Can someone finally give Ron Zook some credit

We're not one to read much or believe much of what the New York Times has to offer, but thought this was interesting just like everyone else.

It just goes to show you that you don't have to win football games to land a top recruiting class.

It appears that The University of Illinois has landed one of the top 15 recruiting classes nation. Seems a bit hard to believe considering they have won a whopping 4 games in two seasons.

Many coaches and fans around the country believe that there is something going on here that isn't right. Illinois has been on probation in the past for NCAA violations associated with their basketball and football programs.

A bitter, and once favorite of ours, former Big Ten coach chimmed on this issue:

John L. Smith, who was recently dismissed as the head coach at Michigan State, expressed a view shared privately by many rival coaches and recruiters: “If they had a winning program and all of that, it would be a different deal. If they had the greatest facilities in the world, then maybe they could sell them. But what are they selling?”

He added, “Where there’s smoke, there’s probably fire.”

We miss you John L. We're sure you'll be back soon.

But don't sell Ron Zook short here. Remember, the University of Florida who rolled Ohio State in the national title game last month was made up of many if not most Ron Zook recruits during while he was at Florida. Granted he has only one 4 games in two seasons so far at Illinois, however with this recruiting class will help tremendously to finally get his own guys in his system.

He's answered the question that he can get recruits, but the bigger question will be.... what does he do with them?

Illinois Has Rivals Fuming About Its Recruiting Coup - N.Y. Times