College Football Nation: 2011 signing day wrap
ALABAMA
The class
Recruits: 23 (Alabama announced 14 signees on Wednesday, all high school players. Nine players were already enrolled in school, including three junior college transfers.)
Top prospects: Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix is ranked by ESPN as the No. 2 safety nationally. Trey DePriest is ranked as the No. 2 outside linebacker. Xzavier Dickson is ranked as the No. 4 defensive end, Bradley Sylve as the No. 5 receiver and Demetrius Hart as the No. 8 running back.
Needs met: The Crimson Tide were looking to improve their pass rush and get more athletic along the defensive front and believe they've done that with Jeoffrey Pagan, LaMichael Fanning and Dickson. DePriest also factors into that equation potentially as a rush linebacker. With Julio Jones leaving early for the NFL, Alabama picked up three ESPNU 150 receivers in Marvin Shinn, Danny Woodson and Sylve. Junior college signee Aaron Douglas could end up being the Tide's left offensive tackle next season, and Clinton-Dix looks like the ideal safety in Saban's system.
Analysis: It's already a stellar class full of promising pass-rushers and coveted playmakers on the perimeter. But Alabama is still in it for top offensive tackle prospect Cyrus Kouandjio, who announced he was going to Auburn, but started having second thoughts and has yet to sign. The top overall prospect in the country, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, also has Alabama in his final three and will announce on Feb. 14. Regardless of what happens with those two, this is still the fourth straight top 3 class nationally that Saban has assembled.
ESPN recruiting grade: A
The class
Recruits: 23 (Alabama announced 14 signees on Wednesday, all high school players. Nine players were already enrolled in school, including three junior college transfers.)
Top prospects: Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix is ranked by ESPN as the No. 2 safety nationally. Trey DePriest is ranked as the No. 2 outside linebacker. Xzavier Dickson is ranked as the No. 4 defensive end, Bradley Sylve as the No. 5 receiver and Demetrius Hart as the No. 8 running back.
Needs met: The Crimson Tide were looking to improve their pass rush and get more athletic along the defensive front and believe they've done that with Jeoffrey Pagan, LaMichael Fanning and Dickson. DePriest also factors into that equation potentially as a rush linebacker. With Julio Jones leaving early for the NFL, Alabama picked up three ESPNU 150 receivers in Marvin Shinn, Danny Woodson and Sylve. Junior college signee Aaron Douglas could end up being the Tide's left offensive tackle next season, and Clinton-Dix looks like the ideal safety in Saban's system.
Analysis: It's already a stellar class full of promising pass-rushers and coveted playmakers on the perimeter. But Alabama is still in it for top offensive tackle prospect Cyrus Kouandjio, who announced he was going to Auburn, but started having second thoughts and has yet to sign. The top overall prospect in the country, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, also has Alabama in his final three and will announce on Feb. 14. Regardless of what happens with those two, this is still the fourth straight top 3 class nationally that Saban has assembled.
ESPN recruiting grade: A
CINCINNATI BEARCATS
The class
2011 signees: 24
Top prospects: Jameel Poteat is a running back with speed and strength whom the Bearcats pried away from Pittsburgh. Daniel Murray is ranked as one of the nation's top centers, and Cincinnati went all the way to California to get him. Nicholas Temple is a highly productive defensive back with good instincts.
Needs met: After a 4-8 season, second-year coach Butch Jones needed to add depth and talent and appears to have done so. He brought in junior college players at safety and wide receiver for some immediate help. Poteat could step in for Isaiah Pead, who will be a senior this year. Jones also brought in some much-needed toughness in the trenches.
Analysis: Several experts rate this as Cincinnati's best recruiting class ever, which is impressive considering Jones didn't have a lot of on-field success to sell. The Bearcats didn't just stick to their comfort zone in Ohio, either; they reached into Georgia, Florida, California and elsewhere and managed to lure some good prospects. This recruiting effort could help Jones get the program back on its feet quickly.
What Jones said: "The exciting aspect regarding this class is that many competed for championships throughout their high school careers and understand the expectations that surround the Cincinnati football program."
ESPN recruiting grade: C
The class
2011 signees: 24
Top prospects: Jameel Poteat is a running back with speed and strength whom the Bearcats pried away from Pittsburgh. Daniel Murray is ranked as one of the nation's top centers, and Cincinnati went all the way to California to get him. Nicholas Temple is a highly productive defensive back with good instincts.
