NCCU 2012 Recruiting Class -A Closer Look-

[The Sloping Hills and Verdent Green]

Looks like Frazier and his boys were road warriors this off season.  Looking forward to the Aggie invasion at O'Kelley this year...

http://www.rr.com/news/topic/article/rr/37566092/60944275/North_Carolina_Central_Suprises_on_Signing_Day

North Carolina Central Suprises on Signing Day; MEAC Beats Out SWAC
Published - Feb 02 2012 04:31AM EST

Gregory Smith, Black College Sports Examiner

An astounding 27 high school and junior college transfers signed letters-of-intent to play for Frazier and the Eagles, who became full-time members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference just a few years ago. The number was one better than Florida A&M, a founding member of the MEAC and a traditional pigskin powerhouse in black college football.

 

Where did this reporter get his information from?           NCCU became a full time member of the MEAC last August.   And FAMU was not a founder member of the conference.          

[The Prophet]

He must to have just entered "The Twilight Zone  We need to send him a history factoid on the MEAC!!

[RoadJack]

NCCU always recruit well.  It's a good university, nice physical plant, nice location and outstanding history.   NCCU's problem is not recruiting but producing on the field.  Also, Central's big problem in the immediate future is going to be UNC-C and going after those players not recruited by DI schools.

In my opinion, NCCU must win 6-7 games this year to maintain the push within the MEAC.  They really need a WSSU type year.

[TrueEagle]

NCCU always recruit well.  It's a good university, nice physical plant, nice location and outstanding history.   NCCU's problem is not recruiting but producing on the field.  Also, Central's big problem in the immediate future is going to be UNC-C and going after those players not recruited by DI schools.

In my opinion, NCCU must win 6-7 games this year to maintain the push within the MEAC.  They really need a WSSU type year.

I don't disagree but....nice physical plant? 

[Thinkingaboutit]

NCCU always recruit well.  It's a good university, nice physical plant, nice location and outstanding history.   NCCU's problem is not recruiting but producing on the field.  Also, Central's big problem in the immediate future is going to be UNC-C and going after those players not recruited by DI schools.

In my opinion, NCCU must win 6-7 games this year to maintain the push within the MEAC.  They really need a WSSU type year.

I don't disagree but....nice physical plant? 

What he means is the overall view of campus, ie buildings and grounds.

[Bro. Askia Musa Afiba]

NCCU's 2012 football recruits include two from Durham, four from N.C.
http://www.heraldsun.net/printer_friendly/17403036

The Herald Sun 02.04.12 - 04:59 pm

  BY JOHN MCCANN
jmccann@heraldsun.com; 419-6601



DURHAM — Only four of the 27 high school football players who signed NCAA letters-of-intent with N.C. Central on Wednesday are from North Carolina, and just two played in Durham.

NCCU recruits Micah Martin and Jeremy Thompson both played at Southern, and there are two more incoming Eagles who call North Carolina home — Travis McCorkle, from Newton, and Kinston's Shaheed Swinson.

But it’s not like NCCU coach Henry Frazier III and his staff didn’t beat the bushes and shake the dogwood trees around here.

“We threw a wide net out there,” Frazier said.

NCCU offered scholarships to 20 North Carolina players and six guys backed out of their non-binding commitments to NCCU in the week leading up to signing day, deciding in the end to go elsewhere, Frazier said.

Frazier's class includes players from 11 states in all.

"Of course, your preference is always in-state. But we're not going to settle for kids who can't play on the Division I level,” Frazier said.

And Frazier is not going to beg anybody to play for him.

“When you’re building a program, when you’re talking about buy-in, it’s very important that student athletes choose you — and they want to be here — because it's going to be hard, it’s going to be challenging for us to do the things we need to do. So it’s important they want to be here. That was very important,” Frazier said.

While Frazier didn’t land many players from North Carolina, the coach believes he’s reeled in a good one in Swinson, a fine athlete from down East who can play multiple positions.

