Here on the blog, exactly one year ago, we took a look back at Southern’s previous four signing classes (2007-10) and noted what became of each player.
The results helped to explain why Southern went 2-9 in Stump Mitchell’s first year.
Now, after one more year and a 4-7 record, we’re taking another look.
Some of the results will surprise you. A lot of them will make you cringe.
A few things to keep in mind: These are only players who sent letters of intent to play at Southern on or near National Signing Day. They don’t include guys like Jamie Payton and Jared Green, who made significant contributions after transferring from other schools; or guys like Demetric Rogers and Anthony Balancier, who walked on and became key players.
Nonetheless, National Signing Day is supposed to be the meat and potatoes of each incoming class. And each class is supposed to be the lifeblood of a college football program.
We begin with the 2008 class — the second-to-last class signed by then-coach Pete Richardson. Four years later, these players should have finished their college careers in 2011, or they should be returning as fifth-year seniors in 2012.
In other words, these should be the Jaguars’ core veterans.
SOUTHERN SIGNEES (2008)
Ryan Broussard, WR, 6-2, 175, Lafayette (Northside)
Never played a game for Southern.
Kennon Bradford, OT, 6-3, 285, New Orleans (McDonogh 35)
Never played a game for Southern.
John Dees, LB, 6-1, 201, Evergreen, Ala. (Hillcrest)
Never played a game for Southern.
Odell Pippins, OT, 6-5, 310, Houston (Madison)
Never played a game for Southern.
Darryl Scott, TE/DE, 6-2, 240, New Orleans (O.P. Walker)
Never played a game for Southern.
Byron Jones, G, 6-3, 290, Garden City (Kan.) Community College
Left campus after only a few days in 2008 preseason camp.
Jeremy Robinson, G, 6-4, 335, Greenville, Ala. (Greenville)
Health concerns ended Robinson’s college career before it began.
Tyrus Harris, TE/DL, 6-3, 260, Lutcher (Lutcher)
Used as a tight end in 2008, he became academically ineligible and never played again.
Lee Almanza, OT, 6-4, 310, Houston (Madison)
A four-year mainstay who played every position on the offensive line.
Chris Browne, OT, 6-3, 270, Shaker Heights, Ohio (Shaker Heights)
One of the SWAC’s best left tackles, he’ll be a fifth-year senior in 2011.
LaQuinton Evans, WR, 6-2, 185, Mansfield (Mansfield)
Led the team with 1,025 yards and 11 touchdowns over the past two years.
Roderick Banks, WR, 6-2, 185, Shreveport (Evangel)
Finished his career with one catch for 24 yards.
Demetrius Bentley, LB, 6-1, 220, Akron, Ohio (East)
Spent three years bouncing between FB, LB and DE. Had 29 tackles and two sacks in ’11.
Tim Berry, DB/WR, 6-1, 180, St. Francisville (West Feliciana)
A starting CB in 2009, Berry was ineligible the past two years.
Ron Ferdinand, LB/DE, 6-0, 240, New Orleans (J.S. Clark)
Played eight games in 2008, posting eight tackles. Did not return for 2009.
Justin Fletcher, LB, 6-2, 210, Missouri City, Texas (Marshall)
Another LB with promise, he was removed from the team before 2010 training camp.
Jerry Joseph, RB, 6-0, 200, Ville Platte (Ville Platte)
Rushed for 18 yards (’08); academically ineligible (2009-10); rushed for 25 yards (’11).
Darian Prentiss, QB/DB/RS, 5-9, 175, Maringouin (Catholic-Pointe Coupee)
Used sparingly in 2009, he rejoined the team late in ’10, but never played.
Byron Williams, RB, 5-10, 190, Clinton (Clinton)
Played as KR, RB in 2009; ineligible in 2010; averaged 14.7 yards per punt return in 2011.
*Delwin Williams, DE, 6-2, 240, Napoleonville (Assumption)
Late-blooming end had 56 career tackles, 4½ career sacks and two forced fumbles.
*joined the program after signing day.
This is exactly why I don’t understand why people are so quick to blame Stump for the downfall of the program. This is hard to look at.