Typically, Signing Day has been an oppurtunity for the rich to get even richer. While USC and Florida still reeled in top ten finishes, downtrodden programs such as Alabama, Notre Dame and Miami, all had some of the best recruiting classes of 2008.
Saban Going to Work
Earliar today, three major services, Rivals.com, Scout.com and SuperPrep, all dubbed Alabama winner of the 2008 recruiting season on Wednesday, with the Irish and Hurricanes not far behind. This is a big deal for Crimson Tide fans, whose team is coming off consecutive 6-6 regular seasons and has won just one SEC title over the past 15 years.
It’s pretty obvious that Nick Saban was the main reason as to why the Tide landed such a talented class. Saban is highly regarded in SEC country and he certainly had a major influence in bringing in a bunch of in-state recruits, 18 to be exact. While Alabama was expected to do well, nobody saw a number one finish. They added some big time uncommited players on Wednesday, especially Julio Jones, the top wide receiver prospect. Overall, the Tide signed three five star players, 17 four star players, and ten three star players, and 6 top 100 players overall. Some key players that they signed from that could contribute from the get go could be: WR Julio Jones, LB Jerrell Harris, WR Chris Jackson, LB Mark Barron, OT Tyler Love, and DE Courtney Upshaw.
Shannon rebulding the U
One of the more underrated aspects of recruiting is protecting the home turf, which is exactly what Miami’s Randy Shannon did. Miami, Florida consistently houses some of the nation’s top recruits and this year was no exception, and unlike in years past, Miami was finally able to keep most of the local boys home.
On Wednesday, the ‘Canes finished with a bang, as they signed Rivals.com’s No. 2 safety Ramon Buchanan (previously committed to Florida), No. 3 cornerback Brandon Harris, top-15 receiver Tommy Streeter, top-20 offensive lineman Benjamin Jones and top-20 defensive tackle Jeremy Lewis. All but Buchanan were South Florida natives.
Notre Dame ain’t all that Bad
After a horrible three-win season, Charlie Weis gave Irish fans some hope going into next season. Actually Weis didn’t receive too many late signings. In fact, 18 of his eventual 23 signees committed by the end of last summer. What is most remarkable is the fact that only one player decommitted (five-star defensive tackle Omar Hunter) after a season in which the Irish got destroyed on a weekly basis.
Pryor Undecided
The nation’s top prospect, quarterback Terrelle Pryor is still not sure where he attends to play ball next spring. Pryor has narrowed his list to Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, and Oregon. The 6′5″ quarterback is a spread option type and is is often compared to Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young. It is interesting to note that Pryor recently mentioned he wants to play where he would make an immediate impact. If that’s the case it looks as if Ohio State with Todd Boeckman behind center, could be off the list. As I said a few weeks ago, Pryor would be best suited to play for Rich Rodriguez at Michigan.
Carroll’s Worst
Many people are convinced that this is Pete Carroll’s worst recruiting class. Many recruiting experts feel that it is his lowest-ranked class in five years because it lacks quantity as well as a quarterback and marquee running back. However, Trojan fans shouldn’t fret too much, for Santa Ana Mater Dei quarterback Matt Barkley is one of eight juniors who have already made commitments to USC. Despite a lack of quanity, Carroll believes that most members of the class will play major roles for the Trojans in the upcoming season.
My Top Five:
1. Alabama:
2. Notre Dame
3. Miami:
4. Florida
5. Georgia
Scout.com Top Five Team Rankings:
1. Alabama
2. Notre Dame
3. Miami (Fl.)
4. Georgia
5. Florida St.
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