What's new
AllBuffs | Unofficial fan site for the University of Colorado at Boulder Athletics programs

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

  • Prime Time. Prime Time. Its a new era for Colorado football. Consider signing up for a club membership! For $20/year, you can get access to all the special features at Allbuffs, including club member only forums, dark mode, avatars and best of all no ads ! But seriously, please sign up so that we can pay the bills. No one earns money here, and we can use your $20 to keep this hellhole running. You can sign up for a club membership by navigating to your account in the upper right and clicking on "Account Upgrades". Make it happen!

Recruiting Positional Needs (based on graduation)

Buffnik

Real name isn't Nik
Club Member
Junta Member
There's always attrition beyond graduation. With injuries, academic/discipline losses, transfers and early NFL entry, it's always more roster turnover than just the seniors. But here is the senior breakdown heading into 2016. This will give everyone the basic framework of the 2017 recruiting class by position.

QB - 2 (Liufau & Gehrke)
RB - 0
WR - 1 (Awini)
TE - 1 (Irwin)
OL - 3 (Callahan, Kelley, Wiefels)
DT/DE - 4 (Carrell, Henington, Kafovalu, Tupou)
OLB - 2 (Gilbert, Rippy)
ILB - 3 (Olugbode, Severson, Talianko)
CB - 2 (Awuzie, Witherspoon)
S - 1 (Thompson)
K - 1 (Gonzalez)
TOTAL: 20
 
D- Line, CB, and probably QB look like the biggest area of need based on that. QB may need a highly rated Juco, but Lylte has taken care of the developmental need. Seems we have taken a couple potential DB's. DL seems to be the glaring need right now.
 
Not sure looking at graduation or attrition, is relevant in this year's recruiting unless the younger guys aren't going to make the progressions you need to fill the spots and thus you need to go Juco. We lose a lot on the DL. May need Juco help there.

In my question in a WR recruit thread, I asked how many we take at WR, and Duff guessed 4. I asked not because I think we are loaded, but because I think we need to spread the wealth at a lot of spots. But I also think our offense sputtered last year due to the lack of playmakers on the edge (as much as anything). I also felt we could improve the OL and QB play with what is on the roster, but I didn't see the talent at WR to improve much.

We addressed WR in '16 class with 4 kids (2 are Jucos) and 1 ATH (Julmisse) who may end up at RB. But we didn't turn this position into a strength. This new offense needs 6-8 guys who can play on the edge, interchangeably.

The '17 kids we are signing have to see there's opportunity. Every positional group is in a situation where we have a chance to recruit over the guys who became them.
 
If we consider 10% per class over their careers to be "healthy attrition", you are going to be signing between 23-24 recruits each year.

That sounds like one recruit per position on the field (22), plus a few extras for skill positions for when you change formations for down and distance - that also happen to be able to contribute on special teams. You also need a kicker or punter every other year.

Of course, this assumes class balance. Something we haven't seen in a decade or more.
 
Not sure looking at graduation or attrition, is relevant in this year's recruiting unless the younger guys aren't going to make the progressions you need to fill the spots and thus you need to go Juco. We lose a lot on the DL. May need Juco help there.

In my question in a WR recruit thread, I asked how many we take at WR, and Duff guessed 4. I asked not because I think we are loaded, but because I think we need to spread the wealth at a lot of spots. But I also think our offense sputtered last year due to the lack of playmakers on the edge (as much as anything). I also felt we could improve the OL and QB play with what is on the roster, but I didn't see the talent at WR to improve much.

We addressed WR in '16 class with 4 kids (2 are Jucos) and 1 ATH (Julmisse) who may end up at RB. But we didn't turn this position into a strength. This new offense needs 6-8 guys who can play on the edge, interchangeably.

The '17 kids we are signing have to see there's opportunity. Every positional group is in a situation where we have a chance to recruit over the guys who became them.
Stopped reading there. You can't be serious.
 
