Ranking the 2016 SEC signing classes
SEC class rankings
1. Alabama
The Crimson Tide have won the “recruiting national title” six years in a row. Despite losing defensive coordinator Kirby Smart to Georgia, Alabama finished with a flurry, receiving eight commitments Wednesday to leapfrog several schools.
2. LSU
The Tigers entered the day with the No. 1 class and finished it with a fantastic haul of defensive backs, including five-star CB Kristian Fulton. LSU also got a five-star DT in Rashard Lawrence.
3. Ole Miss
A five-star quarterback (Shea Patterson), a five-star offensive tackle (Greg Little) and a four-star WR (A.J. Brown) who coach Hugh Freeze says can be as good as Laquon Treadwell is the makings of scary offense of the future.
4. Georgia
The Dogs had lots of momentum early in the day but then lost two in-state prospects later in the day that cost them a top five national finish. Still, three five-stars (QB Jacob Eason, TE Isaac Nauta and athlete Mecole Hardman) made for a pretty good day.
5. Auburn
The Tigers brought in a lot of good wide receivers, including one-time South Carolina commit Kyle Davis, a four-star prospect. Auburn also got a five-star DT (Derrick Brown) out of Georgia.
6. Florida
Maybe the biggest thing the Gators did on the final day was flip four-star WR Tyrie Cleveland from Houston. Usually turning a player from Houston is no big deal, but Cleveland can play.
7. Tennessee
The Volunteers loaded up on four-star defensive players, including three defensive backs. Tennessee also signed four JUCO players, including three on defense.
8. Texas A&M
After making lots of waves on the recruiting trail the last few years, Aggies coach Kevin Sumlin was quiet during this cycle. Four-star DE Justin Madubuike could be the star of this group. The Aggies didn’t sign a QB.
9. Arkansas
The biggest splash Razorbacks coach Bret Bielema made Wednesday was seemingly taking a shot at the recruiting tactics of Florida and Ole Miss, although he later backed away from the comments.
10. South Carolina
Will Muschamp’s first signing class with the Gamecocks could have future stars in QB Brandon McIlwain, WR Bryan Edwards and DT Stephon Taylor.
11. Mississippi State
The good news for the Bulldogs is they’ve got some defensive linemen who can play, including five-star end Jeffery Simmons and two more four stars.
12. Kentucky
It’s tough to turn around a lower-tier SEC team, and Mark Stoops isn’t going to do it with a class that has 22 three stars and three four stars.
13. Missouri
Gary Pinkel’s staff made a good living with recruiting classes that were seldom well regarded. Now Barry Odom and his staff will have to do it. Only one player ranked higher than three stars.
14. Vanderbilt
The Commodores also signed just one player ranked higher than three stars. The Derek Mason era could be ending soon.
This story was originally published February 3, 2016 at 9:53 PM with the headline "Ranking the 2016 SEC signing classes."