Early Scout team rankings.. ND #5!!!

[lattedatte]

http://recruiting.scout.com/2/570958.html

 

[Guest]

Here's rivals top 10 list. They have us at 10, but we have a star rating of 4. All the other teams in the top 10 with the exception of USC have close to or more then 20 commits, so we're doing great so far...

http://rivals100.rivals.com/teamrank.asp

 

[GREENJERSEYS'07]

texas had most of those commits over a month ago.It was (still is) funny to see most teams with a dozen or so and even less in august and there was texas,about 18-20 commits.Most of their guys are from that state too.

 

[ackirl]

They have us at 10, but we have a star rating of 4, so we're doing great so far...
http://rivals100.rivals.com/teamrank.asp

A 4.00 average is an awfully good start. I saw that the highest “Star Average” since 2002 was the 2002 Florida State class with a 4.09 followed by the USC class of 2004 with 4.05.

Notre Dame 2007 - 4.00 Star Average 1135 points (so far)
Notre Dame 2006 - 3.46 Star Average 2189 points
Notre Dame 2005 - 3.00 Star Average 661 points
Notre Dame 2004 - 2.83 Star Average 820 points
Notre Dame 2003 - 3.41 Star Average 1776 points
Notre Dame 2002 - 3.56 Star Average 1570 points​

 

[Guest]

West Virginia is a joke, 15 commits already yet their class only ranks 31st on rivals, with a star rating of 2.60....Anyone that considers this program an elite program is completely bonkers, they just don't have the talent. Don't even mention Slaton, if Darius Walker played for them he'd rush for at least 1600-1700 yards, we all saw what he did against Stanford last year(187 yards rushing), if he were at WVU he'd be facing a defense as bad, or even worse than Stanford's every week.

I would love to see WVU record if they had to open the season against GTech, PSU, and Michigan..

 

[lattedatte]

West Virginia is a joke, 15 commits already yet their class only ranks 31st on rivals, with a star rating of 2.60....Anyone that considers this program an elite program is completely bonkers, they just don't have the talent. Don't even mention Slaton, if Darius Walker played for them he'd rush for at least 1600-1700 yards, we all saw what he did against Stanford last year(187 yards rushing), if he were at WVU he'd be facing a defense as bad, or even worse than Stanford's every week.

I would love to see WVU record if they had to open the season against GTech, PSU, and Michigan..

You are blind if you think Walker even compares to Slaton, period, take your ND goggles off for once and look at it from a objective point of view. Really how many WVU games have you watched? I love D. Walk. but he's no Slaton.

Your arguement that WVU does not get talent is an obvious one. They don't get the talent with the like of us, USC, Georgia, whoever... I can't even defend that, nor will I try. But what I can defend is the fact that this year they have arguably 8 guys(10 including kicker and punter) that would be a 4 or a 5 stars if re-rated now. That is pretty damn close to us and a lot of the teams in the top 15. So LAST and THIS years teams deserves whatever hype they get until they lose a game.

 

[scooper]

You are blind if you think Walker even compares to Slaton, period, take your ND goggles off for once and look at it from a objective point of view. Really how many WVU games have you watched? I love D. Walk. but he's no Slaton.

Your arguement that WVU does not get talent is an obvious one. They don't get the talent with the like of us, USC, Georgia, whoever... I can't even defend that, nor will I try. But what I can defend is the fact that this year they have arguably 8 guys(10 including kicker and punter) that would be a 4 or a 5 stars if re-rated now. That is pretty damn close to us and a lot of the teams in the top 15. So LAST and THIS years teams deserves whatever hype they get until they lose a game.

Spot on. They are a damned good team. Their one big weakness-the lack of a true passing game-could hurt them against an elite opponant, but there aren't many teams that they couldn't match up with this year man on man. Rodriguez can coach. Slaten is a perfect example of the internet stars not always telling the whole recruiting story. The guy is a stud football player.

My biggest problem with WVU is the same as everybody's-their schedule. But that doesn't change how I feel about their ability.

 

[maison bleu]

Spot on. They are a damned good team. Their one big weakness-the lack of a true passing game-could hurt them against an elite opponant, but there aren't many teams that they couldn't match up with this year man on man. Rodriguez can coach. Slaten is a perfect example of the internet stars not always telling the whole recruiting story. The guy is a stud football player.

My biggest problem with WVU is the same as everybody's-their schedule. But that doesn't change how I feel about their ability.

Yep. The problem with UWV is they won't play an elite opponent until a bowl game. So how will we know they deserve to be in the title game?