There's always attrition beyond graduation. With injuries, academic/discipline losses, transfers and early NFL entry, it's always more roster turnover than just the seniors. But here is the senior breakdown heading into 2016. This will give everyone the basic framework of the 2017 recruiting class by position.

QB - 2 (Liufau & Gehrke)
RB - 0
WR - 1 (Awini)
TE - 1 (Irwin)
OL - 3 (Callahan, Kelley, Wiefels)
DT/DE - 4 (Carrell, Henington, Kafovalu, Tupou)
OLB - 2 (Gilbert, Rippy)
ILB - 3 (Olugbode, Severson, Talianko)
CB - 2 (Awuzie, Witherspoon)
S - 1 (Thompson)
K - 1 (Gonzalez)
TOTAL: 20
Looking at this list it appears we have the following:
QB: -1 (Lytle)
RB: +1 (Fontenot)
WR: +1 or +2 if Bell commits (Jackson, Shenault)
TE: 0 (Sparaco)
OL: -2 (Paige)
DT/DE: -3 (VanDiest)
OLB: -1 (Newman)
ILB: -3
CB: -1 (Miller)

From what I see it appears the biggest areas of emphasis need to be on:

1. Offensive Line-Paige has upside but and is well thought of but he is ANOTHER project type like so many former OL. We need to land Polley or Zabie or both please?!
2. DT/DE- Buffs need size up front. Kind of got lucky Tupou was forced into redshirt. Need a stud here with Rogers at the top. I expect another JUCO as well. I think Carrell has been really good.
3. ILB-This group leaving is all undersized and I am sure some of the OLB recruits could play here but as shown above we need numbers there too. Fa'ave is top guy right now but need more. Based off their being a heavy offer list to listed OLBs, I assume they see a lot of those guys translating to ILBs in a 3-4.

It is good to see the Buffs on a lot of guys with significant P5 offers. I honestly think you only take a couple more project types and tell the other ones that they have a loose offer or grayshirt offer until you get close to February.
 
1. Offensive Line-Paige has upside but and is well thought of but he is ANOTHER project type like so many former OL. We need to land Polley or Zabie or both please?!
2. DT/DE- Buffs need size up front. Kind of got lucky Tupou was forced into redshirt. Need a stud here with Rogers at the top. I expect another JUCO as well. I think Carrell has been really good.
3. ILB-This group leaving is all undersized and I am sure some of the OLB recruits could play here but as shown above we need numbers there too. Fa'ave is top guy right now but need more. Based off their being a heavy offer list to listed OLBs, I assume they see a lot of those guys translating to ILBs in a 3-4.

I agree with this. Skill positions are coming along nicely. We need some big guys on either side of the line and some big linebackers that are ready to go. I would take either or both of those kids from Louisiana on the defensive front in a heart beat. I really like the way they get to the QB and bottle up the running game on the films available.
 
Looking at this list it appears we have the following:
QB: -1 (Lytle)
RB: +1 (Fontenot)
WR: +1 or +2 if Bell commits (Jackson, Shenault)
TE: 0 (Sparaco)
OL: -2 (Paige)
DT/DE: -3 (VanDiest)
OLB: -1 (Newman)
ILB: -3
CB: -1 (Miller)

From what I see it appears the biggest areas of emphasis need to be on:

1. Offensive Line-Paige has upside but and is well thought of but he is ANOTHER project type like so many former OL. We need to land Polley or Zabie or both please?!
2. DT/DE- Buffs need size up front. Kind of got lucky Tupou was forced into redshirt. Need a stud here with Rogers at the top. I expect another JUCO as well. I think Carrell has been really good.
3. ILB-This group leaving is all undersized and I am sure some of the OLB recruits could play here but as shown above we need numbers there too. Fa'ave is top guy right now but need more. Based off their being a heavy offer list to listed OLBs, I assume they see a lot of those guys translating to ILBs in a 3-4.

