How every top Tennessee recruit panned out since the star rating was introduced

#1

NO SIR EEE

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#1
As far as I can tell, the star ratings started in 2000. This is how every top Tennessee recruit of each class since then has panned out. Yes, I do realize there were multiple 5 stars, 4 Stars, etc, but these are the top of the class according to 247.

2000- Mike Munoz (OT 5 star 0.9960)- He was not chosen in the NFL Draft. He is the Vice President of Business Development Hall of Fame Resort and Entertainment Company (The NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.)

2001- Kevin Simon (OLB 5 Star 0.9910)- Drafted by The Washington Redskins and spent one year on the practice squad before being let go. Current director of player development for The Vols.

2002- Gerald Riggs Jr. (RB 5 Star 0.9970)- Bounced around the NFL after going undrafted, nothing really significant. He played a couple of years in The CFL before being let go. Owner of Beast University Performance and Fitness training in Atlanta, GA.

2003- Robert Meachem (WR 5 Star 0.9890)- Played 7 years in the NFL for The Saints and The Chargers. He also coached at De La Salle High School in New Orleans.

2004- Albert Toeaina (OT 4 Star 0.9667)- Undrafted, made it on to two practice squads with The Panthers and The Raiders. He also played in the CFL and the UFL.

2005- Demetrice Morley (CB 5 Star 0.9952)- Played 5 years in The CFL.

2006- Jacques McClendon (OG 4 Star 0.9550)- Played 6 years in The NFL with The Colts, Lions, Steelers, Falcons, Jags, and Dolphins. He currently serves as the Director of Football Affairs for the Los Angeles Rams.

2007- Eric Berry (CB 5 Star 0.9986)- We all know Eric's story. Always proud of this guy.

2008- Gerald Williams (ILB 4 Star 0.9444)- Cannot find anything on him.

2009- Bryce Brown (RB 5 Star 0.9992)- 3 years in The NFL with The Eagles, Bills, and Seahawks. WR Coach at Butler Community College in Kansas.

2010- Da'Rick Rogers (WR 5 Star 0.9927)- Undrafted but spent time with The Bills, Colts, and The Chiefs. He also played two years in The CFL. Logistics Assistant for Publix Distribution in Georgia.

2011- DeAnthony Arnett (WR 4 Star 0.9971)- Nothing found

2012- Cordarrelle Patterson (WR 4 Star 0.9671)- Having a successful NFL career.

2013- Marquez North (WR 4 Star 0.9598)- 2 years in The NFL with The Rams. Currently a Credit Analyst with Bank Of America.

2014- Josh Malone (WR 4 Star 0.9826)- Current Green Bay Packers practice squad.

2015- Khalil McKenzie (DT 5 Star 0.9972)- Current Ravens practice squad.

2016- Nigel Warrior (DB 4 Star 0.9716)- Current Seahawks DB.

2017- Trey Smith (OT 5 Star 0.9920)- Currently with Chiefs.

2018- J.J. Peterson (OLB 4 Star 0.9761)- Entered the Transfer Portal in Jan of 2021, but did not find a landing spot according to my search.

2019- Darnell Wright (OT 5 Star 0.9944)- Currently with team.

2020- Key Lawrence (DB 4 Star 0.9647)- Transferred to Oklahoma.

2021- Aaron Willis (LB 4 star 0.9392)- Currently with team.
 
#6
#6
It would be interesting to know how many former 3* or less went on to success in the NFL during that same span.
Here's some interesting tidbits.

Top 5 players on the NFL 100 list were three Star recruits in high school
1. Lamar Jackson, Ravens QB.
2. Russell Wilson, Seahawks QB.
3. Aaron Donald, Rams DE.
4. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs QB.
5. Michael Thomas, Saints WR

