Regarding recruiting MS...

[olemissbydamn]

Below is Rivals top MS players for the past few years. Lets look at some of the top players. Look at the bust. Look at the noncontributers and grade casualties.

Neither of our schools is ever going to lock down all the top talent in the state. Bama, UT, LSU, AU, GA, etc are always going to get a few guys from each class. Now ask yourself...is there really that much talent on this list? How many of these guys are at least ALL SEC? Would you live and die by these players if you were a coach? Ask yourself where some of these guys are now. Greg Hinds, Blake Barnes, Josh Winchell, Louis Ellis, Calvin Wilson, Derrick Odam, Anthony Summers, Chris Strong, Jazzman Guy, etc?

I realize there are some good players on the list. I also realize most of them didn't live up to potential and a few exceeded potential. I remember both of us going hard after some of these Dandy Dozen guys only to watch them become stuck on our benches.

I don't think you can totally discount the instate players, but I also don't think they are imperative. Read below.

2004 Rank Pos Ht/Wt Schools
1 Greg Hinds
Southaven (MS) ATH 6-2/220 Memphis
Combination of size and speed make this power back the premier player in the Magnolia State.
2 Blake Barnes
Baldwyn (MS) QB 6-3/218 Georgia
Strong-armed pro-style quarterback should fit well in Richt's system at Georgia.
3 Xavier Mitchell
Long Beach (MS) DE 6-4/245 Tennessee
Explosiveness off the ball and intensity highlight top DE.
4 Rory Johnson
Vicksburg (MS) LB 6-2/215 Mississippi State
Has the frame and build of a linebacker with the speed of a defensive back.
5 Brandon Jackson
Horn Lake (MS) RB 6-0/220 Nebraska
Big back has ability to run between tackles and breakaway speed.
6 Steve Gandy
Waynesboro (MS) Wayne County LB 6-0/190 Auburn
Brings outstanding speed and athleticism at the outside linebacker/safety spots.
7 Gabe O'Neal
Columbus (MS) ATH 6-2/210 Mississippi State
All-around athlete could project at multiple positions on the next level.
8 Garry Pack
Hattiesburg (MS) Oak Grove LB 6-1/217 Ole Miss
Powerful LB packs a punch when he hits.
9 Mit Cole
Picayune (MS) TE 6-4/245 LSU
LSU verbal is known as an exceptional blocking TE with improving receiving skills.
10 Josh Winchell
Southaven (MS) OL 6-5/310 South Carolina
A pure brawler at guard, he had 40 pancake blocks as a junior.
11 Peria Jerry
Batesville (MS) South Panola DE 6-2/260 Ole Miss
Strongside DE did not play as junior, but displayed glimpses of potential with 13 sacks as a sophomore.
12 Terrell Jackson
Puckett (MS) DB 5-11/185 Ole Miss
Big-time cover skills highlight state's top corner.
13 Tony Burks
Gulfport (MS) Harrison Central WR 6-4/200 Ole Miss
Big target has all the tools to dominate in the passing game.
14 Lavarus Giles
Benoit (MS) Ray Brooks RB 6-1/205 Ole Miss
Only in his second year of organized football, but a tremendous raw athlete.
15 Anthony Strauder
Natchez (MS) DT 6-4/285 Mississippi State
Big, agile DT brings brains and brawn to the table.
16 Chris Johnson
Jackson (MS) Murrah WR 6-2/197 list
Has the frame, speed and hands to excel at either WR or DB.
17 Philip Tobias
Brookhaven (MS) OL 6-3/290 Southern Miss.
Big, run-stuffing DT also brings pass-rushing skills to the table.
18 Lance Lee
Oxford (MS) OL 6-6/265 Ole Miss
Strong, lean player has frame to develop into an outstanding OT.
19 JaMarca Sanford
Batesville (MS) South Panola LB 5-11/192 Ole Miss
Has the speed and aggressiveness to play OLB or S depending on the system.
20 Fred Akines
Clarksdale (MS) DB 6-3/190 Mississippi State
Prototype body and athleticism to excel at safety.

2005 Rank Pos Ht/Wt Schools
1 Jerrell Powe
Waynesboro (MS) Wayne County DT 6-3/352 Ole Miss
2 Derek Pegues
Batesville (MS) South Panola DB 5-10/183 Mississippi State
3 Josh McNeil
Collins (MS) OL 6-4/290 Tennessee
4 Louis Ellis
Jackson (MS) Lanier DT 6-3/293 Mississippi State
5 Calvin Wilson
Hattiesburg (MS) OL 6-5/336 Mississippi State
6 Jimmy Johns
Brookhaven (MS) QB 6-2/230 Alabama
7 Tim Holloway
Seminary (MS) ATH 6-4/215 Mississippi State
8 John Jerry
Batesville (MS) South Panola OL 6-6/315 Ole Miss
9 Travis Sanford
Batesville (MS) South Panola DB 6-3/205 list
10 Charles Burns
Hattiesburg (MS) LB 6-2/250 Mississippi State
11 Archie Sims
Laurel (MS) West Jones LB 6-0/200 Mississippi State
12 Anthony Johnson
Jackson (MS) Provine ATH 5-10/188 Mississippi State
13 J.J. Smith
Brooklyn (MS) Forrest County Ag RB 6-0/193 Junior College
14 Justin Clark
Collins (MS) DE 6-4/220 list
15 Chris Spencer
Meridian (MS) OL 6-4/300 Mississippi State
16 Reid Neely
Jackson (MS) Jackson Academy OL 6-6/289 Ole Miss
17 Craig Jenkins
Pearl (MS) OL 6-4/352 Mississippi State
18 Lance Lee
Oxford (MS) OL 6-6/270 Ole Miss
19 Austin Divinity
Utica (MS) Hinds AHS WR 6-0/195 Southern Miss.
20 Jeremy Rockette
Olive Branch (MS) LB 6-3/200 Memphis

