This is the era of college recruiting where 17 & 18 year olds are handed the keys to the city, walk on red carpets up to the podium where a long legged ESPN reporter with tight blouse is waiting to hear his thoughts of wisdom in his choice of schools. Meanwhile every pimpled, pale skinned sports blogger with a calculator in his hand is adding up the total stars the kid has been ordained with by people who don't coach the kids and only stand to make money in this new recruiting business era. Meanwhile the sport fanatic in us with tags on our automobiles to tell the world of our allegiance eagerly hang on every word spoken by flocks of experts on cable, internet and newspapers. So with that being said is the art of recruiting kids a thump your chest, in your face I'm number one contest or is it where college coaches are trying to plug in the best players that fit their system and fill the holes of graduating players.... My school had a number one class a few years back and it got us a tee shirt and a bag of potato chips. Meanwhile historically we won 5 championships and played for a few others with unranked recruiting classes... Just saying....Congrats to all with their new class and I hope we beat you... :twisted:
A lot of sense in what you say Ralph. But I also think there was a lot of shady stuff going on in the past that we had no idea about. And that it's not as easy to get the under the radar kids that some teams like Miami got in the past. Jimmy Johnson got those "speed kills" guys and made them into NFL. Steve Spurrier rode into Florida with his fun and gun needing good players but mostly on offense a good passer and speedy wide receivers that the other teams cornerbacks couldn't cover. Defenses learned to adapt to the fun and gun and now, at least the SEC, has gravitated to the power running game with a fast and strong defense. Even Spurrier uses this now. But the 17-18 year old football players rule the roost this time of year.
I agree Bill that we are in a new era compared to 10-15 years ago and how admission plays a larger part than they ever have (They even expect the kids to know how to read and write these days ). The recruiting hype the last five years has burned me out to the point where I only casually glance at what our status is. I understand the excitement of everyone getting five star players and the increased chance it gives their team but have backed off from where I follow it...
Look at this Bleacher Report of the all time greatest recruiting classes and you might get a better perspective of just how important recruiting is; http://bleacherreport.com/articles/726681-the-top-20-college-football-recruiting-classes-of-all-time#/articles/726681-the-top-20-college-football-recruiting-classes-of-all-time/page/21 Not all were the #1 ranked class of their year but I'll bet all were at least top 10 or better. I have long felt that if UF can finish in the top 10 and especially top 5 of any recruiting year then we are in excellent shape for the near future.
Interesting article on recruiting classes, I don't know how none of Lou's 87.88,89 classes at ND did not get a mention. They produced a ton of NFL players.
As far as recruiting goes, it's like watching an accident happen you say you don't want to watch but you can't help yourself. I don't bother watching video like a lot of guys, but I still like to follow it.
Terry.....those classes were surely ranked highly at the time....and produced some great teams but this list is all time top 20....so maybe they didn't quite get there. '87 I am sure did contribute to the '88 NC title but how much of the '88 team did in reality.
I have dialed my interest in recruiting way down as well. I find it humiliating how adults fawn over teenagers, twittering them etc. I don't care much for film reviews either. I watched Vanderdoes film last night just see what all the hoopla was about. He looked like a bull in achina shop in high school at 6'3 and 310. It wasn't even fair. It wont be that way at the next level.
I remember that not to long ago we'd see teams having a "top" recruiting class in Feb. and then when the summer rolled around, a half dozen or more of these "top" players were ineligible because of ACT scores or failure to have the necessary HS classes or grades. More than once the No. 1 class in Feb. was mediocre by the time Aug. rolled around. Just sayin'.
Gipper that sounds a lot like several of Bobby Bowden's last few classes at FSU. Seems he didn't do much due diligence on the academic side.
I do not and will never understand any of this fangirl stuff.. but it's a healthier (somewhat) exercise in futility than other vices. Basically, I tune in for the car wrecks. Sometimes it's your team going down in flames, or being left at the alter by some kid who probably won't work out anyway. I love the stories of the mom who isn't even a part of the kids life taking off with his LOI to keep him from signing with Arkansas.. As far as the 'science' of recruiting... there's a blog called saturdaysdownsouth that did a really nice breakdown of what 5 star study boys were flops and what 5 star stud boys panned out over the past several years. They went position by position. It was really good. I can dig that up if you guys want.
actually, here you go. Defensive Ends Offensive Lineman Wide Receivers Running Backs Quarterbacks Defensive Tackles Linebackers Defensive Backs
Corey you seem to always find interesting links. Lot's of those guys didn't live up to the hype. It always pains me a bit when a guy is labeled a bust but it was because of injuries. I am about halfway though and will look at the rest when I get back from bowling tonight. Speaking of bowling, my year this year could be labeled a bust.
I really don't care whether Alabama finishes 1st or 2nd or whatever. The reason? Mark Ingram - low ranking, Trent Richardson - high, Eddie Lacy - low. I wouldn't trade anyone for those guys. How many stars they had had no bearing on their willingness to play the role that the team needed. It's nice to have all of the "stars", but so much of the individual's value to the team has to do with personality, and I don't think that goes into number of stars the recruiting services award. 8)