I agree this makes no sense, it's not like if they get drafted they can control the climate and say no it's too cold there.
i think it makes plenty of sense. the nfl is later, maybe, and i'm guessing less than half the teams are in cold weather climates. if weather means that much to a kid, i see no reason to put up with poor weather earlier than he has to just because he MIGHT someday have to play in it regularly.
that said, i would hope that most kids we recruit can overlook our biggest drawback in favor of the many more important things we have to offer, like fan support, facilities, great coaching and....winning! one more good season should cement us back in the minds of the public as a place where you go to play in and win big games, which was our biggest selling point for decades.