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All-In [35206]
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Keeping recruiting in perspective....
Jun 17, 2015, 12:35 AM
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The grass is green and the offers are a' turnin'. That must mean somebody's winnin' on the recruiting fronts and somebodys losing. Right? Well not necessarily. One could argue that perhaps the most overrated thing which occurs this time of year is the implied belief that early commits, and the class rankings they boost, are a clear indication of success on the football field.
This early in the process, it can be very difficult to completely gauge just how totally committed a verbal commit is. Keep in mind these recruits are teenagers and most know how indecisive teens can be at times. We've seen recruits remain committed from day one of the verbal commit- yet we've also seen theatrical last minute change of hearts. However we've also seen surprising late commits that were not necessarily on a team's big board- in Clemson's particular instance think of highly regarded 2015 DT prospect Christian Wilkins.
So where does this leave us? Well, let's try a comparison to our biggest foe, in FSU. It's still early and they've clearly got a lead on us but it's not over. It's easy for those pseudo-followers to see Kyle Meyers commit to FSU and fret but how much should one actually study that? It works both ways. Would one think they wouldn't have signed or didn't want Rahshaun Smith? TJ Chase? Tavien Feaster? Or last season Albert Huggins? Or Mitch Hyatt?
They're a pretty good team, they've put guys in the league, and they've accomplished a lot lately. That tends to help recruiting- not to undermine what we've done. However you can't always expect elite success simply based on how high some pundits rate your class. Some times a team needs to fill their needs with the appropriate athletes which is what we're doing with this class. Would you rather have Zerrick Cooper or the head ache that is FSU QB prospect Malek Henry- who recently departed IMG Academy for "recurring attitude problems" and "clashing with coaches." Do you really want FSU guys like that and Jameis or would you rather take great kids like Deshaun? It's a no brainer in this guys opinion.
With all do respect to even the biggest naysayer, how could one not be excited about our 2016 class? We've landed the best running back in the nation in Tavien Feaster. One would be hard pressed to find a more physical linebacker than Rahshaun Smith. T.J. Chase is perhaps the most underrated wide receiver in the country. The same can be said for offensive lineman Sean Pollard. However one must realize that our class is already elite and only getting better. Our coaches know what they're doing and their resumes of the past few seasons is indeed telling.
In addition, we should all remember that Vic Beasley was not a top rated prospect coming out of high school. Neither was Spencer Shuey. Chandler Catanzaro walked on. The coaching and development of athletes should not be overlooked. Baylor was a cellar dweller team until they found the right coach. Ever see Boise State high up in the recruiting rankings? Or how about Michigan State (consistently)? Or two-time SEC East champs Missouri. Just a thought to keep thing in perspective.
TigerBry
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Orange Blooded [3194]
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Good post
Jun 17, 2015, 1:09 AM
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I remember Jeff Scott saying something that caught me at a surprise. He said that in one class they evaluate over 500 players, then they trim that list down to around 100 players and offer around 50-70 players in one class. Thats a full time job right there on top of coaching some football. I know there are alot of people who recruit besides the coaches but still just imagine watching film after film, then once you find someone you like...you offer them, bring them on campus, have to make a good relationship with the recruit plus his family, have to stay in contact until signing day, etc. Its alot of work to make sure you bring in the right kids. My hat goes off to these coaches, no doubt we have one of the best recruiting staffs in the nation
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All-In [35206]
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^^^Nailed it!
Jun 17, 2015, 1:50 AM
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It takes a ridiculous amount of time and resources to find and evaluate this level of talent. Certain schools strike it rich every year but it doesn't happen over night. Many of the prospects you're familiar with have been on the big board for quite some time. It simply doesn't happen upon a whim.
We're blessed to have a full-time staff that is on top of this day and night. They don't miss much- actually they don't miss anything. They have a steady plan as well as a database that would make a few other colleges look silly. In this golden age of information via the web, Clemson is on the forefront of the echelon of recruiting. Clemson makes other schools with ridiculous resources seem JV, if you will. You will not find a better recruiting writer than David Hood, IMO. We're blessed with some of the best talent evaluators and insight that is out there. Pick any random school and see what recruiting insight their site offers. It just won't compare in most instances.
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Standout [338]
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Re: ^^^Nailed it!
Jun 17, 2015, 9:21 AM
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Wow, talk about orange colored glasses. I like and respect David Hood, but he's not among the best talent evaluators in the country. I like our recruits, but none of them are #1 nationally. Feaster is likely under-rated at 4*s by some services. His speed is elite, but his elusiveness isn't. His moves are better than average and IMO, the combination makes him elite, but not #1. His other issue is size. IMO, he's fine for college and may grow into the right size for the NFL, but that's another factor keeping his ratings down.
I Love my Tigers and do my best to keep my expectations realistic. This season has the potential to be special. It also has the potential to be a disaster. Smart money says that it will be much closer to the former than the latter. Dabo has built a program for sustained success. We aren't Alabama and we aren't Ohio State, but we are consistent and improving.
Young defensive back ups have to grow into their roles, particularly in the front 7
QB has to stay healthy
OL has to gel as a unit and stay relatively healthy
That's really all that has to go right for Clemson to make the playoffs.
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Orange Blooded [2519]
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Every and any season could be a disaster, it takes no skill
Jun 17, 2015, 9:58 AM
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to lose.
But the thing is this season could be great because there is enough talent and skill and experience vs our opponents to win every game. Plus, Dabo&Co have a track record of consistency.
