The breakdown:
Offensive Players
3 OL
1 QB
0 RB
2 TE
1 WR
Defensive Players
3 DL
2 DE
3 LB
2 CB
0 FS/SS
0 FS/SS
Since the NCAA scholarship limit is 25, there is a maximum of eight remaining scholarships. If Charlie wants to field an all senior team in 2011, then he will need to pick up another linebacker, a couple of safeties, two more lineman, two running backs, and another wide reciever with the next eight picks. When you compare these positions to the strengths of the 2007 class, I think we are going to see some remarkable talent in the near future.
The pace of early signings was a point of emphasis for Charlie in the spring and the hiring of Corwin Brown is clearly due most of the credit. The hiring of CB is looking like an outstanding move already - this is a stark contrast to Ty's and Davie's loyalty (and scapegoating) to their respective coordinators.
The possible drawback with this early recruiting success is that players who breakout in their senior seasons can be left out because of no remaining scholarships. It also seems that we have had several players getting injured during their senior seasons after they have accepted scholarships. It will be interesting to see if the coaching staff leaves a few spots open for elite players that want to make a splash at the HS All Star games or sticks to this strategy which has to pressure players to commit early or lose out.
All aboard!!!
editor's update: click here for an excellent (i.e. knowledgeable) rundown on the numbers - i.e.