I see obvious disappointment on this board about the way this class is shaping up. With a week to go, I keep hearing the sky is falling because the class is at the bottom of the Big 10. I wanted to share my perspective. I do not want to turn this into a pi55ing match about recruiting stars, etc. I have read too much of that over the last two weeks. To me, the key phrases are 'recruiting upside' and 'needs and balance.'
Recruiting Upside
This coaching staff has identified holes or thin positions that they know need to be shored up to improve our competitiveness. I trust that they have a plan and are moving forward in trying to achieve the mix of athletes that they feel will allow us to compete in the Big Ten. They are fully aware that 5 star athletes are not dropping out of the sky to sign with the U of M. The coaches are targeting student athletes that will help them change the culture of the program.
These individuals must be able to make the grade academically, good citizens, AND have the dreaded tag of 'upside.' They are counting on polishing these players into future quality athletes. They may be younger players who are still growing into their frames, players coming off of injury, etc. The staff hopes that enough of these unpolished players develop in order to compete. Let's face it- the staff is not known for their recruiting prowess in the star-based recruiting rankings but they have been successful whereever they have gone. This points to their belief in a system that works for THEM and may just not please the national publications.
Another tough pill to swallow is that our program IS at or near the bottom of the Big Ten now. It is difficult to move up when everyone above you already has the success and resume to attract the higher ranked athletes. For the time being, we will not see our recruits in the upper tier of the Big Ten. It is just not going to happen. I am pleased to hear that the coaching staff is already actively recruiting the next class. Their hard work in building relationships will pay off in the end.
Needs and Balance
It is ludicrous to me that a Big Ten program can not even put on a full spring game due to lack of players at certain positions. If one of the big boy schools recruits all 5 star players but they all play left tackle, that school will be ranked highly in the national ranking systems but will have no balance and will not be successful. These coaches are putting much energy into ensuring that there is adequate depth at all positions and that there is a structure in place so that the year classes are also more well-balanced.
Finally, the staff knows what they want and need in a recruit. If all of the highly-rated linemen are adept at pass protection but poor at creating holes for the rushing attack, they are not going to chase the highly-rated player if they want an excellent run blocker. They will get the player that fits their need regardless of their rating. Let's count on the coaches to have a plan of action and stick to it. Maybe we will all be pleasantly surprised!
Recruiting Upside
This coaching staff has identified holes or thin positions that they know need to be shored up to improve our competitiveness. I trust that they have a plan and are moving forward in trying to achieve the mix of athletes that they feel will allow us to compete in the Big Ten. They are fully aware that 5 star athletes are not dropping out of the sky to sign with the U of M. The coaches are targeting student athletes that will help them change the culture of the program.
These individuals must be able to make the grade academically, good citizens, AND have the dreaded tag of 'upside.' They are counting on polishing these players into future quality athletes. They may be younger players who are still growing into their frames, players coming off of injury, etc. The staff hopes that enough of these unpolished players develop in order to compete. Let's face it- the staff is not known for their recruiting prowess in the star-based recruiting rankings but they have been successful whereever they have gone. This points to their belief in a system that works for THEM and may just not please the national publications.
Another tough pill to swallow is that our program IS at or near the bottom of the Big Ten now. It is difficult to move up when everyone above you already has the success and resume to attract the higher ranked athletes. For the time being, we will not see our recruits in the upper tier of the Big Ten. It is just not going to happen. I am pleased to hear that the coaching staff is already actively recruiting the next class. Their hard work in building relationships will pay off in the end.
Needs and Balance
It is ludicrous to me that a Big Ten program can not even put on a full spring game due to lack of players at certain positions. If one of the big boy schools recruits all 5 star players but they all play left tackle, that school will be ranked highly in the national ranking systems but will have no balance and will not be successful. These coaches are putting much energy into ensuring that there is adequate depth at all positions and that there is a structure in place so that the year classes are also more well-balanced.
Finally, the staff knows what they want and need in a recruit. If all of the highly-rated linemen are adept at pass protection but poor at creating holes for the rushing attack, they are not going to chase the highly-rated player if they want an excellent run blocker. They will get the player that fits their need regardless of their rating. Let's count on the coaches to have a plan of action and stick to it. Maybe we will all be pleasantly surprised!
