College Football Recruiting: Ranking the Top Recruiting Classes' Performances
With the NFL Draft, the mantra always has been to wait two to three years to firmly evaluate a draft class.
The same can be said with college football recruiting classes. Some prospects end up redshirting, not qualifying, changing positions, getting injured or dealing with a coaching change that affects their play.
We've decided to go back a bit and take a look at the top recruiting classes since 2006. Some classes have had players who lived up to their billing, while others have had some sheer busts. Some classes have not lived up their overall standing, and some have exceeded expectations.
With that said, here's a look back at some top recent recruiting classes and how they've fared.
2006 Top Recruiting Class: USC
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In 2006, USC took the top spot as the No.1 recruiting class under then-head coach Pete Carroll. This was Carroll's third No.1 recruiting class in his tenure at Heritage Hall and fourth time he had the Trojans in the top 10 in recruiting.
The other nine classes that followed:
2. Florida
3.Texas
4.Georgia
5. Notre Dame
6. Penn State
7. Oklahoma
8. LSU
9. Michigan
10. Pittsburgh
USC's 2006 Recruiting Class Stars
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This class consisted of a who's-who among top high school talent.
Taylor Mays was a 5-star safety who became a freshman All-American and second round pick for the 49ers. Allen Bradford fought through position switches, from outside linebacker to fullback to tailback, but still endured a solid career at USC.
Stafon Johnson chose USC over Georgia and spent his freshman campaign in Carroll's doghouse. Until he suffered a freak weightlifting accident, he was one of the better runners on the Trojans' roster. Butch Lewis was a stalwart along the Trojan offensive line during his tenure, and Zach Herberer was a spot starter in the trenches.
The most important and valuable player in this class, without question, was Stanley Havili.
He came in as a 4-star running back, but developed into an elite do-it-all type of fullback. Havili was the glue that held the Trojans offense together, especially as a junior and senior. David Buehler developed into a solid kicker (now with the Dallas Cowboys), Shareece Wright overcame academic issues and Mike Morgan was a two-year starter at SAM linebacker.
USC's 2006 Recruiting Class Busts
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The prize get of the class was Vidal Hazelton, who battled his own father to come to USC, as the elder Hazelton wanted his son at Penn State. Hazelton flashed ability as a Trojan, but ultimately left the program before his junior year for Cincinnati, where he tore his ACL in his first season as a Bearcat.
Antwine Perez was on track to see time as a true freshman, but decided to leave the team and transferred to Minnesota. CJ Gable flashed plenty as a runner, though he came in expected to play defensive back. Gable never could get things going fully, though, and barely saw the field his senior year.
Emmanuel Moody was the third stud runner headed for Troy and saw time as a freshman. But he bolted for Florida, where he never did much.
Other busts include Jamiere Holland, a speedy receiver who transferred to Oregon, and Josh Tatum.
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2006 Recruiting Class Runner Up: Florida
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This Florida class was the class that brought the Gators back to the limelight. Period.
As a new head coach, you always want that recruiting class that serves as the cornerstone and foundation of what you want the program to be going forward, and this was it.
Urban Meyer was just starting out at Florida, adjusting to recruiting in the SEC and installing his spread-option offense.
He was a hot name coming from Utah, but many wondered if his wacky offense could attract talent in the South. Wrong.
Florida's 2006 Recruiting Class Stars
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Before I get to you-know-who, Meyer will tell you that perhaps the most important player in this class was Brandon Spikes.
Spikes was a 5-star recruit at linebacker who went on to become an All-SEC player, team captain and second-round pick for the New England Patriots.
The top player in country was a receiver by the name of Percy Harvin from Virginia, who became a prototypical fit in Meyer's offensive scheme. Harvin was used as a receiver, runner and returner in Gainesville en route to a first round selection by the Minnesota Vikings. AJ Jones was a solid starter at linebacker, and Carl Johnson saw a good amount of time at guard.
