Ethan Hooper
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I would go back and look at Petrino's classes at Arkansas. This was discussed when he left. I believe he had 2 top 20 classes. His skill players were very highly rated, and he got Mallett to transfer. Joe Adams, De'anthony Curtis, Jarius Wright, Tyler Wilson, Ronnie Wingo, and Knile Davis were all 4 stars in 2 years. Greg Childs was a 3 star. He also had a few DB's and OL's who were 4 stars and a 5 star DB.
I agree with the post above that the recipe for success is experienced lines, but you also need talent at the skilled positions. Ole Miss has experience on the lines and at LB, but Treadwell, Engram, Vincent Sanders, Walton, Dodson, Mathers, and Wilkins were all at least 4 stars. 2 of their DB's, Prewitt and Conner, were also a 4 and 5 star. Mississippi State is the only team to be successful this year without that kind if talent, and they have a dynamic QB. Plus, the season is not over, and this goes in cycles for them. They won't succeed like this on a yearly basis- this is a year they have experience and a talented QB. JMO.
A top 20 class isn't necessarily in the top half of this conference though. It doesn't mean a lot. Maybe not even the top half of the SECW. My point was that you don't half to recruit at a top 10 level to be successful. Teams who recruit too 10 classes each year are usually successful, but there are exceptions.