College Football Signing Day

[Roguish Lawyer]

It was today. Florida's class was rated #1 by rivals.com and scout.com, and USC's class was rated #1 by ESPN. USC was ranked #2 by rivals and #3 by scout.

Notre Dame, Ohio State and Penn State's classes sucked.

[Roguish Lawyer]

Here is the ranking by scout.com, the service I like best:




Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings
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Class: 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 Team Rankings | Conference Rankings | Position Rankings

Team Rankings

Rk. School Commits Conf. Points Top 100 Off. Def. Sp.T. H.S. J.C. Avg. Rat. Prv. Rk.*
1. Florida 27 SEC 5504 12 10 13 4 12 14 1 26 1 4.22 1.
2. LSU 27 SEC 4456 7 4 17 5 15 10 2 26 1 3.89 2.
3. USC 18 Pac-10 4363 12 10 5 3 9 9 0 18 0 4.39 3.
4. Texas 25 Big 12 4332 5 4 16 3 14 11 0 25 0 3.84 4.
5. Tennessee 32 SEC 4312 6 4 15 10 16 16 0 29 3 3.63 5.
6. Auburn 30 SEC 3770 3 1 13 10 14 15 1 30 0 3.30 6.
7. South Carolina 31 SEC 3464 2 1 13 13 14 17 0 28 3 3.35 7.
8. Oregon 29 Pac-10 3211 1 0 11 11 10 18 1 27 2 3.14 8.
9. Pittsburgh 23 Big East 3210 2 3 8 9 13 10 0 22 1 3.48 9.
10. Michigan 20 Big Ten 3141 5 2 12 4 10 10 0 19 1 3.70 10.
11. Notre Dame 18 I-A Ind 2970 5 1 11 6 10 7 1 18 0 3.72 11.
12. California 25 Pac-10 2968 0 0 12 12 12 12 1 22 3 3.44 12.
13. Miami (Fl) 18 ACC 2947 1 3 9 4 10 8 0 17 1 3.72 13.
14. Georgia Tech 20 ACC 2880 2 0 9 9 9 11 0 20 0 3.35 14.
15. North Carolina 23 ACC 2878 4 1 10 4 13 9 1 23 0 3.17 15.
16. Ohio State 15 Big Ten 2852 4 1 10 3 5 10 0 15 0 3.73 16.
17. Georgia 23 SEC 2791 1 1 10 9 14 8 1 19 4 3.39 17.
18. Penn State 21 Big Ten 2703 2 0 12 7 9 11 1 19 2 3.48 18.
19. Alabama 25 SEC 2683 1 0 5 17 10 15 0 24 1 3.08 19.
20. Nebraska 28 Big 12 2622 0 0 8 17 13 14 1 22 6 3.14 20.
21. Illinois 19 Big Ten 2551 3 2 5 8 8 11 0 18 1 3.26 22.
22. Clemson 22 ACC 2504 2 0 7 11 9 13 0 22 0 3.14 21.
23. Oklahoma State 22 Big 12 2463 2 0 7 11 11 11 0 21 1 3.14 23.
24. Virginia Tech 25 ACC 2460 1 1 5 12 13 12 0 25 0 3.00 24.
25. West Virginia 26 Big East 2408 0 0 4 18 11 15 0 23 3 3.00 25.

USC and Florida were pretty dominant, with both taking 12 of the Top 100 ranked players. Florida had a larger class, so it got more points.

In the ESPN ranking, USC got the top 3 players, so it was #1 despite having fewer scholarships to give out.

