01-18-2013, 12:43 AM
Well, maybe we've found some common ground. I don't think this is an A or A+ class. It's a solid, above average class, but I think a solid class following an A+ class is going to get you there. What's more, this class is an upgrade on what we had in the past. It's not a step to the bad old days. In the past, we might have had a class of mostly 2-3 star guys and maybe two high profile guys. This class is nearly half four-star guys. I'd much rather have a class of really solid guys than a class of not many good athletes and a couple superstars. Even Cotton, who's not rated in the top 100 at his position, is a three star guy.
As far as players not returning not hurting us in last year's class, last year's class still had a lot of openings despite the return of Thomas. (I'm pretty sure we didn't have three returning fifth year All Conference guys.) There's no way we could have pulled in five 4-5 star offensive linemen even if they had been available.
Next year's class is starting out to be like last year's class. It will have the numbers and some really good guys are going to be interested. BUT there are going to be problems with it. In fact, some of the problems are going to be caused by our success. We are going to have a really tough time recruiting wide receivers.
As far as players not returning not hurting us in last year's class, last year's class still had a lot of openings despite the return of Thomas. (I'm pretty sure we didn't have three returning fifth year All Conference guys.) There's no way we could have pulled in five 4-5 star offensive linemen even if they had been available.
Next year's class is starting out to be like last year's class. It will have the numbers and some really good guys are going to be interested. BUT there are going to be problems with it. In fact, some of the problems are going to be caused by our success. We are going to have a really tough time recruiting wide receivers.