Home Recruiting Anyone Worried About this Class?

Anyone Worried About this Class?

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It peeked just a few weeks ago with the Calvin commit, hitting in the high 20s on some sites. We were ahead of Oregon and Nebraska at one point. I was raving it would be our bets class ever. Since then, we lost Calvin (and TJ Green, our other 4-star, visited Utah, and things have been mum on him since the visit). Also, the guys we have signed in that time have been B-list guys (guys we never heard much about until now, 2 stars, preferred walk-ons). It seems like typical OSU where the class fades at the end. We’ll see in a week, but I’d much rather hear about us poaching guys right now instead of clinging to hang on to some of our best recruits.

If we end up ranked in the 40s like we are now, it’s  no better than Riley. He was usually 40-50, even in down years. On the plus side, an Andersen 2 or 3 star looks much better than a Riley 2 or 3 star. But still, I’d like to see a bump. I don’t care about the 4 win thing because every recruit saw the Civil War and knows GA is a master builder. So it’s not that.

What I need to see to feel excited:

  1. Hang on to the guys we have.
  2. Hear stories of poaching rather than being poached.
  3. Land 2 more big time (high 3 star or 4 star) guys.

Right now it’s a fine class, but one that’s been diminished since earlier when it was looking like the best class ever.

152 COMMENTS

  1. I think you overrate what “every recruit knows”

    To a recruit with no allegiance to OSU this is a school that hasn’t gone to a bowl or won its conference in years.

  2. Its a solid class, but not great. I think Jamire Calvin is gone, which is not surprising. I also think Moore at OL is gone as well based on the moves they are making offering some other OL guys.

    To be IMO a “great” class for OSU we need a few of the following
    Judson would a great pick up for us, but likely going hole
    Need to keep TJ Green!
    Calvin Tyler at RB
    Also need to Green (LB out of PDX).
    Cotton at S

    If we can round out the class with 1-2 more 4* guys I think it will be top 35.
    Regardless GA and Staff have raised the profile of OSU. Fact is, we are still coming of 2-10 and 4-8 seasons. Once we get a winning season or two, IMO the profile grows even more. Not worried about GA and Co on the recruiting trail.

    • I agree with the sentiment that it’s good to bring a guy in on gameday if he’s not at all familiar with the program. If the guy is local or sees a lot of OSU, later is probably better.

      It would be smart to look over the schedule the year before and peg winnable games for visits. CW is always a good one as well just to give them a taste of the rivalry.

  3. For the position both rodent schools are in, they typically become the poachees as teams with better programs/ records whiff on recruits and then move down their lists to offer our verbals. Part of the game at this point. The corncern for me is the lack of a couple more plug and play OL’s from the JC ranks to bridge the gap with the OL issues we will certainly have next season. If they keep Green the RB and get Green the LB, this will be an outstanding class. From the big picture, I do wonder about the position heavy recruiting and how that plays out in the future. Do we always end up with crisis based recruiting for specific positions? Last year we took a ton of OLB’s and this year it’s WR’s.
    It appears it will be OL next year. It would be nice to get to balanced classes and go heavy on a position based on talent being available. Too good to pass up situations. Go Beavs.

    • I recall Andersen was trying to address the imbalance he inherited. Hopefully, in the next two classes, he will do that. The run on WRs was maybe not expected, but the current roster of WRs seems to have generally underperformed, even considering poor QB play. Also, as has been pointed out, maybe some of them will find new positions by next fall.

      As for TJ Green, I certainly hope he stays solid to OSU. I think this staff identifies and targets better players than did the last regime, particularly after about ’08. Can they hold onto them? That’s the tough part. When somebody like Green gets upgraded to a 4* and other teams start calling, I think its important to consider the new decisions he faces in his changing recruiting context. The OSU staff identified him early and were right to do so, but it has to be challenging to hold on to an 18-year old who kid has now has more and bigger decisions before him than he’s probably ever had. This staff enjoys competing at recruiting though, so I think they’ll work hard, hold most, and probably lose a few they’d like to keep. But as Andersen said last year, if that doesn’t happen, you probably aren’t recruiting the right guys.

