My thoughts on lack of 5 star recruits

[marylovesthelions]

Recent history makes it hard to attract the 5 star kids. We were a mess Iast year.
IMHO, coach emphasized developing talent. His staff identifies kids who have physical talent and are teachable
Two very good years, establishing his own Penn State story, will make it easier to sign top talent.

Joe's staff developed talent as well as anyone in the NCAA. If coach shows kid's that they will develop NFL skills levels here, recruiting will be tops.

Franklin's teams seemed to play below their talent level in key games.

 

[LudicrousSpeedGO!]

Recent history makes it hard to attract the 5 star kids. We were a mess Iast year.
IMHO, coach emphasized developing talent. His staff identifies kids who have physical talent and are teachable
Two very good years, establishing his own Penn State story, will make it easier to sign top talent.

Joe's staff developed talent as well as anyone in the NCAA. If coach shows kid's that they will develop NFL skills levels here, recruiting will be tops.

Franklin's teams seemed to play below their talent level in key games.

The 5 stars for 2027 started their relationships with coaches in 2024 and 2025. Our new staff coming from Iowa St had virtually zero relationship with them at Iowa St and were too far behind to make up the ground. We're landing some under the radar guys to include from the Midwest where Campbell's staff had relationships and where Terry Smith gave us enough continuity. But the 5 stars were not going to happen in 2027. Really, they are playing catch up on 2028 top talent but have a better shot there.

 

[marylovesthelions]

The 5 stars for 2027 started their relationships with coaches in 2024 and 2025. Our new staff coming from Iowa St had virtually zero relationship with them at Iowa St and were too far behind to make up the ground. We're landing some under the radar guys to include from the Midwest where Campbell's staff had relationships and where Terry Smith gave us enough continuity. But the 5 stars were not going to happen in 2027. Really, they are playing catch up on 2028 top talent but have a better shot there.

Agree. I am excited that history at IS shows this staff has a great history of developing talent, markedly better than Franklin. Franklin seemed to value recruiters more than teachers. You can be great with just 1 or 2 super recruiters but it requires all be good teachers.

 

[The Spin Meister]

The 5 stars for 2027 started their relationships with coaches in 2024 and 2025. Our new staff coming from Iowa St had virtually zero relationship with them at Iowa St and were too far behind to make up the ground. We're landing some under the radar guys to include from the Midwest where Campbell's staff had relationships and where Terry Smith gave us enough continuity. But the 5 stars were not going to happen in 2027. Really, they are playing catch up on 2028 top talent but have a better shot there.

Spot on. He was hired late, didn’t come from a marquee program, and took some time to put together complete staff.

And since the current team is mostly transfers with a new staff top players will wait to see results.

If we have a solid season don’t be surprised to see some five stars come around. Especially if a coach or two at their ‘committed’ school leaves they will be looking at options.

 

[LudicrousSpeedGO!]

Spot on. He was hired late, didn’t come from a marquee program, and took some time to put together complete staff.

And since the current team is mostly transfers with a new staff top players will wait to see results.

If we have a solid season don’t be surprised to see some five stars come around. Especially if a coach or two at their ‘committed’ school leaves they will be looking at options.

It can happen but IMO we need to be playoff bound in year one to be the hot name to catch any 2027 5 stars with 2nd thoughts as their committed school blows up their staff. And some of those guys stick with a quick flashy hire. But there is a chance, particularly with this schedule, to make the kind of noise to get back in on big names late.

 

[Frank Lee]

Even with 5* recruits, they want their money. And if they don't develop, then what? IMO, pick-up high potential 3* & 4* non-skill athletes from HS, then supplement with transfers. For QB and maybe a WR or two, pay for known talent and pull from the portal. The future model: get out the checkbook for proven QB, WR (2), RB, and DE from the portal. Buy a few portal fillers in other positions. Pay to retain the best in-house players. Recruiting will be nationwide with maybe a few locals. The model will be basically what the pros do.
PSU wrestlers come from TX (Nickal), AZ, CA, WI, PA, OH, NJ. The hockey players come from AB, YT, ON, SW, RU, QC, PA, MD, NJ. Football players will come from everywhere, and the good ones will cost money. It's a natural progression in a competitive market.

 

[The Spin Meister]

It can happen but IMO we need to be playoff bound in year one to be the hot name to catch any 2027 5 stars with 2nd thoughts as their committed school blows up their staff. And some of those guys stick with a quick flashy hire. But there is a chance, particularly with this schedule, to make the kind of noise to get back in on big names late.

A lot depends on style. Players will come if the offense matches their style. Especially if it is a big play O that gets attention for splash plays.

And if the D is dominant and aggressive it will attract top talent.

Image is everything.