Commentary
Texas, OU sit on top of new Big 12
Originally Published: February 1, 2012
By RecruitingNation | ESPN.com
Here's a team-by-team breakdown of the recruiting classes in the Big 12.




Texas Longhorns
Top prospect: The Longhorns signed a five-star back in 2011 and Texas managed to top itself this year by signing another five-star back and the nation's No. 2-rated player in Johnathan Gray (Aledo, Texas). One of the most accomplished running backs in the history of high school football, Gray can be a game-changer. He adds another weapon to the Longhorns' ground attack, which improved this past season and may need to carry the load offensively as the Longhorns try to find the right fit at quarterback. Breakdown: Once again, the Longhorns signed one of the top classes in the nation. They started out strong and closed strong, as well. Versatile running back Daje Johnson (Pflugerville, Texas/Hendrickson) and No. 1-rated inside linebacker Dalton Santos (Van, Texas) were great in-state pickups late in the process. Early commitment ESPNU 150 quarterback Connor Brewer (Scottsdale, Ariz./Chaparral) gives Texas another option at quarterback. The class features some good talent in the trenches on both sides of the ball, led by Malcom Brown (Brenham, Texas), an outstanding defensive tackle prospect who could come in and make his presence felt quickly. Offensive tackle Kennedy Estelle (Pearland, Texas/Dawson) needs further development but displays good upside, and Curtis Riser (DeSoto, Texas) is a good guard prospect. Bryson Echols (DeSoto, Texas) and Kendall Sanders (Athens, Texas) are nice additions to the secondary.To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
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2012 National Signing Day

Florida State looked to be the big winner on signing day, but Alabama is still ranked No. 1.
Class rankings | Team-by-team grades ![]()
REGIONAL BLOGS 
STORIES
- Recruiting the recruiters
- Harvey-Clemons sticking with Georgia
- CB Ronald Darby picks FSU
- No. 1 WR Green-Beckham picks Mizzou
- Agholor to USC | WeAreSC: Big pickup

- Ricardo Louis finds the perfect fit
- OT Andrus Peat picks Stanford
- Five-star DT Eddie Goldman to FSU
- Nation's top CB Tracy Howard picks Miami
- Tennessee lands juco WR Patterson
- Wojciechowski: Signing day is best day ever
- Sherman: Texans more likely to succeed?
- Social media changes recruiting
- Mapping out top states (pdf)
- Looking ahead: Top prospects in 2013
