Jimbo has stated on numerous occasions that you should breakup a program into three phases Recruiting/Scouting, Development and Coaching.  I wanted to compare where I thought FSU was in these phases with the rest of the ACC.  The rankings below are simply my opinion but I thought this would be good time to look at the program from our head coach’s vantage point.  

Phase I

Recruiting/Scouting

When Jimbo spoke, he did not include scouting but I believe it was implied.  You have to be able to not only get the best kids to sign but determine whom those kids are. 

ACC Rank

1. FSU – FSU has great recruiters and has a great location when it comes to recruiting.  FL had 41 players on the ESPN 150 last year.  FSU scouting success allows them to have deeper classes and get on kids prior to the competition.   They are also doing a great job of recruiting for their program, which is often overlooked when evaluating recruiting.

2. Clemson – Clemson has the second best recruiting and scouting in the league.  They make up for lack of elite in state talent with personable staff that truly gets after it.  Steele is one of the best recruiter in the country.

3. UM – UM has the greatest advantage as far as location but high academic requirements and lack of elite facilities prevents UM from exploiting those advantages.  UM will still bring good classes especially if Golden continues to hustle on the recruiting trail but will have a tough time consistently bringing a top five class.  Don’t forget a lot of Miami kids still grow up wanting to play for the U.

4. UNC – Butch Davis does amazing job evaluating talent and recruiting players.  NC has decent talent but there is a lot of competition both in state and out of state.  Butch has made up for this by going both North and South.

5. VT – Beamer does a great job recruiting for his program and not caring about rankings.  He has owned Hampton Roads and that lease maybe up.  I would not be surprised if UVA takes VT spot on this list next year.