Re: Your Recruiting Strategy
Here's how I've always approached recruiting, and NCAA Football 11 is no different (and successful for me).
I play with Notre Dame (always) but this is true for any team. What are they good at now? Strong offensively, defensively? Where are their depth weaknesses? Both sides of the ball? One side? And how do you play? Are you offensive? Defensive? Air it out or control the clock? You have to answer these questions.
For me and Notre Dame this year, offensively they are fairly deep. They have some depth issues at the WR and OL position, but most of their weaknesses are on D. So when I set up my recruiting board, I pick 17-20 players - with the goal of building one side of my team first (the weakest side).
I recruited a QB, WR, two OL and the rest on D. Regardless of current players, I know offensively I'll be fine with my style of play. With a base 3-4 (which ND runs), I went after 4 DL, 4 LB's, 3 CB's, 2 SS's, 2 FS's. In the big picture - and assuming I get most of these players - I've created 3-4 years of depth on defense for my team, with a few sprinkled playmakers on offense.
Years 2 - I do the opposite, I focus on the offensive side of the ball, repeating the same strategy above.
By Year 3, I've created depth on offense and defense and don't need to recruit a TON of players anymore. I can be selective and go after 5 star players on either side of the ball to strengthen my team.
The goal here is to address the immediate weakness of your team and create depth. The following year do the same to the other side of the ball. Then moving forward you can recruit smaller number of players (allowing the full use of your 10 hours for 50-60 minute conversations) and building a solid program.
As for which recruits I go after, in years 1-3, I only go after players interested in my program. Again, because my goal is to be efficient at getting these guys to sign, not luring 5 star players away from other schools. Since its Notre Dame (and they are easy to recruit with), this makes it easy. The same is true for the other A-A+ programs in the game, OU, Alabama, OSU, Florida, LSU, USC, etc.
After year 3, I go after playmakers, the 5 star guys who fit my play-style. I don't care where I am ranked on their list, I can usually get to their top 3 by the end of the season. If I get them, great, if not, there is a plan for that.
ALWAYS HAVE A BACKUP PLAYER! Never put all your hopes on one guy. Get a 4 star guy (or any star you see fit) as your backup. Preferrably someone who is interested in your program. That way, if the Blue Chip guy goes somewhere else, you're not left out in the cold on week 15.
This strategy has worked for me the last 10+ years I've been playing this franchise. It can also be adapted for schools with less than stellar prestige. Some tips I can offer for the lower ranked schools is doing extensive searches . . . don't necessarily pay attention to star rating. Instead, look for guys with the height, weight, speed, etc., you are looking for. If they fit the style of your play, you'll be successful.
Just like in real life, recruiting rankings me nothing. Wins mean everything.
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