How the Other Side Recruits - Week 3, ttfp

Where do Their Players Come From?

In 2014, the Nitty Kitties,mostly under Bill O'Brien, signed 25 recruits, from 14 states: PA (3) and NJ (4) led the way, but they also pulled commits from Alabama, California, Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, Virginia, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Ohio.

In 2015, the blue and white have less of a national focus, and are more concentrated in the Northeast and Midatlantic states.  Franklin has 19 commits so far, 7 from PA, 6 from NJ, 3 from MD, and 1 each from VA, DC and CT.

Who are Their Blue-Chip Recruits?

It pains me to say this, but many of their recruits, especially in 2015, are blue chippers. So far, they have signed 13 four star players, including QB Brandon Wimbush, CB John Reid,WRs Juwan Johnson and Irvin Charles, RB Saquon Barkley (former Rutgers commit), OL Steven Gonzalez and LB Manny Bowen.

In 2014, they pulled 5 4* guys, including NJ products Saeed Blacknall and Mike Gesicki, and Florida QB Michael O'Connor. Most of the rest of the 2014 class was rated as mid- to high- 3 star talent.

In 2013, in the heart of the sanctions era, ttfp pulled 1 five star (QB Christian Hackenberg) and three four stars.

Who's the Ace Recruiter on Staff

"Coach Hype," aka James Franklin is a terrific recruiter.  Franklin opened a lot of eyes on this side of the Delaware when he claimed, "I consider New Jersey in-state. I know there are other schools around here, but you might as well shut them down." Thus far, Franklin has lived up to that ridiculous comment, to Rutgers fans chagrin.

Run-game Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach has also been a potent recruiter for ttfp, helping to secure the commitments of 4* players Sterling Jenkins and Steven Gonzalez among others. Coach Hand made some waves in late July when he claimed ttfp had stopped recruiting a prospect because of the young man's social media presence.

Any "State of Rutgers" Guys on the Roster?

Uh, yeah, you could say that.  Considering Pennsylvania is in the State of Rutgers.  Looking only at NJ over the last three classes, ttfp has 9 four stars and 4 three star players from the Garden State.

Notable Recruiting Storylines?

This week, the NCAA released Penn State from it's recruiting sanctions, so they will be able to take a full class in 2015. They have 19 commits in the 2015 class, and the usual class size is 25, ttfp is probably looking to add something like another 5 or 6 guys. Black Shoe Diaries posted a recruiting-oriented piece on the end of the sanctions if you are curious.