Hits & Misses
Hit: Garrett Hoskins (TE) — Originally unranked. Outcome: All Conference. Hoskins exceeded expectations by achieving All Conference status despite being unranked in recruiting.
Miss: Willie Hickman (CB) — Originally ranked 1208. Outcome: Bust. Hickman underperformed relative to his ranking, resulting in a low outcome score.
Development Story
The 2009 recruiting class for Eastern Michigan demonstrated a mixed level of performance against initial expectations. With an original class rank of 112, the program was not projected to attract top-tier talent, and the results reflect this sentiment. The S2S rerank improved to 92, indicating a positive shift in the perceived value of the recruits relative to their initial rankings. However, this did not significantly translate into standout performers, as the class contained only one player who outperformed expectations at a notable level.
The majority of the recruits in this class were either unranked or ranked lower, which means that while they had minimal initial expectations, some managed to secure starting roles or contribute to the team. The unranked players, such as Alex Gillett and Andy Mulumba, were able to achieve outcomes of "College Starter" and "Undrafted NFL Roster," respectively, showcasing that the program was able to develop talent effectively, even when starting from a low baseline of expectations.
However, the presence of ranked recruits who fell short of expectations, such as Hickman, highlights a critical area for improvement in the program's recruiting strategy. This pattern indicates that while the class had some developmental success, it also underscores the challenge of maximizing the potential of higher-ranked recruits.
Outcome Summary
Overall, the 2009 recruiting class for Eastern Michigan met expectations in terms of development, particularly with a few unranked players excelling. The S2S rerank improved due to the emergence of these players who became contributors and starters. However, the class also faced challenges, notably with ranked recruits who did not perform as anticipated. In summary, while there were notable hits, the overall class performance reflects a need for continued focus on maximizing the potential of all recruits.