I had previously mentioned that I had thought that the 2017 recruiting class may be the best ever. I should have clarified my thought in that I thought this current class was objectively the highest recruiting class since recruiting classes had been ranked. Obviously, these classes don’t go back far enough, especially to the best class I remember, which is Tony Battie, Cory Carr, and Jason Hamm. There are probably others, but when that class includes the eventual 5th pick of the NBA draft, that’s probably your best class.
But in Chris Beard’s second year, he’s already put the best class together for the past 15 years. And these recruiting rankings come via 24/7 Sports, which only goes back to 2003 and these obviously aren’t 100% accurate, but I think this is at least reasonably accurate. I don’t think anyone is left off, perhaps added, but not left off.
| Year | Grade | Signees |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 0.8897 | Josh Webster, Hyron Edwards, Zhaire Smith, Daniel Mading, Jarrett Culver, Malik Ondigo, Davide Moretti |
| 2016 | 0.7700 | Shadell Millinghaus, Niem Stevenson |
| 2015 | 0.8530 | Shawntrez Davis, Devon Thomas, C.J. Williamson, Jordan Jackson |
| 2014 | 0.8198 | Isaiah Manderson, Devaugntah Wiliams, Justin Jamison, Keenan Evans, Justin Gray, Norense Odiase, Zach Smith |
| 2013 | 0.7312 | Alex Foster, Robert Turner, Randy Onwuasor |
| 2012 | 0.7852 | Aaron Ross, Dusty Hannahs, Josh Gray |
| 2011 | 0.7831 | Toddrick Gotcher, Luke Adams, Clark Lammert, Terran Petteway, Jordan Tolbert, Kevin Wagner, Ty Nurse, Hershey Robinson, Jaron Nash, Daouda Soumaoro, Kader Tapsoba, DeShon Minnis |
| 2010 | 0.8622 | Jamel Outler, Javarez Willis, Paul Cooper |
| 2009 | 0.8405 | Jaye Crockett, Mike Davis, Theron Jenkins, Brad Reese, David Tairu |
| 2008 | 0.8198 | Corbin Ray, Tyree Graham, Darko Cohadarevic, Robert Lewandowski, Nick Okorie |
| 2007 | 0.8282 | D’Waylyn Roberts, John Roberson, Mike Singletary, Ricardo DeBem |
| 2006 | 0.7907 | Charlie Burgess, Jay Mitchell, Decensae White, Benny Valentine, Esmir Rizvic, Rogdrick Craig, |
| 2005 | 0.8442 | Terry Martin, Jr., Dior Lowhorn, Dazzmond Thorton, Justin Wilkerson, Jeremy Buttell, Michael Prince, John Plefka, Alan Voskuil |
| 2004 | 0.7667 | Phil Harbaugh |
| 2003 | 0.8431 | Rashaun Bryant, Michael Milton, Curtis Marshall, Joseph Works, Mike Travis, DeVonne Giles, Darryl Dora, Drew Coffman |
The best classes to date are the 2017 class, the 2010 class (which was way overrated) the 2015 class, the 2005 class and the 2009 class. The interesting thing is that as you look back, you have to know that not all of these guys pan out. Some are busts and some are good, but you need more good players than bad players most of the time. With Moretti being rated a 4-star, this only vaulted the class even higher.
I’m also somewhat surprised about the size of some of these classes, the 2011 class was huge as was the 2005 class and 2003. That’s when the Knight’s were running through a handful of players, especially Bobby, and he utilized the JUCO ranks more than he ever did at Indiana. And he utilized it quite well.
Potentially, the 2017 class has a chance to be incredibly special.