[ealtice]

IMO one can never consider anything a "lock" especially once ND and USC begin pulling out their football traditions.  But, I think the real danger would be if, for some reason, we came out and flopped during the football season in the Fall (which I do not see happening at all with Andrew and the other returning players on both sides of he ball).  As long as the newly structured coaching staff gets everyone to play hard and smart and we end up in a good bowl game, I think we\'ll be ok.  Lay an egg and I think top recruits begin questioning the Post-Harbaugh era.  

Regarding last year\'s recruits that got away: both Sarao and Carlisle were heavily influenced by Harbaugh\'s move to the Niners, if I recall correctly.  The long-term stability of Shaw (provided he has on-field success) should be great for the recruiting of Stanford.

[ealtice]

IMO one can never consider anything a "lock" especially once ND and USC begin pulling out their football traditions.  But, I think the real danger would be if, for some reason, we came out and flopped during the football season in the Fall (which I do not see happening at all with Andrew and the other returning players on both sides of he ball).  As long as the newly structured coaching staff gets everyone to play hard and smart and we end up in a good bowl game, I think we\'ll be ok.  Lay an egg and I think top recruits begin questioning the Post-Harbaugh era.  

Regarding last year\'s recruits that got away: both Sarao and Carlisle were heavily influenced by Harbaugh\'s move to the Niners, if I recall correctly.  The long-term stability of Shaw (provided he has on-field success) should be great for the recruiting of Stanford.