Just a thought.
Of the 20 to sign NLIs with Minnesota for the incoming class of 2016, three were from JUCO's. Will the number of JUCO players signed to Minnesota increase next year? I think so, and here's why.
Back in 2013, the NCAA decided to increase requirements for initial eligibility for NCAA Division I-bound athletes entering college on or after Aug.1, 2016. The required course requirements, test scores and minimum GPA have all changed. It's harder to become a D-I athlete, and I think more prospects will see themselves taking the two-year school route. The number of junior college players transferring to FBS schools is already steadily increasing and it isn't a coincidence.
To add, as recruiting becomes more competitive and coaches have less time to build, or rebuild, they have to weigh their options for delivering impact players to the program. Do you invest a year's worth of scholarship money (because all scholarships are one-year deals, unless you're an amazing 5-star prospect) into an incoming freshman out of high school, a three-star prospect yes, but maybe played in a not-so-talented conference, or a JUCO player, with maybe a 2 or 3 star rating, but with two years of college experience against grown men and who only played at the JUCO level because he did not initially qualify.
The JUCO players are growing in numbers. So what should the Gophers do?
Of the 20 to sign NLIs with Minnesota for the incoming class of 2016, three were from JUCO's. Will the number of JUCO players signed to Minnesota increase next year? I think so, and here's why.
Back in 2013, the NCAA decided to increase requirements for initial eligibility for NCAA Division I-bound athletes entering college on or after Aug.1, 2016. The required course requirements, test scores and minimum GPA have all changed. It's harder to become a D-I athlete, and I think more prospects will see themselves taking the two-year school route. The number of junior college players transferring to FBS schools is already steadily increasing and it isn't a coincidence.
To add, as recruiting becomes more competitive and coaches have less time to build, or rebuild, they have to weigh their options for delivering impact players to the program. Do you invest a year's worth of scholarship money (because all scholarships are one-year deals, unless you're an amazing 5-star prospect) into an incoming freshman out of high school, a three-star prospect yes, but maybe played in a not-so-talented conference, or a JUCO player, with maybe a 2 or 3 star rating, but with two years of college experience against grown men and who only played at the JUCO level because he did not initially qualify.
The JUCO players are growing in numbers. So what should the Gophers do?