      This recruiting period seems to have taken longer than prior ones, mainly I think because there are so many players we’d like to see OSU hold onto.

  4. I know I said an early signing period would help but at the same time I don’t get why a signing period is needed at all. If a school wants to offer the player a contract and the player wants to sign said contract it should be allowed at anytime.

    The whole idea of a signing period is sort of odd.

    • Both are nice players. If we got them on top of keeping what we had it would be good, but losing Green nixes that.

      The one thing I don’t like about Green is he’s a bit long and thin for a RB. I don’t think he’d be durable, so they’d have to use him as a pass catcher and maybe kick/punt return guy. I don’t see him as an every down back. In that regard, it might not be a huge loss. I want him for the talent influx (could always move him) and just the fact that landing 4-star recruits makes others take a look at what’s going on in Corvallis.

  5. Keeping TJ Green should be Priority #1. Tyler & Cotton after that. Then try to get Daniel Green. GA needs to tell Green he will play this year and get plenty of carries if that is what he wants.

    TJ was next in line after Nall but different then Nall so no great reason why he couldn’t be a primary back very soon. GA better pay one more visit and get the final word before signing day.

  6. Unless you are a true blue blood, the last ten days before NSD is a wild ride for the fans.
    I wonder how GA’s and Wittingham’s friendship will be impacted by the recruiting battles.
    It’s one thing to play a game and get a winner and a loser, and another thing to have your friend
    steal a key piece of your future team at the eleventh hour.

  7. Late de-commitments sometimes mean the kid didn’t get accepted into school or will have to do academic work over the summer to get enrolled. That’s why you see the kids post a nice parting letter when reopening their recruiting. Doesn’t mean they wanted to go somewhere else, but circumstances said otherwise.

    See Thompson last year.

    About right now is when high school seniors are applying to college so PSAs should have a good idea if they’ve been accepted academically.

  8. Marlon Tuipulotu, the best prospect in Oregon flips to SC. Plays the same position as pili. Doubt it but it could effect his decision.

  9. OT, but Canaan say Tagger “honeymoon crashes to an early end,” also Ducks set to fire co-OC Reaves after DUI arrest. A fine start for Taggert.

  10. OT, but Canzano says Tagger “honeymoon crashes to an early end,” also Ducks set to fire co-OC Reaves after DUI arrest. A fine start for Taggert.

  11. See OSU got a commitment on this Jaelen Bush out of Lacy, WA. What position does he play and is he a highly sought after prospect? Dude looks the part.

    • Yeah, I had mentioned it on here last night but then had angry remove it because his family was still talking things through. He’s a friend of the family.
      He’s a DE and its a PWO offer. Has also played TE and OT.
      Also plays hoops and is a soccer goalie, but just want to play football in college.
      Super smart kid too.

  12. Another average class that will finish towards the bottom of the PAC12. VERY disappointing considering the Beavs have the highest recruiting budget in the conference, new facilities, fresh vision for the program, coming off a big CW win, etc…

    The reason? GA can’t close…

      • OSUProf posted the data on another site last year. Since GA took over the recruiting budget has sky rocketed. The schools loacted in larger metropolitan areas (UW/SC/UCLA/etc) don’t spend as much on recruiting because many of their recruits are local and travel expenses are typically low. The Beavs have to spend a lot more in marketing, travel, etc to compete with the big boys.

      • There are some gluteal extrusions out there.

        You win some. You lose some. When you try some, you win or lose more than when you complain about not having an airport.

      • To name a few reasons…Jamire Calvin, Jordan Agasiva, Xavier Davis, Brian Cole, Isiah Miller, TJ Green, Jaylon Lane, George Moore.

        I’ll give credit to GA for Hodgins and Evans…but man there have been a ton of losses.

  13. In more important news, the women’s team plays Oregon twice this week.

    Big games. Oregon landed Ionescu who the Beavs were hot after.