Needs met: After a 4-8 season, second-year coach Butch Jones needed to add depth and talent and appears to have done so. He brought in junior college players at safety and wide receiver for some immediate help. Poteat could step in for Isaiah Pead, who will be a senior this year. Jones also brought in some much-needed toughness in the trenches.
Analysis: Several experts rate this as Cincinnati's best recruiting class ever, which is impressive considering Jones didn't have a lot of on-field success to sell. The Bearcats didn't just stick to their comfort zone in Ohio, either; they reached into Georgia, Florida, California and elsewhere and managed to lure some good prospects. This recruiting effort could help Jones get the program back on its feet quickly.
What Jones said: "The exciting aspect regarding this class is that many competed for championships throughout their high school careers and understand the expectations that surround the Cincinnati football program."
ESPN recruiting grade: C
ARKANSAS
The class
Recruits: 30 (24 high school players, four junior college transfers and two prep school players). Five players have already enrolled in school.
Top prospects: Mitch Smothers is ranked by ESPN as the No. 3 offensive guard in the country and Brey Cook as the No. 5 offensive guard. Demetrius Dean is ranked as the No. 9 tight end, Lonnie Gosha as the No. 13 defensive end and Tevin Mitchel as the No. 18 cornerback.
Needs met: Both the wide receiver and tight end positions were a priority for the Hogs, and they landed several. Keante Minor and Quinta Funderburk are both four-star receivers, while Andrew Peterson is another four-star signee who comes to Arkansas as a tight end, but could eventually grow into an offensive tackle. Speaking of the offensive line, the Hogs signed two ESPNU 150 offensive linemen from right up the road in Springdale, Ark., in Smothers and Cook. They also got quarterback Brandon Allen from even closer to home, right there in Fayetteville.
Analysis: Every year, Bobby Petrino has taken another step with the Hogs' recruiting. They're solidly among the top 20 classes nationally this year and added key pieces to a returning roster that was already plenty talented. The Hogs were able to keep their top in-state talent at home in Smothers and Cook, and Allen is an underrated quarterback. Going into Florida and getting a player the caliber of Gosha says a lot about where Arkansas' program is right now. The same goes for getting Peterson and Mitchel out of Texas. One disappointment was losing tight end Chris Barnett to Michigan on signing day.
ESPN recruiting grade: B
The class
Recruits: 30 (24 high school players, four junior college transfers and two prep school players). Five players have already enrolled in school.
Top prospects: Mitch Smothers is ranked by ESPN as the No. 3 offensive guard in the country and Brey Cook as the No. 5 offensive guard. Demetrius Dean is ranked as the No. 9 tight end, Lonnie Gosha as the No. 13 defensive end and Tevin Mitchel as the No. 18 cornerback.
Needs met: Both the wide receiver and tight end positions were a priority for the Hogs, and they landed several. Keante Minor and Quinta Funderburk are both four-star receivers, while Andrew Peterson is another four-star signee who comes to Arkansas as a tight end, but could eventually grow into an offensive tackle. Speaking of the offensive line, the Hogs signed two ESPNU 150 offensive linemen from right up the road in Springdale, Ark., in Smothers and Cook. They also got quarterback Brandon Allen from even closer to home, right there in Fayetteville.
Analysis: Every year, Bobby Petrino has taken another step with the Hogs' recruiting. They're solidly among the top 20 classes nationally this year and added key pieces to a returning roster that was already plenty talented. The Hogs were able to keep their top in-state talent at home in Smothers and Cook, and Allen is an underrated quarterback. Going into Florida and getting a player the caliber of Gosha says a lot about where Arkansas' program is right now. The same goes for getting Peterson and Mitchel out of Texas. One disappointment was losing tight end Chris Barnett to Michigan on signing day.
ESPN recruiting grade: B
ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI
The class
Recruits: 27 (all high school seniors, no players enrolled early)
Top prospects: The wait was worth it for Illinois as ESPNU 150 athlete Jon Davis chose to sign with the Illini on national signing day. He's expected to play tight end in Champaign. Darrius Caldwell provides a jolt to Illinois' defensive front as he was rated as the nation's No. 26 defensive end by ESPN Recruiting. Defensive tackle Clint Tucker is another exciting prospect for the D-line, and Dondi Kirby should help Illinois in the secondary.
