This is a broader issue, but the high 3* and 4* kids that we want are NOT content to redshirt, wait a few years before contributing, and remain in college for five years. That's old school thinking.
The kids we think we can now sign wanna see PT right away, get their degrees in three years (or get close), and have a real shot at going to the NFL after their junior years. Obviously, seeing the field right away is tough for true freshmen in certain positions.
But it's also why it's not the disaster that it once was not to have balanced classes. Look at our O-line issues this year. Bam! You recruit five 4-star O-linemen who think they have a real chance of coming in and starting. And the O-line is probably the toughest position for a newcomer to play.
My guess is we will see some good D-linemen signed between now and next year at this time. And several will compete for PT during the 2018 season, or at least they expect to...