Football program recruits 25 high school seniors
Football is getting focused.
The football program signed 25 incoming freshman with National Letters of Intent on Wednesday to their roster.
Wednesday was the opening day for high school seniors to commit by inking a contract.
The newcomer lineup is heavy on the defensive side with 20 of the 25 players being defense hopefuls and only five with a history in offensive positions.
“We aren’t necessarily focusing on defense but want to add depth to that side of the ball,” Chris Stein, offensive coordinator, says, “Defense is our more immediate need than offense. Based on returning players and players lost, we need to fill those spots.”
Athletic Director Brad Smith said coaches spend countless hours reviewing film of players who are recommended to them from contacts across the nation. The coaches then base their pursuit of players on position needs, only going after athletes they feel would best suit the program.
This year, CSC coaches faced an additional hurdle due to the fallout from the NCAA investigation of the football program’s fund raising activities that eventually led to the firing of head oach Bill O’Boyle.
“It’s been tough recruiting this year, more so regionally than nationally,” Stein said, “With the current situation involving the program, there’s been more opportunity nationally to get players from across the country, but still tough to sign players from the area.”
“We are signing definite impact players,” Stein said, “That is our job to find quality players to improve the program.”