Downtime with Daniel: On the trail

I hate to admit it. It's a secret passion, almost an obsession (OK, maybe not that far). I love college football signing day.

It's disgustingly over the top, celebrating the high school version of LeBron James' "The Decision" on ESPN — except for 11 hours.

It's nuts. It's grandiose on every level. Coaches and fans pull out every trick in their arsenals to ink future playmakers.

On the national stage, the No. 1 high school receiver this year, Dorial Green-Beckham, had coaches landing in helicopters on his high school campus in Missouri to lure him. Last year, Isaiah Crowell, the nation's best running back prospect, pulled out a bulldog puppy in an awkwardly choreographed press conference in a high school gym to signify that he was committing to the Georgia Bulldogs.

But overblown recruiting is nothing new. In 1972, legendary Texas Longhorns head coach Darrell K. Royal enlisted the help of President Lyndon B. Johnson to sway Joe Washington, a top-notch high school running back, toward 40 Acres.

The sad part is, it didn't work. Washington took his talents to the rival Oklahoma Sooners. But that's beside the point.

When it comes to recruiting at the University of Montana, head coach Robin Pflugrad has it down: one part charisma, one part humor, two parts success bridled with a straight-shooter mentality, and you have yourself a reloaded roster after the departure of 13 starters.

Pflugrad and his staff signed 24 players on Wednesday, a list with a tall bill to live up to after the parting of several former Grizzlies who are ostensibly ready for the NFL. Pflugrad landed seven Montana kids, six from Washington, five from California and four from Oregon. He also dipped into Iowa for a blue chip O-lineman. Pflugrad often enjoys proclaiming his affinity for "corn-fed" Iowa boys.

Charisma? Check.

The gem of this year's recruiting class is Caleb Kidder, a behemoth from Helena who, with ideal bulk and strength, is one of the better fillers and stackers in this class. Pflugrad also garnered the pledge of hometown hero Zach Peevey, a senior multi-sport star from just down the street from UM's campus at Hellgate High. Pflugrad called him a "large, ever-ready bunny rabbit."

Humor? Check.

Pflugrad assembled a notable class this year with limited time to do so. He took the Grizzlies deep into the playoffs and deep into recruiting time. Rival coaches used that against Pflu & Co., saying to recruits, "If the Grizzlies want you so badly, why aren't they in your living room?"

Pflugrad's response: "Don't penalize us for being successful."

Straight shooting? Check.

daniel.mediate@umontana.edu