Needs met: Illinois loses several key players in the defensive front seven, including tackle Corey Liuget and linebacker Martez Wilson, and addressed both areas with six line recruits and two linebackers. Ron Zook targeted the offensive line as a need in the class and brought in five recruits there, and Illinois is excited running backs Josh Ferguson and Donovonn Young. The Illini needed a quarterback following Chandler Whitmer's departure and landed one in Reilly O'Toole.
Analysis: After a down year in recruiting in 2010, Illinois bounced back nicely with this year's class. The Illini didn't clean up within the state but did well in other regions, landing prospects like Davis (Kentucky), Caldwell (Georgia) and Kirby (Pennsylvania). It's a large class that should help the depth at several positions, namely offensive line, defensive line and the secondary. Illinois likely will need some defensive recruits to play soon, and several of these players look like they'll be able to do so.
ESPN Recruiting grade: B-
The class
Recruits: 27 (all high school seniors, no players enrolled early)
Top prospects: The wait was worth it for Illinois as ESPNU 150 athlete Jon Davis chose to sign with the Illini on national signing day. He's expected to play tight end in Champaign. Darrius Caldwell provides a jolt to Illinois' defensive front as he was rated as the nation's No. 26 defensive end by ESPN Recruiting. Defensive tackle Clint Tucker is another exciting prospect for the D-line, and Dondi Kirby should help Illinois in the secondary.
Needs met: Illinois loses several key players in the defensive front seven, including tackle Corey Liuget and linebacker Martez Wilson, and addressed both areas with six line recruits and two linebackers. Ron Zook targeted the offensive line as a need in the class and brought in five recruits there, and Illinois is excited running backs Josh Ferguson and Donovonn Young. The Illini needed a quarterback following Chandler Whitmer's departure and landed one in Reilly O'Toole.
Analysis: After a down year in recruiting in 2010, Illinois bounced back nicely with this year's class. The Illini didn't clean up within the state but did well in other regions, landing prospects like Davis (Kentucky), Caldwell (Georgia) and Kirby (Pennsylvania). It's a large class that should help the depth at several positions, namely offensive line, defensive line and the secondary. Illinois likely will need some defensive recruits to play soon, and several of these players look like they'll be able to do so.
ESPN Recruiting grade: B-
Boston College recruiting analysis
February, 3, 2011
2/03/11
2:30
PM ET
By
Heather Dinich | ESPN.com
BOSTON COLLEGE EAGLES
The class
Recruits: 23
Top prospects: Four-star cornerback Albert Louis-Jean is ranked No. 9 in the country at his position, and the Eagles signed the No. 5 kicker in the country, Alexander Howell. Linebacker Sean Duggan is ranked No. 31 at his position, and Steven Daniels is the No. 21 inside linebacker.
Needs met: BC got stronger where it needed to most -- up front. The staff brought in 11 linemen, including six on the offensive side.
Analysis: This is a group of leaders, as 15 of the 23 prospects were captains on their respective teams. It’s the second class under coach Frank Spaziani, and the staff got much closer to where it needs to be with depth and numbers in this class, particularly up front.
ESPN recruiting grade: B-
Arizona Wildcats
The 2011 class
Recruits: 17, who will join five players who enrolled at mid-year
Top prospects: Rob Hankins, the No. 10 linebacker in the nation, was a nice get out of Texas. Dominique Petties and Hank Hobson are undersized but speedy prospects at outside lilnebacker. Running back Ka'Deem Carey and wide receiver Patrick Onwuasor could break into the rotation, though the Wildcats are deep at receiver.
Needs met: The class includes four offensive linemen, three linebackers, two receivers, two running backs, two defensive ends, two defensive backs, one defensive tackle and one tight end. The top needs were at defensive end, linebacker, offensive line and running back, so the class filled the needs.
Analysis: The class is strong at linebacker, which shows that coach Mike Stoops doesn't want to again find himself the pickle he did last year when the position lost three starters and there was little depth behind them. Carey and Jared Baker could find their way into the rotation at running back with the loss of Nic Grigsby and injury issues with Keola Antolin. Quarterback Daxx Garman will participate in spring practices after missing his senior season due to eligibility issues. Most of the incoming offensive linemen look like projects, which isn't good when the line needs rebuilding. This is a solid class but it's not high on star-power.
