You never truly know how good a recruiting class is until they’re seniors. Or at least that’s how it used to be gauged.

In this day and age, when so many true freshmen are playing right away, it is easier to gauge the success of a recruiting class than ever before.

In 2015, Clemson had 10 of its 23-man class contribute in some way during the season. Of course all four five-star prospects led the way as left tackle Mitch Hyatt, defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and wide receivers Deon Cain and Ray Ray McCloud played major roles in the Tigers’ run to the National Championship Game.

Hyatt became the first freshman since 1947 to start the season at one of the two tackle positions, while Wilkins’ performance at defensive tackle reminded many of what William Perry accomplished when he was a freshman in 1981.

McCloud and Cain both became playmakers in Clemson’s offense, especially Cain who emerged as the Tigers’ downfield target in the second half of the season. Before being suspended for the postseason after failing a drug test, Cain hauled in five touchdown passes in a six-game stretch. His 17.1 yards per catch average led the team, while his 582 yards ranked third.

Wilkins finished his first year with 84 tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. He earned All-ACC honors as well as being named a First-Team Freshman All-American.

According to ESPN, Hyatt led all freshman offensive linemen nationally with 1,067 snaps in his freshman season. He was a third-team All-ACC tackle and like Wilkins was named to the Freshmen All-American First-Team. ESPN also named him the Rookie of the Year in the ACC.

McCloud, who missed three games due to a knee injury, caught 29 passes for 251 yards and a touchdown in his first season with the Tigers.

But those four players just weren’t the only ones that played from the 2015 class. Six four-star players saw a lot of action as well. Right tackle Jake Fruhmorgen saw significant snaps at right tackle as Joe Gore’s back up. He played in 12 games and registered more than 250 snaps.

Tight end Garrett Williams played a lot, especially in goal-line and short-yardage situations. He was often the lead blocker for Deshaun Watson or Wayne Gallman in those plays. He played in all 15 games and recorded nearly 100 snaps.

Defensive end Austin Bryant came up big for the Tigers in the Orange Bowl. After losing All-American Shaq Lawson to a knee injury on the second series of the game, Bryant came in and recorded four tackles and a sack in Clemson’s win over Oklahoma. One of his stops came on the Sooners’ fourth-and-one play in the third quarter that changed momentum and led to a Clemson touchdown. He blew up the play, allowing Jalen Williams, another freshman, to make the tackle on Samaje Perine for no gain.

Cornerback Mark Fields and safety Van Smith also saw significant snaps later in the season, especially in the Orange Bowl and National Championship Game.

Backup quarterback Kelly Bryant, whom some considered the heir apparent to Watson, played in eight games. He completed 7-of-9 passes, while running for 156 yards and two touchdowns.

The verdict is still out on the 2015 Class, one that was ranked in the top 10 nationally, but it is obviously off to a good start. If four-star talents like Albert Huggins, Clelin Ferrell, Sterling Johnson, Kaleb Chalmers, Tanner Muse and Shadell Bell turnout to be as good as advertised then the 2015 Class might have the opportunity to go down as one of the best Clemson has ever signed.

If you haven’t already order your copy today of Guts & Glory – Tales of Clemson’s Historic 2015 Football Season to help you celebrate and remember this special season.