Posted by Bryan Fischer

After a banner year on the recruiting trail for Louisville, Charlie Strong is looking to keep up the momentum with the class of 2013. The Cardinals' head coach received his second commitment for the upcoming class on Sunday, as Fleming Island (Fla.) linebacker Donel Elam pledged on an unofficial visit.

"It was just like family," Elam told CardinalSports.com. "The coaches, I felt like it was family up there. I just like the program and I knew that is where I want to be."

The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder did not hold any other major offers but was seeing increased attention from several BCS programs early in the recruiting cycle.

"The recruiting process had just started, but I knew Louisville is where I want to go," Elam said. "They were first to offer."

Louisville now has a commitment on each side of the ball for 2013, as Elam joins quarterback Kyle Bolin in the class.

Posted by Bryan Fischer

Thanks to a successful Junior Day, South Florida is on the board with the class of 2012. The program picked up two commitments over the weekend from Immokalee (Fla.) athlete Tshumbi Johnson and wide receiver Xavier Richardson.

"It was my first choice -- so close to home, so all my people can come up and watch me play," Johnson told the Tampa Bay Times.

USF was the first offer for the 5-foot-11, 175-pound Johnson, who plays quarterback in high school and taken home all-state honors at the position but will likely end up at wide out for the Bulls. Richardson held a South Carolina offer but the 6-foot-4, 200-pounder enjoyed his time on a campus that isn't too far from home enough to commit.

"It is a good school for me, education-wise, socially, and it's close to home," said Richardson.

The pair is a good start to the class of 2013 for the Bulls, who are coming off signing one of the better classes in the program's history in 2012. Johnson racked up 45 touchdowns last season as a junior while Richardson hauled in seven scores and over 600 yards receiving.

Posted by Bryan Fischer

The class of 2012 was so last week and it's time for everybody to turn their attention to the Class of 2013. This class may or may not be as talented as last year's group but it has a lot of high end talent even if it's not as deep. Here are 25 recruits just about everybody should know from coast-to-coast.

