Defensively, the Rebels were young, and it showed.  Ole Miss ranked 90^th in the nation in total defense, and even though only a few guys leave, they still need more help.  The biggest losses to this defense come up front with the graduation of DE Kentrell Lockett, DT Justin Smith, and DE Wayne Dorsey.  All of these players led the defense in some capacity, and it is difficult to replace depth up front.  Safety Damien Jackson also was a senior, and he was third on the team in tackles.  All in all, the Rebels return a lot of experience next year, and they can hope that some young guys provide a needed spark in Coach Hugh Freeze’s first season.

Channing Ward / Icon SMI

Needs Met: Needs are met for the short term.  Offensively the Rebels needed some help up front, and they signed four offensive linemen.  However, three out of the four guys signed are JUCO transfers.  I think most will agree that Darone Bailey, Ben Still, or Pierce Burton will play next year, but they will not be on campus for that long.  The Rebels did fill some huge needs in the backfield by signing three quality backs.  I think Kenno Loyal at FB is going to be a load, and I look for RB I’Tavius Mathers to be a nice compliment to starter Jeff Scott next year.  Again, Ole Miss looked to the JUCO ranks to sure up QB help by signing Bo Wallace, and I think he could compete for the starting job in 2012.  The Rebs rounded out their class by signing a couple of receivers, but with the guys already on campus, I look for them to redshirt.

Defensively Ole Miss managed to keep DE Channing Ward in-state, and he is easily the best player in this class.  Look for Ward to come in and play immediately over the other three defensive linemen brought in.  The Rebs signed a couple of defensive backs, and most look for JUCO CB Dehendret Collins to come in and play immediately.  However, Safety Trae Elston is a bit of a sleeper prospect from the state of Alabama.  Elston has huge upside, and I would not be surprised to see him push for playing time next year.

Biggest Get: Channing Ward.  The teams in Mississippi have struggled to keep the top talent in-state, and Ward was a huge get for Hugh Freeze and his staff.

Biggest Miss: Anthony Alford.  The Rebels need a long term solution at QB, and they let Southern Miss get this guy.  That was a shock to say the least.

Final Evaluation: Ole Miss signed 17 players, but five of the 17 are JUCO guys that are only short term solutions.  While some teams have success doing this, the coaches are already having to recruit the JUCO replacements.  Also, outside of Channing Ward, there are not a lot of sure bets in this recruiting class.  Ole Miss fans better hope for a lot of sleepers in this class.

Final Grade:  C

Icon SMI

In the words of my hero, Shooter Mcgavin, “I didn’t see him play. I was too busy WINNING.”

Let’s back up… some of the Big Ten guys are in a tizzy over Urban Meyer’s recruiting “tactics.” By tactics, we mean aggressive recruiting.

Apparently, there was a gentleman’s agreement between the Big Ten coaches to where a coach would not recruit a player who was verbally committed to another Big Ten school. Urban of course flipped several recruits, most notably several from Ohio State, but also OL Kyle Dodson from Wisconsin.

“THERE ARE NO PACTS BETWEEN LIONS AND MEN!!” -Urban Meyer, Columbus, 2012 Brad Pitt, Troy, 500 BC

So in response to this utter disregard for human life, the Wisconsin head coach, Bret Bielema is not happy. And in his complaining, he referenced the brutality in the SEC.

“I can tell you this,” says Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema. “We at the Big Ten don’t want to be like the SEC—in any way, shape or form.”

“There’s a common thread in this league,” Bielema said. “Every time we walk into a coaches meeting in the offseason, there’s a mutual sign of respect.”

Any way, shape or form? Is it just me or is it becoming crystal clear why the Big Ten can’t win BCS Championships these days? Hmmm.

Wisconsin got their feelings hurt by the SEC recruiting tactics that Urban Meyer most likely feels are standard operating procedure.

I knew socialism was making a come back, but c’mon, please don’t let it penetrate college football.

It’s worth noting that the Wisconsin AD himself didn’t really get bothered by Urban’s tactics. He said “Recruiting is recruiting until they sign.” Exactly.

Ask the SEC coaches what they think of this and they’re likely to respond like my boy Shooter. We’ve been too busy winning.

Who would rather not be like Wisconsin?

