Several people had asked me to post thoughts about the 2022 recruiting class as it stands today after the early signing period, so here are my first batch of thoughts:
1) The class is mostly finished, but expect more attrition in the coming 2.5 weeks as well as announcements concerning players entering the NFL draft, returning for super senior seasons, or transferring via the portal. The deadline to declare for the draft is January 17th. Players have 3 days after declaring to withdrawl from the draft process without losing their collegiate eligibility. This means that by the end of the day of January 20th, the potential draft status of all college football players will be known, save for a handful of potential hardship cases that could wind up in a supplemental draft.
2) The combination of the portal and COVID bonus years has totally changed college football recruiting for the next few seasons. There is a whole lot more impact talent available for programs needing to fill holes than ever before. With non-graduate transfers gaining immediate eligibility, recruiting the portal is a much better quick fix for programs lacking at a couple of positions than HS and JC ever were. Every team will be active in the portal. There will be a wave of activity between New Year's Day and the February signing day and then another round immediately after spring practices. Full evaluation of any recruiting class needs to be held until that time for almost every school.
3) Recruiting classes should not be judged singularly, but in conjunction with the classes recruited on either side. Some years will be weak on certain position groups. Missing in one year is not a problem due to numbers. Missing in back to back years creates depth issues, and can begin to impact onfield results. Missing in 3 of 5 years puts enormous pressure on working the portal to avoid significant impact on game days.
4) The goal in recruiting is to recruit the best talent possible that fits needs, system, and culture. Skill players must have the ability to make plays. Linemen need to have developmental upside. Signing a balanced class with a handful of difference makers every year is a pathway for success.
Going into this recruiting class, it was important for the Cowboys to sign a quarterback, find early contributors at RB, get some immediate help at LB and OL, and identify quality players to build depth across the board.
1) The class is mostly finished, but expect more attrition in the coming 2.5 weeks as well as announcements concerning players entering the NFL draft, returning for super senior seasons, or transferring via the portal. The deadline to declare for the draft is January 17th. Players have 3 days after declaring to withdrawl from the draft process without losing their collegiate eligibility. This means that by the end of the day of January 20th, the potential draft status of all college football players will be known, save for a handful of potential hardship cases that could wind up in a supplemental draft.
2) The combination of the portal and COVID bonus years has totally changed college football recruiting for the next few seasons. There is a whole lot more impact talent available for programs needing to fill holes than ever before. With non-graduate transfers gaining immediate eligibility, recruiting the portal is a much better quick fix for programs lacking at a couple of positions than HS and JC ever were. Every team will be active in the portal. There will be a wave of activity between New Year's Day and the February signing day and then another round immediately after spring practices. Full evaluation of any recruiting class needs to be held until that time for almost every school.
3) Recruiting classes should not be judged singularly, but in conjunction with the classes recruited on either side. Some years will be weak on certain position groups. Missing in one year is not a problem due to numbers. Missing in back to back years creates depth issues, and can begin to impact onfield results. Missing in 3 of 5 years puts enormous pressure on working the portal to avoid significant impact on game days.
4) The goal in recruiting is to recruit the best talent possible that fits needs, system, and culture. Skill players must have the ability to make plays. Linemen need to have developmental upside. Signing a balanced class with a handful of difference makers every year is a pathway for success.
Going into this recruiting class, it was important for the Cowboys to sign a quarterback, find early contributors at RB, get some immediate help at LB and OL, and identify quality players to build depth across the board.
