Recruiting Snapshot - East Central

Needs - WR, DL, LB, and DB lose their top players at these positions
Depth - RB (Holland needs help), OL (only 9 OL on roster that have remaining eligibility)
Okay - QB Jackson a good one, but what if he gets hurt?

Defense loses 4 top tacklers (7 of top 10) and wasn't stellar to begin with (35 pts, 457 yds per game). Who will Jackson throw to?

The glaring needs on the defensive side of the ball were addressed as coach Nichols brought in 6 transfers for immediate help, plus a HS signee for the future. Xerxes Griffin, expected to sign with North Dakota State, Floyd Wafer and Isaac Ramirez should improve the defensive line immediately. At linebacker, 5 new recruits were signed, including 2 JC transfers (Ryan Madison and Robbie Prescott) and 2 LSC North transfers (Justin Hannah - NSU, and Ty Gower - SEO), giving the Tigers immediate depth here as well. While not on the list of signings, Alex Woodley (Missouri) and Dominic Brooks (Colorado) are two transfers who could step right in. Woodley may be looked at on offense however. Gower may move from LB to safety as well. To replenish the WR spot, ECU signed Tyrone Gibbs, Illinois St transfer Gerald Loveless, and Quade Soffel from the JC ranks. For the offensive line, 9 HS and 1 JC recruits were brought in. At QB, four were brought in, including Stuart Bishop from Cisco JC for immediate depth behind the talented Marcus Johnson.

Overall B-

The defensive line appears to have been upgraded, especially if you factor in Craig Roark, expected to play last year, but was injured. LB added some experienced players ready to step in. The secondary could be the most improved, depending on where coach Nichols has Woodley and Gower play. The WRs could be better than last year's, and with Johnson more comfortable at QB should be more productive. The running game does not look to be improved upon with no announced RBs signed, and the offensive line questionable on whether it will be better right off the bat. We would expect some more additions at the RB and OL from the JC or DI transfer ranks.