Recruiting Classes...

[BIG DAWG]

No one will argue with any of us that on paper this class looks exceptional, but what in 4-5 years down the road will deem this class a success?

I mean we have signed 3* players before that for some reason or another never contributed for us. We have had some quit the team before seeing the field, OL Trent Stanley, and a LBer that we signed who I cannot remember his name. Not bashing any of those guys, but I am using them to make my point.

If you go back to prior recruiting classes for the bigger schools, you can see 4*-5* players that you have never heard of, never panned out.

I guess my question is what percentage of your class should be solid contributors in order to say the class was exceptional. What percentage of players who don't contribute significantly to call it a "bust" class?

Is your class solid if you have 3/25 that turn out to be real studs, but the rest are just marginal contributors?

Maybe a topic for conversation, maybe one that gets no attention. I was just thinking about it, and thought I would throw it out there.

[PlummMeanGreen]

No one will argue with any of us that on paper this class looks exceptional, but what in 4-5 years down the road will deem this class a success?

I mean we have signed 3* players before that for some reason or another never contributed for us. We have had some quit the team before seeing the field, OL Trent Stanley, and a LBer that we signed who I cannot remember his name. Not bashing any of those guys, but I am using them to make my point.

If you go back to prior recruiting classes for the bigger schools, you can see 4*-5* players that you have never heard of, never panned out.

I guess my question is what percentage of your class should be solid contributors in order to say the class was exceptional. What percentage of players who don't contribute significantly to call it a "bust" class?

Is your class solid if you have 3/25 that turn out to be real studs, but the rest are just marginal contributors?

Maybe a topic for conversation, maybe one that gets no attention. I was just thinking about it, and thought I would throw it out there.

I think many of us want to see how this coaching staff hangs onto their recruits long-term and feel there would be just as many who like this coaching staff's chances. For sure, you can't keep em' all the full 5 years since this thing we call life & its most unpredicatable situations creates unexpected attrition with all programs, but we'll all just have to wait and see concerning ours.

UNT being a haven for future "walk-on's" who do quite good (like the one who was a SBC Player of the Year a few years ago) mixed with a bunch of 3* & 4* players can gives us all a very interesting future situation in Denton.

GMG!

Edited January 28, 2008 by PlummMeanGreen

[emmitt01]

I think you judge a class by how many see the field in some capacity. Perhaps out of this class only 5 or 6 go on to become the type of player you readily recall...but perhaps an additional 10-12 are steady contributors as backups and special teams specialists. If we, just for example, have an exceptional WR, a QB and a DE out of this class that are big time players...yet we have phenomenal punt/KO coverage and good punt returns because of the speed on special teams...that would make for a successful class, would it not?

[FirefightnRick]

During our 4 year championship run Middle Ten seemed to always have the most sexy class, and how many times have they been N.O.?

Rick

[BIG DAWG]

During our 4 year championship run Middle Ten seemed to always have the most sexy class, and how many times have they been N.O.?

And that is kind of my point...you really never know with recruiting. I was just wondering what people's views were, if 20/25 needed to be solid contributors at some point, or if just a few became very good players for us.

I kind of go along with what Emmitt had said, if you get 3-4 really nice players, but the rest contribute you have a pretty solid class when all is said and done.

Another key I think though is that on Senior Day you have 15-20 players walk out there during half time, not 8-10

Edited January 28, 2008 by BIG DAWG

[EagleMBA]

It is definitely a cliche, but you can't quantify "heart". I think that accounts for some of the "busts" over time. When a *.* kid jumps up to the D-1 level, he is starting to write on a fresh sheet of paper. What he did back at home doesn't mean $hit when practice starts for real at the next level.

IMO, those that come to Denton knowing they are starting over will make an impact...those feeling they have already arrived because of past accolades will fail.

You can only go out and recruit the men that you see, from documented past performances, could help your program progress upward. Past performance is never a perfect predictor...too many variables and that intangible thing called "heart''.

[Guest 97and03]

I would like to add an additional measure of a quality recruiting class.

I think you want these young men to graduate UNT with a degree. To me that is a very important measure of a successful recruiting class.

[KingDL1]

I don't think you know until that class has a real impact on the field whether it is a few superstars or an entire class of contributors, but you know for sure when you are sad that class is graduating and you are worried if those who follow can take up the slack.

[eulessismore]

Three things, in order of importance:

1. No felony convictions (no exceptions).

2. Graduation within 5 years of entering UNT (exception: leaves after junior year to become first round NFL draft pick).

3. Most become starters; all get some meaningful playing time.

[foutsrouts]

Three things, in order of importance:

1. No felony convictions (no exceptions).

2. Graduation within 5 years of entering UNT (exception: leaves after junior year to become first round NFL draft pick).

3. Most become starters; all get some meaningful playing time.

Not too many 17-18 year olds have felony convictions since that clock doesn't generally start running until your 17th birthday. I guess it's pretty much a character call at that age if there's nothing criminally verifiable in a kid's background. That can often be a crapshoot.

[AnotherEagleFan]

It all about the chips...

How many of the blue chips turn into cow chips and how many of the cow chips turn into blue chips. Those who sign the most 3 - 5 stars increase their odds of having players. Those who dont decrease their odds. The key to recruiting is having great relationships with HS coachs and out working the other teams.

Bottom line is everything is speculation until the lights come on and the ball goes into the air... then you find out real fast what you have.

[eulessismore]

Not too many 17-18 year olds have felony convictions since that clock doesn't generally start running until your 17th birthday. I guess it's pretty much a character call at that age if there's nothing criminally verifiable in a kid's background. That can often be a crapshoot.

I'm basically saying they should have no felony convictions for anything that occurs while they're student athletes at UNT. I'm not saying that such activity is always preventable by coaching staff, but I believe that coaches who are good role models, such as Dodge, can help kids stay on the right track.

[H-towngreen]

One major thing is making sure that we don't lose kids. This happened way to often during the DD days. It's tough to build depth when you only have 12 seniors on the squad.

While yes of course you want stars in every class, I think have solid players who contribute is also very important. If we could end up with 2-3 studs per class that would be great. But having a solid supporting cast in also important.

Something that we are seeing in this class that should hopefully make it a good one is filling in areas of need. We have signed a lot DB help, which is much needed. Not only immediate help for this year, but also some very players who can help out later.

[Dodge2007]

I would say the greatest test of a good recruiting class is how that class left the program when they graduate, in other words, did those recruits leave the program in better condition both athletically and academically than they received it? To me, that is a great measuring stick. Just as important as wins and losses.

[GreenAlums]

Stars and chip ratings certainlyhelpyou increase your percentages of realizing success. Solid prospects need to meet solid coaches. I believe some of the highly touted players missed because of the coaching staff. I am pleasantly impressed with the quality of football knowledge, moral strength and solid role model qualities our coaching staff currently exhibits. Coach Dodge will turn some of the 1-2 star offensiveplayers in to heros. DeLoach will do the same on the defensive side.

Just don't forget the coach factor in moving a kid from a prospect to payload! Go Coaches!

GMG!