ACC: 2010 recruiting wrap
Virginia Tech fell out of the top 25 on signing day, but considering the Hokies are likely to enter the 2010 season as a top-10 team, the staff clearly has a knack for finding and developing talent.
This class shouldn’t be much different.
"Our recruiting classes weren't ranked very high, but in the NFL draft we had the second-most players drafted after Southern Cal," coach Frank Beamer said. "We saw a lot of these guys at our one-day camp, these were all the guys who were committed to us. We really wanted them, they were our first choices. ... I feel good about this group. I don't know where they're rated; I don't pay a lot of attention to that. They're guys Virginia Tech liked and we feel good that they're going to be at Virginia Tech."
Virginia Tech only brought in one member of the ESPNU 150 -- four-star safety Nick Dew -- but it made strides in improving the offensive line. Of the 20 players in the class, 12 are projected to play defense (five on the line, four linebackers, and three defensive backs). Of the eight offensive players, five are coming in as offensive linemen.
“We continue to work on our offensive line,” Beamer said in a Wednesday teleconference. “I think we’re getting better all the time. I really like the guys we got there.
“Being athletic is important in the offensive line. Sometimes you say we’ll get big guys, but that doesn’t always work. ... They’ve got to be able to redirect and move their feet and have some toughness about them. I think we’re getting back on the right track. We’ve had some in the last few years who have played very well, we just didn’t have enough. We missed on some guys who just didn’t work out, but I feel like we’re closer to getting to where we want to be.”
The highlight of this class, though, was on defense, where Dew could give the Hokies some immediate help. With six starters gone from the 2009 roster, there should be plenty of opportunities.
“I think he and Dominique Patterson, both of those guys, you look at them and they’ve got good size and they’re very athletic,” said Beamer. “They’ll fit in somewhere pretty well. They’re big guys who can run well. We like those guys. They’ve got some versatility there as far as getting into your system and playing as quickly as they possibly can.”
Four-star defensive end Zack McCray is another player who caught Beamer’s attention.
“We want him to be prepared and come in here and challenge for some playing time at defensive end. We think he can. He’s physical, he’s got the credentials there. ... We’re going to give him that opportunity.”
As usual, the staff concentrated its efforts in the state of Virginia.
“In all, 17 members of our class [including January enrollees] played in the state of Virginia,” Beamer said. “We like to make sure we take care of our home state first, and I believe these are certainly some of the better players in the state. And then, the ones we got from out of state are really quality players, which you always want to be the case, too.”
With the exception of McCray, Dew and offensive lineman Mark Shuman, this class is mainly comprised of quality three-star athletes. Beamer is less concerned with how they're rated, though, than he is how they can help.
“We went in with the idea that we would take so many at certain positions and in the end we hit the number for the most part,” Beamer said. “We have some guys that can play two or three different positions, and I think the more you can get versatility in there, the better your class is.”
This class shouldn’t be much different.
"Our recruiting classes weren't ranked very high, but in the NFL draft we had the second-most players drafted after Southern Cal," coach Frank Beamer said. "We saw a lot of these guys at our one-day camp, these were all the guys who were committed to us. We really wanted them, they were our first choices. ... I feel good about this group. I don't know where they're rated; I don't pay a lot of attention to that. They're guys Virginia Tech liked and we feel good that they're going to be at Virginia Tech."
Virginia Tech only brought in one member of the ESPNU 150 -- four-star safety Nick Dew -- but it made strides in improving the offensive line. Of the 20 players in the class, 12 are projected to play defense (five on the line, four linebackers, and three defensive backs). Of the eight offensive players, five are coming in as offensive linemen.
“We continue to work on our offensive line,” Beamer said in a Wednesday teleconference. “I think we’re getting better all the time. I really like the guys we got there.
“Being athletic is important in the offensive line. Sometimes you say we’ll get big guys, but that doesn’t always work. ... They’ve got to be able to redirect and move their feet and have some toughness about them. I think we’re getting back on the right track. We’ve had some in the last few years who have played very well, we just didn’t have enough. We missed on some guys who just didn’t work out, but I feel like we’re closer to getting to where we want to be.”
The highlight of this class, though, was on defense, where Dew could give the Hokies some immediate help. With six starters gone from the 2009 roster, there should be plenty of opportunities.
“I think he and Dominique Patterson, both of those guys, you look at them and they’ve got good size and they’re very athletic,” said Beamer. “They’ll fit in somewhere pretty well. They’re big guys who can run well. We like those guys. They’ve got some versatility there as far as getting into your system and playing as quickly as they possibly can.”
Four-star defensive end Zack McCray is another player who caught Beamer’s attention.
“We want him to be prepared and come in here and challenge for some playing time at defensive end. We think he can. He’s physical, he’s got the credentials there. ... We’re going to give him that opportunity.”
As usual, the staff concentrated its efforts in the state of Virginia.
“In all, 17 members of our class [including January enrollees] played in the state of Virginia,” Beamer said. “We like to make sure we take care of our home state first, and I believe these are certainly some of the better players in the state. And then, the ones we got from out of state are really quality players, which you always want to be the case, too.”
With the exception of McCray, Dew and offensive lineman Mark Shuman, this class is mainly comprised of quality three-star athletes. Beamer is less concerned with how they're rated, though, than he is how they can help.
“We went in with the idea that we would take so many at certain positions and in the end we hit the number for the most part,” Beamer said. “We have some guys that can play two or three different positions, and I think the more you can get versatility in there, the better your class is.”
In many ways, Duke’s recruiting process is a microcosm of the bigger game plan under coach David Cutcliffe. While there are some players in this year’s class who could give immediate help, there are more long-term projects worth waiting for.
Duke’s staff took another step forward in adding speed and athleticism to its roster, but this year was a little different. Now that speed isn’t only in the defensive backs and wide receivers, it’s in the pass-rushers and tight ends. Duke looked for players it can put some weight on and develop.
