The reason to believe in Bielema

[duckman]

Here are Bielema's recruiting rankings since 2006 (per Rivals):

Wisconsin:

2006:  40th
2007:  34th
2008:  41st
2009:  43rd
2010:  Not in top 50
2011:  40th
2012:  57th

Arkansas:

2013:  27th
2014:  29th
2015:  25th
2016:  ?

Bielema has coached 35 NFL Draft picks during his head-coaching tenure, including four at Arkansas from the 2014 NFL Draft and five in 2015.  The total is the most in history for a college football head coach with less than 10 years of experience. 

I ask you, do his recruiting rankings add up to the number of NFL picks he has produced?  We are in good hands, and if our recruiting continues to improve there is no telling where we are headed.  Our staff can develop talent as well as (or better) than anyone out there.  We also play a system that helps that talent remain consistent.  Our team, under this staff, is set up to succeed.

Enjoy the ride...

[Ham Ham Pigelow]

I'm a Bielema fan boy for sure. But he recently said it himself that the difference between the Big 10 and the SEC is there are no weeks off in the SEC compared to what he experienced at Wisconsin. I suspect that he realizes he'll need to kick it up a notch at Arkansas to consistently compete in the SEC. And sending mostly OL to the league won't cut it. Skill players will have to be developed too.

[Hoggish1]

Here are Bielema's recruiting rankings since 2006 (per Rivals):

Wisconsin:

2006:  40th
2007:  34th
2008:  41st
2009:  43rd
2010:  Not in top 50
2011:  40th
2012:  57th

Arkansas:

2013:  27th
2014:  29th
2015:  25th
2016:  ?

Bielema has coached 35 NFL Draft picks during his head-coaching tenure, including four at Arkansas from the 2014 NFL Draft and five in 2015.  The total is the most in history for a college football head coach with less than 10 years of experience. 

I ask you, do his recruiting rankings add up to the number of NFL picks he has produced?  We are in good hands, and if our recruiting continues to improve there is no telling where we are headed.  Our staff can develop talent as well as (or better) than anyone out there.  We also play a system that helps that talent remain consistent.  Our team, under this staff, is set up to succeed.

Enjoy the ride...

Great post.  My hair is blowing in the breeze as I enjoy the ride...

[RazorPiggie]

Here are Bielema's recruiting rankings since 2006 (per Rivals):

Wisconsin:

2006:  40th
2007:  34th
2008:  41st
2009:  43rd
2010:  Not in top 50
2011:  40th
2012:  57th

Arkansas:

2013:  27th
2014:  29th
2015:  25th
2016:  ?

Bielema has coached 35 NFL Draft picks during his head-coaching tenure, including four at Arkansas from the 2014 NFL Draft and five in 2015.  The total is the most in history for a college football head coach with less than 10 years of experience. 

I ask you, do his recruiting rankings add up to the number of NFL picks he has produced?  We are in good hands, and if our recruiting continues to improve there is no telling where we are headed.  Our staff can develop talent as well as (or better) than anyone out there.  We also play a system that helps that talent remain consistent.  Our team, under this staff, is set up to succeed.

Enjoy the ride...

+1

[Hoggish1]

I'm a Bielema fan boy for sure.

I suspect that he realizes he'll need to kick it up a notch at Arkansas to consistently compete in the SEC. And sending mostly OL to the league won't cut it. Skill players will have to be developed too.

Judging from the list duckman provided he seems to be in the process of kicking it up a notch.

Hair still wildly blowing on the ride...

[Wildhog]

I'm a huge fan of our recruiting in general.  There are still things that I question, and likely always will be.  It's just my nature.

But overall, I'm very happy with our recruiting under CBB. 

The biggest difference between recruiting now and in the past, IMO, is that we're taking FAR fewer "reaches" these days.  I mean, our lowest rated commit just got offered by Florida State!

[JackJohnson]

I'm a huge fan of our recruiting in general.  There are still things that I question, and likely always will be.  It's just my nature.

But overall, I'm very happy with our recruiting under CBB. 

The biggest difference between recruiting now and in the past, IMO, is that we're taking FAR fewer "reaches" these days.  I mean, our lowest rated commit just got offered by Florida State!

agreed.  this class and last year from top to bottom we are getting guys that are WANTED by other schools.  Gone are the years that we had under nutt and petrino where once you got past the "studs" in the class you have a bunch of guys with no other offers that were "sleepers" who you had to "trust the staff" with.  It is always easier to "trust the staff" when they are signing players with dozens other actual offers by other staffs that get paid big money

and to the opening post- I keep a running tally of this very thing in posts after the NFL draft.  Here is the most recent that details not only his draftees, but what their star ratings were- AND how much better his recruiting is now that he has came to Ark which means bigger and better things are coming

Bielema has now had 32 players drafted that he coached while he was HC at Wisconsin (counting the 2 Wisky guys this year)

**All rankings based on scout.com**

1 5*
3 4*
13 3*
9 2* (1st rounder and Def POY Watt who transferred in as a walk on TE, Russell Wilson and 1st RD All Pro Frederick)
6 NO stars (including 3rd overall pick and All Pro Joe Thomas and 4 former Walkons)

Actual NFL Round Drafted:

1st Rd- 6
2nd Rd- 4
3rd Rd- 8
4th Rd- 5
5th Rd- 3
6th Rd- 4
7th Rd- 2

Average scout star rankings of his 32 NFL draft picks- 2.31

Average round drafted for his 32 NFL draft picks- 3.47

Average pick for his 32 NFL draft picks- 103

The past 5 drafts he has had 8 OL picked- 3 1st rounders, 3 2nd, 1 3rd, 1 5th and a 7th.  Those guys were: 5 3*'s, 2 2*'s and NO Star Walk on TE.

