Toss in Zack Kustoc who was a Top 100 on the Prep Football Report (Tom Lemming) and the class would have been ranked higher than 15th, prolly top 8.
Fitz recruiting 'needs work' and I think this is an area he can work on. But, his yearly classes ranking 50s and 60s are definitely good enough to get us into a bowl game, baring injuries. I don't think anyone, with a straight face, would say that Fitz is nailing it on the recruiting front. Especially awol along the OL.
On the field, Fitz makes up for it by squeezing as much as he can out of our talent. Kids love him and love playing for him. I mean, he routinely has a Team Recruiting ranking of #11 or #12 in the Big Ten out of 14 teams but still finishes in the top half of the division. Not bad, given the deficiencies.
I can't disagree with anything you have said here. How is it that it seems like we have improved generally in recruiting over the last 4 years yet still our classes are ranked in the bottom third?