“Down the road, in two or three years, these guys are going to be 245-pounders who can really run, which is something we don’t have,” said recruiting coordinator Kent McLeod. “Getting to the quarterback, and pressuring the quarterback, we haven’t had that speed-rusher since we’ve been here.”
Duke’s biggest concern was on the defensive line, where two players -- John Drew and Brandon Putman -- were recently dismissed. It could give some newcomers like defensive end Dezmond Johnson a chance to play early. Defensive tackles Will Bryant and Steven Ingram, who are both 300-pound players, could also handle the physical grind of playing as freshmen.
“It’s hard,” McLeod said. “We have a kid like Jamal Bruce come in who’s about 265. A 300-pounder will have a chance to play before just because he has the size to maintain the banging during the game and we don’t want to put a guy out there who needs a year to redshirt to put 20 pounds on. It would be hard.”
One player who fans will definitely see in 2010 is junior college tight end Cooper Helfet, who caught 40 passes for 657 yards (16.4 average) and seven touchdowns at Santa Rosa Junior College in California. The staff also wanted to get two scholarship quarterbacks, which it did, along with eight backs and nine linemen. Duke also signed a class-high nine players from North Carolina.
"I think we're very pleased," McLeod said. "I get asked a lot about the rankings, and people feel like last year's class was ranked a lot higher, so does that mean you didn't have a good year? The only thing I can tell those people is that I know the people who run the sites and if they don't have film on our kids to evaluate them and properly rank them, there's nothing I can do. ... We're very pleased with our class. The rankings, to me, I don't worry about that stuff. It would be nice, you want the No. 1 class in America because it brings a lot of exposure, but I'm not going to cry about it. As long as we keep winning games on the field and getting better, all that will take care of itself."
Duke’s staff took another step forward in adding speed and athleticism to its roster, but this year was a little different. Now that speed isn’t only in the defensive backs and wide receivers, it’s in the pass-rushers and tight ends. Duke looked for players it can put some weight on and develop.
“Down the road, in two or three years, these guys are going to be 245-pounders who can really run, which is something we don’t have,” said recruiting coordinator Kent McLeod. “Getting to the quarterback, and pressuring the quarterback, we haven’t had that speed-rusher since we’ve been here.”
Duke’s biggest concern was on the defensive line, where two players -- John Drew and Brandon Putman -- were recently dismissed. It could give some newcomers like defensive end Dezmond Johnson a chance to play early. Defensive tackles Will Bryant and Steven Ingram, who are both 300-pound players, could also handle the physical grind of playing as freshmen.
“It’s hard,” McLeod said. “We have a kid like Jamal Bruce come in who’s about 265. A 300-pounder will have a chance to play before just because he has the size to maintain the banging during the game and we don’t want to put a guy out there who needs a year to redshirt to put 20 pounds on. It would be hard.”
One player who fans will definitely see in 2010 is junior college tight end Cooper Helfet, who caught 40 passes for 657 yards (16.4 average) and seven touchdowns at Santa Rosa Junior College in California. The staff also wanted to get two scholarship quarterbacks, which it did, along with eight backs and nine linemen. Duke also signed a class-high nine players from North Carolina.
"I think we're very pleased," McLeod said. "I get asked a lot about the rankings, and people feel like last year's class was ranked a lot higher, so does that mean you didn't have a good year? The only thing I can tell those people is that I know the people who run the sites and if they don't have film on our kids to evaluate them and properly rank them, there's nothing I can do. ... We're very pleased with our class. The rankings, to me, I don't worry about that stuff. It would be nice, you want the No. 1 class in America because it brings a lot of exposure, but I'm not going to cry about it. As long as we keep winning games on the field and getting better, all that will take care of itself."
Florida State fans couldn’t have asked for much more from Jimbo Fisher in his first signing day as the Seminoles’ head coach.
He and his staff lured in eight players from the ESPNU 150 list. They recruited two five-star players and nine four-star players. They closed on two of the best players in the country on signing day, and finished Wednesday with the No. 6 recruiting class in the country and the best in the ACC, according to Scouts Inc.
Not bad for a first go-around.
"Maybe we can move from 6 to 1," Fisher said of the national rankings. "We're not very far away from that."
That’s thanks in large part to the commitments of five-star linebacker Jeff Luc and five-star corner Lamarcus Joyner.
"We may look back on Luc and Joyner and say they started the whole thing," said Fisher. "They understand the importance of what they did."
They were only a fraction of the signing day success, though. Most importantly, Florida State addressed its needs defensively, where the Seminoles have struggled most. FSU signed 24 players, including 14 on the defensive side. FSU added five defensive linemen, five linebackers and four cornerbacks to a group that will be under the direction of first-year coordinator Mark Stoops and a new scheme. Offensively, the Seminoles focused on replenishing the receiving corps and did so with five signees, as well as two tight ends.
Four players -- Luc, defensive tackle Anthony McCloud, running back Debrale Smiley and quarterback Clint Trickett -- have been enrolled in school since the start of the semester.
Florida State gave its class a boost on signing day with the addition of outside linebacker Christian Jones and wide receiver Christian Green, two in-state members of the ESPNU 150 who are ranked among the top 10 at their respective positions.
It was an impressive effort, considering the recent retirement of one of college football’s best closers, Bobby Bowden, and the fact that five new assistants have been in their offices for less than a month.
"We've put so much on recruiting, which is true,” Fisher said, “but now we've got to develop the players."
He and his staff lured in eight players from the ESPNU 150 list. They recruited two five-star players and nine four-star players. They closed on two of the best players in the country on signing day, and finished Wednesday with the No. 6 recruiting class in the country and the best in the ACC, according to Scouts Inc.
Not bad for a first go-around.
"Maybe we can move from 6 to 1," Fisher said of the national rankings. "We're not very far away from that."
