With Miami and Virginia Tech on the way to the ACC, 2004 will be a very interesting recruiting season. It is critical for Boston College and Pittsburgh to maintain the momentum created over the past couple of years. The Hurricanes and Hokies should benefit greatly by the move.
The search for the top freshman in the Big East begins with the top schools in the conference. Miami's tradition of attracting the best talent in the country and the Canes' ability to keep the best talent in South Florida paid dividends in its 2003 class. Tyrone Moss will add depth right away for the Canes at running back. Moss, the No. 1 RB prospect in Florida, is a great combination of size, speed and power.
Linebackers Xavier Adibi and Vince Hall are the cream of Virginia Tech's class. Both are really qualified to earn some playing time as freshmen -- at least on special teams. Adibi, who was the No. 1 prospect in Virginia in 2003, combines explosive speed with quickness. He can really deliver a blow. Hall is another difference maker. He also has good speed coupled with excellent strength.
Around the Big East
Boston College
Boston College had a pretty good recruiting year in 2003. Jo-Lonn Dunbar could be the big surprise of the group and play right away at running back. He has outstanding speed, balance and desire. Dunbar also played defensive back in high school. Brad Mueller is a sprint champion and could step right in at defensive back. Mueller has explosive speed, fluid moves and terrific body control.
Miami
Miami, already loaded with talent, scored big again with its 2003 recruiting class. It's very tough for freshman to hit the field early in Miami, but besides Tyrone Moss, a couple have a shot. WR Devin Hester should also get a look. DE Eric Moncur could surprise people and get some time either on the line, at linebacker or on special teams. He's a relentless defender with a knack for getting to the quarterback.
Pittsburgh
A couple of Floridians should get some time as freshmen for Pittsburgh. Horatio Blades should get off to a quick start at inside linebacker for the Panthers. He's a very instinctive player with good quickness to the ball and outstanding awareness. WR Kennard Cox could also get on the field. Cox has explosive speed and good hands.
Rutgers
Sam Johnson has a good shot at hitting the field early at either tight end or defensive end. He has sure hands and can outstanding blocking skills. Defensive back Keon Braswell has good range, outstanding leaping ability and can deliver a hit.
Syracuse
It certainly wasn't the best Syracuse class I've seen, but a couple of talented players from the group will get an early look. Fullback Breyone Evans is a real bruiser with good speed and excellent blocking skills. Marcus Clayton has the talent to earn playing time at either a corner or wide receiver. The Orangemen really like his big play ability. Clayton sparkled on special teams and could make a mark as a return man. DL Eric Ball could contribute right away if he stays on defense. He's big, physical and has the agility to avoid blocks.
Temple
Temple didn't have a great class, but there should be ample opportunities for a freshman to play for the Owls. WR Phillip Goodman could be one of them. He has good size, hands and deceptive speed.
Virginia Tech
In addition to Adibi and Hall, strong safety James Griffin, a JuCo All-American, can also step right in. Another guy to keep an eye on is athletic linebacker Michael Brown.
West Virginia
Defensive lineman Keilein Dykes could be a surprise freshman for West Virginia. He was probably the best pass rusher in NE Ohio last year. New Orleans product Fernandez McDowell is an aggressive defensive back and could contribute early for the Mountaineers.
Early look at 2004
1. Miami: As usual, the Hurricanes are leading the way in Big East recruiting. In fact, as of now, Miami and Texas lead the country in recruiting -- not just with commitments, but also with interest. The Canes have received major commits from QB Kirby Freeman, DL Calais Campbell and RB Bobby Washington. They are in with everyone around the country
2. Pittsburgh: The Panthers are doing very, very well. It should turn out to be one of the best classes for Pitt in a long, long time. Local product Andrew Johnson is a big-time running back commit. They are doing a great job in Western Pennsylvania.
3. Boston College: The Eagles always seem to the best job of getting onto the national scene early. BC is all over the place nationally. They are in on a lot of guys in the Midwest, East and South.
4. Syracuse: The Orangemen are really picking things up after a disappointing recruiting class last year. The 'Cuse is in on a lot of guys for 2004.
5. Virginia Tech: The Hokies have a great recruiting staff, but it's only an average year for talent in the state of Virginia this year. Normally, they clean up in the state, but with the talent down, Virginia Tech will have to recruit more out of state to have a good year.
6. West Virginia: It's not a very good year for talent in West Virginia either. The key for the Mountaineers will be how well they recruit in Florida and New Jersey.
7. Rutgers: The Scarlet Knight are off to a good start with the commitment of Mike Teel, a very good quarterback from New Jersey powerhouse Don Bosco Prep. Look for Rutgers to have a better than average class.
8. Temple: The Owls are a little under the radar and its scheduled departure from the Big East doesn't help.
