Frank Spaziani and Boston College did the best recruiting they could (I assume at least), and managed a solid 23-player class after 2011 National Signing Day, featuring four four-star recruits, including Albert Louis-Jean, the country's No. 15 ranked cornerback. But when you're going up against the rest of the ACC, the recruiting wars can be a losing battle. Such was the case this season, with Florida St. and Clemson dominating.
Both the Seminoles and Tigers secured top-10 classes, with FSU widely considered to have won the day -- ESPN has their class ranked No. 1, while Rivals has FSU No. 2, behind Alabama; Clemson earned a No. 8 ranking from Rivals. Over at SB Nation, both schools were listed as the day's clear winners, thanks in large part to the Tigers' coup in Wednesday.
Bringing in Tony Steward early in the morning, likely snatching him from ACC rival Florida State, was a good start; pulling Stephone Anthony later in the day suddenly gave Clemson two of the nation's best linebackers. Between those two players and wide receivers Sammy Watkins, Charone Peake, and Martavis Bryant, Clemson is suddenly deep at two key positions, and the Tigers still have a hook on the biggest fish of this class, Jadeveon Clowney. If the Tigers can beat out in-state rival and presumed frontrunner South Carolina and the national behemoth that is Alabama, it might go down as one of the most impressive sway jobs in recruiting history.
And on Florida State:
Look anywhere on the list of recruits and you'll find a ton of talent and potential. Karlos Williams could be a game-altering safety. Tim Jernigan could be a Warren Sapp-esque defensive tackle. Kelvin Benjamin might be a quicker version of Braylon Edwards. James Wilder brings uncommon power to the running back position. Nick O'Leary was the nation's top tight end. Nick Waisome could be a shutdown corner. There is depth on both lines. The list goes on and on, and if you listen to Jimbo Fisher's effusive praise, it might be endless.
Read more on the impressive classes brought in by Florida St. and Clemson at our team blogs, Tomahawk Nation and Shakin The Southland.