What if we don't sign the #1 class?!?!

scooper

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Much handwringing and ledge jumping has taken place on these boards in recent weeks. This is no doubt due to a lull in commitments and losing Wilson to the hated trojans :spitsonground:

Just for some perspective, I'd advise to take a look at just how far recruiting has come in the last couple years. Look at the 04 and 05 groups. Now look at what Charlie brought in with the 06 group. Night.......Day.

Now here we sit with the #1 recruit in the country on board, along with seven other very good players. And the list of highly touted guys who are still considering the Irish (some considered leans even) is downright impressive. We'll lose some players. We'll get some. But all indications are that this group will be an improvement over the impressive group that scout considered the 5th best of the 06 haul. If expectations hold up, and if the team wins a good amount of games, we're almost assured a class in or around the top 5. But is that enough? What if the unthinkable happens and we don't land the #1 class?

Well, I'll tell you what will happen. The coaches will coach up the guys who come and our future will look darned bright.

Case in point. The Texas Longhorns. They are considered to be a recruiting powerhouse, and by most accounts they are. They are on track for the #1 class this year. But let's look at the classes that made up the bulk of their national championship team. It all began way back with the 2002 class that both major services ranked #1. Surely, that class put them on track for this title, but let's look at the rest of the story. Here are the four year ratings from both services of the classes making up UT's title team.

Scout
2002-#1
2003-#18
2004#10
1005#15

Rivals
2002-#1
2003-#15
2004-#10
2005-#20

So this talented Texas team was comprised of classes that averaged out at #11 on scout and #9 on Rivals. Yet they still managed to finish #1 on the field in 2005-06.

Surely, having the #1 class in 02 had a lot to do with that, but a lot of talented guys from the next couple classes played a big role in that title. Surely, having a superman at QB played a role as well.

Let's say for argument sake that Texas and USC finish the recruiting wars at #1 and #2. I don't think #3 is out of the question for us. (Neither is #1 for that matter, but that's not my argument) I'd say following up a #5 class with #3 is a pretty damned good start. Especially if we have faith in our coaching staff's ability to develop these players and put them in position to win. Considering what they did this past year, I'd say I have such confidence.

Now, if you want to worry about filling needs, go right ahead, but don't concern yourself with where the team is ranked.

Speaking of needs, it's been said over and over but remember the OL. At this point last year, our O-line recruiting was looking bleak and I dare say that was a pretty big need. Look where that ended up.

We may not know where or how, but I have faith that this year's big need (DL) will be taken care of. If anything, the DE recruiting looks phenominal so far.

So sit back and relax. It's OK to be disapointed when one goes elsewhere, but it's not the end of the world. Let's all high five when the next guy commits. This class will be talented. Probably the most talented class since the height of Lou's tenure.

Oh, and as for that superman at QB that was so important to Texas? I'm pretty confident that out of Frazer, Jones and Clausen, a superman will emerge.

In Charlie we trust.
 
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lattedatte

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Well said and agree on nearly everything you said. I would argue that having a top 15 recruiting is all that you need as long as there aren't any dramatic holes. (i.e. you only have two scholorship CB's on your roster). From there it's up to the coaches. I know I may seem like a Rodriguez lover, but why don't you go back and look at what their recruiting class rankings have been? And they were 11-1 last year and probably could have beat anyone(including us). I would certainly rather have CW then RR anyday but getting the #1 recruiting class vs #15 is just not that big of a deal, period.
 
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A2McGowan

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It's not the recruiting class rankings(completely subjective.)........it's the system and getting kids that fit it. Period.
 

jiggafini19

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It matters very little to me because having the number one rated recruiting class is totally subjective. USA Today says one thing, Lemming says another, Rivals says something different, Scout goes in their own direction, etc. Last recruiting season, every need was met with the exception of defensive tackle. I'll be this time around they meet all of their goals.

Notre Dame wants a class of 25 players, having broken down numbers needed by each position. If they meet those needs with the very best players possible at their disposal, what more can you ask? There has not been a single lack of effort by this staff from the moment they were hired. The mad dash they made in 2005 upon being hired was nothing short of spectacular considering the head coach was preparing for a Super Bowl.

2006 practice begins on Monday. Start worrying about actual football and recruiting will take care of itself. If there is a stud player in America with a brain in his head, he has an offer.
 

scooper

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Monday shall be a glorious day. Not as glorious as Sept. 2, but still, I can't wait for actual football reports.
 

jiggafini19

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Not a single 2007 recruit can help them now. Except Jimmy Clausen. His influence will win them at least one game this year. He will also help the staff decide who starts at right tackle.
 
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rontdtarchala

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I again completely agree guys, and yes it will be sweet hearing about something important i.e. the start of fall practice. yessssssssssssss its about time.
 

scooper

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jiggafini19 said:
Not a single 2007 recruit can help them now. Except Jimmy Clausen. His influence will win them at least one game this year. He will also help the staff decide who starts at right tackle.
:rofl:
 

tommy

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indeed its the coaching thats important not that 5 star recruits arent nice but i would rather have 10 star coaching
 

onenybrother

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No.1 doesn't matter.

No.1 doesn't matter.

It's all about the system, that what kids are looking for. Beat U.S.C. and Michigan win your Jan Bowl game ( like they said in field of dreams) they will come.
 

LOVEMYIRISH

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scooper said:
Monday shall be a glorious day. Not as glorious as Sept. 2, but still, I can't wait for actual football reports.

So true. Pontificating gets old... I really want to hear some scouting reports!!!
 
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NDAlumSon

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Nice Scoop !
This is the kind of thread that makes me want to be the wedge buster on the very first kickoff of the season.
"I hate to tell you this buddy, but your yellow jacket seems to have some blood on it......... and it sure ain't mine !"
 
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