I read a post by Goya this morning that said "definitely more talented team ON PAPER… as u say, now gotta translate to Ws" and it started my thinking.
Right now, that is precisely what we have from Drink's freshmen recruiting. His recruiting not only looks great, but we know we have more 4/5 star players on the team than likely ever. At least in the star services era! The thing needed now is to turn those talented recruits into talented players. I would like to take the time to observe those 4-5 star.
In the class of 2021 there was Macon, Ford, Carnell, Montgomery, Lovett and Cooper. We never got to really see half of those. Macon, Ford and Montgomery. Two of those went portal. Montgomery needs to see time this year or he may go portal. Carnell will likely be a starter this year and Cooper will see plenty of time. Lovett also went portal on the only explanation there is NIL. NIL is likely going to have a huge effect on all freshmen in the foreseeable future. If they aren't seeing the field by soph year, good chance of portal.
Now comes the 2022 class of 4/5 star. We know Burdine's role and Horn's for at least spring practice, but there is Thompson who came with an injury. Gracial, Scott, Jones and Wesolak. I know, Gracial, Jones had some minimal time the others may have, but the point here is what happens after this year is over.
These guys most likely have a desire to play. Drink also recruited in the portal well last year, especially on D. If these guys don't see a lot of PT this year I think we can see them eyeballing the portal after the year is over. So our evaluation of Drink's recruiting is likely moving from HS to portal as a way of life.
I will hate to see that for several reasons. 1) I want to see HS kids get the opportunity of a schollership. 2) Right now, the portal seems much like the talk of years past for coaches like Bill Snyder that made much of his reputation by getting success out of JUCOs. That takes coaching kids up too like freshmen. I hope Drink can be successful here with coaches that can develop the HS recruits, the JUCO transfers and the portal transfers where needed to fit in to our program.
And my main point in this post is DEVELOPING players and hanging on to them 3 years or more. Make the job of coaching in college what it has always been. Getting good HS recruits, developing them in to good players, WINNING and filling in the holes with JUCO and PORTAL.