Pretty good analysis Joe. I would take issue with this: "Unfortunately, that probably means that Chip Kelly will look to the transfer portal for reinforcements." I think we area heading to a time where the transfer class is going to be more important than the regular recruiting class. It's probably almost 50/50 or 50/50 now. So I wouldn't call it unfortunate that Chip is going to have to rely on his transfer class..
17th ranked class is kind of an overstatement too. When they are all 3 star recruits, not a single one of them should be reasonably expected to contribute for at least 2 years. At least the transfer class appears to possibly have a few starters in it.
The model going forward has to be recruit the trenches, a skill position here or there, a couple linebackers, and a couple secondary guys. Do not spend time recruiting QBs that you expect to do anything but be backups for a couple years. O-line and D-line probably need to grow together as groups, so target those guys out of high school. QBs are plugnplay, no reason to recruit them out of HS other than depth.
That said, I like the Hasselbeck recruitment, because a three star who knows he won't start next year may stay a few years. I was happy when Moore signed last year, but it was predictable that he would start, struggle, then bolt. And honestly, bolt is probably the wrong term, because that implies that he can do something quickly, when I'm pretty sure my 82 year old mother in law could run him down.
definitely not a good recruiting start. but the transfer portal is where you want to be in this day and age. players do not want to stay somewhere for 3-4 years anymore (unless they don't have any further aspirations). they want to play. is it better to recruit a raw talent that will leave sooner or later or get someone that has a couple years under their belt playing D1 players? Even the mighty LIncoln Riley knows this now. Schools will lose players. The schools that rise to the top are the ones that can replace lost players with better players.
Where do I start? First and foremost I decided to look up UCLA’s ranking of the incoming class. It was the top 50, and where did (UCLA) end up? Any thoughts? They weren’t even ranked in the top 50. That was a surprise but then I realized Kelly’s recruiting process was different from the other collegiate coaches. He selects the players he wants for his program. He wants it to be comparable to Stanford. According to him, the idea of him selecting a recruit rather than the recruit choosing UCLA was suppose to be some kind of honor. I guess he was right because not many 4 or 5 star players are lining up to play for Ucla.
Nice going Evan, at this rate our entire defense, which I'm sure you will say, "sucked" is off to Trogan land. You and the Chipster (OG) firing on all cylinders now!!
So here are some interesting statistics; Current transfer portal players (3* and above) still available (have not been signed and committed to a new school yet); 40. Out of this 40 number, you have 25 3*'s, 14 4*'s and 1 5* - Rivals.com. In addition, out of these 40, you have 15 Quarterbacks, in which UCLA already has 6! Not sure but if a lot of 3*, 4* and 5* players don't enter before Jan 2, 2024, the ole Chipster (OG) doesn't have much to select from, he will need to go down to 2* or below players - No surprise here. Of course, after Spring Practice (May 1 - May 15), he may be able to pick up some players, but these windows are closing quickly. So far, the Chipster (OG) has done a lousy job in the portal, losing way more talent than he has gained. He'd better hustle... Don't count on it.
The ought to just line this up with the transfer portal window and call it "free agency" because that is what it is.
Pretty good analysis Joe. I would take issue with this: "Unfortunately, that probably means that Chip Kelly will look to the transfer portal for reinforcements." I think we area heading to a time where the transfer class is going to be more important than the regular recruiting class. It's probably almost 50/50 or 50/50 now. So I wouldn't call it unfortunate that Chip is going to have to rely on his transfer class..
17th ranked class is kind of an overstatement too. When they are all 3 star recruits, not a single one of them should be reasonably expected to contribute for at least 2 years. At least the transfer class appears to possibly have a few starters in it.
Great writing and research per usual, Joe. I would only correct one slight factual error:
"Even perennial doormat Rutgers has a better recruiting class than the Bruins do."
..should be..
"Even soon-to-be-former perennial doormat Rutgers has a better recruiting class than the Bruins do."
.As you, I am also dismayed. The number of stars on that list resemble the Los Angeles heavens on a smoggy August night.
Did I read that right? R.J. Lopez entering the transfer portal? I'm sure there's a better kicker enrolled at UCLA who can walk-on.
The model going forward has to be recruit the trenches, a skill position here or there, a couple linebackers, and a couple secondary guys. Do not spend time recruiting QBs that you expect to do anything but be backups for a couple years. O-line and D-line probably need to grow together as groups, so target those guys out of high school. QBs are plugnplay, no reason to recruit them out of HS other than depth.
That said, I like the Hasselbeck recruitment, because a three star who knows he won't start next year may stay a few years. I was happy when Moore signed last year, but it was predictable that he would start, struggle, then bolt. And honestly, bolt is probably the wrong term, because that implies that he can do something quickly, when I'm pretty sure my 82 year old mother in law could run him down.
Hey! We got a mention on CBS Sports.com regarding National Signing Day!
https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/national-signing-day-2023-winners-and-losers-of-early-signing-period-college-football-recruiting-rankings/
I mean, not the mention you'd want of course... :-(
definitely not a good recruiting start. but the transfer portal is where you want to be in this day and age. players do not want to stay somewhere for 3-4 years anymore (unless they don't have any further aspirations). they want to play. is it better to recruit a raw talent that will leave sooner or later or get someone that has a couple years under their belt playing D1 players? Even the mighty LIncoln Riley knows this now. Schools will lose players. The schools that rise to the top are the ones that can replace lost players with better players.
Where do I start? First and foremost I decided to look up UCLA’s ranking of the incoming class. It was the top 50, and where did (UCLA) end up? Any thoughts? They weren’t even ranked in the top 50. That was a surprise but then I realized Kelly’s recruiting process was different from the other collegiate coaches. He selects the players he wants for his program. He wants it to be comparable to Stanford. According to him, the idea of him selecting a recruit rather than the recruit choosing UCLA was suppose to be some kind of honor. I guess he was right because not many 4 or 5 star players are lining up to play for Ucla.
Nice going Evan, at this rate our entire defense, which I'm sure you will say, "sucked" is off to Trogan land. You and the Chipster (OG) firing on all cylinders now!!
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/usc-football-trojans-bring-over-another-db-from-ucla/ar-AA1lUPEP
So here are some interesting statistics; Current transfer portal players (3* and above) still available (have not been signed and committed to a new school yet); 40. Out of this 40 number, you have 25 3*'s, 14 4*'s and 1 5* - Rivals.com. In addition, out of these 40, you have 15 Quarterbacks, in which UCLA already has 6! Not sure but if a lot of 3*, 4* and 5* players don't enter before Jan 2, 2024, the ole Chipster (OG) doesn't have much to select from, he will need to go down to 2* or below players - No surprise here. Of course, after Spring Practice (May 1 - May 15), he may be able to pick up some players, but these windows are closing quickly. So far, the Chipster (OG) has done a lousy job in the portal, losing way more talent than he has gained. He'd better hustle... Don't count on it.