2015 1 15 Melvin Gordon Chargers RB Wisconsin 3* #38 RB http://wisconsin.scout.com/player/4639494n-melvin-gordon
2015 2 57 Rob Havenstein Rams OT Wisconsin 3* #42 OT http://wisconsin.scout.com/player/4016300n-rob-havenstein

2014 3 68 Dezmen Southward Falcons FS Wisconsin 2* unranked S http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=8&c=1&yr=2014&nid=4108099
2014 3 77 Chris Borland 49ers MLB Wisconsin 2* #55 MLB http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=8&c=1&yr=2014&nid=3812708
2014 4 130 James White Patriots RB Wisconsin 3* #70 RB http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=8&c=1&yr=2014&nid=4108113
2014 5 176 Jared Abbrederis Packers WR Wisconsin no star unranked walk on WR http://wisconsin.scout.com/2/1355306.html#/2/1355306.html
2014 7 224 Beau Allen Eagles DT Wisconsin 4* #26 DT http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=3566750#/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=3566750

2013 1 31 Travis Frederick Cowboys C Wisconsin 2* #104 OT http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=3292050
2013 2 58 Montee Ball Broncos RB Wisconsin 3* #47 RB http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=3114255
2013 5 168 Ricky Wagner Ravens OT Wisconsin NO star former walk on TE http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=8&c=1&yr=2013&nid=3748887

2012 1 27  Kevin Zeitler Bengals OG Wisconsin 3* #22 OG http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=3126005
2012 2 55  Peter Konz Falcons C Wisconsin 3* #38 OT http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=3044890
2012 3 75  Russell Wilson Seahawks QB Wisconsin 2* #67 QB http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=8&c=1&yr=2012&nid=2508716
2012 4 122 Nick Toon Saints  WR Wisconsin 3* #89 WR http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=2415550
2012 5 157 Bradie Ewing Falcons  FB Wisconsin  no star unranked walk on RB http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=3400974
2012 6 207 Brad Nortman Panthers  P Wisconsin 2* #4 P http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=3202298

2011 1 11  J.J. Watt Texans DE Wisconsin 2* unranked DE http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=8&c=1&yr=2011&nid=2592221
2011 1 29  Gabe Carimi Bears OT Wisconsin 3* unranked OT http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=1776866
2011 2 47  Lance Hendricks Rams TE Wisconsin 4* #12 WR http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=1776750
2011 3 75  John Moffitt Seahawks OG Wisconsin 2* unranked OG http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=1886727
2011 7 252 Bill Nagy Cowboys OG Wisconsin 3* #55 OG http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=8&c=1&nid=1771944

2010 4 118 Garrett Graham Texans TE Wisconsin 2* #53 TE http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=1201226
2010 4 130 O'Brien Schofield Cardinals LB Wisconsin 3* #55 LB http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=1201775

2009 3 71  Matt Shaughnessy Raiders DE Wisconsin 2* unranked DE http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=1199981
2009 3 76  Deandre Levy Lions LB Wisconsin 3* #78 LB http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=1335989
2009 3 79  Kraig Urbik Steelers OG Wisconsin 4* #24 OL http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=661266
2009 3 100 Travis Beckum Giants TE Wisconsin 5* #1 DE http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=708871

2008 4 131 Jack Ikegwuonu Eagles CB Wisconsin NO star unranked CB http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=968625
2008 6 178 Taylor Mehlhall Saints K Wisconsin 3 star unranked K http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=992940
2008 6 181 Nick Hayden Panthers DT Wisconsin 3* #43 DT http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=680190
2008 6 191 Paul Hubbard Browns WR Wisconsin former walk on http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=8&c=1&nid=3262537&yr=2008

2007 1 3   Joe Thomas Browns OT Wisconsin NO star unranked OT http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=269855 

Here is his recruiting class comparisons from Wisconsin to Ark

All Rankings according to Scout

3 Classes at Ark
2015- #21 overall 0 5*, 7 4*, 17 3* 3.29 * average
2014- #33 overall 0 5*, 5 4*, 15 3* 3.04 * average
2013- #32 overall 1 5*, 3 4*, 13 3* 2.96 * average
Total- 1 5*, 15 4*, 45 3*

7 Classes at Wisconsin
2012- #63 overall 0 5*, 5 4*,  4 3* 3.17 * average
2011- #38 overall 0 5*, 1 4*, 17 3* 2.90 * average
2010- #33 overall 0 5*, 1 4*, 17 3* 2.73 * average
2009- #51 overall 0 5*, 2 4*, 11 3* 2.71 * average
2008- #26 overall 0 5*, 1 4*, 18 3* 2.83 * average
2007- #41 overall 1 5*, 2 4*,  9 3* 2.89 * average
2006- #37 overall 0 5*, 2 4*,  8 3* 2.52 * average
Total- 1 5*, 14 4*,  84 3*

Average at UW compared to Ark
UA- #28.7 overall .33 5*, 5 4*, 15 3* 3.10 * average
UW- #41.3 overall .14 5*, 2 4*, 12 3* 2.82 * average

