We haven't played for a MNC since 2001. This means that the kids we recruit today were probably 7 years old. Anyone here remember their face team at 7? The world has also gone to a mentality of what have you done for me lately and what is in it for me. Few kids today would choose a "lesser" team for the love of the game.
I think we still have prestige as one of the winningest programs in history, best player in the history of the game, 2 of the top teams to ever be fielded etc.........BUT, we do lack recent relevance. Our best team ever was in 1971 or 1995, same with TD Tommie (1995).
We also really took a hit after firing Frank after going 10-3 (9-3). Fans were split, but the nation thought this was crazy. Then we brought in our like our 5th choice to be a head coach who lost every record NU had. We again looked like fools in the media and by many talking heads. We then hired Bo, who although improving, has become a lighting rod for the national media ie watch the cameras stay on him more than the game and even our own fans.
We got a good class in my opinion. Look at Cally's stars and how they panned out. For every great recuit there is an equal bust. Look at the pros. For every Peyon, there is a Ryan Leaf or Jamarcus Russel. It is up to the staff to develop these kids. A great player with out development will usually peak freshman year. An average kid with coaching can develop into a good ball player ie Matt O'Hanlon. He was the national player so the week and Big XII once or twice.
Winning cures all ills. Win and more kids will come here. Our D is recruiting well based on the prestige of guys like SUH, Prince, Dennard etc........ If our O starts producing , the recruit "quality" will increase.
I think hat hurts now is our lack of identity on O. Kids wnt to go where they will be a fit in the system. Westerkamp was an awesome get as most revivers would not choose to come to a school that bills itself as a power first school and one not running a pro set or with a "throwing QB". We get an established identity, kids with that skill set will again start to look our way.
I think we still have prestige as one of the winningest programs in history, best player in the history of the game, 2 of the top teams to ever be fielded etc.........BUT, we do lack recent relevance. Our best team ever was in 1971 or 1995, same with TD Tommie (1995).
We also really took a hit after firing Frank after going 10-3 (9-3). Fans were split, but the nation thought this was crazy. Then we brought in our like our 5th choice to be a head coach who lost every record NU had. We again looked like fools in the media and by many talking heads. We then hired Bo, who although improving, has become a lighting rod for the national media ie watch the cameras stay on him more than the game and even our own fans.
We got a good class in my opinion. Look at Cally's stars and how they panned out. For every great recuit there is an equal bust. Look at the pros. For every Peyon, there is a Ryan Leaf or Jamarcus Russel. It is up to the staff to develop these kids. A great player with out development will usually peak freshman year. An average kid with coaching can develop into a good ball player ie Matt O'Hanlon. He was the national player so the week and Big XII once or twice.
Winning cures all ills. Win and more kids will come here. Our D is recruiting well based on the prestige of guys like SUH, Prince, Dennard etc........ If our O starts producing , the recruit "quality" will increase.
I think hat hurts now is our lack of identity on O. Kids wnt to go where they will be a fit in the system. Westerkamp was an awesome get as most revivers would not choose to come to a school that bills itself as a power first school and one not running a pro set or with a "throwing QB". We get an established identity, kids with that skill set will again start to look our way.
Last edited by a moderator:
