How Pac-10 Recruiting Classes Rate

As has been the case, the Pac 10 was strong again as nine of the Pac 10 schools finished in our top 50 with UCLA and USC both cracking the top 10. Here's a breakdown of each team including the top player and sleeper from each school.

1. UCLA

Overview: The Bruins filled all of their major needs, particularly at
quarterback, linebacker and defensive back.
Stud: TE Marcedes Lewis- The nation's top tight end, has all the tools
to play right away.
Sleeper: DL C.J Niusulu- Big, physical tackle who has great quickness
off the ball.
Closing Comment: Bruins were hurt for the second year in a row by a dad
who didn't want his son at UCLA. Last year it was linebacker Michael
Craven, this year, offensive lineman Winston Justice.

2. USC

Overview: For pure star power- no school did better than USC with the
exception of Texas. The Trojans signed six players we have rated among
the top 66 in the country.
Stud: DB Darnell Bing- Has the size of a linebacker and will anchor his
schools 4X100m relay team.
Sleeper: LB Oscar Lua- Came out of nowhere and could be the top
linebacker on the West.
Closing Comment: Landing all four Long Beach Poly athletes was a huge
coup and they were very close on Florida safety Pat Watkins as well.

3. WASHINGTON

Overview: The Huskies had huge success on the Islands and running back
Kenny James is a perfect fit in their one back offense.
Stud: QB Isaiah Stanback- Has a great arm and is one of the nation's
best athletes.
Sleeper: OL Clayton Walker- Two Pac 10 coaches felt Walker was the best
offensive lineman in the West.
Closing Comment: The Huskies wanted to rebuild their offensive lineman
and in Clayton Walker and Nathan Rhodes, they're getting two elite
players who could play early in their career.

4. ARIZONA STATE

Overview: The Sun Devils signed a difference maker at every position and
did as good a job of filling their needs as any school in the conference.
Stud: WR Terry Richardson- Good speed and is one of the most polished
wide outs on the West.
Sleeper: DE Nick Johnson- Has a college body already and with coaching
could be scary.
Closing Comment: With Ricky Parker on one side and Nick Johnson on the
other, ASU has a pair of defensive ends that will give quarterbacks fits
for the next four years.

5. STANFORD

Overview: New coach Buddy Teevens has always had the reputation of being
a great recruiter and he proved it by closing very well on several top
prospects.
Stud: QB Trent Edwards - The most accurate passer in the nation should
have fun playing in Buddy Teaven's pass happy offense.
Sleeper: LB Mike Silva - His brother Billy is a standout at Northwestern
and we expect Mike to be a similar player for the Cardinal.
Closing Comment: The Cardinal signed one of the nation's best offensive
line classes which was maybe their biggest need this recruiting season.

6. ARIZONA

Overview: The Cats were hurt by some late defections but overall the
staff did a very nice job particularly in California and Texas.
Stud: QB Ryan O'Hara - The quickest feet of any 6-6 quarterback that we can remember who can make all the throws.
Sleeper: OL Kili Lefotu - Could also double as the stud, but no one
knows about him - they will next year when he's in the starting lineup.
Closing Comment: The Cats needed depth on the defensive line and they
did a great job of it signing several quality players who can get after
the quarterback.

7. OREGON

Overview: Started off slow but closed with a bang landing defensive
linemen Haloti Ngata, Chris Solomona and offensive lineman Albert
Toeaina on Signing Day.
Stud: DT Haloti Ngata - Nation's top defensive prospect spurned BYU on
Signing Day in favor of the Ducks
Sleeper: ATH Anthony Trucks - Not many players could double up at WR or
LB incollege, but Trucks is one with his strength and speed.
Closing Comment: The Ducks came in second for several top prospects but
on the plus side, they're beginning to get mentioned by every top player
on the West Coast.

8. WASHINGTON STATE

Overview: The Cougars signed three very good tight end prospects and
quarterback Carl Bonnel is one to watch.
Stud: WR Sammy Moore - Was one of the top high school players in Arizona
two years ago and should contribute immediately for Wazzu
Sleeper: DE Adam Braidwood - Big Canadien should continue the Cougars
lineage of fine pass rushers.
Closing Comment: The Cougs have a nice blend of high school and junior
college players to keep the program at the top of the Pac 10.

9. OREGON STATE

Overview: The Beavers went the Junior College route and landed several
players who could come in and make an immediate impact.
Stud: WR James Finley - Has size, speed and attitude to be an impact
newcomer for the Beaverat a thin position
Sleeper: DB Kellen Marshall - 4.4 speedster from Nevada who has great
potential at cornerback once he learns the position.
Closing Comment: The Beavers signed everything but a quarterback after
losing Kellen Bradley to ASU. With Derek Anderson at the helm, it wasn't
a big need anyways.

10. Cal

Overview: The Bears were very aggressive in the last month and new head
coach Jeff Tedford is going to be tough to go up against in future
recruiting battles.
Stud: WR David Gray- Gray has always been a big Cal fan so it wasn't too
surprising when he changed his commitment from Arizona to Cal later in
the process.
Sleeper: LB Andy Briner- Briner will be learning a new position from
defensive end but he has the strength and speed to be an excellent
college football player.
Closing Comment: The Bears just missed out on Purdue transfer Brandon
Hance, but Gray and running back Marcus O'Keith will be impact players
early in their careers.