Class of '01 Raised the Bar |
The 2005 recruiting class is being touted as best class under head coach Tommy Bowden, even Coach Bowden himself said this was probably his best class. Before Wednesday, the bench mark class for Bowden was the class of 2001.
The class of 2001 has played a major role in several large upsets for Clemson. The class of 2001 upset three teams ranked in the top ten (Florida State, Tennessee, and Miami). What the class of 2001 has been able to do along with some of key members of other classes is raise the bar at Clemson. Fans have not got a taste of what it is like to not only play with the big boys again, but now they remember what it is like to beat them. The challenge that lies ahead for the class of 2005 is raising the bar another notch. From our conversations with the new class, not only do they understand the challenge, but it is a challenge that is welcomed with open arms. “I came to Clemson because I know something special is developing. This class is just going to speed up the process. The coaches have already told us they expect an ACC championship and a BCS bowl. I have to push myself to the limit in the off-season to make it happen. Coach Scott told me he is counting on me to come in and play early,” said 2005 signee Quentez Ruffin. The new ACC presents a new mountain to climb. Boston College will join the ACC next season, bringing in the longest active bowl game winning streak with them. Mathias Kiwanuka was the top edge rusher in college football last season, and returned to BC to play in the ACC. The class of 2005 will be immediately greeted by one of the toughest schedules the Tigers have ever faced. The good news is that the majority of the big games are in Death Valley this year. The standard has been set by the class of ‘01, now it is up to the class of ‘05 to raise the bar once again for future classes.
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