We announced our 2012 recruiting class yesterday. You can view it here if you missed the announcement: http://www.valpoathletics.com/football/news/2011-12/11808/valpo-announces-2012-football-recruiting-class/
Our coaching staff did an excellent job securing this class. We were able to add quality student-athletes at all positions. We improved our size and depth in the offensive and defensive lines. We became more athletic in the secondary.
The number of recruits was less than last year. This is due to better retention and not having to remove those who were not committed to our program. The returning players have a much better understanding of my expectations as members of the Crusader Football Team. We are still working with some prospects so there may be another announcement later this summer.
Our current team members were a very important component in securing this class. Every recruit and most of their parents commented on the positive vibe they got from our current team. They sensed the commitment that I have seen from our football student-athletes to turn this ship around.
We were able to attract student-athletes nationally again this year. I was pleased with our increased class numbers from Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio. We will continue to recruit nationally; however, we want to see the core of our recruiting class coming from the six state area (Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin).
We competed well against the other PFL Schools winning more recruiting battles than the previous two years. I was pleased that we were able to beat the Ivy and Patriot Leagues on a few recruits as well. I stated when I was hired that we had to recruit not only against the PFL, but the Ivy and Patriot Leagues. These are the student-athletes who will be successful academically at Valpo and will help us develop a championship caliber program.
We won a few battles where recruits were offered preferred walk-on spots at FBS schools. Being able to combine a strong academic program, great job placement upon graduation, and the chance to put our football program back into contention were reasons for getting these recruits. This will help us as we go forward because we will be competing for those FBS walk-ons. We now have a track record of attracting those types of student-athletes.
Our staff is out on the road for the May evaluation period. We will be working numerous camps through June as we begin recruiting for 2013. Please direct anyone you know who is going into their junior or senior year to our One Day Camp. The information is here: http://www.valpofootballcamp.com/
Our new team members have made us a better football team. Some will have the opportunity to compete for a spot on the travel squad and playing time this fall. Some will red-shirt for the season. I like the direction we are going and I am looking forward to the fall. The opener is Thursday August 30th vs. St. Joseph’s College at 7 PM. I can’t wait for Thursday night football at Valparaiso University.
GO VALPO!