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I know many #PennState fans are disappointed by the ranking of this (and the previous) recruiting class, but I'm genuinely not putting lipstick on a pig here when I say I'm hopeful about those two groups of players. This is why:
If you're not gonna stock your roster 2/3-deep with 5
& high 4 guys - and unless you're Alabama, Clemson, or OSU, you're not - then you've gotta zero in on the player profile you can consistently maximize through development. Ferentz at Iowa & Dantonio at MSU mastered this.
& high 4 guys - and unless you're Alabama, Clemson, or OSU, you're not - then you've gotta zero in on the player profile you can consistently maximize through development. Ferentz at Iowa & Dantonio at MSU mastered this.
Conversely, if you constantly swing & miss on those elite blue chippers, 3 things happen as a result:
1. You often get stuck settling for the Dollar Store versions of those players - guys you wish were somebody else who themselves wish they were somewhere else. No one's happy.
1. You often get stuck settling for the Dollar Store versions of those players - guys you wish were somebody else who themselves wish they were somewhere else. No one's happy.
2. The very few of those types whom you do manage to land occupy a new roster sub-class; especially with the xfer portal looming, the pressure to keep them engaged is undeniable. Being a HS 5at Bama or OSU isn't special. You're almost better off having none than just a couple.
at Bama or OSU isn't special. You're almost better off having none than just a couple.
3. You chase the national star guys at the expense of tending your backyard: You overlook in-state kids who'd kill to suit up for your program & you miss the opportunity to cultivate better relationships with coaches in your regional footprint
Because of the scandal, #PennState was FORCED to concentrate on guys other programs overlooked who REALLY wanted to be Nittany Lions. This staff developed that group into a top 10 roster & all they did was win the B1G and go 1-1 in NY6 bowls.
I’m not saying you don’t need star athletes. That’s undeniable. But you’ve gotta recognize the type of “flawed” recruits from whom you can bring out the best performance & I think this staff has maybe ended up with a bunch of those in ‘20-21, even if they were “settling.”
