You can set the computer to recruit for you in Coach Strategy. Just make sure you emphasis what you want them to recruit or you will get a whole bunch of nothings.
There is a big negative in not self recruiting tho. For instance, I started at Idaho and went 12-4 my 1st season and then undefeated the next two. I figured that I would get recruits just flocking to my school because hey I've been beating @ss for 3 straight years now...the problem was I had the computer recruit for me and the best player's I ever brought in were a 2 star mlb and a 4 star RB (who just happened to not be recruited by any other team, because his speed was a C-, everything else was A, B).
you can set the computer to recruit just don't expect great recruits for at least the 1st 3-5 years. I had to leave Idaho because I got a dream offer...USC!!!