2006 Rank Pos Ht/Wt Schools
1 Allen Walker
Olive Branch (MS) Olive Branch ATH 6-2/200 Ole Miss
2 Derrick Odom
Jackson (MS) Callaway High School LB 6-2/196 LSU
3 Terry Grant
Lumberton (MS) Lumberton High School RB 5-10/180 Alabama
4 Anthony Summers
Olive Branch (MS) Olive Branch ATH 6-2/200 Mississippi State
5 Richard Dickson
Ocean Springs (MS) Ocean Springs TE 6-3/235 LSU
6 Marcus Tillman
Meadville (MS) Franklin County DE 6-4/250 Ole Miss
7 Mike McCoy
Brandon (MS) Northwest Rankin WR 6-3/200 Alabama
8 Cordera Eason
Meridian (MS) Meridian High School RB 6-0/240 Ole Miss
9 Justin Woodall
Oxford (MS) Lafayette County DB 6-3/200 Alabama
10 Anthony Dixon
Terry (MS) Terry High School RB 6-1/229 Mississippi State
11 Terry Levy
Kosciusko (MS) Kosciusko WR 6-2/199 Ole Miss
12 Hendrick Leverette
Hattiesburg (MS) Oak Grove LB 6-0/205 Auburn
13 Markeith Summers
Olive Branch (MS) Olive Branch WR 6-3/190 Ole Miss
14 Martez Smith
Camden (MS) Velma Jackson LB 6-0/198 Southern Miss.
15 Jonathan Massey
Gautier (MS) Gautier High School TE 6-2/241 Vanderbilt
16 Victor Thomas
Olive Branch (MS) Olive Branch DE 6-4/250 Tennessee
17 Torris Magee
Hattiesburg (MS) Oak Grove WR 6-2/186 Southern Miss.
18 Shay Hodge
Morton (MS) Morton High School ATH 6-2/174 Ole Miss
19 Domonic Hopson
Pascagoula (MS) Pascagoula High School LB 6-3/235 Southern Miss.
20 Milton Talbert
Hattiesburg (MS) Hattiesburg DE 6-2/225 Alabama
21 Alex Carpenter
Corinth (MS) Biggersville WR 6-0/168 Mississippi State
22 Roshaad Byrd
Meridian (MS) LB 6-3/210 Southern Miss.
23 Matt Malouf
Oxford (MS) Oxford High School QB 6-2/211 Memphis
24 Jamon Hughes
Rolling Fork (MS) Humphreys County LB 6-0/221 Mississippi State
25 Josh Davis
Tylertown (MS) Tylertown OL 6-6/295 Georgia

