By far, they have the most talented class in the country. Shelton, from Lexington, Ky., ran for 1,400 yards and 12 TDs last season. The Seminoles weren't alone in striking recruiting gold on the first day players were able to sign letters of intent. LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma and Texas also can celebrate, with the Tigers making a surprisingly strong run to the top of the class. In fact, LSU's class was rated No. 1 ahead of Florida State by Max Emfinger of National Blue Chips based in Covington, La. LSU coach Nick Saban, who turned the Tigers' fortunes around with an 8-4 record in his first season, saw nine of Louisiana's top 10 players sign on.
Football is different from any other sport - it is almost like picking puppy dogs.
When you take the pick of the litter, it will always take two or three years to know what that dog is supposed to be like. Also signing on was quarterback Rick Clausen, younger brother of Tennessee quarterback Casey Clausen. Wide receivers Bennie Brazell and Ryan Gilbert are the Texas standouts. Among 25 schools with new coaches, Ohio State drew mixed reviews with Jim Tressel replacing John Cooper and Miami had a decent class despite Butch Davis departing last week and assistant Larry Coker replacing him. The Buckeyes kept several top recruits at home, including Parade All-American running back Maurice Hall, and they also signed running back Lydell Ross from Tampa, Fla., who was leaning toward Notre Dame.