Quote:
Originally Posted by
edinatlanta 
That's the thing...signing classes are horribly inaccurate. ND pretty much always has a great signing class. HOw's it worked out for them?
Notre Dame does not always have monster signing years. And they, like the top tier programs (note - did not call ND a top program) get overrated in recruiting just because they are recruiting someone. If a kid gets an offer from Alabama or Florida, their stock often shoots up by some of the analysts.
Weis had a highly rated recruting year in '06. And he was excellent at getting the skill players to ND ( Clausen, Rudolph, Floyd, Tate) but he struggled on defensive side of the ball recruting (Teo big exception). And Weis also proved he could not coach them. The Irish were weak up front on both sides of the line in recent years. Thats what wins college football games.
Look at a program like Wisconsin. They rarely ever get a 4 star recruit let alone 5 star. Yet, they get good kids on the line (2 All Amercian lineman this year) and they know how to develop talent.
Net - you are right onhow tough it is to predict how these kids will turn out. And it takes so much more than just recruiting to have a top program. But it does all start there. Despite the success of a Wisconsin - look at Ohio State. They recruit top talent, develop them and over a long period of time, remain one of college footballs top programs. Wisconsin runs a great program and often overachieves. Ohio State gets better talent and is an elite program, often in the chase for the national title. Thats the differnce recruiting can make.