Recruiting Update

Post Season Recruiting Update.

The recent changes in the RUTS coaching fraternity have left the nation wondering if any team will be able to put together a challenge for the mighty Clemson Tigers. A few teams are putting together some solid classes, with a handful of players that may make an immediate impact, a la Charles Butler.


TOP CLASSES

The case for our current number one class is an interesting one. New Coach Zeejaydee walks into a great situation. Mack Brown led Texas to another Big 12 Title and had put together the nation's best recruiting class, bar none. However, after losing to a four loss Florida State team in the Fiesta Bowl by the score of 58-14, the administration decided to make a change.

The Longhorn class inherited by coach Zeejaydee includes commitments from 8 5-Star players: FS Johnny Coley, DT Jamal Weiss, DE Casey McNeal, OT Carl Medlock, WR Gary Hall, Ath Richard Leonard, DT Billy Lewis, and P Jared Sanders. The Commitments from Weiss, McNeal and Lewis, along with 4-Star DE Matt Gibbs could give Texas one of the most fearsome Defensive Lines in school history with the proper development. If coach Zeejaydee can secure a committment from 4-Star OLB Michael Rich the Longhorns would most likely finish with the top ranked class. What isn't certain is whether Zeejaydee will assume Mack Brown's title of Mr. February.

The Florida Gators are also putting together a solid group. Gator coach robtheblob51 has commitments from 7 5-Star prep prospects, headlined by the nation's top Offensive Line recruit Jon Dodson. Dodson, along with 5 star commits Sean Madsen and Sheldon Williams at guard should help the Gator running attack which had trouble late in the season against Florida State and LSU. Carlos Phillips is talent to be reckoned with at QB, but may need a little developement time.

Two other RUTS coached teams are currently in the Top10 of our Rivals rankings. LSU comes in at 5th with commitments from 5-Stars: Ernest Underwood (HB), Shaun Rucker (CB), Marcus Medlock (WR), and Keith Amos (CB). Medlock was a big win for the Tigers. His commitment solidified their class, and also kept Florida State from signing 3 5-Star WR's in one class. The Seminoles boast the #9 class currently, highlighted by WR's Blake Beck and Greg Talley, along with OLB Curtis Rankin. It appears that this seasons performances by Trindon Holliday and Preston Parker have impressed the kids.

Some more work is needed from our other RUTS schools. Clemson is outside of the top 10, and hasn't seemed to build well off Back-to-Back Crystal Balls and Heismans. However, the Tigers closed very well last season and are in the mix on a good number of the remaining 4-Star players. New Defensive Coordinator Kevin Steele is a former Rivals.com recruiter of the year, so watchout for Clemson to end up with a solid class. Coach ccut looks to rebuild the Huskers after failed regiems under Callahan and Pelini, however the job change may have occured too late to affect the 2010 signing class. Miami rounds out our list, and seems to be struggling this year. But after finishing the season strong, the Hurricanes recently beat out the rival Seminoles for the services of speedy QB Mike Hester. Hester indicated that he was impressed with the Hurricane ground game in thier upset of top-ranked LSU.

RIVALS.com RECRUITING RANKINGS

1. Texas
2. Florida
3. Tennessee
4. Penn State
5. LSU
6. Texas Tech
7. Ohio State
8. Texas A&M
9. Florida State
10. Alabama
14. Clemson
23. Nebraska
29. Miami

REMAINING BATTLES

There are some late commits still remaining that could round out some RUTS classes. Only one 5 star player remains on the board for our RUTS coaches, FS Joe Anderson is leaning towards signing with the Florida Gators, who lead USC and North Carolina. Several 4-Star players ranked in the Top 100 are still up for grabs.

THE NEED FOR SPEED

Four Prep stars made it to the Finals in the High School Nationals Track and Field Competition in the 100m event. WR Blake Beck (FSU Committ) edged out WR Mark Ford (LSU, Texas A&M or Texas Tech) with both clocking times under the 10 second mark. Just two years ago Florida WR/RB Jeff Demps posted a 10.01 time at this event, finishing second to Olypian Tyson Gay. It's believed that Beck and Ford may even be a little faster than Demps. Terrance Gray, a Texas A&M commit and Ed Simmons, who is leaning toward Miami, also made the final heat.

MOST READY TO PLAY

Our rankings take into account potential and ability, but there are some prep stars that can have an immediate impact. Charles Butler of Virgina Tech was able to post BMOC worthy performace in his first game for the Hokies, and also helped in the upset win over Clemson. With that in mind, we've looked at the tape once again, and have picked five players who may be next season's Chuck Butler.

1. WR Blake Beck - Florida State
2. HB Tim Reed - Penn State
3. HB Ernest Underwood - LSU
4. Ath Richard Leonard - Texas
5. LB Curtis Rankin - Florida State