But the player that was the MVP of this class was Tim Tebow. Say what you want about Tebow's passing skills, but he got it done. He won a Heisman Trophy and became an absolute legend, not only in Gainesville, but in college football history.
Marcus Gilbert became a solid starter and Riley Cooper was as reliable as they came at receiver.
Florida's 2006 Recruiting Class Busts
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There was a lot of talk about incoming safety Jamar Hornsby and what he would do at Florida. He was a 6'4", 195-pounder who would revolutionize the free safety spot, yet not much noise was heard from him.
Jarred Fayson really didn't live up to his 5-star billing as a 6'0", 200-pound receiver with legit 4.4 speed.
Chevon Walker, Justin Williams and Jim Barrie proved to be just depth players at Florida. The class did prove that Neyer could win recruiting wars in the South, though.
2007 Top Recruiting Class: Florida
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The 2007 recruiting cycle saw a flip-flop in the 2006 standings, as Florida took the top spot over USC. During this time, many started to debate on a winner in a possible BCS matchup between Florida and USC due to the two program's talented rosters.
The nine other classes that followed:
2. USC
3. Texas
4. Tennessee
5. LSU
6. Auburn
7. South Carolina
8. Pittsburgh
9. Oregon
10. Michigan
Florida's 2007 Recruiting Class Stars
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This class only added talent and helped push the Gator train forward in the Urban Meyer era.
Aaron Hernandez dazzled at tight end en route to being drafted by New England. Maurkice Pouncey became a first-round pick at center for the Pittsburgh Steelers and his twin brother Michael became a solid starter with high-pick potential as well.
James Wilson de-committed from USC to head to Gainesville. Major Wright and Chris Rainey became solid starters. Carlos Dunlap flashed oozing potential as a defensive end and was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals. Ahmad Black started at safety and Cam Newton was an elite QB prospect in the Florida recruiting class.
Joe Haden was a QB/WR before developing into the top cornerback in the country and a top 10 NFL Draft pick for the Cleveland Browns.
Florida's 2007 Recruiting Class Busts
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Torrey Davis never dominated the SEC like he was supposed to from his DT position as a 5-star recruit. Neither did Lorenzo Edwards from his linebacker/safety spot.
Deonte Thompson has been a solid receiver for the Gators, but has never established himself as the No.1 receiver. John Brantley has not been a bust, but he was forced to sit behind Tebow, and this past season, he still looked uncomfortable at times in Meyer's offense.
Cam Newton eventually transferred from Florida due to academic problems and a stolen laptop incident. Newton redeemed himself, though, winning a Heisman at Auburn and leading the Tigers to a national championship. He's expected to be a first-round draft pick this spring.
2007 Recruiting Class Runner Up: USC
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This went down as one the top recruiting classes in USC history, on paper. It featured talent from California, the South and even Canada.
The class was another ho-hummer for Trojan fans, who were being spoiled with all the talent they had seen walk through Heritage Hall throughout the decade.
Many observers were even saying USC was picking and drafting players, not recruiting them. Carroll was en route to establishing himself as one the very best recruiting head coaches in college football history.
USC's 2007 Recruiting Class Stars
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Joe McKnight was the top player in the nation in this cycle and actually gave USC a silent commitment in the summer going into his senior season. On National Signing Day, he announced for Troy over LSU. While McKnight never lived up to the Reggie Bush-like comparisons and hype, he was a solid player for the Trojans.
Kris O'Dowd was the nation's best center and, when he was healthy, he was in the lineup and solid in the pivot. Marc Tyler broke his leg during his last year in high school, and thus had to redshirt as a freshman. He battled other injuries, the depth chart and transfer thoughts to become the opening day starter in his junior season.
Ronald Johnson came to USC as a corner, but his speed was too good not to play him at receiver, where he was very solid overall. Malcolm Smith, Steve's brother, developed into a WILL linebacker and starter. So has Rhett Ellison at tight end and Christian Tupou has been a solid DT when healthy.
