The Top of the Class
Earlier today head coach Jason Candle and the Toledo Rockets welcomed a signing class of 21 recruits. The class is heavy on defensive line players, defensive secondary players, tight ends, and receivers.
Once the recruits get to campus they will have to work hard to make a name for themselves. No matter how many stars or where they ranked will not matter anymore once they get to campus. They will have to earn it. That said, let's take one last look at the recruiting hype and rank the Top Five signings in this class.
#1 - WR Neru N'Shaka (5-11, 180) Hallandale, FL
Neru N'Shaka is a three star prospect from Hallandale, Florida. He is ranked the #41 player in Broward County. N'Shaka had Power 5 offers but turned them down to play for Toledo. He is a play maker at receiver with speed. N'Shaka has the potential to play right away as a true freshman.
#2 - DB Dedarallo Blue (6-0, 195) Seffner, FL
Dedarallo Blue is a three star prospect from Armwood High School in Seffner, Florida. Blue is rated 5.6 stars by Rivals, the highest ranking of any Toledo signed player.
Blue will play a hybrid linebacker/safety position at Toledo. He has good speed and is a hard hitting defender that can line up and cover receivers over the middle or on the outside. As a senior he had 90 tackles with 28 tackles for loss and 13 sacks.
Blue held several Power 5 offers and ultimately chose Toledo over Iowa State.
#3 - WR Desmond Phillips (5-11, 170) Miami, FL
Desmond Phillips played quarterback in high school, but will switch to receiver at Toledo. The 5-11, 170 pound speedster rushed for 668 yards and 8 TD's, while also throwing for 1,550 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior in high school.
Despite only being ranked two stars by Rivals, Phillips is a huge talent. The Miami Herald has Phillips ranked as the #20 recruit in Dade County, the only MAC recruit ranked in the top 20.
Phillips is a dynamic player that reminds me of former UT receiver Eric Page. And like Page, Phillips is moving from playing QB in high school to wide receiver in college.
Desmond is already on campus and will participate in spring practices.
#4 - RB Ronnie Jones (6-1, 185) Pittsburgh, PA
Ronnie Jones is a 6-1, 185 pound running back from Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, PA. Jones is only a two star prospect on Rivals, but he really deserves to be a three star prospect. He was a semifinalist for Mr Football in the state of Pennsylvania as a senior. He rushed for 1,921 yards and 29 touchdowns, leading his team to the AAAA Pennsylvania State Championship.
Jones is an athletic running back that has elusive moves and very good speed. Toledo has a lot of depth at the running back position, but Jones has the talent to see the field right away this fall.
#5 - DT David Hood (6-1, 273) Miami Gardens, FL
David Hood recorded 88 tackles, including 15 tackles for loss, while earning Team MVP honors at Carol City High School in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Miami Herald ranked him as the #35 player in Dade County, the third highest MAC signee out of the county. Only Toledo signees Desmond Phillips and Keelen Roberts where ranked ahead of him out of all the MAC signees out of Dade County.
Hood is fast for his 273 pound frame. He has the physical body to come in and play right away on the defensive line for Toledo.
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