It is good to see the Buffs on a lot of guys with significant P5 offers. I honestly think you only take a couple more project types and tell the other ones that they have a loose offer or grayshirt offer until you get close to February.

One thing that you missed that has to be in the numbers: OL had a GS from 2016, so we actually have 2 right now with Hunter Vaughn. Of course, that goes back to 1 if Paige would delay his enrollment until January 2018.
 
However you look at it, the Buffs are recruiting in areas of need like never before. You have to get TX and CA kids that are legit P5 guys. This year is the first time that has happened like this in a long time.

@BuffStampede had a great stat (I have been looking at more of a per class thing for all recruits) the number of schollie offers for Tyler Lytle was 25. No QB has had more than 4 other offers since rivals 2002 data goes back to. More than all offers than last 18 QB signees combined.
 
Last edited:
Stopped reading there. You can't be serious.
Very serious.

I don't think any staff is looking at what they are losing as Seniors and then matching that up with how they recruit. Those spots are being filled by guys you took 2 years ago - if not, you are doing it wrong.
 
Very serious.

I don't think any staff is looking at what they are losing as Seniors and then matching that up with how they recruit. Those spots are being filled by guys you took 2 years ago - if not, you are doing it wrong.

We disagree. No one is looking at recruiting this year based on their current sophomore class numbers.
 
You are as perceptive as a rock. When recruiting this year, you are looking at best talent available and the entire depth chart and how you can upgrade. I don't think any staff is looking at what they are losing as Seniors and then matching that up with how they recruit. Those spots are being filled by guys you took 2 years ago - if not, you are doing it wrong.
I'm sorry for reading what you wrote and taking it at face value. Anyways, your argument that recruiting is all about the short term is an interesting, but bad one. Yes, SOME short term needs need to be met in this class, and yes, they can be met by Jucos. But you can't just ignore your pipeline in favor of short term fixes outside of very specific circumstances (KSU is one).

Also, based on your argument, you would never need to recruit a QB outside of the year you are graduating/losing one. What the hell?
 
We disagree. No one is looking at recruiting this year based on their current sophomore class numbers.
You don't think they are looking at the whole depth chart more than they are looking at just the graduating class? If that is your opinion, I'm shocked.
 
I'm sorry for reading what you wrote and taking it at face value. Anyways, your argument that recruiting is all about the short term is an interesting, but bad one. Yes, SOME short term needs need to be met in this class, and yes, they can be met by Jucos. But you can't just ignore your pipeline in favor of short term fixes outside of very specific circumstances (KSU is one).

Also, based on your argument, you would never need to recruit a QB outside of the year you are graduating/losing one. What the hell?

Darth - I am arguing the opposite. I'm saying you don't look at what is graduating and fill those needs accordingly. You look at the WHOLE pipeline. Unless I missed something, you are arguing my point and we agree, rather than BuffNik's point.
 
Darth - I am arguing the opposite. I'm saying you don't look at what is graduating and fill those needs accordingly. You look at the WHOLE pipeline. Unless I missed something, you are arguing my point and we agree, rather than BuffNik's point.
Nah, you are arguing with no one, and have not been accurately putting forward your argument. Nik isn't saying you ignore short term needs. He's saying you start with what you are losing as the basis from your class and then modify accordingly. Graduation = Basis for new class' blueprint.
 
Nah, you are arguing with no one, and have not been accurately putting forward your argument. Nik isn't saying you ignore short term needs. He's saying you start with what you are losing as the basis from your class and then modify accordingly. Graduation = Basis for new class' blueprint.
I went back and read my post and the comments you made regarding it. There was accuracy in my argument, and I am arguing with no one (i.e. you). Carry on.
 
You don't think they are looking at the whole depth chart more than they are looking at just the graduating class? If that is your opinion, I'm shocked.

