By Russell V.
SouthernPigskin.com

Follow us at Twitter.com/SouthernPigskin.  Become a fan at the SouthernPigskin.com Facebook Page

Ranking the nine recruiting classes in the Southern Conference.

n9. Wofford

nTotal: 27

nTwo stars: 1

nTop recruits: DB Nick Ward, DE Boston Bryant, WR Dakota Hopper

nhttp://athletics.wofford.edu/news/2013/2/6/FB_0206134853.aspx

nThe Terriers have brought in one of their biggest classes in quite some time and the biggest in the conference. This yearxe2x80x99s class is highlighted by the Brenton Bersin-like Dakota Hopper, DE Boston Bryant (who had 105 tackles and 859 rushing yards to go with 12 touchdowns during his senior season) and DB Nick Ward.

n8. Elon

nTotal: 22

nTwo stars: 2

nTop recruits: OL Dakota DeYent, DB Adrian Williams DB Asunji Maddox Jr.

nhttp://elonphoenix.com/sports/2013/1/28/FB_0128134719.aspx?path=football

nThe Phoenix were able to gain a major piece for the future in OL Dakota DeYent and, with the addition of DBs Adrian Williams and Asunji Maddox Jr. xe2x80x93 who is said to have a 30 inch vertical xe2x80x93 have further solidified the conferencexe2x80x99s top pass defense from a year ago. WR Demetri Allison looks like he could be a sleeper for Elon.

n7. The Citadel

nTotal: 24

nTwo stars: 2

nTop recruits: WR Jorian Jordan, LB Tevin Floyd, RB DeAndre Schoultz

nhttp://citadelsports.com/sports/fball/2012-13/releases/2013020674i4y2

nThe Bulldogs went big this year in more ways than one. The highlight of their class could be their wide receivers, who measure in at 6xe2x80x990, 6xe2x80x992, 6xe2x80x994 and 6xe2x80x994 and include Jorian Jordan (947 yards, 12 TDs in senior season). If the Bulldogs are able to find a passing game to compliment their ground attack with these new recruits, watch out.

n6. Western Carolina

nTotal: 19

nTwo stars: 5

nTop recruits: DL Andrew Mayton, DB Fred Payne, RB Garry Lewis

nhttp://catamountsports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/020613aaa.html

nAfter his second go round with recruiting, Coach Mark Speir has yet another solid class under his belt in Cullowhee. Led by DL Andrew Mayton xe2x80x93 North Carolinaxe2x80x99s sack leader in 2012 with 23.5 xe2x80x93 the Catamounts continue to build toward the future, which looks brighter by the day. Also, is there any more appropriate name for a defensive back than Payne? Ixe2x80x99m looking at you Fred.

n5. Samford

nTotal: 16

nThree stars: 1

nTwo stars: 6

nTop recruits: LB Justin Cooper, DB Sam Pettway, OL Connor Rafferty

nhttp://samfordsports.com/news/2013/2/6/FB_0206133024.aspx?path=football

nCoach Pat Sullivan called his 2013 class the xe2x80x9cmost balanced class we’ve had since we’ve been at Samford,xe2x80x9d and it is not much of an exaggeration. The Bulldogs were able to get depth on the offensive line and some talent at defensive line and linebacker, led by Justin Cooper, a transfer from Texas Tech.

n4. Chattanooga

nTotal: 17

nThree stars: 1

nTwo stars: 7

nTop recruits: DT Taylor Reynolds, RB Derrick Craine, OL Jacob Revis

ngomocs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=17700&ATCLID=206283063

nCoach Huesman welcomes a class that includes eight all-state selections, led by DT Taylor Reynolds, who was listed as one of the top defensive linemen in Alabama. QB Alejandro Bennifield could be the unsung hero of this group and the Mocsxe2x80x99 QB of the future, while RB Derrick Craine totaled 2,105 yards and 23 TDs during his senior campaign.

n3. Furman

nTotal: 17

nThree stars: 1

nTwo stars: 9

nTop recruits: OL Aaron Black, DE James Elliott, LB Nic McBride

nhttp://furmanpaladins.com/sports/m-footbl/2012-13/releases/20130206o4x6cf

nAfter giving up nearly 400 yards of offense per game last season, the Paladins made a strong effort to improve their D, and it shows xe2x80x93 13 of their 17 recruits will be lining up on the defensive side of the ball. With DE James Elliott and DL Jordan Hawkins, the Paladins could have a D-line to fear in a few years.

n2. Georgia Southern

nTotal: 23

nThree stars: 3

nTwo stars: 3

nTop recruits: DT Jay Ellison, DL Larry Matthews, RB Keshun Hill

nhttp://gseagles.com/headlines/12704-gsu-announces-plan-for-signing-day-celebration

nAt Georgia Southern, they do not rebuild xe2x80x93 they reload. The Eagles lose Brent Russell? They sign Jay Ellison, an All-State DT and Area Defensive Player of the Year. In fact, this yearxe2x80x99s recruiting class includes four former Player of the Year award winners, most of which come at the running back position. Can you say loaded?

n1. Appalachian State

nTotal: 16

nThree stars: 6

nTwo stars: 10

nTop recruits: DB Anthony Covington, LB Nathaniel Norwood, QB Taylor Lamb

nhttp://goasu.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=21500&ATCLID=206288273

nCoach Satterfield has put together one of the most impressive recruiting classes Appalachian State has seen in some time, as all of the 16 new players were given at least a two-star rating by Rivals.com. Former coach Jerry Moore called last yearxe2x80x99s class xe2x80x9cthe best recruiting class in years.xe2x80x9d This yearxe2x80x99s class could challenge that title. And in case you were wondering, yes, QB Taylor Lamb is the son of former Furman quarterback and coach Bobby Lamb.