In The Bleachers Podcast: Brian McLaughlin from Sporting News Recruiting Guide Stops By

We're taking a step back from the Cam Newton drama, the Miami Hurricanes coaching search and we are starting to kickoff our offseason program as the beauty of the college football season slowly comes to a close. Joining us today is Brian McLaughlin from Sporting News Today and more importantly from the brand new Sporting News Recruiting Guide that recently debuted. So we start our jaunt into the minds of the high school senior deciding between colleges and we also take some time to look at the fans who help fuel the industry.

To kick off the talk Brian gives us some background on himself and the new venture from Sporting News that looks to fill the gap between those diehard recruiting folks and the casual fans who have yet to dip their toe in the deep pool of recruiting. Kicking off with the 2011 crop of players this guide is jampacked with information including the top 100 as rated by McLaughlin, top JUCO players as well as a chat with Bobby Bowden on the evolving art of landing the recruit. Great read and make sure you go get your copy folks, it is a must have for anyone involved in our sport.

Brian starts off explaining one of the most intriguing topics in recruiting, ranking players from different areas and different competition levels. Unlike a lot of services he does take some intangible qualities into effect. We hit on some of the nations more interesting players including Cyrus Kouandjio, Jadeveon Clowney, USC commit De'Anthony Thomas and UGA commit Christian LeMay.

McLaughlin and I wax philosophically on the Miami Hurricanes situation wondering allowed how good of a job that is and how different the landscape is for the Canes from the 80's and 90's as compared to now. The stadium situation and their lack of a head coach are truly hamstringing the Canes and how they handle this situation will sink or salvage the program for the next few years.

The chat wraps up with thoughts on the fan element and how recruits, fans, coaches and the NCAA all exist in this odd space thanks to social media and the 24 hour news cycle. While it is tough for the NCAA to eliminate prospect contact ultimately there are moments where fans cross the lines and common sense and decency must apply to check interaction. Ultimately recruiting is about the kids and while some players are mature enough to handle the situation there are so many variables in each high schoolers life that it is impossible to lay a blanket policy down.

Make sure you check out the Sporting News Recruiting Guide its a must have. Also folks, be sure to check out PSGive.org for their college football bowl contest. Enter the code "BLEACHERS" to get your free $5. 



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