Feb. 2, 2005

"It's been a long process and we've targeted these guys for a long time and I'm very happy with the guys that are in.

"We've got some great player from out of state, player of the year types that joined together through great leadership of (incoming quarterback recruit) Mark Sanchez, who rallied the guys together. They're really a terrific group of kids.

"It's been a hallmark of ours, getting great classes and putting them together one after the other, which has allowed us to reach the level of success we have.

"We're heavily loaded on defense. With the loss of some linebackers, it was something we focused on. The linebacker class is probably what I'm most excited about and reminds me of the great class of running backs that came in with Reggie Bush, LenDale White and Chauncey Washington. They are terrific players, active, run like crazy. They're physical and dynamic players.

"It might be because it's slanted toward defense, but I feel this is the most aggressive, competitive class we've had. It's really exciting to see what these guys will add to the mix.

"We had players of the year from four states and others who are coming to do something special. They're not concerned about depth charts, just about opportunity.