It seems that with CU's resources the path is a hybrid approach of Hawkins/MacIntyre/Dorrell style of finding developmental guys who don't cost money to sign, a selection of 2nd tier transfers that lower end B1G/SEC sign, and then loading up to get a collection of guys who have offers from the elite programs. We can't afford the Ohio State roster.
Nik, I agree on not affording the Ohio St., Texas, Bama, GA rosters . . . but I don't think Prime's approach is a hybrid of Hawk/Mac/KD, as we loaded up on guys in the top-300 of the portal, 12 by my count (I included Walker who was 302, last month)--that is extremely competitive. No doubt, Prime's approach has been portal heavy. I opine the portal is a bit deeper than HS blue-chips in this day and age. I'd say the 247 Top 250, equates roughly to the TP's Top 300-325. All of the schools listed above are going after those guys, unless they have an absolute glut of talent at a certain position. Spring Portal will be interesting, as guys that find themselses 3-4 deep will transfer from all schools. I think 5 factors outside of NIL come into play:
1. A major difference with the elite Top-12 teams is that they enjoy an expected shot every year at the playoffs and a national championship. At least a major bowl game. I think that plays into the equation for guys who are depth peices. I would hope with expanding to a 14 team playoff will make that aspect somewhat easier.
2. I think teams that regularly put players into the NFL is a selling point, over just NIL. IMO, that is every players dream, although like 2% make it. To do this they need an expected route to immediate playing time. The way this particular staff is built, I think that is Prime's vision. We have to see just how successful Prime is at that, outside of his kids and TH.
3. Transfer portal guys are looking to play, and play earlier. Unless they are future depth pieces, they expect to be 1-2 on the depth chart coming in.
4. CU in the Prime era is very interesting. A huge benefit could be the exposure/hype machine. They have invested and drummed up enough interest to be their own "hype machine." All the Youtube videos and coverage. I think that this frustrates the hell out of the local reporters. I never thought someone would put together a 2 part video on a transfer DT, but it is out there. Prime is extremely unique in that he has so many friendships with NFLers, Rap Stars, and others that players are exposed to.
5. As I look at college football roster builds going back decades, it is tough to have multiple blue chips at every position on a roster. IMO, filling a roster with some potential/diamond in the rough guys is just what a team has to do. The high valued guys, first and foremost they expect to see the field and be featured--however those spots are limited. Only like 50 guys really play. Using two CU analogies: other than his inability to recruit a plus QB, Neuheisal's achillis heel was that he was able to sign big name 5*/4* blue-chips, but woefully failed in getting depth behind them--low 3*, WO's... Once the blue chip was committed, the other quality guys looked elsewhere--Neu did not recruit the middle well at all. We snagged top rated "all world" LB Ty Gregorak, he played early, got hurt/banged up and retired from the team after two seasons and we had nothing behind him. He was like a Bosworth flame out in the NFL. When GB was good pre-scandel he re-built the team differently getting some 4*'s (Markus Houston was the 5*), also using the limited transfer portal, and then stacking with high 3*'s as quality back-up/depth and development pieces that would play as Jrs/Srs. What I thought stood out with GB during those early years was the fierce competition and having the best guys play, even if Houston (he was awesome until the knee injury) and Ochs transferred out.
NIL is a big aspect, however I'm not sure it is the end all be all for roster building. Certainly, it is huge for some positions and very elite guys, however I think some coaches "beware of the guy who is just focused on just getting the biggest the bag." Unless the player is a can't miss, that has headache written all over it. Is he willing to give 100%? Can he upset your team chemistry--this happens in pro clubhouses? Will he avoid contact/injury so he can transfer for a larger bag or wait for his NFL payday? What will the NIL benefactors expect, if their guy does not see the field?
This Spring Portal will be interesting. I think there is a ton of value to Spring ball, team building, and staying put--but kids will still use to the portal. I would have loved to have seen what JUJU or Antonio might have done last year, if they were here for Spring ball? For the Buffs and many other teams, it will be about filling areas of need (we need LBs), maybe grabbing a can't miss, and but probably weeding out guys buried on their depth chart.