![PLANTING THE SEEDS](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/6245/512421/5f5373fc0e6cf/PLANTING-THE-SEEDS.jpg)
Baseball America debuted its annual college recruiting rankings in 2000. It presented a top five, led by Arizona State. The rankings have since then undergone changes and expansions, first to a “Dandy Dozen” beginning in 2001 and then to a full top 25 in 2006.
We now first rank the class on Signing Day every November and then update the classes when the players reach campus, rather than waiting for the players to arrive to produce the initial rankings.
No matter what format they take, recruiting rankings are an important part of our college coverage. They help ascertain which schools have the brightest futures. Raw talent is a key component to on-field success, after all. Over the last decade, 80% of the schools that have played for the national championship have at least one top 10 recruiting class as a part of their roster.
But many coaches say the best time to evaluate recruiting classes is after their careers are over and their full impact on a program can be measured. We do that exercise annually as well, revisiting the recruiting class from four years prior, after they have completed their college careers.
Now, as we present our 21st annual recruiting rankings, we’re taking an even broader view at the best-recruiting classes since 2000. Emphasis here was placed on the impact the players provided over their college careers. Pro performance is impossible to completely separate from how we view players now and, therefore, helps to inform the rankings, but it is not paramount.
2001 Rice
Original Rank: Not ranked
This story is from the September 2020 edition of Baseball America.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2020 edition of Baseball America.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![HOW THE MAJORS HAVE CHANGED FOR YOUNG PLAYERS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1705476/0Im5_7R-N1716983186325/HOW-THE-MAJORS-HAVE-CHANGED-FOR-YOUNG-PLAYERS.jpg)
HOW THE MAJORS HAVE CHANGED FOR YOUNG PLAYERS
When negotiating the 2022 Collective Bargaining Agreement, the MLB Players Association prioritized the earning power of young major league players, especially young stars.
![ORGANIZATION REPORTS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1705476/jD4Tp2H2n1716980923576/ORGANIZATION-REPORTS.jpg)
ORGANIZATION REPORTS
Blaze Alexander entered spring training as a long shot to make the team, but there he was on March 28, starting and batting seventh in the D-backs’ Opening Day lineup.
![BLAST FROM THE PAST](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1705476/2_0wqYiq71716978663925/BLAST-FROM-THE-PAST.jpg)
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Louisville Slugger makes Prime bat 30% harder by dipping into 1902 company patent
![UNFINISHED BUSINESS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1705476/uKJoNEDEi1716980728602/UNFINISHED-BUSINESS.jpg)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
After narrowly missing the NCAA Tournament last year, UC Irvine is determined to finish strong
![MORE HARM THAN GOOD?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1705476/yfRq22Krc1716980624708/MORE-HARM-THAN-GOOD.jpg)
MORE HARM THAN GOOD?
Dramatically scaling back young pitchers’ workloads has failed to keep them healthier
![GEM COLLECTOR](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1705476/_hVjkXXmQ1716980363975/GEM-COLLECTOR.jpg)
GEM COLLECTOR
In just four years, Diamond Baseball Holdings has become the most powerful owner ever in Minor League Baseball. What is the plan for their 33 teams—and counting?
![LIFE AFTER AFFILIATED BALL](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1705476/ylCXqqS111716979989550/LIFE-AFTER-AFFILIATED-BALL.jpg)
LIFE AFTER AFFILIATED BALL
For many minor league teams that lost their MLB affiliations, it has been business as usual— with some unexpected benefits
![EARNING POWER](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1705476/gOKVU6inr1716978952320/EARNING-POWER.jpg)
EARNING POWER
A dramatic upgrade to playing conditions for minor leaguersincluding pay, housing and nutrition has made pro baseball economically viable for all players
![NOBODY'S PERFECT](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1645297/iQO9HKEHG1711457625484/NOBODYS-PERFECT.jpg)
NOBODY'S PERFECT
No. 1 prospect Jackson Holliday has one flaw in an otherwise airtight profile
![ORGANIZATION REPORTS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1645297/x0Uu3Rq9E1711456602784/ORGANIZATION-REPORTS.jpg)
ORGANIZATION REPORTS
At nearly every level of his professional career, outfielder Colton Cowser has taken time to acclimate. His major league debut last season was no different.