That’s thanks in large part to the commitments of five-star linebacker Jeff Luc and five-star corner Lamarcus Joyner.
"We may look back on Luc and Joyner and say they started the whole thing," said Fisher. "They understand the importance of what they did."
They were only a fraction of the signing day success, though. Most importantly, Florida State addressed its needs defensively, where the Seminoles have struggled most. FSU signed 24 players, including 14 on the defensive side. FSU added five defensive linemen, five linebackers and four cornerbacks to a group that will be under the direction of first-year coordinator Mark Stoops and a new scheme. Offensively, the Seminoles focused on replenishing the receiving corps and did so with five signees, as well as two tight ends.
Four players -- Luc, defensive tackle Anthony McCloud, running back Debrale Smiley and quarterback Clint Trickett -- have been enrolled in school since the start of the semester.
Florida State gave its class a boost on signing day with the addition of outside linebacker Christian Jones and wide receiver Christian Green, two in-state members of the ESPNU 150 who are ranked among the top 10 at their respective positions.
It was an impressive effort, considering the recent retirement of one of college football’s best closers, Bobby Bowden, and the fact that five new assistants have been in their offices for less than a month.
"We've put so much on recruiting, which is true,” Fisher said, “but now we've got to develop the players."
Unfortunately for UNC coach Butch Davis’ wife, her birthday falls on signing day.
“The common joke around our house is what did you get her -- four offensive lineman, two wide receivers?" Davis said. "But it was a good day.”
Yes it was for the Tar Heels.
North Carolina was at its best down the stretch and cracked the Scouts Inc. Top 25 at No. 24, bringing in the ACC's fourth-best class. Davis and his staff closed strong, adding the No. 16 running back, Giovanni Bernard, the No. 10 defensive tackle, Brandon Willis, and top-25 receiver Sean Tapley, who switched from South Carolina on signing day. It’s not a large class, but it packs a punch, thanks to players like ESPNU 150 offensive guard James Hurst.
“This class is what we would like a recruiting class to look like in future years to come,” Davis told reporters at his Wednesday press conference. “The first couple years you have to recruit on need. There are voids in the roster, you need speed or skill players or you are short at a position. In this particular recruiting class we signed a player at every position, with the exception of quarterback.”
And that was intentional. The staff made a decision about six months ago that they wouldn’t add another signal caller to the roster in this class.
“We felt comfortable with the guys that we had on our team,” Davis said. “We respected the idea that kids who play quarterback want to look into the future. Not only do they want to know whom they are going to play with, they also want to know what their opportunities are to get a chance. … Coach (John) Shoop and I felt that in the Carolina’s there are some of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the country. We felt like this would be an appropriate time to skip the quarterback position.”
Instead, the staff focused on what it needed -- offensive and defensive linemen and tight ends. They also wanted to recruit more speed at the skill positions. With five four-star recruits, they did that.
“We wanted guys who are home runs hitters, someone (who) can score quickly – I think we accomplished that. I think there are some guys we have that can do that."
Wide receiver Sean Tapley should be one of those players. Despite the signing day decision, Davis said the staff knew Tapley was coming to Chapel Hill for about two months.
"In Sean’s case, his father is a major Tar Heel and he really wanted Sean to go to school here," Davis said. "Sean was heavily recruited in Jacksonville by two schools in the state of South Carolina among other schools. One of the trends that have I noticed this year with a lot of recruits is that kids are tired of getting “beat up.” They are tired of getting beat up in their schools, by alumni, in their community and a lot of them have said ‘Here is what I want to do. Will you keep it quiet?’ That way the kid does not have to battle the unnecessary phone calls from coaches asking why they committed or why they decommitted. When Sean came here he said ‘Coach, I want to be a Tar Heel."
Davis said he anticipates all 21 of the signees will be on campus in the fall.
"In previous years, as in last year, we over-signed -- knowing a few players might have to be placed somewhere,” he said. “This year that is not the intent in any of the 21 players that we signed."
“The common joke around our house is what did you get her -- four offensive lineman, two wide receivers?" Davis said. "But it was a good day.”
Yes it was for the Tar Heels.
North Carolina was at its best down the stretch and cracked the Scouts Inc. Top 25 at No. 24, bringing in the ACC's fourth-best class. Davis and his staff closed strong, adding the No. 16 running back, Giovanni Bernard, the No. 10 defensive tackle, Brandon Willis, and top-25 receiver Sean Tapley, who switched from South Carolina on signing day. It’s not a large class, but it packs a punch, thanks to players like ESPNU 150 offensive guard James Hurst.
“This class is what we would like a recruiting class to look like in future years to come,” Davis told reporters at his Wednesday press conference. “The first couple years you have to recruit on need. There are voids in the roster, you need speed or skill players or you are short at a position. In this particular recruiting class we signed a player at every position, with the exception of quarterback.”
And that was intentional. The staff made a decision about six months ago that they wouldn’t add another signal caller to the roster in this class.
“We felt comfortable with the guys that we had on our team,” Davis said. “We respected the idea that kids who play quarterback want to look into the future. Not only do they want to know whom they are going to play with, they also want to know what their opportunities are to get a chance. … Coach (John) Shoop and I felt that in the Carolina’s there are some of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the country. We felt like this would be an appropriate time to skip the quarterback position.”
Instead, the staff focused on what it needed -- offensive and defensive linemen and tight ends. They also wanted to recruit more speed at the skill positions. With five four-star recruits, they did that.
“We wanted guys who are home runs hitters, someone (who) can score quickly – I think we accomplished that. I think there are some guys we have that can do that."
Wide receiver Sean Tapley should be one of those players. Despite the signing day decision, Davis said the staff knew Tapley was coming to Chapel Hill for about two months.