ESPN recruiting grade: C+
The 2011 class
Recruits: 17, who will join five players who enrolled at mid-year
Top prospects: Rob Hankins, the No. 10 linebacker in the nation, was a nice get out of Texas. Dominique Petties and Hank Hobson are undersized but speedy prospects at outside lilnebacker. Running back Ka'Deem Carey and wide receiver Patrick Onwuasor could break into the rotation, though the Wildcats are deep at receiver.
Needs met: The class includes four offensive linemen, three linebackers, two receivers, two running backs, two defensive ends, two defensive backs, one defensive tackle and one tight end. The top needs were at defensive end, linebacker, offensive line and running back, so the class filled the needs.
Analysis: The class is strong at linebacker, which shows that coach Mike Stoops doesn't want to again find himself the pickle he did last year when the position lost three starters and there was little depth behind them. Carey and Jared Baker could find their way into the rotation at running back with the loss of Nic Grigsby and injury issues with Keola Antolin. Quarterback Daxx Garman will participate in spring practices after missing his senior season due to eligibility issues. Most of the incoming offensive linemen look like projects, which isn't good when the line needs rebuilding. This is a solid class but it's not high on star-power.
ESPN recruiting grade: C+
AUBURN
The class
Recruits: 24 (all high school players). Three players are already enrolled in school.
Top prospects: Reese Dismukes is ranked by ESPN as the No. 1 center in the country and Christian Westerman as the No. 2 offensive tackle. Kiehl Frazier is ranked as the No. 2 quarterback. Gabe Wright is ranked as the No. 3 defensive tackle, Erique Florence as the No. 4 safety and Quan Bray as the No. 5 athlete.
Needs met: Four senior starters from that offensive line this past season are gone, which makes Thomas O'Reilly, Gregory Robinson, Westerman and Dismukes such key signees. Now, if only Cyrus Kouandjio follows through and signs with the Tigers. There was a big need on the defensive front, too, which is why getting Wright on signing day was so important. Frazier looks like a perfect fit for Gus Malzahn's offense, and the Tigers also stocked up on safety help with Zac Etheridge and Aairon Savage departing and Mike McNeil entering his senior season.
Analysis: The balance of this class is what jumps out at you. Gene Chizik and his staff signed marquee players at just about every position. The Tigers needed offensive linemen and got four guys ranked among the top 10 nationally at their individual positions. Kouandjio would make this the strongest offensive line class in the country by a wide margin. The Tigers' defensive back class is also right up there, and they picked up a pair of athletes in Kris Frost and Bray that could help them in a number of different areas. Chizik really has it rolling right now. Coming off a national championship, the Tigers can boast their second straight top 5 class nationally.
ESPN recruiting grade: A
The class
Recruits: 24 (all high school players). Three players are already enrolled in school.
Top prospects: Reese Dismukes is ranked by ESPN as the No. 1 center in the country and Christian Westerman as the No. 2 offensive tackle. Kiehl Frazier is ranked as the No. 2 quarterback. Gabe Wright is ranked as the No. 3 defensive tackle, Erique Florence as the No. 4 safety and Quan Bray as the No. 5 athlete.
Needs met: Four senior starters from that offensive line this past season are gone, which makes Thomas O'Reilly, Gregory Robinson, Westerman and Dismukes such key signees. Now, if only Cyrus Kouandjio follows through and signs with the Tigers. There was a big need on the defensive front, too, which is why getting Wright on signing day was so important. Frazier looks like a perfect fit for Gus Malzahn's offense, and the Tigers also stocked up on safety help with Zac Etheridge and Aairon Savage departing and Mike McNeil entering his senior season.
Analysis: The balance of this class is what jumps out at you. Gene Chizik and his staff signed marquee players at just about every position. The Tigers needed offensive linemen and got four guys ranked among the top 10 nationally at their individual positions. Kouandjio would make this the strongest offensive line class in the country by a wide margin. The Tigers' defensive back class is also right up there, and they picked up a pair of athletes in Kris Frost and Bray that could help them in a number of different areas. Chizik really has it rolling right now. Coming off a national championship, the Tigers can boast their second straight top 5 class nationally.
ESPN recruiting grade: A
CLEMSON TIGERS
The class
Recruits: 29
Top prospects: Inside linebacker Tony Steward and outside linebacker Stephone Anthony are both ESPNU 150 players and the top-ranked recruits at their respective positions. Five-star receiver Charone Peake is the No. 2 receiver in the country and No. 14 player overall in the ESPNU 150.
