Recruiting Focus: WAC

Originally Published: January 10, 2006
By Tom Luginbill | Scouts Inc.
The Western Athletic Conference has had a topsy-turvy last 10 years or so with many member changes and even the addition of former Division I-AA powers Boise State, Nevada and Idaho. One thing that hasn't changed is the outstanding athletes, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

Obviously Fresno State and Boise State have dominated the conference the past five years or so, but this year there was a resurgence by Chris Ault's Nevada Wolf Pack, who shared the conference title. The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs bounced back with a 7-4 record but just missed a bowl berth. The bottom half of the conference is in a rebuilding phase as first-year head coaches Hal Mumme of New Mexico State and Dick Tomey of San Jose State work to bring respect to the conference and a winning program to their respective universities.

Bear in mind that much like the Mountain West, this conference is up against the Pac-10 and in some regions the Big 12 for top prospects. The majority of the conference has a huge presence in California with the exception of Louisiana Tech and New Mexico State. Also, this is a conference that relies heavily on the recruitment of junior college players, particularly when it comes to rebuilding a program.

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Tom Luginbill

RecruitingNation
  • Senior National Recruiting Analyst for ESPN.com
  • Coached in four professional football leagues
  • Named ACC Rookie of the Year in 1994

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