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EARLY SIGNING PERIOD CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS - SEC

By Brian Bosworth, National Recruiting Analyst

It comes as no surprise that John Calipari and Kentucky are out in front of the pack once again as the early signing period comes to a close of their SEC rivals. Calipari is likely not done yet either as the Wildcats will one again challenge for the nation’s #1 class by the time the books are closed in the 2012 recruiting class. What might be a surprise, however, is who currently checks in at #2 in the SEC early recruiting rankings. Read on to see…

Top 5 SEC Recruiting Classes for 2012:

1) Kentucky
Commits – Alex Poythress (SF), Archie Goodwin (SG), Willie Cauley (C)
-The rest of the SEC must be getting used to this by now as John Calipari once against has the league’s top class and he’s not done yet.

Alex Poythress is part of UK's 2012 class that tops the SEC so far.

2) Auburn
Commits – Shaquille Johnson (SF), Jordan Price (SG), Jordan Granger (PF)
-Unlike Kentucky, Auburn does not normally reside among the conference’s top classes but Tony Barbee has locked up a good one led by wings Johnson and Price.

3) Florida
Commits – Braxton Ogbueze (PG), Michael Frazier (SG), Dillon Graham (SG)
-Billy Donovan never seems to have a problem reeling in talented guards and 2012 is no different led by Ogbueze.

4) Mississippi State
Commits – Gavin Ware (C), Fred Thomas (SG), Josh Gray (PG), Craig Sword (SG)
-Already a strong 4 man class, Rick Stansbury is still chasing his biggest fish in the form of un-committed SF Devonta Pollard.

5) Georgia
Commits – Kenny Gaines (PG), Brandon Morris (SF), Charles Mann (PG)
-This class lacks a single star on the level of 2011 Georgia signee Kentavious Caldwell-Pope but is a solid 3 man group.

Top 10 Impact SEC Recruits of 2012 Class:

1) Archie Goodwin (Kentucky) – Goodwin is wired to score and attacks the basket with relentless aggression. He plays the game in much the same style as Dwayne Wade.

2) Alex Poythress (Kentucky) – Poythress may never be the principle scoring option for the Wildcats but should thrive as a number 2 or number 3 guy in Calipari’s dribble drive system.

3) Shaquille Johnson (Auburn) – Widely regarded on the summer AAU circuit as the nation’s best dunker, Johnson should become a fan favorite rather quickly at Auburn.

5) Braxton Ogbueze (Florida) – Ogbueze may struggle to make an immediate impact not because he lacks the ability but only because he will have to wait his turn in the loaded Florida backcourt.

6) Jordan Price (Auburn) – While he lacks the elite athleticism of future teammate Shaquille Johnson, Price is more college ready and should post big scoring numbers for the Tigers.

7) Martavious Newby (Mississippi) – Newby is built like a strong safety and plays like one on the basketball court. He was the best perimeter defender I saw on the summer circuit.

8} Gavin Ware (Mississippi State) – Ware may be forced into action early if Arnett Moultrie and/or Renardo Sidney bolt for the NBA and can provide the Bulldogs with strength and rebounding on the interior.

9) Fred Thomas (Mississippi State) – Shot selection and decision making are areas where Thomas will need to improve but he can score points in a hurry and with the Bulldogs losing Dee Bost to graduation they will need perimeter players who can make shots.

10) Kenny Gaines (Georgia) – Gaines has a ways to go before he’s ready to run a team at the college level but with his unbelievable athleticism, Mark Fox will likely try to find a role for him right away.