2007 Rank Pos Ht/Wt Schools
1 Chris Strong
Batesville (MS) South Panola DE 6-3/251 Ole Miss
Projection as a defensive end doesn't take away from his talent.
2 Robert Elliott
Okolona (MS) Okolona RB 6-0/191 Mississippi State
The most complete back in Mississippi.
3 Derek Sherrod
Columbus (MS) Caledonia High School OL 6-6/298 Mississippi State
Has future NFL tackle written all over him.
4 Chaz Ramsey
Madison (MS) Madison Central OL 6-3/285 Auburn
Excellent footwork and a great work ethic.
5 Jazzmen Guy
Hazlehurst (MS) Hazlehurst High School DE 6-5/265 Mississippi State
Solid showing at the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl.
6 Stevan Ridley
Natchez (MS) Trinity Episcopal ATH 6-0/211 LSU
Talented player can do a number of things.
7 Jonathan Frink
Oxford (MS) Oxford High School LB 6-1/214 Stanford
Rolls up the tackles from his linebacker position.
8 Lee Chambers
Coffeeville (MS) Coffeeville RB 6-0/193 Miami-FL
Catches the ball well out of the backfield.
9 Jeramie Griffin
Batesville (MS) South Panola RB 6-0/230 Alabama
A weapon at fullback because of his rare speed.
10 Leroy Diggs
Batesville (MS) South Panola ATH 5-11/190 list
Very quick and athletic.
11 Johnny Brown
Charleston (MS) Charleston High School ATH 6-0/190 Ole Miss
Should find a home in the Rebels' secondary.
12 Antonio White
Hollandale (MS) Simmons High School LB 6-2/240 Mississippi State
Big man moves well and plays nasty.
13 Antwon Dixon
Terry (MS) Terry High School DB 6-1/200 Mississippi State
Brother was a top running back recruit last year.
14 Jamison Hughes
Oxford (MS) Oxford High School DB 6-0/190 Ole Miss
When the game is on the line, Hughes is at his best.
15 Quentin Saulsberry
Independence (MS) Independence OL 6-3/270 Mississippi State
Moves his feet well and is strong.
16 Mike Hunt
Meadville (MS) Franklin County DB 6-2/204 Mississippi State
Big safety could also play linebacker.
17 Jamariey Atterberry
Kosciusko (MS) Kosciusko DB 5-11/166 Ole Miss
Programs love this versatile athlete.
18 Colton Jenkins
Winona (MS) OL 6-6/280 Mississippi State
Plays with a nasty streak.
19 K.J. Wright
Olive Branch (MS) LB 6-3/210 Mississippi State
Projects better as an outside linebacker than a defensive end.
20 Marcus Green
DeKalb (MS) Kemper County ATH 6-2/201 Mississippi State
Superior athlete had a great senior year.
21 Rashod Henry
Lumberton (MS) Lumberton High School ATH 6-0/165 Southern Miss.
Brings a lot of speed to the table.
22 Bradley Sowell
Hernando (MS) Hernando HS OL 6-8/320 Ole Miss
Huge trenchman impressed at multiple summer camps.
23 Stanley Porter
Rosedale (MS) West Bolivar DE 6-3/235 Arkansas St.
Quick off the edge in pass rushing situations.
24 Cory Bailey
Brandon (MS) Northwest Rankin OL 6-5/275 Houston
Very sound offensive line prospect.
25 Markeno Lee
Oxford (MS) Lafayette County DE 6-5/265 list
Should make his way to Division I-A eventually.

 

[olemissbydamn]

Below is Rivals top MS players for the past few years. Lets look at some of the top players. Look at the bust. Look at the noncontributers and grade casualties.

Neither of our schools is ever going to lock down all the top talent in the state. Bama, UT, LSU, AU, GA, etc are always going to get a few guys from each class. Now ask yourself...is there really that much talent on this list? How many of these guys are at least ALL SEC? Would you live and die by these players if you were a coach? Ask yourself where some of these guys are now. Greg Hinds, Blake Barnes, Josh Winchell, Louis Ellis, Calvin Wilson, Derrick Odam, Anthony Summers, Chris Strong, Jazzman Guy, etc?

I realize there are some good players on the list. I also realize most of them didn't live up to potential and a few exceeded potential. I remember both of us going hard after some of these Dandy Dozen guys only to watch them become stuck on our benches.

I don't think you can totally discount the instate players, but I also don't think they are imperative. Read below.

2004 Rank Pos Ht/Wt Schools
1 Greg Hinds
Southaven (MS) ATH 6-2/220 Memphis
Combination of size and speed make this power back the premier player in the Magnolia State.
2 Blake Barnes
Baldwyn (MS) QB 6-3/218 Georgia
Strong-armed pro-style quarterback should fit well in Richt's system at Georgia.
3 Xavier Mitchell
Long Beach (MS) DE 6-4/245 Tennessee
Explosiveness off the ball and intensity highlight top DE.
4 Rory Johnson
Vicksburg (MS) LB 6-2/215 Mississippi State
Has the frame and build of a linebacker with the speed of a defensive back.
5 Brandon Jackson
Horn Lake (MS) RB 6-0/220 Nebraska
Big back has ability to run between tackles and breakaway speed.
6 Steve Gandy
Waynesboro (MS) Wayne County LB 6-0/190 Auburn
Brings outstanding speed and athleticism at the outside linebacker/safety spots.
7 Gabe O'Neal
Columbus (MS) ATH 6-2/210 Mississippi State
All-around athlete could project at multiple positions on the next level.
8 Garry Pack
Hattiesburg (MS) Oak Grove LB 6-1/217 Ole Miss
Powerful LB packs a punch when he hits.
9 Mit Cole
Picayune (MS) TE 6-4/245 LSU
LSU verbal is known as an exceptional blocking TE with improving receiving skills.
10 Josh Winchell
Southaven (MS) OL 6-5/310 South Carolina
A pure brawler at guard, he had 40 pancake blocks as a junior.
11 Peria Jerry
Batesville (MS) South Panola DE 6-2/260 Ole Miss
Strongside DE did not play as junior, but displayed glimpses of potential with 13 sacks as a sophomore.
12 Terrell Jackson
Puckett (MS) DB 5-11/185 Ole Miss
Big-time cover skills highlight state's top corner.
13 Tony Burks
Gulfport (MS) Harrison Central WR 6-4/200 Ole Miss
Big target has all the tools to dominate in the passing game.
14 Lavarus Giles
Benoit (MS) Ray Brooks RB 6-1/205 Ole Miss
Only in his second year of organized football, but a tremendous raw athlete.
15 Anthony Strauder
Natchez (MS) DT 6-4/285 Mississippi State
Big, agile DT brings brains and brawn to the table.
16 Chris Johnson
Jackson (MS) Murrah WR 6-2/197 list
Has the frame, speed and hands to excel at either WR or DB.
17 Philip Tobias
Brookhaven (MS) OL 6-3/290 Southern Miss.
Big, run-stuffing DT also brings pass-rushing skills to the table.
18 Lance Lee
Oxford (MS) OL 6-6/265 Ole Miss
Strong, lean player has frame to develop into an outstanding OT.
19 JaMarca Sanford
Batesville (MS) South Panola LB 5-11/192 Ole Miss
Has the speed and aggressiveness to play OLB or S depending on the system.
20 Fred Akines
Clarksdale (MS) DB 6-3/190 Mississippi State
Prototype body and athleticism to excel at safety.