Photo by Dennis Carter/MaxPreps.com

25 Recruits to Know
Player	Position	Size	Location	Notes
Robert Nkemdiche	DE/OLB	6-5, 260	Grayson, Ga.	Will likely be a consensus #1 overall prospect in this class, Nkemdiche is one of the most talented and driven athletes to come out of Georgia on the defensive side of the ball. He's got the speed to chase down the quarterback and is a savvy player who understands the game. Most expect him to end up at Alabama but Georgia, Ole Miss and others will try hard to land him. Highlights
Kenny Bigelow	DL	6-3, 285	Bear, Del.	It's rare to see such a talented player come out the Northeast like Bigelow but there's a reason why he picked up a ton of early offers from powerhouse programs from across the country. He is athletic enough to play tight end but will wind up playing a variety of positions along the defensive line and has a nice set of pass rush moves. Committed to USC. Highlights
Adam Breneman	TE	6-5, 230	Camp Hill, Pa.	The top tight end in the country, Breneman is the next in a wave of prototype players who can split out, block or get releases inside from a three-point stance. His hands are soft and he's a very good route runner. Highlights
Max Browne	QB	6-5, 200	Sammamish, Wash.	The top quarterback on the West Coast, Browne is the latest Evergreen state signal-caller to impress scouts. He is a bit on the skinny side but has a great frame, strong arm and a very good pocket presence. Not a great runner, his arm more than makes up for it. Highlights
Greg Bryant	RB	5-10, 210	Delray Beach, Fla.	Bryant has been well known in the state of Florida for sometime and is one of the headliners in a strong year for running backs. As quick as he is fast, he runs well between the tackles and knows how to get to the second level and into the open field. Highlights
Cameron Burrows	DB	6-2, 200	Trotwood, Ohio	Burrows is one of the top players in Ohio this year and can play pretty much any position in the secondary equally well. He's fast, has hands like a wide out and isn't afraid to come up and hit people. He also has an advanced degree in reading the quarterback because he reacts very well in coverage. Committed to Ohio State. Highlights
Su'a Cravens	DB/LB	6-1, 210	Murrieta, Calif.	The top defensive player out West, Cravens is a terror at multiple spots. He is fast enough to be a safety but will likely end up at outside linebacker who can rush the passer. His motor is always running and he doesn't seem to stop until the ball carrier is on the ground. Highlights
Reuben Foster	LB	6-2, 228	LaGrange, Ga.	Foster will be one of the top linebackers in the country and it looks like he's ready to step on campus this fall. He needs to work on his coverage skills a little but he's one of the hardest hitters in this class and is just a load coming downhill at an offensive player. Committed to Alabama. Highlights
Kendall Fuller	DB	6-0, 180	Olney, Md.	He's talented enough to play multiple positions but will likely end up being one of the Northeast's top recruits at corner. He's fluid DB who can turn and run stride for stride with any receiver and plays the ball well. He has a few things to work on but is someone you want taking away one side of the field. Highlights
Ahmad Fulwood	WR	6-4, 200	Jacksonville, Fla.	Fulwood really burst onto the scene last summer and drew a host of offers early. He's a bit lean but has a great frame to add weight and still maintain his speed. He's a quarterback's best friend for jump balls and isn't afraid to go over the middle to make a tough catch. Highlights
Derrick Griffin	WR	6-6, 215	Rosenberg, Texas	Because he's also a highly-ranked basketball star, Griffin is a huge, athletic target but is also a lot faster than most people expect. He's got very good hands and obviously can go up and snag the ball from pretty much anywhere on the field. You could see him adding a few pounds and being a very good tight end. Committed to Texas A&M. Highlights
Vernon Hargreaves	DB	6-0, 175	Tampa, Fla.	He's got a good case as one of the top corners on the East Coast and certainly has a great teacher considering his father is the secondary coach at USF. He's quick and understands coverages very well, sinking into throwing lanes and coming up in run support if needed. Highlights
Derrick Henry	RB	6-3, 230	Yulee, Fla.	The most impressive athlete in the class, Henry could play a number of positions in addition to his preferred spot at running back. He is physically bigger than just about everybody in high school and needs at least two defenders to bring him down. Committed to Georgia. Highlights
Michael Hutchings	LB	6-1, 205	Concord, Calif.	One of the top linebackers in the country, Hutchings is a sound player who has been extremely well coached. He's upper body-heavy and is a sure tackler who can run well. He can read the line and blitz very effectively. Highlights
Ty Isaac	RB	6-2, 220	Joliet, Ill.	Isaac has good speed even if he's not the quickest prospect out there. He also has good vision and is one of the top players in the Midwest due to his versatility that could see him play a little slot or wing back in college. Highlights
Dee Liner	DE	6-4, 260	Muscle Shoals, Ala.	One of the top linemen in the South this year, Liner does an excellent job of coming off the ball and keeping his pad level down. He's a big guy who can play either end or tackle and is fast enough to chase guys down from behind the play. Committed to Auburn. Highlights
Shane Morris	QB	6-2, 180	Warren, Mich.	He has solid arm strength but is very accurate, especially on intermediate passes over the middle. Morris has light feet and a solid pocket presence that can move outside and make throws on the run. He is a smart kid who can read coverages quickly and shows great anticipation. Committed to Michigan. Highlights
Marquez North	WR	6-3, 210	Charlotte, N.C.	A smooth, fluid receiver who can score at any time, North is used to plenty of attention at his powerhouse high school. He's a two-stepper who can return kicks and punts in addition to being a game-changing wide out. Highlights
Jake Raulerson	ATH	6-5, 250	Celina, Texas	It's not often you get athletes like Raulerson who could play multiple positions on each side of the ball and be highly ranked at each. His feet are terrific and one reason why he's a great offensive lineman and tight end. In addition, he's good on the defensive line and can play the run very well. Committed to Texas. Highlights
Max Redfield	DB	6-3, 195	Mission Viejo, Calif.	Probably the top safety on the West Coast, Redfield has the size and speed to be an impact defender patrolling the secondary in college. He reads the quarterback as well as anybody, has a fluid backpedal and can turn on a dime. Highlights
Tyrone Swoopes	QB	6-5, 220	Whitewright, Texas	An athletic dual-threat, Swoopes has as high an upside as any quarterback in 2013. He can get the ball out quickly with a strong arm and is one of the fastest players at his position. He is a perfect fit for a spread offense. Highlights
Altee Tenpenny	RB	5-10, 200	North Little Rock, Ark.	Was one of the few underclassmen to attend last summer's The Opening, Tenpenny wows with his athleticism. He missed his junior season but that didn't stop any school in the country from offering. Committed to Alabama. Highlights
Laremy Tunsil	OL	6-6, 280	Lake City, Fla.	His size stands out but his athleticism is what allows him to be dominant and one of the top tackles in the country. Tunsil isn't stiff and is an advanced pass blocker with excellent feet. He also reaches the second level well and can handle linebackers as easy as he does ends.
Thomas Tyner	RB	6-0, 200	Beaverton, Ore.	One of the fastest players in the class, Tyner brings his 10.4 100m track speed to the football field. He gets into and out of cuts quickly and seems to hit the extra gear as soon as he sees daylight in the open field. Committed to Oregon. Highlights
Eddie Vanderdoes	DL	6-3, 275	Placer, Calif.	The Sacramento-area has produced some quality talent the past few years and Vanderdoes is the next elite guy. He has excellent size and gets up the field quickly from an interior line position but flexible enough to rush the passer from outside. Highlights

