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[Oklahawg]

Y'all notice how this is working?

CBB brings in 3-5 recruits at a time. A couple are commits, often in-staters. The others are able to get the royal treatment.

Also, the flipped commits are brought in late and told to hold their public commit until after they are "sure" following the visit. Of course they will be on a post-visit high and that helps slow the counter-measures from the original school that held the commit.

An interesting shift after the Nutt era massive party of recruits, many of whom had little interest in UA but got a free trip. Or Petrino, who would bring all the in-staters in the same weekend for a "down home" event.

Now, the last weekend is used to clean up loose ends and to make sure you have a couple of back-up plans. Jackson is no back-up plan - he is the target LB from months ago. He gets a boatload of attention this weekend and that should seal the deal.

[Oklahawg]

A point I am confused on - are we still recruiting Kylan Johnson of Dallas Skyline? Is he a safety recruit or a LB recruit? If a safety recruit that we are still pursuing can you parse out the rank-order of Johnson and Scott, the safety from LA we are bringing in?

[OnTheHillHogFan]

A point I am confused on - are we still recruiting Kylan Johnson of Dallas Skyline? Is he a safety recruit or a LB recruit? If a safety recruit that we are still pursuing can you parse out the rank-order of Johnson and Scott, the safety from LA we are bringing in?

It seems like he is an afterthought for Texas Tech and us.

[Oklahawg]

It seems like he is an afterthought for Texas Tech and us.

Academics? Doesn't seem to small for LB...too slow for safety? Fascinating how guys have several teams go sour on them, while others become the flavor d'jour attracting tons of attention all of a sudden.

[Music City Hog]

We aren't bringing Scott in

[Oklahawg]

Pardon the self-adulation, but I like this post. Maybe it fits here?

Gosh, no need to overthink this. Just follow along with what we DO know.

The staff made contact with hundreds of players over the past 2 years. They are well-connected with hundreds of coaches across the country. They continue to mine those contacts to see what pops up.

Do you really think that the only 4-star or 5-star athletes are those that get those designations the summer prior to their senior year? Many earned them as juniors at camps and combines. Many, of course, peak early (so to speak) and are really not a 4-star talent by the time signing day rolls around, but that is another story.

The staff is paying attention to sources who say certain recruits might be waffling, or others who might be open to UA after our season. Or, because of new coaches, etc.

The biggest thing to factor in to our prognostications and rumormongering: other schools are telling players "no", or otherwise filling up their slots. OU and Arkansas felt that Jalin Barnett was not capable of jumping outside to tackle and encouraged him to find a school that wanted him as a guard, or did feel he could move outside. Nebraska is happy with Barnett's commitment. Nebraska was NOT going to get Barnett 3 months ago. Not even a ghost of a chance.

If I have it accurately, Barnett had little interest in NU until UA went another direction. NU has recruited Lawton well (Will Shields, anyone?) in the past and mined those resources when Barnett went from a virtual UA lock to "open".

Don't obsess too hard on those stars, the coaches at UA are not. Yes, some coaches at some schools do (and they help drive the star system). The coaches are looking for players who can grow into an all-SEC player in 3-4 years. That is different than players ready to compete tomorrow in the SEC. One is not better than the other, but they are different.

UA coaches are probably enjoying this - they get a chance to swing for the fences numerous times, all in an attempt to fill one final slot in the recruiting class. Outside of the possibility of Hill's WR slot, I don't see us worrying about even a back-up plan. Tells me we are comfortable with the 21 locked up and the handful of candidates left for the final 4. Er, 3...we are using that final slot for a HR recruit that we swoop in and land late in the game.

Recruiting is very fickle - thousands viewed on film or in person, hundreds of contacts, each getting dozens of letters and phone calls. Many getting visits from coaches. Fifty-plus official visits available each year. Twenty-five LOIs per class. The odds are already low that you land a recruit.

