The Rutgers football program's 2012 recruiting class is slowly shaping into form, however, its going to be a hectic National Signing Day, Feb. 1, for Scarlet Knights fans. But, if a week from now things don't finalize like Rutgers recruiters would like, then its not the end of the world because star-grades and rankings, in the end, mean nothing about a class' future.
How can such a statement be made? Well, the Rutgers recruiting class of 2005 proved it.
In '05, Rutgers brought in a crop of recruits ranked sixth out of the eight-team Big East Conference, 67th overall by Scouts.com, featured seven two-star recruits (via Jason Baum) and one lone three-star prospect (Baum). From '05-08, that class helped Rutgers go 34-12 overall and 3-1 in bowl games. Oh, and that three-star recruit's name? Ray Rice -- you know, the two-time NFL All-Pro.
The class also featured six other NFLers: New England Patriots corner back Devin McCourty and wide receiver Tiquan Underwood, who each will be a part of the 2012 Super Bowl team, defensive back Courtney Greene (Seattle Seahawks); corner back Jason McCourty (Tennessee Titans), linebacker Kevin Malast (Chicago Bears), offensive tackle Kevin Haslam (Jacksonville Jaguars) and offensive lineman Darnell Stapleton (former Pittsburgh Steeler).
So, again if things don't look great when the rankings come out don't sweat it. Head coach Greg Schiano has proven to mold prospects into very good players.
For more updates on the Rutgers' 2012 Recruiting Class, check back to this StoryStream. Meanwhile, SB Nation's blog On The Banks has everything on the Scarlet Knights.