Needs met: The Tigers added three quarterbacks to a roster that previously had one scholarship quarterback in projected starter Tajh Boyd. The early departure of running back Jamie Harper to the NFL left a void at the position, but Mike Bellamy will play immediately. The defensive line also had big holes to fill with loss of Jarvis Jenkins and Da’Quan Bowers, but there are five defensive linemen in this class. The transfer of linebacker Brandon Maye from an already-thin position didn't help, but the addition of the top two linebackers in the country did.
Analysis: This was one of the most impressive classes and recruiting efforts in the country, considering the Tigers were coming off a 6-7 season that ended with back-to-back losses to South Carolina and South Florida. Coach Dabo Swinney and his staff exceeded expectations.
ESPN recruiting grade: B+
CONNECTICUT HUSKIES
The class
2011 signees: 16
Top prospects: Jefferson Ashiro is an outside linebacker with ready-made size who could play on the defensive line someday. Marquise Vann is another solid outside linebacker who knows how to tackle. Xavier Hemingway played offensive tackle in high school, but seems better suited for guard in college.
Needs met: UConn needed to reload at the linebacker position after losing four-year starters Scott Lutrus and Lawrence Wilson, and the Huskies appear to have done that with Ashiro and Vann. They got a potential future quarterback in Michael Nebrich; that position looks wide open for the next couple of years. Connecticut didn't lose a ton of seniors, so this was a small class that was mostly about restocking. The program probably could have used another playmaker or two, especially at receiver.
Analysis: Paul Pasqualoni wasn't hired until mid-January but managed to hang on to most of the recruits that Randy Edsall had assembled before leaving for Maryland. As in most Edsall classes, this one is mostly devoid of superstars, but UConn has shown the ability to develop players. Pasqualoni was hired in large part for his ability to recruit the Northeast; look for the Huskies' recruiting efforts to pick up next year.
What Pasqualoni said: "I'm excited to be here and I am very, very happy with the culmination of the 2011 recruiting class. It is a very balanced class -- we have eight on the defensive side of the ball and eight on the offensive side of the ball. We are going to fill some needs from a depth chart standpoint that we thought needed [to be] addressed."
Scouts Inc. grade: C-minus
The class
2011 signees: 16
Top prospects: Jefferson Ashiro is an outside linebacker with ready-made size who could play on the defensive line someday. Marquise Vann is another solid outside linebacker who knows how to tackle. Xavier Hemingway played offensive tackle in high school, but seems better suited for guard in college.
Needs met: UConn needed to reload at the linebacker position after losing four-year starters Scott Lutrus and Lawrence Wilson, and the Huskies appear to have done that with Ashiro and Vann. They got a potential future quarterback in Michael Nebrich; that position looks wide open for the next couple of years. Connecticut didn't lose a ton of seniors, so this was a small class that was mostly about restocking. The program probably could have used another playmaker or two, especially at receiver.
Analysis: Paul Pasqualoni wasn't hired until mid-January but managed to hang on to most of the recruits that Randy Edsall had assembled before leaving for Maryland. As in most Edsall classes, this one is mostly devoid of superstars, but UConn has shown the ability to develop players. Pasqualoni was hired in large part for his ability to recruit the Northeast; look for the Huskies' recruiting efforts to pick up next year.
What Pasqualoni said: "I'm excited to be here and I am very, very happy with the culmination of the 2011 recruiting class. It is a very balanced class -- we have eight on the defensive side of the ball and eight on the offensive side of the ball. We are going to fill some needs from a depth chart standpoint that we thought needed [to be] addressed."
Scouts Inc. grade: C-minus
INDIANA HOOSIERS
The class
Recruits: 21 (all high school seniors, one player enrolled early)
Top prospects: Indiana is bringing in several exciting offensive skill players, including Shane Wynn, a wide receiver rated as the nation's No. 41 athlete by ESPN Recruiting. The Hoosiers also bolstered their backfield with quarterback Tre Roberson and running back D'Angelo Roberts, rated as the nation's No. 46 running back. Zack Shaw is a promising player at the linebacker spot.
