If we're willing to pay $4 million, as was reported, and USC is willing to pay 4.5-5 million, as is being reported, that's not substantially more. Yes, they have better fan support. Yes, they were getting 70,000 when they were 0-11 in 1999. So what? That doesn't make it easier to recruit to USC. Winning makes it easier to recruit.
Flat wrong. The entire recruiting process sells USC. I've seen it in action. They have somebody like Marcus Allen greet the recruit in front of the old historic physical education building, which is a centerpiece of campus. Heritage Hall is steps away. The song girls are working out in tight warmup outfits at the adjacent building. The football practice field is just to the west, along with the Dedeaux Field and the track and field venue. All first rate. Likewise the McDonald's swim stadium that was built for the 1984 Olympics. Then they walk toward the center of campus, stopping at the Tommy Trojan statue outside Bovard Auditorium. Very quaint section of campus. Doheny Library is on the other side, students sitting on the grass alongside the fountains. The Student Union building is right there also. It's a small campus but picturesque with lots of landmarks and natural greeting areas. I always have to laugh at outsiders who condemn USC based on surroundings. They have no clue. You don't think about those things at all while a student. The campus is excellent and there is amazing camaraderie.
Game day takes it to a different level, with all the colorful activities on campus including the band marching to the stadium. Recruits make that walk across Exposition Boulevard to the Coliseum. I've seen the smiles on their faces. They are already hooked.
That type of thing describes campuses all over the country. Not merely USC. That is the example I am most familiar with. Other schools may not have the tradition or recruiting base or pull of USC but the campus aspects contribute to how a recruit views the school. They can envision friends hanging around on campus and then walking to the game to see them play. Miami has none of that. It won't impact every kid but we can't be ignorant enough not to recognize the steady leak. As Jason Sehorn said today, "It's a drain on the program."
Here is that picture I took on Saturday. It is students lining up at halftime at 42-0 to use the shuttle buses back to campus. While this picture reflects badly on Golden I kept thinking how ridiculous it was in general, to ask students to make such a long commute in both directions. Some students who would otherwise attend every game simply aren't going to consider this type of annoyance and time expenditure.
View attachment 33118
