Recruiting/Roster Thoughts

by BlueReign on Nov 12, 2009 7:29 PM PST

This is not meant to take BN's focus off of the game in Pullman as our boys continue their fight for Bowl eligibility nor our Ben Ball Warriors and the upcoming season.

We received BIG news tonight with the verbal from Jordon James. I agree with others that Coleman will likely be switched to FB (as he was initially recruited for) and I expect Thigpen to be utilized like Trindon Holliday down in the Bayou. The competition to be the primary back and for carries should be quite entertaining and spark some interesting debates.

What really has me puzzled is mainly the number of recruits we are pursuing. CRN is not just pursuing multiple recruits at a position of need (DT) but across the board. As we currently stand right now, we will have 16 total scholarships (assuming Kia returns using his RS) to hand out to the 2010 recruiting class. BP is the only candidate that I see leaving early. If so, 17 total rides.

Per Scout.com we currently have 13 verbals. This does not include the pending enrollment of Koster and Maka (did he qualify?). Another 3 rides are spoken for by Smith, Fauria and Mobley (if he qualifies, we all need to cross our fingers he gets to Westwood). That brings the total to 18.

Yet, CRN is still out there pursuing a lot of highly touted recruits. The logical explanation is the normal attrition programs have every offseason. However, the numbers to me dictate that there could be a lot of guys that will not be on the roster come next fall. Without singling anyone out, it isn't a secret that the JR class has not panned out the way many envisioned.

So my question to BN is: If UCLA was to politely nudge some guys out, would you be ok with it in order to bring in better talent or is this something UCLA should not engage in?

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.

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From what I have read and heard

I think if we get interest on certain elite recruits we might take as many as 22 recruits this year. We will see. I think spots will open due to the regular attrition we see in a college football program that is going through transition and a rebuilding process. I am ok with that. If certain kids’ career doesn’t pan out, it’s a good bet Neuheisel will do what he can to make sure they land on their feet in another program.

We saw certain kids move on last season and it was clear they were not going to get playing time in this team. It’s part of college football.

by Nestor on Nov 12, 2009 7:36 PM PST reply actions

I'm OK with it

If I was the HC, we would have the full 25 rides to give. A bit cut throat but without upgrading our talent and creating competition/depth at all positions, UCLA won’t reach the level I believe this program can reach.

It’s going to be a very, very interesting run to Signing Day once again.

by BlueReign on Nov 12, 2009 7:43 PM PST up reply actions

Yep

and it will get even more interesting if we can finish on a strong note on the field.

by Nestor on Nov 12, 2009 7:49 PM PST up reply actions

Also I believe Koster and Maka

Are on course to check in this Winter quarter.

by Nestor on Nov 12, 2009 7:58 PM PST reply actions

3-4 D

Any chance? We have a lot of LB’s or guys that can be end up being LB’s and we’re still recruiting the big name LB’s. Numbers are short on the DL too.

by BlueReign on Nov 12, 2009 8:21 PM PST up reply actions

I can't see us going 3-4

Not only is it not in the style of our staff, but we really don’t have the personnel to do it. Yes, we have linebackers, but to run the 3-4 you need an extraordinary amount and ones that are ready to play. We don’t have enough linebackers. We also don’t have anything that resembles a nose tackle and we’d be hard pressed to find the type of 3-4 end needed. We have a lot of faster ends so they’d have to be linebackers and guys like Datone don’t really have a spot in the 3-4.

Formerly ryebreadraz

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Nov 12, 2009 8:32 PM PST up reply actions

I would not be surprised at all

if you see 5 or more transfers/medical retirements at the end of the season. There is no way CRN doesn’t upgrade the talent if its available.

You also have to take into account there are usually one or two recrutis who don’t get admitted, and there’s usually one knucklehead on the roster who will not do his school work and quit or fail out.

The schollies will take care of themselves. There is nothing to worry about.

"when you've seen how big the world is, how can you make due with this?"

by silverlakebruin on Nov 12, 2009 10:30 PM PST reply actions

You have to chop wood if you're going to make a fire.

And CRN is trying to build a bonfire.

I’m with Bluereign. It probably does sound cut throat. But, having funded my education through loans, grants and part time work, I would be grateful for 2 or 3 years of full ride scholarships.

Anybody who gets cut would be wise to stick around for their degree and find a way to finance the final 1 or 2 years.

A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden

by MexiBruin on Nov 12, 2009 11:29 PM PST reply actions