Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Some Love for the Two-Star Recruits

It is time once again for National Signing Day. The day where we all bank that 18 year-old kids are making the right decision, and will all live up to our high expectations. And, as we all know, not all will make the right choice, and not all will live up to those expectations. So, as we all wait to see where those last few four and five-star recruits end up, here is a list of players that weren't expected to be big impact guys. And what happened? Well, they became big impact guys. just because some dude running a website says your a two-star athlete doesn't mean your future is only a C+.

Here is a list of some of the Two-Star recruits according to rivals.com that played well above expectation.

2002:

Chris Henry, WR: Finished his Mountaineer career as one of the most prolific receivers ever to don the gold and blue. Drafted in the 3rd round of the NFL by Cincinnati.

PacMan Jones, CB: Harassed receivers like nobody else, and was a solid kick returner. Ended up being drafted 7th overall to the Titans in 2006.

Dan Mozes, OL: A two-star recruit, who ends up turing into the best center to ever play for WVU. His senior year ended with a Rimington Trophy.

2004:

Mortty Ivy, LB: Recruited as an athlete, Ivy fit in nicely in the middle of the defense. He totalled 179 combined tackles in his final two seasons, with seven sacks and four interceptions. Ivy currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

2005

Selvish Capers, OL: Initially a tight end, Capers was moved to the line follow his freshman season. Midway through his second season, Capers took over the starting job at tackle and never gave it up. He was drafted by the Redskins in the 7th Round of the 2010 Draft. He currently is on the Giants' practice squad.

Pat McAfee, K: The two-star recruit came in as a kicker, and left as a punter. Granted, McAfee could certainly still nail a field goal or two, but he is now the starting punter for the Colts.

2007

Jock Sanders, WR: Originally a tailback, Sanders made the smooth transition to wideout, and became a star. He is number one in career receptions at WVU with 206. He also finished with 14 touchdowns.

2008

Ryan Clarke, FB: The big back has gone from pretty good ball carrier to exceptional run blocker. Mel Kiper has him listed as the number two fullback in 2013.

Robert Sands, S: The lengthy safety became one of WVU's defensive leaders, helping the Mountaineers become a top-5 defense. Sands was drafted by Cincinnati in the 5th Round of the 2011 Draft.

2011

Dustin Garrison, RB: The young tailback took over three games into the season, and exploded for 291 rushing yards in his first start. Garrison ened the season with 742 yards, before ripping up his knee.