 

[lattedatte]

Yep. The problem with UWV is they won't play an elite opponent until a bowl game. So how will we know they deserve to be in the title game?

It is too bad their schedule is so putred, I mean it is probably one of the easiest schedules I've ever seen. AT Louisville is nearly as tough a game as anyone though...

Here's the thing though if, and I mean if they go undefeated and so does Auburn, USC, Ohio ST/Mich, guess what they get left out. So it is embedded in their poor schedule is that they get left out.

Personally, I think they lose either at Louisville or at Pitt.. I don't think their young defense is good enough to go undefeated. But until someone shows me they can stop Slaton, White and that spread offense, I'm going to say they deserve to be ranked high and be in the national championship talk as much as anyone.

 

[scooper]

Yep. The problem with UWV is they won't play an elite opponent until a bowl game. So how will we know they deserve to be in the title game?

Nobody will know ahead of time. But they did OK against UGA in the bowl game.

 

[notdam4]

I know it's already been addressed but that Steve Slaton comment was one of the most uninformed i've seen. He is the real deal no matter what team he plays for. After watching that Maryland game last week, I would say he has close to the same...maybe more... game speed as Reggie Bush. I would not say he's quicker than Bush but in terms of pure speed, he can float.

 

[lattedatte]

Am I on Irish Envy right now??? I'm very suprised with this thread, great job everyone recognizing talent when you see it and not looking at EVERYTHING through blue & gold lenses!!! Great job!

Go Irish!!!

 

[Guest]

You are blind if you think Walker even compares to Slaton, period, take your ND goggles off for once and look at it from a objective point of view. Really how many WVU games have you watched? I love D. Walk. but he's no Slaton.

Your arguement that WVU does not get talent is an obvious one. They don't get the talent with the like of us, USC, Georgia, whoever... I can't even defend that, nor will I try. But what I can defend is the fact that this year they have arguably 8 guys(10 including kicker and punter) that would be a 4 or a 5 stars if re-rated now. That is pretty damn close to us and a lot of the teams in the top 15. So LAST and THIS years teams deserves whatever hype they get until they lose a game.

Again lets look at their last four recruiting classes (rivals rankings)

2006 class rank 51st, star rating 2.63
2005 class rank 31st, star rating 2.48 (33 commits!)
2004 class rank 47th, star rating 2.48
2003 class rank 47th, star rating 2.52

Average these four classes and it comes out to a class ranking of 44, with a team star rating of 2.53

Re Read my post, I never said Walker was as good as Slaton, just that Walker would put up big numbers at WVU also. Not to mention Slaton wouln't be rushing for 200 yards every week with ND's schedule, or if he were playing in a major conference. He's a fine player though.

It's been a proven fact that the last 20 years only teams with consensus top 20 recruiting talent have won National Championships, Nebraska I believe was the only exception. WVU doesn't even consistently bring in top 40 talent, it's pathetic and an absoulute joke if they even get to play in a BCS game. There are many more deserving teams that have to battle it out every week against tough opponents.

How many games would WVU win in the SEC??? Obvisously you probably think they'd win it with their hands tied behind their back.

On a side note I watch many Big East games, and I think Ray Rice projects as the best RB at the next level. But who knows, Rutgers is gearing up to play Howard(where do they find these teams) so its hard to get an evaluation of his true talent against such a laughable opponent. I Wonder what kind of day Walker would have against Howard

 

[scooper]

Well, you're right about Ray Rice. He and Leonard are as good of a combo as any in the nation.

 

[tommy]

aint that some shit that usc and nd have the same identical amount of recruits yet they have more points then us whats that all about9 Southern Cal 9 2 5 2 4.00 1,150
10 Notre Dame 9 2 5 2 4.00 1,135

 

[lattedatte]

Again lets look at their last four recruiting classes (rivals rankings)

2006 class rank 51st, star rating 2.63
2005 class rank 31st, star rating 2.48 (33 commits!)
2004 class rank 47th, star rating 2.48
2003 class rank 47th, star rating 2.52

Average these four classes and it comes out to a class ranking of 44, with a team star rating of 2.53

Re Read my post, I never said Walker was as good as Slaton, just that Walker would put up big numbers at WVU also. Not to mention Slaton wouln't be rushing for 200 yards every week with ND's schedule, or if he were playing in a major conference. He's a fine player though.