And the addition of Martin, a long snapper, strengthens NCCU's special teams, which is vital to winning ballgames, Frazier said.

Redshirting players is standard practice in college football, but Frazier said he told these recruits that if they’re good, they’ll play on Saturdays this fall.

“Now we switch our focus to spring practice. It’s time for spring ball now. We’ll go to spring ball and start rolling,” Frazier said.

Spring football practice at NCCU starts March 27. A date for NCCU’s spring game hasn’t been determined.

Copyright 2012 The Herald-Sun. All rights reserved.
© heraldsun.net 2012

[TrueEagle]

A couple of key points here.....

NCCU offered scholarships to 20 North Carolina players and six guys backed out of their non-binding commitments to NCCU in the week leading up to signing day, deciding in the end to go elsewhere, Frazier said.

Hopefully this shuts some mouths up.

"Of course, your preference is always in-state. But we're not going to settle for kids who can't play on the Division I level,” Frazier said.

This speaks volumes. Let's hope it rings true.

And Frazier is not going to beg anybody to play for him.

Before anyone gets their panties in a wad, the writer said this not Frazier.

“When you’re building a program, when you’re talking about buy-in, it’s very important that student athletes choose you — and they want to be here — because it's going to be hard, it’s going to be challenging for us to do the things we need to do. So it’s important they want to be here. That was very important,” Frazier said.

....VERY IMPORTANT!!!!

[81alphaeagle]

^^^^^^Is this another way of saying, "I got out recruited for in-state students"? 

I agree you have to get your best talent where ever your can, but let's be real about the financial cost of the out of state student.

[The Prophet]

Ever heard of West Rowan, perennial state playoff contenders and back to back state championships. I hope he does well this year.

[Eagle Banker]

NCCU's 2012 football recruits include two from Durham, four from N.C.
http://www.heraldsun.net/printer_friendly/17403036

The Herald Sun 02.04.12 - 04:59 pm

  BY JOHN MCCANN
jmccann@heraldsun.com; 419-6601



DURHAM — Only four of the 27 high school football players who signed NCAA letters-of-intent with N.C. Central on Wednesday are from North Carolina, and just two played in Durham.

NCCU recruits Micah Martin and Jeremy Thompson both played at Southern, and there are two more incoming Eagles who call North Carolina home — Travis McCorkle, from Newton, and Kinston's Shaheed Swinson.

But it’s not like NCCU coach Henry Frazier III and his staff didn’t beat the bushes and shake the dogwood trees around here.

“We threw a wide net out there,” Frazier said.

NCCU offered scholarships to 20 North Carolina players and six guys backed out of their non-binding commitments to NCCU in the week leading up to signing day, deciding in the end to go elsewhere, Frazier said.

Frazier's class includes players from 11 states in all.

"Of course, your preference is always in-state. But we're not going to settle for kids who can't play on the Division I level,” Frazier said.

And Frazier is not going to beg anybody to play for him.

“When you’re building a program, when you’re talking about buy-in, it’s very important that student athletes choose you — and they want to be here — because it's going to be hard, it’s going to be challenging for us to do the things we need to do. So it’s important they want to be here. That was very important,” Frazier said.

While Frazier didn’t land many players from North Carolina, the coach believes he’s reeled in a good one in Swinson, a fine athlete from down East who can play multiple positions.

And the addition of Martin, a long snapper, strengthens NCCU's special teams, which is vital to winning ballgames, Frazier said.

Redshirting players is standard practice in college football, but Frazier said he told these recruits that if they’re good, they’ll play on Saturdays this fall.

“Now we switch our focus to spring practice. It’s time for spring ball now. We’ll go to spring ball and start rolling,” Frazier said.

Spring football practice at NCCU starts March 27. A date for NCCU’s spring game hasn’t been determined.

Copyright 2012 The Herald-Sun. All rights reserved.
© heraldsun.net 2012

Coach Frazier is making a big bet here.  If he wins he will quiet the growing questions, but if he does not win in 2012 and 2013 he will have to answer the call for his recruiting budget.