The development he has done is phenomenal.  Imagine what he is going to be able to do now that he has a staff that can coach them up even better than what he had at Wisconsin AND that can bring in more athletically gifted football players as we saw in this past recruiting class

To add to this discussion

Bielema has now had 9 players drafted as HC at Arkansas

**All rankings are from scout.com**

1 4*
5 3*
3 2*

Average scout star rankings of his 9 NFL draft picks- 2.78

Average round drafted for his 32 NFL draft picks- 5.44

Average pick for his 32 NFL draft picks- 167.56

2015 4 101 Trey Flowers Patriots DE Arkansas 2* UR DE http://arkansas.scout.com/player/5397611n-trey-flowers
2015 5 141 Martrell Spaight Redskins LB Arkansas 3* JC OLB http://arkansas.scout.com/player/6510742n-martrell-spaight
2015 6 182 Tevin Mitchell Redskins CB Arkansas 4* #26 CB http://arkansas.scout.com/player/4952075n-tevin-mitchel
2015 6 192 Darius Philon Chargers DT Arkansas 3* #37 DE http://arkansas.scout.com/player/4793446n-darius-philon
2015 6 202 A.J. Derby Patriots TE Arkansas 3* #38 QB http://arkansas.scout.com/player/3973688n-a-j-derby

2014 3 76 Travis Swanson Lions C Arkansas 3* #33 OG http://arkansas.scout.com/player/3651600n-travis-swanson
2014 5 159 Chris Smith Jaguars DE Arkansas 3* #104 OLB http://arkansas.scout.com/player/3743557n-chris-smith
2014 7 227 Kiero Small Seahawks RB Arkansas 2* JC MLB http://arkansas.scout.com/player/5390888n-kiero-small
2014 7 228 Zach Hocker Redskins PK Arkansas 2* #31 K http://arkansas.scout.com/player/4204392n-zach-hocker

In a similar manner as to what he did at Wisconsin where as the years wore on both the amount of players drafted as well as the average draft pick both improved.  That trend is continuing here as last year we had 4 players drafted at an average pick of 172.5.  This year we had 5 players picked at an average of 163.6. 

Now that he is getting better recruits (on paper anyways) I expect us to start having not only more players drafted, but also drafted much earlier then what we have seen these past 2 years.  The trajectory of the Ark football program is definitely pointing upwards...

http://www.hogville.net/yabbse/index.php?topic=592520.msg9689572#msg9689572

[Wildhog]

agreed.  this class and last year from top to bottom we are getting guys that are WANTED by other schools.  Gone are the years that we had under nutt and petrino where once you got past the "studs" in the class you have a bunch of guys with no other offers that were "sleepers" who you had to "trust the staff" with.  It is always easier to "trust the staff" when they are signing players with dozens other actual offers by other staffs that get paid big money

and to the opening post- I keep a running tally of this very thing in posts after the NFL draft.  Here is the most recent that details not only his draftees, but what their star ratings were- AND how much better his recruiting is now that he has came to Ark which means bigger and better things are coming

Bielema has now had 32 players drafted that he coached while he was HC at Wisconsin (counting the 2 Wisky guys this year)

**All rankings based on scout.com**

1 5*
3 4*
13 3*
9 2* (1st rounder and Def POY Watt who transferred in as a walk on TE, Russell Wilson and 1st RD All Pro Frederick)
6 NO stars (including 3rd overall pick and All Pro Joe Thomas and 4 former Walkons)

Actual NFL Round Drafted:

1st Rd- 6
2nd Rd- 4
3rd Rd- 8
4th Rd- 5
5th Rd- 3
6th Rd- 4
7th Rd- 2

Average scout star rankings of his 32 NFL draft picks- 2.31

Average round drafted for his 32 NFL draft picks- 3.47

Average pick for his 32 NFL draft picks- 103

The past 5 drafts he has had 8 OL picked- 3 1st rounders, 3 2nd, 1 3rd, 1 5th and a 7th.  Those guys were: 5 3*'s, 2 2*'s and NO Star Walk on TE.

2015 1 15 Melvin Gordon Chargers RB Wisconsin 3* #38 RB http://wisconsin.scout.com/player/4639494n-melvin-gordon
2015 2 57 Rob Havenstein Rams OT Wisconsin 3* #42 OT http://wisconsin.scout.com/player/4016300n-rob-havenstein

2014 3 68 Dezmen Southward Falcons FS Wisconsin 2* unranked S http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=8&c=1&yr=2014&nid=4108099
2014 3 77 Chris Borland 49ers MLB Wisconsin 2* #55 MLB http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=8&c=1&yr=2014&nid=3812708
2014 4 130 James White Patriots RB Wisconsin 3* #70 RB http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=8&c=1&yr=2014&nid=4108113
2014 5 176 Jared Abbrederis Packers WR Wisconsin no star unranked walk on WR http://wisconsin.scout.com/2/1355306.html#/2/1355306.html
2014 7 224 Beau Allen Eagles DT Wisconsin 4* #26 DT http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=3566750#/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=3566750

2013 1 31 Travis Frederick Cowboys C Wisconsin 2* #104 OT http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=3292050
2013 2 58 Montee Ball Broncos RB Wisconsin 3* #47 RB http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=3114255
2013 5 168 Ricky Wagner Ravens OT Wisconsin NO star former walk on TE http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=8&c=1&yr=2013&nid=3748887

