Recruiting and a few other thoughts...

[FeatheredCock]

When we started winning it was by recruting the state of SC hard, and getting the big names. At that time we did not have the brand to be more regional or national and compete for top recruits. The state of SC was very good several years ago and we started to win.

The last few cycles the state has been down after the top 5-10, and the fact that we have been winning and built a brand has allowed us to go into states and regions where we previously could not win the battles.

Obviously that has changed.

This will be the first big class we have signed in quite some time, and IMO its looking like a really really good top 10ish type class come Feb. Yes we are ranked higher now, but other schools dont have as many committments we do.

An interesting question is if we have burned any bridges in SC as far as HS coaches, so that when the state does have bigger or deeper years we can tap back into it. My thought is that we have not bruned any bridges but its still something to consider.

All things being equal I cant predict if we will win 8,9,10,11 or 12 games this year - but what I can say is that on a macro level I dont think we are going anywhere anytime soon - the program is in really good shape

 

[AC/DC/GC]

I don't any bridges are burned per se, as it is up to each kid to decide where he wants to attend college and play. Ulitmately, he will have to do the legwork and see what is the best fit for him. Now, whils his HS coach can offer an opiniion, and to some extent influence, I don't think that will be the major factor in deciding.

 

[picknroll]

I seriously doubt whether that will ever be a problem. We are much more selective with recruiting now. In years past if you were a top 25 in state player in SC, a USC scholarship offer used to be more or less a birthright. Now it's an honor. Our staff is not going to be doling out scholarships for favors anymore if the kid doesn't meet our needs based on the merits of size, speed, strength, work ethic, grades, etc. But at the same time, we will continue to maintain excellent relations with in state coaches so that we will have excellent access to those blue chip prospects who meet our needs. ALL coaches realize this is a business and that recruiting is the currency of success.