tOfficial 2010 Football Recruiting thread

[Alcibiades]

I am confused about the Nick Hill commitment. I am all for a different type of back, however, I am wondering what this will do towards marquee, NFL type backs like Smith and Howard. These two seem like can't miss prospects, and we are co-leading with both.

Now nothing is set is set in stone, and we could miss both of these guys, but I think the Hill commit has implications. Quite frankly I didn't think we would be taking two RB's this class. If I am right, and we aren't taking another running back, than White, Howard, and Smith are left to look elsewhere.

If we are taking another RB, then we have to ask, does Givens or White's offer still stand since we usually have a "big back" and a "small back"? Or is it a race between the other prospects to be the first man to fill it?

Any thoughts/opinions?

[Island of misfit toys]

Originally Posted by Alcibiades

I am confused about the Nick Hill commitment. I am all for s different type of back, however, I am wondering what this will do towards marquee, NFL type backs like Smith and Howard. These two seem like can't miss prospects, and we are co-leading with both.

Now nothing is set is set in stone, and we could miss both of these guys, but I think the Hill commit has implications. Quite frankly I didn't think we would be taking two RB's this class. If I am right, and we aren't taking another running back, than White, Howard, and Smith are left to look elsewhere.

If we are looking to take another RB. But then we have to ask, does Givens or White's offer still stand since we usually have a "big back" and a "small back"? Or is it a race between the other prospects to be the first man to fill it?

Any thoughts/opinions?

2007 Leggett, Anderson
2008 Glenn Winston, Caulton Ray (may have the goods)
2009 Baker, Caper
2011 more stud backs
2012 yet more

In a way, Hill seems perfect. We aren't hurting for RB talent, we're taking one, at least one, and Hill brings something a little different to the table. Finding him behind 6'6" linemen is going to be a nightmare!

RB don't need the time to develop like OL, and there will be future stars easily enticed by PT. We have a real talent who wanted to be a and we took him. Guys have to make decisions. My point is this, these other backs aren't necessities. I don't know if we'd take one, but we've got more slots to fill and we need to work on other guys- do you want to be the next Max Bullough or do you want to be the next Robert Bolden? What do you want?

[Alcibiades]

Originally Posted by Island of misfit toys

2007 Leggett, Anderson
2008 Glenn Winston, Caulton Ray (may have the goods)
2009 Baker, Caper
2011 more stud backs
2012 yet more

In a way, Hill seems perfect. We aren't hurting for RB talent, we're taking one, at least one, and Hill brings something a little different to the table. Finding him behind 6'6" linemen is going to be a nightmare!

RB don't need the time to develop like OL, and there will be future stars easily enticed by PT. We have a real talent who wanted to be a and we took him. Guys have to make decisions. My point is this, these other backs aren't necessities. I don't know if we'd take one, but we've got more slots to fill and we need to work on other guys- do you want to be the next Max Bullough or do you want to be the next Robert Bolden? What do you want?

I guess I am asking more about how Hill's commitment effects the recruiting of other running backs and/or scholarship numbers, than I am implying anything about his ability to get the job done on the field.

I am not saying I dislike Hill's commitment. I am just wondering about the implications.

[Island of misfit toys]

Originally Posted by Alcibiades

I guess I am asking more about how Hill's commitment effects the recruiting of other running backs and/or scholarship numbers, than I am implying anything about his ability to get the job done on the field.

I am not saying I dislike Hill's commitment. I am just wondering about the implications.

Ok, I guess I'm thinking more about future pieces of the puzzle and consider another back as much bling as anything. But, I like bling .

[Gods03]

Originally Posted by Polo04CDs

1) Roderick Smith
2) Dakota Royer
3) Dior Mathis

Rod Smith is possible, even with Hill in the fold, if Howard pops for the Buckeyes.

I would be SHOCKED if Royer ended up here. We will take one more DE, and I think that we are all in agreement in who we would like in that spot. Royer will be a Nittany Lion.

