NCAA Football 14 Recruiting Guide

[utahjazzfan123]

I really want to hear people's thoughts on how points work when unlocking a recruit. I often see myself leading a recruit, a CPU team is locked out, they use an unlock on the recruit, and then all of a sudden they gain 2,000-3,000 points in one week. Drives me nuts when other teams do that to me.

When a team unlocks a locked recruit, is there a systematic way that those unlock points are given? Why might one unlocked recruit jump up 1,800 points and another one jumps up 2,400? Is there a way to semi-accurately predict how far they will jump up?

I almost wonder if using locks could be an additional strategy for some of my own recruits. Why spend points on them when you could potentially use an unlock on them and climb back into the race just the same? I once heard a fellow dynasty member talk about how if you were in the recruit's top 5 at the beginning of season, then unlocked them, that is when you jump up high, but I haven't really tested out that theory for myself.

I have done many seasons of NCAA 14 dynasty, but still feel very inexperienced when it comes unlocking a locked recruit (cpu doing it or myself).

[jello1717]

Re: NCAA Football 14 Recruiting Guide

I really want to hear people's thoughts on how points work when unlocking a recruit. I often see myself leading a recruit, a CPU team is locked out, they use an unlock on the recruit, and then all of a sudden they gain 2,000-3,000 points in one week. Drives me nuts when other teams do that to me.

When a team unlocks a locked recruit, is there a systematic way that those unlock points are given? Why might one unlocked recruit jump up 1,800 points and another one jumps up 2,400? Is there a way to semi-accurately predict how far they will jump up?

I almost wonder if using locks could be an additional strategy for some of my own recruits. Why spend points on them when you could potentially use an unlock on them and climb back into the race just the same? I once heard a fellow dynasty member talk about how if you were in the recruit's top 5 at the beginning of season, then unlocked them, that is when you jump up high, but I haven't really tested out that theory for myself.

I have done many seasons of NCAA 14 dynasty, but still feel very inexperienced when it comes unlocking a locked recruit (cpu doing it or myself).

Lockpicks are actually very simple to know how many points they give. The team using it will move exactly halfway between 1st and 2nd place. In order to use a lockpick the team needs to be locked out and within 2000 points of the last unlocked team.

IE1:
1st: --
2nd: -500
.....
last: -1000
You: -2000 (locked out)

Using a lock pick will move you into 2nd place @ -250 (500/2) for a gain of 1750 (from -2000 to -250).

This is before the week's points are spent. If the unlocking team has a visit scheduled that week, then the jump can be huge. If 1st and 2nd are close (meaning that you'll only be trailing by a few after the pick) and last is a long ways out and you're a long ways from last, then the jump can also be huge.

IE2:
1st: --
2nd: -10
....
last: -1600
you: -3500

After the lockpick, it'd look like this:
1st: --
You: -5
3rd: -10 (former 2nd)
...
last: -1600

So in this example, you'd gain 3495 (from -3500 to -5) just from the lockpick itself. Add in a visit this week and it'd be an even bigger jump.

[jayhawkfan11]

Re: NCAA Football 14 Recruiting Guide

how does school recruit interest work in terms of higher quality recruits?

Won national champion, have interest in mostly 3* and some 4*, 1 5*

I targeted some guys (4* and some 5's) who are below 17% lock and will try to see if I can get some commits. I'm starting out 500 pts behind or less more most.

I had the #1 recruiting class the year before, just odd bc i remember the old games the recruit level jumped one season to next quite significantly.

The default recruits that are interested in your team is mostly based on your Team Prestige rating. If you are a 6* vs 1* prestige you will drastically notice the talent of recruits interested in your program. Location/other recruiting ratings like play style can also dictate what type of recruits are interested but overall Team Prestige is the main driver.

However, as we all know a 1* prestige team can wait until week 3/4 to search for all recruits under 25% interest and simply load up on all the 4/5* ATH/other recruits the CPU doesn't look at which allows for user teams to get way overpowered very quickly if you don't have any house rules.

