I repeat myself but it is not overall class rankings - it’s balance across the team. We have skill players that could start at half the Big Ten schools. We have lines that are not and these are the most important to a winning team. Half the team is competitive- half is not. Give me 15 starters from around the conference at O line, D line, LB, DE, and maybe a S or CB, and we win the West. But these spots don’t magically get good in one offseason. Development is a multi-year process that starts with some level of talent.
A decent HC knows this. Heck, most of the current staff are decent coaches - good enough to get to a bowl game more often than not.
Maybe Frost knew this but he totally failed to recruit balanced talent, instead focusing heavily on RBs, WRs and DBs. He seemed to believe you win with passing offense and just fill in everywhere else. Imo. Might get away with it in the ACC or even PAC 12. Not Big Ten and not SEC. Imo.
They weren’t good at identifying talent and/or developing it. We’re better at it with some positions than others. Others were more a priority to them and they struggled more in some areas than others.
What is talent? Is it ability? No. It’s a culmination of ability, the inner “game”, external factors (coaching, experience, culture) and, time for development, exposure to opportunities.
We have to be good at identifying talent and developing it obviously. What is the player’s mindset? Is it favorable? Can it be developed? We successfully introduce the external factors. Experiences over time.
A lower rated prospect might need to develop their inner game more. Mindset, attitude. We take into consideration that the athlete hasn’t had experiences as others have. Perhaps has the body though hasn’t developed it. We need to be good at identifying those players as well that don’t get as much attention and are underestimated.
There’s some evidence that athletes who participate in more than one sport even casually are more talented, have more potential and sometimes have better durability. Examine each individual to see what might be brought to the table and can be contributed.
We need to look at our challenges as opportunities. If the “load” is heavier, we can become stronger in areas if/when we choose. Have an open mind implementing whatever tools are in the “toolbox” that would be to our advantage.
Lots to consider when identifying a coach determining if he’s a fit for being a builder that he and his staff can successfully identify and develop.
Last edited by a moderator: