Some fun looks back at college football recruiting..

[Mecca]

Here's a take of how 31 of scouts top 50 players from 2005 never performed close to the level expected...

50. RB Jason Gwaltney, West Virginia – The curious case of Jason Gwaltney might still have a final chapter that’s yet to be told. Hailed as the most heralded recruit in Mountaineer history, he played sparingly as a freshman before getting derailed by academic issues, off-field problems, and the emergence of Steve Slaton. Although much of the last two years have been spent at Nassau (NY) Community College, he’s back in Morgantown, attempting to earn his way back on the field as a walk-on with a year of eligibility left.
Worth the Hype? Nope

47. RB LaMarcus Coker, Tennessee – Coker’s stay in Knoxville was a short one. That’s bound to happen when you get suspended three times in less than a year. He showed flashes of stardom in 2006 and 2007, which are now popping up at Hampton, his new school. In his first season with the Pirates, he rushed for 622 yards and a score on 144 carries.
Worth the Hype? Nope

46. DT Melvin Alaeze, Maryland – Arguably the biggest bust from this class, Alaeze was the classic million-dollar athlete with the ten-cent head. A year after signing with Maryland, the university withdrew his scholarship for drug-related charges. He then transferred to Illinois, but never played a down, and is serving an eight-year prison sentence for his role in a shooting and robbery.
Worth the Hype? Nope

45. OG Dan Doering, Iowa – While Doering has been a valuable and versatile backup for the last three seasons, that’s not what you expect from one of the nation’s top-ranked offensive line prospects. Unable to crack the Hawkeye starting lineup, in part because of injuries, he has one more year to get noticed, possibly as the replacement for Seth Olsen at right guard.
Worth the Hype? Nope

41. LB Darius Dewberry, Georgia – In three seasons, Dewberry has started only six games for the Dawgs, doing most of his hitting on special teams. He had just six tackles in 10 games last fall, and will continue having trouble getting reps in 2008 surrounded by a very young and very talented corps of Georgia linebackers.
Worth the Hype? Nope

40. DT Marques Slocum, Michigan – Slocum played just one forgettable season with the Wolverines, never approaching his potential as an interior lineman. His three-year soap opera in Ann Arbor had a fitting end last summer when new coach Rich Rodriguez gave him the boot, citing academic and football-related issues. He’s trying revive his career, going the JUCO route last year while seeking a home in the FCS.
Worth the Hype? Nope

38. WR Selwyn Lymon, Purdue – Lymon made plenty of headlines while at Purdue, but rarely for what he did on the field. During his three years in West Lafayette, he was stabbed, arrested, and eventually shown the door by Joe Tiller. While he caught some passes for the Boilermakers, it wasn’t enough to compensate for all of the headaches he created away from Ross-Ade.
Worth the Hype? Not quite

37. RB Kevin Grady, Michigan – Grady’s Wolverine may have started well, but it ended in disaster. After rushing for 483 yards as a true freshman, he rarely played as a sophomore, tore his ACL as a junior, and was arrested and suspended last July for a DUI. He appeared in 10 games, rushing for 33 yards and a score on 14 carries.
Worth the Hype? Nope

36. CB Avery Atkins, Florida – A tragedy far beyond the football field, Atkins got in hot water early on for reasons that ranged from domestic violence on the mother of his child to possession of drugs and firearms. The summer after transferring to Bethune-Cookman, he was found dead in his car in what was labeled by police as a suspicious death.
Worth the Hype? Nope

35. LB Luthur Brown, USC – While there’s still one more year for Brown to make his mark on the Trojans, he’s quickly running out of time. A career reserve with the program, he was unable to suit up in 2008 because of a recurring back problem. All three of this year’s starters graduate, however, so there’s still an opportunity to make a mark in 2009.
Worth the Hype? Nope

34. DT Jerrell Powe, Ole Miss – A study in academic perseverance, Powe took more than three years before being able to qualify and suit up for the Rebels. While he failed to have a major impact on the 2008 squad, there’s an opening at defensive tackle, and an opportunity for him to rekindle his high school form next season. If he can get himself in better shape, there’s hope he can still perform like a five-star recruit.
Worth the Hype? Nope

33. OT Dace Richardson, Iowa – For Richardson, the talent has always been there, but the health has not. After laying the groundwork in 2005 and 2006 for a terrific career, he was felled by a series of knee injuries that required surgery. The problems interrupted much of his 2007 season and shelved him for 2008. He remains cautiously optimistic that he’ll resume his career in the spring.
Worth the Hype? Nope

31. RB Toney Baker, NC State – Baker appeared headed for a breakthrough second half of his career before a serious knee fouled things up. A powerful runner, who ran for 1,234 yards in his first two years, he tore his ACL in early 2007, and has yet to get back on the field. After having extra cartilage removed in August, he’s eyeing a return to the Pack in the spring.
Worth the Hype? Not quite

