Does this apply at lower levels of D1, or just higher levels. I am just now starting out at Mercer in the Summit league. I was unable to go after any of the top players, with my stellar D- prestige. But if I get the prestige up, at my level, do you think this is a good plan.

at lower levels you may be less likely to suffer these types attacks, mostly because the type of recruits you'll be likely to target won't be drawing the same kind of attention - but any time you appear weak you could be a target for "poaching"

At lower levels of DI you have to look out for two things:

1. The big boys stealing your prize recruit.   I had a 4 Star Center locked up (at least I thought I did).  I waited to day 2, he wasn't considering anyone, so I dropped in and spent about 10k to get him to consider me and  he gave me the "I am gonna sign with you" message.  Next thing I know Tennessee comes in and knocks me off in one cycle.  One cycle.  I don't know how he did or how much he spent but I was done and crushed.

2. The dreaded mid-major battle over the guy with ridiculous potential.  I battled Akron one time for a guy who started out as a 550 type player and eventually developed into an honorable mention All-American.  He was a no star player to start but had high's in like 5 cores.  He turned out to be a stud.    I think I spent like 37k on him.   The other coach spent something similar.   The only thing worse than spending half your budget on one guy is spending half your budget on one guy and not signing him.

Posted by Trentonjoe on 10/5/2011 8:12:00 PM (view original):
At lower levels of DI you have to look out for two things:

1. The big boys stealing your prize recruit.   I had a 4 Star Center locked up (at least I thought I did).  I waited to day 2, he wasn't considering anyone, so I dropped in and spent about 10k to get him to consider me and  he gave me the "I am gonna sign with you" message.  Next thing I know Tennessee comes in and knocks me off in one cycle.  One cycle.  I don't know how he did or how much he spent but I was done and crushed.

2. The dreaded mid-major battle over the guy with ridiculous potential.  I battled Akron one time for a guy who started out as a 550 type player and eventually developed into an honorable mention All-American.  He was a no star player to start but had high's in like 5 cores.  He turned out to be a stud.    I think I spent like 37k on him.   The other coach spent something similar.   The only thing worse than spending half your budget on one guy is spending half your budget on one guy and not signing him.

These are good examples and a good reason why at any d1 level you need to be careful. 

Posted by dacj501 on 10/5/2011 7:57:00 PM (view original):
at lower levels you may be less likely to suffer these types attacks, mostly because the type of recruits you'll be likely to target won't be drawing the same kind of attention - but any time you appear weak you could be a target for "poaching"

Well a mid-major could poach a low level d1 as well.. So I wouldn't say it is just Power 6 teams that poach or get poached.

This thread is pretty much why the game doesn't allow everyone to start in D1.  It is WAY WAY WAY harder than D2 or D3.  I can't get to the sweet 16 in D1, but I have found it pretty easy to build 25-3, Elite 8 level teams in D2 and D3.  Its much much more difficult for me at D1.  Any little mistake is pounced on an exploited. 

So, its really fun, but as a cautionary note, if you don't find making the NT really easy at D2, you should stay at D2 until you find it really easy to make the NT.

When you say it is necessary to have patience what exactly do you mean?  Put a little bit of money into the one guy you really want and then wait and see if anyone battles you for him?  At the same time hold at least a N-1 or N-2 position?  As a BCS school I get loaded with cash each year.  The problem is in order to compete with Maryland and UNC I have to get good players.  I can't do that with a B- prestige.  So, I am trying to think of how to get the most out of my cash and still strategically get a great player and a few other solid ones.  

On the flip side, I find (or feel like) that if I wait the high quality players will get snatched up and I will find myself having to knowingly enter a battle to get a solid recruit.   What is the best strategy to take when at a BCS school with a lower prestige?  FYI, when i say high quality I am not talking about 5 star players.  More the 2,3and 4 star guys.  Maybe someday I can talk about 5 stars.  Any advice would be appreciated. 
Thanks

Set yourself up to be able to play with 10 players, if you can fill the other slot(s) on any given year do so.

Posted by reinsel on 10/5/2011 8:53:00 PM (view original):
This thread is pretty much why the game doesn't allow everyone to start in D1.  It is WAY WAY WAY harder than D2 or D3.  I can't get to the sweet 16 in D1, but I have found it pretty easy to build 25-3, Elite 8 level teams in D2 and D3.  Its much much more difficult for me at D1.  Any little mistake is pounced on an exploited. 

So, its really fun, but as a cautionary note, if you don't find making the NT really easy at D2, you should stay at D2 until you find it really easy to make the NT.

I'm the same way and agree with your sentiment about staying at D2 until you have consistently winning program. At all the D2 and D3 programs I've spent more than a few seasons at have been among the top 10 programs in the world and in most seasons if I don't at least make the Sweet 16 it's a down year. However, at D1 I've had 29 seasons and have been passed the 2nd round just 4 times. It's a different ball game in D1.

That's why I think D1 will be fun for me, because at D2 and D3 it is almost too easy. Although I really like winning too. But I think D1 will be fun, because if you can have one of the top teams at D1, you will have had to have beaten the best coaches in the game. I am sure I will get mighty frustrated too. At D2 and D3 I tend to try to get 12 of the best players I can, but I am thinking at D1 you want to focus less on having a full roster of very good players, and instead try to recruit 1-2 great players a year and play them more minutes in the game. Does that sound like a good assessment / strategy? At lower D1, I think, it will be more similar to D2, but the case above would refer to a BCS type team - right?

For most schools that is the best strategy chapel. For the fortunate A+ prestiges in ideal areas they get to have a roster full of studs.