"In Sean’s case, his father is a major Tar Heel and he really wanted Sean to go to school here," Davis said. "Sean was heavily recruited in Jacksonville by two schools in the state of South Carolina among other schools. One of the trends that have I noticed this year with a lot of recruits is that kids are tired of getting “beat up.” They are tired of getting beat up in their schools, by alumni, in their community and a lot of them have said ‘Here is what I want to do. Will you keep it quiet?’ That way the kid does not have to battle the unnecessary phone calls from coaches asking why they committed or why they decommitted. When Sean came here he said ‘Coach, I want to be a Tar Heel."
Davis said he anticipates all 21 of the signees will be on campus in the fall.
"In previous years, as in last year, we over-signed -- knowing a few players might have to be placed somewhere,” he said. “This year that is not the intent in any of the 21 players that we signed."
As a former offensive line coach, NC State coach Tom O’Brien has a heightened interest in the progress of the group, and with five offensive linemen in this year’s class, the Pack took another important step in building it into the formidable wall of protection O’Brien is aiming for.
“We want to build an NFL line, like we did at Boston College, no doubt about that,” he said. “I think, as we move on, we are recruiting kids who have that kind of skills.”
ESPNU 150 offensive tackle Robert Crisp, the Pack’s top prospect in this class, is one of them.
“He has really good feet,” O’Brien said. “With all linemen, he is not on the ground a lot. He's a lot like Teddy Larsen. If you can move your feet, get good body position and you are not on the ground a lot of the time because you have good balance, those are keys to being a good offensive linemen. He has great size and great reach. If you draw up a proto-type body, he has it for an offensive lineman. He has to come in and learn his right from his left and who to block, then he has the physical skills that look he can be a good lineman.”
NC State helped itself up front on both sides of the ball on Wednesday. With four junior college transfers, five offensive linemen and four defensive backs, O’Brien was able to add depth and talent in his fourth recruiting class. And his top two prospects -- Crisp and defensive back David Amerson -- came from in-state.
“We addressed a lot of things we had to address in this recruiting class,” O’Brien said. “We signed 11 on offense and 11 on defense, so once again we signed a football team. And we signed a kicker who will hopefully help resolve some of the problems we’ve had kicking off. We made a concerted effort once again to recruit our home and did a real nice job in the state of North Carolina.”
NC State had a patchwork secondary in 2009, and O’Brien said it’s one position a freshman could see immediate playing time. The Pack also added maturity and size up front on both sides from junior college transfers David Akinniyi and Mikel Overgaard, who should work their way into the lineup. Another player who could see the field early is running back Mustafa Greene.
“You look at the running back situation, and he probably thinks he has a real good chance, which is why he is coming here,” O’Brien said. “There are not a lot of carries and not a lot of yards by the three guys that are there. As with all freshmen, who knows who is going to play and who is not going to play. As has been explained to him, the faster he learns the offense -- and for a running back that means he is going to have to learn some pass protection, he can't whiff on that -- the faster he can play. But, when it comes down to it, he is going to have to learn to protect the quarterback.”
The one thing that NC State still lacks is upperclassmen, as there will only be 12 seniors on the team this year, and six were inherited from the previous staff and four are incoming junior college players.
“We still need help on both sides of the line with young kids,” O’Brien said, “but we are still trying to buy time until some of these young kids grow up.”
They appear to have done that with this class.
“We want to build an NFL line, like we did at Boston College, no doubt about that,” he said. “I think, as we move on, we are recruiting kids who have that kind of skills.”
ESPNU 150 offensive tackle Robert Crisp, the Pack’s top prospect in this class, is one of them.
“He has really good feet,” O’Brien said. “With all linemen, he is not on the ground a lot. He's a lot like Teddy Larsen. If you can move your feet, get good body position and you are not on the ground a lot of the time because you have good balance, those are keys to being a good offensive linemen. He has great size and great reach. If you draw up a proto-type body, he has it for an offensive lineman. He has to come in and learn his right from his left and who to block, then he has the physical skills that look he can be a good lineman.”
NC State helped itself up front on both sides of the ball on Wednesday. With four junior college transfers, five offensive linemen and four defensive backs, O’Brien was able to add depth and talent in his fourth recruiting class. And his top two prospects -- Crisp and defensive back David Amerson -- came from in-state.
“We addressed a lot of things we had to address in this recruiting class,” O’Brien said. “We signed 11 on offense and 11 on defense, so once again we signed a football team. And we signed a kicker who will hopefully help resolve some of the problems we’ve had kicking off. We made a concerted effort once again to recruit our home and did a real nice job in the state of North Carolina.”
NC State had a patchwork secondary in 2009, and O’Brien said it’s one position a freshman could see immediate playing time. The Pack also added maturity and size up front on both sides from junior college transfers David Akinniyi and Mikel Overgaard, who should work their way into the lineup. Another player who could see the field early is running back Mustafa Greene.
“You look at the running back situation, and he probably thinks he has a real good chance, which is why he is coming here,” O’Brien said. “There are not a lot of carries and not a lot of yards by the three guys that are there. As with all freshmen, who knows who is going to play and who is not going to play. As has been explained to him, the faster he learns the offense -- and for a running back that means he is going to have to learn some pass protection, he can't whiff on that -- the faster he can play. But, when it comes down to it, he is going to have to learn to protect the quarterback.”
The one thing that NC State still lacks is upperclassmen, as there will only be 12 seniors on the team this year, and six were inherited from the previous staff and four are incoming junior college players.
“We still need help on both sides of the line with young kids,” O’Brien said, “but we are still trying to buy time until some of these young kids grow up.”
They appear to have done that with this class.
It could have been a lot worse.
Instead, there is no shame in the recruiting class Maryland put together, despite its 2-10 finish in 2009. The Terps reeled in 19 players with an emphasis on defense, including four linemen, three linebackers and five defensive backs. They took a huge step in improving the play and depth up front, as half of the offensive signees were linemen. The staff also added two four-star players in quarterback Tyler Smith and defensive end/linebacker Javarie Johnson.
