<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by The Tide:
Thanks for the info. I was referrin gto the last recruiting class. When we had to and could only sign 17 we signed 15. Not good. </font>
We added Marcus McKnight and gave the 17th scholly to Taylor Britt (xfer from UAB) so we did actually sign 17. It was not the greatest recruiting year in regards to bluechips, but I believe that we got a pretty good haul.
Lightly regarded LB Demeco Ryans is practically a co-starter at SLB this year and plays more each game, I love what he brings.
Moose McClain was going to be a blueshirt but signed when Browder/Nance did not wind up making it. He is our starting FB and has been a lifesaver for the team. He too has improved each game and plastered some Ole Miss defenders while blocking last week. He could stay at FB, or play TE, MLB or DE in time.
Ramzee Robinson and Ken Darby are the "Butler Boys" from Butler HS in Huntsville. Both are doing GREAT on the scout team and in practice and both are physically mature kids. Ramzee benches nearly 400 lbs at only 175 lbs and is expected to be a fine CB next season. Ken Darby weighs around 200 lbs and is already benching 400+ lbs! He has really impressed as a runner and all around back.
Jeremy Clark and Kyle Tatum are considered to be ready to play right now (travelling redshirts along with Darby and C. Harris)and would play if we didn't have the depth we enjoy or the sanctions we hate coming up. They will both be big contributors next year. Clark is a DT and Tatum a DE possible DT.
Chris Harris has bulked up (he looks good on the sidelines) and is a speed rusher in the mold of Todd Bates and NML. He should play at 245-255 next year. Great first step.
Brandon Avalos is the QB that we brought in. Nebraska wanted him badly. He has great feet (played WR until his Jr. year) and will look amazing running the option in a few years, he also has an excellent arm.
Anyway, while short on numbers, the quality of the class looks good so far. And the quality of the '03 class will be top 15 in the nation, even though we only sign 18.