Hits & Misses
Hit: Shaky Smithson (WR) — Originally unranked. Outcome: All American. Smithson achieved significant recognition as an All American, exceeding expectations given his unranked status.
Miss: Chris Washington (S) — Originally ranked 517. Outcome: Bust. Washington, despite being a mid-tier recruit, failed to meet expectations, resulting in a low outcome.
Miss: Jarrad Stewart (S) — Originally ranked 568. Outcome: Bust. Stewart did not develop into a contributor, falling short of his ranking.
Miss: Colby Goodwin (TE) — Originally ranked 1434. Outcome: Bust. As a ranked recruit, Goodwin underperformed and did not make a significant impact.
Development Story
The Utah 2009 recruiting class featured a blend of expectations, with 25 total recruits, a modest blue-chip percentage of 4, and an original class rank of 56. The S2S rerank of 77 indicates a positive shift in perceived talent based on player development and contributions on the field. The ability to transition some recruits into collegiate starters, such as Jordan Wynn, Percy Taumoelau, and Vyncent Jones, suggests a program capable of maximizing potential from its incoming talent.
However, the outcomes reveal a mix of success and underachievement. Notably, three players designated as "Busts" were all ranked recruits, indicating that some of the higher expectations did not materialize effectively. In contrast, unranked players like Shaky Smithson significantly exceeded expectations, earning accolades as an All American. This pattern reflects a recruiting strategy where lower-ranked or unranked players can sometimes develop into impactful contributors, while higher-ranked recruits may not always fulfill their projected roles.
Outcome Summary
The 2009 recruiting class for Utah met some expectations while also revealing areas of underperformance. The S2S rerank moving up from 56 to 77 suggests that, while some players thrived, others did not perform at a level commensurate with their rankings. Overall, the class demonstrated a capacity for development, particularly with the presence of players like Smithson, who achieved All American status. In conclusion, Utah's 2009 class showcased both the potential for growth and the challenges of fulfilling recruiting projections.