[socalstanfan1]

I'm sure we are set for TEs next season, obviously.  But I would agree with WIM that, while the coaching staff may be able to convert someone to TE from another position, or find a walk on who turns into lightning in a bottle, that is a pretty dangerous path.  The odds of developing top flight TEs is much better if you get top TE prospects coming out of HS.  My earlier post wasn't just based on Smythe and Brenneman going elsewhere, but the fact that we did not manage to get a single TE prospect last year, despite such a TE-friendly offense. 

I think any TE, ideally, will redshirt their freshman year to learn the offense and bulk up for the rigors of big time college football blocking.  So, with that thought in mind, we really need to get some more depth at the TE position this recruiting cycle (ideally would have done so last year, IMO), so they can have a year to develop while the earlier class migrates to the NFL.

Regarding Hawkins, WIM, my impression of the events was different: I think he called the press conference to announce signing with Stanford, got a last second offer from USC, and now is taking some time to consider the two offers.  I'm sure the USC coaches were in his ear about, "what if you don't get admitted; we only have a few spots, lock one up now," etc, etc.  My sense, purely from reading the same stuff you probably are, is that we are still in pretty good position for him, though he is obviously giving the USC offer strong consideration.  IMO, might as well face that USC offer right away.  If he really wants us, he'll eventually commit in any case.
 

[socalstanfan1]

I'm sure we are set for TEs next season, obviously.  But I would agree with WIM that, while the coaching staff may be able to convert someone to TE from another position, or find a walk on who turns into lightning in a bottle, that is a pretty dangerous path.  The odds of developing top flight TEs is much better if you get top TE prospects coming out of HS.  My earlier post wasn't just based on Smythe and Brenneman going elsewhere, but the fact that we did not manage to get a single TE prospect last year, despite such a TE-friendly offense. 

I think any TE, ideally, will redshirt their freshman year to learn the offense and bulk up for the rigors of big time college football blocking.  So, with that thought in mind, we really need to get some more depth at the TE position this recruiting cycle (ideally would have done so last year, IMO), so they can have a year to develop while the earlier class migrates to the NFL.

Regarding Hawkins, WIM, my impression of the events was different: I think he called the press conference to announce signing with Stanford, got a last second offer from USC, and now is taking some time to consider the two offers.  I'm sure the USC coaches were in his ear about, "what if you don't get admitted; we only have a few spots, lock one up now," etc, etc.  My sense, purely from reading the same stuff you probably are, is that we are still in pretty good position for him, though he is obviously giving the USC offer strong consideration.  IMO, might as well face that USC offer right away.  If he really wants us, he'll eventually commit in any case.