Signing day
Shameless promo: Make sure to check back here tomorrow for rolling coverage of signing day. We'll have stuff on every MSU recruit up as soon as we get the confirmed list, along with stuff from analysts, some blog action in this spot, etc.
I've always believed that you really can't draw too many conclusions on any one recruiting class (for example, John L. Smith's first class, in 2003, was hastily thrown together and ranked near the bottom of the Big Ten. Chances are it will end up with more positive contributors than the 2004 class, which was ranked in the top 25 nationally.) But it does appear Mark Dantonio got a lot done in a short time here.
He got a couple defensive lineman (Antonio Jeremiah, Michael Jordan) with four-star rankings from Rivals.com. He swooped in late to get defensive back Cedric Everson of Detroit Mumford, who ranked No. 8 in the state on the State Journal's Catch 22 list. And he at least got the attention of the state's top two recruits, Joe Barksdale and Ron Johnson, who considered MSU seriously before heading to LSU and USC, respectively.
I mean, geez, the guy got two Chris Ruckers. Name someone else who will sign two Chris Ruckers.
In other news, I thought I was coming down with a serious flu or fever -- or worse -- Monday, when a splitting pain in my head and hot flashes essentially forced me to pass out at 9 p.m. Didn't feel much better Tuesday. Then my wife asked me tonight how long it had been since I ingested caffeine. I realized Saturday was the last time. Luckily, she bought a two-liter of Coke Zero tonight. I poured myself a huge glass, and after two big gulps I felt like I had received a head transplant. The point? All is well, and caffeine is a hell of a drug.
I agree. He has done alot in short time spand and will do much better next year, providing he can win at least 8 games and or beat Michigan or Ohio State next year. Plus I think hold-overs from the Smith era are good enough to make the Spartan team a contender.
Posted by: Big Sean T. | February 07, 2007 at 08:36 AM
Sorry I mis-spoke myself, I mean THIS YEAR! Dantonio has already grabbed more top michigan talent than Coach Carr too. 6 to 4
Posted by: Big Sean T. | February 07, 2007 at 08:40 AM
Win 8 games? Beat Michigan or Ohio State? Do we live on different planets?
Posted by: Eric | February 07, 2007 at 10:16 AM
Yes Eric. You live on Planet Reality, they live on Planet "Next Year".
Posted by: Mister Ex | February 07, 2007 at 11:27 AM
While I am optimistic about our future, 8 wins would be tough. Assuming we win our first 5 home games, which is not a lock (UAB, WMU, PU, NW, IND.), which of the remaining 3 games, Big Sean T., do you expect to win? Away:ND, WISC, OSU, Iowa and Purdue. Home:UM and PSU. I think 6 or 7 wins is more likely. Would love more, but let's not put unrealistic expectations on MD in his first year.
Posted by: CPArtan | February 07, 2007 at 12:57 PM
I refuse to get excited about this class. Every year the media hypes up our class, then I look at who else is recruiting these guys and it is not one of the big programs. Yes Rojo, but other than that, "no-joe". There must be something to the recruiting rankings, we sure get excited about our football recruits. And beating out Michigan for the lower in state recruits means nothing. They get guys from all over the US. Lets try and get to a bowl game!
Posted by: Mirror | February 07, 2007 at 01:37 PM
Did we just lose Everson? Man, he played GA Tech and us for fools, didn't he?
Posted by: Jan Paul | February 07, 2007 at 02:02 PM
Word has is that we have lost LB George White to Mizzou as well.
Posted by: Erik | February 07, 2007 at 02:22 PM
Everson inked with Iowa. MSU's class now ranked #44 nationally on rivals.com. Oh well... that's gotta sting Dantonio, but alas we want kids that want to play at MSU.
Posted by: BWhite | February 07, 2007 at 02:25 PM
I hear ya Joe...I go through the same thing everyday. Did I have any caffeine yet???
Posted by: ronnn | February 07, 2007 at 04:28 PM