Spring football is over and fall camp is 3 months away, so all the average ND football fanatic has to do is watch the recruiting sites. This year that might cause more gray hair and panic than every before. Why is this happening you ask. Because our usual fast start is not happening. If you just look at the commit numbers, you might be running for the edge of the cliff. BUT, I urge calm, patience and sanity prevail. Charlie knows what is going on and he has a plan. Plus, there are many factors in 2009, that we have not faced in CW's time at ND.
The major challenges we face are following:
1. Coach on Probation: As every person in America is aware, CW needs to win this season or he is out. That does not mean a 7-8 win season with a bid to the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. This means 9+ wins, no lopsided losses and BCS. This situation results in the elite talent taking a wait and see mentality.
2. Two Weak Seasons: Whether CW stays or not, kids want to see that he can regain that magic that brought two BCS bids. Again, they will take a wait and see approach.
3. Depth/Talent: CW has always been able to sell the, "we need you NOW, you can play early" card. That does not work anymore. Take a look across our depth charts. We are two deep with young talent at every position.
SOLUTION: WIN!!! Sounds really simple and it is. If we come out this season and do what I expect, we will have a great recruiting class. I expect solid victories and BCS implications. A solid season will fill the cupboards with top choice meat.
So, do not panic by our slow start. We are more likely to have one of those USC or UF finishes. We will win and we will fill the roster with studs.
The major challenges we face are following:
1. Coach on Probation: As every person in America is aware, CW needs to win this season or he is out. That does not mean a 7-8 win season with a bid to the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. This means 9+ wins, no lopsided losses and BCS. This situation results in the elite talent taking a wait and see mentality.
2. Two Weak Seasons: Whether CW stays or not, kids want to see that he can regain that magic that brought two BCS bids. Again, they will take a wait and see approach.
3. Depth/Talent: CW has always been able to sell the, "we need you NOW, you can play early" card. That does not work anymore. Take a look across our depth charts. We are two deep with young talent at every position.
SOLUTION: WIN!!! Sounds really simple and it is. If we come out this season and do what I expect, we will have a great recruiting class. I expect solid victories and BCS implications. A solid season will fill the cupboards with top choice meat.
So, do not panic by our slow start. We are more likely to have one of those USC or UF finishes. We will win and we will fill the roster with studs.
