The Recruiting Class of 2002 Revisited for the Final Time
The famed recruiting class of 2002 is now history at Ohio State. At the time, the young Buckeyes were ranked as the #2 class in the country, right behind the Texas Longhorns. On the field, the two teams split a pair of games, and each school won a national championship with members of their respective classes of 2002. Still, with near-misses in both 2005 and 2006, I can't help thinking that Ohio State's class of 2002 fell just a little bit short of expectations.
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 and May of 2007.
Note: The recruiting class rankings come from Rivals; the college rankings are my own.
Quarterback
March of 2005 - 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 (a 33-7 Buckeye victory). 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.
Update: May of 2007 - Let's get the easy part over with first: Justin Zwick was a good back-up at Ohio State.
Now, for the more complex analysis, namely Troy Smith. Years from now, will people remember Troy Smith, the 2006 Heisman Trophy winner, as the greatest quarterback in Ohio State history, or will they remember him as yet another talented Buckeye signal caller (Greene, Schlichter, Hoying, Germaine) who couldn't quite get the job done? In his final two seasons, Troy led the Buckeyes to a combined record of 22-3 (#4 finish in 2005, #2 finish in 2006), with the only losses coming to Texas (13-0, #1 in 2005), Penn State (11-1, #3 in 2005), and Florida (13-1, #1 in 2006). In other words, the three losses suffered by the 2005-06 Buckeyes came at the hands of teams whose combined records were 37-2 (a .949 winning percentage); and two of those three losses were to the eventual national champion. Add in three straight wins against Michigan, an outright Big Ten title in 2006, and the aforementioned Heisman Trophy, plus numerous records and highlight reel plays, and Troy Smith simply has to be considered the best ever....
Or does he? The Troy Smith Buckeyes were about as close to great as a team can get without being truly great. Championships are still the ultimate measure of greatness, and Troy did not lead Ohio State to the promised land, despite a phenomenal supporting cast (seven first-round picks in the past two NFL drafts). Troy's off-the-field issues at the end of the 2004 season were one of the primary reasons that the Buckeyes got off to a slow start in 2005, with losses to Texas and Penn State; and his apparent lack of preparation and poor conditioning were factors in the BCS title game fiasco last January.
On the whole, Troy's positives far outweigh his negatives, but those negatives certainly impacted Ohio State at inopportune moments. The verdict? Five stars, with an asterisk.
2005 rankings: Group (3*); Smith (3*); Zwick (2-1/2*)
2006 rankings: Group (3-1/2*); Smith (4*) (with upward mobility); Zwick (3*)
Final rankings: Group (4*); Smith (5*) (with an asterisk); Zwick (3*)
2006 rankings: Group (3-1/2*); Smith (4*) (with upward mobility); Zwick (3*)
Final rankings: Group (4*); Smith (5*) (with an asterisk); Zwick (3*)
Running Back
March of 2005 - 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 on 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.
Update: May of 2007 - Again, not much new to report. Stan White, Jr. saw limited playing time in the Buckeyes' "spread" offense in 2006, but he performed well when called upon.
2005 rankings: Group (2*); Clarett (2-1/2*); White (1*)
2006 Rankings: Group (2-1/2*); Clarett (2-1/2*); White (2-1/2*)
Final Rankings: Group (2-1/2*); Clarett (2-1/2*); White (2-1/2*)
2006 Rankings: Group (2-1/2*); Clarett (2-1/2*); White (2-1/2*)
Final Rankings: Group (2-1/2*); Clarett (2-1/2*); White (2-1/2*)
Wide Receiver
March of 2005 - 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 other 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?
Update: May of 2007 - Roy Hall will largely be remembered as the guy who broke Ted Ginn's foot during the end zone celebration after Teddy returned the opening kick of the BCS title game for a touchdown. Hall's career stats: 52 receptions for 580 yards and 3 touchdowns, which really aren't very good numbers for a single season. In addition, as a fifth-year senior, Roy got passed on the depth chart by youngsters Brian Robiskie, Brian Hartline, and Ray Small. However, Hall showed enough size (6' 2", 229 lbs) and raw athleticism (4.41 forty, 4.13 shuttle, 38" vertical, 19 bench reps) in post-season work-outs that the Indianapolis Colts selected him in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL draft. But then again, Ohio State fans waited five years for that exceptional size and athleticism to produce something out of the ordinary....
2005 rankings: Group (3*); Holmes (4*); Hall (2*)
2006 rankings: Group (3-1/2*); Holmes (4-1/2*); Hall (2*)
Final rankings: Group (3-1/2*); Holmes (4-1/2*); Hall (2*)
2006 rankings: Group (3-1/2*); Holmes (4-1/2*); Hall (2*)
Final rankings: Group (3-1/2*); Holmes (4-1/2*); Hall (2*)
Offensive Line
March of 2005 - With five quality signees, the offensive line appeared to be the cornerstone of the class of 2002; to date, none of 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.
Update: May of 2007 - Again, more improvement with this group, although it is generally expected that offensive linemen take longer to develop than any other position. During his career at Ohio State, Doug Datish showed outstanding versatility, playing virtually every position along the line. As a senior, he moved to center and earned some All American recognitions (Scout, second team, for example), and was an All Big Ten, First Team selection. Guard T.J. Downing was also an All Big Ten, First Team selection after a break-out senior season. However, it seemed at times as if both Datish and Downing were playing more on heart and attitude than talent and ability. Datish was a sixth-round selection in the 2007 NFL draft, while Downing went undrafted. Tim Schafer was essentially a career back-up, although he did manage to start a few games at Ohio State.
