Before Colorado fans panic over the short list of recruiting commitments, consider that the new staff had an extensive evaluation task before making new offers.
Fortunately for CU, there isn’t room for a 25-man class even if the new staff could enlist 25 new Buffs. Estimates have had as few as a dozen openings because of the small 2010 senior class. After initial additions and subtractions, there are just five known commitments, while many other schools are nearly booked.
“Obviously, we’re way behind,” new CU offensive line coach Steve Marshall said. He points to the trend in recruiting that leaves relatively few left uncommitted by early January.
He wouldn’t specifically say if CU is, or will be, offering scholarships to any prospects committed elsewhere. New coach Jon Embree was unavailable for comment.
“We will find out who is interested and who is not interested,” Marshall said.
Marshall, who coached at Cal last season, is one of three new staffers direct from the Pac-12, along with Arizona’s Greg Brown and Mike Tuiasosopo. Like Brown, Marshall was previously on a CU staff.
The conference switch won’t require a change in recruiting philosophy.
“You recruit what fits our system and the needs. You look for the biggest, strongest, fastest, smartest guy, whether in the Pac-12, Big 12, Big Ten or ACC,” Marshall said.
However, he said, “My observation being in both leagues is we definitely stepped up a division. The Pac-12 is an extreme challenge. That’s the reason I’m here.”
Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and receivers coach Bobby Ken- nedy reported to work this week. Kennedy hit the road immediately before his cellphone was completely set up.
Marshall said he has been to California, Texas and home in Colorado recruiting.
Count Marshall among the legions of coaches who say they won’t be swayed by any recruiting ranking.
“Are they good enough to play for us? Are they going to help us win a Pac-10 championship? Are they going to help us win a national championship? Rivals or Scout or The Denver Post or my grandmother can tell me who the top 15 percent in the country are,” he said. “It’s the other percent of the guys is where the true evaluation comes in.”
The next round of recruiting visits won’t start until Saturday.
CSU almost done.
With 19 known commitments, Colorado State is only three or four players from completing the class. One of the first commitments whose stock soared is fullback George Talanoa of Valor Christian’s Class 4A champs. Valor coach Brent Vieselmeyer said last week Talanoa had some additional inquiries but was solid on his commitment to the Rams.
Wyoming leaving the state?
Wyoming has traditionally made its living recruiting the state of Colorado. But Colorado Springs Palmer wide receiver Dominic Rufran is the only Colorado product on Wyoming’s commitment list, according into . Last year the Cowboys signed four from Colorado.
