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We're definitely not using a 300-mile radius

Posted:
Wed Jan 30, 2008 3:39 pm
by George S. Patton
We have commitments from the following states:
Texas
Michigan
Mississippi
California
New Jersey
Virginia
Florida
Arkansas
That's 8 states that I know of. Given Jones' name recognition, it would appear that we can expand horizons beyond just our fertile borders.
But for me, the key is getting into Houston. The fact that we have a couple from there is going to be a big deal in the future. If you make inroads there, you're gold.

Posted:
Wed Jan 30, 2008 3:46 pm
by OR-See-Nee
Agreed. I've always thought that SMU should be a program that recruits nationally. Looks like bball and football are now doing that. I like the home-grown talent for sure, but with two national coaches of the year for our programs, I think it is nice to have a national recruiting base.
Part of the objection for a national recruiting base is the cost involved.
It seems like the kids are flocking to JJ, so cost is not an issue.
Can't wait until next week.

Posted:
Wed Jan 30, 2008 3:51 pm
by Stallion
plus I think this year there was nobody home in Texas recruiting-no Coach with strong Texas ties(unless you include Odom who recruited Texas for Utah) named yet as an assistant. It'll take some time to build those bridges depending on the contacts of the eventual staff.

Posted:
Wed Jan 30, 2008 3:52 pm
by Dutch
"that kid" is from Michigan i believe.

Posted:
Wed Jan 30, 2008 3:56 pm
by redpony
AAHHHHH!!!! So few states recruited- so many left to recruit in.
GO PONIES!!!

Posted:
Wed Jan 30, 2008 4:03 pm
by Dwan
He seems to have a 3 headed attack.
1)Players he knows and was recruiting when he was at Hawaii
2)Using his name to attract Texas players who have non BCS offers from one or two schools that would consider SMU now that he is the coach
3)Going after BCS transfers or guys that the BCS schools might drop right or ask to Grey Shirt right before signing day.

Posted:
Wed Jan 30, 2008 4:10 pm
by me@smu
Dutch wrote:"that kid" is from Michigan i believe.
Correct you are...Oxford, MICHIGAN. Oxford is about half way between Detriot and Flint.
Or if you know the whole Michigan oven mit thingie...roughly the base of your thumb.

Posted:
Wed Jan 30, 2008 4:18 pm
by Maryland78
Thank goodness!!!...I always thought Bennett was so short sighted (perhaps even lazy)...just recruiting out of his camps...the results speak for themselves.
Re: We're definitely not using a 300-mile radius

Posted:
Wed Jan 30, 2008 4:19 pm
by GeorgiaMustang
George S. Patton wrote:We have commitments from the following states:
Texas
Michigan or Mississippi (Where is that kid from?)
California
New Jersey
Virginia
Florida
Arkansas
That's 7 states that I know of. Given Jones' name recognition, it would appear that we can expand horizons beyond just our fertile borders.
But for me, the key is getting into Houston. The fact that we have a couple from there is going to be a big deal in the future. If you make inroads there, you're gold.
The kid from oxford is from Michigan, but we also have a guy from Mississippi, B.J. Lee

Posted:
Wed Jan 30, 2008 4:25 pm
by SMU Football Blog
Personally, I think the 300 mile "focus" was good strategy and also common sense. Problem was it was executed poorly and the staff ignored opportunities elsewhere. I have no problem with the concept of putting your "sweat equity" in recruiting into the 300 mile radius of Dallas.

Posted:
Wed Jan 30, 2008 4:26 pm
by Stallion
the day those kids from ALL ACROSS THE NATION have big time offers is the day we'll see if Jones can really bring in the top recruits in from across the Nation. I'm trying to think of a kid from among those outside of Texas that really had a lot of options. I'm sure there was but its not coming to me. Kids in states other than Texas want a free education and a chance to play DIA football too.
Re: We're definitely not using a 300-mile radius

Posted:
Wed Jan 30, 2008 4:26 pm
by George S. Patton
GeorgiaMustang wrote:George S. Patton wrote:We have commitments from the following states:
Texas
Michigan or Mississippi (Where is that kid from?)
California
New Jersey
Virginia
Florida
Arkansas
That's 7 states that I know of. Given Jones' name recognition, it would appear that we can expand horizons beyond just our fertile borders.
But for me, the key is getting into Houston. The fact that we have a couple from there is going to be a big deal in the future. If you make inroads there, you're gold.
The kid from oxford is from Michigan, but we also have a guy from Mississippi, B.J. Lee
Made the fix

Posted:
Wed Jan 30, 2008 4:32 pm
by SMU Football Blog
Stallion wrote:the day those kids from ALL ACROSS THE NATION have big time offers is the day we'll see if Jones can really bring in the top recruits in from across the Nation. I'm trying to think of a kid from among those outside of Texas that really had a lot of options. I'm sure there was but its not coming to me. Kids in states other than Texas want a free education and a chance to play DIA football too.
Hey, we got Joe Sturdivant!!! He had options. Of course his dad played for SMU.

Posted:
Wed Jan 30, 2008 5:49 pm
by Dwan
I like what I see. I personally think when you have not had a winning season in over 20 years it is REALLY hard to recruit within a 300 mile radius of your campus

Posted:
Wed Jan 30, 2008 7:03 pm
by Mexmustang
AMEN! It is difficult to go home again...you can be even be successful, but in Dallas, for a long time we will be nothing more that little o' SMU.