Pat Forde has some interesting things to say about NU in his Forde-Yard Dash column.
I personally think our issues are far more coaching related than recruiting. If we had someone like Nike Saban (not a fan, just using him as an example), coaching the same players we have right now, I think we would be a far better team.
Forde's column:
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ncaaf--forde-yard-dash--breaking-down-college-football-s-top-programs-and-where-they-get-their-talent-044110856.html