So that might explain why Gator Nation was less than thrilled with Florida’s National Signing Day performance.

Are you kidding me Gator fans?

Yes, both Coach Muschamp and I struck out on our National Signing Day picks, but recruiting is more than just a day on the calendar, it’s a 365 24/7 job.

Let’s take a look at what the Gator staff did with the rest of the 364 days on the 2012 recruiting calendar:

• #3 ranked class by Rivals

• #4 ranked class by ESPN

• #5 ranked class by Scout

• Signed the #1 & #3 DE, #1 & # 5 OL, #1 TE, and two #5 DBs according to Rivals

Oh, and LB coach D.J. Durkin was named “Recruiter of the Year” by ESPN and is in the running for the award from Rivals.

Certain coaches would sacrifice their own wives to have recruiting accolades like that, and yet, Gator Nation was in a collective funk yesterday.

Listen, I get it, we missed out on some positions of need and we went 0 for 5 on National Signing Day announcements.  But, we flipped a five-star recruit in DE Dante Fowler Jr. from FSU (that felt good to write) and we’re still in contention for coveted five-star WR Stefon Diggs (who is announcing on the 10^th).  According to the Rivals rankings, if we get Diggs, Muschamp will have signed FOUR five-star prospects.

Is that frown turning into a smile yet? I hope it is.

We’ll break down the 2012 signees in more depth later on, but for now, let me introduce you to the Florida Gators 2012 incoming freshman class (so far!).

Defensively Kentucky loses 5 starters on defense, and they lose three senior defensive backs.  The Wildcats lose all three of their top tacklers in LB Danny Trevathan, LB Ronnie Sneed, and Safety Winston Guy.  Kentucky only loses a couple of guys up front, but they are further down the depth chart.  Just like the offense, Kentucky’s defense ranked last in the SEC.  So, even though they are returning some players, they aren’t a huge help.

Needs Met: For Kentucky this is just another average year in recruiting, but average recruiting years at Kentucky have kept the Wildcats as a doormat to the SEC.  Thankfully the Wildcats managed to keep the best player in-state when they inked QB Patrick Towles.  Towles is a guy that could get thrown into the mix quickly because Kentucky needs QB help.  The Wildcats signed two RBs, and Justin Taylor could be quite a steal.  Taylor had originally committed to Alabama, but he switched his commitment when Alabama asked him to gray-shirt.  They also added two wide receivers, and DeMarcus Sweat could give them a significant deep threat down the field.  Offensive lineman was the biggest position of need on that side of the ball, and the Wildcats went out and inked five guys.  Jordan Watson and Zach Myers look to be ready to come in and add instant depth.

Defensively the Wildcats made news by signing 9 defensive backs.  Many of these players will contribute next year, but Jonathan Reed has the speed to make a difference, not only on special teams, but in special situations on defense.  However, don’t be surprised if JUCO DB Kory Brown comes in and makes a difference next year.  Kentucky also signed two linebackers, and most people really like Khalid Henderson as a quality OLB.  Up front the Wildcats snagged two DTs and one DE.  However, I would be really surprised to see any of these step in immediately.

Biggest Get: Patrick Towles.  Keeping a top ranked QB in-state is huge for the Wildcats, and he fills a huge position of need.

Biggest Miss: 39 Misses.  Kentucky offered 40 guys that, according to Rivals.com, were either 4 or 5 star recruits.  However, they only landed one of those players.  If Kentucky ever wants to be a player in the SEC, that has to change.

Final Evaluation: Kentucky brought in 26 players in this class, and they will be looking for some like Jalen Whitlow or Justin Taylor to be major sleepers.  This class fills needs, but not with high-impact recruits.

Final Grade:  C

Dorial Green-Beckham – WR – Missouri (I know, right?) – DGB is compared to Andre Johnson and I’m not sure he isn’t Andre Johnson playing High School ball on Friday nights as a prank. No, that can’t be true because Andre Johnson is only 6’3” and Green-Beckham isn’t 6 F’ing 6! He has that Lebron James thing going for him where I see him and wonder how this creature and I are considered of the same species. His physical gifts alone will make him a top ten pick in the 2015 NFL draft but the fact that he went to Missouri means he will be playing in the SEC and be their biggest offensive weapon from day one. He will have to earn everything he gets, which will make him even better. I don’t see him being drafted lower than #3 whenever he decides to turn pro.