[Roguish Lawyer]

Here is the ESPN ranking, which includes some text:

When the dust settled on national signing day, USC had secured letters of intent from each of the top three prospects in the ESPN 150. Landing No. 1 overall prospect Joe McKnight to go along with No. 2 overall Chris Galippo and No. 3 Marc Tyler was enough to push the Trojans' recruiting class of 2007 past Florida and into the top spot on our class rankings. Here's how the classes stack up:

1. USC
Quality, not quantity. This is not going to be a big class, but it's certainly impressive. The Trojans really cemented their class by adding the No. 1 player in the country, RB Joe McKnight (Riveridge, La./John Curtis Christian), giving them the top three players in the country. The Trojans signed eight other players who rank in the top five of their respective positions, including ILB Chris Galippo (Anaheim, Calif./Servite), RB Marc Tyler (Westlake Village, Calif./Oaks Christian) and DE Everson Griffen (Avondale, Ariz./Agua Fria Union). If Griffen gets his motor going fulltime, he could be a great one. QB Aaron Corp (Orange, Calif./Lutheran) has huge upside.

2. Florida
What area of their roster have the Gators not solidified? Today, they added the last piece of the puzzle in WR Deonte Thompson (Belle Glades, Fla./Glades Central). What's most impressive about this class isn't just the top end, but the middle and tail end, too, with guys like S Joe Haden (Fort Washington, MD/Friendly) and RB Bo Williams (Oakland Park, Fla./Northeast). Cornerback and offensive front are really the only areas Florida did not address. The Gators slid from No. 1 to No. 2 in the rankings not because of what they didn't do, but because of what USC did.

3. Texas
Texas reloads once again, particularly in the offensive front with mammoth OT Tray Allen (Grand Prairie, Texas/South Grand Prairie). CBs Ben Wells (Beaumont, Texas/Ozen) and Curtis Brown (Gilmer, Texas) are lockdown guys on the perimeter. The Longhorns replaced QB John Brantley, who switched his commitment to Florida, by luring QB G.J. Kinne (Canron, Texas/Gilmer) away from Baylor. Watch out for unheralded RB Cody Johnson (Waller, Texas) and DE Sam Acho (Dallas/St. Marks).

4. South Carolina
Steve Spurrier proved he doesn't need to be at Florida to land top talent, bringing one of the nation's top classes to Columbia. Spurrier may have landed his quarterback of the future in the long-haired gunslinger Stephen Garcia (Tampa, Fla./Jefferson). The offense also received a boost at the other skill positions with one of the nation's best big running backs in Brian Maddox (Anderson, S.C./T.L. Hanna) and two solid receivers in hometown Mark Barnes (Columbia, S.C./Richland Northeast) and the athletic Joe Hills (Palmetto, Fla.). Offense may be Spurrier's forte, but the defense also has benefited from this class, adding two ESPN 150 defensive ends in Cliff Matthews (Cheraw, S.C.) and Travian Robertson ( Laurinburg, N.C./Scotland).

5. Tennessee
The Volunteers are the comeback team of this recruiting season. After a disappointing 2006 class in which the Vols landed only one ESPN 150 prospect, they have stormed back and amassed a fine class that has seven such prospects. The cornerback position has really benefited, signing the nation's No. 1 prospect at that spot in Eric Berry (Fairburn, Ga./Creekside) and the No. 9 corner in Gerald Jones (Oklahoma City, Okla./Millwood). The front seven also received some fine additions sa Tennessee beat out Notre Dame for hard-hitting, in-state linebacker Chris Donald (Huntington, Tenn.). The Vols also lured away Ohio native DE Ben Martin (Cincinnati, Ohio / La Salle) and bolstered their wide receiver corps late by adding Ahmad Paige (West Monroe, La./Sterlington).

6. LSU
Coach Les Miles might be winning with players recruited by former coach Nick Saban and his staff, but this will be the second consecutive excellent class for the Tigers under Miles and his troops. CB Phelon Jones (Mobile, Ala./McGill-Toolen) was a big steal away from Miami, and OC T-Bob Hebert (Alpharetta, Geo./Greater Atlanta Christian) is the best lineman we saw at getting to the second level and adjusting to moving targets. The late addition of Chad Jones (Baton Rouge, La. Southern Lab) adds to an already impressive class.

