When Rich DeSelm took the reins of UNC prior to the 2007-08 season he kicked the Tarheels’ recruiting efforts into high gear and secured the #8 class in the country. That group helped propel the Tarheels back into the top fifteen for the first time in over a decade. Last year’s class couldn’t match that inaugural group and wouldn’t be of any great concern if not for the fact that a certain ACC rival three hours north continues to churn out great recruiting classes on a consistent basis.
| A couple of things mark this class. First, UNC connected with some top clubs - Brophy Prep, Badger (NY), North Coast and Capital Aquatics in California, Sarasota Y, Swim Florida, and most-importantly SwimMAC Carolina. Second, just about every guy can put together a decent mile. Evan Virtue and Daniel O’Connor are both legit at 15:19 and 15:26 respectively, but they also have a breaststroker (Alex Gianino)and flyer (Patrick Cedia) sub-15:40, two more guys sub-16:00 even sprinter JT Stilley within striking distance of that number. Don’t be surprised to see a NCAA rules proposal written in Carolina Blue calling for a 4x1650 Free Relay.
Between those two qualities we expect these guys to be exceptional trainers and give DeSelm and his staff the flexibility to specialize. In addition to the above, two guys stand out. Danny Hatfield from Brophy has the tenacity and technique to hold his own in the IM’s and backstroke. The other is Colin Bridier. Bridier is just the second international recruit for DeSelm since his arrival and the French breaststroker combined with senior Tommy Whyler should enable UNC to challenge UVA’s medleys.
This group will help UNC close the gap on Virginia, but only if the Tarheels can carry the recruiting momentum into 2011. You can’t call UVA vulnerable, but they lose some big guns after this season meaning the opportunity is there.
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Michigan #2 Auburn #3 Southern Cal #4 Stanford #5 Virginia #6 Arizona #7 Tennessee #8 North Carolina #9 California #10 Purdue #11 Georgia #12 Texas #13 Texas A&M #14 Florida #15 SMU #16 Ohio State #17 Iowa #18 Indiana #19 Northwestern #20 Harvard #21 Louisville #22 Maryland #23 Minnesota #24 Navy #25 Alabama25 |
