Wednesday was signing day throughout the country. First-year head coach Kevin Wilson had 21 players sign their National Letter of Intent to play football at Indiana University.
A third of his first Indiana signing class are from the state of Indiana, seven of the 21 players. Indiana added four defensive linemen, three linebackers, three cornerbacks and two safeties. IU also signed four offensive linemen, three wide receivers, one quarterback and one running back for the class of 2011.
“I do think the state school can provide some opportunities that no other institution can, no matter what state you live in. We like for the in-state kids and those coaches to give us a good chance this season and the years to come to actively recruit those guys. We will work hard in-state. That doesn’t mean we will take every guy or we will like every guy but we really challenge our in-state players and coaches to give the state school a chance to get them down here to show them what we have down here at Indiana because we think it’s a great place.”
Wilson noted they didn’t land a tight-end, but there are already five on the roster. The kicking game was also not addressed and that certainly remains an area of concern.
“There is good balance on both sides of the ball in this class,” Wilson said. “We got a good mix of guys up front and skill guys. Our staff did a great job getting in on some guys late in the game. There is great athleticism and potential in this group. We brought in help in the secondary and up front across the board, and we are excited to get to work with these guys.”
My favorite part of the press conference was Coach Wilson’s comparison between scholarships and a high-school dance. “I felt a little bit like we showed up at the dance when they were playing the last song and a lot of the dates were already taken so we didn’t get a lot of guys to dance with us.”
Wilson also believe this situation was very much like investing. You don’t just give out scholarships to give them. He will hold them in his pocket and invest in players with high leverage and dividends.
“We don’t need to make a poor investment. If the market and prices aren’t good, granny use to bury her money in the backyard. So we can just throw it in the coffee can and we’ll use it next year to make a better investment.”
It was clear Wilson was content with the signings but looked forward to the next recruiting period to recruit players at a higher level, and to play with his style.
The more I hear Kevin Wilson talk, the more I like him. He positively goes about his business with confidence. He understands this is a project, but then again, no success came without great challenges.
There’s no question that this will take time, which is why AD Fred Glass and Wilson agreed to a long-term deal. Wilson and hiss coaching staff brings a new attitude to Indiana football.
For details on each player, including video, click here for Indiana’s signing day coverage.
Coaching additions and changes:
Jerry Montgomery and Corey Raymond have left the staff, for Michigan and Nebraska respectively. Montgomery will coach the defensive line, Raymond will coach the entire Nebraska secondary.
Jemal Singleton from the Air Force Academy will coach running backs and serve as recruiting coordinator. One more hire has been made but will not be announced until a compliance and full background check.
Brett Dierson from Nebraska will join the staff. Wilson mentioned that co-defensive coordinators Mike Ekeler and Doug Mallory wanted Dierson in the first place. Montgomery was Wilson’s guy, but he fell through. Dierson worked alongside Ekeler at Nebraska last year as a football intern.
About the changes, Coach Wilson said, “if it’s better for you, it’s better for me. I only want guys that want to be here.”
Below is a video of Coach Wilson’s opening comments and thoughts on each of the 21 players signing to Indiana University.