SAVANNAH, Ga. - Savannah State's 2017 football signing class was ranked in a tie for the 10^th place spot among the nations Division I historically black institutions, according to a poll done by BOXTOROW.
 
"As I look at the classes, recruiting is up as a whole.  There are some teams not on this list that in years past would have been.  And lets be honest, stars by a players name means something.  But it does not mean everything.  Schools aren't getting as many of the three-star players as they used too," said Donald Ware of BOXTOROW.

"It is not an exact science and usually recruits don't bear fruit until their third-year in the program, after most time experiencing a redshirt season.  There are some notable exceptions to not having a star by ones name that have happened more recently," he added.
 
When talking about SSU, Ware thinks that head coach Erik Raeburn has laid a good foundation in his efforts to rebuild the Tiger program.
 
"Savannah State surprised a lot of people by winning three games last year. With Erik Raeburn entering his second season as the head coach, recruits can see that the Tiger program has some potential.  What was impressive about the class is that of the 26 signees, 21 are from Georgia, one is from nearby Hilton Head, S.C. and three are from nearby Jacksonville, Florida."

Ware was also impressed with SSU's ability to sign five offensive linemen, including 6-foot-7, 325-pound Michael Johnson, a mid-year recruit from Fork Union Military. 
 
Filling need in the running game was also a key says Ware. "A couple of names to point out in this class include running backs CJ Cole and Jaylen McCloud.  Cole ran for 1,094 yards and seven touchdowns at North Cobb last season. McCloud had 1,497 yards and 19 touchdowns while leading Jacksonville's Bolles."

"Lastly, a lot of the names may not wow you but what is also important is that at least four of the players have been part of state championship teams. To build a winning program, you have to infuse players into your program that have a winning attitude," states Ware.
 
Tennessee State was ranked number one in the poll, followed by North Carolina Central, Jackson State, Norfolk State, Howard, Alcorn State, Florida A&M, Bethune-Cookman, South Carolina State and Grambling State.
 

1. Tennessee State University
2. N.C. Central State University
3. Jackson State University
4. Norfolk State University
5. Howard University
6. Alcorn State University
7. Florida A&M University
8. Bethune-Cookman University
9. South Carolina State University
10. Grambling State University - Savannah State University