Dior Mathis is an interesting recruit. We are starting to gain ground here, but he is in no hurry, and wants to decide in 2010 after visits I believe. We may well get him, but I doubt it will be soon.

I'd say that our next three will look something like:

1. Tony Jones
2. An OL that jumps on a new offer...like Connor Kruse
3. Maaaaaaybe CJ, but I think we waits a while too, so I'll say Smith or Howard here.

[94Spartan]

I guess I am asking more about how Hill's commitment effects the recruiting of other running backs and/or scholarship numbers

I'm guessing the coaches are calling the other RB recruits today and saying we have one more spot left. And I'm okay with that because we weren't going to get two of the others anyway...

[Coached By Duffy]

Originally Posted by Alcibiades

I am confused about the Nick Hill commitment. I am all for a different type of back, however, I am wondering what this will do towards marquee, NFL type backs like Smith and Howard. These two seem like can't miss prospects, and we are co-leading with both.

Now nothing is set is set in stone, and we could miss both of these guys, but I think the Hill commit has implications. Quite frankly I didn't think we would be taking two RB's this class. If I am right, and we aren't taking another running back, than White, Howard, and Smith are left to look elsewhere.

If we are taking another RB, then we have to ask, does Givens or White's offer still stand since we usually have a "big back" and a "small back"? Or is it a race between the other prospects to be the first man to fill it?

Any thoughts/opinions?

I don't think Nick Hill's commitment will have any implications on the Spartan's recruitment of another RB. MSU will still continue the recruitment of another RB in this class. They will continue to recruit Roderick Smith, Eric Howard, Braylon Heard, Austin White, James White and Andre Givens hoping to land one of them.
After this season, the RB position will be thinned out with the graduation of A. J. Jimmerson and the possibility of Glenn Winston not returning to the team.

[burnsmi4]

Originally Posted by Gods03

Rod Smith is possible, even with Hill in the fold, if Howard pops for the Buckeyes.

I would be SHOCKED if Royer ended up here. We will take one more DE, and I think that we are all in agreement in who we would like in that spot. Royer will be a Nittany Lion.

Dior Mathis is an interesting recruit. We are starting to gain ground here, but he is in no hurry, and wants to decide in 2010 after visits I believe. We may well get him, but I doubt it will be soon.

I'd say that our next three will look something like:

1. Tony Jones
2. An OL that jumps on a new offer...like Connor Kruse
3. Maaaaaaybe CJ, but I think we waits a while too, so I'll say Smith or Howard here.

Smith will be in Columbus this weekend so a committment might happen

[DrTre11]

I'm very surprised that many here haven't considered the fact that Hill will be given a chance at tailback as every recruit has, but that the offer and more of a sure thing comes with him being a return man. It isn't out of the question to offer Nick hoping for him to take all punt and kickoff return duties. There are ALOT of kids on a football team and even if he never wins the starting tailback job with many other super talents there, he can have a big impact on games as a specialist.

[burnsmi4]

Originally Posted by DrTre11

I'm very surprised that many here haven't considered the fact that Hill will be given a chance at tailback as every recruit has, but that the offer and more of a sure thing comes with him being a return man. It isn't out of the question to offer Nick hoping for him to take all punt and kickoff return duties. There are ALOT of kids on a football team and even if he never wins the starting tailback job with many other super talents there, he can have a big impact on games as a specialist.

look i love the pickup. Hill adds a different kind of back to this team. you have a chance to have a lightning and thunder package with Hill and Baker/Caper. we had it with Javon and Jehuu and Clemson just had it with Spiller and Davis.

[SpartanRahl]

I am very happy with our recruiting class so far but our O-Line recruiting has me a bit concerned

OT: Missed on Jorgenson, Betancourt, and Eggen. But probably the best remaining talent at OT (Donnal, Franklin, Deboef, Henderson - not very likely)

OG: Missed or didn't make top five of Rotheram, Fulton, Houston. Several prospects still available here (Tomlinson, Jackson, Kruse)

C: Missed on Pace, not sure who really we have offered. But seems like Pace was the guy we targeted at Center.