[GGGswim]

Re: NCAA Football 14 Recruiting Guide

Playing my first season of NCAA 14 (finally letting go of my 20+ seasons with Auburn on '13), coming up with many questions some of which I've been able to find answers to. But:

1) I'm understanding the postseason 'CPU goes all in (10K pts)'. But back in '13 if you were #1 on someone's list for many weeks and late in the season you eventually got the signing. Doesn't seem to be the case in '14, tho, or so it seems. Leading for a CB by +1800 w/ only 2 teams above Locked and all visits complete. #1 for 3wks heading into Wk 14. Is this going to be a case where he'll be waiting until offseason, and with the Center I'm also trying to get -- ahead by only +500 or so, visits complete -- I'll be basically forced to pick one or the other to go all in on myself? And the bigger question is do recruits -- regardless of being #1 for weeks -- simply take longer before committing in '14?

2) Fullbacks. Wow. From '13 I knew that they were always tough to get, and quite often -- even in off years when I didn't need one -- I'd create 3-4 of them and spread them across the country. Don't necessarily need one this season but decided to test the create/pipeline/not pipeline concept anyway, and it is looking near impossible. Created 4, one in-state, one pipeline, and 2 others. In-state didn't even have me on his preseason board. Pipeline had me -700 or so, other 2 were also no-gos on their boards (plus poor 'interests'). have battled back to #1 on the Pipeline after a good visit with bonus Pts, up on #2 by about 300 but Bama is #3 close behind and their visit is this week when I take Auburn to Tuscaloosa. Obviously going to lose him. But are certain positions -- FB, C, e.g. -- still like with '13, just plain difficult to get one? Scrolling the list of FBs show 100% Locked, tho not committed, on all but the 1*s on the listing.

[jgthedon]

Re: NCAA Football 14 Recruiting Guide

Playing my first season of NCAA 14 (finally letting go of my 20+ seasons with Auburn on '13), coming up with many questions some of which I've been able to find answers to. But:

1) I'm understanding the postseason 'CPU goes all in (10K pts)'. But back in '13 if you were #1 on someone's list for many weeks and late in the season you eventually got the signing. Doesn't seem to be the case in '14, tho, or so it seems. Leading for a CB by +1800 w/ only 2 teams above Locked and all visits complete. #1 for 3wks heading into Wk 14. Is this going to be a case where he'll be waiting until offseason, and with the Center I'm also trying to get -- ahead by only +500 or so, visits complete -- I'll be basically forced to pick one or the other to go all in on myself? And the bigger question is do recruits -- regardless of being #1 for weeks -- simply take longer before committing in '14?

2) Fullbacks. Wow. From '13 I knew that they were always tough to get, and quite often -- even in off years when I didn't need one -- I'd create 3-4 of them and spread them across the country. Don't necessarily need one this season but decided to test the create/pipeline/not pipeline concept anyway, and it is looking near impossible. Created 4, one in-state, one pipeline, and 2 others. In-state didn't even have me on his preseason board. Pipeline had me -700 or so, other 2 were also no-gos on their boards (plus poor 'interests'). have battled back to #1 on the Pipeline after a good visit with bonus Pts, up on #2 by about 300 but Bama is #3 close behind and their visit is this week when I take Auburn to Tuscaloosa. Obviously going to lose him. But are certain positions -- FB, C, e.g. -- still like with '13, just plain difficult to get one? Scrolling the list of FBs show 100% Locked, tho not committed, on all but the 1*s on the listing.

Just go after Blocking Tight Ends lol

[jhfstyle24]

Re: NCAA Football 14 Recruiting Guide

Just go after Blocking Tight Ends lol

Blocking TE's work, but I find it more realistic to create a few FB's in my area when I need one, then place them on my board and take whomever I am doing best on. Honestly, the overall of the FB doesn't matter. Any decent FB will play great for you.

[jbrew2411]

Re: NCAA Football 14 Recruiting Guide

Playing my first season of NCAA 14 (finally letting go of my 20+ seasons with Auburn on '13), coming up with many questions some of which I've been able to find answers to. But:

1) I'm understanding the postseason 'CPU goes all in (10K pts)'. But back in '13 if you were #1 on someone's list for many weeks and late in the season you eventually got the signing. Doesn't seem to be the case in '14, tho, or so it seems. Leading for a CB by +1800 w/ only 2 teams above Locked and all visits complete. #1 for 3wks heading into Wk 14. Is this going to be a case where he'll be waiting until offseason, and with the Center I'm also trying to get -- ahead by only +500 or so, visits complete -- I'll be basically forced to pick one or the other to go all in on myself? And the bigger question is do recruits -- regardless of being #1 for weeks -- simply take longer before committing in '14?