"I believe that this was the most challenging class, but for whatever reason it really worked out well,” said recruiting coordinator Dave Sollazzo. “We work hard every year. ... Did we have to work harder this year? We probably did. But when you are doing it, you don't realize that you work hard every year. There is no doubt it was more challenging coming off the season that we had. But then again, I think we surprised ourselves. We ended up having a really, really good group here."
The main thing the Terps did is add more speed and athleticism on defense, which should help as Maryland enters its second season under coordinator Don Brown, who is also the cornerbacks coach. Maryland will lose three key players in the secondary, so it was an area of focus in this class. Brown has been encouraged by what he has seen of defensive back Mario Rowson so far.
“He has tremendous length and he's a guy that can match up to big receivers,” Brown said. “He can play press. He can get his hands on them and cover two concepts, physical rerouting concepts, and he's a guy that can come back to the receivers. I'm challenging him to do that.”
The one good thing about not going to a bowl game? It gave coach Ralph Friedgen more time to concentrate on recruiting.
"I think tremendous credit goes to our coaches,” Friedgen said. “It's been a little different for me, given the fact that we didn't go to a bowl game this year, so I've been out there for the last six weeks. Our coaches are the people that go out and find the kids and evaluate the kids. I'm there at the end. It got better as it went along. Once we got going, it was just a matter of a lot of hard work by our staff. I think we were able to get a very good class together. "
Instead, there is no shame in the recruiting class Maryland put together, despite its 2-10 finish in 2009. The Terps reeled in 19 players with an emphasis on defense, including four linemen, three linebackers and five defensive backs. They took a huge step in improving the play and depth up front, as half of the offensive signees were linemen. The staff also added two four-star players in quarterback Tyler Smith and defensive end/linebacker Javarie Johnson.
"I believe that this was the most challenging class, but for whatever reason it really worked out well,” said recruiting coordinator Dave Sollazzo. “We work hard every year. ... Did we have to work harder this year? We probably did. But when you are doing it, you don't realize that you work hard every year. There is no doubt it was more challenging coming off the season that we had. But then again, I think we surprised ourselves. We ended up having a really, really good group here."
The main thing the Terps did is add more speed and athleticism on defense, which should help as Maryland enters its second season under coordinator Don Brown, who is also the cornerbacks coach. Maryland will lose three key players in the secondary, so it was an area of focus in this class. Brown has been encouraged by what he has seen of defensive back Mario Rowson so far.
“He has tremendous length and he's a guy that can match up to big receivers,” Brown said. “He can play press. He can get his hands on them and cover two concepts, physical rerouting concepts, and he's a guy that can come back to the receivers. I'm challenging him to do that.”
The one good thing about not going to a bowl game? It gave coach Ralph Friedgen more time to concentrate on recruiting.
"I think tremendous credit goes to our coaches,” Friedgen said. “It's been a little different for me, given the fact that we didn't go to a bowl game this year, so I've been out there for the last six weeks. Our coaches are the people that go out and find the kids and evaluate the kids. I'm there at the end. It got better as it went along. Once we got going, it was just a matter of a lot of hard work by our staff. I think we were able to get a very good class together. "
When Georgia Tech’s season begins this fall, it will probably be the first time coach Paul Johnson has had the maximum 85 scholarships to work with. The program is getting back on track, and it all starts with recruiting. This year’s class, while small and unheralded nationally, has Johnson confident about the program’s future.
“We wanted to try to get good athletes,” Johnson said. “ … We’re excited about the class. I think we got some really, really good players, good athletes, speed, guys who can run.”
Tech addressed every position group within the class, including five defensive backs, three defensive linemen, two offensive linemen and two A-backs.
They restocked on defense with three four-star recruits, and for any Jackets fans who are concerned about the depth up front, Johnson pointed out that he was able to redshirt four defensive linemen in last year’s class, which means a lot of talent most people are unaware of. Plus, if Georgia Tech makes the switch to a 3-4 defense, as expected with the hire of Al Groh as defensive coordinator, the staff won’t need as many linemen, though there are 16 players currently on scholarship who are defensive linemen.
Instead of losing any commitments because of the departure of former recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach Giff Smith to the NFL, the addition of Groh actually helped Georgia Tech pluck two players from the Washington, D.C. area. Cornerback Louis Young and linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu were late additions.
“In the end he helped us pick up a couple of guys from D.C., and hopefully we’ll get our foot in the door up there,” he said.
One area the staff doesn’t need any help infiltrating is the state of Georgia, where 14 of the 18 players in this class are from. It’s the second straight year the staff has brought in 14 in-state players, the most the program has signed in 20 years.
“We wanted to try to get good athletes,” Johnson said. “ … We’re excited about the class. I think we got some really, really good players, good athletes, speed, guys who can run.”
Tech addressed every position group within the class, including five defensive backs, three defensive linemen, two offensive linemen and two A-backs.
They restocked on defense with three four-star recruits, and for any Jackets fans who are concerned about the depth up front, Johnson pointed out that he was able to redshirt four defensive linemen in last year’s class, which means a lot of talent most people are unaware of. Plus, if Georgia Tech makes the switch to a 3-4 defense, as expected with the hire of Al Groh as defensive coordinator, the staff won’t need as many linemen, though there are 16 players currently on scholarship who are defensive linemen.
Instead of losing any commitments because of the departure of former recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach Giff Smith to the NFL, the addition of Groh actually helped Georgia Tech pluck two players from the Washington, D.C. area. Cornerback Louis Young and linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu were late additions.
“In the end he helped us pick up a couple of guys from D.C., and hopefully we’ll get our foot in the door up there,” he said.
One area the staff doesn’t need any help infiltrating is the state of Georgia, where 14 of the 18 players in this class are from. It’s the second straight year the staff has brought in 14 in-state players, the most the program has signed in 20 years.