T.J. Yeldon – RB – Alabama – Yeldon is not as powerful as his Alabama predecessors, Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson, but he might be a better athlete than both. He reminds me of Fred Taylor with his smooth style and easy breakaway speed. He’ll be plugged into a system that churns out 1st round draft pick RB’s like Robert Kardashian churned out disappointing daughters. (By the way, Google Fred Taylor’s son. He’ll be on this list next year).

Jonathan Bullard – DE – Florida – The North Carolina native has everything you want in a defensive end. Bullard is strong enough to plug the holes in the run game and quick enough to burn through the o-line and get to the quarterback. He was the most complete DL at the Army-All-American game. Will Muschamp is hoping to build his defense in the image of Alabama and Bullard will be critical as they transition from a speed defense to a power and speed defense. To see what Bullard could become watch the New York Giants defensive line on Sunday.

Josh Harvey-Clemons – LB – Georgia – His grandfather might not be happy about Josh going to Georgia but Todd Grantham is happy that Josh doesn’t listen to his grandfather. JHC has the skills to be a scary-ass safety but will likely start out at tall-ass OLB and one day grow into a fast-ass DE. A Bad-ass, really. In 3 or 4 years he’s going to be one of those 3-4 blitz-ends that NFL teams build their defenses around for 10 years.

D.J. Humphries –OL – Florida – Consensus top offensive tackle in 2012. His size and athleticism will remind Gator fans of the Pouncey twins and his technique and footwork remind scouts of D’brickashaw Ferguson. While some will be concerned with his 265 lbs, I love it. At the High School level lineman can often be elite simply because they are so much bigger and stronger than everyone. At 265 Humphries had to rely on more than just size alone, yet still managed to dominate, not giving up a sack in 4 years.

Channing Ward – DE – Ole Miss – Ward was a standout at the Under-Armour All-American game and throughout all of the practices. His quickness and strength remind me of former Clemson DE Da’Quan Bowers. He’ll get bigger in a hurry. I can already see myself in 3 years saying, “Damn, Channing Ward is still in College? It feels like he’s been breaking people for a decade.”

Zeke Pike – QB – Auburn – 6’6” with a big arm and has the chance to be a 4 year starter in the SEC. He’s even doughy like Matt Stafford. That means 2nd round at the very least. I’ll be honest I don’t know much about this guy but I love his name, and in recruiting cool names are often a more effective predictor of success than the star system. Zeke Pike from Dixie Heights High School! You can’t make that up!

“What I notice is that Internet sites have to make money and they make that money with the big programs, the Notre Dames, Florida States, Texases. So if a guy goes there, you never see those schools sign a two-star player do you? Well, you do because they see a lot of guys transfer that actually can’t play at all.

“I’m just speculating because I’m not an Internet guy. But sometimes I’ll see a guy is a one-star and all of a sudden the day before signing day he signs with a big school that makes a lot of money for the Internet site and all of a sudden he’s a four-star player. Without doing anything in one day he changes stars. But if the same players signs with a UConn or a Temple or some of the Eastern schools he stays a one-star. That’s where the politics come in.”

Let me say this, evaluating prospects is very difficult. Are some totally busts? Of course, but there are hidden gems as well. You can’t always hit on what a kid will really become at college. Once gets away from his parents and family, he could totally go nuts.

Big-time players aren’t going to sign with lower profile schools all the time. But there are those who do choose lower-tier schools such as Deontay Greenberry, who signed with Houston on National Signing Day rather than Notre Dame.

However, Tom Lemming has been criticized for being way too pro Notre Dame in his day as well.

This report back in 2006 says that top recruit Myron Rolle was instructed to keep Notre Dame on his list so he would have a chance to win the MVP in the US Army All-American Game. Now, who was accused of telling him such a thing? Tom Lemming.

“He told me if I kept Notre Dame in mind, the NBC (TV) guy would interview me and they would showcase me during the game. He told me I’d have a higher chance of being MVP. I took it as having less of a chance of getting MVP if I didn’t keep Notre Dame on my list.”

