You are bringing up big time BCS programs with coaches that do not graduate players, those coaches can get players from anywhere, we all have seen how well BU getting players from all over has worked out which is why we are in the boat that we are in, Versace was successful because he knew that you needed to recruit the best players from your area and got Chicago, St.Louis and a few local players, there are so many good players in a 250 mile radius to choose from and when you build a great program with these players you may be able to go outside of it after you win some championships, Illinois, Indiana and Missouri have plenty of talent to choose from.
Not once did I say we should not recruit close to home. All I said is that the HC does not need to have mid-west ties. If he does not, it does not mean he cannot bring in an assistant who does!