The Recruiting Class of 2002 Revisited, Again
About 17 months ago, I first posted this article, which takes a look back at the Ohio State's tremendous recruiting class of 2002. That year, the Buckeye staff signed the nation's second-best recruiting class, falling behind only the Texas Longhorns. Well, both teams' recruiting success translated into success on the field, as the Bucks won a national championship in 2002 behind the rushing of freshman phenom Maurice Clarett, and the 'Horns won the NC in 2005 behind the many talents of QB Vince Young, the number one prospect in the country in 2002.
Although many of the signees from the class of 2002 are no longer with their respective teams (including the aforementioned Messrs. Clarett & Young), many of those who remain are amongst the core players. As the 2006 season approaches, both Ohio State and Texas are again ranked amongst the Top 5 programs in the country, thanks in large part to the hold-overs from the class of 2002 (Troy Smith, Doug Datish, T.J. Downing, Quinn Pitcock for the Buckeyes; Justin Blalock, Lyle Sendlein, Kasey Studdard, Brian Robison for the Longhorns). The two teams will battle for the number one ranking under the lights in Austin on September 9th.
This article takes a look back at Ohio State's recruiting class of 2002, and analyzes how each recruit turned out. The original text represents my views in March of 2005, and the updates reflect changes as of August of 2006.
Note: The recruiting class rankings come from Rivals; the current rankings are my own.
Quarterback - When the Bucks signed Elite 11 quarterbacks Justin Zwick (4*, no. 3 pro-style QB) and Troy Smith (4*, no. 12 dual-threat QB) in 2002, it seemed that the team would be set at the helm for a title run in 2005. From day one, it was evident that Zwick was the coaching staff's choice to take the reins from Craig Krenzel in 2004, and in fact Justin did start the first six games of that season, compiling a 3 - 3 record in unimpressive fashion. After Zwick suffered an arm injury during an abyssmal 33 - 7 loss at Iowa, Smith took over and fared only slightly better until an unbelievable, career-defining performance against Michigan in which he amassed 386 yards of total offense during a 37 - 21 rout of that school up north. However, while still basking in the glow of his new-found superstardom, Troy was suspended for receiving cash from a booster. Zwick, still ailing from his earlier injury, had a gritty but workmanlike outing against an overmatched Oklahoma State team in the 2004 Alamo Bowl. With Troy still being under suspension for at least one more game, Justin will be the 2005 opening day starter by default. Currently, the quarterback position is truly up in the air, and neither player has shown enough to have secured the job. One key to the Buckeyes' title hopes in 2005 will be the play of the quarterbacks, and whether either candidate will finally emerge as a leader of this team, both on and off the field. Update: August of 2006 - Since my original post, Troy Smith has emerged as the undisputed leader of the Buckeye squad, both on and off the field. As a true "dual threat" quarterback, Smith will lead one of the most potent offenses in the nation in 2006, and if he continues to perform as he did in the second half of last season, he will be a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate. If the Bucks go all the way in 2006, it will be because Troy Smith led them there. On the other hand, Justin Zwick has been undeniably disappointing. As a high school senior, many thought that JZ would be under center leading the Buckeyes on a national championship hunt in 2006. However, we also knew that one of these two "Elite 11" QB's would be reduced to a back-up role, and Zwick lost the battle for the starting job. Nevertheless, Justin remains one of the best second-string signal callers around, and he would likely start for several Big Ten teams.
Original rankings: Group (3*); Smith (3*); Zwick (2-1/2*)
Current rankings: Group (3-1/2*); Smith (4*) (with upward mobility); Zwick (3*)
Running Back - Upon signing superstar Maurice Clarett (5*, no. 1 FB), the Bucks looked to be set at running back for at least three seasons. In fact, MoC (1,237 yards rushing and 18 TD?€™s as a true freshman) was an integral component of Ohio State's 2002 national championship team. While Reecie seemed destined for Buckeye greatness, he left the program in infamy after just one season. Clarett has spent the last two years fighting legal battles against the Ohio State University, the Columbus Police Department, the NCAA, and the NFL, and, together with his allies at ESPN, he has waged a personal vendetta against Jim Tressel and Andy Geiger; somewhere along the way, the tremendous talent which he once possessed seems to have deteriorated to such an extent that the professional career which he coveted is now in serious jeopardy. Although losing Clarett was bad enough, his premature departure has been exacerbated by the fact that no one emerged to fill the void in either 2003 or 2004, and tailback remains one of the thinnest positions of the team and a chief concern for 2005. Junior Stan White, Jr. (4*, no. 18 OLB) was a top linebacker prospect, but his future now seems to be at fullback or H-back; despite promising practice reports, White has done little on the field, and he seems destined to spend the rest of his career as a back-up to sophomore Dionte' Johnson. Update: August of 2006 - Not much new to report here. Maurice Clarett, long gone from the Buckeyes, is still sinking deeper into his own personal morass. Stan White, Jr. has seen some significant time at fullback, and appears to have displaced Dionte' Johnson as the starter at that position.
