JT Recruiting Style

[leek]

I see lots of concern on message boards about Jim Tressel's recruiting style. People say he can't close the deal on OOS kids. They say he is boring. They say he doesn't "sell" OSU. I believe there are a number of people here who have experienced JT's recruiting up close and personal. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Also, I've seen people criticize the Assistant Coaches for not recruiting well. Care to comment?

[LordJeffBuck]

Originally Posted by leek

I see lots of concern on message boards about Jim Tressel's recruiting style. People say he can't close the deal on OOS kids. They say he is boring. They say he doesn't "sell" OSU.

I think that each criticism has some merit, and if you are looking for a class full of five-star, blue-chip, Rivals-100 type players who bask in the limelight for an entire year and then commit at the Army AA game (after the obligatory "hat trick") or at an ESPN press conference on Signing Day, then you will forever be disappointed with JT. However, if you look at results on the field, the ability to spot "hidden" talent, to identify players who will "fit" the Buckeye system, to target players who want to come to Ohio State, to sign players who will not bust out due to academic issues, then JT is tough to beat. Granted, JT has made some mistakes this year (I can think of three, possibly four, players who might be Buckeyes now if the staff had played their cards a bit differently), but the class should be solid, if not spectacular. As always, a top-5 class on Signing Day means nothing - ask me three years from now, and I'll let you know whether JT succeeded or failed with respect to the class of 2006.

[CONGERSBUCKEYE]

Recruiting is unfortunately not a science that can be measured with stars because you are dealing with individuals. It is just like the NFL draft. I do believe that JT has learned a quick lesson on attitudes do to Mo C and probably a reason why they may have past on certain kids that obviously have strong measurables. As an alum and fan I would rather read the sports section not police reports. Ohio State is an excellent product to sell and JT will get the opportunity to recruit the best talent. I feel very comfortable with him and the coaching staff to judge the character and will they work in the system. Hawk/Troy Smith/Pittman are excellent example. In addition JT has now got two MVP (Wells, Ginn) of the Army AA game which I believe sets him apart from other coaches as well.

[daddyphatsacs]

I think way too much stock is put into the "rankings". Mack Brown finally got his title this year after years of recruiting "titles". Tressel recruits to fill the needs of the team, he doesn't simply offer a kid just because. I'm sure that some get irked when they don't see mass verbals during the A.A. game on TV, or on signing day. As long as the Buckeyes continue to win ballgames, and BCS games....I couldn't care less what the rankings are.

[leek]

Originally Posted by daddyphatsacs

I think way too much stock is put into the "rankings". Mack Brown finally got his title this year after years of recruiting "titles". Tressel recruits to fill the needs of the team, he doesn't simply offer a kid just because. I'm sure that some get irked when they don't see mass verbals during the A.A. game on TV, or on signing day. As long as the Buckeyes continue to win ballgames, and BCS games....I couldn't care less what the rankings are.

I understand all that and pretty much agree with you. Recruiting is nothing but a step in putting a (hopefully) winning team on the field. I am well aware of the many "can't miss" busts, and the "under the radar" greats (Archie Griffin comes to mind).

I honestly don't know much about the style and messages around recruiting by the top programs. I would be curious to know: Is Tressel a good/great/poor salesman? What kind of job do the assistants do? How do they do it?

I get the feeling (don't know why), that Tressel is charismatic, but also very matter of fact. Sort of, tells it like it is, doesn't blow smoke up a kids rear, and if you like that, come be a Buckeye.

I get the feeling that a Pete Carroll is the ultimate charismatic salesman, as in charming guy who tells you what you want to hear. He may not be. I understand Lllloyd is big on high pressure and negative recruiting; is this true?

Do most successful recruiters talk mainly football? Do some take the "Woody" approach, selling the opportunity for a great education and tools for a great life?

I hear so many criticisms of Tressel, and in fact don't believe most of it. I just look at his coaching record, as in: W-L record, championships, # of players playing on Sundays, etc. and he clearly is about as effective as anyone.

I could be all wrong. I'd love to hear from people who have observed this in person.

[Onebuckfan]

I think since JT replaced Cooper's recruiting coordinator he has shrunk the no. of recruits tOSU looks at. Certain players will not fit Tressels mold. I doubt if the Guilfords, Irizzarys or Marcus Vicks would even get a letter from tOSU now. Just watching Wells interviewed at the Army game and comparing it to some of the others, he appeared a little more mature a Tressel guy for sure who just happens to have 5 star talent. I for one willnever lose sleep if some HS SR.chooss not to go to tOSU, JT will have enough talent to get tOSU where we want to go, without having to defentthe MC or Marcus Vicks. Thats why I like JT more and more each year. HE has started to put a positive image om tOSU program.

[akronbuck]

just like previously said but, one of the only ways to tell how good a kid is if he goes to the camps .Tressel gets all the kids that no one was thinking about because, of how that kid performed at the camp. Thats the top one he uses .

Tressel has alot of high schools coaches to train and teach at the camps with other type of coaches from OSU. Thats huge in showing respect to any kind of coaching in the beginning or a well known one.

Some of those coaches tell college coaches the truth about a kid good or bad


Some guys that coach around Akron are really nice guys and do what they can to help some young kid get into college

People that bad mouth Tressel as A recruiter really have no clue what goes on in recuiting a kid out of school and believe all recruiting rankings as the way ithey see it as
.

Tressel gets along and shows respect to all High school coaches and thats onething COOPER did not do as history showed

[jimotis4heisman]

tressel is about "we guys" not "me guys" if you want to see kids hyping themselves up and looking for a spotlight its not that way. his teams have a blue collar team mentality.

[Steve19]

I think that a team full of five-star recruits would be a disaster. No doubt his recruiting, and every other element of his job, could be improved. You could say that about every coach. Jim Tressel seems to be able to spot the A J Hawk's of the world and to knit a team of kids who will play together. The only mistake he has made in my estimation was Maurice Clarett, who cried team early on, but was never for anyone but himself. Just listen to the way those linebackers talked about each other, look at the way the offensive team looked after the Fiesta Bowl win.

Recruiting is about getting recruits with jaw dropping strength and wheels, but it is also about getting recruits with the right values who can fit into your system and make a team. I think Jim Tressel does that pretty well.

[leek]

Originally Posted by akronbuck

just like previously said but, one of the only ways to tell how good a kid is if he goes to the camps .Tressel gets all the kids that no one was thinking about because, of how that kid performed at the camp. Thats the top one he uses .

Tressel has alot of high schools coaches to train and teach at the camps with other type of coaches from OSU. Thats huge in showing respect to any kind of coaching in the beginning or a well known one.

Some of those coaches tell college coaches the truth about a kid good or bad


Some guys that coach around Akron are really nice guys and do what they can to help some young kid get into college

People that bad mouth Tressel as A recruiter really have no clue what goes on in recuiting a kid out of school and believe all recruiting rankings as the way ithey see it as
.

Tressel gets along and shows respect to all High school coaches and thats onething COOPER did not do as history showed

Wow..am I just waiting for posters who have been there?

I understand what you're saying, but it says nothing about how he interacts, what the assistants do, his message etc.

This just tells what we can see on Rivals or Scout. What does Phat Phil do? Lllloyd? Carroll? How is Tressel different in DEALING with recruits, if at all?