M ranks 7th in Rivals recruiting class

[Bossgobbler23]

Here are the current top 20 Rivals rankings: Looks like we have a great class that will be added to as well providing we hold our commits. By the way, does anyone know when signing day is?

1 LSU
2 Ohio State
3 Texas
4 Alabama
5 USC
6 North Carolina
7 Michigan
8 Oklahoma
9 South Carolina
10 Florida State
11 Georgia
12 Florida
13 Notre Dame
14 Miami
15 Texas A&M
16 Michigan State
17 Tennessee
18 Arkansas
19 Stanford
20 Penn State

[tpilews]

Feb. 4th is LOI day.

Also, I'd look for some changes to be made to some prospects ratings. Ratings should be updated a couple weeks after all the Army/Under Armour events.

A guy like Gallon or Bell may pick up a star. Well, Gallon has been updated to a 4 star on rivals, so he'll probably stay there, but you never know. Everyone was VERY impressed with him.

[StevieBrownforHeisman]

I'm pretty sure gallon has been 4 star for some time. I think hes rivals top 250, which is all 4 star. Remember we are only 13th on scout, and adding all the guru ratings together helps give a more accurate assesment of the class. Penn state is actually above UM on scout, for example.

[nc wolverine]

looking at that ranking..... the thing that stands out is how high carolina is. A little odd that they are above the likes of UM, OK and Fla. I know its early but wow

[tpilews]

I'm pretty sure gallon has been 4 star for some time. I think hes rivals top 250, which is all 4 star. Remember we are only 13th on scout, and adding all the guru ratings together helps give a more accurate assesment of the class. Penn state is actually above UM on scout, for example.

I'm not a fan of scout. I find rivals to be more accurate.

[tpilews]

looking at that ranking..... the thing that stands out is how high carolina is. A little odd that they are above the likes of UM, OK and Fla. I know its early but wow

They've also got 26 commits. That's why they are so high right now. If UM were to add one more 4 star, they'd probably be real close to moving ahead of UNC.

[nc wolverine]

but still.... for carolina even to be ranked in like the top 15 compared to last few years is a little strange. I think it was like 98 or 97 when carolina was last ranked in the top 10.... i think they had dre bly that year in the secondary

[AlwaysBlue]

butch davis anyone?

[StevieBrownforHeisman]

Don't overlook jimmy harbaugh's 19th ranked Stanford class. Also, j/c why you find rivals more accurate? I know scout is alot less generous handing out 4 stars to players. Just IMO I think the combo of the 2 sites works. Plus I like seeing dumbtonio's class ranked 33rd.

[bigboyBlue]

Don't overlook jimmy harbaugh's 19th ranked Stanford class. Also, j/c why you find rivals more accurate? I know scout is alot less generous handing out 4 stars to players. Just IMO I think the combo of the 2 sites works. Plus I like seeing dumbtonio's class ranked 33rd.

Scout seems to have a more realistic idea of Lil Bro's recruiting. Have you seen the Rival site on Lil Bro? They have Will Campbell ranked 12th.....in the state of Michigan. Coincidentally, the first 11 are all Mich State commits :eek:.

[1OSUNUT]

I knew Ohio State had a great class - I did not honestly know it was rated 2. I was thinking top 5. I am however surprised to see Florida rated so low.

[bluestimestwo]

It helps OSU that they have pretty much completed their class. The number of recruits factors in just as much as the number of stars.

I want a highly-ranked class, but more than anything I want to fill positions of need. For the most part we seem to be doing that, and with quality guys.

[Buzz]

I knew Ohio State had a great class - I did not honestly know it was rated 2. I was thinking top 5. I am however surprised to see Florida rated so low.

How is having an overall ranking of 12 a low ranking? There is a thin line between schools who produce a great, good, and pretty good recruiting class.

osu is always at or near the top of the recruiting rankings.......but rankings are totally arbitrary.....even with the consistently high rankings, osu is still getting its @ss kicked, thoroughly by top competition.

In fact, you're probably going to be blown out by texas tomorrow.

[NCBLUE]

What I find encouraging is RR seldom had a top 20 class at WVA and was able to develop what he had and "coach them up" so it will be interesting to see what he is able to do with a top 10 class at Mich.

[bighousemike84]

This is according to Scout. It shows the rankings of his recruiting classes since 02
WVU
2002: 33rd
2003: 57th
2004: 55th
2005: 33rd
2006:tied for 56th
2007: 18th

UM
2008: 6th
2009: currently 13th

not a bad step up for the ole Rich rocket

[Sten Carlson]

What I find encouraging is RR seldom had a top 20 class at WVA and was able to develop what he had and "coach them up" so it will be interesting to see what he is able to do with a top 10 class at Mich.

My thoughts exactly NC!

