Ranking the recruits

In his eight seasons at Oklahoma, Bob Stoops' staff has been viewed as a strong group of recruiters. Here's how Stoops' first eight recruiting classes rank, from best to worst:

1. 1999: This class brought in quarterbacks Josh Heupel, Jason White and Nate Hybl, who won three of OU's four Big 12 titles and the only national championship under Stoops.

2. 2000: Stoops' second class didn't play a big role in the national title, but included Jammal Brown, Mark Clayton, Antonio Perkins and Teddy Lehman.

3. 2002: This class produced as many contributing players as any, including linebacker Rufus Alexander and quarterback Paul Thompson.

4. 2004: Even with the problems caused by Rhett Bomar and J.D. Quinn, this small class produced several key players. Anyone remember Adrian Peterson?

5. 2001: Tommie Harris, Dusty Dvoracek and Brandon Jones became great players, but this class' status fell with Brent Rawls — out of a truck.

6. 2006: Playmakers aplenty in last year's class, though it might be best remembered for what Sam Bradford and DeMarco Murray end up doing.

7. 2005: With names like Reggie Smith, Malcolm Kelly and Duke Robinson, this class could climb the chart after this season.

8. 2003: Defections killed one of Stoops' most promising classes.

By Scott Wright