Recruiting Credibility

1 comment so far October 29, 2008 by Darren K. Carlson

With the additions to the Husker’s 2009 recruiting class – most recently offensive lineman Jeremiah Sirles – NU appears to be gaining more momentum in recruiting. Just as I try to evaluate players on more credible material than just star ratings (like production and the level of competition) I find myself considering recruiting credibility on a larger level. On the field results for teams and players yield vital traction to a topic that is often abstract or based on hype. Having a straight-talking coach helps greatly too.

Winning Matters
Big time sports boils down to winning and losing. That’s why they are keeping score, folks. So coaches can have a great pitch and schools can have great facilities and fans. But, nothing will turn a kids head more than results on the field. It’s only natural to join a team that is improving rather than one that is getting worse.

The massive attrition in last year’s class was not shocking at all, considering the team’s massive free fall on the field. In fact, I’m amazed by how Pelini and his staff were able to put together another solid core of players. Moving to the present, it is obvious that the Huskers playing better recently and winning their last two games have had at least some impact on recruits pulling the trigger for NU. Sure, Baylor and Iowa State aren't exactly marquee wins. But, can you imagine if NU had lost one or both of those games?

Coaching Credibility
When the results aren’t there on the field, the next most important credibility builder comes from the head coach and his staff. Their statements and behavior have got to be the kind that young men can buy in to. In this regard, Pelini appears to be doing well.

Look at how NU’s Sirles was handled during the coaching change. The previous staff had offered a scholarship. That offer became less clear when NU cleaned house. Pelini wanted kids to be reassured. So, he re-issued the scholarship offer. Sirles told the Omaha World-Herald - "I was impressed by that. He wanted me to know it was from him. I like the way Coach Pelini has things headed."

I also find it interesting that the Huskers last two commitments were players who visited during the Missouri game. In the abstract, it seems horrible the Huskers had so many high-profile visitors that week. But, just like the team points to Pelini’s post-game comments as a turning point, maybe they salvaged recruiting too.

Those visitors get unfettered access to the team and players when they visit. They had to hear Pelini’s reaction, or talk with their player-hosts about it. If you were a young player and you saw a coach take one on the chin for his team like that, wouldn’t that increase his credibility in your mind? I think so.

Credibility Flows Both Ways
Recruits can increase and decrease their credibility with coaches (and fans) as the season goes along. Their performance on the field and in the classroom as well their attitude off the field can cause things to run hot or cold for their recruiting. Recruits look a lot more attractive to everyone if they look assured to qualify. If a kid demonstrates he is a bit of prima dona and yanks coaches and media around, that can be a trouble sign and hurt his credibility. Many times, “recruit cred� is helped by their performance or their team’s success.

In this class, consider Dontrayevous Robinson. When he first committed to NU, he was not yet rated by the public recruiting services. Fans were jumping up and down, fearing that Pelini and staff were not taking highly regarded players. Look at the comments that follow this post I wrote about Robinson when he committed to NU.

Now consider his credibility in November. He’s been listed as a 3-star prospect by those services, which helps. He’s splitting carries on his team but is averaging more than 5 yards per carry while scoring 6 touchdowns. And oh yeah, he plays for Trinity High in Euless Texas, the #1 team in America. That’s not Nebraska…not Texas…America. That has to count for something, right? Give me a team full of players off of those best high school teams across the country any day.

As the recruiting period progresses, things start being less about abstract ideas or drills conducted at summer camps, and more about on-field results. Fans should be glad for this increase in real traction, because the intensity and hype tend to ratchet up too.

Did you enjoy this article?

Get Husker news by email
Follow us on Twitter

NextPrevious