National signing day. Looking at the Big XII South

Like most college football junkies, I find this to be a horribly slow time of year.  It's 2 1/2 months until the spring game and 7 months before the first real football.  We've heard rumors that the Big 10 has made it's decision and will be announcing Pitt as the 12th member of the Big 10 this week.  While that may be, I find it hard to believe after they mentioned an 18 month process what, a month ago?   Seems this would ending their moment in the sun awfully early and I'm not convinced they want to bring in a member that doesn't have their own football stadium. No, what we have to tide us over for the next few weeks is comparing the lifeblood of college football which culminates this week with national signing day.  We'll take a look at the Big XII south today, the north next week followed by a bit more in depth look at Missouri's class after that.
To start out with, there appears to be no question about why the south appears to be so much stronger than the north, and it looks like it won't be changing anytime soon.  Not only does the south have 3 teams in the top 10 with Texas at #2, OU @ #5 and A&M at #10.  Throw in Okie State @ #24, Tech at #37 and Baylor bringing up the rear at #40.   Only Mizzou and Nebraska top Baylor and Tech in the north.  How hard is it to coach against all that talent? 
But there will be plenty of time to whine about that later.  Let's take a look at these classes and what it means to the races 3 years from now.  Bringing up the rear for the south is Art Brile's Baylor Bears, currently sitting at number 40 according to Rivals.  The Bears have already signed 2-4 star jucos in DB Prince Kent and 355 lb offensive tackle Robert Griffin who had offers from Missouri, Arizona State, Ol Miss and kansas among others.  If you're a defensive end, you better be able to speed rush this guy.  I doubt you overpower him. One big dude Among high schoolers scheduled to sign are 2-4 star defensive backs, Ahmad Dixon and Tyler Stephenson who had offers from just about everyone.  You'd think the future looked really bright for them were it not for the fact that they're still looking up at everyone in their division.

So far, despite losing the pirate, the Red Raiders were able to hold on to spot number 5 in the south with new coach Tommy Tubberville.  Tech seemed to concentrate on defensive backs like the Bears, but also to strengthen the lines on both sides of the ball.  4 star defensive end looks to be quite a load at 6'7" and 275 lbs.  He chose Tech over UCLA, Arkansas and South Florida.  Waiting until Wednesday could be the gem of the class in wide receiver Kadron Boone who chose team Tubberville over such notables as Florida, Oklahoma, Cincinnati and Notre Dame.  Think what Leach could have done with this guy.
Coming in at # 24 are the Oklahoma State Cowboys.  They also appear to be paying more attention to the defensive side of the ball, loading up on guys like Malcolm Murray, a 4 star juco D back, 4 star defensive tackle Calvin Barnett, and 4 star linebacker Shaun Lewis.  But keep your eye on Johnny Deaton, a 4 star quarterback from Sand Springs, Oklahoma.  He wasn't heavily recruited for some reason but he's already enrolled and getting ready for spring ball.
Moving in to #3 in the south and #10 overall we go to Texas A&M.  Coach Mike Sherman capitalized on some late season success to bring in 11-4 star players.  I've wondered about the Shermanators coaching abilities but obviously he can spread the bullshit with the best of them.  The most notable to me are the 3-4 star offensive linemen he brought in.  Keep these names in mind, they may be causing defensive linemen fits in the future.  Luke Joeckel, Jake Matthews and Cedric Oqbuehi.  All are high schoolers that need to add 20 lbs or so but the talent is obviously there.

Moving to #2 in the south and # 5 overall we take a look at the Oklahoma Sooners.  Once again, Bob Stoops and company bring it home in a big way.  Not only did they take a top 10 recruit out of Columbia, Missouri in tight end Trey Millard, but captured the top 3 players in kansas in QB Blake Bell, DE Geneo Grissom and WR Justin McCay.  It's hard to understand how you can get so much talent to Norman, but I guess they've found something that appeals to the recruits.
And then, coming in at #1 in the south (as usual) and #2 overall are the Texas Longhorns.  I really don't consider what the horns do to be recruiting.  Basically, they're selecting their favorite 25 players from the state of Texas every year.  God forbid anyone that grew up in the Lone Star state wouldn't have grown up dreaming of wearing the burnt orange and having his choice of the UT coeds.  Their recruiting is actually a bit down this year since they only have 2-5 star players at the time this is being penned.  Jordan Hicks a 220 pound linebacker they stole from Ohio States back yard and Jackson Jeffcoat, a 230 lb defensive end from Plano, Texas.  
So, while I work on getting this sour taste out of my mouth, I'll take a look at the north next time, or the "have nots division".  Have a good week.