Recruiting wake up call!

[wardamnpjm 0]

In the world of "Big time crootin" we often get caught up in the hype as much as the players themselves! All to often we criticize the coaches or question their ability to recruit when things are not going the way we as fans want them to go. Have you ever wondered what happened to the top recruits in the country after their college careers were over? How did they pan out in college? Did they live up to the 5* hype? Did they get drafted? etc...etc... Well here is a list of the top 40 players in the country in 2005 and a where are they now. Draw your own conclusions. Are the recruiting services legit or are they just armchair quarterbacks looking for a hobby?

1. Derrick Williams • WR • Greenbelt, MD • Penn State

Originally committed to Florida but switched his allegiances to Penn State after Ron Zook was fired as the Gators’ head coach. Enjoyed a productive career with the Nittany Lions — he ranks third all-time in receptions (161) and 10th in receiving yards (1,743) at the school — but only received All-Big Ten honors once (as a senior). Only caught 44 passes for 485 yards that season, but he became more involved in the running game, with 43 rushes for 243 yards and three touchdowns. Selected by the Lions in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft.

2. Martellus Bennett • TE • Alief, TX • Texas A&M

Also a highly regarded basketball player, Bennett declared for the NBA Draft out of high school but withdrew his name after it became clear that he would not be drafted. He did play for the Texas A&M basketball team for two seasons but elected to focus on football after his sophomore season. Playing in a run-oriented offense, Bennett still ended his three-year career with 105 receptions (most ever by an A&M tight end) for 1,246 yards and 10 touchdowns. He earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors twice (2005, ’07) and second-team honors once (’06). Left school with one season of eligibility remaining and was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

3. Fred Rouse • WR • Tallahassee, FL • Florida State

Played in eight games with six receptions for 114 yards as a true freshman in 2005. His time in Tallahassee, however, was short. Rouse and former teammate A.J. Nicholson were charged with breaking into the apartment of former teammate Lorenzo Booker and stealing electronic equipment. Rouse transferred to UTEP to play for Mike Price. After sitting out the 2006 season, he caught 25 passes for 379 yards as a sophomore for the Miners in 2007. That marriage also lasted only one year. His next stop was Texas Southern, but he played in only two games for the FCS school in ’08. He was rumored to be heading to Florida A&M in his hometown of Tallahassee, but he instead enrolled at Concordia College in Selma, Ala., where he played as a senior in 2009. In between his stops, Rouse spent 90 days in a Tallahassee jail in the spring of 2009 for the crime he committed while at Florida State.

4. Patrick Turner • WR • Nashville, TN • USC

Expected to follow in the footsteps of Mike Williams and Dwayne Jarrett as the next big USC receiver to achieve greatness, Turner had a solid, but hardly spectacular, career with the Trojans. After catching a total of 41 passes in his first two seasons, he caught 48 for 569 yards as a junior and 49 for 741 and 10 scores as a senior. Earned second-team All-Pac-10 honors in 2008. Selected by the Dolphins in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft.

5. DeMarcus Granger • DT • Dallas, TX • Oklahoma

Only started 11 games in his five years in Norman, and all of those starts came in the 2007 season, when he earned second-team All-Big 12 honors. Played in 11 games in ’08 as a fourth-year junior but missed the BCS National Championship Game after undergoing back surgery. Ongoing problems with his back and a nerve in one of his legs prevented him from playing in the Sooners’ first 12 games in 2009. He managed to get on the field for the Sun Bowl, where he recorded three tackles in OU’s 31–27 win over Stanford.

6. Melvin Alaeze • DE • Randallstown, MD • Maryland

One of the top recruits ever to sign with Maryland, Alaeze never played a down for the Terps. He was a non-qualifier out of high school but re-signed with Maryland after a year at Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy. His scholarship at Maryland, however, was revoked in June 2006 after he was arrested on possession of marijuana. He enrolled at Illinois to play for Ron Zook but left school for “personal reasons” in October after seeing action in only two games. Then, in December 2006, Alaeze was involved in a robbery and shooting at an abandoned apartment in Randallstown, Md. He pled guilty and was sentenced to eight years in prison.

7. Mark Sanchez • QB • Mission Viejo, CA • USC

After redshirting in 2005, Sanchez served as John David Booty’s backup for most of the following two seasons. He started three games as a third-year sophomore in ’07 while Booty was sidelined with a broken finger. Took over the starting role as junior in 2008 and threw for 3,207 yards with 34 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for the 12–1 Trojans. Earned first-team All-Pac-10 honors in his only season as a starter. Against the wishes of his coach, Pete Carroll, Sanchez declared for the NFL Draft, where he was picked by the Jets with the fifth pick in the first round.

