I agree that the Ohio recruits are important because they help to build an identity as "Ohio", plus they help to build fan support and attendence down the road.
There year's recruiting class will be a small one - about 17, I expect. Thus it's already about 1/3 full, an amazing start. My ideal class this year will be heavy on speed to follow up last year's size. On offense I'd like at least 2 QBs, 2 WRs, and a RB and on defense 4 DB's and 2 OLBs. The other six or so recruits can be scattered anywhere.
Now the class size has grown from my initial expectations, and will be more like 20-22. With 8 recruits in, its looking good.
QB - I wanted 2 QBs, there is 1. I'd like to see another, but it isn't as critical.
RB - I wanted 1, but with the departure of Hammonds, I now want 2.
TE - With departures, one would be nice, and there is 1.
OL - Pipeline is deep, but its always good to have 2-3 a year. There are 2.
WR - I wanted 2, and we have one. A return of Murray would be the other.
Offense is looking good, but I still want speed guys - a WR, 2 RB, and another QB. Of these the only position that I think is absolutely critical is running back.
DT - Even though there were a lot last year, its always good to get one. A return of Clark would be one.
DE - Same as DT - its always good to get one, and there are 2 already.
MLB - Would be good to have one
OLB - I wanted 2, and there is one so far, and a very good one at that.
DB - I was looking for 4, probably 3 corners and a safety. There is one corner so far, and another than might end up at CB or Safety.
Defense is also doing very well, but could still use more speed guys. I do want a DT, and a MLB, but I'd also like to see another OLB and a couple more DBs. None of these are essential, however.
I never expect the end results to match exactly what I think the need is, but this class is sure shaping up nicely. At this point the only position where there is an absolute need that must be met is Running back. I like both Daz and Dorian Brown, but sometimes running backs get hurt. You really need to have at least 4 of them. The way this class has been coming in, though, I'm thinking that a quality RB or two will look at this class and say "I want to be a part of that".
Last Edited: 7/2/2013 7:00:06 PM by L.C.