It's Lonely At The Top; #2 Recruit Seantrel Henderson Released from USC Part 1

USC's announcement to release the #2 (and long-time #1) prospect in this year's class, Seantreal Henderson, has numerous effects. The most obvious one is the weakening of USC's football future, but it also shows a recurring theme in College Football: the flaming out of top prospects. Since its creation in the early 2000's, Rivals.com has bestowed upon numerous prospects the rank of "5-Star". This player is always the bluest of the blue chips, the big time football version of the guy voted "most likely to succeed". But, with the exception of a couple, most have failed to meet expectations. Here's a rundown.

2009 #1 Bryce Brown- Considered a huge get by then-Tennessee Coach Lane Kiffin. B-Brown had a decent first year behind bell cow back Montario Hardesty.Of course, Kiffin then left for sunny L.A. and Brown was none too pleased and decided to transfer. He still could redeem his career, I guess.

2008#1 Terrelle Pryor- TP has been the Versace Suit to Coach Tressel’s sweatervest since his signing.It seems as if every season he has played there has been hype of opening up Ohio State’s button-down offense to suit his talents, (No pun intended) and the upcoming season will be no exception. I guess he has underachieved a bit, but he did deliver a Rose Bowl win.



2007#1 Jimmy Clausen- He famously promised future national championships while signing with Notre Dame, but predicting future Papa John’s Bowls now seems like it would have been a far-fetched goal. Clausen did put up some stats this past season, but also got his coach fired. Not what you want from the best recruit in America.

2006#1 Percy Harvin- Finally someone who lived up to the hype. Harvin was very productive whenever he toted the ball at Florida. His only real blemish is admitting to smoking marijuana at the NFL combine, but that little problem was solved by Urban Meyer’s glare.