When you are angling for that #25 kid the way we are, we will likely whiff on a LOT of players. Hey, we got Zuniga to visit! Might still see a nice defensive surprise or two this weekend (that is what I hear, but many readers of this thread won't like that). We will chase that RB and likely will scour the streets for a WR, just in case.

I like this end game better than the end game that produced a wonderful player, Malcolm Sheppard. Tracy Rocker and another UA assistant were literally going town to town in GA looking for unfound DL recruits. They would call back after every HS to see what others had found. The UA DL list that year was exhausted by November. They were starting over in December. Miraculously, we found Sheppard. I see no recruit "popping up" we haven't already looked at. We are going back over familiar territory to see who might be available.

I think that last-minute names are of this variety. Either the solid prospect that we thought was headed elsewhere, but might not be so we give it the "old college try" this last week (what with most slots sewn up, even if only 21 are known publicly). Or, a last minute find that might be worthy of a spot and few others are chasing. Maybe even one of those "bring them in on the sly" recruits that you don't want to advertise to others too much.

Maybe I'm overthinking the last weekend. I just see UA really having all bases covered and very little drama left to sort through. Well, there is THAT drama but I think fans and parents have made more of it than the recruit and CBB. If they visit, it is a very good sign.

3-4 total this weekend, at least one who commits on the visit (or maybe even publicizes a long-standing silent commit) and a couple we would entertain should a disaster hit elsewhere the final 3 days.

I like the no-drama signing day.

[Oklahawg]

We aren't bringing Scott in

Thanks, that narrows the choices even more, doesn't it? Who is actually left on the wish list?

Weathersby, Hill, K Jackson, King...

Johnson?

[WBC Hog]

Dang. This is a nice thread. +1

[Oklahawg]

Dang. This is a nice thread. +1

Thanks!

[RazorBassin]

Dang. This is a nice thread. +1

Agree!

[MissippHog]

Y'all notice how this is working?

CBB brings in 3-5 recruits at a time. A couple are commits, often in-staters. The others are able to get the royal treatment.

Also, the flipped commits are brought in late and told to hold their public commit until after they are "sure" following the visit. Of course they will be on a post-visit high and that helps slow the counter-measures from the original school that held the commit.

An interesting shift after the Nutt era massive party of recruits, many of whom had little interest in UA but got a free trip. Or Petrino, who would bring all the in-staters in the same weekend for a "down home" event.

Now, the last weekend is used to clean up loose ends and to make sure you have a couple of back-up plans. Jackson is no back-up plan - he is the target LB from months ago. He gets a boatload of attention this weekend and that should seal the deal.

I really like this staff's approach to recruiting. 

Remember the days when we would bring in 20 recruits and how frustrating it was when we wouldn't get a single commit?

[redeye]

A point I am confused on - are we still recruiting Kylan Johnson of Dallas Skyline? Is he a safety recruit or a LB recruit? If a safety recruit that we are still pursuing can you parse out the rank-order of Johnson and Scott, the safety from LA we are bringing in?

I agree with your earlier statements and also find myself confused with Kylan.  Right now it seems like names are popping up all over the place, but I'm not sure if any amount to much.  I think it was Trey Biddy who said today that we were still working on Rayshad Jackson.  So we may not know much, but it's quite obvious that this staff is still working hard to find the right pieces.

[BoynamedWooPigSooie]

Regarding Barnett to Nebraska you left out the most important factor to that ordeal.

Barnett was pretty high on Oregon St., he had built a relationship w/ coaches there.  Mike Riley takes the Nebraska job and the concerns about being thousands of miles from his grandparents are gone and add in OU and Arkansas dropping him down their lists as the classes filled up Nebraska became the best program for him that just happened to be fairly close to home and coaches he liked were now there.

I don't believe old Nebraska connections from coaches that are long gone were a bigger factor than Riley getting the job there.

[Tim Harris]

Thanks, that narrows the choices even more, doesn't it? Who is actually left on the wish list?

