.

6. ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS

Coach Bobby Petrino’s class was highlighted by defensive backs, including five-star Darius Winston and four-stars Anthony Leon and Rudell Crim. The Razorbacks’ class of 30 has players from nine states.

S.C. connection: No players from the state signed with Arkansas.

7. MISSISSIPPI REBELS

Houston Nutt orchestrated a furious finish, picking up the state’s top recruit, Noxubee County wide receiver Pat Patterson, luring gargantuan offensive lineman Bobby Massie away from Alabama and signing the team’s quarterback of the future, Raymond Cotton. The Rebels signed 35 players.

S.C. connection: No players from the state signed with Mississippi.

8. AUBURN TIGERS

The Tigers landed a pair of highly regarded receivers. DeAngelo Benton of Bastrop, La., had signed with LSU out of both high school and prep school. Benton was a Parade All-American in 2006 and still has four years of eligibility. Texas receiver Emory Blake chose Auburn over Texas Tech and Colorado. The Tigers received 28 letters of intent.

S.C. connection: No players from the state signed with Auburn.

9. TENNESSEE VOLS

Highly rated defensive backs Darren Myles and Marsalous Teague highlight the 19-player class along with wide receiver Nu’Keese Richardson from Pahokee, Fla. The Vols lost out on previous commitments tailback David Oku and offensive lineman Aubrey Phillips; and didn’t get Alshon Jeffery, who had visited Tennessee.

S.C. connection: Aiken OL JerQuari Schofield.

10. MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS

New coach Dan Mullen kept intact most of the key recruits who committed to previous coach Sylvester Croom. Key signees include quarterback Tyler Russell, Philadelphia defensive lineman Josh Boyd, defensive lineman Fletcher Cox and receiver Chad Bumphis.

S.C. connection: Byrnes, WR Ricco Sanders.

11. KENTUCKY WILDCATS

Coach-in-waiting Joker Phillips already has big plans for quarterback signee Ryan Mossakowski from Texas. The Wildcats also added a top-notch wide receiver, Chris Matthews from California.

S.C. connection: Calhoun County DE Donte Rumph

12. VANDERBILT COMMODORES

Coach Bobby Johnson hauled in 12 three-star prospects in a 17-player class.

S.C. connection: No players from the state signed with Auburn.

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