Analyzing post-NSD assistant coaching changes

We’re just a little more than a week removed from National Signing Day but a flurry of assistant coaching moves have already taken place. Some jobs are still open but several coaches have taken new jobs that could have a major impact on recruiting in the 2018 class. We rank the biggest impact hires and examine how they might change things both on a local and national level.

MORE: LSU and Kansas locked in recruiting war | Early 2018 predictions for Florida

Local take: “The Gators have tried to hit the South Florida area hard on the recruiting trail since the arrival of Jim McElwain. The Gators have had a lot of success in Dade and Broward counties under Randy Shannon, and even hauled in one of the best classes from South Florida in recent memory this past cycle. Adding a guy like Seider to Florida's staff should help the Gators' success down there exponentially. During his time at West Virginia, Seider was able to start a pretty steady pipeline from South Florida to Morgantown, so it should be a lot easier to convince guys to stay in state. This is a guy that is a relentless recruiter, which is something Florida drastically needed on their staff. This might be one of the best, if not the best overall hire coach McElwain has made since arriving at UF.” – Blake Alderman, InsideTheGators.com

Farrell’s take: “This is just what the Doc ordered, pun intended. Having worked with Marshall head coach and former Gators recruiting ace Doc Holliday for years, Seider will help Florida’s efforts greatly in state and especially in South Florida. He has the relationships, he learned under the man who really helped Florida invade South Florida under Urban Meyer and his experience in the area will be welcome. This is a shot in the arm to the Gators' recruiting efforts, which have been average in-state.” – Mike Farrell, National Recruiting Director, Rivals.com

Farrell’s grade: A+

Local take: “I think it all depends what recruiting territory Robinson gets along with recruiting running backs nationally. He's got a tough task because LSU needs to recruit national running backs in the 2018 class as there are none in Louisiana.” - Mike Scarborough, TigerBait.com

Farrell’s take: “Robinson has NFL and college experience and his college stops have been at some big-time programs that have produced running backs, but he walks into a tough situation here. He replaces local Jabar Juluke who was very popular among high school coaches. But Robinson is such a strong recruiter with such an impressive resume I think he will do well and overcome the initial local resistance. He did a terrific job this past season with USC and has recruited in the Southeast and Texas before.” – Farrell

Farrell’s grade: B+

Local take: “It's funny how the dominos fall sometimes. Juluke is back in Lubbock, and he can bring with him something that the Red Raiders need more of: talented athletes. Texas Tech needs another major recruiter on staff, and Juluke certainly fits that bill and should help Kliff Kingsbury's program make more in-roads in Louisiana and East Texas, which they'd certainly like to do.” – Will McKay, RedRaiderSports.com

Farrell’s take: “Juluke was hired by Texas Tech briefly last year before jumping ship to LSU only to be demoted the day after National Signing Day by new head coach Ed Orgeron. The former Louisiana high school football head coach will help efforts in Louisiana in a big way and helped develop Kenneth Dixon at Louisiana Tech and Derrius Guice this past season at LSU. While I doubt he beats LSU head-to-head for recruits in Louisiana, Texas Tech has suddenly become a possible destination for the second tier of talent in New Orleans.” – Farrell

Farrell’s grade: B+

Local take: “The first thing you know about Brady Hoke is that he has a passion for recruiting. He always has. You look at the rosters he helped Michigan put together as an assistant coach and later as a head coach. Right now, everyone likes to talk about the fact that Hoke recruited Tom Brady and that's certainly noteworthy. But for me the greatest evidence of Hoke's recruiting ability at Michigan is the roster Jim Harbaugh inherited. That was by no means talent-wise the dumpster fire that many 'rebuild' jobs are. The other element to Hoke is that he has had recruiting success all over the country. Yes, he's an Ohio native and that's where his biggest ties are, but Hoke has found success in whatever region he has recruited. Tennessee has to recruit nationally and Hoke brings the ability to do that. – Brent Hubbs, Volquest.com

Farrell’s take: “This is an interesting hire because everyone seems to remember Hoke the head coach at Michigan who failed prior to the arrival of savior Jim Harbaugh but they overlooked his recruiting ability. He was an elite head coach recruiter at Michigan and brought a ton of talent to Ann Arbor, so his recruiting prowess will enhance Butch Jones’ efforts. After a recruiting year where many fans were critical of Tennessee’s efforts, this hire should help although Hoke didn’t move the needle much at Oregon.” – Farrell

Farrell’s grade: B-

Local take: “Admittedly, hiring an assistant who began in Oxford just 39 days prior to his hiring in Athens was a bit of a surprise, but Kirby Smart and company knew there was precious little time to waste at such an important position. Where they need Tray Scott to thrive is in recruiting, something he showed he was capable of during his time at North Carolina. Guys like Xach Gill and Jake Lawler seemed to like him last cycle, and Georgia definitely wants to reestablish themselves in the state of North Carolina. Don't be surprised if he's tasked with aiding efforts on Zamir White and KJ Henry straight out of the gate.” – Jake Reuse, UGASports.com

Farrell’s take: “Scott is young and energetic and did a good job at North Carolina under Gene Chizik as the defense was revamped entirely. He’s jumping from UNC to Ole Miss to Georgia in a 40-day span so only those behind the scenes truly know what’s going on there but clearly the Georgia job was too good to pass up. He was a solid recruiter for the Tar Heels and helped them land some key defensive linemen this past season, but he doesn’t have a ton of experience recruiting at a high level so the jury is still out. Georgia needs defensive linemen in the 2018 class so he will be tested quickly.” – Farrell

Farrell’s grade: B-