8. Jason Gwaltney • RB • North Babylon, NY • West Virginia

The most coveted running back recruit of the 2005 class lasted one season in Morgantown. He played his way into the rotation as a true freshman but was sidelined by a sprained knee in a midseason game vs. Rutgers. Following the injury, he failed to show up for rehabilitation sessions with the training staff and stopped attending classes. After leaving WVU, he planned on playing at Nassau (N.Y.) Community College, but he quit school before playing a down. After a failed attempt to return to WVU for the 2007 season — he enrolled in school in January as a walk-on — he resurfaced at Division II C.W. Post in 2008. In his one season as a Pioneer, Gwaltney rushed for 709 yards in six games. His next stop was D-III Kean University in New Jersey, where he rushed for 37 yards in one game during the 2009 season.

9. Marlon Lucky • RB • North Hollywood, CA • Nebraska

Emerged as a versatile weapon for the Cornhuskers as a sophomore, rushing for 728 yards and catching 32 passes for 383 yards en route to second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2006. Followed up with an even more productive junior season, with 1,019 yards rushing and 705 yards receiving while setting a school record with 75 receptions. Named second-team All-Big 12 once again. His senior season was slowed by a knee injury, and he was limited to 517 yards on the ground and 288 yards receiving. Signed a free agent contract with Cincinnati after he was not selected in the 2009 draft but was released in August. Played for the New York Sentinels of the UFL in 2009.

10. Kenny Phillips • DB • Miami, FL • Miami

Moved right into the starting lineup as a true freshman and went on to start 33 games with the Hurricanes. Was named first-team All-ACC and second-team All-America (by at least one outlet) following his sophomore and junior seasons. Left school with one season of eligibility remaining and was selected in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the N.Y. Giants.

11. Rey Maualuga • LB • Eureka, CA • USC

After serving as a key reserve as a true freshman in 2005, Maualuga won the starting assignment at middle linebacker as a sophomore. Went on to start for his final three seasons, earning first-team All-Pac-10 honors three times and consensus All-America honors once, as a senior in 2008. Was also the winner of the Chuck Bednarik Award as a senior. Slid down in the ’08 draft and was not selected until the second round, by the Bengals.

12. Jonathan Stewart • RB • Lacey, WA • Oregon

Big back didn’t disappoint in his three seasons in Eugene. He was a reserve as a true freshman, rushing for 188 yards on 53 carries backing up Terrence Whitehead. As a sophomore, he rushed for 981 yards on 183 carries while sharing the position with Jeremiah Johnson. In his final season as a Duck, Stewart emerged as one of the elite ball-carriers in the nation, earning first-team All-Pac-10 honors while rushing for 1,722 yards (No. 5 in the nation) and 11 touchdowns on a healthy 6.2-yard average. Left school with one season of eligibility remaining and was selected No. 13 overall by Carolina.

13. Eugene Monroe • OL • South Plainfield, NJ • Virginia

Monroe lived up to the hype that accompanied him from New Jersey, starting six games as a sophomore, 11 as a junior and 12 as a senior — all at left tackle. He was an honorable mention All-ACC pick as a junior and was named the ACC’s Most Outstanding Blocker as a senior in 2008. Picked by the Jaguars with the No. 8 pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.

14. Callahan Bright • DT • Ardmore, PA • Florida State

Signed with Florida State but did not enroll in school after failing to meet eligibility standards. Spent a year at Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy and was listed as the No. 1 prep school prospect in the nation by Rivals.com after the 2005 season. Did not sign with an FBS school out of Hargrave, however, and ended up back home in the Philadelphia area after running into some legal trouble. Spent some time as a garbage collector before enrolling at Division II Shaw University in Raleigh, N.C., where he was named to the All-CIAA Rookie Team in 2009.

15. Reggie Youngblood • OL • Houston, TX • Miami

Battled injuries throughout his four years as a Hurricane, limiting him to only 19 starts, seven as a sophomore, nine as a junior and three as a senior. Did not receive all-conference mention during his time in college and was not selected in the 2008 NFL Draft.

