The Big East rich (South Florida, Rutgers, Pitt) get richer

By Darrell Laurant  |   Thursday, February 05, 2009  |  Comments( 1 )

College Football
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!

For college football coaches, national signing day is another version of Christmas. Generally, they know what they're getting, but there are always a few surprises.

Looking through the wreckage of wrapping paper in the Big East, a clear pattern of separation emerges. South Florida, Pitt and Rutgers finished the day smiling, West Virginia was a bit ambivalent, UConn, Cincinnati and Louisville probably a bit envious. Syracuse, meanwhile, got mostly coal in its stocking.

Under Jim Leavitt USF has not only started to play the marquee Florida schools, but take them on in the equally critical playing field of prospects' living rooms. The Bulls signed a half-dozen four-star athletes on Wednesday, all of whom were at least on the long list for Florida, Florida State or Miami.

Two came from Fort Scott Community College in Kansas, which offered up 6-foot-6, 265-pound DT Jason Pierre-Paul (who runs a 4.7 40 and becomes the only player in the Big East with three first names) and linebacker Jacquan Williams, a 6-4, 220-pounder listed as possessing 4.5 speed. Makes you wonder how Fort Scott ever gave up a touchdown.

Defensive end Ryne Giddens has been labeled the plum of the entire Big East recruiting class, although he is a bit light at 6-4, 235. He and Pierre-Paul should be the ultimate replacements for quarterback-seeking-missile George Selvie.

Running back Adaris Bellamy played for a small school, but he put up big numbers. The other four-star prospects were DT Kyrhi Thornton and "athlete" Bradley Battles.

Rutgers needed a quarterback to replace Mike Teel and probably got him. Tom Savage of Springfield, Pa., has pro size, a big arm and is reportedly a keen feel for managing a game. Because none of Teel's current backups have done much to distinguish themselves, four-star Savage could leap to the head of the line.

Other top recruits headed for New Brunswick include DTs Isaac Holmes and Antwon Lowry, DB Logan Ryan and pint-sized but super-quick RB De'Antwan Williams.

As for Pitt, which put a pretty good recruiting class alongside two very strong ones in '07 and '08, the marquee names are wide receiver Todd Thomas, DE Jack Lippert, LB Dan Mason and RB Raymond Graham. The first three are from Pennsylvania, while Elizabeth, N.J., product Graham was stolen away from Rutgers.

If nothing else, West Virginia has the best name of the Big East recruits -- linebacker Branko Busick. Then, there's speedy WR Logan Heastie ("hasty"). Names aside, though, the spotlight shone on QB Eugene Smith of Miramar, Fla., the double-threat heir apparent to Pat White. The only problem is, his 40 time is listed as 4.8. Either that's a misprint, or he's no Pat White. Other incoming four-star kids include 6-5, 275-pound junior college DE Tevita Finau (actually a 2008 recruit who finally qualified), WRs Stedman Bailey and Deon Long, and RB Tavon Austin.

Cincinnati went for quantity, bringing in 25 recruits. Only two of them -- Californian WR Jamar Howard and homegrown DB Chris Williams -- were four-star prospects. Connecticut had only WR Dwayne Difton among the pre-hyped group, while Louisville's lone four-star recruit was monstrous lineman Joe Evinger (6-7, 347), a Santa Clarita, Calif., native.

Then, there was Syracuse, where the big news was that new coach Doug Marrone told four of Greg Robinson's prior recruits, "Thanks boys, but no thanks." One promptly signed with James Madison. Otherwise, the Orange had no four-star prospects and just a quartet of three-star guys. Marrone's choice was to opt for as much quality as he could get as opposed to simply importing bodies. Look for a huge SU recruiting class in 2010.
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (1)

About Darrell Laurant

...Sorry, Darrell Laurant's bio is currently not available. Please check back soon!
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report