Scouts.com has run a "where are they now" on the list of 5-star recruits from 2004. Penn State did well that year, landing three five star players: Dan Connor (#6), Anthony Morelli (#22) and Greg Harrison (#28). It is worth pointing out that Rivals had them ranked at #24, #12, and #100, respectively (Harrison was actually a 4-star).
From the bottom up:
28. OL Greg Harrison, Penn State – Harrison certainly looked the part coming out of Shenandoah Valley (Penn.) High School, a hulking lineman with good quickness, burst and smarts. However, he injured his foot shortly after arriving in State College, struggled to crack the lineup in 2006, and was not a part of the team last season. For all the hype surrounding Harrison, the jump from high school to college was too much for a player that never even lettered for the Lions.
Revised Rating: No stars
I don't know much about Harrison other than I there is probably a reason I don't know much about him. Sounds like he got hurt and kind of faded away.
22. QB Anthony Morelli, Penn State – Morelli started two seasons in Happy Valley, but never quite lived up to the hype that made him one of the country’s most coveted quarterbacks four years ago. Rarely the reason that the Lions won a big game, he finished his career with modest numbers, including 31 touchdown passes and 18 interceptions. A senior season that was supposed to be his breakthrough year wound up being riddled with inconsistent play, and as many picks as touchdowns in Big Ten games.
Revised Rating: 3 starts
This is way off in my opinion...I don't know how anyone who watched him play for two years can say he was a three star QB. I think that, when at his best (Wisconsin game comes to mind, even the Outback Bowl from two years ago) he played like a thee star, but on average? I'd say one and a half. His mobility was not a predicted strong suit, but he showed by his senior year that he was actually better off taking a sack then trying to get back to the line. There were way too many horrible throws and bad decision, right up til the end of this year, to warrant a respectable three star tag.
6. LB Dan Connor, Penn State – At a school that’s been defined by its linebackers, Connor staked his claim over the last four years to being the best ever to play in Happy Valley. An All-American the last two seasons, he won the Bednarik Award given to the nation’s best defensive player and became the Lions’ all-time leading tackler in 2007. A linebacker with unmatched instincts at the position, he should be scooped up long before the end of the first round of this spring’s NFL Draft.
Revised Rating: 5 stars
A no brainer, he was the best linebacker in the nation. Period.
Some other notables that held their ground include Ginn and Hene...the list is pretty interesting and worth taking a read through.
No comments:
Post a Comment