One of the things that the Gophers were hoping to do when they hired PJ Fleck, was increase their stead in the recruiting wars. They have indeed climbed up to #58 on ESPNs list of top classes in 2017 thanks in large part to Fleck's hard work. Not great.
The rest of the list goes to show that Minnesota will need more than a good coach in order to be a top draw for recruits. Quickly looking at the top 20, there are a few factors that lead to schools being recruiting hot beds, of which Minnesota has none.
The most obvious factor is proximity to the talent. Most recruits come from a range from Texas to the Carolinas, and in California. The second is a tradition of excellence. I'm talking a solid 25 years or so. Third is a flood of cash from a trendy designer. That accounts for Maryland and Oregon.
Minnesota is, and forever will be in Minnesota. The Twin Cities are a relatively small area, and the outlying region is lightly populated, and nearby states are similarly sparse. Minnesota will not be successful if they confine themselves to recruiting locally. They don't have a huge base with which to build their team.
Nike is headquartered in Portland and UnderArmour in Baltimore. I don't know that there is another brand with as much pull as those tow, except, perhaps for a revitalized adidas . I doubt they are planning on moving from Germany just to support a college football team.
That leaves the tradition of excellence. Jerry Kill's strategy from the outset, and that will have to be Fleck's as well. Sure, , getting some players will be nice, but he has to make sure they execute on the field. PJ Fleck might be a good recruiter, but if he wants Minnesota to be successful in the long run, if he wants players from far flung places to choose Minnesota as a destination, he's going to have to be a hell of a coach too.
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