A large part of Manning's problem has been roster attrition. He can't keep players in the program. Other than an assistant coach's son, there is no one on the current roster that has been with the program more than a year and 11 games. Unless you are recruiting at Duke's level, you can't win with that much roster turnover. Players get better as they become sophomores, juniors and seniors (Chaundee is starting to come around and become a valuable player, but he is the exception). WF hasn't gotten that benefit in a long time. Look at UVA, VT, Cuse, Clemson, FSU; none of these teams have future lottery picks, but they have kept players in the program (many of whom were not highly rated out of HS) and developed them. With an experienced roster, they can compete at a high level.
DR don't pull the RW went to Bowling Green card. Brad Stevens went to DePauw. Tony Bennett went to Wisconsin-Green Bay. Your boy Wes Miller started out at JMU. Smart people can come from anywhere, and dumbasses can as well.