Best of the Best

It is always fun to take a look at recruiting classes and determine who is the best ever.

Because I lack an all-encompassing knowledge of recruiting over the last forty years, I will judge upon the years the that I do know most about, and that is the last ten years.

I became enamored with the world of recruiting approximately four years ago. I read every article for every athlete I could find all the way back to 2002. I think there are a few things I will never truly understand, like how Sooner fans felt when current Saints wide receiver and Tulsa product Robert Meachum signed with Tennessee instead of the hometown Sooners, but I read all about it. I was just getting involved with recruiting during the Ryan Broyles switching saga, so I didn't completely understand how confusing the situation must have been for one who is now one of the greatest and most-beloved Sooners of all time. I never had to suffer through the failures of potential all-world players Daniel Tabon and Chris Patterson. But I love recruiting and I love recruiting in Oklahoma the most of all.

This is the list of the greatest overall players from the last ten years.

Greatest all around last ten years:
QB- Sam Bradford, Putnam City North High School/ University of Oklahoma- Heisman Trophy Winner, First Overall Draft Pick... Need I say more?

RB- Felix Jones, Booker T. Washington/ University of Arkansas- He has always kind of been a secondary option for teams to worry about. While at BTW, he played alongside Robert Meachum. While at Arkansas, he shared carries with Darren McFadden. Now he is a running back for the Cowboys. I don't think he is too upset about how things turned out for him.

FB- J.D. Runnels, Carl Albert/ University of Oklahoma- One of the most dependable Sooners while at OU, Runnels benefitted from the most playing time compared to any of the other candidates, so he gets the nod

WR- Robert Meachum, Booker T. Washington/ University of Tennessee- Currently plays for the New Orleans Saints and was the 27th overall pick in the draft. Size, speed, hands. He is the total package... Much to the chagrin of OU fans everywhere.

WR- Justin Blackmon, Ardmore/ Oklahoma State University- He was heavily recruited for all of two months and he only wanted to go to OSU anyway. He is now one of the most feared and respected wide receivers in the college ranks. He will be a first round picka nd he will be a terrifying wide receiver in the NFL as well.

WR- Ryan Broyles, Norman High/ University of Oklahoma- The nations leader in receptions for a career and would have easily made it for yards as well if it wasn't for his terrible ACL injury. He caught nearly everything thrown his way and he has a knack for finding spaces in coverage and making everyone miss around him. He is definitely one of the all-time greats in the state of Oklahoma.

TE- Jermaine Gresham, Ardmore/ University of Oklahoma- first round pick to the Cincinnati Bengals. He is one of the most talented football players this state has ever seen, regardless of time period. His size and speed is unparalleled in this state and his natural ability allowed him to play early and often at OU as he learned the nuances of the position.

OL- Chris Messner, Frederick/ OU- plays for the Washington Redskins although he started his career off as a tight end while in college.

OL- Chase Beeler, Jenks/ Stanford- he had a great career at Stanford after transferring from OU. Now on the practice squad with the 49ers.

P- Jeff Ferguson, Holland Hall/ OU - All American and one of the all-time great sooner punters

Defensive stars will be on the next edition of the greatest recruits of the last ten years.