2007 FOOTBALL RECRUITING CLASS ANALYSIS

In many ways it seemed like the 2007 recruiting class took a long time to come together. But really, almost every year there is a flurry of activity as signing day nears, and often some of the best players are the ones UT has to wait the longest for.

This year was no exception as quarterback Travaris Cadet and running back Adonis Thomas waited until the last day to pick the Rockets.

Cadet is a national-level recruit who had dozens of offers, and if Minnesota’s new head coach didn’t add his quarterback son to the Gophers’ recruiting class, UT may not have been in the recruiting mix.

Thomas was heading to Kansas State until the last minute. The super-fast running back/slot receiver/return man is just what UT needs offensively and in its return game.

But this is more than a two-man class. Seven players were rated 3-stars by either Rivals or Scout; the most ever by a UT recruiting class. Six players were also rated among the top 100 at their positions nationally.

One of the biggest needs in this class was to create depth at the outside linebacker position. Players like Dreylon Pree and Disi Alexander have excellent speed and are big hitters. Pree reminds UT coaches of Mike Alston. Inside linebacker recruit Tyson Patrick could also move outside.

Toledo didn’t sign any wide receivers last year and only two in this class. Considering the lack of production at the WR position, that is certainly surprising. Recruits Tim Cortazzo and Kaunda Hancock look like quality players that should battle for playing time as freshmen. Cortazzo has exceptional speed and should also be able to help on special teams. Hancock will be a slot receiver, and his one-handed interceptions as a defensive back show his skills at going after the ball. He won the “Best Hands” award at the University of Michigan camp.

Some extra receiving help should also come from big tight ends Danny Noble (6-5) and Jerome Jones (6-7). Both are tough kids who were standouts on defense.

Although Cadet is the headliner at quarterback, D.J. Lenehan is no second-tier recruit. He is a very physical player who reminds me of a taller Bruce Gradkowski. Lenehan also showed mental toughness as he guided his team to a state title. You don’t throw for over 7,000 yards without some special skills. Next season’s quarterback competition should be very interesting with these two in the mix.

Toledo did a nice job of bringing in three quality offensive linemen who are very athletic. However, no defensive tackles were signed and only one defensive end. After the 2007 season, UT will have major losses at those positions. Two of the O line recruits were standout D linemen, so it’s possible that they could move to defense in a pinch. And Jerome Jones, who was a beast at defensive end, could also move from tight end if needed.

UT’s lone signee on the defensive line is a good one, Marlin Parker, With 25 tackles for loss as a senior, he could challenge for playing time early in his career.

Although Toledo has good depth at running back, four more were signed. All bring different skills to the table. As mentioned earlier, Adonis Thomas could play several speed positions. The same is true for Gordon Warner who last year placed second in the 400 meters at the state track meet in Florida.

Hosea Simpson is more of a power back who likes to run between the tackles. And Morgan Williams could be the best of the bunch. If his academics were in order he’d likely be at a Big Ten or SEC school. Now he has to beat the odds and make his priority academics and not sports.

After bringing in a large group of defensive backs in 2006, only one was signed, Tamawi McGhee. Probably best known as a running back, UT coaches see his 4.4 speed and ability to make big hits as the perfect attributes for a safety.

Rounding out the class is kicker Brett Brodbeck. His deep kickoffs should get him a chance to play as a freshman. Toledo needs to pin teams deep in their own territory, and Brodbeck could be the answer.