Do we foresee a higher climb in football recruiting in 2020? Granted, this 2019 class is awesome (and has a chance to be even better, David Bell), but say we continue success next year, maybe win 8 games, compete for Big Ten West, etc. do we think we could climb into the top 20 to top 15 recruiting class range? We’ve seen what Brohm can do as a recruiter with the constant thought that he’d jump to Louisville, but now that that is settled for a while, I wonder how that may benefit the team’s recruiting even more.
There is no chance the ‘20 class will take a step up. Purdue signed GK early and he was an in state 5 star talent. That lead to Grant signing up early as well. Purdue is also in on Bell who is an in state high 4 star, almost 5 star talent. But having the local 5 star guy kicked it all off. The ‘21 class will be one to watch if Yanni signs up early. That could be a top 20 class, so long as this ‘19 class brings success. The ‘19 class offered the perfect storm of opportunity at almost every position ontop of big time talent signing early and a pool of local talent in the surrounding states.
Purdue could land Cole (monster DT and highly recruited), but Michigan is heavy after him and I don’t think he is going to make an early decision. Cole also isn’t the vocal person like GK, who was crootin the moment he committed.
The ‘20 class will be good for sure and could end up in the top 30-35 range. But it really needs a high profile guy to buy in early. Playing time is still easy to sell though, because there are only 3 ‘19 guys that are likely going to walk into a starting position as true freshmen. Brohm is building depth, which is something he hasn’t had in a long time. The ‘19 class addressed most holes except maybe linebacker. Playing time isn’t as important with 4 star guys, as most believe they can come in and get playing time right away. I look for the ‘20 class to be smaller though. Brohm will be more picky I think.
Positions of priority for the ‘20 class imo:
1) LB - Bailey will need to be replaced. Barnes and Jones have been serviceable, but their weaknesses will show with Bailey gone. Need a leader at that position. It could be Alexander from ‘18, but it is such an important position that can make or break a defense.
2) OL - some folks were down on the ‘19 OL class, but they were all guys higher rated than what has been starting. I like the ‘19 OL class, but OL is a position where depth is incredibly important. I can’t imagine taking less than 3 OL with an OC being top priority.
3) DL - Holt is getting some new toys in the ‘18 class, but DL needs depth and will still need to lock up WDE and find another DT.
4) RB - Purdue has some nice prospects in the ‘18 class, but got to have some depth here. A star RB will really help the passing game.
5) QB - take one every class. We still don’t know what we have behind Sindelar, and it’s important to have depth at this position in case somebody doesn’t work out, unjuries, or transfers.
6) DB - Purdue has gotten some really good DBs in the ‘18-‘19 classes. Still I imagine going after at least one CB and one safety.
7) WR - Brohm will likely end up with at least one or two high 3 star/4 Star WRs with potential. Big receivers were a priority in ‘19 class, so look for some speed in the ‘20 class. I expect some attrition at this position eventually. Brohm oversigned it, especially if he adds Bell. Which is fine because of the importance of great WRs in his pass happy offense. But there are some talented WRs that aren’t going to see the field for a while. It would be important to add at least one and maybe two if they RS. Moore could be gone in 2 years as well. And Wright and Bell (assuming we get him) have potential to be 3 years guys. Sheffield and Rice should RS (assuming Rice stays at WR and doesn’t move to RB or the defense. Rice is a heck of a player so I wouldn’t be surprised if he stays at WR, I just really like his potential on defense).
Brohm got a bunch of guys that won state titles and were the best player on their team. That would be great if he could do it again. I just don’t know much about the ‘20 class to get overly excited. We will know a lot more once the camps start up.