It's been a proven fact that the last 20 years only teams with consensus top 20 recruiting talent have won National Championships, Nebraska I believe was the only exception. WVU doesn't even consistently bring in top 40 talent, it's pathetic and an absoulute joke if they even get to play in a BCS game. There are many more deserving teams that have to battle it out every week against tough opponents.

How many games would WVU win in the SEC??? Obvisously you probably think they'd win it with their hands tied behind their back.

On a side note I watch many Big East games, and I think Ray Rice projects as the best RB at the next level. But who knows, Rutgers is gearing up to play Howard(where do they find these teams) so its hard to get an evaluation of his true talent against such a laughable opponent. I Wonder what kind of day Walker would have against Howard

OK, I'll backtrack a bit on the lambasting I gave you on Slaton. But Slaton would excel where ever he was playing and playing against, bottom line.

I don't care what their stars were when they come in, nor should you, those evaluations are highly subjective. And trust me I know its more like a 5 star player will be a 5 star player, then a 3 star player will turn into a 5 star player. But that is what happened at WVU, Slaton, White, Mozes, Dykes, Mclee, Andrews, Reynard and Wicks all turned out to be either 5 star or high 4 star players. Their kicker, mcafee and punter are also top tier players. I know this situation is rare but it has happened and credit Rich for being able to evaluate players and coach them up. It's just plain upsurd to exclude someone from the BCS becuase Rivals or Scout didn't rate them high 3 -6 years ago. Crazy..

So when you ask what their record would be in the SEC, I have no clue, that is the toughest conference in football hands down. USC, ND, Texas would all have worse records in the SEC. Ever since White and Slaton have been starting they are undefeated which includes victories over Louisville, Maryland and Georgia(the SEC champ) in atlanta. Those are all quality wins.

 

[scooper]

It's just plain upsurd to exclude someone from the BCS becuase Rivals or Scout didn't rate them high 3 -6 years ago. Crazy..

Good way of putting it. Reps.

 

[tommy]

this is why i wouldnt change the scedual or let me say i wouldnt switch good teams for easy wins for anything but hell when nd won the natty in 88 they beat damn near every conferance champ in the nation and people still said we sucked so what can you do but id rather have a tough scedual then have to hear oh you play no one even if i hear it already

 

[ralphwaldoemerson]

As an ND fan, to be claiming Slaton would be doing this "against anybody" is just amazingly silly. Of course he wouldn't. Haven't you learned anything from watching Quinn? Some players are fake elite players, and put up amazing numbers against bad teams - but with enough exposure against good teams, the production dries up and the seams show. Put Slaton on ND and he'd struggle against the same teams Walker will struggle against. He's in the same boat as Quinn - he's got a system that exploits the weaknesses of bad opponents and makes him look good, except unlike Quinn his schedule is ALL bad opponents, so the myth will survive. But not for me.

 

[ralphwaldoemerson]

Also, Louisville last year was a disappointment. They got blown out by USF, I think. And Maryland sucks and has for a few years. And Georgia was not a top Georgia team as of old.

Of those, only Georgia is really a high quality win, and I think that game was more "Georgia was unprepared" than anything. Play 3 or 4 Georgia-level teams in a year, WVU, and then see where you are.

 

[marv81s]

I suggest you look at this for Slaton's stats last year, had great stats in his games and he played much better oppenents last year than they have this year. Georgia's Defense was not that bad last year, they did come out flat in the first quarter, but they rebounded in then 2nd quarter, but by then it was too late and he still had over 200 yards rushing. And Louisville had a good season last year, except for one game, so they weren't a season long disappointment. The game against WV was a classic. Give Slaton credit for GOD sakes, he is a good RB, and he would be a good RB no matter where he played. He is better than Walker, I promise you, you won't curl up and die if you say that. Nothing against Walker, him and Slaton are different backs.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/gamelog?playerId=174468&year=2005

 

[Guest]

OK, I'll backtrack a bit on the lambasting I gave you on Slaton. But Slaton would excel where ever he was playing and playing against, bottom line.

I don't care what their stars were when they come in, nor should you, those evaluations are highly subjective. And trust me I know its more like a 5 star player will be a 5 star player, then a 3 star player will turn into a 5 star player. But that is what happened at WVU, Slaton, White, Mozes, Dykes, Mclee, Andrews, Reynard and Wicks all turned out to be either 5 star or high 4 star players. Their kicker, mcafee and punter are also top tier players. I know this situation is rare but it has happened and credit Rich for being able to evaluate players and coach them up. It's just plain upsurd to exclude someone from the BCS becuase Rivals or Scout didn't rate them high 3 -6 years ago. Crazy..
.