  14. I like to look at things through a more positive lens, but be realistic as well. Here is my .02 on some late recruiting:

    1. TJ Green is 60-40 for OSU. Chandler guys and this years class will be in his ear and he ends up a Beav.
    2. Calvin Tyler is going to be a Beav.
    3. Mo Unutoa is a strong lean to be a Beav.
    4. You want poaching? Juliano Falaniko is a strong Beav lean.
    5. Kesi Ah-Hoy, also a steong Beav lean with Charles Moku-Watson in his ear.
    6. Trajon Cotton is 55-45 towards the Beavs. I think it is a lot more even than most Beav fans who have followed his recruitment. He and Jamire Calvin are in similar positions, they want to be the man, but they see how many other guys we have committed at their positions and it makes them second guess OSU.
    7. Jamire Calvin, sorry boys, this cat is a looooooonnnnngggg shot at best.
    8. Daniel Green is a long shot as well, but having us as hos final OV is a very good thing.
    9. George Moore, no way this guy is coming. Recent offer from Auburn…just too many other bigtime schools on him late.
    10. Bruce Judson, in too deep with Taggert. I think his latest stayements about making enemies was directed towards OSU. Could be wrong and hope I am, but I don’t want a guy who is all about the UofO flash anyway.
    11. Tanis Joseph, meh…he is a maybe. Not too excited about him.

    Would love to have Zo Fauatea back, but probably not happening.

    • 1. Agree on this. He’s almost guaranteed playing time since AP and Nall will almost surely get dinged up. He’d def be a rotation guy there and maybe Lucas spot. He is critical to this class as I don’t think Tyler is ready to play on day 1.

      4. Sure hope we can get Falaniko. I know he has that connection with Elu Aydon.

      6. It would be disappointing to see him not become a Beav. Dude seems like he has a good connection with the other recruits. Him and Jamire wanna be the big men when they haven’t proven anything on college football level. I don’t think they’re game changers so i wouldn’t be too bummed. But it’d be nice if Cotton committed for quality depth and potential.

      7-10. Yep. I think we won’t get any of these guys. It’s fine but I would’ve hoped to get maybe 1 out of them. But it shows you the strides the staff is making. Being in the top 2-3 schools for these higher profile recruits. Gonna be real interesting when we start winning these after we have a winning record.

      Great post. Go beavs!

      • “But it shows you the strides the staff is making. Being in the top 2-3 schools for these higher profile recruits. Gonna be real interesting when we start winning these after we have a winning record. ”

        I empathize with some commenters’ disappointment with the late stage in this recruiting cycle, but big picture, keep in mind THIS.

      • Welp, there you go, already wrong in TJ Green. That is a tough one to lose after all the staff has invested in him. All is fair in love and war. This kid would be a Beaver if there was an early signing period.

    • Right now we’re only projecting 2 guys at S right? Watson & Morris?

      I had thought the rest of the DBs projected at CB (Hayes, Gardner, Manning, Dunn). A safety class of 3 guys shouldn’t be intimidating for Cotton…

      • Thought Morris was OLB. Regardless he tweeted at Trajon a few days ago. Really wants to play with him and for Cotton to commit. Thinks they can help make a great defense at Oregon State.

  15. Honestly, I think you are sometimes better off to be the one that offers late. Everyone wants the new pretty girl more than they want the pretty girl they already have.

  16. I’m surprised by TJ green decommit. It seems like he wants to be “the guy” or starting running back. While at Utah that’s a possibility for him, here he would be the bonafide 3rd string back. Makes sense if he wants lots of carries as soon as possible. Oh well. On to the next one!

  17. Not too worried about recruitment — we are trending in the right direction.
    Increased number of wins will be telling next year since GA and crew have done a decent job of getting good kids that want to come to Corvallis, and coaching them up to a higher level. His first two years were figuring out how to dress the pig — although the OL/QB thing will be interesting. We need to be at 8 wins by year 4 — that’ll tell us if today’s recruits are worthwhile.

      • Green looks thin. Tyler is thicker and lower center of gravity. I actually like him more, but we’re not guaranteed to get him, are we? People are acting like he’s a Beav and he’s not yet. If we get him I’ll feel much better about Green (to me Green is a pass catching 3rd down back and maybe kick/punt return guy). Calvin looks more like an every down back, and I’d take a TX back over a AZ back. Just better competition, even though Chandler is good.

