For new coaches, recruiting is job one (Dan Mullen)
A new hire means a new vision and, of course, new players. How important is this recruiting class for the 21 new Division I-A coaches? Sporting News’ Matt Hayes ranks the schools, starting with the neediest.
BCS programs
1. Auburn. There’s zero room for error for Gene Chizik (or is that Chi-Zook?), clearly the most unpopular — and controversial — hire this offseason. The offense is desperate for speed and skill players.
2. Tennessee. The Vols aren’t devoid of talent, but Lane Kiffin must prove he can win recruiting battles with Florida, Georgia and Alabama — something former coach Phil Fulmer didn’t do enough of late in his career.
3. Clemson. Dabo Swinney, promoted to head coach after going 4-2 as interim coach at the end of the regular season, recruited many of the players on the current roster; he needs more elite skill players to extend the honeymoon.
4. Mississippi State.
sportingnews.com
2/3/09