I agree, stars aren't everything, but WVU isn't even bringing in top 40 talent. I think you have to at least give these rankings some credence, especially when WVU has such an awful schedule. Are USC, ND, TX,etc all missing out on these guys? Or is it because WVU is playing against much weaker competition every week? Personally I think its because they're playing against much weaker competition every week.

Again Slaton's good, but he's not rushing for 200 yards every week against ND's schedule. Thats where the problem lies, you know he's talented, but against equal or better competition would he be putting up Heisman type numbers?

All in all I want to see the Big East get better, and I think they will in time when they regain some stability. But personally I don't think they should be mentioned with the nations elite yet. In time, if Schiano, Petrino, Rich stay at their respectitive school, then that might change.

 

[Guest]

Give Slaton credit for GOD sakes, he is a good RB, and he would be a good RB no matter where he played. He is better than Walker, I promise you, you won't curl up and die if you say that. Nothing against Walker, him and Slaton are different backs.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/gamelog?playerId=174468&year=2005

No one is saying he isn't good. The problem is at WVU he's a great RB, but would he be a great RB at a major program facing equal or better talent every week?

Not saying Walker is better, but to think DW wouldn't have much better stats at WVU is absolutely absurd. Again we saw what he did against an awful Stanford defense last year, he ended up rushing for 187 yards, yet he hasn't had a game great like that against USC, Mich, Tenn, OSU.

 

[scooper]

There have been plenty of great running backs that have played for and against inferior teams.

 

[Aerosmith777]

I think the truth in both these arguements is somewhere in the middle. Is WVU on the same par as OSU, USC, or Texas? Probly not. But the win last year in the Sugar Bowl still has to count for something. I've been sayin it since last January, the other 7 or so Big East coaches should line up to kiss Rodriguez's ass at least once a week, b/c that win probly saved the Big East's BCS tie-in. Point is, maybe WVU isn't a top 3 team, but I definately think they've shown their a legitimate top 10 team, and for a program like WVU that really is saying something.

As for the star rankings and Slaton in particular, of course he wouldn't look as good against ND's schedule, but that doesn't mean he's not a great player. And Walker would look a lot better against WVU's schedule (and in WVU's more run-oriented system).

As far as the classes go, while I do think a little too much emphasis gets put on that stuff sometimes, you have to admit, when was the last time we saw a Nation Champion who wasn't one of those schools that usually has a top 5 (and always has a top 20) recruiting class? Schools liks USC, Texas, OSU, and OU keep winning for some reason. Admittedly part of that's coaching, but I don't really think Mack Brown or Pete Carroll are that much better than the Jeff Tedfords of the world.

 

[lattedatte]

I agree, stars aren't everything, but WVU isn't even bringing in top 40 talent. I think you have to at least give these rankings some credence, especially when WVU has such an awful schedule. Are USC, ND, TX,etc all missing out on these guys? Or is it because WVU is playing against much weaker competition every week? Personally I think its because they're playing against much weaker competition every week.

Again Slaton's good, but he's not rushing for 200 yards every week against ND's schedule. Thats where the problem lies, you know he's talented, but against equal or better competition would he be putting up Heisman type numbers?

All in all I want to see the Big East get better, and I think they will in time when they regain some stability. But personally I don't think they should be mentioned with the nations elite yet. In time, if Schiano, Petrino, Rich stay at their respectitive school, then that might change.

I did give those rankings credit by saying a 5 star player is much more likely to be an actual 5 star player than a 3 star turning into one. I think to compete on a year in year out for a nc you must get talent. But what you guys don't realize, in 2003 when MIAMI, BC AND VA TECH were all in the Big East, WVU won the conference and every other year (I can't remember the first year) since Richy Rod has been there they were in the top 3 in the BE. This success isn't an anomoly.

BE schedule
Oct. 2, 2003 at Miami-FL L 22-20 1-4 (0-1)
Oct. 11, 2003 Rutgers W 34-19 2-4 (1-1)
Oct. 22, 2003 Virginia Tech W 28-7 3-4 (2-1)
Nov. 1, 2003 UCF W 36-18 4-4
Nov. 8, 2003 at Boston College W 35-28 5-4 (3-1)
Nov. 15, 2003 Pittsburgh (ESPN2) W 52-31 6-4 (4-1)
Nov. 22, 2003 at Syracuse W 34-23 7-4 (5-1)
Nov. 29, 2003 Temple W 45-28 8-4 (6-1)