Kansas running back James Sims breaks through the West Virginia defense for yardage during the first quarter on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013 at Memorial Stadium.

Ridiculously high coaching turnover qualifies as one of many reasons the Kansas University football program is coming off its worst five-year run (12-48) in history.

For one thing, changing coaches makes it difficult for the new guy to cobble together a decent recruiting class when he has only been on the job for somewhere in the neighborhood of six weeks.

Don’t judge KU head coach David Beaty or any other first-year boss’ recruiting ability based on his initial class. It would be akin to judging a chef based on how well he microwaves leftovers. Looking back on the first two recruiting classes of a coach gives a better indication of whether a new staff has found the right path to better times.

Since signing day is upon us, let’s compare the first two recruiting classes of Turner Gill to those of Charlie Weis. Again, we’re comparing the first two classes, so running back Corey Avery, center Jacob Bragg and the rest of Weis’ Class of 2014 recruits do not count for this exercise.

Cornerback Dexter McDonald signed with both coaches, so he won’t be included in this comparison.

Gill’s 11 best KU recruits:

No. 1. James Sims: Originally recruited by Beaty when he was on Mark Mangino’s staff, Sims had to be re-recruited to KU after the coaching change. Give Gill’s staff credit for closing the deal.

No. 2. Ben Heeney: He would have crawled from Hutchinson to Lawrence for a football scholarship, but not every coaching staff would have been smart enough to offer one, even if Gill’s staff wasn’t wise enough to either play him at linebacker as a freshman or redshirt him.

No. 3. JaCorey Shepherd: A productive receiver as a freshman, he made the transition to cornerback as a sophomore, improved his junior season and was all-conference as a senior. Plus, he returned kicks and will be attending the NFL scouting combine.

No. 4. Tony Pierson: Missing time because of concussions didn’t keep the burner from amassing 1,642 rushing yards and 801 receiving yards during a career that featured entertaining sprints to the end zone. Fastest KU football player since Leo Bookman?

No. 5. Michael Reynolds: Wichita native developed into an outstanding pass-rusher as a junior and senior and will be missed a great deal.

No. 6. Jimmay Mundine: Originally recruited by Mangiono’s staff, he honored his commitment after the coaching changed. Recruited as a linebacker, he was used the right way as a tight end and was second-team All-Big 12 as a senior.

No. 7. Michael Cummings: Finally, a decisive quarterback who doesn’t hesitate. He doesn’t always make the right decision, sometimes throwing into coverage, but he doesn’t freeze in the pocket. Gave the team a big jolt when he replaced Montell Cozart at quarterback.

No. 8. Jake Love: Undersized but athleteic linebacker loves to hit and isn’t afraid to launch his body to reach the target of his venom. His name is Love, but on the football field peace is the last thing on his mind.

No. 9. Victor Simmons: Filled in wherever needed, playing at safety, linebacker and as a pass-rusher and was productive in each role.

No. 10. Ben Goodman: Played better as a sophomore, rushing off the edge, than as a junior, lined up on the inside. It will be interesting to see how he’s used this coming season.

No. 11. Brandon Bourbon: Injuries derailed his career but when he was healthy enough to play, he played well as a running back (5.1 yards per carry) and a pass-catcher. He’ll finish his career this fall at Washburn University.

Note, all 11 players were high school recruits, most of them with above-average speed for their positions, none of them offensive linemen.

It requires some guessing as to how players will develop to take a stab at Weis’ top 11 players from his first two recruiting classes (2012-13) and excluding his final one (2014):

Kansas defensive lineman Keon Stowers looks to get around a block as he goes after Oklahoma running back Brennan Clay during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013 at Memorial Stadium.

No. 1. Keon Stowers: Spent three seasons at KU after a year in junior college. Junior season was his best. He’s working out, hoping to hook on with an NFL team.

No. 2. Isaiah Johnson: Will play his third and final season at Kansas after spending a year at a junior college. Had stronger sophomore season than junior.

No. 3. Ngalu Fusimalohi: A juco recruit, he was a two-year starter at guard and as good an offensive lineman as KU had during that stretch.

No. 4. Andrew Bolton: D-lineman recruited to Kansas from a Mississippi juco came on strong and could be primed for a big senior season.

No. 5. Ben Johnson: Tight end didn’t get to play much because of the presence of Mundine, but when he was sent onto the field, he looked like a player. Moves well, has reliable hands and has the look of an athlete who can pack pounds onto his frame.

No. 6. Taylor Cox: Injuries limited him to six carries in the past two seasons combined, but much like Bourbon, he ran the ball well when healthy and averaged 5.3 yards per carry.

No. 7. Cassius Sendish: Two-year starter at safety brought good work ethic to practice daily and lent vocal leadership to defense.

No. 8. Trevor Pardula: First-team All-Big 12 punter never had cause to complain about not getting onto the field enough. Can you say three-and-out?

No. 9. Courtney Arnick: Smart football player is undersized for a linebacker, but knows where to go and has the speed to get there.

No. 10. Mike Smithburg: Had the best beard on team and started two years at guard after junior-college career.

No. 11. Tedarian Johnson: Smart, tough football player willed his way onto the field, even though he didn’t have all the measurable strengths.

Note, nine of the top 11 Weis recruits came from junior colleges.

Gill’s first two classes lacked depth and included way too many players who either couldn’t cut it for talent, behavior or academic reasons. Weis’ first two classes lacked depth and included way too many players who either couldn’t cut it for talent, behavior or academic reasons.

Gill’s classes had star power, Weis’ first two did not. Huge advantage to Gill.