Jinks article in Blade

[jpfalcon09]

http://www.bcsn.tv/news_article/show/59 ... _id=966212" target="_blank

Found this tidbit interesting:

“One of the first things that happened was that the class [previous Texas Tech coach] Tommy Tuberville recruited dropped to four players,” Jinks said. “So we went out and busted our tails trying to find kids.

“But we learned that, in 10 days, you can’t learn a lot about kids. So a large number of the kids we signed in that first class at Texas Tech already have left.

“We won’t do that this year. We have roughly 22 scholarships available, but if we only sign 16 or 17 kids — as long as they are good, talented kids — we’ll be OK.”

Seems like Jinks is tempering his expectations with this year's class, time will tell if this will be a good decision or not.

Also, the staff has been making contact with coaches and programs in Ohio and Florida which is good to hear. There's already been some offers handed out to a couple guys in Florida. On the good news front, it seems that the two biggest recruits this year are staying aboard in Caleb Bright and Elijah Cunningham.

[Falconfreak90]

Sounds good to me. I'm interested in how we can tap into Texas.

[Schadenfreude]

“We won’t do that this year. We have roughly 22 scholarships available, but if we only sign 16 or 17 kids — as long as they are good, talented kids — we’ll be OK.”

I'd like to hear more about why this is better than signing 22, even if the last few commits aren't necessarily sure bets to one day start. There is an opportunity cost in not using every scholarship. Is there a benefit to holding a few back? Can the cost be put to another use?

[factman]

There is a max of 85 total scholarships and a max of 25 per year. I don't know what our numbers are for the next couple years, but he may well feel that he would prefer to have the max for the next couple years rather than spending them on borderline athletes, just to fill the "quota".

[Tech2000]

IMO, colleges have only so many scholarships available to use as they see fit: check NCAA guidelines. Example they can give full, half, or a quarter to a player to spread them out. Since Jinks has been here he has issued two to current players meaning some have become available without taking from prospective offers. Since Dec I believe the 13th, was a dead period which coaches are not able to contact hs players. Since Jinks etal really has only been here for a couple weeks they more than likely contacted babers recruits to keep them on board so there would not be an empty class. However, they have not been able to research any new ones. Instead of just filling a slot with just anyone the extra scholarships can be used later, whether to current players or future recruits, allows for proper choices for longevity of the program instead of one and done.

[Class of 61]

In terms of FOOTBALL (and possibly basketball too) scholarships are FULL, not partial. So when a walkon gets a scholarship, its due to one coming available. Believe Konakowski just got one for 2nd semester this year, equal to a full one for a full yr.

[Schadenfreude]

So the benefit of not maxing scholarships this year would be to have a larger class next year, when presumably Jinks would have a better idea of what's out there and what he needs?

[factman]

Yes!

[Flipper]

Guys that blow out quickly will kill your APR.... we don't want a repeat of the year we were docked 8 scholarships by the NCAA

[hammb]

It's also a strategy that, to me, would point to a coach planning to be here longer. When Dino came, and I have no qualms with Dino, we grabbed some transfers and juco types. Guys that he knew could run his offense right away and then he could move on. I have no issues with that strategy and we got two fun years out of him, but it is what it is.

Holding onto some schollies for next year would seem to indicate to me that Jinks isn't planning to blow out of here in a couple years. He also is probably pretty confident that the guys already here can run his offense.

[Flipper]

16-17 is a pretty specific number to just throw out there.... they must have a few guys they've targeted that they're confident they can land. I like that they're in FL building contacts and making offers to 2017 kids. They aren't down there chasing the kids that are in the scratch and dent bin just to get a body. Amstutz and Brandon used to do that... sign these great athletes that could barely read the LOI and you'd never hear of them again.

[Class of 61]

Currently still listing 12 kids... That seems to have held after the EIGHT decommits. Allso have the "grey shirt" kid from Fla. on campus. So that would mean only getting about 3-4 more assuming these kids DO sign LOI's.

[mscarn]

The talent presently in the program helps makes this approach possible as well. Depth-wise I'd focus on the defensive line and corner and load up in 2017 with a full year to evaluate and build relationships.

The walk-on program virtually saved the defense this year and has produced the likes of Burbrink and others on offense. The new staff would be wise to keep attracting as many walk-ons as they can.