2012 1 27  Kevin Zeitler Bengals OG Wisconsin 3* #22 OG http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=3126005
2012 2 55  Peter Konz Falcons C Wisconsin 3* #38 OT http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=3044890
2012 3 75  Russell Wilson Seahawks QB Wisconsin 2* #67 QB http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=8&c=1&yr=2012&nid=2508716
2012 4 122 Nick Toon Saints  WR Wisconsin 3* #89 WR http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=2415550
2012 5 157 Bradie Ewing Falcons  FB Wisconsin  no star unranked walk on RB http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=3400974
2012 6 207 Brad Nortman Panthers  P Wisconsin 2* #4 P http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=3202298

2011 1 11  J.J. Watt Texans DE Wisconsin 2* unranked DE http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=8&c=1&yr=2011&nid=2592221
2011 1 29  Gabe Carimi Bears OT Wisconsin 3* unranked OT http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=1776866
2011 2 47  Lance Hendricks Rams TE Wisconsin 4* #12 WR http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=1776750
2011 3 75  John Moffitt Seahawks OG Wisconsin 2* unranked OG http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=1886727
2011 7 252 Bill Nagy Cowboys OG Wisconsin 3* #55 OG http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=8&c=1&nid=1771944

2010 4 118 Garrett Graham Texans TE Wisconsin 2* #53 TE http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=1201226
2010 4 130 O'Brien Schofield Cardinals LB Wisconsin 3* #55 LB http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=1201775

2009 3 71  Matt Shaughnessy Raiders DE Wisconsin 2* unranked DE http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=1199981
2009 3 76  Deandre Levy Lions LB Wisconsin 3* #78 LB http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=1335989
2009 3 79  Kraig Urbik Steelers OG Wisconsin 4* #24 OL http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=661266
2009 3 100 Travis Beckum Giants TE Wisconsin 5* #1 DE http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=708871

2008 4 131 Jack Ikegwuonu Eagles CB Wisconsin NO star unranked CB http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=968625
2008 6 178 Taylor Mehlhall Saints K Wisconsin 3 star unranked K http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=992940
2008 6 181 Nick Hayden Panthers DT Wisconsin 3* #43 DT http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=680190
2008 6 191 Paul Hubbard Browns WR Wisconsin former walk on http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=8&c=1&nid=3262537&yr=2008

2007 1 3   Joe Thomas Browns OT Wisconsin NO star unranked OT http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=269855 

Here is his recruiting class comparisons from Wisconsin to Ark

All Rankings according to Scout

3 Classes at Ark
2015- #21 overall 0 5*, 7 4*, 17 3* 3.29 * average
2014- #33 overall 0 5*, 5 4*, 15 3* 3.04 * average
2013- #32 overall 1 5*, 3 4*, 13 3* 2.96 * average
Total- 1 5*, 15 4*, 45 3*

7 Classes at Wisconsin
2012- #63 overall 0 5*, 5 4*,  4 3* 3.17 * average
2011- #38 overall 0 5*, 1 4*, 17 3* 2.90 * average
2010- #33 overall 0 5*, 1 4*, 17 3* 2.73 * average
2009- #51 overall 0 5*, 2 4*, 11 3* 2.71 * average
2008- #26 overall 0 5*, 1 4*, 18 3* 2.83 * average
2007- #41 overall 1 5*, 2 4*,  9 3* 2.89 * average
2006- #37 overall 0 5*, 2 4*,  8 3* 2.52 * average
Total- 1 5*, 14 4*,  84 3*

Average at UW compared to Ark
UA- #28.7 overall .33 5*, 5 4*, 15 3* 3.10 * average
UW- #41.3 overall .14 5*, 2 4*, 12 3* 2.82 * average

The development he has done is phenomenal.  Imagine what he is going to be able to do now that he has a staff that can coach them up even better than what he had at Wisconsin AND that can bring in more athletically gifted football players as we saw in this past recruiting class

To add to this discussion

Bielema has now had 9 players drafted as HC at Arkansas

**All rankings are from scout.com**

1 4*
5 3*
3 2*

Average scout star rankings of his 9 NFL draft picks- 2.78

Average round drafted for his 32 NFL draft picks- 5.44

Average pick for his 32 NFL draft picks- 167.56

2015 4 101 Trey Flowers Patriots DE Arkansas 2* UR DE http://arkansas.scout.com/player/5397611n-trey-flowers
2015 5 141 Martrell Spaight Redskins LB Arkansas 3* JC OLB http://arkansas.scout.com/player/6510742n-martrell-spaight
2015 6 182 Tevin Mitchell Redskins CB Arkansas 4* #26 CB http://arkansas.scout.com/player/4952075n-tevin-mitchel
2015 6 192 Darius Philon Chargers DT Arkansas 3* #37 DE http://arkansas.scout.com/player/4793446n-darius-philon
2015 6 202 A.J. Derby Patriots TE Arkansas 3* #38 QB http://arkansas.scout.com/player/3973688n-a-j-derby

2014 3 76 Travis Swanson Lions C Arkansas 3* #33 OG http://arkansas.scout.com/player/3651600n-travis-swanson
2014 5 159 Chris Smith Jaguars DE Arkansas 3* #104 OLB http://arkansas.scout.com/player/3743557n-chris-smith
2014 7 227 Kiero Small Seahawks RB Arkansas 2* JC MLB http://arkansas.scout.com/player/5390888n-kiero-small
2014 7 228 Zach Hocker Redskins PK Arkansas 2* #31 K http://arkansas.scout.com/player/4204392n-zach-hocker

In a similar manner as to what he did at Wisconsin where as the years wore on both the amount of players drafted as well as the average draft pick both improved.  That trend is continuing here as last year we had 4 players drafted at an average pick of 172.5.  This year we had 5 players picked at an average of 163.6. 

