After Pitt, the next four teams are very close in the rankings, but each has an edge on Temple. The first step toward awakening the Scarlet Knights from their slumber is convincing Jersey kids that Rutgers is a cool place to play football. This class was all about building blocks. Other key recruits were defensive lineman Davon Clark from Patterson, N.J., and QB Ryan Cubit, whose dad, Bill, was hired by Schiano as offensive coordinator. After suffering through two post-Donovan McNabb seasons, Syracuse is still looking for an answer at quarterback.
Hopes are high that it has arrived.
Cecil Howard from McKeesport, Pa., signed with the Orange, and he's one of the most brilliant running quarterbacks in the nation. Running the option in high school, he rushed for 3,329 career yards, averaging 9 per carry. Yes, his passing skills are in question, but he's said to have the kind of arm to make all the throws. Overall, it wasn't a brilliant class for the Orangemen, but at least they got the one guy they really wanted and needed. Let's go with Boston College signee Brandon Brokaw.