The college game has certainly changed, and long with it has recruiting. Since everything now has to be viewed through the lens of NIL money, I'm curious what type of recruit do you think produces the greatest ROI when it comes to filling a roster?
Since every player is now completely portable, player retainment has to become a more highly-valued variable. Sure we may be able to pass around the hat and come up with enough money to land a 16yo star, but what are the odds of that investment paying off in the long run. Will he be frustrated as most young players are and leave? Will the doors be knocked down by a gaggle of billionaires temping the kid with more money every day to transfer? Will he create a disruptive atmosphere in the locker room with older guys that don't want to deal with it? Hard to say when evaluating these young players that have tremendous upside.
The way I see it, these are the variables that need to evaluated:
Cost:
Will the NIL cost be worth the ROI at the sacrifice of other players?
Chemistry/Adaptability:
Since rosters are turning over at a record level, will the player be able to gel with his other teammates quickly?
Patience/Loyalty:
Will the player bolt at the first opportunity when faced with adversity or when a bigger bag is offered?
Skills:
Does that young talented player has the skills to play seamlessly with more mature and highly-skilled teammates?
I'll be honest, I don't know what it would take to keep a top player satisfied and loyal for more than a year at best. Even if you bring in a project and coach them up, the second they get attention for their play, they are going to have suitors lining up to seduce them into leaving. It would seem to me the best recruit is the one-year guy that has solid skills, but isn't the apple of every program's eye.
Since every player is now completely portable, player retainment has to become a more highly-valued variable. Sure we may be able to pass around the hat and come up with enough money to land a 16yo star, but what are the odds of that investment paying off in the long run. Will he be frustrated as most young players are and leave? Will the doors be knocked down by a gaggle of billionaires temping the kid with more money every day to transfer? Will he create a disruptive atmosphere in the locker room with older guys that don't want to deal with it? Hard to say when evaluating these young players that have tremendous upside.
The way I see it, these are the variables that need to evaluated:
Cost:
Will the NIL cost be worth the ROI at the sacrifice of other players?
Chemistry/Adaptability:
Since rosters are turning over at a record level, will the player be able to gel with his other teammates quickly?
Patience/Loyalty:
Will the player bolt at the first opportunity when faced with adversity or when a bigger bag is offered?
Skills:
Does that young talented player has the skills to play seamlessly with more mature and highly-skilled teammates?
I'll be honest, I don't know what it would take to keep a top player satisfied and loyal for more than a year at best. Even if you bring in a project and coach them up, the second they get attention for their play, they are going to have suitors lining up to seduce them into leaving. It would seem to me the best recruit is the one-year guy that has solid skills, but isn't the apple of every program's eye.