This has been the basis for my argument calling for patience among the nay-sayers and ship jumpers -- RR has been driving an off-the-rack Buick at WVU with some decent success in the national race, now he's sitting in a suped-up Ferrari! They're tweaking the engine, getting the suspension just right, and making sure that they have the right tires. They've got specialty parts and upgrades coming in from all over, and when the vehicle is finally ready to be put through it's paces, Michigan Men and Women all over the world are going to be in awe!

In addition, I think that this contrast between what he had at WVU, and what he has now, is something that I think the previous administration didn't have, and it showed. If you've been rich all your life, in many instances, you tend not to appreciate all the trappings that come with being wealthy as much as someone that started out poor. Carr and Co., never knew what it was like to play second, or even third fiddle on the national recruiting scene. They, for the most part, got the pick of the litter. Which, much like being born wealthy, can give one a skewed sense of reality and entitlement. Perhaps this is the reason that we saw such a lack of development, of "coaching-up" as NC put it, with the previous staff.

RR, by contrast, has been there trying to cobble together a national contender from 2 and 3 star recruits and guys that basically, nobody else wanted. I'll bet he's like a kid in a candy store right now! "You mean I can get this guy, and this guy wants to come for a visits, and these guys are already committed for 2010?!?" RR already has in place his "coaching-up" techniques and culture -- it's part of who he is as a coach. Now, however, he's able to take top recruits, and turn them into stars -- potentially.

A lot remains to be seen, but I think the fact that RR has been able to pull a top 10 recruiting class out in his first year, especially coming off a season like 2008, shows that the guys knows talent, and is able to get kids to buy into the fact that they're going to improve and win if they come to Michigan!

I am very excited to see the product that comes to play in 2009. As I said, I think it's going to be something that Michigan Men and Women only received glimpses of over the past 30 years.

Keep up the good work RR, and GO BLUE!

[bighousemike84]

One of the things that stands out sharply is the different kind of recruits M is beginning to get. Coach Rod is beginning to acquire an army of athletic speedsters who might not be the biggest players but they will make plays know one else can. On both offense and defense

[GoBlue21]

One of the things that stands out sharply is the different kind of recruits M is beginning to get. Coach Rod is beginning to acquire an army of athletic speedsters who might not be the biggest players but they will make plays know one else can. On both offense and defense

I agree. I've said this from day one, RichRod is assembling a team that Michigan fans have NEVER seen before. The speed and athleticism he is recruiting is something new to the Wolverine followers. Michigan may have had guys like Woodson, Manningham, Edwards, Terrell, Perry, etc. but they were hardly ever on the same team. RichRod is recruiting athletes with speed at every position including the offensive and defensive line.

Last year was a disappointment but not the end of Michigan football. This recruiting definitely shows a sign of hope for the future of Michigan football, even after a 3-9 season. These kids still believe in Michigan and believe they can help turn it around otherwise they wouldn't have committed to a team following the worst season in school history.

I can't wait until September, I think we will see a different team come Fall...

[rickyleach]

rivals has michigan at 7 and scouts has them at 13, rivals has osu at 2 and scouts 1,but osu is pretty miuch done except maybe 1 or 2 guys, and those below them have a number of recruits left so i would say osu will end up 3 or 4 and michigan 6 or 7, and their really isnt much diff in those classes, and i agree position needs are the biggest factor,maybe rich rod can use a little bit of snake oil like the end of last year and reel in some more great talent.. we are supposed to be getting 4 or 5 more players for this class i think 26 total..

[nc wolverine]

I agree. I've said this from day one, RichRod is assembling a team that Michigan fans have NEVER seen before. The speed and athleticism he is recruiting is something new to the Wolverine followers. Michigan may have had guys like Woodson, Manningham, Edwards, Terrell, Perry, etc. but they were hardly ever on the same team. RichRod is recruiting athletes with speed at every position including the offensive and defensive line.

Last year was a disappointment but not the end of Michigan football. This recruiting definitely shows a sign of hope for the future of Michigan football, even after a 3-9 season. These kids still believe in Michigan and believe they can help turn it around otherwise they wouldn't have committed to a team following the worst season in school history.

I can't wait until September, I think we will see a different team come Fall...

I cant wait til september..... GO BLUE

[1OSUNUT]

You have to remember that as RR puts together his so called Ferrari - he will be racing against Ferrari's . True he may never have got this level of player - but he has never had to play against this level of player week in and week out either. The team that Michigan is trying to catch is recruiting better then RR is. I understand that Michigan will be better (you had better hope so) - but OSU is not going anywhere. The Buckeyes have put themselfs is a position to be a very tough game for RR for many years to come.

[LAMfan]

You have to remember that as RR puts together his so called Ferrari - he will be racing against Ferrari's . True he may never have got this level of player - but he has never had to play against this level of player week in and week out either. The team that Michigan is trying to catch is recruiting better then RR is. I understand that Michigan will be better (you had better hope so) - but OSU is not going anywhere. The Buckeyes have put themselfs is a position to be a very tough game for RR for many years to come.