2005 Rank Pos Ht/Wt Schools
1 Jerrell Powe
Waynesboro (MS) Wayne County DT 6-3/352 Ole Miss
2 Derek Pegues
Batesville (MS) South Panola DB 5-10/183 Mississippi State
3 Josh McNeil
Collins (MS) OL 6-4/290 Tennessee
4 Louis Ellis
Jackson (MS) Lanier DT 6-3/293 Mississippi State
5 Calvin Wilson
Hattiesburg (MS) OL 6-5/336 Mississippi State
6 Jimmy Johns
Brookhaven (MS) QB 6-2/230 Alabama
7 Tim Holloway
Seminary (MS) ATH 6-4/215 Mississippi State
8 John Jerry
Batesville (MS) South Panola OL 6-6/315 Ole Miss
9 Travis Sanford
Batesville (MS) South Panola DB 6-3/205 list
10 Charles Burns
Hattiesburg (MS) LB 6-2/250 Mississippi State
11 Archie Sims
Laurel (MS) West Jones LB 6-0/200 Mississippi State
12 Anthony Johnson
Jackson (MS) Provine ATH 5-10/188 Mississippi State
13 J.J. Smith
Brooklyn (MS) Forrest County Ag RB 6-0/193 Junior College
14 Justin Clark
Collins (MS) DE 6-4/220 list
15 Chris Spencer
Meridian (MS) OL 6-4/300 Mississippi State
16 Reid Neely
Jackson (MS) Jackson Academy OL 6-6/289 Ole Miss
17 Craig Jenkins
Pearl (MS) OL 6-4/352 Mississippi State
18 Lance Lee
Oxford (MS) OL 6-6/270 Ole Miss
19 Austin Divinity
Utica (MS) Hinds AHS WR 6-0/195 Southern Miss.
20 Jeremy Rockette
Olive Branch (MS) LB 6-3/200 Memphis

2006 Rank Pos Ht/Wt Schools
1 Allen Walker
Olive Branch (MS) Olive Branch ATH 6-2/200 Ole Miss
2 Derrick Odom
Jackson (MS) Callaway High School LB 6-2/196 LSU
3 Terry Grant
Lumberton (MS) Lumberton High School RB 5-10/180 Alabama
4 Anthony Summers
Olive Branch (MS) Olive Branch ATH 6-2/200 Mississippi State
5 Richard Dickson
Ocean Springs (MS) Ocean Springs TE 6-3/235 LSU
6 Marcus Tillman
Meadville (MS) Franklin County DE 6-4/250 Ole Miss
7 Mike McCoy
Brandon (MS) Northwest Rankin WR 6-3/200 Alabama
8 Cordera Eason
Meridian (MS) Meridian High School RB 6-0/240 Ole Miss
9 Justin Woodall
Oxford (MS) Lafayette County DB 6-3/200 Alabama
10 Anthony Dixon
Terry (MS) Terry High School RB 6-1/229 Mississippi State
11 Terry Levy
Kosciusko (MS) Kosciusko WR 6-2/199 Ole Miss
12 Hendrick Leverette
Hattiesburg (MS) Oak Grove LB 6-0/205 Auburn
13 Markeith Summers
Olive Branch (MS) Olive Branch WR 6-3/190 Ole Miss
14 Martez Smith
Camden (MS) Velma Jackson LB 6-0/198 Southern Miss.
15 Jonathan Massey
Gautier (MS) Gautier High School TE 6-2/241 Vanderbilt
16 Victor Thomas
Olive Branch (MS) Olive Branch DE 6-4/250 Tennessee
17 Torris Magee
Hattiesburg (MS) Oak Grove WR 6-2/186 Southern Miss.
18 Shay Hodge
Morton (MS) Morton High School ATH 6-2/174 Ole Miss
19 Domonic Hopson
Pascagoula (MS) Pascagoula High School LB 6-3/235 Southern Miss.
20 Milton Talbert
Hattiesburg (MS) Hattiesburg DE 6-2/225 Alabama
21 Alex Carpenter
Corinth (MS) Biggersville WR 6-0/168 Mississippi State
22 Roshaad Byrd
Meridian (MS) LB 6-3/210 Southern Miss.
23 Matt Malouf
Oxford (MS) Oxford High School QB 6-2/211 Memphis
24 Jamon Hughes
Rolling Fork (MS) Humphreys County LB 6-0/221 Mississippi State
25 Josh Davis
Tylertown (MS) Tylertown OL 6-6/295 Georgia

