What is refreshing about this recruiting season is the agressiveness in going after the talent (new facilities is huge) but going after talent not only in region but outside of Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin. (Schmidt’s staff with diverse connections is paving the way)
Our past staff seemed to settle on the Old DII model and creating diamonds in the rough which is fine taking a chance or two in a recruiting class, but it’s difficult to build and sustain depth by recruiting multiple kids like that. (College football it seems players need to be ready no later than 2nd year to help keep depth) Offense seemed to do that (survived the exodus of O-Line and still competed however I know a certain position could of played more in our one sided wins/loses), defensively we were exposed especially second half of season because of lack of skill/talent/fundamentals like tackling.
Besides coaching that is the difference (depth) between a consistent 5-7 win season depending on schedule to a consistent team that gets 9-11 wins a year.
Schmidts staff is a breath of fresh air North Dakota needed, looking forward for a competitive and exciting season this Fall!
Sorry for the wordiness, I have not posted about football in a while.