Weathersby, Hill, K Jackson, King...

Johnson?

I'm sure we could probably get back in on King but right now he isn't an option because of numbers and has said he will stick with FAU.

3 spots we know who they are held for but that last spot seems to be a question mark for everyone.

[HoggusMaximus]

Weathersby just went from 41% to 57%on the crystal ball. Looks like someone knows something.

[VirginiaHog]

I am confident coaches know Weatberby and Jackson are committed. That only leaves 2. On will go to Hill or King if Hill signs elsewhere. So we really only have one spot. I am curious who gets it. I almost bet it is someone unexpected but a plan A guy.

[WooPig90]

Thanks, that narrows the choices even more, doesn't it? Who is actually left on the wish list?

Weathersby, Hill, K Jackson, King...

Johnson?

Seems about right, except I havent heard much on Johnson lately which seems odd. Also I think maybe we are looking at Hunter Dale now instead?

[JIHawg]

Good point OP.  I have noticed the small number of visitors instead of a large group.  I'm thinking this is a good approach.  Anything Bielema does seems to be well thought out.

[WooPig90]

We aren't bringing Scott in

Idk about that, he just tweeted WPS

[hogrocker]

I don't think there are any unexpected, super-secret, Plan A studs that are gonna flip to us on signing day.  I know the last couple of years people have expected that, and been wrong for the most part.  If anything, Bielema has shown that he's not afraid to sign less than a full class.  That's not gonna make our ranking look great, but he doesn't care about that.  He's not going to waste a scholly on someone who either isn't good enough, doesn't fit our system, isn't the right kind of person, or can't cut it academically.  That may make people upset when we sign 23 guys and have a lower ranked class;  it makes me feel much more at ease than I have with prior coaches.  It seems to be working, if you look at the way we've improved.

[PorkRinds]

I don't think there are any unexpected, super-secret, Plan A studs that are gonna flip to us on signing day.  I know the last couple of years people have expected that, and been wrong for the most part.  If anything, Bielema has shown that he's not afraid to sign less than a full class.  That's not gonna make our ranking look great, but he doesn't care about that.  He's not going to waste a scholly on someone who either isn't good enough, doesn't fit our system, isn't the right kind of person, or can't cut it academically.  That may make people upset when we sign 23 guys and have a lower ranked class;  it makes me feel much more at ease than I have with prior coaches.  It seems to be working, if you look at the way we've improved.

The ranking only counts the top 20 IIRC, so leaving one spot open wouldn't hurt our ranking. 

[JaketheSnake]

Is Reed a good enough WR that we leave a spot open for him to see if he qualifies?  If he doesnt, we have an extra spot for next signing class?

[WooPig90]

Is Reed a good enough WR that we leave a spot open for him to see if he qualifies?  If he doesnt, we have an extra spot for next signing class?

If he signs and doesnt qualify, his spot would still count for the class, therefore we would not have an extra spot next year. Just an extra scholarship

[colbs]

Is Reed a good enough WR that we leave a spot open for him to see if he qualifies?  If he doesnt, we have an extra spot for next signing class?

They took a chance on Treatola and it ended up working out. 

[Chief Mac]

They took a chance on Treatola and it ended up working out. 

maybe the staff thought the risk/reward was worth it for an OL vs WR given what our offensive scheme is.....maybe

[Vantage 8 dude]

They took a chance on Treatola and it ended up working out.

True; however, not all "bullets you dodge" are created equal. Don't know whether or not this is the case here, just saying..........

[colbs]

True; however, not all "bullets you dodge" are created equal. Don't know whether or not this is the case here, just saying..........

Oh I agree.  I imagine it will just depend on how they feel about his chances and if they want to risk a spot. 

[Oklahawg]

They also thought Tretola might be able to get enrolled mid-term (take 8-week classes I guess). Then, they thought first session of summer school. Then, barely made it in August.

Reed is someone they know right now is a risk to ever get here. I think that ship has sailed.

