Recruiting Breakdown: Big Ten
The Big Ten makes big moves in recruiting
Wih the early signing period coming to a close, we have a clearer picture on how many of your favorite college team's recruiting classes are shaping up. Over the course of the week, we will take a look at each power conference and break down some of the early winners and losers on the 2012 recruiting trail. Today, we take a look at the Big Ten. How's your school's next team shaping up?
WINNERS
Indiana: The 5-person class has Bloomington excited. Kevin Ferrell is a top-notch point guard. Hanner Perea's athleticism will be impactful. Jeremy Hollowell, Peter Jurkin and Ron Patterson should all make their mark on the Hoosier. Watch the video below to learn about the group.
Michigan: The Wolverines are backing a claim that they will be a force for a long time. Top-5 recruit Mitch McGary turned down the likes of Duke, North Carolina and Kentucky to be a Wolverine. He brings along travel teammate Glenn Robinson III and Nik Stauskas. The only thing Michigan fans have to worry about is hoping McGary doesn't declare for the draft, which he is eligible for.
Michigan State: The class was already solid. Denzel Valentine, Kenny Kaminski and Matt Costello should all have long-term roles on the team. Then they added a stud in Gary Harris. The coup takes their 2012 class from good to great. Check out our Meet the Recruits series here.
Iowa: Fran McCafrey is making his mark in the conference. In order to do so, you have to lock in local talent and they did in nabbing Top-100 big man and guard Adam Woodbury and Mike Geselle. Now if only they could have locked in Linn-Mar's Marcus Paige, then your talking Big Ten title. Regardless, the Hawkeyes are on the rise.
LOSERS
Ohio State: The Buckeyes have yet to lock down a 2012 recruit. They missed out on Danuel House, Rodney Purvis, Brice Johnson, Joell James and most importantly Dajuan Coleman. One would assume that Jared Sullinger is leaving campus after this year. Grabbing Coleman would have been a great replacement.
WORK LEFT TO DO
Penn State: Their recruits don't get too much national spotlight but they can play. Brandon Taylor was a star for Team Philly this past summer and has inside-outside skills at the power forward spot. Akosa Maduegbunam is developing on ther perimeter. But when you consider the controversy behind their University, trying to grab a headliner or even holding the duo's pledges will be key.
GAME CHANGER
Tony Parker: The Miller Grove star is down to Duke, UCLA, Georgetown, Memphis and Ohio State. The Buckeyes could really use Parker with the assumed departure of Jared Sullinger. His skill-set is similar to the big man and would fill an immediate hole.
