Doesn’t it seem odd that non of those recruits are from bordering states? That seems almost ominous to me.
It doesn't really surprise me. Frost's staff doesn't have connections to border states, other than Chinander and Iowa. The Nebraska brand usually sells itself when things are going good based on location, which is a huge factor with kids and their families.
Maybe Applewhite can bring some local ties from Colorado, but he's more connected to Texas and Louisiana. I have noticed Joseph and Busch are spending a lot of time in places like St. Louis, East St. Louis and Kansas City, which is a real good thing. If anyone can open those doors, it's them.
Beckton (Georgia), Fisher (Florida), Joseph (Louisiana) and Applewhite (Texas) have connections to really talented states. If they can get the right kids out of there, your skill positions should be fine.
The spots I'm concerned about, and have been, are along both sides of the line. Tuioti and Dawson are really good developers. But Tuioti's recruiting ties weren't beneficial at Nebraska. PI's and kids on the West Coast don't come to Nebraska, at least not the top kids. There are too many options out West. And if they do leave, they're leaving for elite programs like Alabama, Clemson, etc. Sure, Tuioti pulled a couple guys like Ho'ohuli, but he needs to sign multiple guys per class and we saw him struggle to do that.
Dawson is the same for me. His connections in the Northeast aren't a huge benefit for Nebraska. He gets a guy here and there, but he needs multiple guys per class too.
Then you have Raiola who hasn't recruited ever before. Teams recruit kids since they're sophomores to get them to sign years later. Raiola has nobody on his radar. Can he develop relationships with kids to get them here in less than a year?
If I'm Frost, I'd have veteran coaches on the O-line and D-line who have strong recruiting backgrounds in the region. There are really good linemen, especially O-line, in the midwest. Get your big guys locally and the right skill guys where guys like Joseph, Fisher, Beckton, etc have really good connections.