2) Fullbacks. Wow. From '13 I knew that they were always tough to get, and quite often -- even in off years when I didn't need one -- I'd create 3-4 of them and spread them across the country. Don't necessarily need one this season but decided to test the create/pipeline/not pipeline concept anyway, and it is looking near impossible. Created 4, one in-state, one pipeline, and 2 others. In-state didn't even have me on his preseason board. Pipeline had me -700 or so, other 2 were also no-gos on their boards (plus poor 'interests'). have battled back to #1 on the Pipeline after a good visit with bonus Pts, up on #2 by about 300 but Bama is #3 close behind and their visit is this week when I take Auburn to Tuscaloosa. Obviously going to lose him. But are certain positions -- FB, C, e.g. -- still like with '13, just plain difficult to get one? Scrolling the list of FBs show 100% Locked, tho not committed, on all but the 1*s on the listing.

1) In 14 each recruit has a target number they must reach before singing. That is why it seems like it takes longer for a player to sign. I have had guys have me #1 all season, been 2k points ahead of #2 and still lose the guy in the offseason. You don't know the magic # so keep going after a guy until he signs if it is someone you target.

2) My advice here is don't focus on the listed position of players. If I am looking for a FB I look at how I plan to use him. If he is a blocker then I look at TE, undersized linemen with average speed, or even athletes. If I need a runner/receiver I look at power backs or TE's.

As for finding centers I look at all o-linemen. I recruit based on my offense. If I am a spread passing team I look at pass blockers only. I recruit the best guys I can then move the around in the offseason. You can play any lineman at center. If you focus only on the centers to recruit from then you will have a weak spot along your line.

[jhfstyle24]

Re: NCAA Football 14 Recruiting Guide

1) In 14 each recruit has a target number they must reach before singing. That is why it seems like it takes longer for a player to sign. I have had guys have me #1 all season, been 2k points ahead of #2 and still lose the guy in the offseason. You don't know the magic # so keep going after a guy until he signs if it is someone you target.

2) My advice here is don't focus on the listed position of players. If I am looking for a FB I look at how I plan to use him. If he is a blocker then I look at TE, undersized linemen with average speed, or even athletes. If I need a runner/receiver I look at power backs or TE's.

As for finding centers I look at all o-linemen. I recruit based on my offense. If I am a spread passing team I look at pass blockers only. I recruit the best guys I can then move the around in the offseason. You can play any lineman at center. If you focus only on the centers to recruit from then you will have a weak spot along your line.

The game actually doesn't tell you the target number, but you CAN figure it out by looking at how much the lock percentage increases each week and how much other teams are pursuing him. The more pursuit there is, there will generally be a higher lock percentage, but you can figure it out by the rate.
For O-linemen between 75-80, look up 3/4 star guys. Here is the ideal guy you want:
1. 69-73 OVR
2. Sort by squat, and find the guys with the highest combo of squat, then bench, then 40, in that order. Those guys will almost always be gems, 75-81. I have found most of my o-linemen in this currently number 1 recruiting class this way.

[jbrew2411]

Re: NCAA Football 14 Recruiting Guide

The game actually doesn't tell you the target number, but you CAN figure it out by looking at how much the lock percentage increases each week and how much other teams are pursuing him. The more pursuit there is, there will generally be a higher lock percentage, but you can figure it out by the rate.
For O-linemen between 75-80, look up 3/4 star guys. Here is the ideal guy you want:
1. 69-73 OVR
2. Sort by squat, and find the guys with the highest combo of squat, then bench, then 40, in that order. Those guys will almost always be gems, 75-81. I have found most of my o-linemen in this currently number 1 recruiting class this way.

Yes I know the game does not tell you the exact number of points a recruit needs to reach before singing. Yes I know you can gage interest by the increase in lock percentage each week or look at the points gained/lost for each team.

Squat numbers are tied to acc ratings while bench is tied to strength. You can you those numbers to find gems.

I have been doing this thing for sometime now. Landing a #1 class is very easy in the game so not a measure of ability.

