It's perplexing to say the least.
1st off, through Cooper we supposedly signed (took commits from) two safeties. I actually thought it was 3 safeties....Cromartie, Johnson, and Claxton. So either they consider Cromartie to be a corner or Shelton Johnson isn't actually a commitment as some have theorized. I hope the latter is true as opposed to the former. If the former is true, they have some issues in talent evaluation IMO. He plays too soft in coverage from what I've seen. That shows a lack of confidence in his abilities there. His defense has also had some troubles this season which is also somewhat worrisome. And I'm not even sure why we're strongly committed to him when he's not reciprocating. He's visiting Iowa State for God's sake. Keanon Cooper is a much better player and if he would be interested in firmly committing, Cromartie should be jettisoned.
But 2nd, why should it even matter that we got two verbals at safety? You are allowed 21.25 scholarships on average each recruiting class. Since there are 22 starters on a team, that equates to about a full starting squad each cycle. After 2 safeties decommitted in '07, we only signed one player at that position (who has moved to running back by the way). For this cycle we supposedly have 2 safeties. That still wouldn't compensate the lack of safeties last year nor address the imminent concerns at the position on the field currently.
Cooper seems genuinely dismayed by the lack of contact from the Badgers and I share your frustration. I just can't support the philosophy of under-recruiting positions and trying to secure commits from numerous players who you'll inevitably have to convert in the future.