7. Auburn
The hiring of Nick Saban has focused a lot of media attention on Alabama, but very quietly the Tigers are putting together an excellent class. Down the stretch the defense added the nation's No. 1 safety Michael McNeil (Mobile, Ala./Davidson), a reckless and physical player. The offensive line also got a jolt late with the addition of top-five OT Lee Ziemba (Rogers, Ark.). Ziemba joins center Ryan Pugh (Birmingham, Ala./Hoover) and Chaz Ramsey (Madison, Miss./Central), who could play a number of spots, to give Auburn three ESPN 150 offensive linemen The defense went into Florida State's back yard and landed a short but quick and productive ESPN 150 defensive tackle in Tim Lamb (Tallahassee, Fla. / Lincoln).

8. Notre Dame
Needs met across the board with upper-echelon offensive players such as QB Jimmy Clausen (Westlake Village, Calif./Oaks Christian), WR Golden Tate (Nashville, Tenn./Pope John Paul II) and WR Duval Kamara (Hoboken, N.J.). Unheralded DE Kerry Neal (Bunn, N.C.) can run like a deer. Our real concern is the lack of interior front-four depth at defensive tackle, with Ian Williams (Longwood, Fla./Lyman) being the only member of the class at that position, but every other area has been addressed. The Irish offensive class is elite, despite WR Greg Little (Durham, N.C./Hillside) switching to North Carolina. The defense landed good players, but the question is, is it enough? The two signing-day defections hurt.

9. Miami
The Hurricanes got off to a good start with their 2007 class, landing players like the nation's No. 2-rated guard, Harland Gunn (Omaha, Neb./Central). Things came to a screeching halt, however, as head coach Larry Coker battled through bad press and eventually was fired. Miami lost some prospects, but since the hiring of Randy Shannon has been making up for lost time. The Canes lured QB Robert Marve (Tampa Bay, Fla./Plant), who was named Mr. Football in the state of Florida, away from Alabama. Shannon really showed an ability to close, landing one of the premier defensive prospects in Allen Bailey (Darien, Ga./ McIntosh Academy). When Shannon was hired, he quickly worked to re-establish roots in South Florida by landing versatile and athletic defender Adewale Ojomo (Hialeah, Fla.). Miami has had several big and quick defensive tackles over the years and secured another one recently. One-time Miami commit Chris Perry (Keller, Texas/Fossil Ridge) de-committed and switched to Nebraska, only to recently decide to re-commit to the Hurricanes. On signing day, Shannon was able to land RB Lee Chambers (Coffeeville, Miss./Coffeeville) to increase the speed in Miami's backfield.

10. Michigan
Fans didn't care much for the Wolverines' 2006 class, but the 2007 class should please the masses. WR Junior Hemingway (Conway, S.C.) does not get enough credit for his abilities -- watch out or him. QB Ryan Mallett (Texarkana, Texas/Texas) might have the most upside of any quarterback Michigan has had during Lloyd Carr's days in Ann Arbor, including his days as an assistant. Where are the cornerbacks, though?

11. North Carolina
Within a week of Butch Davis' hiring as coach, the Tar Heels lured S Quantavius Sturdivant (Oakboro, N.C./West Stanley) away from Florida and were able to keep DT Tydreke Powell (Ahoskie, N.C./Hertford County) at home, as well. QB Mike Paulus (Syracuse, N.Y./CBA) might be counted on to compete right away. Davis really proved his worth by making the biggest splash on signing day. He was able to keep WR Dwight Jones (Burlington, N.C.) on board, giving the Tar Heels a massive target. In addition, he was able to lure in-state receiver Greg Little (Durham, N.C./Hillside) away from Notre Dame. Jones and Little quickly upgraded the receiver corps. The big story was landing the two biggest uncommitted prospects on signing day, starting with DT Marvin Austin (Washington, D.C./Ballou). Austin and Powell quickly improved UNC's defensive line. The icing on the cake was offensive lineman Kevin Bryant.

