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Are we at the point in developing our program that we recruit not only for next year but look two years ahead? I really doubt this. However, let me give an example.

I'm a bit surprised that on prospect lists I've seen for next year, little is mentioned about running backs. Next year, Pope and Lane will be seniors. I'm not sure how we see Macon for the future and Stover isn't even on our Roster. You would think, then, that we would be looking hard at recruiting at least one running back for next year. He could red shirt and then be available to contribute after Pope and Lane are gone.

Granted, running backs like Pope who appears to be perfect for our offensive system may be hard to find. He can run, catch passes, block, and is a real team player.

Still, shouldn't recruiting running backs for next year be a priority? Now a possible answer is that we are already in on several good prospects not for next year's class, but for the year after.

Looking beyond next year, we appear to be solid at QB, in the offensive line, and at the receiving positions. It may be the case that we have some good linebacking prospects and some good secondary prospects already on the team or already committed for next year. I really have no clue about the long term situation for defensive linemen.

So--let me repeat--are we far enough along in developing our program that we look ahead not only to next year's class but to the year after as well?

I think we have been at "that point" for three years to some degree. However to develop a truly deep program, which isn't been done at all of the "top" MAC schools right now, the coaches have made some tough choices to recruit in depth. There will be a real test of that at BGSU over the next three seasons. Plus, it is not simply that we recruit the talent, but is it developing well under the coachign staff. Miami's QB has talent, but is wild when pressure is on. Did they waste time not developing him, or is he just not that good?

We have a ways to go but we're getting there. We have solid depth at most positions but need to upgrade in others.

Nathan was right with his point...the next 3 years will tell. But I think we've gotten awesome talent over the last few seasons and this year is shaping up very well too.

GO FALCONS!!!!

I agree. In fact, our coaches have said that their goal is to redshirt most of the people we bring in, so, in fact, its never about next year. Also, it seems like you need to have broad depth in each class, or at least in every other class. You want to have junior and senior dominated lineups most years, I would think.

Yes...the last thing you want is to have to depend on a true freshman. The thing you hope for is to get kids good enough to force the issue on the upperclassmen.

In 2002, we were playing true freshmen because we had to. In 2004, we played true freshmen like Winovich and Brandon Mack because they were too good to sit.

I think we're hitting a nice balance where a kid can be told to expect to sit, but that the opportunity is there to if they work hard. Under those circumstances, no one feels entitled to a spot and no one feels it pointless to try their best