Not to detail the Board 😊
Although it’s not my intention, this will surely ruffle some feathers.
Listening to the National guys seemed to crystallize something. Here goes.
Hypothesis:
•Penn State recruits on an elite, worldwide level.
•Okla State has recruited at an elite level the past 6-7 years under Tyler Caldwell.
•The major differences are:
-PSU has been able to recruit elite talent at every weight
-OSU has taken elite guys regardless of weight and based on rank which has caused logjams. In other words, PSU has had the pick of the litter, and has been able to disperse talent.
-OSU has had to scratch and claw to get guys, leverage key relationships, leverage non-near term success (I remember being concerned about Daton, which seems ridiculous in hindsight…at the time, there were some moments of doubt as he was taking visits).
-Athletes have chosen Penn State based on what they have been doing right now vs. what they have done or what they will do.
-OSU has had to take more risks on talented guys that PSU has not had to worry about (certain people were never going to get a look from PSU).
There might be other factors I’m missing; and some of my hypothesis might need refinement.
That said, this Christian Carroll & Cody Merrill situation seems indicative of what I’m proposing. Two elite talents basically at the same weight. Thia will seem to require a serious feat to keep both in the lineup at the same time.
The easy answer is, both these guys are Heavyweights. Which seems like a concern.
OSU had to flip Carroll (fight, scratch, claw) and then added Merrill (leveraging DC and favorable geography).
Quick pause to say, I’m thrilled both of these guys are Cowboys and hope to see them both have phenomenal careers…all at Okla State.
The question is; how is it going to work out?
Is 3 years of 197 Carroll & 285 Merrill possible? Probable?
Here’s a question, who would win 197 if Merrill could get down? Pyles is saying Merrill is already college ready.
Probably enough rambling from me. Anxious to hear thoughts/discussion.