2007 Rank Pos Ht/Wt Schools
1 Chris Strong
Batesville (MS) South Panola DE 6-3/251 Ole Miss
Projection as a defensive end doesn't take away from his talent.
2 Robert Elliott
Okolona (MS) Okolona RB 6-0/191 Mississippi State
The most complete back in Mississippi.
3 Derek Sherrod
Columbus (MS) Caledonia High School OL 6-6/298 Mississippi State
Has future NFL tackle written all over him.
4 Chaz Ramsey
Madison (MS) Madison Central OL 6-3/285 Auburn
Excellent footwork and a great work ethic.
5 Jazzmen Guy
Hazlehurst (MS) Hazlehurst High School DE 6-5/265 Mississippi State
Solid showing at the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl.
6 Stevan Ridley
Natchez (MS) Trinity Episcopal ATH 6-0/211 LSU
Talented player can do a number of things.
7 Jonathan Frink
Oxford (MS) Oxford High School LB 6-1/214 Stanford
Rolls up the tackles from his linebacker position.
8 Lee Chambers
Coffeeville (MS) Coffeeville RB 6-0/193 Miami-FL
Catches the ball well out of the backfield.
9 Jeramie Griffin
Batesville (MS) South Panola RB 6-0/230 Alabama
A weapon at fullback because of his rare speed.
10 Leroy Diggs
Batesville (MS) South Panola ATH 5-11/190 list
Very quick and athletic.
11 Johnny Brown
Charleston (MS) Charleston High School ATH 6-0/190 Ole Miss
Should find a home in the Rebels' secondary.
12 Antonio White
Hollandale (MS) Simmons High School LB 6-2/240 Mississippi State
Big man moves well and plays nasty.
13 Antwon Dixon
Terry (MS) Terry High School DB 6-1/200 Mississippi State
Brother was a top running back recruit last year.
14 Jamison Hughes
Oxford (MS) Oxford High School DB 6-0/190 Ole Miss
When the game is on the line, Hughes is at his best.
15 Quentin Saulsberry
Independence (MS) Independence OL 6-3/270 Mississippi State
Moves his feet well and is strong.
16 Mike Hunt
Meadville (MS) Franklin County DB 6-2/204 Mississippi State
Big safety could also play linebacker.
17 Jamariey Atterberry
Kosciusko (MS) Kosciusko DB 5-11/166 Ole Miss
Programs love this versatile athlete.
18 Colton Jenkins
Winona (MS) OL 6-6/280 Mississippi State
Plays with a nasty streak.
19 K.J. Wright
Olive Branch (MS) LB 6-3/210 Mississippi State
Projects better as an outside linebacker than a defensive end.
20 Marcus Green
DeKalb (MS) Kemper County ATH 6-2/201 Mississippi State
Superior athlete had a great senior year.
21 Rashod Henry
Lumberton (MS) Lumberton High School ATH 6-0/165 Southern Miss.
Brings a lot of speed to the table.
22 Bradley Sowell
Hernando (MS) Hernando HS OL 6-8/320 Ole Miss
Huge trenchman impressed at multiple summer camps.
23 Stanley Porter
Rosedale (MS) West Bolivar DE 6-3/235 Arkansas St.
Quick off the edge in pass rushing situations.
24 Cory Bailey
Brandon (MS) Northwest Rankin OL 6-5/275 Houston
Very sound offensive line prospect.
25 Markeno Lee
Oxford (MS) Lafayette County DE 6-5/265 list
Should make his way to Division I-A eventually.

 

[NutherT]

I guarantee you that the percentage of players from that list that panned out is higher than the percentage of players not on that list that panned out, whether they were B-listers in Mississippi or Texas or Florida.

 

[olemissbydamn]

Exactly what do you consider "panned out"?

I see an average of about 6 players per year who panned out. By "panned out" I mean they were high level contributers to their team. Not just stepped on the field for one season or role players.

I count...

2004:
Mitchell
Jackson
O'Neal
Jerry
Strauder
Sanford

Hind and Barnes are nobodys. Rory only qualifed for one partial season. Gandy gave up football early after injury. Pack got kicked out of school. Mit Cole only started 2 games in his career. Josh Winchell an animal on paper, yet USC found out that you don't play on paper. Terrell Jackson was dandy dozen, but never cracked the lineup at OM. Giles didn't qualify. Burks eventually played at MSU after not qualifying (he is kind of in the middle). Chris Johnson, Phillip Tobias, Lance Lee, and Fred Aikens were bust.

