Class rankings are, to an extent, for February bragging rights. A top five class does not guarantee national championship teams. But a top 10 class with an outstanding coaching staff that can slot in needed talent and develop it just might.
I really like what we are seeing from Herman, Orlando and the others so far. Jimbo is supposed to be the next coming — and of course that’s what the aggies are counting on — but I’m not so sure.
Finally, to restate the obvious, class rankings are simply relative point-in-time “opinions” of the different services. At what stage those players are in their development cannot be determined at this point. Some have peaked, and maxed out their talent. Others, some rated lower, have considerable upside. How effective a staff is at identifying talent that fits their scheme and culture cannot be overstated either.
It’s always fun to see how things play out, and what sleepers become dominant players, like Colt McCoy and D’Onta Forman.
As of now, my feeling is that TH and his staff are good evaluators, and perhaps even better developers of talent.