Spartans to the NFL and Recruiting

Folks, I've been obsessively checking the news for any info on how our guys are doing at the combines and there just isn't much up to this point.  Nonetheless, this lull in the flow of information does provide an opportunity to reflect on why it's important that our guys do well at the combine and ultimately in the draft.

Of course, we all want the guys to do well because we want them to fulfill their dreams and because it's fun to watch Spartans playing on Sundays.  But their success is also critical because it does translate into recruiting prowess.  You can bet that coaches use the line: "well, son, you should come to MSU because we placed "X" in the NFL and we think you have the same kind of potential."  Of course, the higher a player goes in the draft, the more power that line has.

I hate to say it, but one reason why Nick Saban gets good recruiting classes is because he gets all kinds of guys into the NFL.  And you can bet that Saban is fully aware of that.  He doesn't go to the first day of the draft and sit next to guys like Mark Ingram for a few hours just because he cares.  Maybe he cares a little, but he knows full-well that all the high school kids are watching and he knows the thought crosses their minds: "wow, that Nick Saban really cares about his players, and look at all those guys he's sending to the NFL."

Anyway, this may be the year where NFL draft success pays some big dividends on the recruiting trail for the Spartans.  If Worthy goes in the first round, I wouldn't be surprised to see one or two big time DTs committing to the Spartans this year.  Likewise, if Kirk Cousins goes as high as the second round, don't be surprised to see the Spartans having more luck with some top-rated quarterbacks.  Better yet, if the Spartans can get as many as 7 guys drafted, don't be surprised to see them start catching up to UM and OSU on the recruiting trail, by next signing day.