A year after the Bulldogs brought in three three-star recruits, according to Rivals.com, Dooley signed seven among his 20-plus recruiting class that included much-needed help on defense.

The class included seven defensive backs and that certainly wasn't on accident, as the Bulldogs suffered numerous injuries to their secondary last season and at one point, were starting players not even within sniffing distance of the two-deep as of fall camp.

The class also brings some speed on both sides of the ball, as Tech also lacked the athletes to compete on a game-to-game basis last season in the WAC. Some of those expected to contribute immediately include defensive end Matthew Broha of Baton Rouge and wide receiver Jasmime Dalton of Independence.

Of the 21 players signed, 14 are expected to play defense.

"We have a substantial number of seniors coming up on defense, so that certainly was our priority," Dooley told the Shreveport Times. "However, at the same time, when you get too bogged down on certain positions, you lose sight of all the good football players who are out there. So you kind of have to balance your needs at a particular position, with the best players out there who can help your football team."

While Rivals.com ranked Dooley's initial class fifth in the WAC, espn.com placed the Bulldogs first in the conference and 58th in the nation.

"I think the excitement around recruiting is good for college football, but I think in some cases, it's overblown," Dooley said. "In some ways it puts a lot of pressure on these kids to do well early. It can be a hard thing on these guys, and that's why I was saying I really don't like to speculate on how good they'll be."

TOP RECRUITS:

--RB Phillip Livas, South Terrebonne, La. -- One of the fastest players in the state last season, Livas (5-8, 163) was clocked at 4.23 at the Nike Camp at LSU this past summer.

"Just the overall energy all the coaches have over there," Livas told Pelicanpreps.com. "When they tell you something, you believe it because of the passion they speak with. I really think coach (Derek) Dooley will turn the program around and we will be able to compete for the WAC championship in a couple of years."

--LB Roosevelt Falls, Atlanta, Texas -- A potential starter this season, Falls (6-2, 225) has 4.6 speed and at the least, should crack the two-deep.

--S Tarence Calais, Patterson, Louisiana -- Ranked the 47th best safety in the country by Scouts, Inc., Calais could also crack the two-deep in 2007.

--Dooley's new staff is headlined by offensive coordinator Frank Scelfo, who has been Tulane's offensive coordinator the last eight seasons, and defensive coordinator Tommy Spangler, who has been the head coach at Division 2 Presbyterian College since 2001.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Really, we're going to be the next Boise State. And I would like to play and be a part of that. (Coach Dooley) said if I come I should get the chance to be the go-to man. I'm going to go in there and work hard." --Tech recruit Jasmine Dalton, to Pelicanpreps.com, on why he signed with the Bulldogs. Dalton is a wide receiver from Independence, La.

QB Zac Champion showed promise and Dooley's first recruiting class was impressive. The Bulldogs have a chance to finish in the middle of the pack in the WAC this season.

PRO POTENTIAL:

Tech doesn't have any pro prospects this season, outside perhaps a camp invite or two.

--TE Anthony James -- Has the size to play in the NFL at 6-6 and 269 pounds, but hasn't developed as scouts had hoped. He finished with 25 catches and a touchdown this season and often disappeared against the likes of Nebraska, Texas A&M and Clemson, never mind the likes of Utah State and Nicholls State.

--WR Johnathan Holland -- The team's No. 1 disappointment this season, Holland finished with 33 receptions and three touchdowns. He's 6 feet and is a superb athlete. However, Holland was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine and is likely to land in an NFL camp.

ROSTER REPORT: The defense was wiped out by injuries last season, with more than half the players on the fall camp two-deep depth chart missing time. Many returned in the season's final weeks, including the unit's best player, junior NT Josh Muse, and none of the injuries is considered long term enough to sideline anyone for spring practice. RB Freddie Franklin, the starter entering last season, was kicked off the team by former coach Jack Bicknell following a three-game suspension.