  • The 10 programs that developed the most three-star (or lower) recruits into Round 1-3 picks in the last 10 years are Ohio State (14), Wisconsin (13), Boise State (12), LSU (12), Stanford (12), Louisville (11), Washington (11), Mississippi State (10), TCU (10) and Utah (10).
  • Many of the programs that end up atop recruiting rankings are still finding high-upside three-star recruits as well, and no program is doing that better than Ohio State.
  • OSU has had 43 players go in the top three rounds of the draft over the last 10 years, and 14 of them were rated at three stars or below — more than any other program. Six of those players went in the first round.
  • LSU isn’t far behind. Of the 45 Tigers picked in the top three rounds since 2011, 12 were ranked at three stars or below. That figure includes three 2020 first-rounders: Joe Burrow, Justin Jefferson and Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
  • By comparison, Alabama has had 54 players drafted in those rounds, with just six rated at three stars or below. Notre Dame (3/24), USC (2/23), Georgia (3/22) and Oklahoma (4/21) all had a similarly low percentage. That, of course, is also a reflection of how well those programs recruit.
  • It could be argued that no program is doing more with less talent than Wisconsin. In the Rivals.com era (dating back to 2002), Wisconsin’s average team recruiting rank is 41.7. Yet the Badgers are routinely developing top NFL draft choices. Over the last 10 years, 18 Badgers have gone in the top three rounds. Thirteen of those players were ranked at three stars or lower and six went in the first round.
  • Not only did Boise State have the highest number of draftees among Group of Five programs, it tied Stanford and LSU for third-most three-star-to-NFL stories in all of FBS. The Broncos have had nine three-stars, two two-stars and one unranked player go in the first three rounds. The unranked player was walk-on linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, a first-round selection of the Dallas Cowboys in 2018.
  • The Pac-12 was well-represented in this study with Stanford, Washington and Utah all producing NFL players at a high rate. Of that group, Utah had the highest hit rate on three-star talent, with 10 of its 13 top picks earning three-star rankings in high school. For Stanford, it was 12 of 20 while 11 of Washington’s 19 picks were three-star or lower.
  • Louisville leads the way out of the ACC with 11 of its 14 high-round picks ranking as three-star recruits. That includes five first-rounders.
  • TCU has also developed its talent well with 10 of its 11 Round 1-3 picks coming in as three- or two-star recruits. Four of those 10 ended up as first-rounders in the NFL.
  • Temple has also identified some real diamonds in the rough and got them to the NFL. Of the program’s seven top-three round picks, only one (Matt Hennessy) was a three-star recruit. The others were either rated two stars or were walk-ons who were unranked. Also of note in the AAC, Connecticut has produced a surprisingly high amount of top draft choices (seven) relative to the program’s lack of on-field success. Temple and UConn were matched at seven by UCF, a program with a much more fertile recruiting base.
 
#9
#9
Here's some interesting tidbits.

Top 5 players on the NFL 100 list were three Star recruits in high school
1. Lamar Jackson, Ravens QB.
2. Russell Wilson, Seahawks QB.
3. Aaron Donald, Rams DE.
4. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs QB.
5. Michael Thomas, Saints WR

