C-USA - recruiting

[Lotus]

What's going to be the effect of the move on recruiting? Hard to say at this point. But I have to believe that the idea of playing in Houston and New Orleans is a lot more appealing to players' families than playing in Fresno and San Jose and Boise.

[GoRedGoBlue]

Bennett said it is already helping us

[Cheesesteak]

I think that CUSA will result in tremendous recruiting advantages for SMU.

The timing of the announcement (considering SMU's dismal football season but three months from LOI day) couldn't be be better.

[The PonyGrad]

Originally posted by Cheesesteak:
I think that CUSA will result in tremendous recruiting advantages for SMU.

The timing of the announcement (considering SMU's dismal football season but three months from LOI day) couldn't be be better.

My thoughts exactly. Especially because of our record the timing is awesome. We needed something to generate excitement for this recruiting year and it has been handed to us.

[JasonB]

Don't forget- we already have great contacts in East Texas, and now we can promise a game in Houson every year and a game in NO every year for the parents to go to. Plenty of games within driving distance. It will also help us out in Mississippi and Louisiana.

Biggest effect, IMHO, is that the Frogs will lose recruits if they leave, especially if SMU cuts them off. No road games within driving distance. Have to drive to crappy fort worth to see your kid play. This should have a very positive impact on SMU recruiting. And I would rather have our name in Mississipi, Alabama, and Louisiana than have to recruit Idaho.

I think that because of the side effects, SMU could potentially be better off from a recruiting standpoint if TCU drops out and L.T. is added. The conference won't be as good, but SMU's recruiting efforts would improve.

[Dooby]

Just looked it up. At this point last year we had 10 commitments. This year, we have 5 so far. Part of that may be that we have fewer to give.

Other possible reasons are obvious.

[Stallion]

quantity means absolutely nothing-quality is the key.

[GrapevineMustang]

Right you are, Stallion.

I tend to agree with those who think Coach Bennett and his staff will be able to take great advantage of the new conference alignment. Coach Bennett and his staff are very personable men who emphasize relationships, within the team and among family. They should be able to sell parents on the appeal of being able to see their sons play at home and on the road without breaking the bank to go to Hawaii, Boise, etc.

[EastStang]

Our recruiters used Hawaii as a reason to come to SMU in the past. Hey, you and your wife can take that second honeymoon to Hawaii and see young Mergatroid play. And to the recruit, just think you get to walk on the sands of Waikeekee, checking out all the strange waltzing by in their thongs. So, TCU might get Hawaii, but still will have to explain away Laramie, Boise (maybe), and Provo. You might also add Colorado Springs and Salt Lake City to the list (unless you have a game late in the season). Salt Lake City is one of the dreariest cities I have ever been in. San Diego and Las Vegas might get some positive response.