The way I look at recruiting this year is we have 27 spots for '15 recruits and 5Y. Speculation is we take 20-22 recruits, but no matter what number we end up at, it appears we shouldn't have a problem reaching 85 at the start of spring ball (guys on campus + 2015 signees).
In a perfect world, the staff can delay 5Y decisions until after spring ball. I'd hate to see a guy like Hounshell transfer to Miami (OH) only to have someone else transfer during/after spring ball and we end up at less than 85 heading into the fall. Unfortunately, delaying the 5Y decisions is not likely, but is it unrealistic? Could BK invite them all back and be clear about there being competition for a limited number of spots, or do players need to know where they stand before spring practice?
Of the 15 eligible 5Y, I count 11-12 on the two-deep. Assuming we only take five 5Y, we'll be letting 6-7 5Y go in the two-deep? I don't envy the staff with the decisions that lie ahead for them.
As for who they invite back...Golson and Martin are my top two, and, surprisingly, Schmidt is my #3. After the spring he had and the way coaches are talking about him heading into this season, how do you let a guy like that go? I'd round it out with Springmann and Councell, but I'd feel terrible letting guys like Hanratty, Hegarty, Grace and Farley go. I believe Daniels is NFL bound after this season.