'15 PA RB Andre Robinson (Penn State Verbal)

[Irishnuke]

How does more Midwest teams getting their own local Midwest recruits help contribute to a power shift from the SEC? The way I see it, PSU recruiting well will only water down the other top B1G teams and will prevent the OSU's from being better.

If PSU were starting to cherry-pick Southern recruits, then I would tend to agree with your point.

Right! Exactly how is this going to negatively affect Bama, Auburn, or TAMU?

 

[md_bennett]

Right! Exactly how is this going to negatively affect Bama, Auburn, or TAMU?

It would keep the Robert Foster type players out of Bama hands if they stayed in state.

 

[koonja]

It would keep the Robert Foster type players out of Bama hands if they stayed in state.

Not necessarily. If Bama had any interest in Robinson, who's to say they wouldn't have gotten him? What Bama wants Bama gets. Besides Blake!

 

[md_bennett]

If Robinson was good enough, it might be a different story. Bama has no interest in this guy, at least as far as I know.

Bama will get the Robert Fosters and leave PSU the leftovers, lol.

I think TP is trying to say that if the B1G becomes more well rounded it will get more respect? I don't think this will matter one bit, but I think that's what he means.

I don't disagree at all. I was just responding to the question with him as an example. There are going to be a few players that the SEC really wants that might choose PSU now, but I still don't think it will matter a great deal until the SEC love affair on ESPN dies. All kids hear is that they are the best and who wouldn't want to be there.

 

[koonja]

I don't disagree at all. I was just responding to the question with him as an example. There are going to be a few players that the SEC really wants that might choose PSU now, but I still don't think it will matter a great deal until the SEC love affair on ESPN dies. All kids hear is that they are the best and who wouldn't want to be there.

For the record, I'd be A-OK if while Michigan might be entering a rough patch/coaching change, PSU stole the 2nd spot in the B1G. I'm so sick of Michigan.

 

[Kaneyoufeelit]

For the record, I'd be A-OK if while Michigan might be entering a rough patch/coaching change, PSU stole the 2nd spot in the B1G. I'm so sick of Michigan.

Are you suggesting that Michigan has been the number 2 team in the B1G? The standings haven't reflected that in a while.

 

[koonja]

Are you suggesting that Michigan has been the number 2 team in the B1G? The standings haven't reflected that in a while.

True. I guess I'm going by brand/perception.

 

[TheTurningPoint]

How does more Midwest teams getting their own local Midwest recruits help contribute to a power shift from the SEC? The way I see it, PSU recruiting well will only water down the other top B1G teams and will prevent the OSU's from being better.

If PSU were starting to cherry-pick Southern recruits, then I would tend to agree with your point.

Great question.

It has a domino effect. Talent wants to play with Talent. Is Penn St going to have crazy overnight success bc Andrew went there? Hell no. Hackenberg, Breneman and now Robinson....Those are 3 kids on PSUs squad that could have played in the SEC or 90% of the school in the country. 3 positions that can change a game. PSU has the suspensions/etc going against them, but kids with talent want that shot at the NFL. Playing with a future NFL QB is very appealing for OL/WR/RBs/TEs. I have an extreme amount of respect for Hackenberg bc he chose the unpopular place to go, bc he felt it and wanted to be there. He has a chance to become a freakin legend at Penn St over the next 3 years, and even with all the negative at Penn St.....it is Penn St Football.

Anyways back to the topic....for example: a WR that has no ties to a certain school sees PSU with a talent soaked QB, and a proven TE weapon. Why not go there? Play infront of 100k+ who have your back, and will get the ball. That WR commits to PSU. Then goes on to have a great freshman season. WRs take notice of 1. Early PT 2. Success 3. Chance to get to the NFL with that exposure. So that leads to PSU being able to recruit the BCS type kids over the MAC level/lower D1 kids to fill a roster.

Is it going to be time consuming? My guess is yes. I will tell you one thing, James Franklin is the man to do it. The guy defines positive energy. I mean he won more games at Vandy than he should have. He fits EXACTLY what Penn St needs.

For the point of Robinson not being recruited by SEC schools....Sure, he doesnt have any SEC offers, but I guarantee you he gets some by NSD 2015. He is the first step in the process. You get the top kids in the state to come to your school. ND, osu, mich, msu, usc, bama, auburn, florida schools....they all live by that motto and for the most part succeed at it. PA has a ton of talent and the instate kids see a top 5 player in the state staying home....they think harder about it.

All these kids that are coming to Penn st whether they are 5 stars or not ranked...they have a chance to be legends. They have a chance to turn around a great program that went through one of the ugliest things in college sports. Its not an easy decision for them, but it speaks of that kids work ethic and what he wants and it runs down through the recruiting classes.

The example that relates the best is Jimmy Clausen. Ty hadnt got shit for years. Weis developed some talent, and got lucky at others. If Clausen hadnt come to ND, who knows what would have happened. The 5 stars that came to ND came bc of Clausen. The most heralded recruit since Elway choosing ND at a time when ND was pretty much an after thought. He was Weis signature for every kid that signed with ND over the next 4-5 years. BK is still benefiting from it bc there was talent on the roster when he came in and wasnt left with Willingham goods. Its easier to build Rome when there are a few good pieces to build with. Thats exactly what PSU is doing.

Keeping elite kids from the midwest is key. There have been several 4 and 5 star kids from the midwest that have left for the SEC. Trust me, you wont find someone that hates osu/mich as much as this guy...but its key for the powers of midwest to keep elite kids and to pull them from the South. I have a severe dislike for Urban Meyer and everything he stands for, but everytime he pulls a kid from SEC country, it helps ND. Kids from the South coming to the Midwest makes other kids think. Rochell didnt give ND much thought, but Tuitt being more than comfortable at ND was extremely reassuring for him. Back 8-10 years ago before the Saban movement kids were coming North. Then they didnt come as much and the SEC become a powerhouse and Miami/FSU not being good didnt help either. Both those schools are obviously doing well and kids have more options than choosing SEC schools and feeling good about being on a competitive team.