16. Ryan Perrilloux • QB • Reserve, LA • LSU

Originally committed to Texas but snubbed the 2005 national champs just prior to Signing Day and signed with LSU. After claiming that he intended to win the Heisman Trophy as a freshman, Perrilloux sat out the 2005 season as a redshirt. The following season, he was the Tigers’ third-string quarterback and played sparingly in only five games. With JaMarcus Russell gone to the NFL, Perrilloux was in position to contend for the starting quarterback duties in 2007, but he was suspended in May after running into some legal trouble. He was reinstated before preseason practice, but senior Matt Flynn had seized control of the position. Perrilloux started two games for the injured Flynn in 2007, most notably the SEC title game victory over Tennessee, but he was dismissed from the team in May 2008. Perrilloux transferred to Jacksonville State, an FCS school in Alabama coached by former Arkansas head coach Jack Crowe. He started 21 games in two seasons at JSU, leading the Gamecocks to a 16–5 record in those starts (8–3 in 2008, 8–2 in ’09). He was named the Ohio Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2009 after passing for 2,350 yards with 23 touchdowns and only two interceptions. Was not selected in the 2010 NFL Draft.

17. Kevin Grady • RB • Alda, MI • Michigan

The all-time rushing leader in Michigan prep history (8,431 yards) became the first player in Wolverine history to enroll in January of what was his senior season of high school. In four seasons in Ann Arbor (spanning five years), he rushed for only 783 yards on 200 attempts. His best season was 2005, when he ran for 483 yards and five touchdowns as Mike Hart’s backup. His career was interrupted in 2007 when he tore his ACL in spring practice. He returned to action in 2008 as a fullback, but he had only 24 carries for 113 yards combined in 2008 and ’09.

18. Jerrell Powe • DT • Waynesboro, MS • Ole Miss

Initially signed with Ole Miss in February 2005 but did not play his first game for the Rebels until September 2008. He played the ’05 season at Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy, sat out the ’06 season attempting to gain eligibility, then attended Ole Miss in ’07 but was not eligible to play. Powe saw extensive action as a reserve on a very deep Ole Miss defensive line in ’08 before moving into the starting lineup as a junior in ’09. Earned second-team All-SEC honors from the AP last fall after recording 34 tackles, including 12 for a loss. Will be a senior in 2010.

19. DeSean Jackson • WR • Long Beach, CA • California

Spurned USC to sign with California and enjoyed three productive seasons as a receiver and return specialist. His best season was 2006, when he earned first-team All-Pac-10 honors as a receiver (59 catches, 1,060 yards) and first-team All-America honors as a punt returner (18.2 yards per with four TDs). Ended his career No. 3 on the school’s all-time receiving list with 2,423 yards. Selected in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Eagles.

20. Alex Boone • OL • Lakewood, OH • Ohio State

Broke into the rotation as a true freshman, playing in 11 games, and emerged as the starter at left tackle as a sophomore. Went on to start 35 games over his final three seasons, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors as a junior and first-team honors as a senior. Was not selected in the 2009 NFL Draft — due in part to some off-the-field issues — but made the San Francisco 49ers as a free agent and spent the ’09 season on the practice squad.

[wardamnpjm 0]

21. Antone Smith • RB • Pahokee, FL • Florida State

Never emerged as a true difference-maker, but Smith did enjoy a solid career in Tallahassee. He ranks No. 8 on the Seminoles’ all-time rushing list with 2,255 yards and ranks fifth in career rushing touchdowns with 26. Was FSU’s primary ball-carrier as a junior (819 yards) and senior (792 yards and 15 rushing TDs). Has been with four NFL teams (on the practice squad) since signing with the Lions as a free agent.

22. Demetrice Morley • DB • Miami, FL • Tennessee

Played a key role in the Volunteers’ secondary during the time he was on campus, but he was dismissed from the team on two separate occasions. Played in 24 games with 10 starts during his first two seasons but missed the 2007 season after being dismissed from the team. Returned in 2008 and started 10 games at safety but was dismissed once again in the spring of 2009 by new coach Lane Kiffin. Morley declared for the NFL supplemental draft in July but was not selected.

23. Justin King • DB • Monroeville, PA • Penn State

Recruited as a defensive back, but he made a bigger contribution on offense during his freshman season. Started five games at wide receiver, catching 10 passes for 126 yards while also rushing for 227 yards on 18 carries. Played on both sides of the ball until a midseason injury to fellow freshman Derrick Williams forced King to concentrate solely on offense. Played exclusively at cornerback in his final two seasons, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors as a sophomore and first-team honors as a junior. Graduated from Penn State in two-and-a-half years and was selected by the Rams in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

24. Victor Harris • DB • Highland Springs, VA • Virginia Tech

Started 40 games at cornerback during his four years at Virginia Tech. Earned first-team All-ACC honors as a junior and senior and was named second-team All-America by the AP as a senior. Finished his career with 15 interceptions and five touchdowns. Selected by the Eagles in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft.

