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When evaluating recruiting classes, it’s impossible to assess a proper evaluation until after the class has completed its collegiate career. Not only are the top classes determined by what they looked like on paper, but on-field contributions also play a big part.
SDS takes a look at the each SEC team’s best recruiting class of the last decade based off of the recruiting rankings as well as how effective the class was on the field.
NOTE: Recruiting rankings references are to 247sports’ industry composite rankings.
Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M is a program that’s built a new identity over the last three seasons, transitioning from the Big 12 to the SEC. They created a clear shift when they brought on Kevin Sumlin, the offensive-minded Air Raid disciple who has helped turned the Aggies into one of the most prolific offenses in the country the last few years.
However, the best recruiting class Texas A&M has had over the last decade came a few years before Sumlin left Houston for College Station under former coach Mike Sherman.
2010 recruiting class
Record: 44-21, 2010-2014
SEC Championships: None.
Bowl record: 4-1
Class ranking: No. 19 nationally (Texas A&M was not a member of the SEC in 2010, but would have ranked No. 7 in the conference)
Cream of the crop: If you’ve heard Texas A&M referred to as “Left Tackle University,” the 2010 class is a good reason for that. The Aggies have already produced two first round picks at left tackle from this class, with a third possibly on the way this year.
The first: Luke Joeckel (four-star recruit), who was taken second overall in 2013. Joeckel started all 39 games in his three years on campus. He was a unanimous All-America selection after protecting Johnny Manziel’s blind side during the quarterback’s 2012 Heisman campaign.
Joeckel was succeeded by Jake Matthews (four-star) at LT. Matthews was a star right tackle for his first three years on campus and earned All-SEC and All-America honors as a junior at the position. He slid over to left tackle for his senior year and was just as good, earning All-SEC honors. He was chosen sixth overall in the 2014 NFL draft.
Cedric Ogbuehi (four-star) came next. The redshirt senior took over at left tackle this year, and while he was a bit shakier than his predecessors, scouts are still high on his potential.
Malcome Kennedy (three-star) was a part of the class as well, a strong contributor at receiver in his final two years on campus. He finished his career in the Aggies’ Liberty Bowl win by hauling in two touchdowns, ending his career with 137 catches, 1,694 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Biggest surprise: Damontre Moore was a three-star recruiting coming in, but left as a big-time NFL prospect. Moore stepped in and played right away as a freshman and showed his versatility throughout his career, playing both linebacker and defensive end. Moore racked up 26.5 sacks over his three years and likely would have been a first round pick if not for a poor showing at the NFL Draft combine.
A former freelance journalist from Philadelphia, Brett has made the trek down to SEC country to cover the greatest conference in college football.