[JaketheSnake]

If he signs and doesnt qualify, his spot would still count for the class, therefore we would not have an extra spot next year. Just an extra scholarship

He doesnt have to sign on signing day.  We could wait him out as long as we wanted to to see if he qualifies at the end of spring.  Dont sign him until they see his grades.  If he doesnt make the grades, he doesnt sign and we get to keep the spot for 2016

Im not saying this is happening, just an idea.

[Oklahawg]

He doesnt have to sign on signing day.  We could wait him out as long as we wanted to to see if he qualifies at the end of spring.  Dont sign him until they see his grades.  If he doesnt make the grades, he doesnt sign and we get to keep the spot for 2016

Im not saying this is happening, just an idea.

A distinct possibility.

[redleg]

I don't think Brandon Scott is visiting anymore.
The candidates for the last four scholies are Toby Weathersby, Kendrick Jackson, Kylan Johnson, Dominique Reed (IF his grades work out), and KJ Hill.
Johnson (6'3" 205 lbs.4.5) will be a safety in college. The coaching staff will help make him stronger and faster, although he could develop into an OLB.

[WooPig90]

I don't think Brandon Scott is visiting anymore.
The candidates for the last four scholies are Toby Weathersby, Kendrick Jackson, Kylan Johnson, Dominique Reed (IF his grades work out), and KJ Hill.
Johnson (6'3" 205 lbs.4.5) will be a safety in college. The coaching staff will help make him stronger and faster, although he could develop into an OLB.

He tweeted WPS a few hours ago so idk he may still visit

[jjdlc]

He doesnt have to sign on signing day.  We could wait him out as long as we wanted to to see if he qualifies at the end of spring.  Dont sign him until they see his grades.  If he doesnt make the grades, he doesnt sign and we get to keep the spot for 2016

Im not saying this is happening, just an idea.

That is possible, but it is a gamble for Reed, if he wants to play for a power 5, he has to get his name on an LOI before all the spots are gone, and not many are going to have spots left open. 

That said, I read something a few weeks ago that indicated that Reed couldn't possibly get SEC eligible until at least after the first summer session.  That is a long time to wait.

[colbs]

He doesnt have to sign on signing day.  We could wait him out as long as we wanted to to see if he qualifies at the end of spring.  Dont sign him until they see his grades.  If he doesnt make the grades, he doesnt sign and we get to keep the spot for 2016

Im not saying this is happening, just an idea.

Didn't think about that but probably a possibility.

[VirginiaHog]

No. He would sign elsewhere b4 waiting on us and everyone being full.

[JaketheSnake]

No. He would sign elsewhere b4 waiting on us and everyone being full.

Most likely.

[hawginbigd1]

We aren't bringing Scott in

Are you sure about this?

[colbs]

Per RD's update it looks like Scott may visit.

[Oklahawg]

Not shamelessly bumping here, but really wanting to revisit the OP in light of the visits.

If Weathersby was not a silent commit wouldn't we be looking to bring in another offensive player?

If KJackson was not an AZ commit on the technicality that CBB wants you to visit before committing he'd be a Hog already. Right?

We are bringing in Scott but not Johnson? That is one safety for one (it appears) safety slot. Right?

Maybe Hill visits Saturday and Sunday, after his hoops game Friday night. He gets the final slot. But, if not, James King will get it, right?

No extra recruits being dragged along for the ride. (One is one too many, but that is another post for a slow day on HV.) 

And, for fans, a very clear message about what we think about the various talents in the class.

[Steef]

And, for fans, a very clear message about what we think about the various talents in the class.

[Oklahawg]

Notice, too, that is I have read the tea leaves we are choosing between KJ Hill and James King.

The in-state recruit that many obsess about, or an out-of-state LB prospect.

Tells me we like Stewart and Pettway a lot at WR.

Tells me also that King is a fine LB. How many years would we have begged for an LB of his caliber? (Hint: Most years in the SEC.)