As it should be. OSU should be strong, M strong, PSU strong, and the next tier respectable. If OSU had not stepped up and starting beating M regulary, we would still probably have Carr, 4 losses per year, the Rose Bowl trip, complete with loss, and a great fight song. But now, we will compete, we will win some and lose some great fought battles, the Big10 title will be meaningful, and we can tell the bastards at ESPN to shut the F up.

Oh and good luck tonight. I will be rooting for you. I know that most here will not, but each and every year, I'd like to see M and OSU go undefeated before our big game, and both win bowl games. No way can I root for Texas or a Big12 team.

[Medic]

I used to think the same way, "root for OSU for the good of the conference image" but I just can't anymore.

Fuck Ohio State and all its fans and I hope Texas drops 80 points on them.

[rickyleach]

Look nut rich rod is recruiting a different type player than tressel, most of the kids rr is getting have no interest in tressel ball ,which you are seeing first hand against quality teams, and thats getting blown out in big games, your right he is big game tressel , but for the wrong reasons, after you get destroyed again by texas, keep talkin like your special ,because as i have said for over 2 years ,the university of ohio state is the horses asss of college football, and you can bet your last buckeye nut that the entire football nation thinks ohio state is a freekin jjjjoke..

[Bo23]

Fuck Ohio State and all its fans and I hope Texas drops 80 points on them.

I agree with Medic.

First, why they hell should Michigan fans feel obligated to root for the Big Ten in bowl games? Really, guys like Dantonio and Tressel are not people I want to see win. Dantonio has been running his mouth for two years about how MSU is going to make it a regular practice kicking the hell out of U-M. It's obvious he's ok with the comments he makes about U-M, but when Rick Leach makes comments about Dantonio, Dantonio acts like the bitch he is. Tressell, well, he's just a smug punk. Herbstreit and Spielman rip on U-M whenever they can. It'll be a cold day in hell before I root for either of these teams.

Second, who the hell cares what these commentators have to say about the Big Ten? It's pretty well agreed here that May and Holtz are complete douchebags anyway. I could care less what they have to say. Like most commentators, they have their opinions, but that doesn't make them right. The bowl record isn't at all that good for the Big Ten, but does it really matter to you what some clown on TV has to say? In one ear, out the other!!

[bigboyBlue]

Whatevs, I don't see any reason why RRod shouldn't be beating Tressy consistently for years to come, everyone else seems to do it convincingly.

[Seger]

You have to remember that as RR puts together his so called Ferrari - he will be racing against Ferrari's . True he may never have got this level of player - but he has never had to play against this level of player week in and week out either. The team that Michigan is trying to catch is recruiting better then RR is. I understand that Michigan will be better (you had better hope so) - but OSU is not going anywhere. The Buckeyes have put themselfs is a position to be a very tough game for RR for many years to come.
Thus far I wouldn't call Jimmy the Vest's teams a Ferrari. The dude can recruit, I have to give him that but his offense looks like more of a Ford Tauris than a Ferrari.

Regarding tonight's game, please tell the Vest that assuming the fetal position as soon as they hit the field will not, I repeat NOT, win the game tonight. At least go down fighting. Secondly, if he doesn't have TP running until TX stops him then he will deserve a lot of the criticism that he will get.

[rickyleach]

Ohio state fans and players keep saying this time is going to be different, ,your right texas is going to hand you your assss beating this year, texas 41 osu 20, and dont look for tressel on the sidelines because you know where he will be, translation head up asss on sidelines...

[The Michigan Man]

You have to remember that as RR puts together his so called Ferrari - he will be racing against Ferrari's . True he may never have got this level of player - but he has never had to play against this level of player week in and week out either. The team that Michigan is trying to catch is recruiting better then RR is. I understand that Michigan will be better (you had better hope so) - but OSU is not going anywhere. The Buckeyes have put themselfs is a position to be a very tough game for RR for many years to come.

Yeah, RR never competed against high level programs at WV. Except Ga Tech, Georgia, and OK, all programs he beat in bowl games with vastly inferior recruiting classes.

[Columbusisawhore]

You have to remember that as RR puts together his so called Ferrari - he will be racing against Ferrari's . True he may never have got this level of player - but he has never had to play against this level of player week in and week out either. The team that Michigan is trying to catch is recruiting better then RR is. I understand that Michigan will be better (you had better hope so) - but OSU is not going anywhere. The Buckeyes have put themselfs is a position to be a very tough game for RR for many years to come.

For once i sort of agree with Nut. Michigan is doing a good job recruiting this year, BUT OSU has had two straight top 5 recruiting classes and doesn't seem to be slowing down.

