Top 10 football recruiting classes in 2012 for national signing day

A look at this year's top recruiting classes:

No. 1: Alabama

The Crimson Tide signed 12 ESPN top 150 prospects and 17 of Rivals' four- and five-star prospects. The defense reloads with seven players ranked in the top 10 at their positions.

No. 2: Texas

The nation's consensus No. 1 RB, Johnathan Gary, leads a class that should play a big part in restoring Texas' reputation. The Longhorns signed more Rivals four stars (15) than anybody.

No. 3: Florida

The Gators edge out FSU for a top three spot because of their quantity. Among Florida's 23 signees are three of ESPN's top five offensive line prospects and two of its top four tight ends.

No. 4: Florida State

The Seminoles class is full of star power, led by QB Jameis Winston, who will sign in a few days, DTs Mario Edwards and Eddie Goldman, CB Ronald Darby, DE Chris Casher and RB Mario Pender.

No. 5: Ohio State

Look who's back. The Buckeyes were off the radar before Urban Meyer was hired then closed with a flurry signing a class headed by Rivals' top two weak side defensive ends: Noah Spence and Adolphus Washington.

No. 6: Michigan

The Wolverines are looking to keep up with Meyer and did a good job with a class that is loaded defensively with five players ranked among the top 10 at their positions, including three linebackers.

No. 7: Stanford

The Cardinal made a late push after signing OT Andrus Peat, which gave it the best offensive line class in the country according to Rivals. LB Noor Davis and DE Aziz Shittu are among the best at their positions.

No. 8: Southern Cal

With 15 signees Southern Cal's class is small, but like FSU it has plenty of stars. The Trojans stole two of Florida's top 10 players, WR Nelson Agholor and DE Leonard Williams.

No. 9 Miami

In sheer numbers, the Hurricanes are No. 1 with 33 signees, a strategy to help mitigate the upcoming NCAA sanctions. The class received a huge boost when DB Tracy Howard chose UM over Florida and Florida State.

No. 10 Oklahoma

The Sooners pull a top 10 ranking thanks to its top-ranked receivers class that includes Trey Metoyer, Sterling Shepard and Durron Neal. The offensive push continued with RB Alex Ross.