USC's 2007 Recruiting Class Busts
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This group really didn't live up to the hype, as McKnight was solid, but not dynamic like many thought he would be. Chris Galippo was billed as the top linebacker in the country and committed his junior year, but Galippo has struggled to make the impact he was expected to. He even lost his starting job this past season.
Broderick Green, a 4-star running back, never was comfortable at USC on and off the field and transferred to Arkansas. Jordan Campbell, a 4-star linebacker, had off-the-field problems and was kicked off the team. Micheal Reardon, Da'John Harris and Martin Coleman can't stay on the field and hang on to starting positions; same with 5-star safety Marshall Jones.
Aaron Corp decided to leave USC after losing the starting job to Matt Barkley. Everson Griffen was a 5-star defensive end who really only had one good year and had problems off the field and in the classroom. He was arrested twice just last week for assaulting a police officer in LA.
2008 Top Recruiting Class: Alabama
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After saying adamantly he was not taking the Alabama head coaching job, Nick Saban eventually took the job and got the Crimson Tide the top class in the 2008 cycle. Saban was known as a great evaluator of talent at LSU and Michigan State and has continued to be a great recruiter in Tuscaloosa.
The other nine classes that followed:
2. Notre Dame
3. Miami
4. Ohio State
5. Georgia
6. Michigan
7. LSU
8. Florida State
9. USC
10. UCLA
Alabama's 2008 Recruiting Class Stars
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It was debated all year long who was the top receiver in the country between Julio Jones and A.J. Green. Jones has done a solid job of living up to his status and hype and is expected to be a first-round pick this spring. Mark Barron has developed into the solid safety he expected to become.
Tyler Love is a solid offensive tackle, Courtney Upshaw has defined the type of JACK linebacker Nick Saban looks for in the high school level and Dont'a Hightower is one of the best inside linebackers in the country. Terrence Cody became a stalwart at the nose tackle spot for the 3-4 Alabama defense and a second round pick by the Baltimore Ravens.
Marcell Dareus will be a top 10 NFL pick this year and knocked Colt McCoy out of the national championship game. But Mark Ingram, a 3-star running back, came out of nowhere to win the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore, and thus easily is this class' MVP.
Alabama's 2008 Recruiting Class Busts
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I wouldn't call these players busts, but Star Jackson never got a chance to show his talents in Tuscaloosa. He transferred to start-up program Georgia State at the end of the spring of last year.
BJ Scott suffered a position change and left for South Alabama. Damion Square battled a torn ACL in his career. Chris Jordan came to Tuscaloosa expecting to tote the rock, but he was moved to linebacker and hustled his way to become a late-round NFL prospect.
Wesley Neighbors has not been able to nab a starting first-team spot with Alabama at safety, and Melvin Ray, a 6'3", 4-star receiver is just now returning to the gridiron after quitting the baseball team.
Alabama Or Notre Dame: Real No.1 Recruiting Class For 2008
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This was an easy choice, as Alabama's class was far superior to Notre Dame's. The Crimson Tide not only signed a slew of 5 and 4-star players, but also developed them into NFL prospects.
Plus, getting a Heisman Trophy out of a 3-star runner in Ingram is the epitome of value. Notre Dame did sign starting tight end Kyle Rudolph, starting QB Dayne Crist, star receiver Michael Floyd, DT Ethan Johnson and linebacker Darius Flemming, but Alabama's class is too good.
Charlie Weis hauled in a solid class in 2008, but there is a reason the Irish's class is second and Alabama's is No.1.
2009 Top Recruitng Class: Ohio State
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Jim Tressel had a banner year in the 2009 recruiting cycle, cleaning up the Midwest and Big Ten country, dipping into Florida for top-tier talent and even into Texas. Tressel has gotten a reputation as a conservative coach who is not afraid to punt. Yet, he is anything but conservative on the recruiting trail, proving to be a top-notch recruiter.
