re: Are we really losing ground in recruiting or have our players been undervalued?

Keep in mind that we haven't been getting credit for all the guys we signed. They chose to simply ignore the fact that Hill was part of last years class. And believe it or not he looked like he might be the best back on the team this year. We got zero credit for him. Just one example.

Also Les Miles and company are better at evaluating talent than the scout, rivals etc. Not really a knock on them as they evaluate everyone (or try to cough cough Jr College) with a staff about the size of only a handful. Our coaches actually deeply dissect each players game.