Needs met: The Hoosiers need more competition in the secondary and helped their cause with five defensive backs (three cornerbacks, two safeties) in this class. Although none of the players are highly rated, a guy like safety Mark Murphy could help early in his career. It also was important for new coach Kevin Wilson to keep Roberson on board. Whether or not Roberson ultimately plays quarterback in Wilson's system, he'll be an asset to the IU offense.
Analysis: Wilson came aboard only in December and since then has endured some fluctuation on his coaching staff, but Indiana still kept most of the key committed players on board. Players like Wynn, Roberson and Roberts should help immediately on offense, but Indiana has to build depth on defense and that process likely will take some time. Expect to see more of Wilson's touch on next year's class, but there are some guys coming in now who can help IU.
ESPN Recruiting grade: C-
The class
Recruits: 21 (all high school seniors, one player enrolled early)
Top prospects: Indiana is bringing in several exciting offensive skill players, including Shane Wynn, a wide receiver rated as the nation's No. 41 athlete by ESPN Recruiting. The Hoosiers also bolstered their backfield with quarterback Tre Roberson and running back D'Angelo Roberts, rated as the nation's No. 46 running back. Zack Shaw is a promising player at the linebacker spot.
Needs met: The Hoosiers need more competition in the secondary and helped their cause with five defensive backs (three cornerbacks, two safeties) in this class. Although none of the players are highly rated, a guy like safety Mark Murphy could help early in his career. It also was important for new coach Kevin Wilson to keep Roberson on board. Whether or not Roberson ultimately plays quarterback in Wilson's system, he'll be an asset to the IU offense.
Analysis: Wilson came aboard only in December and since then has endured some fluctuation on his coaching staff, but Indiana still kept most of the key committed players on board. Players like Wynn, Roberson and Roberts should help immediately on offense, but Indiana has to build depth on defense and that process likely will take some time. Expect to see more of Wilson's touch on next year's class, but there are some guys coming in now who can help IU.
ESPN Recruiting grade: C-
BOISE STATE BRONCOS
The class
Recruits: 22
Top prospects: Linebacker Blake Renaud is the big highlight. ESPN Recruiting called him a steal, saying, he “is one of the best downhill fillers in the country and has BCS tools and talent.” Running back Jay Ajayi, defensive tackle Jeff Worthy, quarterback Jimmy Laughrea, and offensive guard Marcus Henry are also standouts for Boise State.
Needs met: The Broncos needed help on the offensive and defensive lines and got that with a total of six players. They also needed big-time help in the secondary with players like Winston Venable, Brandyn Thompson and Jeron Johnson leaving. They got that with six defensive backs.
Analysis: The class could have been even better, but Boise State had three players who gave commitments to sign somewhere else. Jamie Byrd ended up signing with TCU, kicker Matt Goudis signed with Miami, and linebacker KT Tu’umalo signed with Colorado. Still, this is another solid class for the Broncos, who always find a way to develop under-the-radar talent to fit their needs.
The class
Recruits: 22
Top prospects: Linebacker Blake Renaud is the big highlight. ESPN Recruiting called him a steal, saying, he “is one of the best downhill fillers in the country and has BCS tools and talent.” Running back Jay Ajayi, defensive tackle Jeff Worthy, quarterback Jimmy Laughrea, and offensive guard Marcus Henry are also standouts for Boise State.
Needs met: The Broncos needed help on the offensive and defensive lines and got that with a total of six players. They also needed big-time help in the secondary with players like Winston Venable, Brandyn Thompson and Jeron Johnson leaving. They got that with six defensive backs.
Analysis: The class could have been even better, but Boise State had three players who gave commitments to sign somewhere else. Jamie Byrd ended up signing with TCU, kicker Matt Goudis signed with Miami, and linebacker KT Tu’umalo signed with Colorado. Still, this is another solid class for the Broncos, who always find a way to develop under-the-radar talent to fit their needs.
Arizona State Sun Devils
The 2011 class
Recruits: 14, 12 high school players and two from junior colleges
Top prospects: Mo Latu could immediately be in the mix at defensive tackle (or he could end up on the O-line). Gary Chambers is an intriguing prospect at receiver. Michael Eubank and Michael Bercovici, who's already in school, should provide depth at quarterback. Josh Hubner is the favorite to win the punting job.
Needs met: The Sun Devils signed three defensive linemen, three offensive linemen, two quarterbacks, two linebackers, a punter, cornerback, safety and receiver. The had needs at linebacker, punt and QB, so those needs were hit, despite a small signing class due to a small class of graduating seniors.