2005 rankings: Group (2-1/2*); Mangold (3-1/2*); Sims (3-1/2*); Datish (2*); Downing (2*); Schafer (2*); Coleman (1*); Morris (0*)
2006 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*)
Final rankings: Group (3-1/2*); Mangold (4-1/2*); Sims (3-1/2*); Datish (4*); Downing (4*); Schafer (2*); Coleman (1*); Morris (0*)
2006 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*)
Final rankings: Group (3-1/2*); Mangold (4-1/2*); Sims (3-1/2*); Datish (4*); Downing (4*); Schafer (2*); Coleman (1*); Morris (0*)
Defensive Line
March of 2005 - 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.
Update: May of 2007 - Of all the fifth-year players in the class of 2002, defensive end Jay Richardson showed the most improvement in his final season. Jay went from a career bench warmer to a legitimate threat along the Buckeyes' defensive line. Motivation and motor were the two things that held Richardson back during his time at Ohio State, and at times those qualities were lacking even during his break-out senior campaign. Still, a nice success story, which ended with Jay being selected in the fifth round (by the Oakland Raiders) of this year's NFL draft. Despite being named an All American in 2006, defensive tackle Quinnn Pitcock never quite had the dominating season that people expected of him. As a senior, Quinn recorded 39 tackles and eight sacks (three against Cincinnati, two against Michigan State), but didn't do much to control the line of scrimmage against either Michigan or Florida. Pitcock was selected at the end of the third round of the 2007 NFL draft by the Indianopolis Colts. Defensive tackle Joel Penton was a career back-up, but give him an extra "star" for winning the 2006 Wuerffel Trophy, which is awarded to the college football player who who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.
2005 rankings: Group (3*); Pitcock (3-1/2*); Kudla (3*); Richardson (2*); Penton (2*); Schafer (NR)
2006 rankings: Group (3*); Pitcock (3-1/2*); Kudla (3-1/2*); Richardson (2*); Penton (2*); Schafer (NR)
Final rankings: Group (3-1/2*); Pitcock (4*); Kudla (3-1/2*); Richardson (3-1/2*); Penton (3*); Schafer (NR)
2006 rankings: Group (3*); Pitcock (3-1/2*); Kudla (3-1/2*); Richardson (2*); Penton (2*); Schafer (NR)
Final rankings: Group (3-1/2*); Pitcock (4*); Kudla (3-1/2*); Richardson (3-1/2*); Penton (3*); Schafer (NR)
Linebacker
March of 2005 - 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.
Update: May 2007 - Nothing new here, as Mike D'Andrea did not play in 2006.
2005 rankings: Group (4*); Hawk (5*); Carpenter (4-1/2*); D'Andrea (3*); White (NR)
2006 rankings: Group (4*); Hawk (5*); Carpenter (4-1/2*); D'Andrea (2*); White (NR)
Final rankings: Group (4*); Hawk (5*); Carpenter (4-1/2*); D'Andrea (2*); White (NR)
2006 rankings: Group (4*); Hawk (5*); Carpenter (4-1/2*); D'Andrea (2*); White (NR)
Final rankings: Group (4*); Hawk (5*); Carpenter (4-1/2*); D'Andrea (2*); White (NR)
Defensive Backs
March of 2005 - 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 be one of the Buckeyes' starting cornerbacks in 2006; if rated, he would currently merit 2-1/2 stars.
May of 2007 - Brandon Mitchell started at safety as a fifth-year senior, and racked up some decent numbers: 60 tackles (4th on team); 4 tackles-for-loss; 2 interceptions. However, Mitchell was inconsistent at times, and never really became a leader of the defensive unit. Walk-on Antonio "Yao" Smith earned a scholarship and a starting cornerback slot; he tallied 71 tackles (tied for 2nd on team); 10 tackles-for loss (third on team); and 2 interceptions (one returned for a touchdown). Smith always played with heart and passion, and was an unexpected bonus to the recruiting class of 2002. As a senior, he played better than some of the high school All Americans who headlined that stellar group of prospects.
2005 rankings: Group (2-1/2*); Salley (3-1/2*); Everett (3*); Mitchell (2-1/2*); Underwood (2*); Roberts (1*); Smith (NR)
2006 rankings: Group (2*); Salley (3-1/2*); Everett (2-1/2*); Mitchell (2*); Underwood (1*); Roberts (1*); Smith (NR)
Final rankings: Group (2-1/2*); Salley (3-1/2*); Everett (2-1/2*); Mitchell (3*); Underwood (1*); Roberts (1*); Smith (3-1/2*)
2006 rankings: Group (2*); Salley (3-1/2*); Everett (2-1/2*); Mitchell (2*); Underwood (1*); Roberts (1*); Smith (NR)
Final rankings: Group (2-1/2*); Salley (3-1/2*); Everett (2-1/2*); Mitchell (3*); Underwood (1*); Roberts (1*); Smith (3-1/2*)
Specialists - Ohio State did not sign either a punter or a place kicker in the class of 2002.
Summary
March of 2005 - 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....
2005 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 be 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.
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.
2006 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....
Update May of 2007 - The numbers don't lie - six All Americans, four first-round draft choices, a Heisman, a Lombardi, a Wuerffel, four wins over Michigan, three Big Ten championships, one national title, and a 55-9 overall record (a .859 winning percentage). But the disappointment of 2006 lingers in the background, an unfortunate taint on the class of 2002.
Final overall class ranking: (4*). The stars - Hawk, Smith, Carpenter, Holmes, Mangold. The solid performers - Datish, Downing, Sims, Pitcock, Richardson, Kudla, Salley, Yao. The role players - Zwick, White, Hall, Schafer, Penton, D'Andrea, Everett, Mitchell. The busts - Morris, Coleman, Underwood, Roberts. And the enigma that is Maurice Clarett. All in all, a great class that achieved great things, but should have been just a little bit greater.
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