While there are some top tier guys available, I feel like we have missed on our Plan A guys at each position (with the exception being Donnal).

I know we had a great OL class last year but I would like to see some talent being stock piled for this class as well. Any thoughts or do others share my concerns?

[Stats]

Originally Posted by SpartanRahl

I am very happy with our recruiting class so far but our O-Line recruiting has me a bit concerned

OT: Missed on Jorgenson, Betancourt, and Eggen. But probably the best remaining talent at OT (Donnal, Franklin, Deboef, Henderson - not very likely)

OG: Missed or didn't make top five of Rotheram, Fulton, Houston. Several prospects still available here (Tomlinson, Jackson, Kruse)

C: Missed on Pace, not sure who really we have offered. But seems like Pace was the guy we targeted at Center.

While there are some top tier guys available, I feel like we have missed on our Plan A guys at each position (with the exception being Donnal).

I know we had a great OL class last year but I would like to see some talent being stock piled for this class as well. Any thoughts or do others share my concerns?

Skylar Schofner's still on the board at tackle too. can still pull off Donnal & Schofner at tackles with Jackson inside for a very solid group.

[spewing oil]

With Rod Smith going to OSU does that open the door a bit wider for Erick Howard to come here? Does he have an offer?

[Island of misfit toys]

Originally Posted by SpartanRahl

I am very happy with our recruiting class so far but our O-Line recruiting has me a bit concerned

OT: Missed on Jorgenson, Betancourt, and Eggen. But probably the best remaining talent at OT (Donnal, Franklin, Deboef, Henderson - not very likely)

OG: Missed or didn't make top five of Rotheram, Fulton, Houston. Several prospects still available here (Tomlinson, Jackson, Kruse)

C: Missed on Pace, not sure who really we have offered. But seems like Pace was the guy we targeted at Center.

While there are some top tier guys available, I feel like we have missed on our Plan A guys at each position (with the exception being Donnal).

I know we had a great OL class last year but I would like to see some talent being stock piled for this class as well. Any thoughts or do others share my concerns?

I don't believe we offered Eggen. Rotheram chooses IU and Purdue over us!? I have a theory, here.

is no longer in the place of offering immediate playing time except in rare instances like Gholston getting on the field or starting next year (Freeman, Hoover and some others aren't just going to roll over, though). That's a good thing. Compare our ranks to 's first year, there is no comparison.

However, we aren't yet the marquee name where top talent wants to line up for the possibility of seeing the field a few years down the road. That's an image thing that will be years in the making.

The following are freshmen and redshirt freshmen on the team right now: MacDonald, Ruhland, Deyo, Heuter, Barrent, Klatt, Reynolds and Conroy. Only five will see the field at any one time, and Foreman has three years left in him. Guys we're taking now need to get in the weight room and get in line.

Though there is probably a lot of talent in the above group, only Barrent and Klatt were 4*. Our sophomore preseason second team All Big Ten guard was a 2*.

Accept the program where it is- on a meteoric rise to who knows where! Seriously, it's just not the same program JLS left behind! Our expectations have changed dramatically.

Conroy was a late pickup. Heuter was a late, late ( steal from Central) pickup. Barrent was just a godsend, a windfall. Reynolds, a 310lb homer. The important thing is this, even though we may not pull in all the marquee players we want, is still really selective. (Hankins has or had an OSU offer but still doesn't have one from us, not yet) Not just anyone gets an offer, will take the best of what's available and often that will be better than the big name players eg., Foreman, Jones, Chris L., Martin, Robinson...

The players will come. We may take a lot of "program" guys this year, but part of the reason is the A-list guys already on the team. We may not have the name to draw top players every year just yet, but success on the field will breed success in recruiting. There's still plenty of time for the coaches to pick over the best they can draw to this program right now.