[Bubba's Bruisers]

Notice, too, that is I have read the tea leaves we are choosing between KJ Hill and James King.

The in-state recruit that many obsess about, or an out-of-state LB prospect.

Tells me we like Stewart and Pettway a lot at WR.

Tells me also that King is a fine LB. How many years would we have begged for an LB of his caliber? (Hint: Most years in the SEC.)

Except all the evidence doesn't say we're choosing between Hill and King.  It appears we're waiting for Hill to choose. If he doesn't choose us, then we'll choose King.

The evidence suggests our feelings about Stewart and Pettway are irrelevant regarding this matter.

[JaketheSnake]

WR vs LB... Not WR vs WR. Meaning we like who we have committed at WR now, but won't turn down an instater.

Except all the evidence doesn't say we're choosing between Hill and King.  It appears we're waiting for Hill to choose. If he doesn't choose us, then we'll choose King.

The evidence suggests our feelings about Stewart and Pettway are irrelevant regarding this matter.

[Bubba's Bruisers]

WR vs LB... Not WR vs WR. Meaning we like who we have committed at WR now, but won't turn down an instater.

My point is that if it were that simple, then we'd just move on and take the LB.  But we aren't.  We're waiting for Hill, because we want him, regardless of Stewart amd Pettway, but Hill may not want us.  Meanwhile, the LB waits.

But, sure, I have no doubt they like Stewart and Pettway.

[JaketheSnake]

My point is that if it were that simple, then we'd just move on and take the LB.  But we aren't.  We're waiting for Hill, because we want him, regardless of Stewart amd Pettway, but Hill may not want us.  Meanwhile, the LB waits.

But, sure, I have no doubt they like Stewart and Pettway.

Thats the point being made...

[Bubba's Bruisers]

Thats the point being made...

So you think we are choosing between Hill and King right now?  If so, why haven't we made that choice yet?

I'm willing to admit maybe we aren't on the same page here with the wording.

[Uncommon]

So you think we are choosing between Hill and King right now?  If so, why haven't we made that choice yet?

We're not choosing between them right now.  We've chosen to try and convince Hill to officially visit.  If we get that visit, we see what decision he makes between Alabama, Arkansas, and Ohio State.  If he chooses us, great.  If he chooses one of the other two, we make a call to Mr. King to see if he still wants to be a Hog.  If we don't get a visit this weekend, I imagine we make a quick phone call down to the 305 and give James King the green light to come aboard if he wants to.

But I think the staff has come to a consensus of taking KJ Hill over James King if both wanted to come aboard.

[JaketheSnake]

So you think we are choosing between Hill and King right now?  If so, why haven't we made that choice yet?

I'm willing to admit maybe we aren't on the same page here with the wording.

Must be the wording.  We
Are choosing Hill, then King... But the point was we are happy with what we have at WR right now so those two get the "best available player" spot

[Bubba's Bruisers]

Must be the wording.  We
Are choosing Hill, then King... But the point was we are happy with what we have at WR right now so those two get the "best available player" spot

I agree, except that this scenario somehow proves we are happy with the WR's we have right now.  Especially given we want to choose the WR over the LB for the last spot.

Again, I'm certain they're very happy with out WR commits, but this issue doesn't reflect that fact in any way.

We're not choosing between them right now.  We've chosen to try and convince Hill to officially visit.  If we get that visit, we see what decision he makes between Alabama, Arkansas, and Ohio State.  If he chooses us, great.  If he chooses one of the other two, we make a call to Mr. King to see if he still wants to be a Hog.  If we don't get a visit this weekend, I imagine we make a quick phone call down to the 305 and give James King the green light to come aboard if he wants to.

That's exactly what I've been saying. 

[bennyl08]

Idk about that, he just tweeted WPS

Head Honcho just visited him on wednesday and he's expected here this weekend. I'm not sure where he's getting that. Personally he's high on my remaining big board.