I think everyone knew this, but it is still on Rhoads. He recruited kids that never made it to campus, signed kids that have no business wearing a jersey for BCS auto conference schools, and has still never developed a QB. That is still on the head coach.
This is year 5 so his first two classes should be ready to play. And they are out there playing, just very poorly. That is on the head coach and it doesn't bode well for the program.
Im going to sound like a Rhoads appologist and I am far from it BUT for some perspective:
You are correct, CPR's first two classes are the upperclassmen that are in the program and should be ready to play. When Rhoads arrived on campus what exactly did he have to sell recruits?
Iowa State wasnt exactly coming off of a good stretch of football. Chizik was 5-19 over two years and Danny Mac was 18-18 his last three years (including 4-8 in his last year). That means over a 3 year period ISU was 9-27 and over 5 years their record was 23-37. Not exactly much to sell from a program or history standpoint. The one and only thing is that ISU's record against Iowa was about .500 since the streak was broken.
CPR couldnt really sell himself, I mean ISU was his first HC job so if anything that was likely used against him by other coaches.
Poor facilities in comparison with other schools at the time of his hire (video board and new FB only built since he got here)
Location- Probably low on the list but if you are a 3rd or 4 teir recruit and you have the opportunity to play in Iowa or stay in TX, FL or closer to home, ISU is a hard sell.
Add the conference realignment in yr two and the fact that many talking heads were calling for ISU to the WAC/MAC etc.
There were very few "positives" to sell to new recruits other than get in on the ground floor and you have a chance to play right away etc.
I personally think that CPR has improved the skill position talent on this team dramatically since they arrived. CPR says every year that the closer you are to the ball the harder it is to play early in your career. To much size and strength needed especially when you are a 2-3 star guy.
Most of the skill guys are underclassmen and were brought in when ISU had won games against Nebby, TX etc and CPR had the momentum and his passion to sell as well as the atmoshpere at Jack Trice etc.
Im as POd as the next guy but I honestly believe that next year will be a 6 win bowl game (or better) and the next year will be the breakout season.
If we are sitting here in 2015 at 3-3 or worse then I am all for making a change at the top. Until then I will try to remember how young this team is and how far the program has come since Chizzdick