SEC debut gives Mike Leach chance to appeal to top recruits

In the latest episode of the new 247Sports Football Recruiting Podcast, reporter Robbie Faulk joined the show to discuss the upcoming debut of Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach in the SEC, including the potential to appeal to top-tier recruits.

The ongoing recruiting dead period, which was recently extended through the end of the year, has restricted coaches from interacting with prospects in person, so that in itself has been another road block for first-year coaches like Leach.

Now Leach gets his chance to put a product on the field that he can use as an example to the recruits he and his staff are targeting.

“I think he just needs to be competitive this year,” Faulk said. “I’m not sure what your expectations should be for this team in Year 1 under Mike Leach. There was no spring. They had limited time in the (summer) to work together. It’s obviously a major change in philosophy for the players, both schematically on offense and defense and how they are going to attack every day. This is a much more physical practice regimen that Mike Leach goes through and much more disciplined than Joe Moorhead, on and off the field.

“From a recruiting standpoint, I think players are going to be watching closely to see what this Air Raid offense can do in the SEC. If they can put up points against the LSUs, the Georgias and the Alabamas of the world, then players are going to get really excited because now a four-star or five-star wide receiver can come to the SEC, play for Mississippi State, start right away and play against great talent and get a chance to showcase your ability against great talent.”

The conversation about Leach’s recruiting outlook at Mississippi State begins around the 19:06 mark of the podcast which is embedded above.

All of the latest recruiting news, inside scoop, and analysis, powered by 247Sports’ unrivaled network of experts. Hosted by Blair Angulo.

Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts (iTunes) | Google Podcasts | Spotify