[TrueEagle]

I would like to have NC recruits too. But, we have to also be realistic about the pecking order for recruits in this state. We have FIVE FBS schools as well as App, Western, Elon, Gardner Web, a&t, and now Charlotte to compete with on the FCS level NOT to mention the likes of the FCS schools in SC like SC State, Furman, Coastal Carolina, & Wofford. These are all ESTABLISHED PROGRAMS. And lets face it, we haven't done much winning. It will get better.

[81alphaeagle]

I would like to have NC recruits too. But, we have to also be realistic about the pecking order for recruits in this state. We have FIVE FBS schools as well as App, Western, Elon, Gardner Web, a&t, and now Charlotte to compete with on the FCS level NOT to mention the likes of the FCS schools in SC like SC State, Furman, Coastal Carolina, & Wofford. These are all ESTABLISHED PROGRAMS. And lets face it, we haven't done much winning. It will get better.

Hell with the so called pecking order.  Just recruit. Period.  No EXCUSES.

[Thinkingaboutit]

I understand his not getting NC recruits just to please alumni and friends. He has to get the best players available for NCCU without compromise.  I got it!  Makes sense.  I am not going to tell him how to budget his program.  That is up to him, the chancellor and AD.  They got the best available and did not beg a soul.  These athletes recruited are wrapping their arms around NCCU and its upgrade in the MEAC.  Thanks future Eagles. If you are like the rest of us, you will enjoy four years at NCCU and the Research Triangle Park area of Durham, Raleigh and Chapel Hill. Glad coach didn't lack bedrest about UNC Charlotte because there is talent out there and in many cases, better than what is in your backyard which has your sentiment,  but you got to get the best available.

[Bro. Askia Musa Afiba]

I would like to have NC recruits too. But, we have to also be realistic about the pecking order for recruits in this state. We have FIVE FBS schools as well as App, Western, Elon, Gardner Web, a&t, and now Charlotte to compete with on the FCS level NOT to mention the likes of the FCS schools in SC like SC State, Furman, Coastal Carolina, & Wofford. These are all ESTABLISHED PROGRAMS. And lets face it, we haven't done much winning. It will get better.

I think that TrueEagle has hit the nail on the head with his excellent points.  I would think that it would take this type of out of State Recruitment, to first build a foundation of available talent, in order to develop the depth needed to get an excellent program running during the first 3 years, of a completely new coaching staff.  After depth needs are met and after the first two years of red-shirted depth, I would think that more in-state recruitment would become available, as a winning tract record becomes establish for NCCU. Excellent Recruits who are on the bubble regarding joining NCCU's program will begin to take a 2nd look as well, as the High School Coaches who also have an influence on potential School choices, via their advice to their players and their parents, begin to establish solid recruitment relationships.

I would also think that it would take a few years to become established within the State High Schools in building rapport with in-State Coaches and Alumni from the best winning programs.

Right Now, I think the goal is to have enough quality depth players on hand at NCCU, to establish a winning program within the first three years.

The Program Needed outstanding Linemen on Both Sides of the Ball, as a first recruitment priority. In order to do that, he had to look into as many places possible, around the country, to find those top quality recruits, including a Center, Long Snapper, QB and shutdown corner backs.

Next, I would think that a new coaching staff would not completely abandon those recruitment areas that were established before coming to North Carolina.  I would think that some of those recruitment pipelines have been very beneficial in the past, and provided a good quick recruitment start, in finding the needed talent to become Bigger, Stronger and Faster, ASAP. Let's face it. Some of the very best football talent in the USA comes from the states of Florida, Georgia, and Texas.

As the years continue, I am sure that the number of IN-State recruitment will also increase, to help save some of the Football Budget.

Just my View

Take care!  

[81alphaeagle]

I am looking at bottom line dollars and expenditure, now and potential.  It is a matter of getting more bang for your scholarship dollar.  Not a matter of recruiting friends or family.   Also, I cannot simply believe that all those out of staters are better than some of those in state kids that snubbed us.  And that what happened.