1. Coach, talk about your overall 2011 recruiting class:
“With SBU having back to back winning seasons for the first time in 23 years, we had very specific goals for our 2011 recruiting class. After the last game of the record breaking 2010 season, we had a team meeting and explained our goals and expectations for 2011. We told our players that everyone has a job to do to prepare for 2011. Our coaching staff’s job was to recruit players to replace everyone on our roster and their job was to work so hard that it would be tough for any newcomer to beat them out. I feel that our coaching staff has done a great job this year of signing the student-athletes that can contribute to our team immediately, either by playing in a starring role or providing competition and quality depth at their position. Our immediate needs on offense were at the offensive line, wide receiver and quarterback positions. Defensively, we had immediate needs at the defensive line. In the kicking game we needed to find a punter. We are very excited about the guys we have signed and the mid-year transfers that are already on campus. These guys are not only great football players, they are quality people off the field as well. This recruiting class is exemplified by young men with great character, hard work ethic, solid academics and a burning desire to compete on the football field.
Again, our coaching staff did a great job recruiting and I applaud their hard work and effort. I also appreciate all the support and help our athletic administration, faculty and staff gave us in recruiting such a strong class. We will be finalizing this recruiting class over the next few weeks with a few more talented student athletes. Our fans can expect another great season with this signing class.”
2. What was the biggest difference you noticed this year recruiting?
I believe we were able to recruit a higher caliber player than years past. I think back-to-back winning seasons and a great coaching staff that enjoys recruiting has helped us be more competitive when it comes to recruiting. Recruits are coming to our campus and are getting a first hand look at our team, coaches, and campus and realize we are a tight knit group!
3. What excites you the most about this recruiting class?
Besides the overall talent this recruiting class has is their individual desire to be at SBU. We put a premium on finding student athletes that wanted to be a part of what we are doing and what we are about. When you find a kid that can play and wants to be at your program, then you have a special athlete. I understand most kids at the age of 10 aren't dreaming to play football at SBU or any other NCAA D2 program they are dreaming about the DI schools. With that being said, I always tell our recruits that if you end up playing football at SBU then you were purposed or destined to be here. It's that special of a place.
4. Any signee stand out above the rest?
They all will play an intregal part in this program, otherwise we wouldn't have signed them. Ask me the same question in 3-4 years and I'll have a better answer.
5. Why so many recruits from out of state?
Believe it or not, we have a huge alumni base in the Dallas and Houston area , especially former football players that are now high school coaches. Those guys had a great experience at SBU are really help us in locating great players in their areas!