The nine other classes that followed:
2. Alabama
3. LSU
4. Georgia
5. UCLA
6. North Carolina
7. Texas
8. Tennessee
9. USC
10. Oklahoma
2009 Ohio State Recruiting Class Overview
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Total commits: 27
5-stars: 3
4-stars: 14
This class was led by Johnny Simon, a 5-star defensive tackle at 6'4", 290 pounds who has gone on to become a solid starter in the defensive trenches. Dorian Bell was a 5-star linebacker who will be a full-time starter this fall. Kenny Guiton was a little-known 3-star recruit at quarterback from Texas and will have something to say about 2011 recruit Braxton Miller taking over after Terrelle Pryor leaves.
Melvin Fellows, a 6'5", 250-pound 5-star defensive end, really has not lived up to his status coming in and has struggled to stay on the two-deep. Jaamal Berry has added muscle mass to his 4.3 speed and will look to get some carries this fall. Carlos Hyde was regarded as the top fullback prospect in the country, yet with the offensive sets the Buckeyes have lined up in, his services have rarely been needed.
2009 Recruiting Class Runner Up and Overview: Alabama
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Total commits: 27
5-stars: 3
4-stars: 12
This class was and still is led by one Trent Richardson. Richardson was a lot bigger coming out of high school than I remember at 5'11", 225 pounds. He has shared the load much of his career with Ingram, but this year he will become the man.
When Ingram missed the start of the 2010 season with a knee injury, Crimson Tide fans didn't panic because they knew Richardson was more than capable of handling the load.
Nico Johnson was a 5-star linebacker during this cycle and has become a good starter in Tuscaloosa. Dre Kirkpatrick has lived up to his 5-star billing to become a solid big corner. DJ Fluker is a starter at right tackle, and AJ McCarron enters the spring as the favorite for the QB job.
Brandon Moore, who switched from OT to DT, and Mike Bowman, a top incoming receiver prospect, have not yet gotten past the depth chart monster.
2010 Top Recruiting Class and Overview: Florida
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Total commits: 28
5-stars: 5
4-stars: 16
This was a star-studded class that ended up being the final haul for Meyer's tenure in Gainesville.
Ronald Powell was the top defensive end and is a very similar player to Jadeveon Clowney.
Shariff Floyd is a massive but quick DT. Matt Elam is a safety and played a large role in getting Jacoby Brisset to Florida. Jon Dowling, Josh Shaw, Cody Riggs and Jaylen Watkins are all future starters in the secondary.
Mack Brown is a running back with high 4.3 speed, Chris Dunkley is a 5-star receiver and Trey Burton has already seen time as a Wildcat quarterback and package player.
Big things are expected from linebacker Chris Martin, offensive tackle Chaz Green, safety Jordan Haden (Joe's brother) and tight ends Gerald Christian and Michael McFarland.
If Lynden Trail, a 6'7", 200-pounder, adds weight, he could be a dynamic pass-rushing defensive end. This class is loaded and took 12 of the top 100 players in the nation just a year ago.
2010 Recruiting Class Runner Up and Overview: Oklahoma
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Total commits: 29
5-stars: 5
4-stars: 14
This class was very solid, but it falls just short of Florida's at this time. Maybe in a year or two when things shake out more, the Sooners' 2010 class will be re-ranked at the very top.
Oklahoma looks like it found its future replacement for Landry Jones in Blake Bell, a 6'6", 220-pound 5-star QB.
Corey Jefferson has gained almost every freshman honor possible and could become better than Roy Williams was at the strong safety/outside linebacker spot. Kenny Stills and Brennan Clay are the 2010 version of Branden Williams and Trey Metoyer at receiver and running back. Bronson Irwin, Austin Woods, Tyrus Thompson, Daryl Williams and Adam Shead give the class depth in the offensive front.
A reason why Oklahoma will be the preseason No.1-ranked team in college football is because of all of the young talent it has among its depth charts, thanks in part to this 2010 recruiting class.
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