Lions add 4-star DE and Theory

[The Ancient Enemy]

Recruiting is as much about timing as it is anything else. And I ain't talkin' about the 40 yard dash. Today's verbal from 4-star DE CJ Olaniyan was very unexpected. I knew we were in decent shape with him, but I thought it was more of "Top 3" than anything else. Olaniyan is a monster and is much needed, regardless. I'm a little on the fence with Baublitz, despite Rivals' 4-star ranking of him. DE and DT are positions of need in this class.

This weekend, 4-star DE Dominique Easley will be taking an official to Penn State. Easley is a guy who many say is under the radar, even by 4-star status. Penn State is reportedly back in serious contention for Easley following the Florida debacle.

A few weeks ago, Easley took an unofficial to Florida for the "Friday Night Lights" showcase, which is UF's big annual blowhard recruiting weekend. Easley tried to commit to Florida but the staff told him, "Ah, buddy, a few guys we like more than you, buddy." This is another example of the ugly side of recruiting: You call a kid every day telling him how much you want him, then the kid tries to commit and you tell him no. What happened was that another DE had the performance of his life at the camp, the staff offered on the spot, and the kid committed the next day. Easley was justifiably upset and basically told Florida to stick it where I stick it in most of your mothers.

My theory is basically that Easley was thinking of committing this weekend if all things went well in Happy Valley. Olaniyan jumped on board before Easley could make the call. Will be interesting to see how that plays out, but it appears to me that there's still room for both. But it is getting very, very tight.