  • The 10 programs that developed the most three-star (or lower) recruits into Round 1-3 picks in the last 10 years are Ohio State (14), Wisconsin (13), Boise State (12), LSU (12), Stanford (12), Louisville (11), Washington (11), Mississippi State (10), TCU (10) and Utah (10).
  • Many of the programs that end up atop recruiting rankings are still finding high-upside three-star recruits as well, and no program is doing that better than Ohio State.
  • OSU has had 43 players go in the top three rounds of the draft over the last 10 years, and 14 of them were rated at three stars or below — more than any other program. Six of those players went in the first round.
  • LSU isn’t far behind. Of the 45 Tigers picked in the top three rounds since 2011, 12 were ranked at three stars or below. That figure includes three 2020 first-rounders: Joe Burrow, Justin Jefferson and Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
  • By comparison, Alabama has had 54 players drafted in those rounds, with just six rated at three stars or below. Notre Dame (3/24), USC (2/23), Georgia (3/22) and Oklahoma (4/21) all had a similarly low percentage. That, of course, is also a reflection of how well those programs recruit.
  • It could be argued that no program is doing more with less talent than Wisconsin. In the Rivals.com era (dating back to 2002), Wisconsin’s average team recruiting rank is 41.7. Yet the Badgers are routinely developing top NFL draft choices. Over the last 10 years, 18 Badgers have gone in the top three rounds. Thirteen of those players were ranked at three stars or lower and six went in the first round.
  • Not only did Boise State have the highest number of draftees among Group of Five programs, it tied Stanford and LSU for third-most three-star-to-NFL stories in all of FBS. The Broncos have had nine three-stars, two two-stars and one unranked player go in the first three rounds. The unranked player was walk-on linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, a first-round selection of the Dallas Cowboys in 2018.
  • The Pac-12 was well-represented in this study with Stanford, Washington and Utah all producing NFL players at a high rate. Of that group, Utah had the highest hit rate on three-star talent, with 10 of its 13 top picks earning three-star rankings in high school. For Stanford, it was 12 of 20 while 11 of Washington’s 19 picks were three-star or lower.
  • Louisville leads the way out of the ACC with 11 of its 14 high-round picks ranking as three-star recruits. That includes five first-rounders.
  • TCU has also developed its talent well with 10 of its 11 Round 1-3 picks coming in as three- or two-star recruits. Four of those 10 ended up as first-rounders in the NFL.
  • Temple has also identified some real diamonds in the rough and got them to the NFL. Of the program’s seven top-three round picks, only one (Matt Hennessy) was a three-star recruit. The others were either rated two stars or were walk-ons who were unranked. Also of note in the AAC, Connecticut has produced a surprisingly high amount of top draft choices (seven) relative to the program’s lack of on-field success. Temple and UConn were matched at seven by UCF, a program with a much more fertile recruiting base.
Bama and GA were not on the list because they do not have 3* athletes on their rosters.
 
#11
#11
2000 - Mike Munoz chose not to go into the draft because of knee issues and instead took his degree and started life post football.

I actually met him in school, he ended up marrying a girl that he was dating at the time and we all knew. He was involved a lot in FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and was a great guy off the field.
 
#12
#12
Speaking of Marquez North ........... one of my favorite catches of all time.

tc1.0.jpg
 
#13
#13
Ohio State must have a heck of a coaching staff and process of developing their players.

Hope we can have that kind of success next few years.
 
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#14
#14
As far as I can tell, the star ratings started in 2000. This is how every top Tennessee recruit of each class since then has panned out. Yes, I do realize there were multiple 5 stars, 4 Stars, etc, but these are the top of the class according to 247.

2000- Mike Munoz (OT 5 star 0.9960)- He was not chosen in the NFL Draft. He is the Vice President of Business Development Hall of Fame Resort and Entertainment Company (The NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.)

2001- Kevin Simon (OLB 5 Star 0.9910)- Drafted by The Washington Redskins and spent one year on the practice squad before being let go. Current director of player development for The Vols.

2002- Gerald Riggs Jr. (RB 5 Star 0.9970)- Bounced around the NFL after going undrafted, nothing really significant. He played a couple of years in The CFL before being let go. Owner of Beast University Performance and Fitness training in Atlanta, GA.

2003- Robert Meachem (WR 5 Star 0.9890)- Played 7 years in the NFL for The Saints and The Chargers. He also coached at De La Salle High School in New Orleans.

2004- Albert Toeaina (OT 4 Star 0.9667)- Undrafted, made it on to two practice squads with The Panthers and The Raiders. He also played in the CFL and the UFL.

2005- Demetrice Morley (CB 5 Star 0.9952)- Played 5 years in The CFL.

2006- Jacques McClendon (OG 4 Star 0.9550)- Played 6 years in The NFL with The Colts, Lions, Steelers, Falcons, Jags, and Dolphins. He currently serves as the Director of Football Affairs for the Los Angeles Rams.

2007- Eric Berry (CB 5 Star 0.9986)- We all know Eric's story. Always proud of this guy.

2008- Gerald Williams (ILB 4 Star 0.9444)- Cannot find anything on him.

2009- Bryce Brown (RB 5 Star 0.9992)- 3 years in The NFL with The Eagles, Bills, and Seahawks. WR Coach at Butler Community College in Kansas.

2010- Da'Rick Rogers (WR 5 Star 0.9927)- Undrafted but spent time with The Bills, Colts, and The Chiefs. He also played two years in The CFL. Logistics Assistant for Publix Distribution in Georgia.

