College football's early signing period in December is fast approaching. There are only 41 ESPN 300 recruits who are uncommitted, and quite a few teams are nearing the wrap-up stages of their recruiting classes.
Some of the top programs have already separated themselves in the race for a top-10 class, including Alabama and Ohio State, which are jockeying for the No. 1 spot.
There are a few teams, however, that are still trying to land some of their top targets and which have fallen behind in the process -- teams that either need the help, are typically near the top of the rankings or have been in a rut for a few recruiting cycles and need to pick it up.
Here is a look at five programs that need to step up on the recruiting trail down the stretch.