not Bronco.

When Bronco was first hired, tons of ex-players, even Lavell were very diplomatically hesitant to say they thought Bronco could build a winning product at BYU by recruiting Dudley-Do-Rights .

They said things like "he's saying the right things to the right people", "it will be interesting to see if he can do it", "its wonderful how he's embracing BYU's past", etc.  They never said "Fetch yes, I think he can do it!"

I remember an interview where Steve Young gushed about some of the things Bronco was doing, but strongly insinuated that he didn't think there was enough talent willing to come to BYU.

Well, it appears that those guys may have been right.  Ultimately, the HC, spoiled white suburban girls and the mighty Wastach Mountains don't provide enough draw for a lot of 'talent' out there.

It's ridiculous that people are running Bronco down for being OCD committed to trying to do what he said he'd do.  He coulda' been a flake like Urban Meyer and bailed on BYU after he had a good year.  Who knows what BYU woulda' been stuck with then.

I have no idea if Bronco would be more or less successfull if he were able to coach at a school without all the limitations of BYU, but if you think BYU's inability to get level is because of Bronco and not because Mormonism is wierd and restrictive to most college bound kids, you are nuts.  It's always been that way and is more so since the Crowton era issues.

I think the experiment is still ongoing.  Things I am watching that could change how things have gone in the past:

• Early missions could be less of a disadvantage.  Having kids for 4-5 years straight could make player development and management better
• BYU seems to be chasing "riskier" recruits
• I think coaching is improving every year
• Independence provides some unique opportunities that are still playing out
• I think Holmoe is a huge asset