Original rankings: Group (2*); Clarett (2-1/2*); White (1*)
Current Rankings: Group (2-1/2*); Clarett (2-1/2*); White (2-1/2*)
Wide Receiver - One of the few weaknesses of the class of 2002 was the wide receiver position, where the Bucks signed only two prospects, including the unheralded Santonio Holmes (3*, no. 38 WR). After a red-shirt year, Holmes displayed questionable hands early in his freshman campaign, then suddenly blossomed into a star mid-way through the 2003 season. Santonio was Ohio State's "go to" receiver in 2004, and he looks to be the primary target again in 2005 (although Teddy Ginn will also see plenty of passes thrown his direction). Although Holmes (87 receptions for 1,318 yards and 14 TD's in two seasons) may not quite achieve the legendary status of Buckeye greats such as Michael Jenkins, David Boston, Terry Glenn, Joey Galloway, and Cris Carter, he has been both an excellent and exciting player at Ohio State. On the hand, junior Roy Hall (4*, no. 19 WR) has been an unqualified disappointment. Billed as the next David Boston, Hall has been virtually invisible on the field (23 receptions for 299 yards and 1 TD in two seasons), even though he has been given ample opportunity to display his talents. Roy enters the 2005 season as the fifth WR (behind Holmes, Ginn, Anthony Gonzalez, and Devon Lyons); at this point in his career, he is simply fighting for playing time, and it seems unlikely that he will ever reach the greatness that was initially predicted for him. Update: August of 2006 - Unheralded recruit Santonio Holmes developed into one of the best wide receivers in the history of Ohio State and was drafted in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers, but blue chipper Roy Hall is still looking for his break-out season; he'll get his chance as a red-shirt senior, but will he finally produce?
Original rankings: Group (3*); Holmes (4*); Hall (2*)
Current rankings: Group (3-1/2*); Holmes (4-1/2*); Hall (2*)
Offensive Line - With five quality signees, the offensive line appeared to be the cornerstone of the class of 2002; to date, none the recruits has emerged as a bonafide star. Derek Morris (5*, no. 2 OT) was the rare Signing Day surprise in OSU's favor: not only was Derek a consensus high school All-American, but he also came from North Carolina, not exactly a pipeline of talent to Columbus. However, Morris was the subject of some recruiting irregularities, and Ohio State released him from his Letter of Intent before he ever became a part of the football program. Seniors Rob Sims (4*, no. 20 OG) and Nick Mangold (4* no. 3 OC) will be three-year starters in 2005, but neither has developed into a true anchor along the line. Juniors Doug Datish (4*, no. 6 OT) and T.J. Downing (3*, no. 35 OG) have seen some quality action, including a few starts; of the two, Downing seems most likely to shine in the future. Fellow juniors R.J. Coleman (4*, no. 6 TE) and Tim Schafer (4*, no. 12 SDE) have been moved to the offensive line in order to provide some much-needed depth; although Schafer briefly started at RT last season, both seem destined to remain as back-ups in 2005, and Coleman might eventually be returned to tight end. Although the class of 2002 has been decent so far, the Buckeyes best o-line prospects are to be found in the classes of 2003 (Kirk Barton), 2004 (Steve Rehring, Ben Person, Kyle Mitchum, and Jon Skinner), and 2005 (Alex Boone and Jim Cordle). Update: August of 2006 - The offensive line has seen more improvement than any other group. Nick Mangold left Ohio State as one of the all-time greats and an NFL first round draft pick (New York Jets). Rob Sims continued his steady play as a senior and was also selected in the NFL draft (4th round, Seattle Seahawks). Both Doug Datish and T.J. Downing emerged from obscurity as juniors, and they will anchor the line in their final season. Former DL prospect Tim Schafer remains as a seasoned back-up. R.J. Coleman had his career cut short due to a chronic "stinger" condition; prior to his injuries, Coleman was a back-up at guard and tight end. As a group, the Bucks signed one star, three solid starters, a valuable back-up, and two players who had little or no impact - not a bad haul, especially considering the difficulties inherent in evaluating high school offensive linemen.