Now that he is getting better recruits (on paper anyways) I expect us to start having not only more players drafted, but also drafted much earlier then what we have seen these past 2 years.  The trajectory of the Ark football program is definitely pointing upwards...

http://www.hogville.net/yabbse/index.php?topic=592520.msg9689572#msg9689572

This post needs to be tweeted out to recruits.

[duckman]

Nice post Jack, that took some effort.... +1

[JackJohnson]

This post needs to be tweeted out to recruits.

maybe we should get the "people around the program" to just hand deliver it to them

[Vantage 8 dude]

I'm a Bielema fan boy for sure. But he recently said it himself that the difference between the Big 10 and the SEC is there are no weeks off in the SEC compared to what he experienced at Wisconsin. I suspect that he realizes he'll need to kick it up a notch at Arkansas to consistently compete in the SEC. And sending mostly OL to the league won't cut it. Skill players will have to be developed too.

Well I think most, if not all of us, would say that CBB is intelligent enough to realize that. Heck, as you pointed out he's already said as much. I think the very balanced approach to the recruiting efforts on both sides of the ball are proof of that. In his own words he's building a solid foundation for the future, and attempting to do it properly the first time around. Give him time.....the good changes are going to continue a'coming.

[greenie]

I'd also like to see one additional statistic:  % of 5*, 4*, 3*, 2*, no *, walk-on players that CBB landed that got drafted.  This would tell me something about how well he's developing players rather than just passing them through the system.  My guess is that these stats would be very good for CBB vs teams that over sign and cut...but that's just a guess. 

I am very proud of our coaching staff and program.  Disciplined, determined, and clean.  I can't remember a time when the overall health of Arkansas athletics was better. 

Thanks, Duck and Jack.  This is a lot of hard work that we all get to enjoy...and on which to propose nonsense extrapolations. :-)

[JIHawg]

Great post Duckman.  Last year's class just seems to be full of studs.

[flagstaffhog]

Nice post Jack, that took some effort.... +1

No Kidding!  +1 to Jack and the duckman...

[sowmonella]

agreed.  this class and last year from top to bottom we are getting guys that are WANTED by other schools.  Gone are the years that we had under nutt and petrino where once you got past the "studs" in the class you have a bunch of guys with no other offers that were "sleepers" who you had to "trust the staff" with.  It is always easier to "trust the staff" when they are signing players with dozens other actual offers by other staffs that get paid big money

and to the opening post- I keep a running tally of this very thing in posts after the NFL draft.  Here is the most recent that details not only his draftees, but what their star ratings were- AND how much better his recruiting is now that he has came to Ark which means bigger and better things are coming

Bielema has now had 32 players drafted that he coached while he was HC at Wisconsin (counting the 2 Wisky guys this year)

**All rankings based on scout.com**

1 5*
3 4*
13 3*
9 2* (1st rounder and Def POY Watt who transferred in as a walk on TE, Russell Wilson and 1st RD All Pro Frederick)
6 NO stars (including 3rd overall pick and All Pro Joe Thomas and 4 former Walkons)

Actual NFL Round Drafted:

1st Rd- 6
2nd Rd- 4
3rd Rd- 8
4th Rd- 5
5th Rd- 3
6th Rd- 4
7th Rd- 2

Average scout star rankings of his 32 NFL draft picks- 2.31

Average round drafted for his 32 NFL draft picks- 3.47

Average pick for his 32 NFL draft picks- 103

The past 5 drafts he has had 8 OL picked- 3 1st rounders, 3 2nd, 1 3rd, 1 5th and a 7th.  Those guys were: 5 3*'s, 2 2*'s and NO Star Walk on TE.

2015 1 15 Melvin Gordon Chargers RB Wisconsin 3* #38 RB http://wisconsin.scout.com/player/4639494n-melvin-gordon
2015 2 57 Rob Havenstein Rams OT Wisconsin 3* #42 OT http://wisconsin.scout.com/player/4016300n-rob-havenstein

2014 3 68 Dezmen Southward Falcons FS Wisconsin 2* unranked S http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=8&c=1&yr=2014&nid=4108099
2014 3 77 Chris Borland 49ers MLB Wisconsin 2* #55 MLB http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=8&c=1&yr=2014&nid=3812708
2014 4 130 James White Patriots RB Wisconsin 3* #70 RB http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=8&c=1&yr=2014&nid=4108113
2014 5 176 Jared Abbrederis Packers WR Wisconsin no star unranked walk on WR http://wisconsin.scout.com/2/1355306.html#/2/1355306.html
2014 7 224 Beau Allen Eagles DT Wisconsin 4* #26 DT http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=3566750#/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=3566750

2013 1 31 Travis Frederick Cowboys C Wisconsin 2* #104 OT http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=3292050
2013 2 58 Montee Ball Broncos RB Wisconsin 3* #47 RB http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=3114255
2013 5 168 Ricky Wagner Ravens OT Wisconsin NO star former walk on TE http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=8&c=1&yr=2013&nid=3748887

