I posted this about a month ago, but it didn't get many responses. I see some new faces around (and some old ones returned), so hit me with some other nominations.
Let's have a discussion of some of the higher-profile recruits who thus far have not lived up to expectations. Even though this qualifier will be utterly disregarded, I'm going to say it anyway: this isn't to say the player in question has been awful, only underwhelming given the hype with which he arrived on campus. Got it?
Matt Stafford (Georgia) - At the helm of the Bulldog offense, he's amassed 26 TDs to 23 INTs---not the stuff legends are made of. He hasn't been terrible, but he also hasn't raised his game above a level just adequate enough to give the vicious Georgia "D" a competent counterpart on "O." Assessment: He's marginally above average thus far.
Derrick Williams (Penn State) - Granted that Anthony Morelli isn't Carson Palmer, but Williams thus far has been a massively mediocre WR. He was a junior before he'd managed to nab 1,000 receiving yards, and his season high is only 529. Assessment: JoePa's blue-chip stud needs to return to form if the Nitts are to return to their 2005 level.
Tommy Bowden (Clemson) - I realize he's not a player, but if there's an award for National Underachiever in coaching, he's got to be on the short list. Every year seems to be the Tigers' year in a comparatively weakened ACC. Assessment: Has yet to prove he's worthy of his recent contract extension.
Patrick Turner (USC) - Considering that he was ranked the #1 wideout in his class coming out of high school, Turner's performance thus far has to be considered disappointing. With less than 1,000 total yards to his name, and only one game with over 100, he needs to step it up big-time for the Trojans to beat the Buckeyes early this year. Assessment: Has the tools, but will he step it up?
Stephen McGee (Texas A&M) - I realize that the Aggies aren't known for the air attack the way their rivals in Lubbock are, but 12 TD and 8 INT last year? For a guy who was a top QB prospect coming out of high school, new coach Mike Sherman is going to need greater production to match the talented QB pool in the Big XII. Assessment: Middling up till now.
Pretty Much Everyone Playing for Notre Dame Not Named Jimmy Clausen - Charlie Weis hauled in top recruits, didn't he? I mean, I realize that was a young team and all, but these are supposed to be elite players, right? Assessment: The Irish can't afford back to back losing seasons if they want to continue to get their own TV contract.
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