If I was Tommy Bowden I might have some sour grapes too.

Aug 14, 2012, 1:45 PM

I know this won't be a popular post so let me preface by saying that I'm glad Dabo is our coach I think he has what it takes to get us to the National Championship level, I like his personality better fits Clemson.

With that said, if i was Tommy I might have some sour grapes too. based solely on the opportunity I had to make a run with the best talent after I had invested and lobbied and laid the ground work for football facilities to catch up to elite level.

My contention is that when Tommy was fired his first decent/ not stellar recruiting class had become true seniors and that it is not too much of a stretch to think we could be in better position with Bowden still the coach. ( I don't think so longterm, but for 2 to three years yes)

I'm using Rivals rankings in order to be consistent.
Total 4 and 5 star recruits by year
1999 - Unknown ( not many if any, i promise)
2000 - unknown
2001 - unknown
2002 - 8 (only 4 made it to clemson)
2003 - 2
2004 - 1
2005 - 6 Remember 2005 when they piled up dirt and a dozer to make recruits think construction had started and how amazed we were to get a 4 star player like James Davis

2006 - 8
2007 - 8
2008 - 13 The first stellar class after the completion of the West zone phase 1. these guys were true freshman the year Bowden got fired.

His first decent class were seniors when he was fired (forced to resign). after being so close with lesser talent I know he thought he had a dynasty coming at Clemson if he could just hold on to his job.

Did he have his issues. yes. was it time for culture change. I think so. But I really do believe TB laid the foundation for rebuilding Clemson Football with his recruiting savvy and push from day one to catch up in facilities. Dabo is now building on this and will continue to as long as we let him. I really believe TB loved Clemson. and even though he fell short, i think he gave it all he had.

And I appreciate that.