Posted by Bryan Fischer

CBS Sports Top 25 Team Rankings
College		Commits	Top 100
	Rutgers	20	3
Search Recruits | Complete Top 25 Rankings

Big East school-by-school
Program		Commits	Top Player	Grade
	- Team page - Commitment list	29	QB Bennie Coney	B- The class is very solid and brings in plenty of skill position talent on both sides of the ball but they missed out on speedy scat back Dennis Norfleet at the last minute to Michigan.
	- Team page - Commitment list	25	QB Casey Cochran	C There's not a whole lot to remark on the Huskies class other than they added a strong-armed but small quarterback in Cochran and a little bit of speed at wide out.
	- Team page - Commitment list	24	LB Nick Dawson	B+ The trio of top linebackers Charlie Strong grabbed are the headliners but don't sleep on the depth that both lines will have.
	- Team page - Commitment list	16	RB Rushel Shell	B+ Keeping the big time offensive guys in the fold after the coaching staff change is a huge win for Paul Chryst. Landing a local LB like Deaysean Rippy is an added bonus for a small class.
	- Team page - Commitment list	20	DE Darius Hamilton	A One of the big surprises on Signing Day was the ability of Kyle Flood and his staff to keep the class intact after Greg Schiano left. Not only that, they are bringing in impact players from a talented crop of local athletes.
	- Team page - Commitment list	19	TE Sean Price	B There were three elite guys in this class that bigger programs coveted but the staff kept in the fold. Chris Bivins and Sean Price could play early and often for the Bulls.
	- Team page - Commitment list	23	TE Ron Thompson	C- There's really not much to say other than the Orange didn't capitalize on their good season a year ago and turn that into recruiting success.
	- Team page - Commitment list	27	WR Deontay McManus	B The coaching staff is really happy with this group and you can see why when you look up and down to see speed among the skill position players and a talented QB. McManus should have an impact early if he can learn the playbook.
Search Recruits | Complete Top 25 Rankings

Posted by Bryan Fischer

The letters have been faxed and the recruiting classes set so it's time to assess how each and every team did. While the program and head coach played huge roles in recruits committing to a school, the assistants who developed a bond with them are just as big - if not bigger - of a reason as to why they're headed to the college campus of their choice by the fall. Here are the top assistants who hauled in their fair share of top prospects in the class of 2012, sorted by each conference.

ACC: Brennan Carroll   Tight Ends coach & Recruiting Coordinator School: Miami Class: #7 overall Background: 2nd year at the school Comment: Landing 33 commitments is notable but the quality of guys Carroll was able to help land - with the NCAA hovering over the program - is pretty remarkable. The fact that the Hurricanes landed just about every target is also impressive. Though he was mainly involved with the out-of-state guys personally, he helped Al Golden plan and execute a strategy for the class of 2012. Notable recruits Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) defensive end Jelani Hamilton Miramar (Fla.) defensive back Tracy Howard Miami (Fla.) running back Duke Johnson Runner ups Florida State's Dameyune Craig, Virginia's Chip West

Big East: Jeff Hafley   Secondary coach School: Rutgers Class: #23 overall Background: 2nd year at the school Comment: The fact that Rutgers was able to not only keep an impressive class together but add to it following the departure of Greg Schiano is very impressive. Hafley was the man at Don Bosco and he cleaned up most of the top targets there and in the area with new head coach Kyle Flood. Photo courtesy of Rutgers Notable recruits Ramsey (N.J.) wide receiver Leonte Carroo Ramsey (N.J.) defensive end Darius Hamilton Saddle Brook (N.J.) linebacker Steven Longa Runner ups Louisville's Clint Hurtt, USF's Phil McGeoghan