25. Roy Miller • DL • Killeen, TX • Texas

Played a key role on four Longhorn teams that combined to go 26–6 in Big 12 games. He started 19 games over his final three seasons, including all 13 during his senior season, in 2008. Earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors in 2007 even though he didn’t start a game; was a first-team All-Big 12 pick in ’08. Selected by the Bucs in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft.

26. Jamario O’Neal • ATH • Cleveland, OH • Ohio State

Speedy safety saw action in 49 games during his four years but only started seven games, all in 2006 as a sophomore. Played sparingly as a senior in 2008, recording only three tackles.

27. Mohamed Massaquoi • WR • Charlotte, NC • Georgia

Was a consistent weapon throughout his first three years, averaging 33 catches and 454 yards per season, but emerged as an elite receiver as a senior. With Matthew Stafford, the eventual No. 1 pick in the 2009 draft, as his quarterback, Massaquoi caught 58 passes for 920 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior en route to first-team All-SEC honors (coaches). He ended his career fourth all-time at Georgia in receptions (158) and receiving yards (2,282). Selected by the Browns in the second round of the ’09 NFL Draft.

28. Darren McFadden • RB • North Little Rock, AR • Arkansas

Will be remembered as arguably the greatest player in Arkansas history. Spent three seasons with the Razorbacks, rushing for 4,590 yards — the second-most in SEC history behind Herschel Walker — and 41 touchdowns. He was a two-time first-team AP All-American and a two-time recipient of the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s top tailback. In 2007, he was named the National Player of the Year by the Walter Camp Foundation. In addition to his exploits as a true tailback, McFadden pioneered the Wildcat formation, lining up in shotgun formation as the quarterback. While he ran with the ball the majority of the time in the Wildcat, he did throw four touchdown passes (in 11 attempts) as a junior in 2007. Selected by the Raiders No. 4 overall in the 2008 NFL Draft.

29. Dan Doering • OL • Barrington, IL • Iowa

Failed to live up to the hype during his time in Iowa City. Began his career as a tackle but moved to guard after two seasons. Started a total of six games during his career, five as a sophomore in 2007 and one in 2009 as a fifth-year senior.

30. Ryan Reynolds • LB • Las Vegas, NV • Oklahoma

Two major knee injuries hampered his career as a Sooner. He missed the entire 2006 season after tearing the ACL in his left knee shortly after spring practice. He returned in 2007 as a sophomore to play in 13 games with seven starts. Was emerging as one of the top linebackers in the Big 12 as a junior in ’08, but he tore the ACL in his right knee in the sixth game of the season, a loss to rival Texas. Returned as a fifth-year senior in 2009 and started 12 games, earning honorable mention All-Big 12 honors from both the media and the coaches. Ended his career with 25 games started, 188 tackles and 5.5 sacks.

31. Kade Weston • DT • Red Bank, NJ • Georgia

Solid defensive tackle during his time in Athens but never earned All-SEC honors from the coaches or media. Started 20 games over his four years, including nine as a fifth-year senior in 2009. Selected by New England in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

32. Geno Hayes • LB • Greenville, FL • Florida State

After spending most of his freshman season as a special teams contributor, he broke into the starting lineup as the weak-side linebacker in 2006 as a sophomore. Shined as a junior, earning first-team All-ACC honors after finishing with 80 tackles, including 17.5 for a loss. Left school with one season of eligibility remaining and was selected by the Bucs in the sixth round of the ’08 NFL Draft.

33. Derek Nicholson • LB • Winston-Salem, NC • Florida State

Enjoyed a solid career at Florida State but failed to earn any all-conference honors despite leading the Seminoles in tackles both as a junior (99) and senior (81). Tore his ACL five games into his sophomore season but returned to start the final 26 games of his career, 13 in 2007 and 13 in ’08. Was not selected in the 2009 NFL Draft.

34. Rico McCoy • LB • Washington, DC • Tennessee

Highly productive linebacker who tied a school record for most games played by a position player (51). Started 40 games in four years, including every game from 2007-09. Earned second-team All-SEC honors as a sophomore, junior and senior. Was not selected in the 2010 NFL Draft.

