We are in a state of flux in that we are still in transit from the one place to another. I believe that as we progress, our MO will change as our position in the world improves. DM's use of the portal seems to me to be a tactic designed to achieve as much success on the field as possible, as quickly as possible. I think it's probably predicated on the assumption that in order to enjoy greater success in bringing in top recruits, we have to build some confidence in them that we'll know how to employ their talents when they get here. Admittedly, it is not a strategy for maintaining a consistent talent flow in a first-tier program. It may however prove to be a convenient and necessary step along the way to getting there. Obviously, the transfer portal is a mixed blessing. It has helped us to improve a very shaky roster in the quest for the "instant improvement' that is expected of any new staff. It is however a bit like putting a band aid on skin cancer. Masking the problem is one thing - dealing with the underlying disease is something else again.
Recruiting has definitely improved as our performance on the field has progressed. But we are still working to get back to the point of competing for championships, and that still means drawing more and better talent. Fortunately, DM apparently made a strong hire recruiting-wise with Brewster, which is another step in the right direction. I've also seen elsewhere that he is evaluating the current staff re their performance both as position coaches AND as recruiters. Like everyone else, I hope DM dumps Knox and English ASAP - they straight up suck and he must address that unpleasant reality or risk dire consequences for not doing so. But the last coach to walk into the kind of mess that faced DM when he accepted the job at UF was Charley Pell, and his "short cut" to success was cheating. I prefer the course DM is charting and I hope that he succeeds. In the fullness of time, all will be revealed.
