The secret to team depth and player retention

Everyone agrees that our defense (or the defense that should have been) is now playing in the NFL. That fact alone has caused us to squander a very talented offensive team and possibly another potential national championship. This begs the question: Are we playing too many freshmen too early thus setting the stage for their early success and early defection to the pros?

Satan seems to hold them back a year or so to have them earn their playing time later in their college career rather than earlier. Sure, Bama has their early defections like everyone but that usually applies only to their superstars.

IMO, we lost too many, too soon because of this coaching philosophy. Obviously, there are a few freshmen who earn the right to start and contribute immediately. The coaching staff should be aware that those players will leave early. That being the case, recruiting should be structured to fill those gaps.

Unfortunately, our coaches (ultimately CLM) did not have a backup plan or a strategy for the number of defections this year. It was that lack of planning and foresight that has us with 3 losses and yet another year of a missed opportunity.

Sorry if this is Germans. I don't live on this site so that is very possible. Nevertheless, my frustration with our coaches and our need to change our philosophy regarding player eligibility prompted me to call it as I see it. I welcome your intelligent input. I know that may be asking a lot but here goes.