Big Ten: Mike Vrabel   Defensive line coach School: Ohio State Class: #3 overall Background: 2nd year at the school Comment: One of the holdovers from the previous staff, Vrabel is a big name among recruits from his playing days. He was instrumental in landing the #3 overall player in the country and teamed with Urban Meyer to land one of the top defensive classes in the country. Notable recruits Harrisburg (Pa.) defensive end Noah Spence West Roxbury (Mass.) linebacker Camren Williams   Runner up Michigan's Fred Jackson

Big 12: Jay Norvell   Wide receivers coach School: Oklahoma Class: #8 overall Background: 5th year at the school Comment: If there was one area of need for the Sooners with the class of 2012 it was at wide receiver. Norvell not only kept highly ranked recruit Trey Metoyer from last year in the fold, but added four others that are good fits for the system and all highly regarded. Norvell has landed players from all over the country and did so once again this year. Notable recruits St. Louis (Mo.) wide receiver Durron Neal Oklahoma City (Okla.) wide receiver Sterling Shepard Inglewood (Calif.) wide receiver Derrick Woods Runner ups Texas' Major Applewhite, Baylor's Jim Gush

SEC: D.J. Durkin   Linebackers coach & Special Teams Coordinator School: Florida Class: #5 overall Background: 3rd year at the school Comment: When a school like Florida (and a coach like Durkin) owns a state - in this case North Carolina - better than any of the BCS programs there, that's notable. The fact that the talented recruiter had a haul that fueled the Gators top five finish and added significant depth is the reason why he's in this spot. Notable recruits Shelby (N.C.) defensive end Jonathan Bullard Bowling Springs (N.C.) safety Rhaheim Ledbetter Venice (Fla.) defensive tackle Dante Phillips Runner ups Alabama's Jeremy Pruitt, UGA's Bryan McClendon

Pac-12: Tosh Lupoi   Defensive line coach School: Washington Class: #24 overall Background: 1st year at the school Comment: Lupoi is easily the top choice in the Pac-12 where his departure from Cal affected the recruiting trail out West just as much as he did Washington's class. Arik Armstead going to Oregon and several decommits from the Bears are a few of the big waves his move caused and shows how good and well connected a recruiter Lupoi is. Notable recruits Sacramento (Calif.) safety Shaq Thompson     Runner ups UCLA's Adrian Klemm, Stanford's Lance Anderson

Posted by Chip Patterson

Breaking down who won and lost in the Big East on National Signing Day

WINNER: Rutgers

Losing your head coach less than a week before National Signing Day should be recruiting suicide, but Kyle Flood was able to not only hold on to most of the Scarlet Knights' class but sign one of the top recruits in the state of New Jersey. The addition of defensive end Darius Hamilton (pictured above, No. 29 overall prospect) gives Rutgers the only Big East class in the CBS Sports National Signing Day Top 25.



LOSER: The Big East's national stock

The Big East was not a huge player in National Signing Day this year. Much of that is likely due to the uncertain football future of the league. While schools like San Diego State and Boise State may use the future move to their advantage in recruiting, an existing Big East school cannot promise a future with a BCS automatic bid.

WINNER: West Virginia

With 27 commits in the Class of 2012, Dana Holgorsen is bringing in a healthy load of talent to the Mountaineers program. There were only two National Signing Day commitments, but both were significant additions to the class. Adam Pankey is a 6-foot-5, 290 pound offensive lineman who chose West Virginia after being committed to Pittsburgh since October 2011. Talented athlete Travares Copeland was the eighth Florida prospect in the 2012 class, a new hot spot for West Virginia apparently.



LOSER: West Virginia

Head coach Dana Holgorsen mentioned on National Signing Day that the "in between" stage of the West Virginia program as they transition from the Big East to the Big 12 hurt them on the recruiting trail. While some recruits may have heightened their interest in the Mountaineers because of the opportunity to play in the Big 12, competing schools used the ongoing legal battle as a reason to turn recruits away from Morgantown.  The Mountaineers' staff was able to keep many of the commitments they expected to sign, but it could have made West Virginia a bigger player for top prospects down the stretch.