2012 1 27  Kevin Zeitler Bengals OG Wisconsin 3* #22 OG http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=3126005
2012 2 55  Peter Konz Falcons C Wisconsin 3* #38 OT http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=3044890
2012 3 75  Russell Wilson Seahawks QB Wisconsin 2* #67 QB http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=8&c=1&yr=2012&nid=2508716
2012 4 122 Nick Toon Saints  WR Wisconsin 3* #89 WR http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=2415550
2012 5 157 Bradie Ewing Falcons  FB Wisconsin  no star unranked walk on RB http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=3400974
2012 6 207 Brad Nortman Panthers  P Wisconsin 2* #4 P http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=3202298

2011 1 11  J.J. Watt Texans DE Wisconsin 2* unranked DE http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=8&c=1&yr=2011&nid=2592221
2011 1 29  Gabe Carimi Bears OT Wisconsin 3* unranked OT http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=1776866
2011 2 47  Lance Hendricks Rams TE Wisconsin 4* #12 WR http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=1776750
2011 3 75  John Moffitt Seahawks OG Wisconsin 2* unranked OG http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=1886727
2011 7 252 Bill Nagy Cowboys OG Wisconsin 3* #55 OG http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=8&c=1&nid=1771944

2010 4 118 Garrett Graham Texans TE Wisconsin 2* #53 TE http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=1201226
2010 4 130 O'Brien Schofield Cardinals LB Wisconsin 3* #55 LB http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=1201775

2009 3 71  Matt Shaughnessy Raiders DE Wisconsin 2* unranked DE http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=1199981
2009 3 76  Deandre Levy Lions LB Wisconsin 3* #78 LB http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=1335989
2009 3 79  Kraig Urbik Steelers OG Wisconsin 4* #24 OL http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=661266
2009 3 100 Travis Beckum Giants TE Wisconsin 5* #1 DE http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=708871

2008 4 131 Jack Ikegwuonu Eagles CB Wisconsin NO star unranked CB http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=968625
2008 6 178 Taylor Mehlhall Saints K Wisconsin 3 star unranked K http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=992940
2008 6 181 Nick Hayden Panthers DT Wisconsin 3* #43 DT http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=680190
2008 6 191 Paul Hubbard Browns WR Wisconsin former walk on http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=8&c=1&nid=3262537&yr=2008

2007 1 3   Joe Thomas Browns OT Wisconsin NO star unranked OT http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p=8&c=1&nid=269855 

Here is his recruiting class comparisons from Wisconsin to Ark

All Rankings according to Scout

3 Classes at Ark
2015- #21 overall 0 5*, 7 4*, 17 3* 3.29 * average
2014- #33 overall 0 5*, 5 4*, 15 3* 3.04 * average
2013- #32 overall 1 5*, 3 4*, 13 3* 2.96 * average
Total- 1 5*, 15 4*, 45 3*

7 Classes at Wisconsin
2012- #63 overall 0 5*, 5 4*,  4 3* 3.17 * average
2011- #38 overall 0 5*, 1 4*, 17 3* 2.90 * average
2010- #33 overall 0 5*, 1 4*, 17 3* 2.73 * average
2009- #51 overall 0 5*, 2 4*, 11 3* 2.71 * average
2008- #26 overall 0 5*, 1 4*, 18 3* 2.83 * average
2007- #41 overall 1 5*, 2 4*,  9 3* 2.89 * average
2006- #37 overall 0 5*, 2 4*,  8 3* 2.52 * average
Total- 1 5*, 14 4*,  84 3*

Average at UW compared to Ark
UA- #28.7 overall .33 5*, 5 4*, 15 3* 3.10 * average
UW- #41.3 overall .14 5*, 2 4*, 12 3* 2.82 * average

The development he has done is phenomenal.  Imagine what he is going to be able to do now that he has a staff that can coach them up even better than what he had at Wisconsin AND that can bring in more athletically gifted football players as we saw in this past recruiting class

To add to this discussion

Bielema has now had 9 players drafted as HC at Arkansas

**All rankings are from scout.com**

1 4*
5 3*
3 2*

Average scout star rankings of his 9 NFL draft picks- 2.78

Average round drafted for his 32 NFL draft picks- 5.44

Average pick for his 32 NFL draft picks- 167.56

2015 4 101 Trey Flowers Patriots DE Arkansas 2* UR DE http://arkansas.scout.com/player/5397611n-trey-flowers
2015 5 141 Martrell Spaight Redskins LB Arkansas 3* JC OLB http://arkansas.scout.com/player/6510742n-martrell-spaight
2015 6 182 Tevin Mitchell Redskins CB Arkansas 4* #26 CB http://arkansas.scout.com/player/4952075n-tevin-mitchel
2015 6 192 Darius Philon Chargers DT Arkansas 3* #37 DE http://arkansas.scout.com/player/4793446n-darius-philon
2015 6 202 A.J. Derby Patriots TE Arkansas 3* #38 QB http://arkansas.scout.com/player/3973688n-a-j-derby

2014 3 76 Travis Swanson Lions C Arkansas 3* #33 OG http://arkansas.scout.com/player/3651600n-travis-swanson
2014 5 159 Chris Smith Jaguars DE Arkansas 3* #104 OLB http://arkansas.scout.com/player/3743557n-chris-smith
2014 7 227 Kiero Small Seahawks RB Arkansas 2* JC MLB http://arkansas.scout.com/player/5390888n-kiero-small
2014 7 228 Zach Hocker Redskins PK Arkansas 2* #31 K http://arkansas.scout.com/player/4204392n-zach-hocker

In a similar manner as to what he did at Wisconsin where as the years wore on both the amount of players drafted as well as the average draft pick both improved.  That trend is continuing here as last year we had 4 players drafted at an average pick of 172.5.  This year we had 5 players picked at an average of 163.6. 

