Ranking the 2012 Recruiting Classes: Defense
Today OKTC brings you a final installment, a ranking of the 2014 defensive positions for all 14 SEC schools.
And we begin with the defensive line:
1. Mississippi State - Denico Autry, Nick James and Quay Evans stand out in a freakish group of DLs who will keep MSU competitive in the SEC for years to come. Assembling a group this talented was a feat in and of itself, but who MSU beat out for these players is just as big a storyline. They went up against heavyweights for some huge (literally) players, and they hit on almost every single one. All of the stars here were in-state players, and Dan Mullen kept them all home while keeping any of them from heading to Oxford at the same time.
1. Alabama - This may be Nick Saban's best class at linebacker yet. That's saying something when you've recruited like likes of Rolando McClain, Dont'a Hightower, CJ Mosley and Nico Johnson. The 2012 corps includes Reggie Ragland, Dillon Lee, Denzell Devall, Tyler Hayes and Ryan Anderson (a hybrid linebacker/end prospect.) This group boasts size, speed and depth.
1. Alabama - Similar to the LB corps, Alabama's 2012 group of defensive backs is absolutely stellar. Landon Collins, Geno Smith, Eddie Williams and Cyrus Jones are all among the best prep DBs in America, and Travell Dixon and Deion Belue were highly coveted JUCO players. Look for either Williams or Jones to give WR a shot initially because of the depth in this group.
2. LSU - Derrick Raymond and Corey Thompson lead another stellar group of new DBs at LSU. This class will add to the already obscene amount of talent in the backfield on that side of the ball.
3. Texas A&M - Devante Harris and Kenneth Marshall provide a punch at corner and safety. An above average group of DBs is heading to College Station.
4. Auburn - Josh Holsey, Jonathan Jones and T.J. Davis form a nice trio of cornerbacks.
5. Tennessee - LaDarrell McNeil, Daniel Gray and Deion Bonner are three out-of-state prospects who show promise.
6. Kentucky - Kory Brown, a JUCO safety, heads up a deep group of DBs in Lexington.
7. Florida - Brian Poole is a notable athlete at safety for the Gators.
8. Mississippi State - Quadry Antoine is a notable pickup out of Louisiana for the Bulldogs. The safety prospect has closing speed and decent size.
9. South Carolina - This class isn't as special as past DB groups who have pledged to Carolina. Jordan Diggs is a safety prospect to keep an eye on.
10. Vanderbilt - Vandy went heavy on corners in the Class of 2012.
11. Missouri - It's not an overly impressive class, but it will do for now.
12. Mississippi - Trae Elston surprised LSU on Signing Day by picking the Rebels. He elected to not follow HS teammate Kwon Alexander to Baton Rouge.
13. Arkansas - The DB class in Fayetteville is somewhat thin. Davonte Neal is a versatile prospect still considering the Hogs.
14. Georgia - The defensive backfield apparently wasn't a major area of concern in Athens.
...
The Offense position rankings are here:
Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers
Running Backs and Offensive Lines
Our total 1-14 SEC team ranking can be found here.