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Ranking Big Ten Programs by Recruiting Classes

By Jerran Anderson

Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh catches passes prior to the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh catches passes prior to the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 26, 2016; College Park, MD, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Giovanni Rescigno (17) throws a pass against the Maryland Terrapins during the second quarter at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick McDermott-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; College Park, MD, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Giovanni Rescigno (17) throws a pass against the Maryland Terrapins during the second quarter at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick McDermott-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are another team undergoing growing pains under a new coaching staff. Chris Ash went 2-10 in his first season as a Big Ten head coach. He is the former co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Ohio State. The Scarlet Knights averaged more rushing yards (145.3) than passing yards (138.3) per game last season.

Rutgers went winless in conference play in 2016 but again, this is why team’s recruit, to fill spots at varying weaknesses. For a team such as this one, this year’s recruiting class is a testament to regaining the state of New Jersey back.

The Scarlet Knights signed a total of 26 players to this year’s recruiting class. Three of them are four-star prospects, 21 are three-stars and one is a two-star prospect, according to 247Sports. 16 players are from the state of New Jersey in  this year’s class.

One key recruit is offensive tackle Micah Clark, a New Jersey native. Clark is a four-star prospect who ranks 132nd nationally, 16th by position and is the second-best player in the state, according to 247Sports. At 6-foot-5 and 266 pounds, Clark is an early enrollee hoping to crack the rotation right away in the spring. Seeing as this team struggled in the passing game with its current roster, he very well could compete for a spot this spring.

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Another key recruit is wide receiver Bo Melton, another New Jersey native. Melton is a four-star prospect ranked 245th nationally, 37th at his position and fifth overall player in the state, according to 247Sports. He caught 41 passes for 913 yards and 11 touchdowns and also rushed for 748 yards and 11 touchdowns in his senior season at Cedar Creek High School.

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