Original rankings: Group: (2-1/2*); Morris (0*); Sims (3-1/2*); Mangold (3-1/2*); Datish (2*); Downing (2*); Schafer (2*); Coleman (1*).
Current rankings: Group (3-1/2*); Mangold (4-1/2*); Sims (3-1/2*); Datish (3-1/2*); Downing (3-1/2*); Schafer (2*); Coleman (1*); Morris (0*)
Defensive Line - The Buckeyes signed five defensive linemen in 2002, led by high school All-American Quinn Pitcock (4*, no. 5 DT). After a red-shirt year, Pitcock has shown flashes of brilliance over the past two seasons, and he seems poised to emerge as the Buckeyes' next DL star in 2005. Despite battling illness and injury, senior Mike Kudla (4*, no. 18 SDE) has played well when he has seen the field; if he can finally stay healthy, Mike should be a force along the defensive line. Juniors Jay Richardson (3*, no. 32 SDE) and Joel Penton (3*, no. 41 SDE) have seen spot duty in the Bucks deep DL rotation, and each has made his share of plays; however, both remain unknown commodities heading into the 2005 season. As mentioned above, Tim Schafer (4*, no. 12 SDE) has been moved to the offensive line. Update: August 2006 - Quite frankly, this has been a disappointing group. Although DT Quinn Pitcock has been a steady force inside, he hasn't delivered enough big plays to move into the upper echelon. Fellow fifth-year seniors Joel Penton and Jay Richardson have never progressed beyond role player status, but Richardson will have a chance to earn a starting job at DE this season. Mike Kudla suffered through injury and illness during his career to have a fine senior campaign in 2005.
Original rankings: Group (3*); Pitcock (3-1/2*); Kudla (3*); Richardson (2*); Penton (2*); Schafer (NR)
Current rankings: Group (3*); Pitcock (3-1/2*); Kudla (3-1/2*); Penton (2*); Richardson (2*); Schafer (NR)
Linebacker - The Buckeyes signed the best linebacker class in the country in 2002, and this unit has certainly met its high expectations. Senior A.J. Hawk (3*, no. 30 OLB) was the lowest-ranked member of the group, yet (barring injury) he will be a two-time All-American at the end of the 2005 season. Senior Rob Carpenter (4*, no. 13 OLB) has been consistently solid and often spectacular over the past two seasons, and he may very well join Hawk as an All-American next year. Senior Mike D?€™Andrea (5*, no. 2 ILB) was one of the biggest names of the recruiting class. However, throughout his Buckeye career, D'Andrea has been injury-prone and has looked uncomfortable at middle linebacker; Mike enters the 2005 season as a back-up to incumbent starter Anthony Schlegel, but he will likely see plenty of action, possibly lining up on the edge as a pass rush specialist. Junior Stan White, Jr. (4*, no. 18 OLB) has moved around quite a bit, and is currently listed as a fullback. Update: August 2006 - In 2005, both A.J. Hawk and Bobby Carpenter concluded their stellar careers with superb senior campaigns: each was named an All-American (Hawk, 1st team, Lombardi Award; Carp, 3rd team), and each was a first round draft pick (A.J. to Green Bay; Bobby to Dallas). However, oft-injured Mike D'Andrea is still looking to establish himself.
