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"Final Analysis
A few players really stick out in this class; PJ Mahone, Brandon Jackson, DJ Young, Calvin Marshall and Jahmal Brown. The Falcons really brought in some nice DB and kicking prospects who should contribute right away. Overall, this class focused on defense, especially perimeter speed. The two defensive tackle prospects provide the Falcons immediate D-IA size to that area. Overall this class rates as EXCELLENT compared to other MAC programs this year, but the players mentioned above could become stars very quickly."

Link
http://www.vandelaysports.com/football/ ... /bgsu.html

Bonus Coverage
I really liked the Falcons class this year and even though my ranking has it 7 of 12, I really don't see much of a difference between #3 and #9 in the league this year, so anyone could make a strong case to me that BG's class could be higher. When the top players by position listings are published this weekend, I think you will see how much I liked several players in this BG class.

QB
Had Tyler Sheehan not been hurt during his senior year, I don't know if BG could have kept him. That's a compliment. A healthy Sheehan would have received much more interest from schools like Cincy, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois. Glaud is probably a guy you will love in two or three years, a terrific athlete who may or may not be the QB of the future, but will certainly be on the field in some sort of capacity.

RB
I have officiated two Cleveland Benedictine games during Jahmal Brown's prep career and I have always loved this kid. Tough, physical runner with speed. His prep coach played at Pitt and blocked for Tony Dorsett in the 1970s, I thought Pitt would make a late run at him. Likely to begin his career at DB. Either way, this kid is a player on both sides of the field and one of the best RBs I have seen in person - comparable and bigger than Miami's Brandon Murphy from Strongsville

WR
I have officiated Maple Hts (east suburb of Cleveland) once a year over the past three season. Pronty was underutilized but is extremely fast. Given some time to learn an offense, this kid could become a real steal in two or three years. You can't coach speed and he has it.

OL
I don't know enough about your OL depth chart right now but BG only brought in one OL prospect. To me, you can't have too many 'big unglies' in the trenches. Possibly could have added one or two more prospects here and it may take Donahue at least two seasons to get DIA size

DL
Certainly your best area of recruits. Signed DJ Young is a coup. I don't know how MSU missed this guy, or other Midwest programs like ISU, MN, WI or KS. Expect him to play as a freshman. I have officiated Euclid twice a season for two straight years and let me tell you, Darius Smith is a player. I see him more of an OLB but maybe he ends up at DE. Thaddius Gibson (Ohio St) got all the press this year for Euclid but Smith was just as effective. He had three QB sacks against Garfield Hts and shut down several quality perimeter players from Strongsville this year in the game I had between the two schools.

DBs
Without any doubt PJ Mahone is one of the very best 'athletes' in Ohio. Cleveland Glenville High may have had 15 DIA prospects this year with three going to Ohio St, but Mahone was as good if not better than some of their higher profile recruits. I loved this guy - a true human highlight film. He excelled at WR/RB but looks to be a DB entering college. No matter where you put him, he is a big time playmaker. I sent the Toledo coach's a detailed Email of him back in September, sadly they didn't recruit him very hard - if at all. You got a terrific kid here.

K
I don't put a lot of stock in kicking prospects within my overall ranking. Scout gave these kickers three stars - which is fine even though it overstates a team ranking. To me, recruiting rankings are based more on line and playmaking prospects instead of 'specialists.' That's my preference, and I've been consistent on that through the years.

Read and enjoy - continue the debates. It's a great time to be a MAC fan!

To VanDelay:

Although the information I have is probably much more limited than yours, I just don't see how BGSU can be #7. I guess the fact that you discount kickers and punters has something to do with the surprisingly low rating. From what I've seen, I'll take Rojas and Ellis over an above average OL or WR prospect anyday. We BGSU people know the value of a good punter and, especially, a good kicker.

Thanks for the analysis Nick.

I love this class!!!!

