This has the potential to be fun or frustrating. Let's throw out the last three years. I want to compare what Collins had when he started in 2019 and what he has now. Coaches, and Players. Be objective and TRY not to be negative. I did some digging and I will compare our ATL from the first game against Clemson in 2019 to the WAR ROOM post by Kelly last week. Here's what I found....
Position by Position:
QB
2019
Avg Stars: 3.33
1 4* (James Graham)
2022
Avg Stars: 3.5
3 4* (Sims, Pyron, Phommachahn)
Offensive Line
2019
Avg Weight: 301
Avg Stars: 2.4
Two players ranked 5.6 or higher (Zach Quinney and Jack Defoor)
2022
Avg Weight: 308
Avg Stars: 3.0
Tight End
2019
Avg Stars 2.0 (including Leonard at 0 stars)
2 3 * players (one recruited at QB, the other at LB)
2022
Avg Stars: 2.2 (still includes Leonard at 0 stars)
3 3* TE
Wide Receiver
2019
Avg Stars: 2.25
2 3* WRs rated 5.7
2022
Avg Stars: 3.14
2 4* recruits and 5 players rated 5.7 and higher
Slot/Flex
2019
Avg Stars: 2.67
No player rated above 5.5
2022
Avg Stars: 3.0
No player rated below 5.6
Running Back
2019
Avg Stars: 3.2
1 4* (Jamious Griffin)
2022
Avg Stars: 2.8
Over 2,000 combined Rushing/Receiving yards last season
As you can see, at every position except potentially RB, we have demonstrably better players on Offense than in 2019.
Defense
Defensive End
2019
Avg Weight: 249
Avg Stars: 3.17
1 4* (Justice Dingle)
2022
Avg Weight: 252
Avg Stars: 3.0
1 4* (Kevin Harris)
More overall depth and more players expected to contribute
Defensive Tackle
2019
Avg Weight: 296
Avg Stars: 2.2
Highest rated player 5.5
2022
Avg Weight: 307
Avg Stars: 2.8
4 Players rated 5.5 or higher
Linebacker
2019
Avg Stars: 3.2
1 4* (Bruce Jordan-Swilling)
2022
Avg Stars: 3.2
1 4* (Trenilyas Tatum), 2 other players rated 5.7
Safety/Nickel
2019
Avg Stars: 3.0
2 4* (Jaylon King and Kaleb Oliver)
2022
Avg Stars: 3.63
5 4* (Allen, King, Edwards, Brooks, Gee)
Corner/Dime
2019
Avg Stars: 3.2
1 4* (Tre Swilling)
2022
Avg Stars: 3.7
4 4* (Sims, Watson, Harvey, Reed)
Once again, demonstrably better talent at Defensive Tackle, Safety/Nickel, and Corner/Dime
