2006 Class 2 1/2 Year review...

[wingfanjim]

I assume, since this is the recruiting board, that this is the board to not only talk about current and upcoming recruits, but to evaluate how past recruiting classes panned out. AA, if that isn't the case, feel free to move it where it needs to go.

Anyway, I figured that if you assume most players redshirt, 2 1/2 years marks the halfway point of a player's 5 year career and a good point to evaluate the class again. It is also interesting to note, because these guys also represent the last of the guys recruited by JLS and his staff.

With that in mind, let's look back on the class of 06.

4 Stars

Gordon
Gantt
Rigan
Baldwin
Diehl
Thomas
Tinney

Review: Overall, some pretty good grades. Tinney was a total bust and Diehl's injuries have kept him on the sidelines as well. However, the remaining 5 seem to be doing well. Thomas will be a first round pick and Baldwin will also likely be drafted. Gordon started last season and looks even better this year. Gantt and Rigan both look ready to be contributors this year at the TE spot.

3 Stars

Leggins
Dixon
Henderson
Neely
Swenson
Warrick
TJ Williams

Review: The two stars are a bit mixed. Warrick was a solid two year starter before graduating and Swenson has been solid in the kicking game. Henderson has played well as a backup DB. Leggins, Dixon, and Neely have not really shown much due to being buried in the depth chart, injuries, or eligibility issues. Although when on the field he played well, the off field problems and the being booted from the team make TJ Williams a bust in my eyes.

2 Stars
Deane
Stipek
Gardner
Martin
Hyde
Jenrette
Shaw
Misch
David Williams
Nwagbuo
Rouse


Review: Hard to judge these guys as few have seen the field. Gardner and Martin never even made it to campus. Jenrette has looked good when he has seen the field and looks likely to be a starter come the fall and Misch has started games in the past. The rest appear to be guys who will end up as "program players", guys who probably won't start but will provide some quality depth to the team.

Final Analysis: All in all, a decent class. Clearly not at the level that the recruits that Dantonio has brought in are at, but there is some quality to be had 9 guys from the class either were starters, are starters or will end up starting at some point in their Spartan careers. I still think we can see good things from this class in their remaining 2 1/2 years on campus.

[AASpartan]

It's really supposed to be for the current recruiting class. That's why we moved all the 2008 class threads into another forum, but since we're going to be slow for a little bit I think we can allow it.

[wingfanjim]

Originally Posted by AASpartan

It's really supposed to be for the current recruiting class. That's why we moved all the 2008 class threads into another forum, but since we're going to be slow for a little bit I think we can allow it.

If I were to do something like this again, should I put it on the main board?

[AASpartan]

Originally Posted by wingfanjim

If I were to do something like this again, should I put it on the main board?

Probably not a bad idea since TECHNICALLY it would be discussing current Spartan athletic performances.

[Havoq]

Originally Posted by wingfanjim

2 Stars
Nwagbuo



Review: Hard to judge these guys as few have seen the field. Gardner and Martin never even made it to campus. Jenrette has looked good when he has seen the field and looks likely to be a starter come the fall and Misch has started games in the past. The rest appear to be guys who will end up as "program players", guys who probably won't start but will provide some quality depth to the team.

Final Analysis: All in all, a decent class. Clearly not at the level that the recruits that Dantonio has brought in are at, but there is some quality to be had 9 guys from the class either were starters, are starters or will end up starting at some point in their Spartan careers. I still think we can see good things from this class in their remaining 2 1/2 years on campus.

Great post, as I'm glad someone is talking about football but to be a little nitpicky Nwagbuo was a starter without whom last year's d-line would've been in the worst possible way.

[SCOTT'S BLOATED LIVER]

Good post Jim...I agree..by the time MD's recruits start to mature we will have a solid foundaton of depth from the previous regime. The next step is for MD to start to get some impact players at the skill positions and he is well on his way to doing that with the current verbals...things are really starting to take shape...

[SpartanRocky]

Originally Posted by SCOTT'S BLOATED LIVER

Good post Jim...I agree..by the time MD's recruits start to mature we will have a solid foundaton of depth from the previous regime. The next step is for MD to start to get some impact players at the skill positions and he is well on his way to doing that with the current verbals...things are really starting to take shape...

Fortunately JLS didn't leave the cupboard bare in that department, thanks to Ringer, Caulcrick and DT. Baring an injury to Ringer, we should be just fine, as Caper/Baker will step in as Frosh, Spencer (and hopefully Gordon) will join Dell, Smith and Cunningham. . ..yea, I think we'll be just fine

[wingfanjim]

Originally Posted by Havoq

Great post, as I'm glad someone is talking about football but to be a little nitpicky Nwagbuo was a starter without whom last year's d-line would've been in the worst possible way.

good catch. I missed that one.

[Ocho Cinco]

Solid post Jim!

I agree with your assessment on the '02 class.

[Jax Sparty]

Originally Posted by wingfanjim

Gardner and Martin never even made it to campus.

From the Louisville paper after the UL 2007 spring game:
One bit of news: freshman tight end Sam Gardner left the team over the weekend. You might remember Gardner as the kid from Lexington Henry Clay High School who originally committed to Michigan State, then sat out a year and enrolled at Louisville on the advice of former U of L and Spartans coach John L. Smith. Gardner, who was listed at 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds, was the fifth-string tight end this spring and apparently didn't like his playing time prospects.

[SpartanFan81]

Its hard to fault John L too much for this class because the in state class for 06 was awful for talent in Michigan. Its not even close to how it is now. Patrick Rigan would have been in like the 15s for this years class, Eric Gordon probably around #10.

[Nals]

of all the 4 year guys, Gordon will turn out to be the best. The LB corps look fantastic with Greg Jones and Eric Gordon there for hopefully 3 more years.