[EKUAlum05]

Numbers are overrated.

Tell ya how many kids any 3A program really needs past 40 & that's none (for most).

You find 40 swinging you know whats out of 300-350 boys that are totally bought in, committed, willing to do what it takes in the classroom and on the field, willing to play THIS sport and it's demands? Well...you're batting 1.000.

How many teams have this?

Usually we are on the same page. This time I agree with your philosophy but completely disagree with your statement.

Every coach in America strives for, and would love to have, a 35 man roster where each and every player is a well oiled machine, in impeccable physical condition, never get injured, and play with maximum effort. The reality is...especially in Kentucky... you simply aren't going to find that.

Realistically speaking for the injuries that happen over the course of a season a team at a school the size of Paducah Tilghman needs to be around 50 men. This gives you 2-deep flexibility at every OLine spot, every skill spot, specific one way only players on defense, and specialists while still having enough players left over to field a JV squad to develop the additional 3-4 guys you expect to contribute once they become Juniors and Seniors.

There is a reason Belfry and Central have dominated this class under the 6 Class System. The common theme with them is A) They typically have the fewest umber of guys playing both ways B) They always field deep, fast defenses with interchangeable parts C) They thrive on very physical play and typically win the LOS

Now with all this said.. and as I eluded to above... roster purge isn't a bad thing. "Buy in or get out" can have a profound effect. As long as ROgers can recruit his hallways to find guys who want to be a part of it..and as long as he makes sure the talent in Paducah flows equally to Tilghman instead of McCracken... there is no doubt he will build them to a contender.