skinnykilmer17
Well-Known Member
IMO, the coaching staff has really stepped up their recruiting efforts and it is paying dividends. It appears to be very geographically diverse so far in this recruiting cycle. Nationally, we appear to be more successful with highly rated recruits than in years past. *See below. With the increased success and resulting exposure of our program, are the recruits now "coming to us" or is the staff working even harder with communication, travel, etc. to get these talented players.
Geography:
In 2007, for the 2008 season, we had 25 commitments representing 16 states. (3 players from Iowa).
For 2009, we had 20 commitments representing 9 states. (9 players from Iowa).
For 2010, we had 22 commitments representing 10 states. (5 from Iowa).
For 2011, we have 14 commitments with 10 states already represented and another possible 6-8 recruits?? (Only 2 from Iowa so far).
Is Iowa high school talent cyclical and if so is that drop more pronounced due to our smaller population size compared to other states. Or is Iowa talent fairly consistent from year to year only now we are going more national? Regardless, Iowa kids will always be an integral part of this program.
I believe it is fair to say our coaches have always had to work harder in the recruitment of premier players compared to most other top notch programs. We are getting better players but to stay successful will it require even more work on the recruiting trail?
We recruit from Texas to New Jersey, from Minnesota to Florida, and points in between. Let's compare ourselves to 2 premier programs:
Alabama: So far this year, for the 2011 class, Alabama has received commitments from 18 players. 12 of them are either from Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia or Florida. Their recruitment of players is typically less geographically encompassing than Iowa's. Requiring less travel time for their coaching staff? Last year 18 out of their 28 commits were from those states.
Ohio St: So far this year for 2011, 17 commitments. 12 are from the state of Ohio. Last year 11 of their 19 were either from Ohio or Pennsylvania.
*Evidence of improved recruiting (per Rivals 5 star system):
For the 2008 season, 25 recruits. Twelve 2-star, Zero 4-star or higher. 2 star = 48% of class.
2009, 20 recruits. Thirteen 2-star, Two 4-star or higher. 2 star = 65% of class.
2010, 22 recruits. Five 2-star, Four 4-star or higher. 2 star = 23% of class.
2011, 14 recruits so far. One 2-star, Two 4-star or higher. 2 star = 7% of class so far.
Stark contrast between 2009 and this year's class.
Coach Ferentz and his staff continue to take this program to new heights. Reloading is definitely replacing (or has replaced) Rebuilding. More evidence would be this year's tailback situation vs. 2004. For the sake of argument let's include Brandon Wegher in the follwing illustration: Our sixth-string tailback this year would arguably be DeAndre Johnson. In 2004 it was Sam Brownlee. God Bless and Thank Goodness for Sam Brownlee but there is no comparison in talent.
And this coaching staff has really coached up the two star recruits that have played here. Four 2 star recruits from 2004 are currently playing in the NFL. Can you name them? Look for answers on another thread.
Before you dismiss the recruiting ratings system, read the following:
Mister Relevant: Why you shouldn't dismiss recruiting rankings - Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo! Sports
Geography:
In 2007, for the 2008 season, we had 25 commitments representing 16 states. (3 players from Iowa).
For 2009, we had 20 commitments representing 9 states. (9 players from Iowa).
For 2010, we had 22 commitments representing 10 states. (5 from Iowa).
For 2011, we have 14 commitments with 10 states already represented and another possible 6-8 recruits?? (Only 2 from Iowa so far).
Is Iowa high school talent cyclical and if so is that drop more pronounced due to our smaller population size compared to other states. Or is Iowa talent fairly consistent from year to year only now we are going more national? Regardless, Iowa kids will always be an integral part of this program.
I believe it is fair to say our coaches have always had to work harder in the recruitment of premier players compared to most other top notch programs. We are getting better players but to stay successful will it require even more work on the recruiting trail?
We recruit from Texas to New Jersey, from Minnesota to Florida, and points in between. Let's compare ourselves to 2 premier programs:
Alabama: So far this year, for the 2011 class, Alabama has received commitments from 18 players. 12 of them are either from Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia or Florida. Their recruitment of players is typically less geographically encompassing than Iowa's. Requiring less travel time for their coaching staff? Last year 18 out of their 28 commits were from those states.
Ohio St: So far this year for 2011, 17 commitments. 12 are from the state of Ohio. Last year 11 of their 19 were either from Ohio or Pennsylvania.
*Evidence of improved recruiting (per Rivals 5 star system):
For the 2008 season, 25 recruits. Twelve 2-star, Zero 4-star or higher. 2 star = 48% of class.
2009, 20 recruits. Thirteen 2-star, Two 4-star or higher. 2 star = 65% of class.
2010, 22 recruits. Five 2-star, Four 4-star or higher. 2 star = 23% of class.
2011, 14 recruits so far. One 2-star, Two 4-star or higher. 2 star = 7% of class so far.
Stark contrast between 2009 and this year's class.
Coach Ferentz and his staff continue to take this program to new heights. Reloading is definitely replacing (or has replaced) Rebuilding. More evidence would be this year's tailback situation vs. 2004. For the sake of argument let's include Brandon Wegher in the follwing illustration: Our sixth-string tailback this year would arguably be DeAndre Johnson. In 2004 it was Sam Brownlee. God Bless and Thank Goodness for Sam Brownlee but there is no comparison in talent.
And this coaching staff has really coached up the two star recruits that have played here. Four 2 star recruits from 2004 are currently playing in the NFL. Can you name them? Look for answers on another thread.
Before you dismiss the recruiting ratings system, read the following:
Mister Relevant: Why you shouldn't dismiss recruiting rankings - Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo! Sports