One thing I noticed from the game last night is that the faster tempo that RR can incorporate into the game with his spread offense once he gets his players in place (wasn't CLOSE this year) seems to give OSU fits. Could be a good sign for the future.

I hope Michigan can keep building a solid team. they've done a good job in recruiting this year and it should only improve. Honestly, I don't think Michigan, OSU, or any other Big 10 team will be respected until we start reclaiming the Rose Bowl from USC and winning other big bowl games. Big Ten MUST establish itself by being at least competitive in the Rose Bowl. Just my opinion. Anyway, I'm starting to ramble and get off subject... Encouraging recruiting class this year. I wish them all the success in the world.

[bighousemike84]

For once i sort of agree with Nut. Michigan is doing a good job recruiting this year, BUT OSU has had two straight top 5 recruiting classes and doesn't seem to be slowing down.

One thing I noticed from the game last night is that the faster tempo that RR can incorporate into the game with his spread offense once he gets his players in place (wasn't CLOSE this year) seems to give OSU fits. Could be a good sign for the future.

I hope Michigan can keep building a solid team. they've done a good job in recruiting this year and it should only improve. Honestly, I don't think Michigan, OSU, or any other Big 10 team will be respected until we start reclaiming the Rose Bowl from USC and winning other big bowl games. Big Ten MUST establish itself by being at least competitive in the Rose Bowl. Just my opinion. Anyway, I'm starting to ramble and get off subject... Encouraging recruiting class this year. I wish them all the success in the world.

Dude first of all you never, ever, ever, ever, ever agree with 1UOSnut! That is very important for you to understand. Second, the rankings for both players and overall classes are all relative. These so called experts decide based on a small amount of evidence what star points a player is. Then once a class is built those same experts determine whether the ranking of said class by how many top athletes are in that class and how many recruits overall are in it. Considering that Scout and Rivals cant ever seem to agree with each other about players or classes it leads me to believe that ranking a class is an indication of the overall strength of the class but it is not an exact estimate of the strength of that class

[Columbusisawhore]

Dude first of all you never, ever, ever, ever, ever agree with 1UOSnut! That is very important for you to understand.

My bad... I'll never let it happen again sir.

Nut... you're a douche...

Better Mike?

Go Blue.

[bighousemike84]

Much better. Im proud of you. Its a step we all must take but it is a necessary step. I know at times Nut can seem coherent but dont let that fool you

[Columbusisawhore]

I'll remember that Mike.

Question: RR has a pretty good recruiting class coming in this year, I think he did a decent job with short notice last year recruiting as well. My concern is... A. Will he have enough time to develop these recruits (ie will he start winning games and not get his ass fired)? B. How much time does he deserve if he doesn't produce a decent season this year?

[bighousemike84]

I'll remember that Mike.

Question: RR has a pretty good recruiting class coming in this year, I think he did a decent job with short notice last year recruiting as well. My concern is... A. Will he have enough time to develop these recruits (ie will he start winning games and not get his ass fired)? B. How much time does he deserve if he doesn't produce a decent season this year?

Its all a matter of opinion more than anything. Really the only opinions that matter are those of Mary Sue Coleman and Bill Martin and you saw how Martin handled Lloyd Carr. Martin was intent on letting Coach Carr become the next Joe Paterno.

I think that yes Coach Rod will have time to develop his recruits. He already has a full year in with more than half the team and up to 11 new recruits are enrolling early. They will have 9 months of preparation before the 09 season.

As far as how much leeway he will be given, I think Martin is content with his hire and barring some unforeseen circumstance Coach Rod will have 5 years to prove himself before his seat gets hot. In my opinion I hope Bill Martin will give Coach 5 years to develop his game. By no means should it take Coach Rod 5 years to build a program but if success doesnt come soon Martin will see a lot of pressure from older alumni to go after Les Miles again.
I am all for giving Rodriguez the opportunity to really showcase his coaching ability's

[NCBLUE]

I agree that he deserves time (I say 4 years). Michigan is not one to pull the trigger quickly. So RR should have time to get the program where he thinks it should be.

However he needs to show progress this year. If we have another 3-9 or sub .500 year where we lose to a MAC school and do not make a bowl then all bets are off as he would officially be on the hot seat in year 3.

Saying that if he show progress this year and Michigan gets back to a bowl game he will be fine. Hopefully in 2 year this will be a distant memory.

[bigboyBlue]

I think in terms of recruiting ranking, avg star rating is a far better indicator than the point system used by Rivals, which is based off the number of recruits. Using that metric:

1. USC 3.94
2. Texas 3.89
3. LSU 3.86
4. Georgia 3.83
5. Florida 3.82
6. tUO$ 3.71
7. Alabama 3.70
8. Miami 3.68
9. Florida State 3.65
10. Michigan 3.62

Makes much more sense. Basically, like every other year, anyone would kill to have USC's 4th ranked class!