Okay, time for the annual thread about what needs we have to fill with this recruiting class. I've heard this class will be smaller, like 15-17 or so. I think we need: 2 QBs, or one true QB and an athlete that can play the position at least. 2-3 LBs. I had high hopes for the Georgia boys, but they don't look ready to step up to me. Odom will be good, but still needs to add weight. We'll be in serious trouble if Beckwith goes pro early. Luke & Ali will be gone. Theriot is a possibility at LB. 5 Oline. 3-4 OTs, 1-2 OGs. A center if we can get one. We're in on several high caliber OTs, it is vital that we get atleast one of them - especially now with Z. Thomas getting arrested - depth is very thin. 3 WRs. Chris Tolliver is one (considered the best WR in La last year by some despite three 4 star seniors). Julio Jones, Deandre Brown or that guy from Georgia - we need one of these big guys. And then factor in Laron Byrd & Jhryhn Taylor as possibilities at the position. Molton is another highly recruited possibility. 2-3 DBs. We lose our top 2 corners and a safety after this year, plus our nickelback guy will be a Sr. We did a good job recruiting DBs last year with 2 safeties & a couple CBs, but we still need some help back there. 1 RB. We lose Alleycat & Hester after this year. 2 TE's. Crowton's offense uses them a lot, and they are versatile enough to change position. 2 Dlinemen. Just because they are available, we don't really need it.
The 15-17 recruits shocks me. I had heard around 22, but can't remember the source. I know every other year or so, we can only sign a small number of recruits and I don't like it. Obviously, it can be taken as good news in that our recruits are sticking with the program, not failing out or getting in trouble, etc., but I love watching us get our full 25.
I think I heard the same from DandyD awhile back but he took into accout a few players that would either leave the team or not make the grades, transfer, etc... I though his # was a little high. Now with Giddons and Thomas situation and a few other events, I would say 20 would be a good estimate with one or two taking grey shirts and signing with the next class.
Here's a post from a guy, fearthehat, on another board. I found it interesting as he has a few differences from me, but we're pretty close on our expectations.
That's pretty darn close to what I have. The only variation is that I feel we could use two running backs, two defensive tackles and two defensive ends. Other than than we are on the same page.
I'm not seeing why we need 2 of each of those positions. I'd say that at this point DLine & RB are our 2 most stocked positions on the team.
WR depth chart when this class gets here. Byrd - Senior LaFell - RS Jr J. Mitchell - Jr C. Mitchell - Jr Dixon - RS So Toliver -So Benton - So RB depth chart RJ Jackson - Jr Keiland Williams - Jr Charles Scott - Jr Richard Murphy - RS So After looking at this, seems like 3 WRs is a lot, but RB is a bigger need than I thought. The thing with the WR depth chart is that, there's a few guys on there that may not be very good... edit: Trindon Holliday would also figure in with these 2 positions, and he'd be a Jr as well.
I doubt we need more than 1 TE this year and perhaps 1 fewer WR because we surely need to get 3-4 DE/DT types to avoid a future drop-off. If the recent suspensions lead to dismissals, then there are two more openings on the 85-man team.
Of the 3 TEs we signed this year, one very well be moved to a different position. Plus, Branch is a TE but would make a good OLine & Clement will probably be a DE here so it depends on if you count them as TEs. We offered that TE from Ohio, so you have to think that means the coaching staff is looking far & wide for atleast one good TE this class.