Original rankings: Group (4*); Hawk (5*); Carpenter (4-1/2*); D?€™Andrea (3*); White (NR)
Current rankings: Group (4*); Hawk (5*); Carpenter (4-1/2*); D'Andrea (2*); White (NR)
Defensive Back - Ohio State signed five defensive backs in the class of 2002. The headliner of the group was safety Nate Salley (4*, no. 7 S), and so far he has lived up to his billing. Nate will be a three-year starter at free safety in 2005, and many think that he will have a break out season in his senior campaign. Senior Tyler Everett (3*, no. 23 S) and junior Brandon Mitchell (3*, no. 35 S) have both started at safety during their tenures at Ohio State. In 2005, Everett will battle junior Donte Whitner for the starting strong safety spot, while Mitchell will understudy Salley at free safety; both players should be valuable contributors next season. While the three safeties have had productive Buckeye careers so far, the two cornerback signees have been disappointing. Senior E.J. Underwood (4*, no. 19 CB) has been an underachiever on the field, and experienced problems in the classroom; currently under suspension, Underwood's future is in jeopardy, and it is doubtful whether he will play in 2005. Junior Michael Roberts (3*, no. 49 CB) has exhibited his considerable athletic ability on special teams, but has very little experience at corner. However, with so few CB candidates currently on the roster, even the untested Roberts will get a shot at a starting role in 2005. Update August 2006 - Perhaps the most disappointing group from the class of 2002 has been the defensive backs. While safety Nate Salley was a steady performer, he never quite lived up to his star billing; after his senior season in 2005, he was drafted in the fourth round by the Carolina Panthers. During his four year stint in Columbus, Tyler Everett was a part-time starter, most-time reserve who sometimes played cornerback, other times played safety; from that description alone you can get the idea that Everett never really found himself at Ohio State. After his senior season, Tyler signed as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos. Brandon Mitchell is an excellent student, but as a fifth-year senior, he is still projected as a back-up; a good "character" player who really hasn't shown much on the field. E.J. Underwood had problems on and off the field, and transferred to NAIA Pikeville College prior to the 2005 season. Speedy Mike Roberts did very little in Columbus for four years, and recently transferred to Indiana State, a 1-AA school in football. Ironically, former walk-on Antonio Smith has outplayed most of the big-name signees from the class of 2002. Now a fifth-year senior, Smith has earned a scholarship, and he is projected to one of the Buckeyes' starting cornerbacks in 2006; if rated, he would currently merit 2-1/2 stars.
Original rankings: Group (2-1/2*); Salley (3-1/2*); Everett (3*); Mitchell (2-1/2*); Underwood (2*); Roberts (1*)
Current rankings: Group (2*); Salley (3-1/2*); Everett (2-1/2*); Mitchell (2*); Underwood (1*); Roberts (1*)
Specialists - Ohio State did not sign either a punter or a place kicker in the class of 2002.
Summary - The class of 2002 has produced some valuable players, and a few great ones, especially on defense. Hawk, Carpenter, Salley, and Pitcock are all bonafide stars, and they will spearhead a stingy "D" in 2005; D'Andrea, Kudla, Everett, and several others will provide valuable support. On the offensive side of the ball, however, the prospects look much bleaker. Clarett, once a legitimate superstar, is now long gone, and neither of the highly-touted quarterbacks has taken control of the team. The promising group of offensive linemen has been mediocre to date, although there is still some hope that one or more of that group will have a break out year in 2005. Holmes has been the only real bright spot on the offense, and he should again be a force at his wide receiver position. IF the defense can play up to expectations; and IF either Zwick or Smith can establish himself the team leader; and IF someone can finally produce at tailback; and IF the special teams can overcome the losses of All-American kicker Mike Nugent, punter Kyle Turano, and long snapper Kyle Andrews, then the Bucks will have a definite shot at a national championship next season. However, that's an awful lot of big IF's.... Update: August 2006 - Well, the IF's have been answered, and all of them came up in favor of Ohio State. Unfortunately, the biggest IF, namely whether either quarterback would emerge as a team leader in 2005, was not answered positively until after the fifth game of the season, when the Buckeyes had already suffered two losses. This season, the biggest question mark is the defense - the entire defense, as a matter of fact. With nine starters gone (including class of 2002 stand-outs Hawk, Carpenter, Kudla, and Salley), the defense needs to re-load in a hurry if the Buckeyes are to have any chance at a national championship in 2006.
Original overall class ranking: (3*). Although a handful of the recruits have become excellent players, and some of the rest may yet develop, it is now apparent that the class of 2002 will not the star-studded group which we anticipated three years ago. That class is now the core of the Ohio State football team. Will they be good enough to lead the Bucks to the promised land in 2005? We'll find out this fall.
Current overall class ranking: (3-1/2*). Class of 2002 members Hawk, Holmes, Carpenter, and Mangold left Ohio State as amongst the best ever at their respective positions; Troy Smith has the chance to do the same this season. Besides Smith and Mangold, many other players took big steps ahead in 2005, notably Datish, Downing, White, and Kudla. Although this class hasn't quite lived up to expectations, and has produced too many big name busts (Morris, Hall, D'Andrea, and Underwood, with Clarett being a short-term hero, long-term goat), fifth-year senior Troy Smith has the opportunity to lead the Buckeyes to greatness in 2006, and several other classmates (Datish, Downing, and Pitcock) will be key members of this year's Buckeye squad. Will it be enough? Stay tuned....
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It's always enjoyable to read analysis from the BP Recruiting Team, individually and collectively.
