Utah ranked #16 in the country with players on opening day NFL rosters in 2017

[gUrthBrooks]

Kyle Whittingham must know more about recruiting than those who like to criticize his work.

https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2017-09-07/colleges-most-represented-2017-nfl-opening-day-rosters

[Utah]

I love Whitt. 

[Anonymous]

This is interesting. The Utes generally have been recruiting in the mid-30’s, yet they graduate players to the next level in the mid-teens. They recruit at 6th to 7th in the PAC, yet they’re third in conference with stocking talent at the next level. Ultimately, finishing in the middle of the PAC every year. 

Conclusion?  Utah recruits well and coaches up. Yet, this approach hasn’t taken the program to the top, yet. 

[gUrthBrooks]

Another conclusion. Utah hasn’t put a QB into the NFL since 2005? Most top programs have NFL caliber QB’s. 

[Anonymous]

Agreed. I say it hasn’t taken us to the top “yet” because I think Kyle is building this thing from the ground up. Start with interior lines, then defense, next RBs and finally WRs and QBs. This season should be a culmination of the process. I hope I’m not setting my expectations too high for this year.

[89ute]

A nation champion has never and will never be built this way. I know you’re not asking why we are not national champions but I’m leading with that to make my point. Every national champion has had a rock solid roster of at least 45 four and five star recruits. We don’t get that level of raw talent, so it must be built. Building talent leaves many holes in the roster that opposing coaches easily exploit. For example, we have NFL great Marcus Williams playing safety and young Cody Barton playing linebacker. We know how that ended.

[Anonymous]

Good point. I think that the reputation of this program putting young players into the league will eventually pay dividends. We’re starting to see that tide turn now, I think.

[bopahull]

I wonder if Whit or any other blue collar coach can even find a large number of 5* recruits that are all tha coachable. Most of those kids have had so much smoke blown up their asses that they can’t hear for all the smoke coming out of their ears.

[COFfrom83]

which boat in your photo?

[sweetgrass]

cfbmatrix

according to CFBMatrix Utah is #1 at player development in college football

[bopahull]

James Monroe SSBN622