{mosimage}Here are the rest of the teams who could claim the top team recruiting rankings spot considering the talent level and overall needs for their teams.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Commits: 22

The Scoop

Charlie Weis and the Irish staff did a great job of identifying guys early and building trust. Not as many recruits jumped ship as you may expect because of their poor season. This is their best class since possibly the Lou Holtz days.

Needs

Notre Dame needs depth at all positions, especially the offensive and defensive lines. They also need speed guys at corner and playmakers at the WR position. A stud QB could help too. Check, check, check and check. Had Notre Dame held onto the commitment of DT Omar Hunter, you could call this a perfect class for them. QB Dayne Crist is one of the best pro-style prospects for '08. Michael Floyd is one of, if not the best WR in the nation. I know that's a strong statement but he can run, jump and catch with the best of them and he's tall at 6-4. RB Jonas Gray was a gift from Nebraska who lost him due to coaching change. They've got guys coming in with football backgrounds, good grades, an understanding of ND tradition and lots of skill. The future looks bright as they land 3 DT's and DE Ethan Johnson comes from Oregon with tons of hype. TE Kyle Rudolph was a solid get from Ohio. Braxton Cave and Trevor Robinson could compete early for playing time.

Who else can help?

No huge names on the market for ND (as far as I know). Maybe they could get some more solid prospects to fill needs and provide depth.

What will hold them back?

Youth. This is a solid group and most of these guys will see action next year. You can have all the big names in the world but if you put them in tough situations early their confidence in themselves and each other could crumble.

Michael Floyd Video

{youtube}lxIMt2qRtxg{/youtube}

Alabama Crimson Tide

Commits: 26

The Scoop

This is a much needed large class for 'Bama and to claim #1 they'll need to close strong. Nick Saban should be pleased.

Needs

I like the game of QB Star Jackson. This one of Alabama's best out-of-state recruits. Now onto the hometown folk; DE Courtney Upshaw, OT Tyler Love, DT Kerry Murphy and Athlete Burton Scott are all Alabama kids who are possibly the best overall recruits for 2008. Saban has clearly sparked local support and it's showing in this recruiting class. For that reason alone this class should be considered special, as it indicates Saban has the local support needed to get the ball rolling.

Who else can help?

More Alabama guys, WR Julio Jones and LB Jerrell Harris would make this class great(er). Jones in particular would indicate Sabans got the state on lockdown.

What will hold them back?

Most of the top guys seem to be on the offensive side of the ball. This is a huge class so hopefully attrition does not knock it down.

Oklahoma Sooners

Commits: 19

The Scoop

Oklahoma is quickly gaining the reputation as RB U (oh wait, that's Texas). They fill all of their "firepower" needs.

Needs

OU was going to need running backs and they got a pair of the best. Jermie Calhoun and Justin Johnson are each 210 lbs. or more and both can run the ball. Calhoun in particular looks to be a future NFL 1st rounder. Landry Jones is solid and should fit in well with the offense. WR Josh Jarobe and WR Jameel Owens give them a great tandem.

Who else can help?

WR Julio Jones seems to be showing Oklahoma some love. It's hard to imagine him going anywhere but Alabama but if he chooses OU then they can claim the best offensive class.

What will hold them back?

Defense. They struggled against WVU and looked like the greatest show on earth against Mizzou. They have 3 JC transfers on D coming in which is not a good sign in my estimation. Their best recruits were all on offense.

Jeremy Calhoun Video

{youtube}vFX4avFPMHY{/youtube}

Who Else?

Like I mentioned in 2008 Team Recruiting Rankings #1 hopefuls (pt 1), a bunch of schools could claim the top spot. Here are some others.

Georgia Bulldogs

A.J. Green heads a great class. Is it just me or does UGA take a ton of guys every year? 25 verbals so far this year.

Clemson Tigers

DE DaQuan Bowers is the #1 overall recruit by that rag called ESPN. QB Kyle Parker was a huge get in Florida. RB Andre Ellingto could be "NEXT." They've got some studs on D too that should help with consistency.

DaQuan Bowers Video

USC Trojans

Only 16 verbals thus far in what is a very ho-hum class for Pete Carroll. WR Brice Butler is tough. Joe Adams and D.J. Shoemate are playmakers. TE Blake Ayles should be ready to fill the Fred Davis spot. The offensive line will be stacked for years to come. USC needed weapons and got them.

Texas Longhorns

Just another top 10 class. WR DeSean Hales is an exciting prospect. D.J Grant and Dan Buckner may be even better at wideout. Defensively, I would not want to see any of their recruits in a dark alley.

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (1)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

JEH45 said:

	Is it possible to do a recruiting article wihtout mentioning Pryor?
	report abuse vote down vote up

February 01, 2008
Votes: +0

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (Registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Add Comment