Let's revisit the 2011 signing class..

[57stratdawg]

Ranked #44 on Rivals, #34 on 247, #45 on Scout. Generally considered the 12th or 13th best class in the SEC.

But that class included:

• Benardrick McKinney - All SEC, 1st round pick?
• Darius Slay - All SEC. 2nd round NFL pick.
• Dak Prescott - Preseason All SEC QB.
• Tavez Calhoun - Potential All SEC corner; NFL draft pick
• Josh Robinson - SEC caliber RB
• Justin Cox - Likely NFL draft pick
• Preston Smith - Likely NFL draft pick
• PJ Jones - Quality depth on any SEC team
• Justine Malone - SEC caliber starter (I believe, anyway)
• Kendrick Market - Quality depth

Some guys like John Harris, Zach Johnson, Joe Morrow, Rufus Warren still have time to prove themselves.

That's a pretty damn good batting average for a class that many, myself included, didn't think was good enough to consistently win the SEC.

 

[HD6]

In fairness, can't really count Justin Cox when he had to go to JUCO and resign in 2013.

 

[57stratdawg]

He was still a top-flight talent we identified with very little media celebration. Did OM even offer him out of HS? I don't think they did.

 

[esplanade91]

I don't think Calhoun is an NFL back, but that's not a knock. He's worth the scholarship and more than deserves to be a starting corner in the SEC.

Sorry, I just frustrated with all this "He's a first round pick! Why isn't he 1st team All-SEC??!?!!!!" talk.

The best players in modern history for us have come in without contention, minus Fletch. No matter what happens, I don't think that'll change... It just means guys like Freeze are going to start piggybacking.

 

[121Josey]

Ranked #44 on Rivals, #34 on 247, #45 on Scout. Generally considered the 12th or 13th best class in the SEC.

That's a pretty damn good batting average for a class that many, myself included, didn't think was good enough to consistently win the SEC.

That's why they've given us 7-6, 8-5, 7-6. There are 5 or 6 legit SEC starters in that group. Sure, they'll add to their perception, but the class is below par by most calculations.

 

[msstate7]

That's why they've given us 7-6, 8-5, 7-6. There are 5 or 6 legit SEC starters in that group. Sure, they'll add to their perception, but the class is below par by most calculations.

And if they get 9-10 wins this year will you still be disappointed with them?

 

[121Josey]

And if they get 9-10 wins this year will you still be disappointed with them?

I'm not disappointed in them. They've pretty much met expectations. If they would have pulled 9 wins last year, then no, I wouldn't "still be disappointed with them."

 

[bonedaddy401]

Relative to historical success at Miss State this may be the best run any class in Bulldog history has had once they are all done. Keep in mind they have had to play in the golden age of the SEC west.

Below par is your calculation, and its incorrect. You are way off.

Calhoun may surprise a lot of folks when it comes to NFL potential. Guy can tackle and is physical as hell. As WR's get bigger and bigger physical corners like Richard Sherman are replacing the Nnamdi Asomugha's of the world.

Great thread, 2011 class is proving to be a shining example of this staff's ability to not only find talent but then develop it.

121Josey - below par poster by most calculations.

 

[esplanade91]

Relative to historical success at Miss State this may be the best run any class in Bulldog history has had once they are all done. Keep in mind they have had to play in the golden age of the SEC west.

Below par is your calculation, and its incorrect. You are way off.

Calhoun may surprise a lot of folks when it comes to NFL potential. Guy can tackle and is physical as hell. As WR's get bigger and bigger physical corners like Richard Sherman are replacing the Nnamdi Asomugha's of the world.

Great thread, 2011 class is proving to be a shining example of this staff's ability to not only find talent but then develop it.

121Josey - below par poster by most calculations.

Look, I really wanted us to offer Calhoun and I'd take him over several other SEC corners who probably have pro potential, but corner is probably the 3rd hardest position to play in the NFL. He's 6"1' which is good, but he lacks speed and relies on the heavy hit to bail him out. If anything he will make an NFL roster at safety, ala Malcolm Jenkins.

That's really my point here. Does it matter if we get a bunch or 5*s who have fantastic measurables and things when guys like Calhoun and Tubby give us the same production at the college level? This is college football. I think a lot of that is forgotten.

 

[kired]

It has potential to be our second or third best class in the last 10 years, if you consider contribution per enrollee. I'd say the quality was at least equal to 2010 and better than 2007 (both were larger classes so on paper they probably look better).

Still a lot to prove. Guys like Dak, McKinney, Josh Robinson, Calhoun, Malone, & Preston Smith have all shown the ability to be special. But now they've got to go out and perform at that high level for the next 1-2 years.