Now that he is getting better recruits (on paper anyways) I expect us to start having not only more players drafted, but also drafted much earlier then what we have seen these past 2 years.  The trajectory of the Ark football program is definitely pointing upwards...

http://www.hogville.net/yabbse/index.php?topic=592520.msg9689572#msg9689572

Nice Job Jack.

[hawginbigd1]

Great post Duckman.  Last year's class just seems to be full of studs.

My thoughts exactly, the class was ranked 20 to 25, but IMO it is one of the best ever landed at Arkansas! Just adding to my belief that stars matter a lot less than most believe. I will take last years class every year from now to eternity if they are as good as i believe they are.

+1 to Duckman and Jack

[Bubba's Bruisers]

I'm a huge fan of our recruiting in general.  There are still things that I question, and likely always will be.  It's just my nature.

But overall, I'm very happy with our recruiting under CBB. 

The biggest difference between recruiting now and in the past, IMO, is that we're taking FAR fewer "reaches" these days.  I mean, our lowest rated commit just got offered by Florida State!

Yes, and we are more balanced in our classes talent-wise with an obvious improved emphasis on linemen...the most important position.

[Pig in the Pokey]

I'm a huge fan of our recruiting in general.  There are still things that I question, and likely always will be.  It's just my nature.

But overall, I'm very happy with our recruiting under CBB. 

The biggest difference between recruiting now and in the past, IMO, is that we're taking FAR fewer "reaches" these days.  I mean, our lowest rated commit just got offered by Florida State!

and we are actually recruiting to our needs. Our coaches aren't star gazing and taking 4* reaches. It's nice.

[hawgwash]

What great posts by both duckman and JackJohnson.  +1 to both of you.

[hawgwash]

I'd also like to see one additional statistic:  % of 5*, 4*, 3*, 2*, no *, walk-on players that CBB landed that got drafted. This would tell me something about how well he's developing players rather than just passing them through the system.  My guess is that these stats would be very good for CBB vs teams that over sign and cut...but that's just a guess. 

I am very proud of our coaching staff and program.  Disciplined, determined, and clean.  I can't remember a time when the overall health of Arkansas athletics was better. 

Thanks, Duck and Jack.  This is a lot of hard work that we all get to enjoy...and on which to propose nonsense extrapolations. :-)

Uhhhm, yeah, I'm gonna need you to go ahead and come in on Saturday and create that report.

[Pig in the Pokey]

This post needs to be tweeted out to recruits.

i PM'd it to Devin
hope u don't mind Jack.

[jgphillips3]

That was a beautiful post Jack. +1

[LAHOG1962]

Outstanding posts Jack and Duck. In recruiting you have to have something to sell. The NFL is our best sell right now. That is why so many of our most coveted recruits are offensive linemen. Defensive line is picking up also. As we become a powerhouse, we will have many positions that upgrade. All kids dream of playing in the league. Some schools that have nothing to sell will buy what they need to compete. Shortly , we will sell big bowl games,championships, and the NFL.

[hawgwash]

I'm a Bielema fan boy for sure. But he recently said it himself that the difference between the Big 10 and the SEC is there are no weeks off in the SEC compared to what he experienced at Wisconsin. I suspect that he realizes he'll need to kick it up a notch at Arkansas to consistently compete in the SEC. And sending mostly OL to the league won't cut it. Skill players will have to be developed too.

If you look through JackJohnson's post you'll see a fair number of RBs, TEs, CBs, and WRs.  Even a QB (Russell Wilson; even though Jack listed AJ Derby as a QB I'd have to consider him a TE).

[carolinahogger]

Uhhhm, yeah, I'm gonna need you to go ahead and come in on Saturday and create that report.

That would be great.

[ricepig]

Nice post Jack, that took some effort.... +1

10-4, I couldn't even read all of it and I liked it!

[3Bombs]

Wisconsin:

2006:  40th
2007:  34th
2008:  41st
2009:  43rd
2010:  Not in top 50
2011:  40th
2012:  57th

This shows how good CBB and staff has been at developing players.

[Paul]

10-4, I couldn't even read all of it and I liked it!

i'd be thrilled with our record to be 10-4 this year! 
thanks to Duck & Jack!  :razorback:

[ChiTown27]

Here are Bielema's recruiting rankings since 2006 (per Rivals):

Wisconsin:

2006:  40th
2007:  34th
2008:  41st
2009:  43rd
2010:  Not in top 50
2011:  40th
2012:  57th

Arkansas:

2013:  27th
2014:  29th
2015:  25th
2016:  ?

Bielema has coached 35 NFL Draft picks during his head-coaching tenure, including four at Arkansas from the 2014 NFL Draft and five in 2015.  The total is the most in history for a college football head coach with less than 10 years of experience. 

I ask you, do his recruiting rankings add up to the number of NFL picks he has produced?  We are in good hands, and if our recruiting continues to improve there is no telling where we are headed.  Our staff can develop talent as well as (or better) than anyone out there.  We also play a system that helps that talent remain consistent.  Our team, under this staff, is set up to succeed.

Enjoy the ride...

I'd be interested to know what Wisconsin's average conference opponent recruiting ranking was in those years. It's all relative. We are up against several top-ten recruiting classes every season. Aside from Ohio State, who up there had a strong class?