Something interesting, compare the top classes in the SEC right now to the top classes in the B11 and also to the bottom classes in the SEC. Great disparity between the top and the bottom of the SEC. And, UM doesn't seem to have anything compared to Bama and LSU.

We're on the rise!

[burnsmi4]

Earnest Thomas commits to UCLA

[Gods03]

Originally Posted by SpartanRahl

I am very happy with our recruiting class so far but our O-Line recruiting has me a bit concerned

OT: Missed on Jorgenson, Betancourt, and Eggen. But probably the best remaining talent at OT (Donnal, Franklin, Deboef, Henderson - not very likely)

OG: Missed or didn't make top five of Rotheram, Fulton, Houston. Several prospects still available here (Tomlinson, Jackson, Kruse)

C: Missed on Pace, not sure who really we have offered. But seems like Pace was the guy we targeted at Center.

While there are some top tier guys available, I feel like we have missed on our Plan A guys at each position (with the exception being Donnal).

I know we had a great OL class last year but I would like to see some talent being stock piled for this class as well. Any thoughts or do others share my concerns?

Don't forget Michael Dennis...The staff has him at the top of their board it seems.

If we were to pull 3 of:

Dennis, Schofner, Franklin, Jackson, Kruse, Deboef, Donnal...

I will be very happy.

[Bailey1149]

For those wondering if that is a wise strategy, the Spartans already have four players who are ranked as one of the top 10 players in the country at their respective position. The Wolverines, who are much more focused on out-of-state prospects, have just two players who fit the same criteria out of their 15 commitments.

From the Freep

[PortlandSpartan]

Originally Posted by Bailey1149

From the Freep

I don't believe that to be true. Who are our 4? Boisture, Gholston, and Bullough I can see. But I don't think anyone else is in the top 10 of their position.

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

Originally Posted by PortlandSpartan

I don't believe that to be true. Who are our 4? Boisture, Gholston, and Bullough I can see. But I don't think anyone else is in the top 10 of their position.

Nick Hill rated #10 APB in country

[spewing oil]

and above michigan's APB.

[PortlandSpartan]

Originally Posted by Ogie Ogilthorpe

Nick Hill rated #10 APB in country

Cool.

[Dutch_Pablo]

If someone were to ask me what I want in a recruit or recruting class my criteria would be as follows:

1 - That the coaching staff liked the recruit - an offer signifies this, an early offer makes this obvious, an offer after camp means the recruit looked f$%&ing good in person.
2 - the player wants to wear G&W - Izzo has built a bball team around Spartans, not any 'ol bball players. I want the same out of our football team. Players that grow up corn and blue and end up make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
3 - The player has skill - the actual ranking doesn't matter as long as there is no negative review out there. If the concensus is that the player can play I defer to 's opinion.

Given this simple criteria I am ecstatic about the recruits Dantonio is bringing in. This year is an example of the progress this program is making. Many could have said that last year was an anomaly but not after another good class this year. Gholston, Bullough, Hicks, etc. WOW!!!!

We have a great team now and yet I can't waint for the future. It's a good time to be a .

THANKS

[ilikemichigan]

Montague QB Cody Kater (sp?) committed to CMU today. Should be interesting to see how he ends up - he apparently did pretty well in a lot of the camps this summer.

[The Dancing Bear]

Originally Posted by ilikemichigan

Montague QB Cody Kater (sp?) committed to CMU today. Should be interesting to see how he ends up - he apparently did pretty well in a lot of the camps this summer.

Wasn't he the guy we were supposed to be recruiting harder and stop our pursuit of Bolden?

[Coached By Duffy]

Originally Posted by ilikemichigan

Montague QB Cody Kater (sp?) committed to CMU today. Should be interesting to see how he ends up - he apparently did pretty well in a lot of the camps this summer.

If Joe Boisture wouldn't have changed his commitment from BC to MSU, there was talk that the Spartan staff was seriously considering Cody Kater.