2005:
Pegues
McNeil
Jerry
A Johnson

Powe is kind of like Burks in that he could go on either list. He is playing now but it took 15 years to get qualified. Travis Sanford is still waiting on his mother to sign the LOI and is still in juco. Louis Ellis wanted to follow the bball player around. Jimmy Johns is awaiting prison. Calvin Wilson was a huge letdown.

2006:
Allen Walker
Richard Dickson
Marcus Tillman
Cordera Eason
Justin Woodall
Anthony Dixon
Shay Hodge

Odam was kicked out of LSU and has done nothing at Memphis. Terry Grant had one ok season at Bama but is now on the bench. Anthony Summers transferred to Central Ark. Mike McCoy has 300 career yards at Bama. Levy never qualified or played outside of juco. Markeith Summers is decent and still has some potential at OM, but will never be a feature guy. Jonathan Massey left Vandy and is now at USM doing nothing. Victor Thomas is 3rd string at UT, but has potential. Josh Davis is last string at UGA. Matt Malouf couldn't cut it at Memphis and transferred to Samford. Jamon Hughes likes beer. There are some other nobodies not worth mentioning.

2007:
Derek Sherrod
Johnny Brown
K.J. Wright
Marcus Green
Bradley Sowell

At this point it is early to make judgement on this class, but the guys above are already contributing. Strong is a dummy. Elliot is injured severely, but could have potential. Ramsey played one season and apparently developed a ******. Guy never qualified. Ridley will never do much at LSU. Lee Chambers has touched the ball just a few times at Miami. Jeramie Griffin will never be heard from at Bama again. Leroy Diggs, Antwon Dixon, and Antonio White didn't qualify. Quinton Saulsberry plays out of need. Atterberry is gone from OM. Colton Jenkins is a big *****. Mike Hunt may someday get some real action*.

Some of these guys are debatedable. You may think some should be on the list or some shouldn't be. However, there is no denying that a higher percentage were average to poor than were good to great.

If there was only one MS university, MS student athletes were smarter, and the out of state schools didn't cherry pick a percentage of our talent, you could field a great team with MS players. However that scenario is never going to happen. As long alot of the talent can't qualify, as long as the out of state schools cherry pick some of our talent, and as long as we divide the rest of the talent, neither of us can rely on MS for the most part.

 

[HammerOfTheDogs]

If you were having a good recruiting year, we'd be hearing, "More Sthtudsth in the sthtable"

 

[DovaDawg]

The fact that you went through that much time and effort to research and type all of that tells me you are concerned. You will notice that this years DD is in the best shape of any DD class in along time. The usual tag line of "but will he make his grades" is not an issue to many in this years class. You would rather have 2* recruits because they have a better chance in your mind. That is fine, y'all are welcome to have them. I am not going to complain that we are going to pull a large percentage of the states top players that appear to all be on track to qualify.

 

[dawgatUSM]

Exactly my thoughts Mutt. Not everyone will "pan out"... But the fact that some OM fan came out and put this much time into this on our board is a little funny.

 

[DiamondReb]

OM has several commits who, if they lived in ms, would be dandy dozen.

Sawyer
Neat
Scott
Kellam
McHaney
Simon
Crawford
Junaid
Hunter
Thomas

All those guys would all be in the DD somewhere if they lived in MS. And that is taking them independently. If you add that whole group to what we have now I have no idea who would be in and who would be out.

 

[Keyser Soze.sixpack]

Let me get this straight 10 of ole miss' out of state commits would make up the clarion ledger ten most wanted list. How convenient for you. I am betting that if Kendrick Hardy was from Memphis that he would be on your list, but somehow he couldn't cut it being from MS. There is not one player on your list that is better than the top 5 in MS. Could 1 to 3 make the bottom 5, maybe so I'm not sure. Russell, Bumphis, Patterson, Cox, and Boyd are big time talents, so don't conveniently spout off bullsh!t about how 10 rebel out of state commits are better than the best from MS. </p>

 

[Todd4State]

Kellam

>

that you have a guy named Kellam as a recruit. Would be like us having a guy named Cristal. (OK, enough)

 

[dawgatUSM]

OM has several commits who, if they lived in ms, would be dandy dozen.

Sawyer
Neat
Scott
Kellam
McHaney
Simon
Crawford
Junaid
Hunter
Thomas

All those guys would all be in the DD somewhere if they lived in MS. And that is taking them independently. If you add that whole group to what we have now I have no idea who would be in and who would be out.

I just want everyone to know that this idiot just put the 109th ranked S (Junaid) and the 82nd ranked RB (Neat) in the same conversation as the dandy dozen. homerish....

 

[TR.sixpack]

You can't judge a player until you've seen their highlight films, you know.

 

[Dawg in a pile]

OM has several commits who, if they lived in ms, would be dandy dozen.

Sawyer
Neat
Scott
Kellam
McHaney
Simon
Crawford
Junaid
Hunter
Thomas

All those guys would all be in the DD somewhere if they lived in MS. And that is taking them independently. If you add that whole group to what we have now I have no idea who would be in and who would be out.