12. Illinois
Ron Zook proved once again why he has been called an excellent recruiter. Despite a 2-10 record in 2006, Zook landed four ESPN 150 prospects, including Martez Wilson (Chicago/Simeon), the nation's No. 1 defensive end. Wilson, an Illinois native, is a high-motor and physical defender but also is a productive wide receiver. Zook and his staff also were able to keep another fine defensive line prospect close to home with DT Josh Brent (Bloomington, Ill./Central Catholic). Illinois landed one of the class' most versatile big men in D'Angelo McCray (Jacksonville, Fla./Jackson), who could play tight end but most likely will play along the defensive line. To help a struggling pass offense, the Illini scored a big recruit in Arrelious Benn (Washington, D.C./Dunbar), the nation's No. 3 wide receiver.


[continued next post]

[Roguish Lawyer]

[continued from previous post]

13. Georgia
To say the least, Georgia met needs on the offensive line, signing seven prospects, including OT Trinton Sturdivant (Wadesboro, N.C./Anson). The Bulldogs lost Antwane Greenlee (Columbus, Ga./Hardaway) but replaced him with Chris Little (Jeffersonville, Ga. Twiggs County). While they may have lost out on in-state CB Eric Berry, WR Israel Troupe (Tifton, Ga./Tift County) is outstanding, although he might choose baseball. QB Logan Gray (Columbia, Mo./Rock Bridge) does not shy away from competition.

14. Georgia Tech
Balancing stringent academic standards and on-field success is extremely difficult, and Chan Gailey has done a masterful job. This is by far his best class top to bottom, with RB Jonathan Dwyer (Marietta, Ga./Kell) and speedy edge rusher Derrick Morgan (Coatesville, Pa.) headlining the group. QB Josh Nesbitt (Greensboro, Ga./Greene County) could be a surprise under center, and guess what? He's taller than 5-foot-9!

15. Virginia Tech
There will be comparisons to Michael Vick, but QB Tyrod Taylor (Hampton, Va.) is out to prove he is as good a passer as he is an athlete. To help protect Taylor, the Hokies landed a wonderful offensive tackle prospect in Blake DeChristopher (Midlothian, Va./Clover Hill). The emphasis for this class is offense, but the nation's No. 1 defense last season is getting some fine additions, too, like linebacker Barquell Rivers (Wadesboro. N.C./Anson).

16. Texas A&M
While Texas makes the headlines, the Aggies quietly have been putting together an impressive class, featuring two unrelated Stephens on both sides of the ball -- OLB Derrick Stephens (Houston/Cypress Falls) and RB Bradley Stephens (McAllen, Texas/Memorial). QB/ATH Billy Chavis (Beaumont, Texas/West Brook) could be a huge surprise regardless of what position. Defense and quarterback needs have been addressed.

17. Alabama
Nick Saban's hiring created a buzz around Alabama's recruiting. While his late arrival wasn't enough to sway some big prospects his way, he has upgraded the class nonetheless. He bolstered the defensive line by landing in-state DT Kerry Murphy (Birmingham, Ala./Hoover) and luring the versatile Luther Davis (West Monroe, La.) away from LSU. Talented quarterback Robert Marve (Tampa Bay, Fla./Plant) eventually switched to Miami, but Saban was able to land former Miami commit QB Nick Fanuzzi (San Antonio, Texas/Churchill). On signing day, Saban was able to lure two good receivers into the program in Brandon Gibson (Mobile, Ala./UMS Wright Prep) and Marquis Maze (Tarrant, Ala./Tarrant). Both guys can add speed and explosiveness to the offense. OG William Vlachos (Birmingham, Ala./Mountain Brook), a one-time grayshirt candidate, also signed on to the 2007 class.

18. Clemson
QB Willy Korn (Duncan, S.C./Byrnes) has been committed to the Tigers since before his junior season, and the ESPN 150 quarterback is already on campus. The Tigers stayed in state to get talented OLB Scotty Cooper (Lake City, S.C.) but went up into North Carolina to land athletic and physical corner Marcus Gilchrist (High Point, N.C./T.W. Andrews), who also can be a weapon in the return game.