2011- DeAnthony Arnett (WR 4 Star 0.9971)- Nothing found

2012- Cordarrelle Patterson (WR 4 Star 0.9671)- Having a successful NFL career.

2013- Marquez North (WR 4 Star 0.9598)- 2 years in The NFL with The Rams. Currently a Credit Analyst with Bank Of America.

2014- Josh Malone (WR 4 Star 0.9826)- Current Green Bay Packers practice squad.

2015- Khalil McKenzie (DT 5 Star 0.9972)- Current Ravens practice squad.

2016- Nigel Warrior (DB 4 Star 0.9716)- Current Seahawks DB.

2017- Trey Smith (OT 5 Star 0.9920)- Currently with Chiefs.

2018- J.J. Peterson (OLB 4 Star 0.9761)- Entered the Transfer Portal in Jan of 2021, but did not find a landing spot according to my search.

2019- Darnell Wright (OT 5 Star 0.9944)- Currently with team.

2020- Key Lawrence (DB 4 Star 0.9647)- Transferred to Oklahoma.

2021- Aaron Willis (LB 4 star 0.9392)- Currently with team.
Two things.

I thought I saw Malone reel in a TD recently?
I didn't know community colleges had football teams lol
 
#15
#15
Showed a trend that we needed quick infusion of help as many of those players came from JUCO
 
#20
#20
I'd take that ratio of 5*/4* players to succeed all day long and x2 on Sunday. The odds of a 3* player have those type careers is not even close.
 
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#21
#21
I'd take that ratio of 5*/4* players to succeed all day long and x2 on Sunday. The odds of a 3* player have those type careers is not even close.
Speaking of Marquez North ........... one of my favorite catches of all time.

tc1.0.jpg

Was there like Brian Williams! 🙂 Couldn't believe he caught that. Never saw a guy make more circus catches in TN history. I'll bet 80% of his receptions had some sort of contortion necessary to make it. Guy didn't know what a catch in stride was. Marquez doesn't get near enug credit here IMO. That's due to our horrific QB situation and underperforming team.
 
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#24
#24
I wonder if there could be a parallel in football to the successes achieved by high school valedictorians?

Here's an armchair hypothesis: The male prefrontal cortex doesn't reach full development until the mid-20s. That's the "...decision-making part of the brain, responsible for the ability to plan and think about the consequences of actions, solve problems and control impulses."

So (in most cases) a five-star player has gained recognition based on exceptional physical capabilities--that are still attached to an immature brain. He's achieved on-field success without a well developed ability to plan and think about consequences, solve problems, and control impulses (maybe like an O-lineman who does hotheaded things after the play that costs his team penalty yardage in the red-zone?).

Now, say you are a three-star player, but you develop your full physical capabilities later in your mental development cycle, so that your physical, mental, and emotional skills are developing as one. At the end of 4-5 years of college football, you may be the more complete, NFL-ready player.
---
(Not to endorse phrenology, but isn't it interesting that one of the all time Vol greats who from the start exhibited signs of a well-developed prefrontal cortex is often referred to by the nickname "The Forehead.")
 
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#25
#25
I wonder if there could be a parallel in football to the successes achieved by high school valedictorians?

Here's an armchair hypothesis: The male prefrontal cortex doesn't reach full development until the mid-20s. That's the "...decision-making part of the brain, responsible for the ability to plan and think about the consequences of actions, solve problems and control impulses."

So (in most cases) a five-star player has gained recognition based on exceptional physical capabilities--that are still attached to an immature brain. He's achieved on-field success without a well developed ability to plan and think about consequences, solve problems, and control impulses (maybe like an O-lineman who does hotheaded things after the play that costs his team penalty yardage in the red-zone?).

Now, say you are a three-star player, but you develop your full physical capabilities later in your mental development cycle, so that your physical, mental, and emotional skills are developing as one. At the end of 4-5 years of college football, you may be the more complete, NFL-ready player.
---
(Not to endorse phrenology, but isn't it interesting that one of the all time Vol greats who from the start exhibited signs of a well-developed prefrontal cortex is often referred to by the nickname "The Forehead.")
Our top ‘23 target...
 

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