Alright, let's look at recruiting (thanks for nothing, Stealler 1). First, what do recruiting rankings tell us? Honestly, not much. A good program will get what they need from an athlete. If you're blessed enough to rake in some 5-stars, then you'll have less distance to cover talent-wise, but they'll still need development. It's like I've talked about on here a million times, coaching is the most important aspect of the college game; what can yo do with the 3-star players? That said, let's explore some things from yesterday.
Apparently a mid-level class in the SEC is still a top-15 haul. No wonder the SEC rules cfb. Georgia lost 3 big recruits in the last 3 weeks, including 2 between Monday night and signing day, failed to get a single 5 star player, and fell to 6th in the SEC, but it was still enough to grade out at a B+, land 8 ESPN top-150, and rank near the top nationwide. What's important here is the defensive talent, especially class leader Alec Ogletree and DL Michael Thornton. TJ Stipling should be a great fit in Grantham's scheme, with enough size to be a OLB/DE hybrid, which is key to the one-gap, aggressive 3-4 we've been promised. Beyond this, I'll let Ben Dukes' post do the work here - not a great class, but not a dud, either.*
Florida landed one of the best classes of all time and 'Bama finished right behind them - no sprprises there, they're the last 2 national champions. But, Auburn came up big, landing a few prize recruits and stunning us with a top-5 finish. i guess the white limos work, huh? Must've been some serious chop blocking talent out there. Another surprise, at least to some, is Derek Dooley's success. Some folks thought he'd lose everybody, especially after the loss of recruit-guru Kippy Brown.
On the national level, it appears Lane Kiffin is still chasing Urban Meyer, as USC finished with what's generally considered a top-10 class. Why are people surprised by this? Did you honestly think kids wouldn't go to southern California now that Carroll's gone? I called for SC to win the PAC-10 next year, and this is only going to help. The NCAA won't be cracking down in LA anytime soon, Kiffin's not the moron people think, and they've got 5 star talent washing the towels they're so deep - that equals wins. Get used to seeing Kiffin and the Trojans near the top every signing day.
Texas and Oklahoma signed the best classes in the Big-XII. Who didn't see that coming? After that, I don't really care anymore. Call me when we hit the field and it matters. Once the 5-star stud breaks his leg and we discover some 2-star kid with 4.0 speed and hands like Billetnikoff.
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* The state of Georgia will be producing some serious talent out of HS in 2011. So, while this year's lack-luster class isn't a big deal, we have to land the big fish next go 'round. That means we must produce on the field this season and win big time match-ups. We have to create a product kids want to buy and that means competing with Florida for the East spot in ATL and landing a big bowl; 7-5 and Shreveport won't cut it next season.
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