19. Pittsburgh
While everyone fell in love with coach Dave Wannstedt's class in 2006, this class is every bit as good -- if not better -- but hasn't received the same attention. The Panthers addressed just about every position, and QB Pat Bostick (Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Township) and OG Chris Jacobson (Pittsburgh, Pa./Keystone Oaks) are excellent additions. S Maurice Williams (Erie, Pa./Strong Vincent) is the surprise athlete of the group.

20. Ohio State
Is the Buckeyes' class poor? Absolutely not. It just isn't what many expected, given their on-field success in 2006. OLB Jermale Hines (Cleveland/Glenville) and CB James Scott (Daytona Beach, Fla./Seabreeze) are both excellent, and the Buckeyes need cornerbacks. S Eugene Clifford (Cincinnati, Ohio/Colerain) is fast and rangy. Versatile athlete Devon Torrence (Canton, Ohio/Canton South) can play just about anywhere.

21. Penn State
The Nittany Lions' 2007 class lacks the name recognition of last year's class, but it still is a good effort. The offensive line added a versatile and talented center prospect in Stefen Wisniewski (Pittsburgh, Pa./Central Catholic) and a hard-nosed guard in Josh Marks (Catawissa, Pa./Southern Columbia), both Pennsylvania products. Coach Joe Paterno didn't have to go far to land the athletic Nathan Stupar, as the projected linebacker hails from State College. Big, strong and fast receiver Nick Sukay (Greensburg, Pa./Central Catholic) is a nice addition to Penn State's wide receiver group.

22. Nebraska
Coach Bill Callahan lost a key recruiter but could be putting together his best class since his initial effort. The Cornhuskers used a backfield by committee in 2006 and are recruiting to maintain that philosophy with two talented backs in this class. Marcus Mendoza (Houston, Texas/Spring Woods) is an undersized but explosive athlete, and Prince Amukamara (Glendale, Ariz./Apollo) is a home run threat. The secondary addressed some needs, adding three good corners, including David Ross (Compton, Calif./Dominquez), who has good size and skills.

23. Oregon
The 2006 season ended on a disappointing note for Oregon, but the Ducks are back at the drawing board trying to put together a team to topple Pac-10 leader USC. The defense added a talented pass rusher in Kenny Rowe (Long Beach, Calif./Poly) and kept DT Myles Wade (Portland, Ore./Benson Polytech) in-state. Few teams protected the quarterback better then Oregon in 2006, and the Ducks have added another promising offensive lineman in Darrion Weems (Woodland Hills, Calif./Taft Union). The receiving corps got a big deep threat in Drew Davis (Denver, Colo./Montbello).

24. Iowa
While last year's class was considered disappointing, Iowa's 2007 group could be a pleasant surprise to Hawkeyes fans. While they lost out on ILB Brian Smith to Notre Dame late, no one player makes a class. ATH Jordan Bernstine (DeMoines, Iowa/Lincoln) is versatile and a playmaker. DE Broderick Binns (St. Paul, Minn./Cretin-Durham) is underrated and can run. OLB Tyler Nielsen (Humboldt, Iowa) won't disappoint and is a Kirk Ferentz kind of guy, defensively.

25. Florida State
Bobby Bowden is known as a closer, and while he did not close as well as in past years, it was enough to push a very average class into the top 25. Bowden was able to land hometown athlete Brandon Paul (Tallahasee, Fla./Lincoln) and lure WR Marcus Jones (Spartanburg, S.C./Broom) and one-time Georgia commit Antawane Greenlee (Columbus, Ga./Hardaway) to Florida State.

Rankings compiled by Scouts Inc. recruiting analysts Tom Luginbill and Craig Haubert.

[spectre919]

Holy Crap SEC!

[jsragman]

Go Illinois! Pretty amazing recruiting class given what we have to work with. Now maybe after a 4-19 record over the past few years we'll start winning some games.

