Wake Forest 2004 — Recruiting Outcomes

Hits & Misses

Hit: Aaron Curry (LB) — Originally unranked. Outcome: NFL Starter. Despite not being ranked at all in the original assessments, Curry became a standout player on the field, eventually earning the label of an NFL Starter. Hit: Alphonso Smith (CB) — Originally ranked 508. Outcome: NFL Drafted. Smith was a modestly ranked recruit who went on to outperform many of his higher-ranked peers, culminating in a highly successful college career and a draft into the NFL. Miss: Brandon Drumgoole (EDGE) — Originally ranked 1251. Outcome: Bust. Drumgoole, despite a respectable ranking, failed to make a significant impact on the field, ultimately being labeled a bust. Miss: Allan Holland (QB) — Originally ranked 1397. Outcome: Bust. Holland was another recruit who didn't live up to his initial ranking, failing to make significant contributions on the field and earning the unenviable label of a bust.

Development Story

Wake Forest's 2004 recruiting class was a study in defying expectations. Originally ranked 106th, the Demon Deacons' class was not expected to make much of an impact, especially given the absence of any blue-chip recruits. However, several recruits significantly outperformed their original rankings, with even the unranked Aaron Curry going on to become an NFL Starter. This pattern of development indicates a strong ability on the part of the Wake Forest coaching staff to identify and develop talent that may have been overlooked by other programs. It also shows that initial rankings, while indicative of potential, are not always predictive of actual performance on the field.

Outcome Summary

Based on their performance, the Wake Forest 2004 class massively outperformed the expectations set by their original ranking. The S2S rerank jumped to 7th, a testament to the hidden talent and development prowess within the program. This class was a clear example of how initial rankings aren't everything, and that player development can significantly alter the trajectory of a recruiting class. The Wake Forest 2004 class illustrates that a focused development program can turn underestimated recruits into standout players, defying initial rankings and expectations.