How Nick Saban's Alabama 'Process' is being channeled in Cajun Country

[CajunT]

Ditto.

That Texas QB he offered tells me everything I wanted to hear.

Pro-Style. 6'2". Intelligent. Strong arm. Good feet. Prototypical Napier QB.

He's offered a number of QB's, 4 four more since that offer. They are a mix bag of Pro-Style and Athletic.

[Cajunsmike]

We've been there done that. I'll get more excited once I've actually seen Napier in action and how good of a recruiter he is. I'm optimistic but I'm also guarded. Football costs have gone up in recent years while play on the field and player retention have been going down. Until Napier shows me something on the field, its all talk at this point. I think we've all been there with football for some time and I just know, speaking for myself, that I'm maxed out in contributing until we've seen more on the field success and that includes basketball as well.

That post is probably one most agree with and I understand that perspective completely. Some of it is economically based. We are still struggling in Acadiana despite progress elsewhere. People want to be shown thrir investment will be rewarded before they contribute much more.

[Cajunsmike]

I am encouraged about the system that has been set up as well. I retain some skepticism about the talent level (especially on defense) being at a level for us to win at the level we hope to attain. My hope is that enough progress will be made this year to show recruits that the facilities we have here are worth signing up for despite the better tradition USM and La Tech use against us. Some have said that we may not have the big jump like Hud had in Year 1 because we are building for the long term. I would be OK with that but there needs to be indications of progress this coming year to keep people excited.

. NM

[wscoog]

1 thing that stands out in the article is that Napier is making 350,000 less than hudspeth but the assistant salary pool is 350,000 more than last year. That shows me Napier knows he is only as good as his staff. 350k should make a large difference. The Cajun fan base should enjoy the ride. Looks to be a fun one.

[zephyr]

That post is probably one most agree with and I understand that perspective completely. Some of it is economically based. We are still struggling in Acadiana despite progress elsewhere. People want to be shown thrir investment will be rewarded before they contribute much more.

Honestly Mike, its not about the money per se. Can I afford to contribute more? Yes. I just looked at the $2,200 I was looking at on my account between seats, contribution and tailgating spots and I just started to think if there are better things to do with my money. I ultimately decided to renew all but it took some thought. If prices continue to go up and the program is not really progressing, I can see a time in the very near future where I may decide to stop. I will always be a fan but making that commitment may not always be in the cards.

[basinbear]

1 thing that stands out in the article is that Napier is making 350,000 less than hudspeth but the assistant salary pool is 350,000 more than last year. That shows me Napier knows he is only as good as his staff. 350k should make a large difference. The Cajun fan base should enjoy the ride. Looks to be a fun one.

Actually the University allocated over 2 million for assistant coaches and more for support staff. Napier added 350,000 to that.

[MetryCajun]

Ditto.

That Texas QB he offered tells me everything I wanted to hear.

Pro-Style. 6'2". Intelligent. Strong arm. Good feet. Prototypical Napier QB.

Did we sign him? Because offers will not turn this program around.

[basinbear]

Did we sign him? Because offers will not turn this program around.

He's going into his Senior year....

[MetryCajun]

No.

We need to understand as a fanbase that this is a foundation laying year. We may win 7 or 8. We may win 3 or 4. This is the rip the band aid off year. It will sting. Think of Saban's first year at Bama. They went 6-6 during the regular season. That's the same record that Mike Shula had the year before, AND Saban lost to ULM as well.

The true measure will come with the 2019 signing class. How many 3-stars and above we sign, and how we do against Tech, Southern Miss and Tulane.

Spot on. We got trounced in recruiting this year, but that was to be expected with the late start. Napier has to make a splash this year and start getting players attached to the 3 schools you mentioned. I will not be a believer until I see a tangible uptick in the quality of athlete brought in.
Btw, that was a great article. Too bad our local guys can’t do something like this.

[basinbear]

Spot on. We got trounced in recruiting this year, but that was to be expected with the late start. Napier has to make a splash this year and start getting players attached to the 3 schools you mentioned. I will not be a believer until I see a tangible uptick in the quality of athlete brought in.
Btw, that was a great article. Too bad our local guys can’t do something like this.

Local guys? That would take some effort....

[Cajunsmike]

Spot on. We got trounced in recruiting this year, but that was to be expected with the late start. Napier has to make a splash this year and start getting players attached to the 3 schools you mentioned. I will not be a believer until I see a tangible uptick in the quality of athlete brought in.
Btw, that was a great article. Too bad our local guys can't do something like this.

I don't buy we got trounced in recruiting this year. Nor do I think we did well. I am so convinced recruiting rankings at our level are so meaningless that I was tempted to use the word "know"in describing my opinion of those. Also, the rankings on signing day did not include the late DL guys who inked with us.

[CajunEXPRESS]

I think Napier did a great job with the players still available. Also strongly believe in two or three years many will be surprised at how well those kids are playing. And yes we’re going to have multiple pleasant surprises in 2018 season.