Dave has been a demon on the recruiting trail, but we've learned that compiling a bunch of 4 and 5 star players isn't going to translate into wins within itself. Like anything else recruiting takes trial and error in order to get it right. IMO the staff has devised the perfect mix since deciding to start over with the 2014 class.
They still go out and get 5 star talent, but they've done an exceptional job of finding high end 3 star guys to mix in for the sake of continuity. Relying solely on freshmen every year (Albeit supremely talented freshmen) can be a volatile and inconsistent way to try and build a program. The staff has learned that there needs to be players that are around for 3-5 years so they can be molded and developed in order to stabilize the program when the inevitable defections occur (Early entry, transfer, etc). Having guys like Pat, Cornish, Vital and Johnson is going to ensure that if there is a drop off, it's minimal as opposed to detrimental.
So we're not giving up on McDonald All-Americans or the occasional transfer to plug holes where they're needed. Nor should we. Instead, the staff is banking on true freshmen to build on and flourish with. IMO that is the perfect way to get this program back to where we all want it.
They still go out and get 5 star talent, but they've done an exceptional job of finding high end 3 star guys to mix in for the sake of continuity. Relying solely on freshmen every year (Albeit supremely talented freshmen) can be a volatile and inconsistent way to try and build a program. The staff has learned that there needs to be players that are around for 3-5 years so they can be molded and developed in order to stabilize the program when the inevitable defections occur (Early entry, transfer, etc). Having guys like Pat, Cornish, Vital and Johnson is going to ensure that if there is a drop off, it's minimal as opposed to detrimental.
So we're not giving up on McDonald All-Americans or the occasional transfer to plug holes where they're needed. Nor should we. Instead, the staff is banking on true freshmen to build on and flourish with. IMO that is the perfect way to get this program back to where we all want it.
