Grading the 2019 Recruiting Class

CharlieWork · Nov 6, 2020

Jeremy Pruitts first full recruiting class has not panned out as well as some of us hoped. I think 2018 is a actually a better class. Here is the class broken down into categories.

12 guys that are no longer with the program, are disappointing so far, or are not likely to ever be a consistent contributer imo. At this point I would classify them as whiffs:

Jerrod Means (transferred)
Melvin McBride (health issue retired from football)
Brian Maurer
Ramel Keyton (disappointing this year)
Jaylen McCollough (disappointing this year)
Tyus Fields
Warren Burrell
Jackson Lowe
Sean Brown
Savion Williams
Kenny Solomon
Aaron Beasley

3 project players that have yet to see the field but we hope contribute down the line:

Chris Akporoghene
Jackson Lampley
Deangelo Gibbs (disappointing that he wasn't able to contribute this year. This one is leaning towards being a whiff. Also, grad transfers shouldn't be a project)

8 guys that have contributed but haven't taken the next step to being an above average player. On the bright side Elijah Simmons and Darel Middleton have met or exceeded expectations based on their recruiting rankings. We hoped the rest of these guys would be better at this point in their career:

Elijah Simmons
Darel Middleton
Aubrey Solomon
Roman Harrison
Eric Gray
Quavaris Crouch
Wanya Morris
Darnell Wright

Finally that leaves 1: Henry To'o To'o. The best recruit in this class so far. Helped a ton as a freshman last year. Solid this year although struggling in pass coverage. Shouldn't be disappointing but the hype led us to believe he would be elite so it's hard not to be disappointed with his performance this year.

Big picture is this class had about 12 whiffs, 3 projects, 8 average players, and 1 good player. I hope some of these guys develop into ballers. At this point this class has been pretty disappointing though. Getting 0 above average defensive backs or pass rushers in this class is definitely hurting this year. Whiffing at the QB position and receiver is hurting as well. I hope 2020 will be a better class.

What do y'all think?

hambozone · Nov 6, 2020