I am hoping to make this my last post. I am not saying Carey is the next Bill Walsh, however, I simply do not believe he, his staff or the program are deserving of the constant bashing. Let's look at the post Harnish/Lynch years as it pertains to the QB position.

Matt Macintosh ESPN Rank NR; was in the mix but was beat out by both Hare and Maddie, ended up transferring

Anthony Maddie ESPN Rank 74; Natl position Rank 114; transferred from WMU; lost starting job to Drew Hare; very talented, dealt with injuries, was playing at a high level his senior year prior to getting hurt; was denied medical redshirt this year

Drew Hare ESPN Rank 68; Natl Position Rank 180; won the starting job, leading NIU to MAC championship; very solid performer; was on track to be one of the all time best when a major injury derailed what was a promising career

Matt Williams ESPN Rank NR; switched to WR, capable return man; decided to transfer to pursue a two-sport opportunity

Landon Root ESPN Rank 71; Natl Rank 88; highly touted recruit; never played; likely determined Hare and Maddie would limit playing time; ended up transferring

Ryan Graham ESPN Rank NR; was pressed into duty as a redshirt freshman due to aforementioned injuries; had an impressive 2015 season considering the circumstances; struggled last season; he too has had to deal with injuries

Alec Ingold ESPN Rank 72; Natl Position Rank 59; was all but signed sealed and delivered to come to NIU to play QB; decided at the last minute to attend UW and play FB; saw action last season

Daniel Santacaterina ESPN Rank 72 Natl Position Rank 58; had season ending surgery prior to fall camp his freshman year; in his first game, post injury against EMU threw poorly, ran well; made his first start against KSU, leading the team to victory.

Marcus Childers ESPN Rank NR; came on in the spring to be part of the starting QB competition; has not seen any game action to date; Carey says he may be the most talented

Rodney Hall ESPN Rank NR; enrolled early, participate in spring ball; limited reps to date; raw talent; impressive athlete, far from game ready, but who knows.

Anthony Thompson ESPN Rank 68; Natl Position Rank 61; limited reps; comes from a nationally know HS program, with a strong running (option) attack; like Hall, does not appear to be in the QB picture this year

It is simply not common for MAC schools to get Blue Chip prospects (BTW, neither Harnish nor Lynch were highly recruited Blue Chips); getting a 3star is usually as good as it gets. You can argue that the program went after the right players, and in some cases developed some players into solid performers; unfortunately, we have had many injuries, and had a key recruit leave to play for a perennial powerhouse program, which happened to be in his backyard. I just don't understand why the extreme negativity towards the coach and the program. Again, the good on this site is losing to the bad...and it will likely get worse once the season starts.