Football and basketball recruiting are by far the most covered, the most publicized.
The major difference between them is that in basketball, one recruit can change a program. One class can put a program on the map.
In football, one class is a blip on a radar. It is an interesting note in the bigger picture of either winning or losing as a program.
The 2013 class for IU was impressive. Three players were ranked as four-star recruits by 247sports.com. That was a big accomplishment for a low-level Big Ten school like IU. Last year brought in another impressive class with several players that contributed as freshmen.
Now, IU has put together three consecutive strong ?recruiting classes, an indication that the Hoosiers are actually on the way to becoming a quality program.
I know, IU fans, you have heard this time and time again. But it is hard to actually deny at this point. You cannot fake three good recruiting classes in a row. The program is now full of genuinely talented players, many of whom have already contributed.
The 2015 class has addressed the majority of needs for the IU program.
The team needed a true pass-rusher. The Hoosiers are adding two players who have high-level pass-rushing and block-shedding skill sets in Florida native Brandon Wilson and Indiana ?native Jacob Robinson.
Cornerback was an area of concern in 2014. IU is not bringing many, if any, true cornerback prospects, but it has several athletes that have the skills to be corners at the college level. In Wednesday’s signing day press conference, IU Coach Kevin Wilson said four-star safety Tyler Green will start out at corner for IU. That would be a much better use of his game.
The talent is there at IU, arguably more true talent than IU has had in decades. Whether they win is a whole other matter. That comes down to coaching.
But trust me, IU fans, the talent is there. Thank ?Wilson.
brodmill@indiana.edu
