When considering which 10 classes were the best in the SEC during the last decade, it’s important to consider two factors — what type of program impact did the class as a whole have and how many individual difference makers/future NFL players were a part of the class.

So with that, it’s no surprise that Alabama, which has seen the impact of top-rated classes result in championships and has put a slew of players in the NFL during the last decade, is the most-represented on this ranking.

Of course, there are many classes that have yet to see the story fully written, so this type of thing is fluid at best, but it’s how it is seen as of today.

1. Alabama Class of 2008

Key players: Julio Jones, Mark Ingram, Mark Barron, Courtney Upshaw, Barrett Jones, Marcell Dareus, Terrence Cody, Dont’a Hightower

National rank: No. 3

This was the first full recruiting cycle that Nick Saban and his staff had in Tuscaloosa and it brought many of the prospects that were the foundation for the 2009 and 2011-12 National Championship teams on board.

2. Florida Class of 2006

Key players: Tim Tebow, Percy Harvin, Brandon Spikes

National rank: No. 2

Like the class ranked above, this was Urban Meyer’s first full recruiting cycle at Florida and provided the foundation for the Gators two National Championship teams in 2006 and 2008.

3. Alabama Class of 2012

Key players: Amari Cooper, Landon Collins, T.J. Yeldon, Reggie Ragland, Cyrus Jones

National rank: No. 1

This class was high on individual talent and many of its members are still a part of the Crimson Tide’s successful program today. Others have moved on to play in the NFL.

4. Alabama Class of 2013

Key players: Derrick Henry, A’Shawn Robinson, Eddie Jackson, Tim Williams

National rank: No. 1

This was yet another top-ranked class for the Crimson Tide and includes many of the standout players starring for this year’s Alabama team, which will play for another National Championship next Monday night against Clemson.

5. Florida Class of 2007

Key players: Joe Haden, Maurkice Pouncey, Mike Pouncey, Ahmad Black

National rank: No. 1

This class was the second full cycle that Meyer and his staff were at work in Gainesville. It was a heavy in-state effort and included several NFL Draft picks and players who were a big part of the Gators’ 2008 title run.

6. Ole Miss Class of 2013

Key players: Laremy Tunsil, Robert Nkemdiche, Laquon Treadwell, Tony Conner

National rank: No. 8

This was the class that really got things rolling on the recruiting trail and as a program for Hugh Freeze and the Rebels and many of the big names you will hear early in this spring’s NFL draft. Ole Miss also made some excellent evaluations in this particular cycle — tight end Evan Engram is a great example. This class had perhaps the biggest impact on a single program during the last 10 cycles.

7. LSU Class of 2010

Key players: Eric Reid, Tyrann Mathieu, Alfred Blue, Brad Wing

National rank: No. 8

This class served as a big block of the talent that allowed LSU to go unbeaten in the regular season and win the SEC Championship in 2011. Mathieu was under-valued, but was one of the biggest difference-makers in college football during his career.

8. Alabama Class of 2011

Key players: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Trey DePriest, Ryan Kelly, Vinnie Sunseri

National rank: No. 1

This class was another star-studded group for the Crimson Tide and while not very many members remain on the current roster, Kelly may be one of the best centers in college football this season. This group also was instrumental in Alabama’s 2012 title run.

9. Auburn Class of 2011



Key players: Reese Dismukes, Gabe Wright, Kris Frost, Greg Robinson, Tre Mason, Sammie Coates

National rank: 5

Many of the building blocks for Auburn’s improbable run to the 2013 BCS National Championship game were acquired in the 2011 cycle — the cycle in which the Tigers won the 2010 National Championship.

10. LSU Class of 2014

National rank: No. 2

Key players: Leonard Fournette, Jamal Adams, Malachi Dupre, Brandon Harris, Trey Quinn

While this class has yet to facilitate the Tigers playing for a championship, chances are it will. There are too many talented players that have proven it on the field in a short amount of time for it not to.