FalconBlog--Triumphs and Trials in the BGSU Falcon Nation

Groundhog Day, NLI Day

Well, the recruits are signed again, and the web is buzzing with uninformed opinions, not the least of which are coming from ratings services. They have typically not liked our classes, and I suspect they won't like this one either.

I have to say that my initial reaction was underwhelming--it seemed solid, but without a WOW factor as in other classes. After looking closely at each one, I have moved my opinion up a little bit, but there still seem to be some guys we wouldn't have taken before.

Couple points. First, lineman are less "WOW" than skill players. Fair enough. Second, things are tougher--UC is resurgent with their new coach and a BCS bid, and other MAC schools are picking up the pace (Akron, CMU, OU, Ball) and offering play time right out of the box, which we cannot. Staying on top is tough.

A lot fewer ATH type guys, but a lot more linemen. Let's take a look, but remember this. You judge a graduating class when they are standing next to their parents on Senior Day. Let's hope this group is wearing a MAC Championship ring (or more).

2005 BGSU RECRUITING CLASS

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown (High School)
Luke Alexander + WR 6-0 170 Springfield, Ohio (South)

See, right away they make a liar out of me. All-state, already at BGSU, this kid will be a good one right away.

Freddie Barnes QB 6-2 185 Chicago Hts., Ill. (Homewood)

Our only QB. Was his team MVP (seemingly a minimum expectation) and was all-area and all-conference.

Cody Basler LB 6-3 225 Auburn, Mich. (Bay City Western)

Was on the Michigan Dream Team. We recruited more players from Michigan than normal. However, Michigan is not known as a great HS footall state.

Jarrett Buckosh OL 6-7 254 Elyria, Ohio (Clearview)

This young man is going to have to hit the weights. 6-7 is nice, 254 not so nice. Was all-NE Ohio, all-conference and all-county, but does not appear to be an especially decoated player.

Chris Bullock RB 5-11 220 Destrehan, La. (Destrehan)

After much hulabaloo, our only Louisiana player. 1,400 yards and 14/18 TDs his last two years. Was second team all-district.

Aaron Davis WR 6-2 182 Seffner, Fla. (Armwood)

Interesting player. Played for a real good (back to back state champs) on a team that NEVER passed. Could be a bargain.

Trevor Frericks DL 6-1 255 Quincy, Ill. (Quincy Notre Dame)

Now here's what I am talking about. All-State in Illinois. First team all-state. Reportedly had interest from Illinois before the regime change.

Jacob Hardwick DL 6-3 260 Virginia Beach, Va. (Ocean Lakes)

Two-time all-district. This is what I am talking about as a non-wow guy.

Thomas James DL 6-2 255 Goose Creek, S.C. (Goose Creek)

All-state and defensive player of the year. This is what I am talking about. Apparently a referral from Gary Blackney. Looks like a very good player.

Nick Lawrence LB 6-3 220 Brighton, Mich. (Brighton)

Top 50 Blue Chip list in Michigan.

Rhett Magner WR 5-10 165 Palmer, Alaska (Colony)

Cole's little brother. Most people had figured he would play CB here, but the school listed him as a WR. Go figure. Our lightest recruit.

Kevin Mahoney OL 6-6 295 Springfield, Ohio (North)

All-conference, all-area and all-county, but in Springfield. Big boy, that's for sure.

Brady Minturn DL 6-4 250 Loveland, Ohio (Loveland)

Was second-team all-state and made a couple all-star games. Was named one of the state's top 26 juniors. Could be a good one.

Phillip Pollard OL 6-3 270 Westerville, Ohio (Westerville South)

All-Ohio in 2004. Good size.

Michael Ream DL 6-3 235 Bluffton, Ohio (Bluffton)

All-conference and all-NWO, but at a small school. Hard to tell what this projects to. Was a TE, too, so is probably a DE.

Ruben Ruiz + TE 6-4 245 Oro Valley, Ariz. (Pueblo/Arizona Western)

Already in school. Could start on day one.

Jimmy Scheidler TE 6-4 240 Indianapolis, Ind. (Bishop Chatard)

Was on the Indy Star Super Team, for team that won two state titles. Father played for BSU. Might be OK.

Antonio Smith CB 5-10 175 Miami, Fla. (Miami Central)

Our only Flordia recruit. Having said that, an undistinguished HS career.

Richard Solak OL 6-4 280 Norristown, Pa. (Cardinal Mooney)

All-state in PA...and a good sized guy. Will look good with Pollard as a senior.

Shane Steffy OL 6-3 290 Oakmont, Pa. (Riverview)

Also all-state in PA, and a big boy.

Bobby Thomas DB 5-10 200 Warrensville Hts., Ohio (Warrensville Hts)

Big time HS RB, Conference MVP who we are showing as a DB. Assuming he is an athlete.

Cordelle Thompson LB 6-1 205 Middletown, Ohio (Middletown)

Was All-GMC and All-Middleton Journal. Again, an undistinguished HS career.

Stephon Thompson CB 6-0 175 Franklin, Mich. (Southfield-Lathrup)

Another top-50 Blue Chip Michigan kid. Twice his team's MVP. Two way QB and D-back, who we are showing in the backfield.

Calvin Wiley DB 5-11 185 Detroit, Mich. (Notre Dame)

Another top-50 Blue Chip Michigan kid.

Guy Williamson OL 6-4 300 Mahomet, Ill. (Mohomet-Seyomur)

Our largest unit. Was all-area, otherwise not a lot of accolades.

Chris Wright CB 5-10 175 Middletown, Ohio (Middletown)

Was first team all-state on offense, we are moving to defense. An excellent QB.