Take this with a grain of salt because I don't have 14 yet and I didn't even play 13. However, back when I had 12 and 11 I had a strategy of recruiting between 10 and no more than 15 guys at a time. You can really get some good ones early (I expect if you unlock the Opener skill this will translate well). Really hit those guys hard, then add guys to your list as you go once you sign some. Once you get to the offseason focus on 5 guys max and just hammer them.