if you look at Edsall's recruiting during his time at UConn, it was pretty poor with the exception of 3 "monster" classes: 2001, 2004 and 2008. We didn't know they would be monster classes when they signed, but those classes all worked out great, and in each case, if memory serves, Edsall got the guys he wanted early.
In some ways, Edsall was like a cheetah. He would get to the antelope first, but couldn't protect his kill because he couldn't close. When he was able to close on his first choices, the results were pretty good.
I think in each case, UConn had something unique to sell that resulted in an immediate upgrade in talent from previous classes. In 2001, it was immediate playing time and the opportunity to someday play in the Big East. In 2004, it was the opportunity to play in the Big East for those kids entire college career. 2008 came on the heels of the first Co-Big East Title, when UConn showed it could play with the big boys.
Since then, we have not had a momentum building event to drive recruiting. We have had what appear to be decent classes under Pasqualoni, but this year looks like it will be a baby step backwards.