Obviously, that’s just hearsay now, and Lemming denies that conversation ever took place. But just as Lemming is criticizing, he has been just as criticized for some of his rankings in the past as well.

Are there politics involved? Sure. Unfortunately there’s politics involved in everything. And you don’t get a trophy for the top recruiting class in the country, either. It’s all about development.

The reality is not many, if any, college coaches care about what their class is ranked at the end of the day. They evaluate their own prospects and whom they want to sign at their respective universities because they know their potential, and coaches feel they can develop such prospects.

Let’s take a gander at a few of the signing day superlatives:

Best Class: Alabama

Need I say more? If Alabama had needs, they certainly filled them. 75 percent of the defensive backfield left, and Nick Saban signed the best safety and two top JUCO corners to take their place. The Tide lost Courtney Upshaw and Dont’a Hightower, and they gained four linebackers, headlined by Reggie Ragland. Trent Richardson left early for the NFL, and Alabama signed top running back TJ Yeldon. These guys are big, fast and physical. It’s business as usual for Alabama.

Worst Closer: Florida

Overall, the Gators had a very good class. But they did not close particularly well. The Gators had Tracy Howard, Josh Harvey-Clemons, Avery Young, Leonard Williams and Nelson Agholor on the board signing day. While the Gators did pull Dante Folwer, who was previously committed to FSU, it was a rough day if you’re a Gator fan. But you cannot win them all, and overall, Florida had a very strong class…just not a good day in closing out those top recruits.

Biggest Surprise: Dorial Green-Beckham, Missouri

Everyone had DGB tabbed as going to Arkansas, including myself. I thought the lure of playing in an offense that throws the football all around the field would entice him to make the call for the Hogs. I was wrong. DGB signed with the in-state Missouri Tigers, and this had to be the biggest story in the SEC on National Signing Day. Missouri’s got some momentum, and other top prospects will want to play with DGB and for the Tigers.

Most Underrated Recruit: Shaq Roland, South Carolina

I love Shaq Roland. He was Mr. Football in South Carolina his senior year, and he should have a chance to play early for Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks. The 6’1, 175lb wide receiver is a complete stud, and he caught 24 touchdowns this past season as a high school senior. I love this kid.

Rollercoaster Recruit: Mike Davis, South Carolina

Mike Davis will be a very good running back, but he had a hard time making up his mind during this recruiting process. He was a borderline drama queen, but he finally made it official signing with the Gamecocks. Early on he was committed to Florida for a long time, and his feelings were hurt when Florida recruited Keith Marshall. Davis then decommitted and later committed to South Carolina. Even though he was an SC commit, he flirted with Clemson, largely in part because his brother, James, played there. I think he’s going to be good, but he was a rollercoaster of a commit this cycle.

Best Offensive Player: Dorial Green-Beckham, Missouri

You know my thoughts on DGB. He’s an instant-impact type player. If he can stay healthy, he will be a first-rounder in three years for the NFL. He has all the tools – size, athleticism, hands and speed. He can create separation and go up top to get the football. I cannot wait to watch this kid play in the SEC.

Best Defensive Player: Landon Collins, Alabama

There wasn’t much drama associated with Collins, but rather, there was with his mama. Mom wanted LSU; Landon wanted Alabama. Either way, this kid is going to be unreal in Saban’s defense. He’s big, physical and fast. I love watching kids like Collins play because he hits like a truck and has exception ball skills. Collins is a stud!

Best Recruiter: DJ Durkin, Florida

Florida special teams and linebackers coach DJ Durkin had a massive pull this year from the great state of North Carolina. Durkin went into NC and pulled DJ Humphries, Jonathan Bullard and several other top prospects. Humphries and Bullard are the two top prospects in North Carolina this year, and they are going to Florida. Durkin worked his tail off all year. He is a great recruiter.

“We needed a quarterback. We lost two. We needed a quarterback in this class. There was a gentleman from Indiana that thought about coming to the Bayou State. He did not necessarily have the chest and the ability to lead a program, so you know.”

I might think that Miles might want that one back, but it didn’t stop the crowd from cheering.

Video below:

Now, Miles’ comments on Jeremy Liggins are great. Probably could have gone without calling out Kiel.

What do you think?