I just want everyone to know that this idiot just put the 109th ranked S (Junaid) and the 82nd ranked RB (Neat) in the same conversation as the dandy dozen. homerish....

The guy isn't a homer, he is a <17>ing retard and he proves it every year around this time. You have to remember that this guy bought the Robert Elliot BS hook line and sinker. He actually believes everything that Yancy says and if he doesn't get his info from Yancy he completely makes it up. I'm pretty sure he even got banned from Nafoom for being an idiot.

 

[RebelBruiser]

First thing that sticks out to me, from the 2004 class, the two players that did the most on the college level were Sanford and Jerry, rated 11 and 18 on the list. The others all did only marginally well on the D-1 level or never made it.

 

[RebelBruiser]

There is not one player on your list that is better than the top 5 in MS. Could 1 to 3 make the bottom 5, maybe so I'm not sure. Russell, Bumphis, Patterson, Cox, and Boyd are big time talents, so don't conveniently spout off bullsh!t about how 10 rebel out of state commits are better than the best from MS.

These are the type of statements I find entertaining. Not saying Diamond is right, but how would you know if none of those players he listed are better than some or all of the Top 5 in Mississippi? Because Gene told you? Because Scout and Rivals said so?

This is why recruiting rankings suck. In 3-4 years we'll know who the best players from this class are, but no one will even discuss it at that point, because all the discussion will be about the next group of "what ifs".

 

[SoxFan343]

like it's the holy grail of recruiting. This list isn't made by the SEC coaches or NFL scouts, it's made by 2 or 3 guys who cover high school sports for the Jackson paper. Sure they have "input" from college scouts, but c'mon, the Clarion Ledger's Dandy Dozen and Ten Most Wanted aren't the end all be all of recruiting.

I think ya'll are beating us instate, but ya'll have been beating us instate every year this decade except for 2005. How has that worked out for you?

I've heard our assistants talk about the return on Mississippi recruiting. You can spend a lot of time really recruiting Mississippi each year and really only have 10-15 solid players in a given year. In Texas and Florida they're are 70-100 solid players in each state each year. Who is better, the 10th best guy in Mississippi or the 60th best guy in Florida? The 5th best in Mississippi or the 35th in Texas? Our coaches believe they can spend less resources to get the 35th best player in Texas and the 60th best guy in Florida than they would getting the 5th and 10th best players in Mississippi and be getting similar players. Will it work? I don't know, but I am interested to see. </p>

 

[dawgstudent]

the star rating system is just based upon offers. These recruiting guys don't know ****, they look at who has supposedly offered the students and base the rating off of that.

Florida, Oklahoma, and Texas offer = 5 star

 

[Optimus Prime 4]

and he is a two or three. Conversely, both of our schools have signed four stars with almost no other offers.

It's puzzling, and thus, why I don't really care any more. Do I want the best players? Absolutely. I just don't trust these services to tell me who those people are these days. Especially since we are now running an unconventional offense, which seems to go after some players not highly sought after by other schools. The small, quick, fast player fits in our system, while a FSU may not want him.

I've just watched too many four star busts, and too many Patrick Willis' to believe these services have a damn clue. How else does Utah go undefeated, and Texas Tech do it with like five four stars over three years.

 

[RebelBruiser]

the star rating system is just based upon offers. These recruiting guys don't know ****, they look at who has supposedly offered the students and base the rating off of that.

Florida, Oklahoma, and Texas offer = 5 star

Yea, but then you've got your Josh Riddell 4 stars with offers from McNeese State, Western Illinois, and MSU. I think they take offers into account, but I think they also have regional guys that basically get certain players promoted to them. I heard one time that part of the reason for Orgeron's recruiting success is that he would play up certain players to the recruiting geeks to get them better rankings. May be wrong there, but I definitely don't think there is enough evidence to put too much stock into the ranking system.

Offer lists may be a better way to evaluate, but even then you have guys claiming offers that don't exist, so even that is a flawed evaluation tool.

Another example of the oddities that are recruiting rankings is a guy we discussed recently, our 2 star safety prospect, Dele Junaid. I think he ends up at OLB, but that's another story. Anyway, he's a 2 star on scout, one of our lowest rated commits, but on ESPN, he's our highest rated commit. Makes no sense that two systems could differ that much on a player.

 

[dawgstudent]

it's all a crap shoot except for the CL Top 10 in the years it aids our recruiting prowess.

 

[RebelBruiser]

it's all a crap shoot except for the CL Top 10 in the years it aids our recruiting prowess.

In short, yes, it all depends on which list most benefits your team the most. If it's a CL list that makes your class look the best, then the CL is the end all-be all. If it's Rivals, then Rivals knows what they are talking about. If it's Scout or ESPN, you get the point.

I seem to remember a few years back when MSU's class was lowly rated by Scout and Rivals, but was decently rated by ESPN. There were those on here that were discussing the importance of the ESPN ratings. Right now, if you go to Hogville, they are of the belief that Rivals is the only service that knows what it is talking about, because Rivals has their class ranked about 5-6 spots higher than Scout, and maybe most importantly, Rivals has Nutt's class ranked about 10-15 spots lower than Scout. If the reverse is true next year, they'll be touting Scout as the primary recruiting service.