It all has to go right for any team to make the playoffs, but we are one of about 15 teams with a legit shot. And that is exciting.
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Head Coach [762]
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Re: ^^^Nailed it!
Jun 17, 2015, 10:31 AM
[ in reply to Re: ^^^Nailed it! ] |
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Faster moves are great, that's why 247 made him the number 1 rb in the nation. Rivals will make him a 5 star very soon too.
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Orange Blooded [3194]
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Re: ^^^Nailed it!
Jun 17, 2015, 12:06 PM
[ in reply to Re: ^^^Nailed it! ] |
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I disagree that we aren't a bama or Ohio state yet. Didn't we beat Ohio state in the Orange bowl and beat Im Oklahoma who dismantled bama last year? We have some of the best coaches college football has offer. We get some of the best talent college football has to offer including 4 straight top 15 classes. I think we are right there with the elite teams and can beat anyone in the country. We don't have a national championship yet but we are very close.
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All-TigerNet [14233]
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Feaster is a 5* all day. 247 got it right. He has a chance
Jun 17, 2015, 12:29 PM
[ in reply to Re: ^^^Nailed it! ] |
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to be the #1 overall player by the end of the year. Right now he's #9.
Don't get me started on Rivals. Their explanation for Feaster's rating is absolutely ludicrous.
He's a got a football body and is the 2nd fastest person in the country.
That's a rare breed. Bo Jackson, Hershel Walker type athleticism.
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CU Guru [1400]
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Despite what
Jun 17, 2015, 1:21 AM
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some negative websites and a few cross-site posters on here try to say I think at this point we need to trust what Dabo & Company are doing. I'm happy with our class at this point and feel certain it is only going to get better.
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CU Guru [1049]
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Correct. Dabo is concentrating on Elite talent in this class***
Jun 17, 2015, 12:40 PM
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CU Guru [1858]
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Re: Keeping recruiting in perspective....
Jun 17, 2015, 6:01 AM
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Honestly, when I post anything about recruiting I know I give the impression I am an idiot. I know some posters feel I'm being negative when I ask what's wrong with our 2016 class but it's not negativity, it's just ignorance. Despite my obvious and confessed ignorance you, TigerBry83 have kindly and patiently spent the energy and time in your replies to "talk me down from the ledge." I love this post, again, I appreciate your informed opinion and feel much better about our 2016 class and beyond. I would also like to thank Tiger woods, you both are my recruiting gurus!
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CU Medallion [67820]
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Re: Keeping recruiting in perspective....I never worry about
Jun 17, 2015, 7:14 AM
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this staff and recruiting. They do it about as well as it can be done. I sometimes find it interesting who does and doesn't get offers but I know they have a plan and they are darned good at executing it
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All-TigerNet [14470]
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Re: Keeping recruiting in perspective....
Jun 17, 2015, 7:18 AM
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good stuff. word i get is we are pretty much done with 2016. some guys just want to play out the process. amazing to me how people in here worry about recruiting when dabo is involved.
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Standout [338]
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Not done for '16, but focus shifting on '17 and beyond
Jun 17, 2015, 9:39 AM
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We'll be adding to the '16 class, for sure, but the game has changed so much that staff's focus has to shift to '17 and beyond. Are there a couple of "heavy leans" or "silent commits"? That's tough to say, but a silent commitment is not that much different from a soft verbal, so they're still working on a number of kids.
So far, we've got 8 commitments and will likely sign 16+. Simpson and Overton might be in the "seeing the process through" camp. Both look like they'll be signing with Clemson in Feb.
The Tigers would love to sign Lawrence out of N.C. My guess is that he stays closer to home and attends home town NC State.
This will be a smaller class, so I suspect that they will be judicious with their offers. We'll probably have one or two surprise commitments by kids that weren't even on the media's radar.
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Heisman Winner [108390]
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Orange Blooded [3788]
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People keep saying Vic Beasley wasn't a top prospect
Jun 17, 2015, 10:44 AM
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and while he wasn't considered elite, he was rated as a high 3 star-low 4 star player (depending on the service) and had offers from Alabama and Auburn in addition to Clemson. His Scout recruiting profile read as follows:
"Size is the first thing that jumps out about Beasley. He height, length, and build are three things physically that really makes him stand out in a crowd. In shorts or in full uniform, Beasley looks like a man that has the frame to move on to the NFL one day. Experience is one thing because there are still questions on how and at what position he will fit in college. he will need to be able to turn and run with tight ends and move in space." -http://www.scout.com/player/3817157n-vic-beasley/analysis?s=143
It was widely known that he was an elite athlete and that he could be a star as long as whoever signed him could find the right position for him.
People who talk about Beasley not being highly rated are the same people who talked about Andre Branch being a 2-star, when it's common knowledge that if it weren't for grades Branch would've likely been a 4-star.
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Orange Blooded [3788]
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That said, I agree with your overall message
Jun 17, 2015, 10:46 AM
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it just drives me crazy when people act like Vic Beasley was some scrub coming out of high school when that just isn't true.
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All-TigerNet [14233]
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All-TigerNet [14233]
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Good post. You also forgot to mention
Jun 17, 2015, 12:18 PM
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we are going to land all the top in-state recruits this year. The tide has turned on that front.
I didn't expect to be a top 5 class this year. But we have a good shot at top 15 even if we have a very small class.
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50