[jhfstyle24]

Re: NCAA Football 14 Recruiting Guide

Yes I know the game does not tell you the exact number of points a recruit needs to reach before singing. Yes I know you can gage interest by the increase in lock percentage each week or look at the points gained/lost for each team.

Squat numbers are tied to acc ratings while bench is tied to strength. You can you those numbers to find gems.

I have been doing this thing for sometime now. Landing a #1 class is very easy in the game so not a measure of ability.

Yeah, I have 4 linemen over 77 overall coming in this class. It's not super hard once you get your tree above level 15.

[GGGswim]

Username...

I nabbed a chart from a thread here back with '13 that gave the corresponding 40-100 ## for the 40, bench, and squat numbers. So correct me if this no longer applies to '14 (I hung on to '13 for many, many dynasty years and just completed my 1st season on '14).
Regarding the squat, there were two ratings columns, for skill players and lineman/linebackers.
The skill-offense SQ was for break tackle, for OL it was specifically the run block number. Didn't know that/if it ties into ACC.
On defense it's for Tackle, but there were different columns for CB/FS/SS and DE/DT.
I still found it difficult to tell if the ATH with a SQ of 655 was OL or DL, tho, but if the tackle rating was also high it was pretty clear he was DL.

[jello1717]

Re: Username...

I nabbed a chart from a thread here back with '13 that gave the corresponding 40-100 ## for the 40, bench, and squat numbers. So correct me if this no longer applies to '14 (I hung on to '13 for many, many dynasty years and just completed my 1st season on '14).
Regarding the squat, there were two ratings columns, for skill players and lineman/linebackers.
The skill-offense SQ was for break tackle, for OL it was specifically the run block number. Didn't know that/if it ties into ACC.
On defense it's for Tackle, but there were different columns for CB/FS/SS and DE/DT.
I still found it difficult to tell if the ATH with a SQ of 655 was OL or DL, tho, but if the tackle rating was also high it was pretty clear he was DL.

This is correct and it still applies for '14.

SPD	STR	BTK/TKL	RBK/TCK	
40	BNCH	SQT-S	SQT-L	Rating
4.24				99
4.26				98
4.28				97
4.3				96
4.32	515			95
4.34	510			94
4.36	505			93
4.38	500	410	720	92
4.4	495	405	715	91
4.42	490	400	705	90
4.44	485	395	700	89
4.46	480	390	690	88
4.48	470	385	680	87
4.5	465	380	670	86
4.52	460	375	665	85
4.54	455	370	655	84
4.56	450	365	645	83
4.58	440	360	640	82
4.6	435	355	630	81
4.62	430	350	620	80
4.64	425	345	610	79
4.66	420	340	605	78
4.68	410	335	595	77
4.7	405	330	585	76
4.72	400	325	580	75
4.74	395	320	570	74
4.76	390	315	560	73
4.78	380	310	555	72
4.8	375	305	545	71
4.82	370	300	535	70
4.84	365	295	525	69
4.86	360	290	520	68
4.88	350	285	510	67
4.9	345	280	500	66
4.92	340	275	495	65
4.94	335	270	485	64
4.96	330	265	475	63
4.98	325	260	470	62
5	315	255	460	61
5.02	310	250	450	60
5.04	305	240	445	59
5.06	300	235	435	58
5.08	295	230	425	57
5.1	285	225	415	56
5.12	280	220	410	55
5.14	275	215	400	54
5.16	270	210	390	53
5.18	265	205	385	52
5.2	255	200	380	51
5.22	250	195	370	50
5.24	245	190	355	49
5.26	240	185	350	48
5.28	235	180	340	47
5.3	225	175	335	46
5.32	220	170	330	45
5.34	215	165	315	44
5.36	210	160		43
5.38	205	155		42
5.4	195	150		41
5.42	190	145		40

[jello1717]

Re: NCAA Football 14 Recruiting Guide

The chart is illegible in tapatalk on my iPad, but looks great in chrome on my PC.

[jhfstyle24]

Re: NCAA Football 14 Recruiting Guide

I knew about the speed correlation, but I never thought to look for the other ones. I always go for at least one guy that runs a sub-4.3, because 96+ speed should develop into 99. 99 speed guys are fun to play with, especially if you can get an athlete who can play QB.

[Locke888]

Re: NCAA Football 14 Recruiting Guide

Does bench and PBK correlate?