I like to follow recruiting, because I like to see some of the videos, know what players we're bringing in, how we're addressing needs, etc., but Orgeron's classes made me realize how bogus recruiting rankings can be. His best class on paper, was his 2006 class. I still contend that his 2006 class was his best class, but if you look at the player rankings, most of the best players we signed were not the ones we were excited about in February 2006.

 

[8dog]

that's amazing to me.

I think its important to remember that the offer lists are provided by the athlete.

 

[NutherT]

How stupid are you? Honestly. Brandon Jackson? Ever heard of him? Star running back at Nebraska? Plays for the Green Bay Packers?

And what about Rory Johnson? He turned out to be a pretty damned good linebacker for y'all. I'd say the C-L nailed it on his talent level. His mind left a lot to be desired, however.

 

[8dog]

Gabe O'Neal wasn't great but was a 3 or 4 year starter for us. Strauder was 2-3 year starter.

I don't think the list is meant to imply they are going to win the Heisman trophy.

 

[DowntownDawg]

Yea, but then you've got your Josh Riddell 4 stars with offers from McNeese State, Western Illinois, and MSU.

Basically, a three star juco is a nobody. He would be equal to a one or two star high school player. 4 stars is more akin to 2-3 stars on the high school level ,and 5 stars is a 3-4 star high school prospect? Why? I have no idea. It makes no sense, but Scout doesn't rate anything below a 3 star for juco players and most people don't know this and will go on and on bragging about a 4 star juco guy.

Ryan Mason was a 3 star juco player who never saw the field for us. Look at the colossal busts of both Brent Schaeefer and Co-Eric Riley. Both had 5 stars by their name. Both were no good.

 

[Optimus Prime 4]

[No message]

 

[8dog]

so point clarion ledger.

 

[RebelBruiser]

I didn't follow Jackson's career, so obviously there is one more that had success.

However, the point of recruiting well is to help your team win football games, not to compile the best list of talent. Signing Rory Johnson is nice and all, and obviously he had the talent to be on that list. However, he didn't do a whole lot to help on the college level, which was my point about a lot of Mississippi talent.

Chris Strong appeared to have a lot of talent as well, so apparently he was deserving of his star ranking and his spot on the CL list, etc., but he's not doing a whole lot of good for our football team right now, and he really didn't do a whole lot in his one semester on campus. Tig Barksdale is another example. It's being rumored that he may get into school this time around, and yes he has the talent to be a very good player, but I also think there is a very good chance he ends up either flunking out of school or quitting before contributing significantly. So while he can help your signing day list look better, he doesn't help your football team win games, which is the only thing that really matters.

 

[RebelBruiser]

but my point, and I believe OP's point is that you'd much rather have a player with lesser talent that actually contributes for more than 3/4 of one season.

 

[8dog]

not some formula of years contributing and talent.

If a LB goes in the 1st round of the draft after his RS soph year and another guy starts for 4 years at LB but isn't nearly as good, the C-L is going to rank the first guy ahead of him.

But yeah, you generally want guys that play over those that don't.

 

[RonnyAtmosphere]

...there is a ton of anecdotal evidence that rating a HS player with stars is both a sham & a scam.

And I've done my own share of stars' bashing over the years on this board.

But the bottom line is part of Nutt's & Mullen's job description is to out recruit the other SEC schools.

And the fanbases (whether Nutt & Mullen like it or not) judge Nutt's & Mullen's recruiting performance off of the star (and ranking) system.

Is it unfair & inaccurate? Yes.

But is it at least a somewhat accurate gauge of how many prime & coveted HS players your coach is signing.

All I know is I am pleased with what Croom left Mullen & how Mullen has held that together then built on that. It's an instance where both Croom & Mullen was/is fulfulling their job descriptions are far as recruiting.

The downside to all this is both OM & MSU sit back & watch top MS players go to Bama, Auburn & LSU every year.

I don't give a crap how inaccurate recruiting ratings are; it pisses me off to no end to see Bama, Auburn & LSU sign the best of the MS players every year. And it pisses you off too (no matter if you are a OM or MSU fan, & no matter if you are going to lie down this thread & say "No, it doesn't bother me").

Edit to add: When you consider OM has been to 4 bowls this decade & MSU has been to 2, I don't see where either school has a right to brag about how great their recruiting has been over the last 10 years.

When LSU, Bama & Auburn are stealing your top in-state recruitings year-in & year-out, what's the ultimate result? 6 bowl games combined for OM & MSU over the last 10 years. That's the result.

 

[RebelBruiser]

It is based on talent evaluation, and that's fine and dandy if you're trying to list the most talented players in the state, which is what they are doing. I think the point was that you can't use a list like the CL's list to predict future D-1 success. The Top 5 on the list may be the 5 most talented, but signing them doesn't help if they don't get in school and stay in school.