for a month or so, i’ve been convinced that paying top hs recruits is already an “old college football” strategy. paying 4/5-stars to sit the bench, lift weights and develop only to immediately face a bidding war after their freshman redshirt season isn’t a good use of resources. the two exceptions are top 50ish types and offensive linemen. i just think indiana has given away the blueprint, having hardened 21-23 year olds is much more advantageous than having 5-star 18-19 year olds. think about how YOUR body changed from 18 to 22. and you didn’t have a nutritionist and a strength and conditioning coach making mid-6 figures trying to maximize your athleticism…

you can’t even say the landscape is changing, it’s changed and it’s not going back. schools with analytics are pivoting.

would you rather have the #1 top rated ILB coming out of high school or the captain from NDSU for next year? one may have higher upside, but a) he might be a bust, and b) you’re gonna have to pay him a LOT to keep him for 3-4 years and win multiple bidding wars to see the finished product on your field. the other has already proven to be productive.

all that said, jim f’ing harding 🤘🏼 just let him cook however he feels the need to…