Anyone who has been following Wake Forest football for the past few years knows exactly what coach Jim Grobe means when he says that his 2010 recruiting class is “a typical Wake Forest class.” Translated: It’s not going to get a lot of national attention, there aren’t a lot of stars or flashy names, but somehow, eventually, they’ll develop into players with the potential to, say, beat Florida State three years in a row.
What’s different about this year’s class is that the Deacs have finally struck some balance, with about half the class expected to contribute on offense and the other on defense.
“For years we were always trying to play catch-up on one side of the ball or another, bringing in a class that was loaded on offense or loaded on defense,” Grobe said. “That’s been a problem for us since we’ve been here. We’ve been a little bit better on one side of the ball or another for a while, and I’d like to get to the point where we have a similar number of seniors on each side of the football and that’s what we were able to do a little bit in this class. We’re getting to point now where our recruiting classes are not weighted on offense or defense, we’re a little more balanced, which I like.”
Wake Forest filled its need at defensive back, where it added four players, and Grobe said it’s possible a true freshman could see playing time there. Cornerback A.J. Marshall is the lone four-star recruit in the group. The staff has also been impressed with early enrollees Antonio Ford and Zachary Allen. Quarterback Tanner Price of Austin, Texas, will also be given a chance to compete right away.
“With Riley [Skinner] gone, certainly we’d like to see one of our kids who have been here earn the job, but I don’t think you can count Tanner out,” Grobe said.
It’s also possible that the Deacs could sneak a new face into the offensive line rotation. Going into spring practice, Russ Nenon had shoulder surgery and won’t be available, leaving only nine offensive linemen available. Wake added three in this class.
“We’re to the point now where if a kid is good enough to come in and help us, we’re not opposed to putting him on the field,” Grobe said. “We just don’t want to waste his eligibility.”
What’s different about this year’s class is that the Deacs have finally struck some balance, with about half the class expected to contribute on offense and the other on defense.
“For years we were always trying to play catch-up on one side of the ball or another, bringing in a class that was loaded on offense or loaded on defense,” Grobe said. “That’s been a problem for us since we’ve been here. We’ve been a little bit better on one side of the ball or another for a while, and I’d like to get to the point where we have a similar number of seniors on each side of the football and that’s what we were able to do a little bit in this class. We’re getting to point now where our recruiting classes are not weighted on offense or defense, we’re a little more balanced, which I like.”
Wake Forest filled its need at defensive back, where it added four players, and Grobe said it’s possible a true freshman could see playing time there. Cornerback A.J. Marshall is the lone four-star recruit in the group. The staff has also been impressed with early enrollees Antonio Ford and Zachary Allen. Quarterback Tanner Price of Austin, Texas, will also be given a chance to compete right away.
“With Riley [Skinner] gone, certainly we’d like to see one of our kids who have been here earn the job, but I don’t think you can count Tanner out,” Grobe said.
It’s also possible that the Deacs could sneak a new face into the offensive line rotation. Going into spring practice, Russ Nenon had shoulder surgery and won’t be available, leaving only nine offensive linemen available. Wake added three in this class.
“We’re to the point now where if a kid is good enough to come in and help us, we’re not opposed to putting him on the field,” Grobe said. “We just don’t want to waste his eligibility.”
There wasn’t quite the buzz around the Hurricanes’ No. 13 class that there has been in recent years -- unless, of course, you’re talking to coach Randy Shannon. Miami finally has some staff stability, save for the departure of former defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator Clint Hurtt. It's finally reached the point where the numbers and depth have improved, making it easier to target a wider variety of positions.
“I think most of the players you see across the country, they’re starting to see what Miami is about,” Shannon said. “Instead of this coach or that coach they’re going for the program. That’s the one thing I see from the young men that’s part of this university. They see the program. They see where we’ve been and where we’re going. They see the improvement every year, the family-type atmosphere with the players. Coming on a visit is not just lip service. They see the opportunity and that every year I’ve been here freshmen in some form or fashion play.”
What they don’t have? A lot of ESPNU 150 players. The Canes added three -- the fewest they've seen under Shannon -- and missed out on several top uncommitted players who went elsewhere on signing day. But that doesn’t mean this class isn’t loaded with future talent and speed, and most importantly, the Canes met several position needs.
“Our needs are getting our numbers right,” Shannon said. “On the offensive line, we had a depth situation that was going to be tough, and now we have a couple of guys on the team who in the long term can help us establish where we need to be instead of a quick fix. The more depth you have on your football team, the better your football team will be.
“It’s not like in my second year, where you have to go out and get eight receivers,” Shannon said. “Now we’re almost at the point where we can say we need two at this position, two at that position instead of trying to recruit 25 and 30 guys. Now it’s about 15 and you know your program is going in the right direction.”
That approach has made it easier not only to recruit, but to make it through an entire season. The staff went aggressively after tight ends and linebackers. It also added depth to the running back position where Javarris James graduated, Graig Cooper is coming off a knee injury and Damien Berry will be a senior. Four-star running backs Storm Johnson and Eduardo Clements should help there. As for who might see playing time first?
“Your best shot is to look at the seven guys who came in in January,” Shannon said. “They always play for some reason.”
“I think most of the players you see across the country, they’re starting to see what Miami is about,” Shannon said. “Instead of this coach or that coach they’re going for the program. That’s the one thing I see from the young men that’s part of this university. They see the program. They see where we’ve been and where we’re going. They see the improvement every year, the family-type atmosphere with the players. Coming on a visit is not just lip service. They see the opportunity and that every year I’ve been here freshmen in some form or fashion play.”
What they don’t have? A lot of ESPNU 150 players. The Canes added three -- the fewest they've seen under Shannon -- and missed out on several top uncommitted players who went elsewhere on signing day. But that doesn’t mean this class isn’t loaded with future talent and speed, and most importantly, the Canes met several position needs.
