While the Pac-10 may have been exposed last year during bowl season, the Pac-10 rebounded with a flurry. While Florida’s recruiting class is being hailed as one of the strongest ever, top-to-bottom, no conference did a better job improving itself than the Pac-10.
Taking a look at the Rivals recruiting rankings, it’s pretty easy to see why people are feeling bullish about the Pac-10’s chances.
USC had an incredible Signing Day, sky-rocketing to a number-two finish in the mythical recruiting National Championship, signing an astounding five five-star commits to go along with 12 four-star players and only one three-star recruit. On offense, the Trojans pulled five-star commitments at running back, left tackle, two at wide receiver, and an athlete that can easily play on either side of the ball. If it weren’t for having only 18 commits, the Trojans would easily rank ahead of the Gators as the number one class.
UCLA made a terrific jump, pulling in Awamagbe Odighizuwa in an upset, Dietrich Riley, Anthony Barr, Cassius Marsh, and a slew of other top prospects. Even better for Rick Neuheisel, he beat out the Trojans head-to-head for a few key signatures, evening the score with the crosstown Trojans for the time being.
Jeff Tedford’s Cal program also came on the scene nationally, buoyed by the dynamic duo of five-star defensive end Chris Martin and defensive back Keenan Allen. As JT mentioned earlier, it was Cal’s willingness to take Allen’s half-brother that got Cal the North Carolina native.
Oregon, behind the commitment of dynamic running back Lache Seastrunk, also had a Top-15 effort in recruiting, capitalizing on first-year head coach Chip Kelly’s Rose Bowl run and the dynamic facilities and stadium that come with their prized status with Nike owner Phil Knight. (I’m not sure I can call their uniform choices a recruiting asset...)
Both Stanford and Washington had great recruiting classes as well, with coaches Jim Harbaugh and Steve Sarkisian each respectively pulling in classes just outside the Top 25 -- pretty incredible ratings for regional programs far from historic powerhouses.
Arizona State, Arizona and Oregon State all had nice efforts as well. As for Washington State... let’s just hope these Rivals guys don’t know everything.
UPDATE -- As we mentioned here, the Trojans’ late push to 20 recruits put them over the top. Just another crazy turn for a conference with a ton of momentum...