Overall, the 1998 recruiting class was a disaster. Of the original 18 commits, three never enrolled, six practically never saw the field, and five had eligibility issues or left school early.  Only Williams, Mullins, Newby, and Stanley were significant contributors.  Mason, Louzon, Johnson, and Harris contributed occasionally.

Five+: 0.  Four+: 0.  Three+: 3.  Two+: 3.  One+: 3.  Score: 18.

Star players: 3.  Contributors: 3.  No impact: 10.  Total: 18

Name Position Height Weight Results
Devon (Boo) Battle DE 6-4 230 (Took a postgrad year at Hargrave.)  Left school before his true senior year.
David Blount WR 6-5 205 Got to school but never played for the Hoos.  Academics?
Arlen Harris RB 5-10 195 Saw occasional time and showed flashes of talent.  Never really adapted himself to the college game, though.  Tried to do 360s into the line which just doesn't work at this level.  Injuries caused him to miss nearly a full season.  Started his first game as a junior, though that quickly changed once Antwan Womack reestablished himself.  Transferred out rather than compete with Alvin Pearman for starting RB. +
Darnell Hollier LB 6-3 205 Did not see much time his first few years due to depth and academic problems.  Eventually left after playing very little.
Butch Jefferson OL/DL 6-3 315 Injuries limited his time.  Never really got himself into the rotation, was switched to DL late in his career (a position change that late is rarely a good sign).  Not invited back for a 5th year.
James Johnson DB/WR 6-2 185 Redshirted, then showed some promise early on.  Was expected to be in the 2-deep for WR before academics forced him to transfer. +
Jermaine Louzon DB 6-3 185 Saw significant time as a true freshman due to desparation and several injuries.  Looked a little lost at CB at times.  Took 2001 off for academics, it was thought he might come back for a fifth year but didn't happen. ++
Tavon Mason DB 6-0 170 Had the speed and athleticism to contribute at WR.  Was often used on reverses and was a solid kick returner.  However, his hands were suspect.  Would have pushed for a starting job as a 5th year, but due to heavy competition from younger players he declared for the NFL draft and was not selected. ++
Antonio Mayfield FB/LB 6-2 220 Rarely if ever saw the field.  Injuries played a part.
Michael Mullins OL 6-8 240 After three underwhelming years as a backup, had a solid Junior year.  Started as a fifth-year senior, had a good year but missed the bowl with an injury. ++
Shernard Newby WR 6-3 180 One of three safties (Williams and Jerton Evans) to compete for a starting role for four years.  Has been a solid if not standout player. +++
Rashad Roberson DB 6-1 175 After seeing very little time early on, was thrust into a starting role as a junior.  Played respectably but did not return for a fifth year. +
Richard Rodgers DL/OL 6-4 270 Switched his choice at the last minute from VT to UVa.  Academics quickly took him out of the picture.
George Stanley DT 6-2 292 Saw time as a true freshman.  Was an enthusiastic if not supremely talented DT.  Had a solid four years but really could have used a redshirt.  +++
Chris Williams WR/DB 6-2 180 Shone as a redshirt freshman starting safety.  Lost a year to academics.  Started 2.5 years, sat out the last half of his senior year injured. +++
Ronald Curry QB     The #1 player in the class verbaled to UVa in September 1997.  Reneged after signing day and signed with UNC.  Played significantly as a true freshman (he started after Oscar Davenport was injured) but by his senior year was losing his job to redshirt freshman Darian Durant. UNC's career offense leader. Lackadaisical attitude showed in his play. Was always a remarkable athlete but never led the team or impressed with his quarterbacking. Did not live up to expectations.
Bobby Blizzard TE     Verbaled in September '97 but retracted it rather quickly. Signed with Kentucky and saw a good bit of time as a big WR in their 4-WR offense. Transferred to UNC with one year of eligibility left.
Chanston Rodgers RB     Was a verbal commit up until signing day, when admissions gave him a thumbs-down. Signed with Marshall and saw spot duty at RB.  Apparently did not return for a 5th year.