I absolutely think that. I said the foundation for looking at the current class is the expected attrition. That's just the rough schematic to look at. From there, you look at where your holes were already and if there are any major needs/ losses the following year from a position group that you can get a jump on by taking an extra guy or two this year. I never said it was the whole story, just that it's a rough guide and good starting point.
 
I absolutely think that. I said the foundation for looking at the current class is the expected attrition. That's just the rough schematic to look at. From there, you look at where your holes were already and if there are any major needs/ losses the following year from a position group that you can get a jump on by taking an extra guy or two this year. I never said it was the whole story, just that it's a rough guide and good starting point.

Good programs are not recruiting in '17 to replace guys who will play their last year in '16. We may be here and there, but not like in the past.

We are recruiting to potentially replace our "weakest links" and many of those are not necessarily due to attrition/graduation. They are just in the "needs improvement" group.

Most guys will need a few years. We have to be looking at attrition in '19+ when we are recruiting in '17.
 
Good programs are not recruiting in '17 to replace guys who will play their last year in '16. We may be here and there, but not like in the past.

We are recruiting to potentially replace our "weakest links" and many of those are not necessarily due to attrition/graduation. They are just in the "needs improvement" group.

Most guys will need a few years. We have to be looking at attrition in '19+ when we are recruiting in '17.

In short: this thread would have made more sense to you if it had been: "Recruiting positional needs of 2017 class based on 2019 graduations".

I think you'll be pretty lonely with that opinion, but you're certainly entitled to it.
 
In short: this thread would have made more sense to you if it had been: "Recruiting positional needs of 2017 class based on 2019 graduations".

I think you'll be pretty lonely with that opinion, but you're certainly entitled to it.

Would have made more sense to me if it was titled "Recruiting positional needs of 2017 class based on 2017 needs". If you believe we are recruiting over guys, who cares who we lose due to graduation (with only a few exceptions)?
 
Would have made more sense to me if it was titled "Recruiting positional needs of 2017 class based on 2017 needs". If you believe we are recruiting over guys, who cares who we lose due to graduation (with only a few exceptions)?

Because if you already have pretty good class balance, as we do, then the friggin' losses to the roster are going to correlate with the additions. That's a pretty basic thing. I wanted to give people a good general idea of the losses expected so everyone would have a basic grasp of how the numbers will pretty much shake out with recruiting this year.

If you want to do something else, start a ****ing thread for it. You're infuriating today. Or if you just want to disagree with the concept, you could have done it in one post. I have no idea what you're trying to accomplish at this point.
 
Jeez, I thought you folks would be happy that I am pointing out that class balance sucks, if it's under-talented!
 
It's not the sexiest position, but one that stands out to me on Nik's OP is the need for a kicker. Are we in on any kickers that we know about? Doesn't seem like we have much after Diego.
 
It's not the sexiest position, but one that stands out to me on Nik's OP is the need for a kicker. Are we in on any kickers that we know about? Doesn't seem like we have much after Diego.
Sounds like the walk-on they brought on would be a scholarship level kicker next year when one becomes available so my guess is if he proves himself he will be the guy. I will try to track down who it is I am referring to.
 
How CU hasn't been able to recruit a decent PK since Crosby absolutely boggles my mind. Thinnest air and P5 conference, should make for an easy sell, along with bragging about Crosby. They truly must not put any effort into it.
 
How CU hasn't been able to recruit a decent PK since Crosby absolutely boggles my mind. Thinnest air and P5 conference, should make for an easy sell, along with bragging about Crosby. They truly must not put any effort into it.
we have recruited a few decent kickers. We just haven't recruited the next crosby.
 
we have recruited a few decent kickers. We just haven't recruited the next crosby.
I guess it's all relative and Crosby set such a high bar, but I wouldn't really call Eberhart, Goodman, Castor, Diego or Graham good recruits.

Edit: Completely forgot about Will Oliver, who was by far the best we've had since Crosby
 
Back
Top