I think this ends up being similar to the 2015 classes initial unheralded nature.
2015 was 27th, yes, 27th, in the rankings, which at first glance is deplorable, and was surely the first nail in the coffin for Al Golden. I think this will be Mark Richt's version of that, but obviously to a much higher level due to our recruiting and coaching upgrades.
For what the 2015class produced compared to that ranking, 27th, after looking at the names, one might assume it was a top 15, top 10 class.
Top Offensive recruit - Mark Walton - We know what he did, how much he meant and where he got drafted, even after missing most of his junior season.
Top Defensive recruit - JaQuan Johnson - Undoubtedly our biggest leader on the team - Super productive, hyper competitive, great leader, possible First Rounder
Most underrated recruit - Tyler Gauthier - 2 year starter that is currently on multiple preseason award watch lists.
Best development recruits (this is the biggest similarity IMO)
- Micheal Jackson - Best cover corner for Miami since Brandon Harris. Great development following traits to become a star with work ethic and coaching (Rumph made this) - Projected First rounder
- RJ McIntosh - Huge interior contributor and two year starter following a year of development - sure fire first day draftee had he stayed in school
- Kendrick Norton - See RJ
Best of the rest:
Tyree St. Louis - 3 year Starter
Lawrence Cager - Injury plagued yet very talent Sr starter
Scott Patchan - Injury plagued yet talent reserve on DLine
Sheldrick Redwine - Maligned but productive two year Srarter
The rest were horrendous with us missing on multiple olinemen and transfers. Also, this class had no QB, more on that in a bit.
So how can Richt's version relate? I think the recruiting board changes recently lend themselves to focusing on developmental players that fit their mold and can be further molded by great coaching and S&C. See Brownlee, Hodges, Smith, Good, Harvey and Williams.
Then you have the underrated players, similar to Quan (he was well ranked but stll underranked), and Guathier. Players like Weaver, Crowley, McIntosh, Ingraham, Huff and Solomon are massively talented, pass the eye test, but are just undervalued due to good recruiting years at their positions.
We can't forget the wounded warriors. I am going to stretch this to fit the narrative, lol, but similar to Cager and Patchan, though VERY well know recruits, have had to fight injuries to get to where they are. At the high school level, Munoz and Sam Brooks are two players that could be top 10 in their positions if not for injuries that cost them seasons, exposure and reps. Both are now healthy, ahead of schedule, and look to have big SR years.
Lastly and most observed are the big players. The Waltons. This will ultimately set this class apart IF we get one or more Walton type players. This includes MAR (Just give him the WR scholly already), Payton, Neal, Stevenson, Bogle and the like. As things look now, once again IMO, I don't see us landing more than four from this category if that (Neal, MAR, Payton, Wright my guess from this group).
This class has many under the radar and bypassed talents that when looked back upon may leave us with good depth and great stars.
Oh, and similarly, no QB.