WINNER: Louisville

Charlie Strong didn't shock anyone with a big National Signing Day surprise, but the Cardinals were able to hold on to a solid class of recruits that ranks among the best in the Big East. Strong once again dipped into the Sunshine State, pulling nearly a third of Louisville's class from the state of Florida. On a day when few Big East hats were on the table for top prospects, holding on to your commits was the best case scenario for the Cardinals.

LOSER: Syracuse

While Louisville was able to hold on to some of their prized recruits, Orange head coach Doug Marrone was not so lucky. Four Syracuse verbal commits changed their mind before National Signing Day, most notably defensive lineman Harold Brantley. Brantley, a 6-foot-3, 280 pound recruit from Hershey, Pa., committed to the Orange on June 29 but had a late change of heart after visiting Missouri this past weekend. Syracuse also lost linebacker Tashon Whitehurst, who signed with South Florida.

Keep up with the latest college football news from around the country. From the opening kick of the year all the way through the offseason, CBSSports.com has you covered with this daily newsletter. View a preview.

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Posted by Chip Patterson

Breaking down who won and lost in the Big East on National Signing Day

WINNER: Rutgers

Losing your head coach less than a week before National Signing Day should be recruiting suicide, but Kyle Flood was able to not only hold on to most of the Scarlet Knights' class but sign one of the top recruits in the state of New Jersey. The addition of defensive end Darius Hamilton (pictured above, No. 29 overall prospect) gives Rutgers the only Big East class in the CBS Sports National Signing Day Top 25.



LOSER: The Big East's national stock

The Big East was not a huge player in National Signing Day this year. Much of that is likely due to the uncertain football future of the league. While schools like San Diego State and Boise State may use the future move to their advantage in recruiting, an existing Big East school cannot promise a future with a BCS automatic bid.

WINNER: West Virginia

With 27 commits in the Class of 2012, Dana Holgorsen is bringing in a healthy load of talent to the Mountaineers program. There were only two National Signing Day commitments, but both were significant additions to the class. Adam Pankey is a 6-foot-5, 290 pound offensive lineman who chose West Virginia after being committed to Pittsburgh since October 2011. Talented athlete Travares Copeland was the eighth Florida prospect in the 2012 class, a new hot spot for West Virginia apparently.



LOSER: West Virginia

Head coach Dana Holgorsen mentioned on National Signing Day that the "in between" stage of the West Virginia program as they transition from the Big East to the Big 12 hurt them on the recruiting trail. While some recruits may have heightened their interest in the Mountaineers because of the opportunity to play in the Big 12, competing schools used the ongoing legal battle as a reason to turn recruits away from Morgantown.  The Mountaineers' staff was able to keep many of the commitments they expected to sign, but it could have made West Virginia a bigger player for top prospects down the stretch.

WINNER: Louisville

Charlie Strong didn't shock anyone with a big National Signing Day surprise, but the Cardinals were able to hold on to a solid class of recruits that ranks among the best in the Big East. Strong once again dipped into the Sunshine State, pulling nearly a third of Louisville's class from the state of Florida. On a day when few Big East hats were on the table for top prospects, holding on to your commits was the best case scenario for the Cardinals.

LOSER: Syracuse

While Louisville was able to hold on to some of their prized recruits, Orange head coach Doug Marrone was not so lucky. Four Syracuse verbal commits changed their mind before National Signing Day, most notably defensive lineman Harold Brantley. Brantley, a 6-foot-3, 280 pound recruit from Hershey, Pa., committed to the Orange on June 29 but had a late change of heart after visiting Missouri this past weekend. Syracuse also lost linebacker Tashon Whitehurst, who signed with South Florida.

Keep up with the latest college football news from around the country. From the opening kick of the year all the way through the offseason, CBSSports.com has you covered with this daily newsletter. View a preview.

Get CBSSports.com College Football updates on Facebook   

Posted by Eye On Recruiting

National Signing Day has become one of the most anticipated dates in the college football offseason, with coaches, players, and fans awaiting the Letter of Intent from the most prized recruits in the nation.  

We want to hear your opinion on the biggest topics of the day, and the results will be shown during the National Signing Day Special on CBS Sports Network. 



Don't forget to also check the MaxPreps' Team Recruiting Rankings page to see how the teams stack up as the players put pen to paper on Signing Day. You can also sort the committed recruits by conference and check out Tom Lemming's Top 100 Recruits for the class of 2011. More Recruiting Coverage