I think part of the problem is that most traditionally top performing schools have their state on lock down when it comes to recruiting. UF has allowed too many national powers to set up shop in our back yard. The unfortunate reality is that we allowed schools like Alabama, UGA, Ohio State, Auburn and Clemson to establish themselves and beat us with our own players. We may get the occasional kid from the state of Alabama or Louisiana but we allow far more top guys to leave Florida than we take from other states.
Now I’m guessing it was caused by arrogance of our administration, crappy coaching and the fact that we are a state full of transplants. Let’s face it, people don’t often choose to move to Alabama or Butt F#ck Louisiana but we have people arriving daily to the Sunshine State with no allegiance to the Orange and Blue.
I know some of the resident pessimists from chatter will say FSU doesn’t have a problem recruiting but please keep in mind that they had Jimbo and we got MuffCramp while on the job training and a coach with horse teeth that was always on the verge of crying. Miami hasn’t had Richt for long but people from Miami actually have pride to be from that area unlike most of the state.
We’ve lost a lot of our luster but with blood, sweat and tears the recruits will return. The shine took several years to fade but I’m hopeful it will return much sooner.