A Different Perspective on the Problem

[volinbham]

I've got nothing other than a hunch to back this up but maybe the problem is recruiting:

We are recruiting talent but maybe not football character. In basketball it's easier since there are fewer players but you see good coaches recruiting players for a system and their ability to play together rather than just raw talent.

There was an article about Iowa and how they can now recruit nationally - maybe it's coincidence but Iowa has disappointed this year as well.

Could it be that the recruiting philosophy needs to change from getting the best player (talent-wise) by position to one where you sacrifice some talent for coachability/football character?

We have players that were "it" from all over but many did not grow up to be a Vol. It's kind of like trying to coach an "all-star" team. You love the talent but have a problem meshing it.

If anything is true about the recent Vols, they haven't meshed. :twocents:

 

[allvol]

It the head coaches responsibility to "mesh" the team. Recruiting on a national level was really started by Johnny Majors as the state of Tennessee doesn't really produce enough talent for a top 10 program year-in and year-out.

A good example is when Don Nehlen coached at West Virginia. He knew he did not have top 10 talent. However, he played the one he had for 4 seasons... and by the 4th season the team (not individuals) was a top 10 team. So he sacrificed the other seasons so that West Virginia could compete on a top 10 level about once every four years. And that is about what it would take to mesh lesser talent into a top 10 team.... about 3 or 4 seasons.... but when that group graduates, you've got to start all over again.

 

[VolunteerHillbilly]

If you look at the sucessful teams since the 1980s it is not the well disciplined programs that are stocked with home grown kids that usually compete for the national championship. This is not like the 1950s or 60s when a tough coach can wear out his players ala Bear and the Junction Boys. Five star recruits are not going to put up with that and neither are their parents. Theses kids are looking for high profile programs where they can get some national TV exposure and have a little fun without getting kicked off the team. I like the fact that we have players from all over the place. Also, I am sure that these guys have plenty to play for other than a love of the land.

 

[volinbham]

I don't have a problem with national recruiting - we don't have much choice and it has been successful for us.

My question is - can you recruit nationally but be more strategic. Maybe you go after a 1-star that has shown certain characteristics the better "fit" the coaching approach of Fulmer & Co. vs. going after a 3 or 4 star that may not fit as well.

The challenge is identifying the characteristics that you are looking for.

I agree it's the coaches job to mesh the talent but that can be easier or harded depending on who you bring in. Lately it's been hard.

 

[volinbham]

Originally posted by VolunteerHillbilly@Nov 2, 2005 11:28 AM
If you look at the sucessful teams since the 1980s it is not the well disciplined programs that are stocked with home grown kids that usually compete for the national championship.  This is not like the 1950s or 60s when a tough coach can wear out his players ala Bear and the Junction Boys.  Five star recruits are not going to put up with that and neither are their parents.  Theses kids are looking for high profile programs where they can get some national TV exposure and have a little fun without getting kicked off the team.  I like the fact that we have players from all over the place.  Also, I am sure that these guys have plenty to play for other than a love of the land.

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I agree but there's a catch. Those teams have ups and downs even though the talent is steady. If you don't win a NC every 3 or 4 years then the fans want to can you!

Same coaches with same level talent get different results year to year because of problems getting the team to gel.