Defensively, Alabama is losing the core of one of the greatest defenses ever to play at the Capstone.  On the defensive line Josh Chapman and Nick Gentry are both seniors, and both have contributed for the last three years.  The biggest losses are probably at LB because Courtney Upshaw, Donta Hightower, and Jerrell Harris are 3 of 5 LB’s that won’t be there next year.  There is a ton of LB talent on campus, but look for there to be some drop at this position.  In the backfield Mark Barron is a glaring loss at safety, but Bama loses 2 starters at CB with the loss of Dre Kirkpatrick and DeQuan Menzie.  Look for a ton of new faces to be on the field next year for the Crimson Tide.

Needs Met: Another year and another class that meets all needs.  Alabama worked hard to fill the void left by Trent Richardson by signing T.J. Yeldon and Kenyan Drake.  Yeldon is one of the top 5 running backs in the 2012 recruiting class, and he is already on campus.  Also, remember that Bama signed Dee Hart last year, and he never got to play because of an early season knee injury.  I expect Yeldon and Hart to compete with Eddie Lacy for significant playing time.  Alabama won a National Championship without a significant playmaker at receiver, but with this receiving class, that will not happen again.  Amari Cooper, Eddie Williams, Cyrus Jones, and Chris Black all inked with the Tide, and any of these four guys could easily get significant playing time.  Bama rounded out the offense by signing a couple of offensive linemen and one tight end, all of which will probably redshirt next year.

Landon Collins

The gem of the 2012 recruiting class came on the defensive side of the ball.  Landon Collins is the top safety in the country, and he will help fill the void left by Mark Barron.  However, what makes this sweeter for Bama fans is the fact Bama went into Louisiana to get Collins.  Also in the defensive backfield, Alabama signed CB’s  Geno Smith, Travell Dixon, and Deion Belue.  Belue and Dixon are both JUCO guys that could add immediate help.  At LB Bama loses key guys, but they go out and sign five great recruits.  Reggie Ragland, Dillon Lee, Tyler Hayes, Ryan Anderson, and Denzell Devall are all huge LB recruits, and will add instant quality depth.  Up front Bama is continuing to stockpile talent, as they signed 5 defensive linemen.   I don’t think any of these guys will be starters next year, but all will add significant depth.

Biggest Get: Landon Collins.  Any team that can go into Louisiana and steal one of the top players in the nation away from LSU is impressive.

Biggest Miss: It’s hard to say Bama missed anywhere, but QB Jameis Winston may be the biggest miss simply because he is an in-state guy.  However, if Winston signs a baseball contract, it may not be that big of a deal.

Final Evaluation: Bama signed 26 guys in this class, and they just continue to stockpile talent.  According to all recruiting services, they signed the number one recruiting class again.

Final Grade:  A+

For the first time since Petrino came to Arkansas, the Hogs signing class is heavy on defensive recruits. Twenty-four players signed with Arkansas on Wednesday, and fourteen of them were defenders, although there are one or two that may move to the offensive side of the ball.

Lets take a look at the Razorbacks offensive signees:

RB – Jonathon Williams 5’11” 205 lbs. 4.4 Allen, TX. – 4*
RB – Donovan Roberts 6’0” 205 lbs. 4.4 Norman, OK. – 3*
RB – Nate Holmes 6’1” 185 lbs. 4.4 Port Arthur, TX. – 3*
WR – Keon Hatcher 6’2” 200 lbs. 4.4 Owasso, OK. – 4*
WR – Eric Hawkins 6’0” 175 lbs. 4.25 Longview, TX. – 3*
WR – Demetrius Wilson 6’3” 180 lbs. 4.4 Glendale C.C., AZ. Juco – 3*
WR – D’Arthur Cowan 6’3” 180 lbs. 4.4 Olive Branch, MS. – 4*
TE – Demetrius Dean 6’4” 245 lbs. 4.7 Fayetteville, AR. prep school – 4* in 2011
OG – Cordale Boyd 6’3” 300 lbs. 5.1 Memphis, TN. – 3*
OG – Jeremy Ward 6’4” 290 lbs. 5.1 Pottsville, AR. – 4*

Williams was one of seven recruits that flipped away from Missouri. Roberts was offered by Oklahoma late, but stuck with the Hogs. Holmes can play RB or WR. Hatcher is strong and fast, with great hands. Keon was offered by Ok. State late. Hawkins is a burner, and yes, that 40-time is correct.