30. DB Jamario O’Neal, Ohio State – O’Neal earned four letters in Columbus and was a valuable reserve, but ultimately fell victim to the depth in the secondary at Ohio State. The odd man out each season, he lacked the consistency and the confidence of the coaches to leapfrog one of the starters at either at safety or cornerback. He leaves the Buckeyes as a disappointment, falling way short of expectations.
Worth the Hype? Nope

29. S C.J. Byrd, Georgia – Byrd had a good career with the Bulldogs. Dawg fans, however, were banking on greatness. He lettered all four seasons and started the last two years, yet never blossomed into an elite player at this level. Any thoughts of a pro career will likely require taking the free agent route to the NFL.
Worth the Hype? Not quite

27. DT Doug Worthington, Ohio State – Worthington has been a good player on the inside for the Buckeyes. The team is hoping that greatness bubbles to the surface in 2009. A starter in each of the last two seasons, he’s got end quickness in a tackle’s body. This past year, he had 34 tackles and five stops behind the line.
Worth the Hype? Not quite

26. DT Kade Weston, Georgia – After appearing to be building toward something big in his first two years, Weston regressed as a junior, making 10 appearances and 18 tackles in a reserve role. Nagging injuries throughout the year were certainly a key factor in the decline. With the lure of an NFL contract hanging out there, don’t be surprised if he delivers the best season of his college career in 2009.
Worth the Hype? Not quite

25. OT Reggie Youngblood, Miami – While an important part of the Miami offense and a valued teammate, Youngblood never rose to the level expected of a five-star recruit. Bruised and battered throughout his Hurricane career, he logged starts in each of the last three seasons, yet wasn’t ever considered an All-ACC-type performer.
Worth the Hype? Not quite

24. TE DajLeon Farr, Miami – Farr was recruited to be the next big thing at Tight End U., but after just nine catches in three seasons, he decided to transfer to Memphis for one final shot at glory. After sitting out the mandatory year in 2008, he’ll use 2009 as a shot to resuscitate his career and catch the attention of NFL scouts.
Worth the Hype? Nope

21. QB Jonathan Crompton, Tennessee – After waiting his turn for two years behind Erik Ainge, Crompton failed to distinguish himself as the starter in 2008. In fact, midway through the year, he got nudged to the second team behind sophomore Nick Stephens. In eight games, Crompton was only able to produce four touchdown passes and 889 yards. He has one final year with a new staff to turn things around.
Worth the Hype? Nope

17. DT Averell Spicer, USC – Four years into his Trojan career, Spicer has yet to carve out a regular role on the defensive line. That’s about a season too long for such a coveted high school recruit. He opened 2008 as the starter at the nose, but lost his job after the Oregon State debacle, giving way to Christian Tupou for the rest of the year.
Worth the Hype? Nope

16. DT Callahan Bright, Florida State – The most frustrating thing about Bright’s plight is that he was such an exciting talent coming out of high school. However, he never qualified academically or played a down for the Seminoles, bounced around at a lower level, got arrested for marijuana possession, and did a humbling stretch as a trash collector. Today, he’s trying to get his act together at tiny Shaw University in North Carolina.
Worth the Hype? Nope

13. WR Fred Rouse, Florida State – A dynamite all-around athlete, Rouse has been his own worst enemy. He wore out his welcome with the Seminoles, getting dumped from the team following the 2005 season, and voluntarily leaving El Paso after one season with UTEP. Last season was spent at Texas Southern without making a grab. Bad news has had a habit of following this guy wherever he goes.
Worth the Hype? Nope

12. RB Marlon Lucky, Nebraska – Lucky’s shifty running style wasn’t always appreciated by the fans and his expectations were in another galaxy, but he did have some shining moments in Lincoln. There was the 1,000-yard season and All-Big 12 recognition in 2007, and the 135 receptions that made him such a weapon in the passing game. Still, if you recall the hype surrounding his arrival four years ago, he has to be considered a mild disappointment.
Worth the Hype? Sort of

11. QB Ryan Perrilloux, LSU – So much talent. So little common sense. For Perrilloux, it was a frustrating combination that kept him from ever flourishing in Baton Rouge. He was always in trouble and never content as the backup, eventually getting run out of LSU last spring, and transferring to Jacksonville State. He accounted for 26 touchdowns in his first season with the Gamecocks, and is still considered an NFL prospect.
Worth the Hype? Nope