Not trying to be argumentative, but trying to compare apples to apples.

[hammer66]

I'd be interested to know what Wisconsin's average conference opponent recruiting ranking was in those years. It's all relative. We are up against several top-ten recruiting classes every season. Aside from Ohio State, who up there had a strong class?

Not trying to be argumentative, but trying to compare apples to apples.

I think your missing the point of the post. CBB had very low ranked recruiting classes and yet he was able to produce more NFL talent than would be expected. CBB's success in getting players to the NFL is very impressive and it is based on star ratings and recruiting class ranking.
That makes it apples to apples regardless of the conference

[redeye]

agreed.  this class and last year from top to bottom we are getting guys that are WANTED by other schools.  Gone are the years that we had under nutt and petrino where once you got past the "studs" in the class you have a bunch of guys with no other offers that were "sleepers" who you had to "trust the staff" with.  It is always easier to "trust the staff" when they are signing players with dozens other actual offers by other staffs that get paid big money
...

Wow, great post Jack!

Btw, I have little doubt that we'll sign more higher rated recruits over time, but I also think it's possible that our recruiting ranking could decrease as we sign fewer players some years.  Look at Bielema's 2012 class for an example, because it had the highest player average at Wisconsin (2nd overall), but was still the lowest ranked overall.  This was the class he signed the year before he left to come here and it only had 13 players, which is less then the 20 needed to avoid being penalized with 247 (I don't know about Scout).

That's just something to keep in mind for the future, since we could have an outstanding class, but not receive recognition for it.  Also another reason to not put too much stock into recruiting rankings, since Wisconsin's lowest ranked class included the most 4* players they'd signed under Bielema.

[ChiTown27]

I think your missing the point of the post. CBB had very low ranked recruiting classes and yet he was able to produce more NFL talent than would be expected. CBB's success in getting players to the NFL is very impressive and it is based on star ratings and recruiting class ranking.
That makes it apples to apples regardless of the conference

I see. Yes, I was missing the point. I was thinking it was going the angle of recruiting class ranking relative to wins and losses.

[redeye]

Our lowest rated recruit, Hayden Johnson, now has an offer to Nebraska, to go along with the FSU offer.  We're now signing players that have some of history's best teams fighting over them, but some of our fans will surely consider him ranked too low for Arkansas.

[regi]

These rankings show two things, CBB does not cheat in recruiting and Rivals has never favored Arkansas' recruiting as much as 247 or ESPN.

[Hawghiggs]

 The biggest difference between Arkansas and Wisconsin will be the simple fact that we are closer to more talented areas. This will bold well for us in the long run as Bielema starts to build a solid program. I look to see more higher rated players coming out of Louisiana, Missouri, and Texas wanting to be Razorbacks.   

[duckman]

A certain person with the initials D.W. has read this thread....

[Wildhog]

A certain person with the initials D.W. has read this thread....

DONNIE WAHLBERG?!?!?

[duckman]

DONNIE WAHLBERG?!?!?

Yep, he is a big fan of Hogville....

[shifty]

Here are Bielema's recruiting rankings since 2006 (per Rivals):

Wisconsin:

2006:  40th
2007:  34th
2008:  41st
2009:  43rd
2010:  Not in top 50
2011:  40th
2012:  57th

Arkansas:

2013:  27th
2014:  29th
2015:  25th
2016:  ?

Bielema has coached 35 NFL Draft picks during his head-coaching tenure, including four at Arkansas from the 2014 NFL Draft and five in 2015.  The total is the most in history for a college football head coach with less than 10 years of experience. 

I ask you, do his recruiting rankings add up to the number of NFL picks he has produced?  We are in good hands, and if our recruiting continues to improve there is no telling where we are headed.  Our staff can develop talent as well as (or better) than anyone out there.  We also play a system that helps that talent remain consistent.  Our team, under this staff, is set up to succeed.

Enjoy the ride...

Some great info thx...We're in good hands...#1-0

[sowmonella]

A certain person with the initials D.W. has read this thread....

I hope he's studied the facts you and Jack compiled.

[WorfHog]

A certain person with the initials D.W. has read this thread....

GAMECHANGER!

[HOGINTENNESSEE]

I'm a Bielema fan boy for sure. But he recently said it himself that the difference between the Big 10 and the SEC is there are no weeks off in the SEC compared to what he experienced at Wisconsin. I suspect that he realizes he'll need to kick it up a notch at Arkansas to consistently compete in the SEC. And sending mostly OL to the league won't cut it. Skill players will have to be developed too.

You may need to recheck the stats. He has sent a lot more than OL to the NFL

[duckman]

GAMECHANGER!

[Pig in the Pokey]

Our lowest rated recruit, Hayden Johnson, now has an offer to Nebraska, to go along with the FSU offer.  We're now signing players that have some of history's best teams fighting over them, but some of our fans will surely consider him ranked too low for Arkansas.

yeah, they dumb

[Pig in the Pokey]

I hope he's studied the facts you and Jack compiled.

he did, i already told you guys. i copied and sent it all to him and he said thanks.

[Pig in the Pokey]

GAMECHANGER!

GAMECHANGER!!!

[Pig in the Pokey]

you see it on that weapon x thread on FB?

[duckman]

you see it on that weapon x thread on FB?

Nope, link?  It was from my computer...  :razorback:

[duckman]

you see it on that weapon x thread on FB?

Found it, nice...

[Pig in the Pokey]

Found it, nice...