Northern Illinois 2004 — Recruiting Outcomes

Hits & Misses

Hit: Larry English (EDGE) — Originally unranked. Outcome: NFL Starter. Despite being overlooked in the recruiting process, English emerged as a standout performer on the field. Hit: Chris Nendick (K) — Originally unranked. Outcome: All American. Nendick proved to be a valued asset to the team, achieving All American status. Miss: Bill Ikegwuonu (ATH) — Originally unranked. Outcome: Bust. Unfortunately, Ikegwuonu did not live up to potential as he ended up being a non-factor for the team. Miss: Bryan Holicek (DL) — Originally unranked. Outcome: Bust. Despite promising potential, Holicek did not make significant contributions on the field.

Development Story

The 2004 recruiting class for Northern Illinois was a mixed bag. Despite an original ranking of 67, the class proved to be better than expected, resulting in a S2S rerank of 59. Many of the recruits, who were originally overlooked or underestimated, ended up making significant contributions to the team. The class was characterized by a high number of unranked recruits who went on to perform well above expectations. Unfortunately, not all unranked recruits developed as hoped, with several underperforming during their time at Northern Illinois. The class's success can be attributed to the program's ability to identify and develop talent. The majority of the recruits were not blue-chip prospects, and yet many were able to exceed expectations and contribute significantly to the team's success. This suggests that Northern Illinois' recruiting strategy was focused on finding diamonds in the rough and then effectively developing these players.

Outcome Summary

Overall, the 2004 recruiting class for Northern Illinois largely outperformed expectations. The S2S rerank rose from the original ranking, reflecting the team's ability to exceed initial expectations based on recruit performance. The class was devoid of any blue-chip prospects, but several unranked recruits went on to become key contributors to the team's success. The class's overall success demonstrates that a high original ranking is not always indicative of future success. The ability to scout, recruit, and develop underrated talent can lead to positive outcomes, as was the case with Northern Illinois' 2004 class.