    • The big problem is that this class needs two backs and that seems unlikely now.

      Gonna be really think in the backfield with a starter who seems to get dinged up often; not ideal.

      • Go back and watch Allen’s tape again.
        http://www.hudl.com/profile/4426842/quantino-allen

        Now look at that as the role Lucas was supposed to fill and apparently is disgruntled because he can’t. You can design a couple games around Allen if one or more backs go down at various times in the season… if you have WRs capable of drawing the D’s respect.

        And none of it matters if you don’t have an O-line. Unutoa would be my instant favorite in this class if he signs. That kid is a freak. What I wouldn’t give to see TJ Woods coach him for several years.

        Btw, what school is Lucas from?

  18. Just watched the Tyler/Green film again. Green is clearly much faster. Thin, though, and I don’t see him holding up as an every down back. Calvin is more low center of gravity guy who is well built for his size, which usually means more durability. Green has a surprisingly small offer sheet for a 4-star. Makes one wonder what’s up. Calvin is less glamorous because he doesn’t have the breakaway speed or great size or that 4th star, but his low center of gravity and balance in all the other facets might make him the better every down back. It will be interesting to see. Green looks like more of a game breaker. It would be nice to have both…

  19. Well now im waiting for david morris to de-commit, we obviously can’t close on 4*. So frustrating being a beaver fan this time of year.

  20. Interesting that Judson tweets that he has an announcement coming tonight, and his most recent follows are both Oregon State players (villy amd grant)

      • No idea. Seems to be us and oregon. Dont see any other teams even being considered, which is a little odd for a highly rated florida guy.
        I thought I had read recently that Oregon is waiting to hear about the verbal pledge for some 5* RB who has them in their top group. So…maybe the oregon depth chart gives him pause?
        They have freeman coming back too, right?

        I still think he’s a duck, until he proves otherwise

        • I still think he’s a duck, until he proves otherwise

          That’s how I feel. I’m not getting my hopes up, but I’d take him. He seems a bit of a prima donna. Kept writing “lit” about OSU and then seemed in awe of Oregon flash. But, if GA wants him he must think he can get him to be blue collar and a worker.

          I’d take him over Green, so if he does go to OSU that’s a good trade.

          Speaking of which, is it possible Green heard Judson was going to commit and that’s why he de-committed? Then there’s the possibility Judson was spooked by the Taggart workout/drunk coach issues or their depth chart. Who knows? Guess we’ll find out, but definitely pretty interesting musical chairs going on.

          If he does commit he won’t qualify…lol

    • Yeah, I was thinking it’s much more possible now that Green de-committed and Oregon has had some major turmoil in Willie The Buddha’s first month.

  21. Judson’s offer sheet is insane:
    https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/1982

    Why only Oregon and Oregon State? Anyone know his grades? This screams NQ to me.

    His film looks a lot like the RB we picked up today…same body, a little more speed and agility. I guess that’s the extra 4th star. If we get him I wouldn’t complain, but I’d sure like another back like Nall instead of the small backs.

    • Right? It doesn’t make sense that us and oregon are the top 2. Especially with how late we started talking to him. Doesn’t pass the sniff test.
      He looks a little heavier than Tyler to me. Broader shoulders. Just basing that off his recent visit photos, and not his measurables

      • It looks a lot like Thompson’s offer sheet last year (from memory)…
        Maybe this is to pad recruiting stats/gain momentum and they know he won’t qualify? I don’t know. Lockette is a FL connection as is Taggart, so that makes some sense, but you’d think some of those major schools would draw interest.

    • Maybe he is a NQ and that’s why he’s maximizing the drama? He won’t get slot of attention if he goes the JC route, or goes that route and never ends up on a DI campus…

  22. I just looked at the Judson hudl video and I must say it would appear that the kid has some wheels. What’s the level of his HS competition?

  23. The one thing that makes me feel okay about grades is Taggert sticking with him even after leaving South Florida. Doesn’t seem like Taggert would need to do that now that he is at UO if Judson is an academic risk.

  24. Judson has the beavers in it just so he can have another “commitment” show for himself, if you think the beavers have any chance your just not paying attention.

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