Analysis: While hopes are high for the Sun Devils in 2011 -- they are the frontrunners in the Pac-12 South -- this class is underwhelming. Arizona mostly beat the Sun Devils in-state, and Utah lured away WR/DB Quinton Pedroza, who had been committed. Running back Ka'Deem Carey chose Arizona, while DL Todd Peat took a last-minute turn to Nebraska. The Sun Devils recent on-field struggles and questions about coach Dennis Erickson's future with the program probably hurt.
ESPN recruiting grade: C
The 2011 class
Recruits: 14, 12 high school players and two from junior colleges
Top prospects: Mo Latu could immediately be in the mix at defensive tackle (or he could end up on the O-line). Gary Chambers is an intriguing prospect at receiver. Michael Eubank and Michael Bercovici, who's already in school, should provide depth at quarterback. Josh Hubner is the favorite to win the punting job.
Needs met: The Sun Devils signed three defensive linemen, three offensive linemen, two quarterbacks, two linebackers, a punter, cornerback, safety and receiver. The had needs at linebacker, punt and QB, so those needs were hit, despite a small signing class due to a small class of graduating seniors.
Analysis: While hopes are high for the Sun Devils in 2011 -- they are the frontrunners in the Pac-12 South -- this class is underwhelming. Arizona mostly beat the Sun Devils in-state, and Utah lured away WR/DB Quinton Pedroza, who had been committed. Running back Ka'Deem Carey chose Arizona, while DL Todd Peat took a last-minute turn to Nebraska. The Sun Devils recent on-field struggles and questions about coach Dennis Erickson's future with the program probably hurt.
ESPN recruiting grade: C
FLORIDA
The class
Recruits: 18 (all high school players). Seven players have already enrolled in school.
Top prospects: Jeff Driskel is ranked by ESPN as the No. 1 quarterback in the country. Ja'Juan Story is ranked as the No. 6 receiver. Mike Blakely is ranked as the No. 7 running back, A.C. Leonard as the No. 7 athlete and Jabari Gorman as the No. 8 safety.
Needs met: Blakely was a key get, but he had surgery and won't be available in the spring. The Gators will be looking for more consistency from their running backs, especially going to a pro-style offense and with Jeff Demps coming off such an injury plagued season. Holding onto Story was also critical. The Gators need more down-the-field threats at receiver, and he has the size and speed to play early. With so much uncertainty at quarterback, Driskel was a must-get for the Gators, and it only helps that he's already in school.
Analysis: It's not a big class in terms of numbers, and the Gators landed very few players, period, after Urban Meyer stepped down and Will Muschamp replaced him. The transition clearly hurt Florida with a few key prospects this year. Defensive tackle Tim Jernigan certainly comes to mind. Still, there are a lot of quality players in this class, starting with Driskel. He committed to the Gators when Meyer was still the coach, and Muschamp was able to convince him to stick with that commitment. The fact that the Gators didn't win many battles down the stretch was disappointing, but the real test for Muschamp on the recruiting trail comes next year.
ESPN recruiting grade: B+
The class
Recruits: 18 (all high school players). Seven players have already enrolled in school.
Top prospects: Jeff Driskel is ranked by ESPN as the No. 1 quarterback in the country. Ja'Juan Story is ranked as the No. 6 receiver. Mike Blakely is ranked as the No. 7 running back, A.C. Leonard as the No. 7 athlete and Jabari Gorman as the No. 8 safety.
Needs met: Blakely was a key get, but he had surgery and won't be available in the spring. The Gators will be looking for more consistency from their running backs, especially going to a pro-style offense and with Jeff Demps coming off such an injury plagued season. Holding onto Story was also critical. The Gators need more down-the-field threats at receiver, and he has the size and speed to play early. With so much uncertainty at quarterback, Driskel was a must-get for the Gators, and it only helps that he's already in school.
Analysis: It's not a big class in terms of numbers, and the Gators landed very few players, period, after Urban Meyer stepped down and Will Muschamp replaced him. The transition clearly hurt Florida with a few key prospects this year. Defensive tackle Tim Jernigan certainly comes to mind. Still, there are a lot of quality players in this class, starting with Driskel. He committed to the Gators when Meyer was still the coach, and Muschamp was able to convince him to stick with that commitment. The fact that the Gators didn't win many battles down the stretch was disappointing, but the real test for Muschamp on the recruiting trail comes next year.
