An old article I found from early Feb.
It was a different face behind the podium at the University of Cincinnati on National Signing Day, but the message he delivered was largely the same.
First-year head coach Butch Jones, who took over shortly after Brian Kelly's departure to Notre Dame, said the Bearcats will continue to pursue top-rate recruits, but only those who fit well into Cincinnati's system.
"We don't have to beg anybody to come to Cincinnati," said Jones, who like Kelly came to Cincinnati by way of Central Michigan.
"You look at our national reputation and we're very attractive. We don't get caught up in rankings or who's recruiting who. We're looking for players we can develop."
Cincinnati's 22-member recruiting class was rated No. 59 by Rivals.com and No. 62 by Scout.com. Kelly's recruiting classes posted similar marks and yet helped deliver consecutive Big East Conference championships and BCS bowl appearances.
The Bearcats finished last season ranked No. 8 in the Associated Press poll, No. 9 in the coaches poll. They were one last-second loss by Nebraska to Texas from playing in the BCS national championship game, but instead lost 51-24 to Florida in the Sugar Bowl.
Jones and his staff had a difficult set of challenges to overcome in compiling the '10 recruiting class. For one, they didn't assume control of the team until after New Year's Day. But despite having to refine their sales pitch on the fly, Jones lost just two notable prior commits in running back Dominique Brown (Louisville) and quarterback Luke Massa (Notre Dame).
Cincinnati's class, while not highly ranked nationally, is deep and designed to help fill needs at several key positions.
Dyjuan Lewis, a four-star recruit according to both Rivals and Scout, will help maintain some depth at wide receiver. A duo of three-star quarterbacks -- Cody Kater and Munchie Legaux -- will restock the most important position in the Bearcats' spread offense.
Cincinnati's defense got a boost with the signing of three-star defensive linemen Camaron Beard and Brad Harrah. Cincinnati also swiped defensive lineman Roney Lozano, who had an offer from Miami (Florida).
"It's been a whirlwind," Jones said. "We had to play a little bit of catch-up, but our coaches and staff did a great job. We're excited about this class."
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/bigeast/cincinnati.htm
