Another signing day has come and gone. Just like every year, there was no shortage of drama, including mom’s abandoning sons, babies crying, and Chucky dolls. Signing day never fails to entertain. However, now that the dust has settled, we can rank every SEC teams signing class 1-14.
1. Georgia
Not only did Georgia have the best signing class in the conference, the country, and you could argue even the best recruiting class of all time. What Kirby Smart has done in only his second full recruiting cycle as head coach is nothing short of amazing.
Georgia landed seven five-star recruits and 15 four-star recruits, including the nation’s No. 1 quarterback (Justin Fields), No. 1 running back (Zamir White), No. 1 guard (Jamaree Salyer) and the No. 1 outside linebacker (Adam Anderson). Nothing short of historic. With this class, Kirby Smart has managed to wake the sleeping giant in Athens, putting the rest of the SEC on notice.
2. Alabama
For the first time since 2011, Alabama does not have the No. 1 recruiting class in the country. But while Alabama may have “slipped” in the overall rankings, the Crimson Tide still boast one of the best overall classes in the country. Their No. 1 overall defense from last season will only improve after they managed to rein in some of the best defensive recruits in the country.
Top cornerback Patrick Surtain Jr. and junior college beast Saivion Smith were two of the best cornerbacks available, and both chose to play under defensive backs’ guru Nick Saban. Along the defensive line, the Tide landed the top weakside defensive end Eyabi Anoma and the No. 3 strongside defensive end Stephon Wynn. Per usual, the rich get richer in Tuscaloosa.
3. Auburn
After Georgia and Alabama, there’s a relatively large drop-off in star power as far as 2018 classes go. Gus Malzahn secured the No. 1 athlete in the country, Joey Gatewood, who will likely fit well in Auburn’s offense at quarterback. If he doesn’t play quarterback, he is too athletic to not be on the field, so the Tigers will surely find a way to utilize his skill set. Junior college defensive tackle Daquan Newkirk will likely see some playing time early on in his SEC career, while the No. 5 ranked running back in the country, Harold Joiner, will try to find a role in an already loaded Auburn backfield.
4. LSU
For a while today, it looked like Ed Orgeron might be in trouble. After missing out on Alabama commit Surtain Jr. and Clemson commit Mario Goodrich, there were grumblings throughout the fan base the Orgeron might not be the answer at head coach in Baton Rouge.
LSU fans are losing their mind after 5-star cornerback commits to Alabama. @SECCountryLSUhttps://t.co/XDDrld8O4x
— SEC Country (@SECcountry) February 7, 2018
However, Orgeron managed to salvage the class, bringing in five-star wide receiver and Louisiana native Terrace Marshall and No. 1 junior college defensive end Travez Moore. The LSU staff also convinced four-star safety Kelvin Joseph and four-star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase to stay in Louisiana.
5. Florida
The most touted recruit in the Gators’ group is four-star quarterback Emory Jones. Florida fans (and Mississippi State fans) know that new Florida coach Dan Mullen is known for developing quarterbacks. Mullen locked up Jones’ commitment early on, and Jones is bound to have a promising career in Gainesville. Other notables from Florida’s class include four-star running back Dameon Pierce and four-star offensive tackle Richard Gouraige. They also landed the No. 1 kicker in the country, Evan McPherson, if that adds anything to anyone.
T6. South Carolina and Texas A&M
These classes are somewhat similar and tough to separate as far as talent goes. Both include promising dual threat quarterbacks in Dakereon Joyner for South Carolina and James Foster for Texas A&M. Additionally, both teams beefed up in the trenches, especially on the defensive side. South Carolina landed three top-20 defensive linemen while Texas A&M landed four.
8. Tennessee
A day that began with such promise for Jeremy Pruitt and staff ended in mostly disappointment. Granted, this recruiting class was always going to be an uphill battle to salvage a short turnaround, but there was still hope some of the Vols highly ranked targets would choose Tennessee on Wednesday.
Four-star wide receiver Alontae Taylor and four-star junior college tight end Dominick Wood-Anderson will likely be early contributors in Tyson Helton’s new offense, while linebacker JJ Peterson and junior college defensive tackle Emmit Gooden will look to make an immediate impact on defense.
The Rest
9. Mississippi State
10. Ole Miss
11. Kentucky
12. Vanderbilt
13. Missouri
14. Arkansas