35. Marques Slocum • DL • Philadelphia, PA • Michigan

Spent the 2005 season at Milfred (N.Y.) Prep after failing to qualify out of high school. Enrolled at Michigan in 2006 and finally suited up in 2007, playing in seven games as a reserve defensive tackle. New coach Rich Rodriguez dismissed him from the team in the summer of 2008 due to academic and legal issues. Slocum enrolled at Eastern Arizona College, where he played one season (2008). He spent the 2009 season playing both ways for the semipro Philly Panthers.

36. Derek Pegues • DB • Batesville, MS • Mississippi State

Started three seasons in the secondary for the Bulldogs, one at cornerback (2006) and two at safety (’07-08). Earned first-team All-SEC honors from the AP in 2007 and was a second-team pick by the coaches in both ’06 and ’08. Also shined on special teams; he owns the SEC career record for kickoff returns (112) and kickoff return yardage (2,498). Was not drafted; spent the 2009 season on the Bears’ practice squad.

37. Luthur Brown • LB • Lakewood, CA • USC

Only appeared in 28 games (with no starts) during his injury-plagued five seasons at USC. Forced to redshirt as a freshman due to a back injury. Played in 24 games over the next two seasons as a reserve linebacker but missed the entire 2008 season with more back issues. Returned in 2009 but saw action in only four games as a fifth-year senior.

38. Aleksey Lanis • OL • Los Angeles, CA • UCLA

Started all 12 regular-season games as a redshirt freshman in 2006 but missed the bowl game with an injury. Only made six starts as a sophomore in ’07, due in part to ongoing injury issues. During spring practice in 2008, he made the decision to quit football and take a medical hardship.

39. Averell Spicer • DL • Rancho Cucamonga, CA • USC

Only made three starts — the first three games of the 2008 season — during his career at USC. Played in only seven games as a fifth-year senior in 2009, recording a tackle against Cal and a tackle against UCLA.

40. Matt Hardrick • OL • Orlando, FL • Florida State

Attended Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy in 2005 after failing to meet eligibility requirements. Re-signed with the Seminoles and played in eight games as a true freshman in ’06, but he was dismissed from the team just prior to preseason camp in 2007. Transferred to Texas Southern, where he played the final three years of his career. He was limited to three games as a senior in 2009 due to injuries.

[imsoauburn 0]

While there are some solid players on that list, there where more names that I didnt recognize than ones I did know.

[wardamnpjm 0]

While there are some solid players on that list, there where more names that I didnt recognize than ones I did know.

Yeah thats kinda the point I was trying to make. These were your top 40 recruits in the nation for 2005. Not very many of them panned out that way. Some solid players for sure but most never made it or lived up to the hype.

[LP 23 0]

MAN!!!! I forgot all about Fred Rouse. He was suppose to be the man at WR.

[wadechristopher 0]

I see what you're saying, but based on my calculation 20 or so off that list have some involement with pro football. So that is 50%. That is pretty high to me. That tells me stars do matter or at least are a good indicator of something.

[Sidbowman 0]

To what extent though are the factors that contribute to a highly rated recruit not living up to their supposed hype and rating, predictable and quantifiable at the time of, and during the process of, the evaluation process? (can someone run a regression analysis??  ). hind sight is 20-20.

[BadrabbitAU 0]

While there are some solid players on that list, there where more names that I didnt recognize than ones I did know.

Yeah thats kinda the point I was trying to make. These were your top 40 recruits in the nation for 2005. Not very many of them panned out that way. Some solid players for sure but most never made it or lived up to the hype.

One thing you can't ignore though is how many didn't pan out because of injury or legal issues. Those are things that the recruiting services absolutely have no way of incorporating into their ratings.

Take out the injured guys and the criminals and you'll see a pretty stellar crowd.

[wardamnpjm 0]

I see what you're saying, but based on my calculation 20 or so off that list have some involement with pro football. So that is 50%. That is pretty high to me. That tells me stars do matter or at least are a good indicator of something.

True but only sixteen of the 40 were drafted and only a couple in the first two rounds. IMO thats not great percentages for the best players in the country(according to recruitniks) I do however agree that stars are a good indicator of talent but just not as good of an indicator as an coaches eye.....not even close!

[wardamnpjm 0]

To what extent though are the factors that contribute to a highly rated recruit not living up to their supposed hype and rating, predictable and quantifiable at the time of, and during the process of, the evaluation process? (can someone run a regression analysis??  ). hind sight is 20-20.

