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Signing classes 2016 · NFL signee counts by recruit position
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Program year analysis and class DNA metrics for Michigan State (2016).
2016 recruiting class — expectation versus Stars2Stats outcomes
Class medals
“Built on development, not recruiting rankings.”
S2S Class DNA
One-year metrics for this recruiting class
Recruits that contributed to program
Share who became impact players (starters, elite contributors, or NFL)
Based on only Low HS Projection → All-Conference or higher
Recruits that reached the NFL in any tier
Share with limited verified outcomes
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Signing classes 2016 · NFL signee counts by recruit position
The 2016 recruiting class for Michigan State demonstrated a mix of outcomes, with several players exceeding expectations while others fell short. A notable success story was Joe Bachie, who, despite being unranked, became an NFL Starter. This highlights a potential strength in Michigan State's development program in identifying and nurturing talent that may not have been recognized by recruiting services.
Conversely, the class included several recruits who did not live up to their rankings. Auston Robertson and Messiah deWeaver, both of whom were ranked within the top 250 players, failed to achieve significant success, with Robertson registering as a contributor and DeWeaver categorized as a bust. This divergence in outcomes illustrates the unpredictable nature of player development, where high expectations do not always translate into on-field success.
Overall, the class’s S2S rerank dropped from 19 to 29, indicating a general trend of underperformance relative to initial expectations. The mixed outcomes suggest that while some players developed into reliable contributors, others did not meet the standards set by their recruiting profiles.
In summary, Michigan State's 2016 recruiting class underperformed relative to its original expectations, as indicated by the drop in S2S rerank. The presence of both hits and misses illustrates a range of developmental success, with a significant number of recruits failing to translate their rankings into impactful careers. The standout performance of Joe Bachie serves as a bright spot amidst a class that largely did not meet its potential.