College Recruits Going Pro

Well guys, today is National Signing Day. We are witnessing the next class of footballers before the reach the next level as they head off to the pros. Ot at least, that's what they hope.
As of this morning, 5 players of ESPN's Top 10 have yet to sign with a school. The other 5 include 1 Auburn, 1 Georgia, 1 LSU, and 2 Florida State players. How exactly do these translate to actually doing well in the future for the NFL. The ESPN 300 list goes back to 2006. For fun, I decided to look at the top player from a few of the former classes. I will look at years where the player has gone to the NFL already to show how sometimes being the number 1 recruit, does not always mean the best player.

The 2006 recruiting class: Safety Myron Rolle was the overall number 1 recruit of this class. He would sign with Florida State, even though he was a Jersey boy. This kid was an incredible football player and student, completing pre-med requirements in 2.5 years of college. Even though he had the best skill set Mickey Andrews (FSU DC) had coached in 25 years, Rolle would be drafted 207th overall by the Titans. He would never see playing time in the NFL. But you know who would? Other players from the top 10 of this class, including Percy Harvin, Matthew Stafford, and DeMarco Murray.

The 2007 recruiting class: RB Joe McKnight was the number 1 this year. He, along with the number 2 & 3 overall recruits, would meet at USC. After a few roller coaster years at USC involving violations and injuries, McKnight would go to the NFL, forgoing his senior year. Being selected by the Jets in the 4th round, people did not expect much from him. During the 2011 and 2012 seasons, McKnight would perform well at both the RB and CB positions, including a game for 158 total yards from scrimmage in the final game to the 2011 season. Currently, McKnight is riding the bench in Kansas City behind Jamaal Charles and De'Anthony Thomas.

The 2008 recruiting class: The number 1 recruit this year was DE De'Quan Bowers, who would select Clemson as his school. After 3 years at Clemson, Bowers would enter the 2011 Draft and be selected in the 2nd round by Tampa Bay. He would not play the first year due to knee surgery and has yet to produce for the team. Bowers is now an Unrestricted Free Agent this offseason. Stars from the top 10 include such names as Patrick Peterson, A.J. Green, and Julio Jones.

The 2009 recruiting class: The only QB to make it on the list as the number 1 recruit is Matt Barkley. He would go to USC and be highly anticipated as one of the stars of the college football world. He was even a front runner for the Heisman Trophy during his tenure with the Trojans. Come Draft day, Barkley would have to wait until the 4th round to be drafted by the Eagles. Since being drafted, he would come in twice in the fourth quarter of 2 games due to injuries to either Nick Foles or Michael Vick. In that time, Barkley would throw 4 interceptions and no TDs. He is still listed as QB3 on the depth chart.

The 2010 recruiting class: ATH Ronald Powell was the number 1 recruit this year. He would commit to UF and be converted to an Inside Linebacker. After being plagued by injuries throughout the 2013 season at UF, Powell would still be selected in the 5th Round by the Saints. He has yet to start a game for them. Other players in that years top 10 include Matt Elam, Lamarcus Joyner, and Robert Woods. Not stars for their teams, but can make an impact during the game.

The 2011 recruiting class: The only player on this list to be drafted not only in the first round, but first overall: Jadeveon Clowney. During his years at South Carolina, Clowney would produce big numbers and big plays for the Gamecocks; this includes the massive hit against Michigan RB Vincent Smith in the 2013 Outback Bowl that would cause a fumble and send Clowney into the national spotlight. Since being drafted by the Texans last May, Clowney has yet to produce due to injury. Buyer's remorse? Give it a year. Other players from the 2011 class include Isaiah Crowell, Cyrus Kouandijo, and Jeff Driskel.

As for the 2012 class and on, they have yet to be drafted. Being number 1 does not always mean you will be a number 1 pick or number 1 at a position. So to the 2015 number 1, Byron Cowart, good luck at Auburn. It looks like you'll have your work cut out for you.