The Offensive coaching staff hasn't landed one impressive offer list recruit yet. And I don't buy the 'scared of playing time' excuse that is going to get thrown out. Pass is given for the end of the last class but we'll see how it goes in this cycle. I'm talking Marlon Williams type recruits who was once a Southern Cal commit with a few ACC/SEC offers. Not the GOL UCF and 1 other offer type guys.
I understand the concern here, but typically guys at the level of a Marlon Williams do not commit until the very last minute, especially if the commitment will be to a G5 school. Even so, the relationship necessary for them to flip to the G5 is usually cultivated for several months, including at least one visit to campus.
Heupel did not not have a chance to develop such relationships in the past cycle. He even had less of a chance than Frost had in Frost's first year, because Heupel spent all of the December recruiting period saving existing recruits. Then came the Holiday dead period. At least Frost was able to have several weeks in December to begin developing relationships.
With that said, Heupel did bring on board two impressive offensive recruits by the February signing period. Lemarious Benson (6'3", 330 lbs., OL) was a South Carolina recruit (SEC) and we were able to flip his commitment just before the signing deadline.
Also, Ke'Von Ahmad, (WR, 6'1", 185 lbs., 4.3 40 yds) had offers from TCU, Baylor, Vanderbilt, Northwestern & Louisville, all Power 5 programs, but chose to play for Heupel & UCF. He was not a Frost era recruit. I agree that Marlon was a great find for us. But Ahmad is as well. Note that Ahmad's 247 Sports rating is .8842, as compared to Marlon Williams' .8616.
Thus, I think that under the circumstances, Heupel has earned respect for accomplishing good recruiting under very challenging circumstances in the last cycle.
As for the current cycle, Heupel has done about as well as Frost was doing at this time last year. I think at this time last year, we only had two recruits, one of whom was a safety who ultimately decommitted.
Just like everyone else here, I do wait with much interest to see who else will sign on to become a Knight in this cycle. Yet, I also feel that if we want to have good coaches who want to remain here long term, we must be as appropriately patient and supportive as we are appropriately critical. Heupel has already earned some respect and patience.