“Our needs are getting our numbers right,” Shannon said. “On the offensive line, we had a depth situation that was going to be tough, and now we have a couple of guys on the team who in the long term can help us establish where we need to be instead of a quick fix. The more depth you have on your football team, the better your football team will be.
“It’s not like in my second year, where you have to go out and get eight receivers,” Shannon said. “Now we’re almost at the point where we can say we need two at this position, two at that position instead of trying to recruit 25 and 30 guys. Now it’s about 15 and you know your program is going in the right direction.”
That approach has made it easier not only to recruit, but to make it through an entire season. The staff went aggressively after tight ends and linebackers. It also added depth to the running back position where Javarris James graduated, Graig Cooper is coming off a knee injury and Damien Berry will be a senior. Four-star running backs Storm Johnson and Eduardo Clements should help there. As for who might see playing time first?
“Your best shot is to look at the seven guys who came in in January,” Shannon said. “They always play for some reason.”
When coach Mike London arrived in Charlottesville in early December, there were 13 players who were already committed to play for former coach Al Groh. It was up to hold-over assistants Bob Price and Anthony Poindexter to keep the group intact, and they managed to do that, losing just one player. Price and Poindexter visited each of the previously committed recruits, every week.
London came in and added five more.
The timing of the coaching change made it impossible for the new staff to put its stamp on this recruiting class, but by keeping it together, they filled a major need at quarterback and officially began the rebuilding process with a respectable group.
“The message was you choose universities for reasons,” London told reporters at his news conference on Wednesday. “The reasons for these young men were the academic opportunities, the atmosphere here at the school, great college campus. You walk around on [the] grounds and you see it's historic. The facilities are very eye pleasing. Then you add that to the staff, the guys that I hired, 'cause they had a chance to go out and visit with them, go into the homes. I had a chance to talk to them on the telephone, visit with them out at their schools. It kind of reiterated and bolstered all those decisions why they chose it in the first place.
“It's very true that players choose personalities -- they choose coaches,” he said. “But I think in this situation, I'm grateful they chose the university. We just had to add up to it. They liked the fact it had a new staff here, new energy, new focus on things. I think it made it very appealing to them to stay with their commitment.”
The top prospect in this class was four-star offensive tackle Morgan Moses, who had to spend a year in prep school to qualify academically. He was still being recruited until the last hour, so it was a relief to London when the fax finally came through.
Where the staff filled its biggest need, though, was at quarterback, where four have been added to the roster. Michael Strauss came mid-semester, a move that was agreed upon by the previous staff. The other three -- Jake McGee, Mike Rocco and Miles Gooch -- are players London knows well.
“I think looking at the quarterback position where we stand now with a fifth-year senior, coming on his last year, two others that have yet to take a snap, if you're going to be a quarterback at this program, now is the time to be one.
“We'll look at these players as they transition into college,” London said. “Strauss will practice in spring practice. We'll have the other three there. Then the other three young men will come in and bide for time.”
London came in and added five more.
The timing of the coaching change made it impossible for the new staff to put its stamp on this recruiting class, but by keeping it together, they filled a major need at quarterback and officially began the rebuilding process with a respectable group.
“The message was you choose universities for reasons,” London told reporters at his news conference on Wednesday. “The reasons for these young men were the academic opportunities, the atmosphere here at the school, great college campus. You walk around on [the] grounds and you see it's historic. The facilities are very eye pleasing. Then you add that to the staff, the guys that I hired, 'cause they had a chance to go out and visit with them, go into the homes. I had a chance to talk to them on the telephone, visit with them out at their schools. It kind of reiterated and bolstered all those decisions why they chose it in the first place.
“It's very true that players choose personalities -- they choose coaches,” he said. “But I think in this situation, I'm grateful they chose the university. We just had to add up to it. They liked the fact it had a new staff here, new energy, new focus on things. I think it made it very appealing to them to stay with their commitment.”
The top prospect in this class was four-star offensive tackle Morgan Moses, who had to spend a year in prep school to qualify academically. He was still being recruited until the last hour, so it was a relief to London when the fax finally came through.
Where the staff filled its biggest need, though, was at quarterback, where four have been added to the roster. Michael Strauss came mid-semester, a move that was agreed upon by the previous staff. The other three -- Jake McGee, Mike Rocco and Miles Gooch -- are players London knows well.
“I think looking at the quarterback position where we stand now with a fifth-year senior, coming on his last year, two others that have yet to take a snap, if you're going to be a quarterback at this program, now is the time to be one.
“We'll look at these players as they transition into college,” London said. “Strauss will practice in spring practice. We'll have the other three there. Then the other three young men will come in and bide for time.”
The recruiting trail was a different experience for Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, who was much more involved in the entire process this year, having completed his first full season as head coach. One thing that didn’t change was that Swinney helped bring in one of the ACC’s top three classes. It's the fifth straight year that Clemson has finished in the Scouts Inc. top 20.
There isn’t a C.J. Spiller or Da’Quan Bowers highlighting the group, but there are two players from the ESPNU 150 who will add some speed and athleticism to the roster. Four-star wide receiver Martavis Bryant and four-star athlete Garry Peters both have the ability to contribute immediately. Swinney said this class began on Feb. 23, 2008, when Bryant of Anderson, S.C., was the first commitment. Bryant was the first in the class to sign and fax his letter of intent on Wednesday (7:15 a.m.). Swinney said Bryant will wear No. 1 next season.
Bryant and Peters are two of six four-star newcomers in the class of 23. Clemson signed six defensive backs, four offensive linemen, three wide receivers, two defensive tackles, two defensive ends, two tight ends, two running backs and two linebackers.