Wilson is fast and a great route runner, and he should contribute right away. Cowan put on a show at an Arkansas Jr Day Camp, and it only took Petrino fifteen minutes to offer him a scholarship. Dean signed with Arkansas in 2011 as a 4* recruit, but failed to qualify. Spent the last year at a prep school. Boyd has good strength and great leverage, but may redshirt. Ward is a bull on the inside, and could easily push for playing time this fall.

Moving on to the defensive signees:

DE – Austin Flynn 6’4” 260 lbs. 4.5 L.A. Harbor C.C., CA. Juco – 4*
DE – Deatrich Wise 6’5” 235 lbs. 4.6 Lewisville, TX. – 4*
DE – Brandon Lewis 6’5” 225 lbs. 4.6 Memphis, TN. – 3*
DE – JaMichael Winston 6’6” 240 lbs. 4.5 Prichard, AL. – 3*
DE – Taiwan Johnson 6’3” 240 lbs. 4.7 Manvel, TX. – 4*
DE – Jeremy Sprinkle 6’6” 225 lbs. 4.6 White Hall, AR. – 3*
DT – Darius Philon 6’2” 290 lbs. 4.7 Prichard, AL. – 3*
LB – A.J. Turner 6’3” 210 lbs. 4.5 Lepanto, AR. – 4*
LB – Vin Ascolese 6’2” 220 lbs. 4.5 North Bergen, NJ. – 3*
LB – Otha Peters 6’1 ½” 220 lbs. 4.5 Covington, LA. – 4*
CB – Ray Buchanon Jr. 5’11” 175 lbs. 4.4 Suwanee, Ga. – 3*
CB – Jared Collins 6’0” 180 lbs. 4.35 Tulsa, OK. – 3*
CB – Will Hines 6’0” 180 lbs. 4.4 Waco, TX. – 3*
S – Defonta Lowe 6’3” 195 lbs. 4.5 Bearden, AR. – 3*

Flynn has the ability to step in and take over for departed end Jake Bequette. Austin is already enrolled. Wise and Winston both have SEC size and speed at DE, and could easily get a chance to play this fall. Lewis and Sprinkle both have huge upside, but may need to redshirt. Johnson is comparable to Arkansas starter Tenarius Wright, but may also need to redshirt to gain weight and strength, but Johnson’s upside is through the roof.

Philon was a pleasant surprise for Arkansas coaches and fans. Darius was set to sign with Alabama, but the Tide over-signed, leaving Philon out in the cold. His teammate and fellow signee, JaMichael Winston encouraged him to go to Arkansas. Darius is game ready right now. Turner will be a monster on the field, but probably should redshirt to gain weight and strength. Ascolese is a heavy hitter, but may also need to redshirt.

Peters flipped from Tennessee to Arkansas the day before NSD. He was a huge “get” for the Hogs. LSU offered too late. Buchanon, Collins, and Hines may all see the field in 2012 to provide much needed depth at CB. Hines was another player than flipped away from Mizzou. Lowe played QB, RB, WR, LB, Safety, and returned kicks for his high school team. He will focus on safety for the Hogs. Bright future, but will probably redshirt.

Arkansas still has one scholarship available, and they will be waiting to hear from one of two remaining players. 4* WR/CB Devonte Neal (5’10” 170 lbs. 4.3) out of Arizona, or 5* OT Jordan Diamond (6’6” 300 lbs. 5.1) from Chicago. If the Hogs are not able to land either of these recruits, look for Petrino and his staff to search for an unsigned Juco lineman or linebacker, or possibly save that scholarship to sign an extra player in the next class to count back to this group.

This crop of players looks similar to Petrino’s first class at Arkansas in 2008. The proof is in the pudding, and to me, re-grading is what counts the most. That first Petrino class was recently re-graded as the #6 class in the nation for that recruiting year. I can see that being the case, since those guys won 29 games in their final three years, with two bowl wins, a BCS bowl appearance, and a #5 finish this past season. Time will tell, but these are solid recruits that should help Arkansas win many more games in the coming years.