... Or maybe not . Zook can recruit, still waiting to see if he can coach.

-Derek

[Goggles Pizano]

BAH! See you when the season starts RL!

GO LIONS!

[spectre919]

Originally Posted by jsragman

... Or maybe not . Zook can recruit, still waiting to see if he can coach.

-Derek

NOPE! That was proven at Florida.

[bandycpa]

Originally Posted by Goggles Pizano

BAH! See you when the season starts RL!

GO LIONS!

Daggone right!

Blue chippers tend to not live up to the hype. Give me a Nittany team of unknowns anyday. They make better teams.

Bandy

[spectre919]

Originally Posted by bandycpa

Daggone right!

Blue chippers tend to not live up to the hype. Give me a Nittany team of unknowns anyday. They make better teams.

Bandy

Bandy,

Let's not get too carried away. Grand "Pa" has his up's and down's with great players and no-namers alike, and IMHO it's time for him to retire. He has done great things for Penn St., but his age (and possibly eyesight) is preventing him from making good decisions from coaching staff down to players. Yes Penn had a good team this year, and I would venture to say they have had the right players in-place in the not too distant past, but just didn't produce. Players? or Coaching?

Lou Holtz had the same problem at SC. His age and things happening in his personal life took too much time and effort away and he began to lose direction. Just as with Joe Pa, Lou is still a great man regardless of records. They have contributed immeasurably to college football.

However, Boise St prides itself on taking no-namers, in-fact, prefers it that way and look at the great things they have done.

Just my .01 .... still trying to find the other .01 in this terrible economy

[JMI]

Originally Posted by spectre919

Lou Holtz had the same problem at SC.

Ahhhhh...

[bandycpa]

Originally Posted by spectre919

Grand "Pa"

Ouch, that's gonna need some bactine.

He has done great things for Penn St., but his age (and possibly eyesight) is preventing him from making good decisions from coaching staff down to players.

Gotta disagree with you there. The defense has always been good, and their defensive coaches have been there for a long time (between 7 and 30 years). The offense is finally starting to click, and I believe there is a direct link between this and the hiring of both Galen Hall (offense/running backs coach) and Mike McQueary (wide receivers coach) four years ago. Since then, PSU has started doing much better on offense, while the defense remains stellar.

I also believe that JoePa has relaxed a little in his rule of not letting freshmen play in the game (Derrick Williams over the past couple of seasons comes to mind). The biggest change Coach has had over the past few years is that he is letting his coordinators take more of an active role in the game.

If he were being stubborn and trying to do things the way they've always been done, I'd agree with you; but he isn't. PSU's recent revival has as much to do with JoePa changing with the times as anything else.

Besides, does this look like a man that is ready for retirement?

Bandy

[booker]

I have to agree with the blue chip overhype. How is it Pittsburgh has been ranked in the top 10 of recruiting for the last few seasons (since Wamstauche started as head coach), yet they are the whipping boy of the Big East? Virginia Tech consistently recruits "subpar" ranked players from the area and dominates against most of the Florida based teams. On an issue close to my heart, look at Steve Slaton, unsigned and overlooked by everyone but WVU, and he turns into a dominant running back. Joe Pa has always recruited kids from the small coal towns in PA because of their inhernent work ethic, something that lacks from many of these kids these days.

[vsvo]

Originally Posted by booker

On an issue close to my heart, look at Steve Slaton, unsigned and overlooked by everyone but WVU, and he turns into a dominant running back.

That is a painful whiff by Maryland. The Fridge pulled Slaton's scholarship offer because he felt he had enough good running backs. Was there no money left in the booster club petty cash fund? Big shocker - Slaton ran roughshod over them when the teams played last season.

[spectre919]

Originally Posted by bandycpa

Besides, does this look like a man that is ready for retirement?

Bandy

B,

I'd like JoePa to stay as long as possible, I think losing him from the game will certainly close a chapter in CF.

Besides, beating on Penn St won't be as much fun.