I came across an excellent article on the Mr. SEC website. He ranks the top 5 defensive players in the 2011 recruiting class that are already committed to SEC schools (the best football programs in the country). Here is his list with a photo added to each player:

Anthony Johnson

1. DT Anthony Johnson – LSU – Keep in mind LSU has some work to do to hold on to Johnson, who has has said he’ll visit other schools this fall. Johnson, who attends O. Perry Walker High School in New Orleans, originally committed to Tennessee before switching to LSU. He has a close relationship with LSU wide receivers coach Frank Wilson, who coach at O. Perry Walker High from 2000-03. Johnson (6-3, 295) could be the most dominant defender in the 2011 class. He looks like an NFL player already. College coaching will make him play like one.

Jeoffrey Pagan

2. DE Jeoffrey Pagan – Florida – Every school in the country wants Pagan, who attends Asheville (N.C.) High School. Pagan (6-3, 260) has great speed for his size and has shown the ability to be explosive off the ball. His future could be at defensive tackle if he continues to grow at the next level. He already has excellent power and will add to that as his body adds weight. Florida’s future on the defensive line looks frightening with Pagan joining 2010 signees Ronald Powell, Dominique Easley and Shariff Floyd.

Hasean Clinton-Dix

3. DB Hasean Clinton-Dix – Alabama – Nick Saban did well to add this elite safety to the class early. Clinton-Dix, who attends Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Fla., is one of the nation’s best athletes. His size (6-2, 195) makes him an ideal safety at the college level. He could have the ability to play linebacker if he adds weight in college, but he has the instincts of a safety and the versatility to help stop the run and pass as a defensive back.

Brent Calloway

4. LB Brent Calloway – Alabama – Could he be the next Rolando McClain or Don’ta Hightower? Calloway looks like a perfect fit to play outside linebacker in Alabama’s 3-4 defense. The Russellville (Ala.) High School product is an important in-state commitment for Alabama as he helps the Crimson Tide continue its battle against Auburn for the state’s best players. Calloway has the potential to be one of the SEC’s best pass rushers before his career ends. His ability to cover the pass should make him one of the best defenders overall.

Glen Faulkner

5. DB Glen Faulkner – Kentucky – It’s a tough call between Faulkner and Clinton-Dix to see who’s the best defensive back committed in the SEC. Faulkner (6-2, 195) is an excellent athlete from East St. Louis (Mo.) High School who bought in early to new Wildcats head coach Joker Phillips. Faulkner is an active player who will make a difference covering different parts of the field. He can hit, too, and he’ll get bigger to help that part of his game. Faulkner should be the right guy to help continue Kentucky’s recent trend of improved defensive play.

I have a few thoughts on this. First, I expected to see Alabama to lead the list with Florida ranking on it as well. It does not shock me to see LSU on it. I am surprised by Kentucky making the top 5 and I expect we might see an increased trend in that direction under new head coach Joker Phillips at UK. I would think that Georgia and Tennessee would also be competing to be on the list. We’ll have to see how things evolve throughout the year and see who holds on to their top 5 defensive player spots.