[Goose]

Is recruiting harder at Stanford than K-State? I would strenuously disagree. Shaw and Harbaugh routinely brought in mega-whales. Even Taylor -- a total non-entity, coaching at a disaster zone, as far as big-league college football is concerned -- has brought in a surprisingly good class. By contrast K-State's all-time best recruit, per 247sports, is way back in the class of 2001. I don't think there's any excuse for poo-pooing what can be done recruiting-wise at Stanford, or for unfavorably comping it to the Wildcats. The question is less "can you recruit well" but more "can you optimize recruiting to be a consistent national contender."

Unfortunately, It isn't what you or I think, it is what the coaches you are trying to hire think. Shaw and Harbaugh's success may not translate well to the candidate's recruiting style. It is a different situation than they are used to, and they may not want to chance it.

[Goose]

Is recruiting harder at Stanford than K-State? I would strenuously disagree. Shaw and Harbaugh routinely brought in mega-whales. Even Taylor -- a total non-entity, coaching at a disaster zone, as far as big-league college football is concerned -- has brought in a surprisingly good class. By contrast K-State's all-time best recruit, per 247sports, is way back in the class of 2001. I don't think there's any excuse for poo-pooing what can be done recruiting-wise at Stanford, or for unfavorably comping it to the Wildcats. The question is less "can you recruit well" but more "can you optimize recruiting to be a consistent national contender."

Unfortunately, It isn't what you or I think, it is what the coaches you are trying to hire think. Shaw and Harbaugh's success may not translate well to the candidate's recruiting style. It is a different situation than they are used to, and they may not want to chance it.