“It’s an outstanding group of guys,” Swinney said. “We hit every need. ... We really feel like we hit every critical need we had. We’ve come a long way in a year. ... I’m excited about that, and what we’ve been able to do as a staff. We’ve overhauled our recruiting process here and after one year, I’m real pleased with the results.”
Clemson signed seven players from the state of Georgia, the most the program has recruited from that state since 2002. One player who could see the field early is linebacker Justin Parker.
“He’s probably a guy who physically and mentally has a chance to help us early, but it’s a really hard thing to predict,” Swinney said. “We signed three really good wideouts, and I’d be shocked if somebody there isn’t making a contribution, same thing with tight end. We signed four offensive lineman, obviously one guy may step it up there. Our defensive end prospects will have an opportunity to compete, and probably somebody in the secondary. But just singling somebody out would be hard to do.”
There isn’t a C.J. Spiller or Da’Quan Bowers highlighting the group, but there are two players from the ESPNU 150 who will add some speed and athleticism to the roster. Four-star wide receiver Martavis Bryant and four-star athlete Garry Peters both have the ability to contribute immediately. Swinney said this class began on Feb. 23, 2008, when Bryant of Anderson, S.C., was the first commitment. Bryant was the first in the class to sign and fax his letter of intent on Wednesday (7:15 a.m.). Swinney said Bryant will wear No. 1 next season.
Bryant and Peters are two of six four-star newcomers in the class of 23. Clemson signed six defensive backs, four offensive linemen, three wide receivers, two defensive tackles, two defensive ends, two tight ends, two running backs and two linebackers.
“It’s an outstanding group of guys,” Swinney said. “We hit every need. ... We really feel like we hit every critical need we had. We’ve come a long way in a year. ... I’m excited about that, and what we’ve been able to do as a staff. We’ve overhauled our recruiting process here and after one year, I’m real pleased with the results.”
Clemson signed seven players from the state of Georgia, the most the program has recruited from that state since 2002. One player who could see the field early is linebacker Justin Parker.
“He’s probably a guy who physically and mentally has a chance to help us early, but it’s a really hard thing to predict,” Swinney said. “We signed three really good wideouts, and I’d be shocked if somebody there isn’t making a contribution, same thing with tight end. We signed four offensive lineman, obviously one guy may step it up there. Our defensive end prospects will have an opportunity to compete, and probably somebody in the secondary. But just singling somebody out would be hard to do.”
Boston College has developed a reputation for producing standout offensive linemen, and recruiting coordinator Mike Siravo said he thinks this year’s class has the potential to continue the trend. While there weren’t any players from the ESPNU 150 in coach Frank Spaziani’s first full recruiting class, there is still plenty of talent that can help the Eagles continue to contend for the Atlantic Division.
“We feel like that’s one of the spots we focused on and we evaluated and brought in some good kids,” Siravo said of the offensive line.
The staff brought in four offensive linemen, including Seth Betancourt, a three-star offensive tackle from Saint Joseph’s Prep in Pennsylvania, but it also filled a need at quarterback, wide receiver and running back. Usually there’s a gem hidden amongst the BC recruits -- just look at linebacker Luke Kuechly -- but Siravo wasn’t sure yet who it is in this class.
“We were talking about it today,” Siravo said on Wednesday. “None of us want to say who it is. We’re so excited about [two-star running back] Andre Williams. He’s got a great frame on him. People raved about him in Pennsylvania. ... It could be a guy like him, it could be an offensive lineman. I really have no clue. I try to predict them and I’m always wrong.”
BC continued its philosophy of recruiting unheralded but solid football players who want to be in Chestnut Hill, leaving the staff with little doubt about how signing day would unfold.
“Most of our kids signed in by 9 o’clock [Wednesday] morning,” Siravo said. “I don’t want to say it’s uneventful, but there’s not a lot of drama on signing day for us because of the kind of kids we’re involved with. It’s just a sign of stability. ... They just were solid all the way though. They never wavered, and that’s what we win with.”
Siravo said the positions where a freshman is most likely to contribute immediately include running back and wide receiver. The wideouts you might see early are Shakim Phillips, Bobby Swigert, and Alex Amidon. Quarterback Chase Rettig is “very accurate and very polished” and could challenge Dave Shinskie this spring.
“We feel like that’s one of the spots we focused on and we evaluated and brought in some good kids,” Siravo said of the offensive line.
The staff brought in four offensive linemen, including Seth Betancourt, a three-star offensive tackle from Saint Joseph’s Prep in Pennsylvania, but it also filled a need at quarterback, wide receiver and running back. Usually there’s a gem hidden amongst the BC recruits -- just look at linebacker Luke Kuechly -- but Siravo wasn’t sure yet who it is in this class.
“We were talking about it today,” Siravo said on Wednesday. “None of us want to say who it is. We’re so excited about [two-star running back] Andre Williams. He’s got a great frame on him. People raved about him in Pennsylvania. ... It could be a guy like him, it could be an offensive lineman. I really have no clue. I try to predict them and I’m always wrong.”
BC continued its philosophy of recruiting unheralded but solid football players who want to be in Chestnut Hill, leaving the staff with little doubt about how signing day would unfold.
“Most of our kids signed in by 9 o’clock [Wednesday] morning,” Siravo said. “I don’t want to say it’s uneventful, but there’s not a lot of drama on signing day for us because of the kind of kids we’re involved with. It’s just a sign of stability. ... They just were solid all the way though. They never wavered, and that’s what we win with.”
Siravo said the positions where a freshman is most likely to contribute immediately include running back and wide receiver. The wideouts you might see early are Shakim Phillips, Bobby Swigert, and Alex Amidon. Quarterback Chase Rettig is “very accurate and very polished” and could challenge Dave Shinskie this spring.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Heather Dinich
Dinich covered ACC and Big Ten football for five seasons before joining ESPN.com in November 2007. She's an Indiana grad but somehow her favorite day of the week is Saturday.