GO FOOTBALL

If Vandelay would do his homework, he would also know that Ellis kicked "off of the grass" and NOT a tee, which makes a big difference in the transition to the college game, and not only did Rojas average 46 yards/punt, but he is a two step punter, which makes it very tough to block.
Both also have VERY strong legs in the kick off department, which on its own merrit, could have won BG another game or two this past season.
If we come up with 4-5 1st team All-MAC type players from this class, which I feel we can, it would be a banner recruiting year.
I also feel he seriously downgraded this class, because of only one OL, but again if he had done his homework, he would know that has been our emphasis for the past few years, and we are VERY well stocked on the OL for the next couple of years

factman wrote:If Vandelay would do his homework, he would also know that Ellis kicked "off of the grass" and NOT a tee, which makes a big difference in the transition to the college game, and not only did Rojas average 46 yards/punt, but he is a two step punter, which makes it very tough to block.
Both also have VERY strong legs in the kick off department, which on its own merrit, could have won BG another game or two this past season.
If we come up with 4-5 1st team All-MAC type players from this class, which I feel we can, it would be a banner recruiting year.
I also feel he seriously downgraded this class, because of only one OL, but again if he had done his homework, he would know that has been our emphasis for the past few years, and we are VERY well stocked on the OL for the next couple of years

Valid points raised, FM.

factman wrote:If Vandelay would do his homework, he would also know that Ellis kicked "off of the grass" and NOT a tee, which makes a big difference in the transition to the college game.

Just for minor clarification purposes, I believe you meant to say that Ellis did not kick using a kicking block on PATs and field goals. He did however use a "tee" when kicking off, as do all kickers.

If Vandelay would do his homework, he would also know that Ellis kicked "off of the grass" and NOT a tee, which makes a big difference in the transition to the college game, and not only did Rojas average 46 yards/punt, but he is a two step punter, which makes it very tough to block.
Both also have VERY strong legs in the kick off department, which on its own merrit, could have won BG another game or two this past season.
If we come up with 4-5 1st team All-MAC type players from this class, which I feel we can, it would be a banner recruiting year.
I also feel he seriously downgraded this class, because of only one OL, but again if he had done his homework, he would know that has been our emphasis for the past few years, and we are VERY well stocked on the OL for the next couple of years

My thoughts exactly. I appreciate Vandelay coming on here and explaining his rationale. He knocked us down some notches for not recruiting more offensive linemen (our depth there gave us the luxury to recruit more for need).

He didn't give us much credit for Rojas and Ellis. Given that special teams are just as important as offense or defense (didn't Tressel once say that the most important play in football is the punt?), this seems shortsighted.

I concur....particularly with respect to our recruting of Ellis and Rojas.

UK Peregrine wrote:Just for minor clarification purposes, I believe you meant to say that Ellis did not kick using a kicking block on PATs and field goals. He did however use a "tee" when kicking off, as do all kickers.

Thanks UK.......I always need a little help from a friend!

Just glad you beat RF to it!!! Toledo SUCKS!!

Ellis DOES NOT use a tee on kickoffs - he's that damn good!

....and Rojas is a **** not a *** as Vandelay states above!!

I wanted to add a little criticism of Ball State's class and Indiana high school football...

Ball St. signed six players from the state of Indiana. Indiana high school football isn't very good. I'll take the all-conference team from any D1 conference in the state of Ohio over the best high school players in the entire state of Indiana, regardless of division, any day.

I count 18 non-seniors on the roster. I also count 18 for the Rockets.

BGSUfalcons wrote:I wanted to add a little criticism of Ball State's class and Indiana high school football...

Ball St. signed six players from the state of Indiana. Indiana high school football isn't very good. I'll take the all-conference team from any D1 conference in the state of Ohio over the best high school players in the entire state of Indiana, regardless of division, any day.

Well obviously Indiana football isn't as strong as Ohio football, but not many states are. But not only do I think your statement is a little out there, I think Ball State probably has a "demand" to at least pull in SOME in state talent to keep trustees, etc. happy.