Ho Hum Recruiting Class so far

[Johnny Rock]

I am not impressed with Bennett's class so far. We have a top notch TE, a couple of stellar RBs, and a few good CBs. However, we missed out on several JUCO QBs. Since we were not able to land our first few choices for a JUCO qb, we should not have signed any. Phillips showed great promise and improvement and he is our guy for now. My primary concern, though, is the fact that we have not landed any first rate OL or DL, which I tend to think is our primary weakness. To compete with our competition, we need to bulk up on the lines. We also do not have a playmaking WR, which we have not had since the traitor, Jack Brewer. I am afraid that Bennett's momentum has slowed since he arrived and another long season is ahead of us. I would appreciate any feedback or viewpoints.

[cheesepony]

Johnny, I would have to disagree/agree with you...

DISAGREE - Playmakers will be showing up (albeit youngsters) next season, as our WR receiver corps continues to move away from "scatbacks" and to 6-1,6-4,6-3 receiver who all can run (Devon Lowery could very quickly be the Jay Taylor we were all hoping for). If we do hire the Cincinnati coordinator, it will be an exciting brand of football. RB - we will have logjam at TB (which is GREAT), a VERY CAPABLE blocking and pass receiving JUNIOR FB, and actual COMPETITION AT QB (which will push all players). DEFENSE - We will be much faster at all the necessary positions for Bennett's scheme - 5-6 super fast DB's who rotate in out, same for quick DE's and 1 main run stopper in the middle.

AGREE - I still think we need a major infusion of talent on OL and DL, and every year need to add at least 1 quality recruit on both sides of the ball. AS many have stated, we are currently forced to "bulk up" DE's and insert them.... that's definitely not ideal. Linebacker, once a real strength, is a concern as well.

[PerunaPunch]

I have to disagree on the JUCO QBs. If Phillips gets hurt, who is your #2 guy going to be without one of these JUCOs? Wallis?? Meeks???

You're right on the money with the JUCO linemen. I think a few (1 or 2) key additions on both the offensive and defensive lines, and we would have been off and running.

The jury is still out on the playmaking WR. I'm very happy with Bobby Chase, and if we can manage to pull in DJ Massey I think our passing game will improve dramatically. You also have to figure Jesse Henderson into the mix when you're thinking about WRs in this year's class. I think Henderson is one of those talents you need to get the ball to whether you line him up in the backfield, put him in the slot or sent him out wide.

But sure, I think we could have put more recruiting emphasis on landing one of the higher rated, proven WRs.

[Johnny Rock]

I know the jury is still out with the remaining scholarships. But I have high standards. Hopefully, the coaches can land Massey and pull off a few suprises before signing day. I guess a JUCO qb was necessary, at least, for depth.

[pony91]

Johnny Rock- My feelings are the opposite. I can't believe we are doing so well considering going winless and being tagged by ESPN as one of the worst D1 teams. We are neck and neck with the toads who seem to have a much better program than us. I totally expected to lose all early commitments after that train wreck of a season.

[Johnny Rock]

The comparsion with TCU is without merit. Remember, TCU signs several highly regarded JUCO players every year. They also have success in landing some good transfers. The high school recruits are only part of the story with TCU, including most of our competition.