Signing day 2012 is in the rearview mirror. Did your alma mater land that 5-star stud? Who had the biggest haul? Who are the top prospects in the this class? And more importantly, are there any noteworthy signings for fantasy owners?
Over the next week we'll be taking a look at the running back, quarterback and wide receiver classes. As general rule of thumb: you should only be considering true freshmen in keeper leagues or conference-specific leagues with limited talent pools. For the rest, consider this is a cursory look at players that could potentially have an impact down the road.
(Rivals rank, Scout rank, ESPN rank, 247Sports rank)
Opportunity for Early PT
Wes Brown, Maryland (14 RB, 11 RB, 28 RB, 11 RB) - Underrated, Randy Edsall offense and PT to be had.
Greg Garmon, Iowa (19 RB, 15 RB, 23 ATH, 17 ATH) - Quick, name a Hawkeye running back.
Drew Harris, Virginia Tech (22 RB, 26 RB, 19 RB, 9 RB) - David Wilson and vulture back Josh Oglesby are gone.
Matt Jones, Florida (15 RB, 16 RB, 11 RB, 15 ATH) - Still waiting for a Gator back to emerge.
Jovon Robinson, Auburn (10 RB, 22 RB, 21 RB, 14 RB) - The sudden departure of Michael Dyer opens the door for early PT.
Malin Jones, Northwestern (26 RB, 42 RB, 87 RB, 23 RB) - The Wildcats are in need of a playmaker at RB.
Aaron Harris, Cincinnati (JUCO) - Isaiah Pead has logged 486 carries the last three seasons and needs to be replaced. Coaches don't bring in JUCO's to sit the bench. Freshman Ti'on Green and E.J. Junior could also get an early look.
Damien Williams, Oklahoma (JUCO) - Interesting signing. Dominique Whaley insurance policy?
Keeper League Specials
Barry Sanders, Stanford (9 RB, 9 RB, 9 RB, 6 APB) - Do you really want to be the guy that passed on the son of the great Barry Sanders?
Byron Marshall, Oregon (8 RB, 18 RB, 10 RB, 8 RB) - RB-friendly offense.
William Mahone, Notre Dame (18 RB, 23 RB, 16 RB, 28 RB) - Big powerful runner, and in my opinion, Mahone is top running back coming out of the State of Ohio, ahead of Br'onte Dunn.
Johnathan Gray, Texas (1 RB, 2 RB, 1 RB, 1 RB) - Logjam of young backs.
Keith Marshall, Georgia (2 APB, 1 RB, 2 RB, 1 APB) - UGA signed a top back with a cute puppy last year at this time.
Trey Williams, Texas A&M (3 RB, 3 RB, 5 RB, 2 APB) - Early PT depends on the health of Christine Michael (knee).
Randy Johnson, Miami (FL) (1 APB, 5 RB, 6 ATH, 3 APB) - Miami is going to be a very young team this fall.
T.J. Yeldon, Alabama (2 RB, 8 RB, 4 RB, 2 RB) - On campus early.
Rushel Shell, Pittsburgh (6 RB, 4 RB, 3 RB, 7 RB) - Early PT depends on the health of Ray Graham (knee)
Mario Pender, Florida St. (4 RB, 6 RB, 8 RB, 4 RB) - On campus early.
Mike Davis, South Carolina (7 RB, 10 RB, 6 RB, 5 RB)
Todd Gurley, Georgia (5 RB, 13 RB, 12 RB, 6 RB)
Alex Ross, Oklahoma (12 RB, 14 RB, 7 RB, 3 RB)
Bri'onte Dunn, Ohio St. (11 RB, 7 RB, 14 RB, 10 RB) - On campus early.
Kenyan Drake, Alabama (13 RB, 17 RB, 15 RB, 4 APB)
Robert Lewis, Washington St. (10 APB, , 13 RB, 18 APB)
Shane Rhodes, Boise St. (15 APB, 144 WR , 166 ATH, 105 WR)
KeiVarae Russell, Notre Dame (9 ATH, 24 RB, 26 RB, 5 APB)
Jonathan Williams, Arkansas (17 RB, 20 RB, 18 RB, 13 RB)
J.C. Coleman, Virginia Tech (3 APB, 32 RB, 24 RB, 10 APB) - On campus early.
Warren Ball, Ohio St. (16 RB, 21 RB, 27 RB, 15 RB)
Vonte Jackson, Wisconsin (21 RB, 28 RB, 22 RB, 18 RB)
Dennis Norfleet, Michigan (5 APB, 19 RB, 81 RB, 7 APB)
D.J. Foster, Arizona St. (5 ATH, 12 RB, 21 ATH, 12 ATH) - Also signed JUCO Marion Grice.
Imani Cross, Nebraska (25 RB, 34 RB, 20 RB, 27 RB)
Chris Brown, Oregon St. (24 RB, 33 RB, 23 RB, 25 RB)
Morgan Steward, Missouri (28 RB, 31 RB, 43 RB, 22 RB)
Terrence Taylor, Houston (48 RB, 52 RB, NA, 30 RB)