10. DB Demetrice Morley, Tennessee – It’s been a rollercoaster ride for Morley, who’s been in and out of hot water with the program. A starter as a sophomore, he was dismissed from the program two years ago for academic reasons, and forced to get a job to pay for tuition at Pellissippi State Technical Community College. Morley has made his way back to UT, starting at free safety in 2008, and has another year to improve his college brag sheet.
Worth the Hype? Not Quite

8. LB Tray Blackmon, Auburn – All sizzle, no steak. A perennial fan-favorite because of his potential and playing style, Blackmon wound up being better known for the injuries and suspensions that kept him from getting on the field. His star-crossed Auburn career officially ended in January, when he failed to enroll in classes and turn his attention to the CFL draft.
Worth the Hype? Nope

6. DT DeMarcus Granger, Oklahoma – While every bit as talented as his 2005 ranking, Granger has been detoured lately by injuries. An All-Big 12 pick in 2007 and a next-level run stopper, he missed time last fall with a foot injury and back problems. The Sooners are holding out hope that the back surgery performed at the end of last year could have lingering effects in 2009.
Worth the Hype? Sort of

4. TE Tony Moeaki, Iowa – Persistent injuries over the last two seasons have prevented Moeaki from maxing out his full potential. He’s made 46 career grabs, peaking at the beginning of 2007 with an eight-catch, three-touchdown effort against Syracuse. He’s hoping to put it all together next fall, provided the NCAA grants him a medical hardship for the eight games he missed two years ago.
Worth the Hype? Not quite

3. WR Patrick Turner, USC – Admit it. When you first saw Turner, you swore he’d be the next Mike Williams or Dwayne Jarrett. Although he looked the part at 6-5 and 220 pounds, he never emerged into an All-American as expected, peaking as a senior with 49 catches and a spot on the All-Pac-10 second team. He was a nice player, but nowhere near the best receiver in the class.
Worth the Hype? Sort of

2. RB Antone Smith, Florida State – While there were some productive moments along the way, Smith never even approached being the best running back from this class. That honor belongs to Darren McFadden. Smith muddled through inconsistent support from the passing game and offensive line to finish with his career

Just for the sake of comparison here was the top 10 that year..

1. Mark Sanchez
2. Antone Smith
3. Patrick Turner
4. Tony Moeaki
5. Eugene Monroe
6. DeMarcus Granger
7. Travis Beckum
8. Tray Blackmon
9. Kenny Phillips
10.Demetrice Morley

[Fritz88]

Let's pray Pioli hits the jackpot this year.

[DaKCMan AP]

Originally Posted by Fritz88

Let's pray Pioli hits the jackpot this year.

Pioli's putting together a recruiting class?

[chief52]

Who's top ten is that?

[DaKCMan AP]

Originally Posted by chief52

Who's top ten is that?

Probably scout or rivals.

[chief52]

Originally Posted by DaKCMan AP

Probably scout or rivals.

I know Sanchez was highly regarded, but do your remember him being #1?

[DaKCMan AP]

Originally Posted by chief52

I know Sanchez was highly regarded, but do your remember him being #1?

Yes.

http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=9&c=4&yr=2005

[Mecca]

Originally Posted by chief52

I know Sanchez was highly regarded, but do your remember him being #1?

Sanchez and Perriloux were the top 2 and only 5 star QB's of that class...and those are scout ratings but I'm pretty sure Sanchez was the #1 pro style QB on every recruiting service.

He played in the Army high school all star game that year.

[alanm]

And that's why I don't listen or read Rivals or Scout any more.

[chief52]

Originally Posted by Mecca

Sanchez and Perriloux were the top 2 and only 5 star QB's of that class...and those are scout ratings but I'm pretty sure Sanchez was the #1 pro style QB on every recruiting service.

He played in the Army high school all star game that year.

I realize he played in that game. Greg Paulus also played in that game. So did Maualuga. I would have thought he might have been in the top ten. I know he was the top middle LB in the country and could have gone any where. Narrowed down to USC, Oregon and I believe Oklahoma was in the mix.

[chief52]

Originally Posted by DaKCMan AP

Yes.

http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=9&c=4&yr=2005

Thanks...

[Sam Hall]

Marlon Lucky would look better if he didn't have five stars attached to his name.

[DaKCMan AP]

Originally Posted by alanm

And that's why I don't listen or read Rivals or Scout any more.

Thats all well and good, but it's also fair to realize that for the last 10 years or so the national championship schools get top-10 recruiting classes. Not all top prospects pan out just like not all top draft picks work out. There are many variables.

[eazyb81]

Originally Posted by Mecca

Sanchez and Perriloux were the top 2 and only 5 star QB's of that class...and those are scout ratings but I'm pretty sure Sanchez was the #1 pro style QB on every recruiting service.

He played in the Army high school all star game that year.

and Stafford was the top pro-style QB the following year.