Iowa's recruiting effort hurt by rise of ND and Illinois

[DonShula84]

Back in February of 2004, things were going really well for Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz.
The Hawkeyes were coming off a 10-2 season (including an improbable last-second win over LSU in the Capital One Bowl) and were just a month away from signing arguably the best recruiting class in the program's history.

But alas, all good things come to an end. Zook and Weis arrived, and things have not been the same for Ferentz.
In 2006, Iowa plummeted to sixth in the Big Ten in recruiting and replaced Notre Dame at No. 40 in the country. In Weis' first full recruiting year, the Irish finished No. 8 nationally -- bringing normalcy back to South Bend. In a much less-expected turn of events, Zook's recruiting prowess led to a national No. 30 finish for the Illini. Illinois jumped to No. 4 in the Big Ten behind only Penn State, Ohio State and Michigan. The biggest reason? The Illini protected their home state.

Also in the article

Second thoughts: Omaha (Neb.) Elkhorn offensive lineman Trevor Robinson committed to Nebraska in April, but he is having second thoughts. The nation's No. 3 offensive guard said he will take unofficial visits to Notre Dame and Michigan in the next month or so to make sure he made the right decision. Robinson, a 6-foot-6, 304-pounder, still considers himself a Nebraska commitment. However, the Irish and Wolverines will make a strong push for his services.

 

[HysterikiLL]

It's hard to believe just a few years ago I really thought Iowa were on the verge from breaking into the elite ranks. They were on the boundary, had a couple of big wins, and had one pure nasty defense. WTF happened?

 

[GridIronKing34]

I think they'll rebound this year. I think losing Greenway and Hodge really hurt our D.

 

[YBFM]

bringing normalcy back to South Bend.

What's that mean?? Beating up on the military schools and losing bowl games? :wink:

 

[DonShula84]

What's that mean?? Beating up on the military schools and losing bowl games? :wink:

Top 5-10 in recruiting is a start. And I didnt know ND played 19 military schools in the last 2 years.

 

[Skeet84]

Iowa will be good, But its really hard to recruit kids to go there