Strategy coming into play?

[RGV Pony]

I've noticed more than a handful of recruits have reported offers from other schools-arguably higher profile than SMU-but who are still awaiting us to offer. A number have also said SMU wants to see more film, evaluate, etc.

I wonder how much this has to do with looking at needs, seeing who does/does not qualify from the recently signed class, and/or the reality that we're after higher rated recruits and competing against bigger names, so we want to get more bang for our buck when we offer. If we offer first, then later along comes Tech, Kansas, Northwestern, Baylor, is it tougher to hold onto say a 4 star as opposed to waiting it out, seeing if the prospect gets yanked around by the BCS offers, then come on strong later on?

[PoconoPony]

I think this year JJ and staff start critically looking for selected kids to fill selected positions. It appears that JJ took athletes and speed the first 3 years and now it is time to refine the process and start looking for higher quality particularly on both sides of the line. Unfortunately, now is where the recruiting starts to become difficult as we are now competing for BCS calibur kids and going head to head with the BCS programs. The class of 2011 will truly be a test of where the program can go and/or not go.

[Otto]

You're absolutely right, Pocono ... JJ said on Signing Day that until now, he and his staff have basically been "collecting athletes" rather than looking specifically for players at specific positions. I think that changes with the class of 2011.

[Stallion]

I personally doubt there will be much change. SMU was looking for defensive lineman this year too and still had problems except for O'Guin. June Jones is always going to attract QBs, WRs and Athletes some of which will be made DBs. I bet he signs a bunch of WR/DB/Athletes in this class too. In 2009 he signed a bunch of Offensive Lineman-I think he still hasn't really gotten the ones he really wants. I'm sure he will focus on certain positions but he'll take what he can get to help him at whatever position he finds the right players. I still think he needs players at every position on the field although he made some strides at WR and LBs with this class and if he gets Turner at RB. Otherwise, I still think he'll still take the best plAyers he can find at every position. I don't see SMU as overwhelmingly deep with quality players at any position except maybe at RB if we get Turner-he's still looking at a bunch of RBs though in this class.