The new kid on the block takes the top honors, but Louisville and Rutgers also bring in impressive classes. Both have impact players that could see the field early on the offensive side of the ball.
Let's take a look...
TCU (25 commitments) - Being able to sell kids on playing in a conference with an automatic berth to a BCS bowl game certainly helped the Horned Frogs on the recruiting trail in 2011. Being in Texas doesn't hurt either. Top to bottom this looks like a solid class. If you're looking for some flash, the Horned Frogs bring in a pair of receivers that could see the field early in LaDarius Brown and Brandon Carter.
Louisville (19 commitments) - Cards fans have to be excited about the signing of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. He's a dynamic dual-threat prospect from Florida who is already on campus, giving him an opportunity to win the starting job in 2011. Match him up with a solid incoming class of receivers that includes DeVante Parker and Eli Rogers and the Cards offense could be on the upswing. The Cards also did well on the defensive side of the ball landing safety Gerod Holliman and cornerback Andrew Johnson.
Rutgers (24 commitments) - The Scarlet Knights made a strong push at the end of the recruiting season snagging running back Savon Huggins and defensive tackle Marquise Wright, giving them arguably their best recruiting class in school history. Huggins has the ability to take over the ground game right out of the gate. Keep an eye on him. Receiver Miles Shuler is another that could see the field early. A large part of Rutgers' success has to go to secondary coach Jeff Hafley who left Pittsburgh in December. Hafley was an integral part of bringing Wright and defensive end Max Issaka, both former Pitt verbal commitments, to New Jersey.
Cincinnati (24 commitments) - Running back Jameel Poteat headlines a class of 24 commitments for the Bearcats. The Bearcats have holes to fill at receiver and Shaquille Washington will be looked at to provide depth early on. To round out things on the offensive side of the ball, the Bearcats signed a pair of quarterbacks in Patrick Coyne and Stephen Weatherford to be groomed as Zach Collaros replacement. Coyne has an impressive combination of size, arm strength and mobility and could be a real steal.
West Virginia (22 commitments) - Two-way player Terrell Chestnut is the most intriguing prospect in the class. He could play safety, receiver or even quarterback. Running back Andrew Buie should ease some of the pain of losing Noel Devine.
Syracuse (26 commitments) - Linebacker Cameron Lynch isn't the biggest linebacker, but the 3-star backer can play and is unlikely to redshirt. Ashton Broyld and Terrell Hunt are both two-way players that will get an early look at quarterback.
Pittsburgh (20 commitments) - No team went through more coaching turmoil than Pitt this offseason and it had a profound impact on the recruiting trail. The vultures were quick to pick apart Pitt's recruiting class. The Panthers did score a trio of defensive players that could help in linebacker Nicholas Grigsby, cornerback Lafayette Pitts (could also play running back) and defensive tackle Khaynin Molsey-Smith.
South Florida (21 commitments) - The Bulls have an immediate need at receiver and the 6-foot-1 Andre Davis should see the field early. The Bulls also signed five offensive lineman led by offensive tackle Max Lang.
UConn (16 commitments) - Newly hired Paul Pasqualoni has some big shoes to fill. The Huskies didn't sign a sexy class, but its heavy on offensive line and defense, which is the foundation for a solid program. Linebackers Jefferson Ashiru and Marquise Vann are two that should provide depth early on.