The Post’s Lenn Robbins looks at the programs that did the best on national signing day:
1. USC
Pete Carroll’s enthusiasm and the Trojans’ tradition remain an unbeaten combination. USC got the nation’s Top 2 running backs, Joe McKnight of Louisiana power John Curtis, and Marc Tyler of Oaks Christian High.
2. FLORIDA
The two reasons Urban Meyer chose Florida over Notre Dame was the quality of life in Gainesville and the quality of recruits in the Sunshine State. That fast and furious defense that shut down Ohio State adds Florida prep stars Torrey Davis, the second-best defensive tackle, and safety Major Wright.
3. TENNESSEE
The facilities, the stadium, the passion of Vols football and the fact that Peyton Manning just won the Super Bowl MVP, helped Philip Fulmer get the nation’s best LB, Chris Donald, and beat Georgia for CB Eric Berry. Gerald Jones of Oklahoma City could be the next great Tennessee RB.
4. TEXAS
Mack Brown’s charm continues to leave recruits and their families glassy-eyed. He landed Lone Star State studs Tray Allen, one of the nation’s best offensive line prospects, and WR John Chiles. Andre Jones continues Texas’ recent tradition of great defensive tackles.
5. NOTRE DAME
Charlie Weis got the quarterback he needs to run his pro-style offense in California’s Jimmy Clausen. But Clausen wasn’t as effective as a recruiter as the Irish hoped. They lost out on RB Marc Tyler, DT Marvin Austin and WR Arrelious Benn, but did get RB Armando Allen of Fla.
6. LSU
Not landing McKnight hurt, but Les Miles used his Big XII connections to snag two elite Texas recruits – QB Jarrett Lee and WR Terrance Toliver. S Chad Jones is the next LaRon Landry.
7. NORTH CAROLINA
New coach Butch Davis landed Austin, the best defensive player in the country, from D.C. He’ll team with DT Tydreke Powell to form a defensive foundation.
8. SOUTH CAROLINA
Steve Spurrier signed the foundation for an electric offense, getting QB Stephen Garcia from Florida and in-state product Brian Maddox, because, lest we forget, the old ball coach loves to run the ball.
9. GEORGIA
With the exception of Berry, who signed with Tennessee, coach Mark Richt cleaned up in the Peach State. RB Caleb King is a special player.
10. WISCONSIN
The tradition of power football convinced lineman Josh Oglesby to follow Joe Thomas and RB John Clay to follow P.J. Hill.
Honorable Mention: Auburn, Clemson, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon, Pittsburgh, Rutgers.