ESPN recruiting grade: B+
COLORADO BUFFALOES
The 2011 class
Recruits: 19, including 18 high school and one JC player.
Top prospects: DL Stephan Nembot was a nice poach from Washington, and OL Marc Mustoe was lured away from UCLA. Sherrard Harrington could be in the mix immediately at cornerback.
Needs met: The class included four defensive backs, three linebackers, three offensive linemen, two running backs, two quarterbacks, two defensive ends, a receiver, a kicker and an athlete. The Buffaloes needed to upgrade team speed, with an emphasis in the secondary and at receiver. Four new DBs help but the results at receiver weren't as good.
Analysis: New coach Jon Embree got a late start but closed fairly well, snagging Nembot and OG Paulay Asiata away from the Huskies. Toss in Juda Parker and LB K.T. Tuumalo, and Colorado ended up with perhaps the top three prospects from Hawaii, a good state in which to establish recruiting ties. It hurt losing QB Brock Bergland, the top prospect in the state to Kansas. Embree figures to do better next go-around when he gets a full year to plan and recruit. And he'll have to in order to quickly become competitive in the Pac-12.
ESPN recruiting grade: D
The 2011 class
Recruits: 19, including 18 high school and one JC player.
Top prospects: DL Stephan Nembot was a nice poach from Washington, and OL Marc Mustoe was lured away from UCLA. Sherrard Harrington could be in the mix immediately at cornerback.
Needs met: The class included four defensive backs, three linebackers, three offensive linemen, two running backs, two quarterbacks, two defensive ends, a receiver, a kicker and an athlete. The Buffaloes needed to upgrade team speed, with an emphasis in the secondary and at receiver. Four new DBs help but the results at receiver weren't as good.
Analysis: New coach Jon Embree got a late start but closed fairly well, snagging Nembot and OG Paulay Asiata away from the Huskies. Toss in Juda Parker and LB K.T. Tuumalo, and Colorado ended up with perhaps the top three prospects from Hawaii, a good state in which to establish recruiting ties. It hurt losing QB Brock Bergland, the top prospect in the state to Kansas. Embree figures to do better next go-around when he gets a full year to plan and recruit. And he'll have to in order to quickly become competitive in the Pac-12.
ESPN recruiting grade: D
BYU COUGARS
The class
Recruits: 19
Top prospects: Tight end Colby Jorgensen, at 6-foot-7 and 215 pounds, highlights the group and definitely helps fill an area of need, as do defensive end Baker Pritchard and offensive tackle Ryker Mathews. They are all three-star athletes. Also note: BYU will get 14 missionaries back in 2011 as well.
Needs met: BYU needed help bulking up its offensive and defensive lines, and certainly accomplished that. In addition to Mathews, the Cougars got offensive tackle Ului Lapuaho and offensive guard Stehly Reden, all three-star prospects. The Cougars also needed linebacker help and bulked up there with four players coming in at the position.
Analysis: This is yet another solid class for Bronco Mendenhall, who focused on getting the top in-state prospects to help bolster some of the skill players he already has on his roster. Twelve of the players are on the defensive side of the ball. The Cougars are going into their first year of independence with another good foundation. We’ll know more about what role being an independent plays on BYU in recruiting in the coming seasons.
The class
Recruits: 19
Top prospects: Tight end Colby Jorgensen, at 6-foot-7 and 215 pounds, highlights the group and definitely helps fill an area of need, as do defensive end Baker Pritchard and offensive tackle Ryker Mathews. They are all three-star athletes. Also note: BYU will get 14 missionaries back in 2011 as well.
Needs met: BYU needed help bulking up its offensive and defensive lines, and certainly accomplished that. In addition to Mathews, the Cougars got offensive tackle Ului Lapuaho and offensive guard Stehly Reden, all three-star prospects. The Cougars also needed linebacker help and bulked up there with four players coming in at the position.
Analysis: This is yet another solid class for Bronco Mendenhall, who focused on getting the top in-state prospects to help bolster some of the skill players he already has on his roster. Twelve of the players are on the defensive side of the ball. The Cougars are going into their first year of independence with another good foundation. We’ll know more about what role being an independent plays on BYU in recruiting in the coming seasons.
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