Submit your WVU football question
Thanks much for your participation in the West Virginia football Q&A.
It is your job to ask the questions; my job to answer them -- so keep them rolling in. I will answer them as I get them each day throughout the season and through whatever bowl game the Mountaineers go to, as well as through signing day in February. Please remember to include your last name in submissions.
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Q: Do you think that poor defensive recruiting in 2006 and 2007 is catching up with the Mountaineers?
Greg Werner, Clarksburg, W.Va.
DUNLAP: Indeed, it would seem to be. I heard WVU radio man Tony Caridi speaking of -- and quantifying -- this very subject the other day on a radio appearance. Tony went through the list and it was staggering, absolutely staggering as to how many of those guys recruited in those classes by Rich Rodriguez are either -- 1.) No longer with the program or 2.) Didn't pan out for some other reason.
I will also say this, though: Part of it has to do with the former staff's penchant for going after high-profile guys on offense and trying to get the explosive, quick, take-it-to-the-house guys on that side of the ball. I guess they didn't realize that you weren't going to be able to outscore everyone.
But, with all that said, I know this staff has a real dedication with getting good talent on the defensive side of the ball. You look at guys like Branko Busick and Will Clarke in the front side, and young men such as Broderick Jenkins in the back end, and it is clear they are going after -- and getting -- top shelf defensive talent.
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