Recruiting for 2011

Now that IU has already received their first verbal commitment , it got me thinking about what we should be looking for in the 2011 recruiting class.

1. Look for more commits from the state of Indiana. Coach Lynch has made it a point of emphasis to get the top talent from the state. The last few years we have signed some but I think this year we will get more. Coach Lynch and staff have already offered scholarships to a bunch of rising seniors in the state and the addition of Coach Mo will probably help as he is well known throughout the high school football ranks in Indiana.

2. The staff will most likely look to fill some spots along the offensive line. We have James Brewer, Cody Faulkner and Jordan Marquette graduating after next season. This leaves Will Matte as the only center unless somebody gets moved.

3. Defensive tackle could also be a point of emphasis. Last year's class had 3 players signed that are listed as defensive ends. Obviously there is a chance that they can bulk up and move inside. However, this year both Deonte Mack and Jarrod Smith are seniors which leaves 4 current sophomores as the only defensive tackles.

4. The corner back spot will likely be heavily recruited. We have 2 seniors (Burks and Council) and 4 juniors (Ernest, Jones, Kates, Kiles). That leaves Peter St. Fort, Lawrence Barnett and Cameron Cole the only corners still on the roster. We signed a lot of safeties in this years class but I see most of them sticking to the safety position and not moving to corner. This would be a good time to restock the corner spot.

5. I am curious to see how well Coach Lynch does selling the program. I say that because our recruiting class saw a big jump in talent level the year after we made it to the Insight Bowl. From there we have been able to sell the program to potential recruits as a program on the rise while selling the upgrade in facilities. The last two seasons have been somewhat disappointing yet we have still been able to bring in some higher quality players. Will we be able to continue that trend with last years record? What about the fact that Lynch only has a few more years on his contract? My prediction is that Coach Lynch will be able to bring in a class similar to this years and the hoosiers will find more success on the football field this year which in turn will show once again that we are a program on the rise.