One wouldn't think that a program coming off the disastrous season that Rutgers suffered through in 2010 would make much noise on Signing Day, but in fact the Scarlet Knights reeled in what many consider to be the best recruiting class in program history.

But it was a wild ride that got Greg Schiano's team there.

Rutgers suffered three high-profile de-commits late in the recruiting season. Offensive tackle Josue Matias, perhaps the best lineman in the class, left the Scarlet Knights for Florida State. Fellow offensive lineman Marcus Lucas switched his allegiance to West Virginia, and linebacker Andrew Campoattano said he was giving up the sport entirely in favor of wrestling.

Any pessimism that brought, however, was outweighed by the signing of St. Peter's (N.J.) running back Savon Huggins. He became the first top-rated player in New Jersey to sign with the state university in ... well, in forever, depending on which rating service you prefer. New Jersey is always home to much-coveted high school talent, but the Scarlet Knights have historically been unable to keep its rivals from skimming off the cream of the crop.

It also got a big late get -- literally -- in offensive lineman Kaleb Johnson. The Florida native became one of just three offensive linemen in the class, and was sorely needed given the decommits of Matias and Lucas. Defensive tackle Marquise Wright was another late decision to sign with Rutgers.

The regular season in 2010 saw a lot of the fans seemingly lose confidence in Schiano, as there was a lot more booing and grousing than in previous years. Clearly, however, the top high school football talents were not as deterred by the 4-8 finish, and therefore Schiano has a nice base of talent to get the program back on track.

TOP OF THE CLASS

RB Savon Huggins (St. Peter's Prep, Jackson, N.J.) -- Huggins is the consensus top-rated player in New Jersey, and rushed for 1,891 yards as a senior. He has been likened to former Rutgers standout and current Baltimore Raven running back Ray Rice, and shouldn't have to wait too long to see the field.

C Dallas Hendrikson (Iowa Western Community College, Shenandoah, IA.) -- A junior college transfer, Hendrikson was able to enroll early at Rutgers even without completing the requirements for his Associate's degree because he was a full qualifier out of high school. He could win the starting job quickly, given the void at that position.

QB Gary Nova (Don Bosco Prep, Elmwood Park, N.J.) -- Nova compiled a 24-0 record over the past two seasons as the starting quarterback of the New Jersey prep powerhouse. Given that coach Greg Schiano has played true freshman significant snaps under center in each of the past two years, Nova shouldn't plan on sitting out 2011 as a redshirt just yet. At worst, he has a great chance to be Chas Dodd's top backup as a freshman in the fall.

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