[BadrabbitAU 0]

After removing the guys with serious injury or legal issues, about 67% of these guys made it to the NFL. That's pretty decent stats in my book. If my stock picks were that good, I'd be the most respected broker in the world.

[AUApostle 7,663]

After removing the guys with serious injury or legal issues, about 67% of these guys made it to the NFL. That's pretty decent stats in my book. If my stock picks were that good, I'd be the most respected broker in the world.

Yep, compare that to the middle 40 ranked players, and I bet the success rate is at least 3 or 4 times as high.

[Bammer Hater 0]

Did you notice that neither Auburn, Alabama, or Florida had a top 40 player in 2005?

[tiger241345162816 0]

While there are some solid players on that list, there where more names that I didnt recognize than ones I did know.

Yeah thats kinda the point I was trying to make. These were your top 40 recruits in the nation for 2005. Not very many of them panned out that way. Some solid players for sure but most never made it or lived up to the hype.

One thing you can't ignore though is how many didn't pan out because of injury or legal issues. Those are things that the recruiting services absolutely have no way of incorporating into their ratings.

Take out the injured guys and the criminals and you'll see a pretty stellar crowd.

That is what stuck out to me.  Excluding the guys that had injury, character or legal issues, the rest seemed to pan out pretty good.

[Lint 0]

There is a very strong correlation between recruiting rankings and post-season rankings.  Top-ranked players who don't live up to the expectations only says that some players don't live up to the expectations.  That's a big "duh" statement to me...

[ChuckTownTiger 0]

The recruiting stars are similar to the starting hands in hold 'em poker.

A pair of aces is going to win 60% of the time but every once in a while a 2, 7 off-suit turn into 4 of a kind.

[Lint 0]

In 2008, only 1 player (Matt Ryan - 3 star)  in the top 10 NFL draft picks was not a 4 star or higher. Per athlon, a player has nearly a 50-50 chance of being drafted in the first three rounds if he is ranked as a five star recruit.

[JwgreDeux 1,279]

I see what you're saying, but based on my calculation 20 or so off that list have some involement with pro football. So that is 50%. That is pretty high to me. That tells me stars do matter or at least are a good indicator of something.

True but only sixteen of the 40 were drafted and only a couple in the first two rounds. IMO thats not great percentages for the best players in the country(according to recruitniks) I do however agree that stars are a good indicator of talent but just not as good of an indicator as an coaches eye.....not even close!

I bet if you check the history of the percentage of players signed by the best recruiter in the country, the percentage of the players they have signed going pro is nowhere near 50%.  Like it or not the recruiting sites rankings are a pretty good indication of talent level, putting that talent to use and getting the most out of it is a whole different story.    Auburn has plenty to sell to get the best recruits and will continue to do well in recruiting.  The difference between the number 1 class and the number 10 class isn't much. 

[AUoutsider 0]

Yeah, the moral of this story is sign as many highly rated recruits as you can while avoiding the flakey characters.  Can't do anything about the injuries.

[Lint 0]

A more interesting story would be how schools rank in recruiting these kids and getting them to stay in the program 4-5 years and then how these programs rank in BCS standings...

For example,  in 2007 AU ranked #7 in recruiting via Rivals. Of our top 10 signees (using the rivals rating),  3 have contributed significantly to the program. They are Lee Ziemba, Kodi Burns,  Josh Bynes. Of the top 10, the other players were Enrique Davis, Chris Slaughter, Bo Harris,  Mike McNeil, Johnnie Lee Dixon and Carlton Johnson...

[Rickys Rants 0]

All of the guys with legal troubles remindes me of Marcus Vick - all the talent/potential you could hope for, but it all went 'up in smoke' because he thought smoking dope with his friends was more important than football.  "Life is hard, life is harder when your stupid" ~ John Wayne.

[aupops2 9]

If you want to hear "flaky",  it has been RUMORED that Ronald Powell and Dominque Easley are requesting a transfer from Florida!!  Can you say last years #1 on some sites?

[BadrabbitAU 0]

If you want to hear "flaky",  it has been RUMORED that Ronald Powell and Dominque Easley are requesting a transfer from Florida!!  Can you say last years #1 on some sites?

That story has been debunked.

[AURules 0]

Did you notice that neither Auburn, Alabama, or Florida had a top 40 player in 2005?

Yeah, but Tubberville got 4 ducks in Arkansas that year! 

[AURules 0]

Did you notice that neither Auburn, Alabama, or Florida had a top 40 player in 2005?

Yeah, but Tubberville got 4 ducks in Arkansas that year!