Random observations on National Signing Day

Coming out of nowhere

Auburn’s surprising effort was the big story on signing day, despite all the attention that was heaped on America’s small group of superpower schools.  Seriously, could ESPNU have mentioned USC any more than they did during their wall-to-wall recruiting coverage?  Damn, the same two clips of Jesse Scroggins played over and over and over…

Gene Chizik and his staff put together a fantastic group of offensive linemen, with Eric Mack and Shon Coleman both having the look of future All-SEC players.  But junior college tackle Roszell Gayden out of California probably has the inside track on starting before either of them.

Equally impressive were the wide receivers in this class.  Trovon Reed was tabbed by Rivals as Louisiana’s top player, while Jeremy Richardson and Antonio Goodwin look like they both have just as much potential.  Stud running back Michael Dyer spurned Arkansas for Auburn and will probably see playing time right off the bat.

The Tigers were thin at linebacker all season so that was definitely a need area coming into signing day.  The Auburn staff addressed that deficiency with three in-state studs (Jawara White, Jake Holland and LaDarius Owens) and a Georgia product (Jessel Curry) who’s father Buddy was a pretty good linebacker himself.

Chizik and Company celebrate a great signing day

But what about the guys Georgia DID sign?

In the aftermath of Calhoun, GA wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers flipping from Georgia to Tennessee, does Bulldog Nation now hate the Dooley family?  Or do they blame Rogers’ teammate Nash Nance, the quarterback who made an earlier flip from Vandy to Tennessee?

Rogers wasn’t the only late defection for Georgia, so most of the pundits concentrated on what they didn’t get as opposed to what they did get.  Mark Richt loaded up on blue chip defensive linemen like Mike Thornton, Jalen Fields, Brandon Burrows and Garrison Smith.

It’s not as star studded a class as Bulldog fans are used to, but about 90% of FBS coaches would gladly trade their recruits for Georgia’s class.  Heck, New Mexico’s Mike Locksley would hit another assistant coach if it would help him sign a group of this caliber.

Henderson not ready to sign

Southern Cal finished stronger than anyone on signing day, grabbing top rated guys like wide receiver Markeith Ambles out of Georgia and cornerback Nickell Robey out of Florida.  But the biggest coup was getting a verbal from Seantrel Henderson out of Minnesota, a kid who’s widely regarded at the nation’s best offensive line prospect.

However, USC didn’t get his SIGNATURE, because in a very smart move, Henderson will wait and see until USC’s possible NCAA sanctions are handed down.  Man, that Reggie Bush stuff just won’t go away…

According to Henderson’s father Sean, USC head coach Lane Kiffin has told the family that there’s no need to worry about the sanctions.  Uh huh, right.  What would Kiffin say to the kid if he were to sign, show up in LA and THEN have the NCAA drop the hammer?  “Okay, Seantrel, now you can worry about those sanctions.  As for me, I’m taking the Idaho job, see ya.”

2010’s best sleepers

I think Temple signed an honest to goodness sleeper in the person of Richmond, VA prospect Desmond Coble.  Coble played quarterback for Meadowbrook High but will end up playing d-back and returning kicks on the next level.  Duke, North Carolina and West Virginia also extended offers to him.

Defensive end Keba Agostinho cut his teeth playing against elite competition in Katy, TX, but surprisingly he flew under the radar of most recruiting pundits.  Kansas ended up signing him and he’ll eventually be a productive starter for them.

Nebraska got their diamond in the rough with River Ridge (LA) John Curtis defensive end Walker Ashburn.  While playing for one of the state’s top programs, Ashburn recorded 16 sacks during his senior season.  The knock on him is that he’s a half step slow but I suspect some SEC schools will regret not recruiting him harder.

Another prospect that analysts undervalued was Matthews (NC) Weddington quarterback Anthony Boone.  At 6-0, 222 lbs. he’s a tad short for a pro-style passer.  However, his relative lack of height didn’t prevent him from being a standout at every camp he attended.  Look for him to eventually start for Duke.

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